Weird, Wet and Wild…life at Walt Disney World!

April 13, 2021April 14, 2021

By Becky Cline, Director, Walt Disney Archives

Weird, Wet and Wild … life! — Mickey and Goofy drive a golf cart towards water.

Everyone knows how hot it can get during Florida’s summer months, so it’s no surprise how popular the water activities are at Walt Disney World Resort. Whether it’s braving the slides at one of our splash-tastic Water Parks, paddling in a fabulously themed resort pool, or enjoying some active water sports on one of our legendary lakes, Disney guests manage to stay plenty cool. But… you may not realize that some of your favorite characters also enjoy a refreshing dip in the water! Please join us for a quick look back at some of our favorite weird Walt Disney World character moments from the past 50 years. Oh … and hang on tight, ‘cuz you may get wet…

In the early 1970s, Goofy and Pluto took to the waters for some fishing and water skiing aboard the WDW S.S. Intrepid (those two were indeed intrepid to brave Bay Lake in that bucket!). Our favorite goofy sportsman found that he enjoyed skiing the lake so much that he continued the sport for years afterwards, showing off his, um… skills… and surprising a few guests along the way.

A few years later when Disney’s first water park, River Country, debuted in 1976, Goofy and Pluto eagerly joined Disney’s sun (and fun) seekers for some hilarious hijinks on the Tire Swing and the thrilling White Water Rapids. Years later, Tigger himself slid into the very cool action at Typhoon Lagoon, showing off his prowess on the exciting Storm Slides.

But Goofy, Pluto and Tigger aren’t the only aquatic Walt Disney World thrill seekers. Let’s take a very deep dive into the Caribbean Coral Reef Aquarium at The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion in EPCOT with none other than Mickey Mouse himself! Of course, all responsible divers take along a pal, so in 1986 Mickey invited one of his avid sportsman friends, former Disney Company President Frank G. Wells, to join him “fathoms below” to celebrate the Grand Opening of The Living Seas (as the pavilion was originally known).

So, as the days get warmer, be sure to pack your snorkel and flippers and head to Florida to celebrate the upcoming 50th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. There’s a whole world filled with golden sun and sparkling blue water waiting there for you … and you never know who might be the one sending a silly splash or two in your direction!

Can’t get enough of the Vacation Kingdom of the World? Dive into even more Walt Disney World nostalgia with the 2021 D23 Gold Member Collector Set, exclusively available to D23 Gold Members!

Check Out What’s Materializing at Disneyland Park’s Haunted Mansion

April 12, 2021

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Spring has sprung, and the urge to redecorate has possessed many of us who have grown a little too used to our usual haunts. Who hasn’t been seized by the urge to hang some new paintings or replant a garden? The spirit of home improvement isn’t limited to just the living—our ghoulishly delightful pals at Disneyland park’s Haunted Mansion have been working on their own creepy changes to their ghostly retreat.

Our friends at Disney Parks Blog shared a video that offers a sneak peek at what you can expect when you visit the happy haunts next:

Among the changes is the return of a classic piece of art to the Haunted Mansion’s queue: The original “April to December” changing portrait is now back in the mansion, with its beautiful subject undergoing her terrifying transformation in a new scene you’ll discover before you board your Doom Buggy.

Along with the classic portrait, guests will also encounter a new, mysterious cat statue, inspired by early concepts of Haunted Mansion where a ghostly cat would follow guests on their journey. Now, this cat statue observes you as you board your Doom Buggy and set off on your adventure into the mansion.

Other elements that have materialized in the mansion include new details in the séance room, the attic, and the pet cemetery out front. Check out a sneak peek at the new landscaping around the site for dearly departed pets:

We can’t wait for the planned reopening of Disneyland Resort’s theme parks on April 30! 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 will be limited and subject to availability and, until further notice, only California residents may visit the parks, and in groups no larger than three households, in line with current state guidelines. For details on how to make a theme park reservation, check out Disney Parks Blog’s story here.

Stay tuned to D23.com for more news on Haunted Mansion as it materializes.

Stop Everything and Watch These Stop-Motion Movies on Disney+

April 12, 2021

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the movie James and the Giant Peach, directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, who has explored many strange and wonderful worlds through his stunning stop-motion films. The art of stop-motion allows filmmakers to build amazing, intricate environments—and frame by frame, they craft a story unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. From the inside of a giant peach to an isle of dogs, these films invite audiences to venture to new and amazing places through movie magic. In honor of this milestone anniversary, we’ve rounded up stop-motion films on Disney+ that you can watch any time you hear the call to adventure.

