5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

November 26, 2020November 25, 2020

By Zach Johnson

Get into the holiday spirit when ABC airs the classic television special Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town on Friday. That same day, Disney+ will premiere Black Beauty and add Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day to its library. Also on Friday, FX will broadcast a “Day After Thanksgiving Family Movie Marathon” featuring a handful of heartwarming hits, including the feature film Ferdinand. And on Saturday, the holiday fun will continue when Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms makes its Freeform debut.

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town—Friday, November 27, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
In this perennial holiday favorite released by Rankin-Bass Productions in 1970, Fred Astaire narrates the timeless tale of Kris Kringle (voice of Mickey Rooney), a young boy with an immense desire to do good. The stop-motion special tells the story of how Santa Claus, and several related Christmas traditions, came to be. In addition to Astaire and Rooney, the voice cast includes Keenan Wynn as Winter; Paul Frees as Burgermeister Meisterburger, Grimsby, the soldiers, and the townsmen; Joan Gardner as Tanta Kringle; Robie Lester as Jessica and Andrea Sacino; and Dina Lynn, Gary White, and Greg Thomas as the children.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day—Friday, November 27, on Disney+
The hilarious and heartwarming 2014 comedy is joining the Disney+ library… and that’s about the only good thing happening to 11-year-old Alexander Cooper (Ed Oxenbould)! His disastrous day begins with gum stuck in his hair. After one mishap follows another, Alexander decides to tell his family about his misadventures, but he finds little sympathy. It makes Alexander wonder if bad things happen only to him. Of course, he learns he’s not alone when his mother (Jennifer Garner), father (Steve Carell), brother (Dylan Minnette), and sister (Kerris Dorsey) all find themselves making it through their own calamitous days.

Black Beauty—Friday, November 27, on Disney+
This timeless reimagining of Anna Sewell’s classic novel follows the life of Black Beauty (voice of Kate Winslet), a wild horse born free in the American West. Beauty’s world is turned upside down when she and her family are rounded up and taken away from their home. Eventually, a gentle horse whisperer named John Manly (Iain Glen) notices Beauty’s fiery spirit and adopts her for his training program. After his recently orphaned niece, Jo Green (Mackenzie Foy), shows up on his doorstep, she and Beauty forge a profound connection that allows them both to heal. They develop an unbreakable bond—one that lasts even after Beauty’s journey takes her on a series of adventures with different owners.

Ferdinand—Friday, November 27, at 3:30 p.m. ET on FX
The 2017 animated feature film, based on the classic children’s book, is airing as part of the network’s “Day After Thanksgiving Family Movie Marathon.” It tells the story of Ferdinand (voice of John Cena), a young bull with a big heart. After he is mistaken for a dangerous beast and removed from his peaceful home on a Spanish farm, he rallies a misfit team—including a wisecracking goat (voice of Kate McKinnon) and three hedgehogs (voices of Daveed Diggs, Gabriela Iglesias, and Gina Rodriguez)—for an epic adventure. In order to return to his family, Ferdinand must somehow find a way to break free before he faces off against El Primero (voice of Miguel Ángel Silvestre), a famous bullfighter who always wins.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms—Saturday, November 28, at 11:55 p.m. ET on Freeform
Tune in for the network premiere of the 2018 retelling of the classic short story and ballet. Clara Stahlbaum (Foy) needs a magical, one-of-a-kind key to unlock a box that contains a priceless gift from her beloved godfather, Drosselmeyer (Morgan Freeman). A golden thread leads her to the coveted key, but it soon disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. There, she meets a soldier, Captain Phillip Hoffman (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a group of mice, and the regents who preside over three realms: The Sugar Plum Fairy (Keira Knightley), regent of the Land of Sweets; Hawthorne (Eugenio Derbez), regent of the Land of Flowers; and Shiver (Richard E. Grant), regent of the Land of Snowflakes. Clara and Phillip must sneak into a fourth realm, avoiding Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), regent of the Land of Amusements, to find the key and restore peace to the unstable land.

The Wonderful Worlds of Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time

November 25, 2020August 1, 2022

By Melissa Pankuch, Walt Disney Archives

Adapted from the 1962 novel written by Madeleine L’Engle, Disney’s 2018 film A Wrinkle in Time takes teenager Meg Murry, her little brother Charles Wallace, and friend Calvin to fantastical worlds in search for Meg’s missing father. Led by a trio known as the Mrs.’s – Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which – the children are in for the adventure of a lifetime.

Uriel

“The Foot feels the foot when it feels the ground.”— Buddha, Nepali

The Mrs.’s use an interstellar, hyperspeed-traveling technique called “tessering” to bring Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin to Uriel, the first planet they believe Meg’s father visited. Uriel is an ecological paradise, with green rolling hills, filled with flowers and butterflies, birds, and fish. In order to capture this beautiful scenery, production traveled to New Zealand for two weeks, shooting on the western shores of Lake Hawea. Before filming, they met with members of the indigenous Māori community, who held a ceremony that welcomed them to the land, as long as they took care and respected the ground they were about to use.

Orion’s Belt

“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind.” — Shakespeare, British

The group then travels to Orion to seek help from the Happy Medium, played by Zach Galifianakis. When they first arrive, they tesser on to a stone, colorless path. It is only when they reach the home of the Happy Medium that they finally see color—in the form of a cave composed of glowing amber-colored beams, which balance one slab on top of another. These beams were inspired by the selenite crystals of the Cueva de los Cristales in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Camazotz

“When shall we three meet again, in thunder, lightning, or in rain?”— Shakespeare, British

The adventure ultimately brings Meg and her companions to Camazotz, a planet ruled by the evil force known as the IT. While the Mrs.’s cannot stay on the planet due to its lack of light, Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin experience the ever-changing landscape of the planet. After racing through a vicious forest and maneuvering through a strangely synchronized suburban neighborhood, the children arrive at a colorful beach, shot at the iconic Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California. It is here