1. James and the Giant Peach
The beloved adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl story brought a fantastical world to life thanks to stop-motion magic. Nine-year-old James Henry Trotter, a young orphan, feels like his life is the pits until he spills a bag of magical “crocodile tongues” at the base of a peach tree. The accident causes an enormous (dare we say… giant) peach to grow, and within the peach is a wondrous group of human-sized insects. When the peach breaks loose from the tree, James and newfound insect companions find themselves headed for the adventure of a lifetime. The stop-motion animation of the film (which included more than 50 peach props!) was done at Skellington Productions in San Francisco, the same studio where stop-motion classic and multi-holiday viewing staple Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas had been produced—even utilizing some of the same crew!

2. Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
Speaking of The Nightmare Before Christmas… In this stop-motion animated classic, Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, discovers what happens when two holidays collide after he decides to take over Christmas. His obsession extends to kidnapping Santa Claus and giving terrifying toys to the children of the world—but when Jack sees the horrified reaction to his creepy Christmas, he realizes the true way to be himself is to embrace his love of Halloween. The film features more than 227 animated characters and creeps, and the frightfully fun story inspired the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay at Disneyland park and Tokyo Disneyland.

3. Frankenweenie
Filmed in classic black and white, this “tail” of a boy who resurrects his beloved dog through the power of science puts a doggone good twist on a classic spooky story. The feature film is an adaptation of Tim Burton’s 1984 short of the same name—both of which you can watch on Disney+ now!

4. Fantastic Mr. Fox
James and the Giant Peach isn’t the only adaption of a Roald Dahl story to get the stop-motion treatment. Based on the story by the same name, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a whimsical stop-motion adventure directed by Wes Anderson. Mr. Fox is trying to break his thieving habits—but is challenged by a trio of farmers who are determined to destroy his home. The film’s stop-motion action is accompanied by a rockin’ soundtrack of classic tunes, bringing together a uniquely fun interpretation of a classic book.

5. Isle of Dogs
Wes Anderson’s second stop-motion film continued his partnership with puppeteer Andy Gent, and together they created a pawsitively intriguing story about “Trash Island,” a garbage dump for dogs exiled from Megasaki City. Gent and his team spent almost 34 months creating the canines for this film—and you can even see some of these star puppets at the Walt Disney Archives’ exhibit currently on view at the Bowers Museum.

Let’s Get Dangerous with this D23-Exclusive Darkwing Duck Pin!

April 12, 2021April 12, 2021

By The D23 Team

D23-Exclusive Darkwing Duck Pin - SOLD OUT

Celebrate 30 years of Disney Afternoon’s daring duck of mystery with this pin created just for D23 by Disney artist Jose Velasquez. As Darkwing Duck himself swoops out of the shadows in glittering enamel, this D23 Gold Member exclusive is the perfect way to commemorate this animated milestone.

Our Darkwing Duck pin, a limited edition of 1,500, will be available exclusively to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney at 7 a.m. PT on April 12, 2021.

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to your D23 Gold Membership. Pins are sold for $12.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of one (1) pin of this style for purchase per D23 Gold Member for online orders. Shipping not available to PO boxes; shipping and handling fees may vary for all online orders. Other restrictions may apply. All information is subject to change including, but not limited to, artwork, release dates, editions sizes, and retail prices.

11 Disney+ Ways to Celebrate our Furry and Feathered Friends and the People Who Care for Them

April 9, 2021

By Beth Deitchman and Courtney Potter

Does the wag of a dog’s tail put a spring in your step? Can a kitten’s purr ease your mind and your mood? Is the melodic chirping of a bird always music to your ears? This Sunday, April 11, is National Pet Day, the perfect excuse to dote on those special members of the family who bring so much joy to our lives all year ’round. Disney+ is a pet-lover’s stream-come-true, chock full of stories that celebrate the special bond between human and pet—from a majestic mustang to the smallest of goldfish and everything in between. Here are our recommendations for some—but far from all—of the movies and series that spotlight beloved animal companions, as well as the amazing people who look after them. Fair warning: If you aren’t already a pet owner, these might just inspire you to become one!

Black Beauty
This timeless reimagining of Anna Sewell’s classic novel, which premiered on Disney+ in 2020, demonstrates the magic that happens when the right animal and the right human meet at exactly the moment when they’re both in need of connection. Black Beauty is a wild horse born free in the American West, separated from her family and sent to live in a dusty corral that she fears she may never escape. Quiet, gentle horse whisperer John Manly is drawn to Beauty’s fiery spirit and adopts her for his training program at Birtwick Stables, though he’s unsure that the mustang can ever be tamed. It isn’t until the heartbroken horse meets John’s niece, 17-year-old Jo Green, whose spirit is also close to breaking, that the two begin to heal together and forge an unbreakable bond that carries Beauty through the different chapters, challenges, and adventures of her life.

That Darn Cat
Feline nostalgic? Then why not check out this 1997 film—an updated remake of the 1965 feature—that stars Christina Ricci as 16-year-old Patti Randall, whose ho-hum hometown is suddenly transformed into a hotbed of criminal excitement when her faithful tomcat D.C. (aka “Darn Cat”) brings home an important clue to a mysterious kidnapping. When Patti teams up with a rookie FBI agent to try to solve the baffling crime, these would-be detectives follow D.C. into some unexpected surprises.

National Geographic’s Critter Fixers: Country Vets
There is no such thing as a “normal” day at the office for Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson, longtime friends who own and operate Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital, located 100 miles south of Atlanta. Their patients deal with every manner of country ailment, and the docs’ days are filled with emergency office visits and “farm calls” around rural Georgia, where their cases have included a police dog rushed in with cactus thorns around her eye and a potbelly pig with life-threatening lacerations suffered during an attack by a wild animal. Season 1 of Critter Fixers: Country Vets is available now on Disney+.

The Incredible Journey
Sometimes ordinary pets find themselves in extraordinary situations, as is the case in this 1963 classic that follows a young retriever, an older bull terrier, and an independent Siamese cat on an amazing adventure in the Canadian wilderness. Together, these unlikely friends protect and care for one another in the face of hunger, rushing rivers, and more perilous obstacles they encounter over the course of their suspenseful journey to find their family… and home.

Lady and the Tramp (2019)
Lady, an American Cocker Spaniel, is Jim Dear and Darling’s beloved house dog from the moment that she emerges from a pink hatbox. But her entire life changes when a baby enters the picture, and Lady is no longer the center of attention. The arrival of Darling’s cat-loving Aunt Sarah makes a challenging situation worse and Lady finds herself alone on the streets. She discovers friendship—and puppy love—with streetwise mongrel Tramp, who teaches her the ways of his world, which he navigates without being tethered to a leash. The 2019 adaptation of the animated classic combined live-action with photorealistic animation and featured a real-life canine cast of rescue dogs that found furever homes when production wrapped.

National Geographic’s Dr. K’s Exotic Animal E.R.
Dr. Susan Kelleher—known colloquially as “Dr. K.”—runs South Florida’s busy Broward Avian and Exotics Animal Hospital, where she and her staff care for a veritable “who’s who” of amazing animals, including fish, birds, reptiles, rabbits, pigs, ferrets, foxes, marsupials, and even primates. “Everything but dogs and cats,” says Dr. K. “If it will fit through the door, I’ll treat it!” Each episode finds the good doctor caring for these exotic pets while also teaching their owners how to properly look after them.

Pick of the Litter
Based on the documentary film of the same name, Disney+’s Pick of the Litter is a six-episode unscripted series that follows a pack of adorable dogs—Paco, Pacino, Tulane, Raffi, Amara, and Tartan—as they embark on the often fascinating, surprisingly suspenseful quest to become Guide Dogs for the Blind. It’s the ultimate canine career, and not every pup is right for the job. Who will make the cut? You’ll have to watch and see…

The Peanuts Movie
Yes, you read that correctly—Snoopy and his pals can now be found on Disney+ in 2015’s The Peanuts Movie! Charlie Brown (voiced by Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp) is on a mission to become popular in an effort to impress his crush, the Little Red-Haired Girl; meanwhile, Charlie’s beloved pooch Snoopy writes a novel about the World War I Flying Ace as he tries to defeat the Red Baron once and for all.

Turner & Hooch
Soon to be a new Disney+ series, the original Turner & Hooch is a 1989 fan-favorite starring Tom Hanks as Scott Turner, a fastidious detective in California’s Central Coast forced to care for a late informant’s sloppy giant of a dog, Hooch. Hijinks ensue as the seemingly small-town case Turner’s been working on gets bigger… and more dangerous. Mare Winningham costars as the town vet, whose care of Hooch fosters a budding romance with Turner.

National Geographic’s Heartland Docs, DVM
The title of this show essentially says it all: Ben and Erin Schroeder live and work among farmers in America’s heartland—where blizzards, tornados, and heat waves present a wide range of challenges, which only the most passionate vets are qualified to handle. The Schroeders have the skills (and the compassion) required of homestead vets, and it’s knowledge they’re hoping to pass to the next generation. Seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming on Disney+.

It’s a Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer
The iconic voice of Goofy and Pluto for more than three decades, Disney Legend Bill Farmer steps out from behind the mic to meet his own favorite characters—dogs! Disney+’s It’s a Dog’s Life follows Farmer as he crosses the country meeting pups who do incredible jobs, or just bring incredible joy to our everyday lives… including amazing search and rescue dogs; a canine who can surf; and even a pupster who finished a marathon!

Phoebe Waller-Bridge Joins Indiana Jones Cast

April 9, 2021

By Zach Johnson

If adventure has a name… it must be Indiana Jones!

Lucasfilm Ltd. just announced that Emmy®- and Golden Globe®- winning actress and writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge will star alongside Harrison Ford, who is returning to the role of the legendary hero archaeologist, for the fifth installment of the Indiana Jones franchise.

In addition, John Williams will return to score the film, continuing a musical journey which began 40 years ago with Raiders of the Lost Ark. Williams’ unforgettable Indiana Jones soundtracks—packed with all the epic thrills, suspense, romance, and excitement—have over time become as beloved and familiar as the adventurer-hero’s signature hat and whip.

“I’m thrilled to be starting a new adventure, collaborating with a dream team of all-time great filmmakers,” said James Mangold, the film’s director. “Steven [Spielberg], Harrison, Kathy [Kennedy], Frank [Marshall], and John are all artistic heroes of mine. When you add Phoebe, a dazzling actor, brilliant creative voice and the chemistry she will undoubtedly bring to our set, I can’t help but feel as lucky as Indiana Jones himself.”

The next Indiana Jones film will swing into theaters on July 29, 2022. Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg, Frank Marshall, and Simon Emanuel are serving as the movie’s producers.

New Loki Trailer Makes Mischief—Plus More in News Briefs

April 9, 2021April 28, 2021

By Courtney Potter

Disney+ Debuts New Trailer for Marvel Studios’ Loki

We’ve been looking forward to this series for a while, and now we’re only a few months away: Marvel Studios’ Loki is an all-new, original series bringing mischief and mayhem exclusively to Disney+ beginning this June—and we were just gifted a brand-new look at the series, above…

Set after the events of Avengers: Endgame, Loki follows the God of Mischief as he steps out of his brother Thor’s shadow; after fleeing with the Tesseract, Loki is a fish-out-of-water when he lands in a world of trouble with the bureaucratic TVA (Time Variance Authority). Tom Hiddleston returns as the title character and is joined by a veritable who’s-who of costars—including Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Wunmi Mosaku, and Richard E. Grant.

Mark your calendars: Loki will appear on your TV (and/or favorite streaming device) starting Friday, June 11.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

Did you know Disney’s fan favorite Newsies was released to theaters 29 years ago this very weekend? Celebrate with Jack “Cowboy” Kelly, David, Crutchy, Spot Conlon, and the whole toe-tappin’ newsboy gang by checking out the 1992 film (that later inspired Disney Theatrical’s stage musical) on Disney+… and there’s more fun to be had from around the worlds of Disney, so take a gander at what you can expect and plan your weekend viewing accordingly, y’all.

The Bold Type

**Freeform’s The Bold Type Returns for Fifth and Final Season**

Freeform’s critically acclaimed series The Bold Type will premiere its fifth—and final—season on Wednesday, May 26, at 10 p.m. EDT/PDT, and will be available the next day on Hulu. The farewell episodes of this fan-favorite series will celebrate the trio’s journey into becoming who they were each meant to be. Nikohl Boosheri will recur during the season as Adena El-Amin, and renowned fashionista (and RuPaul’s Drag Race judge) Carson Kressley will guest star as himself in the season premiere.

Season four of The Bold Type left Kat (Aisha Dee), Jane (Katie Stevens), and Sutton (Meghann Fahy) at their limits, both personally and professionally, at Scarlet Magazine. Now, after five truly empowering seasons, this group is on the brink of defining who they really are and how best to leave their mark on the world. Also starring Melora Hardin, the series is executive produced by Wendy Straker Hauser, Matt McGuinness, David Bernad, Joanna Coles, Brian Madden, Ruben Fleischer, and Sandrine Gros d’Aillon.

Another Sneak Peek at Marvel Studios’ Black Widow

Just this week, in anticipation of its long-awaited premiere this summer, Marvel Studios released an all-new peek at Black Widow—showcasing Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) as she struggles to face her past and deal with unfinished business.

In Black Widow, Romanoff tries to wipe out some of the red in her ledger after a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, she must deal with her history as a spy… as well as the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger. The film also stars Florence Pugh as Yelena; David Harbour as Alexei, aka The Red Guardian; and Rachel Weisz as Melina. The first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Widow is directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Kevin Feige.

This action-packed spy thriller will launch simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access (requiring a one-time additional fee), in most Disney+ markets, on July 9. We can’t wait!

First Look at Season 2 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

Get ready, Wildcats: We’re about to catch back up with our favorite troupe of teenage thespians! Season 2 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series kicks off Friday, May 14, on Disney+, and there’s major competition in the air; East High decides to produce Beauty and the Beast as their spring musical and face off with crosstown rivals North High whilst doing so… Check out the tuneful trailer, and some new images from the season, right here at D23.com.

abc summer

ABC Summer Premiere Dates Announced

Our friends at ABC are ready to kick off a summer full of fun, thrills, and even romance, with their lineup of fabulous star-studded unscripted series. Three new shows—The Celebrity Dating Game, When Nature Calls (working title), and The Ultimate Surfer—will make their debut alongside 11 of the most popular and well-known titles on television.

On May 26, Press Your Luck and The $100,000 Pyramidwill return for their patented high-stakes shenanigans… then the Luke Wilson-hosted Emergency Call returns on Friday, June 4. Next, ABC will welcome back Celebrity Family Feud, The Chase, and To Tell the Truth on Sunday, June 6. Fan favorite Katie Thurston will make her entrance as The Bachelorette on Monday, June 7.

And that’s not all… Are you ready for a boatload of Bolton? Yes, you heard us: Michael Bolton himself is coming to ABC, as the executive producer and costar of the all-new The Celebrity Dating Game, hosted by actress and singer-songwriter Zooey Deschanel. The series—which is exactly what you think it is (celebrities looking for love with a series of initially hidden singletons, but with the added benefit of hilarious parody tunes from Bolton)—makes its “Summer Fun & Games” debut on Monday, June 14.

But wait, there’s more! Look for more Card Sharksbeginning Wednesday, June 16. Thursday nights will feature hilarity and hijinks with the premieres of brand-new show When Nature Calls (WT); the returning fan-favorite show Holey Moley; and the newest mystery game show The Hustler on Thursday, June 17. Later in the summer, Bachelor in Paradise will make its long-awaited return on Monday, August 16—and on Monday, August 23, the competition series The Ultimate Surfer will make its network debut.

It’s truly an embarrassment of summertime riches, and we are—as the kids say—here for it.

**Revenge, But Make It Fashion: New Cruella Trailer**

Just what happened to make Cruella de Vil the ridiculously memorable—not to mention terrifically chic—villain she is today? That’s the premise behind Disney’s live-action feature film Cruella, debuting simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ (with Premier Access, for a one-time additional fee) next month. And this week, we’ve been gifted with another colorful trailer for the Craig Gillespie-helmed film…

Cruella follows the rebellious early days of one of cinema’s most notorious antiheros. In 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, a clever and creative young grifter named Estella (Oscar® winner Emma Stone) is determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman (Oscar winner Emma Thompson), a fashion legend who is devastatingly, and more than a little terrifyingly, haute. But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable, and revenge-bent Cruella.

Look for Cruella to stomp the proverbial runway beginning Friday, May 28!

ICYMI: Premiere Date Set for Disney Junior’s The Chicken Squad

An adorable new animated series, which takes its inspiration from popular books from author Doreen Cronin, is coming to Disney Junior beginning Friday, May 14! We’ve got a look at all the news that’s fit to hatch about The Chicken Squad—including a rundown of some of the show’s amazing guest-star voices, as well as a new trailer—right here.

A Look Back at the Oscars®—The Old Mill

April 9, 2021April 8, 2021

By Christina Pappous, Walt Disney Archives

In honor of the upcoming Academy Awards^® ceremony, let’s take a look back at some of Walt Disney’s Oscar-winning films. First up, The Old Mill (1937), winner of best Short Subject (Cartoon) at the 10th Academy Awards (1938).This charming short depicts the efforts of birds, toads, and other critters to stay safe and dry in—where else!—an old, abandoned mill as a raging thunderstorm rolls in.

Most notably, the entry was the first of the Silly Symphony series to utilize the multiplane camera in production. Through the use of layered, painted backgrounds on glass plates, the camera was able to add a sense of depth to the animated film’s backgrounds and setting.

The opening of The Old Mill is just one of many terrific examples of how the camera was employed in the short. For this innovation, studio technology wizard William Garity and his team from Walt Disney Productions were also awarded a special Scientific and Technical-category Academy Award^® during the 1938 award ceremony.

To see the multiplane camera in action as well as all the critters of the mill braving the storm, be sure to catch The Old Mill, streaming on Disney +!

JUST ANNOUNCED: Epic News About Avengers Campus at Disneyland Resort

April 8, 2021April 8, 2021

By Beth Deitchman

Calling all Super Hero Recruits—and yes, that means you! Disney Parks, Experiences and Products has just announced that Avengers Campus, an entirely new land dedicated to discovering, recruiting and training the next generation of Super Heroes, will open June 4, 2021 at Disneyland Resort, inside Disney California Adventure Park. And whether you’re a lifelong fan of our favorite Super Heroes or you’re only discovering them now, get ready to team up with the Avengers and their allies to live out your most heroic dreams in this fully immersive land that mixes innovative technology and fun for all ages.

“We are so excited to soon welcome our guests to Avengers Campus, our first land dedicated to Super Heroes,” said Ken Potrock, president, Disneyland Resort. “Here, our cast members will unite to help guests of all ages find their super powers and create special memories.”

Avengers Campus brings together Earth’s Mightiest Heroes for the common good. The land is comprised of several heroic locations, each hosted by a different Avenger to share their unique powers, technology and knowledge with recruits.

At the first key area, the Worldwide Engineering Brigade—aka WEB—Tony Stark has assembled an incredible group of bright innovators like Peter Parker, who are dedicated to inventing new technologies that equip everyday people to become Super Heroes like the Avengers. It’s at WEB where guests will experience the brand-new WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, the first Disney ride-through attraction to feature the iconic friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

“When we set out to create these extraordinary Super Hero experiences across the globe, we designed a new Spider-Man attraction for Disney California Adventure Park in an immersive land with amazing character experiences,” said Scot Drake, portfolio creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering. “We also crafted an original story that ties all the experiences together in ways that are authentic to these characters. We worked side by side with teams who brought the Avengers films and comics to life to create a place that champions the next generation of heroes.”

Tom Holland reprises his role as Peter Parker in WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, and the new attraction promises fun for the entire family through an action-packed adventure that invites guests to put their web-slinging skills to the test. Using innovative technology that’s been adapted specifically for this attraction, guests will team up with Spidey and help capture out-of-control Spider-Bots before they wreak havoc on the Campus. During an open house at WEB, Peter Parker and the aspiring inventors ask guests to wear 3D glasses and test drive their latest invention, the WEB Slinger vehicle, which allows them to sling webs like Spider-Man and experience what it’s like to have super powers.

Of course, the towering citadel of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, which opened in Disney California Adventure in 2017, also looms high above Avengers Campus. Guests will continue to be the protagonists of this rockin’ adventure as they help rescue our favorite cosmic gang of misfits.

Avengers Headquarters—look for the Quinjet sitting atop its roof!—will offer guests the opportunity to see some of their favorite heroes, such as Captain America, Black Panther or Black Widow, assemble to survey the campus. In fact, throughout Avengers Campus, Super Heroes come to life in ways that are more exciting than ever, from Spider-Man defying gravity as he flips 60 to 65 feet in the air above the rooftop of the WEB building; to Black Panther’s loyal bodyguards, Dora Milaje, who impart their wisdom to recruits and share a sense of what it’s like to be a member of this elite royal guard. Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje, also debuts for the first time in a Disney park as she leads this training encounter. And not far from Avengers Headquarters, guests can explore the overgrown ruins of an Ancient Sanctum and learn mysterious secrets from Doctor Strange, who will train recruits in the ways of the mystic arts by bringing this Ancient Sanctum to life with powerful spells (and at night, the Ancient Sanctum glows even more vividly with majestic colors and lights pulsating with mystic energy).

Science has never been as delicious or as delightful as experienced within the Pym Test Kitchen and Pym Tasting Lab. In the Pym Test Kitchen, just as Ant-Man and The Wasp use “Pym Particles” to grow and shrink just about anything, Pym Technologies applies this science to the creation of shareable bites, inventive entrees and sweet treats. Among the menu items are the Impossible™ plant-based large and micro meatballs with pasta, and the “Pym-ini,” a panini served by the slice or as a long, multi-portion sandwich. All of it pairs perfectly with a glass of Pingo Doce, the distinctly green beverage from Avenger lore that will be available at Avengers Campus.

Grown-up beverages are available at Pym Tasting Lab, including craft beers that range from a blood orange hefeweizen to an amber lager. And adding to the fun (as if the oversized beer can overhead wasn’t enough!), these are poured from a different kind of draft system where, thanks to the food scientists, the glass fills from the bottom up. The Pym Research Staff has also concocted some unique Pym-Particle infused cocktail experiments, along with bite-sized snacks guests are sure to enjoy.

Recruits who have worked up an appetite can also partake in the offerings at Shawarma Palace—a favorite of the Avengers, who discovered their new favorite food after the Battle of New York, when they took Tony Stark up on his offer to try the food at the “shawarma joint” about two blocks from the battle zone. This second location of their beloved dining spot is at Avengers Campus by special request of the Avengers. And Taneleer Tivan is curating a weird and wonderful menu of intergalactic eats at Terran Treats, a food cart near Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

No visit to Avengers Campus will be complete without a visit to the WEB Suppliers store, where guests will discover the latest inventions, including interactive Spider-Bots much like the ones you will see WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. Each Spider-Bot has a remote control, and all eight articulated legs move forward and backward. Spider-Bots can be customized with tactical upgrades to harness the powers and style of favorite Super Heroes, including Black Panther, Iron Man and Black Widow, as well as Ant-Man and The Wasp. Other must-have items at WEB Suppliers include a specially designed backpack to carry Spider-Bots when they are not in action, Spider-Man light goggles, a take-home spider web kit, and Funko Pop! vinyl figurines of Spider-Man and Iron Man. The Campus Supply Pod is the perfect spot for powering up with official Avengers Campus gear, including performance fleece hoodies and tees, headwear, drinkware and other Super Hero supplies.

“Avengers Campus will be a place where fans and guests can finally step into the universe they love, and stand alongside some of their favorite heroes,” said Dave Bushore, vice president of Franchise Creative & Marketing for Marvel Studios. “The optimism inherent in Avengers Campus captures the diversity, power and teamwork these extraordinary characters possess, and now they come together to unite people from all over the world under one guiding principle: We are stronger together.

Important Information about the Disneyland Resort Theme Parks Reopening:

Magical moments are returning to Disneyland Resort theme parks when Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure officially reopen to the public on April 30, 2021, with limited capacity.

Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited to comply with governmental requirements and promote physical distancing, the Disneyland Resort will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that requires all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for guests ages 3 and up. Theme park reservations will be limited and subject to availability and, until further notice, only California residents may visit the parks, and in groups no larger than three households, in line with current state guidelines. Details about this new reservation system are at Disneyland.com, and guests are encouraged to check the site for the latest updates as they become available.

The health and well-being of guests and cast members remain a top priority. Enhanced health and safety measures and operational changes will be in place at the theme parks based on guidance from health authorities and learnings from Disney parks around the world to promote physical distancing, enhanced cleanliness and reduced contact. Cast members throughout the resort will assist with questions, and guests may check Disneyland.com/update for current health and safety measures, including mandatory temperature screenings and required face coverings for guests ages 2 and older.

Learn more about Avengers Campus at Disneyland.com/AvengersCampus and, of course, stay tuned to D23.com. We’ll assemble every last detail while we await the opening of this epic new land!

Adam Faison Promises Everything’s Gonna Be Okay in Season Two

April 8, 2021April 7, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Freeform’s hit comedy Everything’s Gonna Be Okay returns for its second season tonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT with two back-to-back episodes. After the series’ critically lauded debut in 2019, creator, writer, and star Josh Thomas has packed even more humor and even more heart into each episode of season two. After a stressful trip to New York, the Moss family and Nicholas’ boyfriend, Alex (Adam Faison), are just trying their best to move forward. After returning home to a global pandemic, Matilda (Kayla Cromer) is rethinking her life goals as Genevieve (Maeve Press) grows a bit bolder. All the while, Nicholas (Thomas) continues to balance being a brother, a parental figure, a boyfriend, and an entomologist. Ahead of its return, we talked to Faison about what fans can expect throughout season two.

D23: The first season was so well-received. Why do you think it resonated with fans?
Adam Faison (AF): I think it’s this formula Josh has of using real life experiences to dictate the characters as opposed to trying to broadly appeal or relate to every demographic. Josh likes to ask [the actors] questions about what we would do in various scenarios. For this season in particular, he interviewed each of us for maybe an hour and a half or two hours, and he asked us for life experiences so he could then imbue them into scenes for the show.

D23: Despite everything that’s going on in the world, it seems as if Alex and Nicholas are in a really good place in season two. Would you say that’s an accurate assessment?
AF: They have really stood the test of time, all things considered. After Nicholas’ dad passed away in the first season, Alex could have fully dipped out. But he was like, ‘I’m going to stick around and work through this weird, funky time with Nicholas.’ In these first couple of episodes in season two, everything’s kind of chill. But in a pandemic, their personalities come out in this pressure cooker, so there’s bound to be conflict. And also, Alex was very trepidatious in the first season about saying what he wants in a relationship. Now the dust has settled a little bit and they can hash it out a bit more. They don’t have to mince words.

D23: I don’t want to get too spoiler-y, but in the second episode, Alex learns his parents are getting divorced. How will that play out throughout the rest of the season?
AF: You see his breaking point in that second episode. Everything comes crashing down, literally and metaphorically. He wanted to become a dentist, but he can’t finish school, and he’s got all this student loan debt. And then these people come over [guest stars Richard Kind and Maria Bamford], and they’re trying to make him fly this drone, which crashes down on Genevieve head. And he’s just like, ‘I never wanted this! This is not how I expected life to go!’ That felt really realistic. For Alex, when he first finds out his parents are splitting up, it doesn’t hit him that he wants to scream until that drone comes down on Genevieve’s head. That’s when he pops off. I feel like that’s real life. It’s not like there’s a perfect moment where he’s allowed to be mad. Sometimes it comes out when you least expect it.

D23: Will Alex’s parents getting divorced affect his own relationship with Nicholas?
AF: Alex’s dad is played by CJ Jones, and he’s deaf. I think will be hopefully interesting, and maybe even relatable to some people, to see what it’s like being a child of a deaf adult—a CODA—and to see what the communication between a hearing family member and a deaf family member, or hard-of-hearing family member, is like. And Nicholas and Alex are working through their problems. Alex is constantly comparing and contrasting in his mind the relationship between his parents and the relationship he has with Nicholas. My parents divorced in real life, too, so it was this constant thing where you can’t help but inevitably compare the things that your parents did to each other with what’s happening in your real-life relationships. Alex tries to take his dad’s advice with a grain of salt, because he’s a bit more embittered and was in a relationship for a long time that inevitably didn’t work out.

D23: This season will also feature Nicholas and the girls coping with the one-year anniversary of their dad’s death. How will Alex help Nicholas get through that time?
AF: Alex tries to get Nicholas to open up a lot. It’s really hard for Nicholas, because his mode of communication is much different. He likes to push things off or compartmentalize, and then be like, ‘It’s OK.’ Alex, on the other hand, likes to talk things out—and when he doesn’t get to talk things out, he gets frustrated and he feels like he’s not getting the love he needs. At one point, Alex says, ‘You just want to laugh, but you’re putting this off because you don’t like hard things.’ I think Alex really wants Nicholas to face the way he feels about his dad, because he never talks about it; it’s almost like it was a blip in his life, and now they never speak about it anymore. You’ll see Alex try to pull it out of Nicholas more. It’s something that’s gone relatively unaddressed. Nicholas busies himself with the girls and asks how they feel about it, but never actually speaks about how he feels about it.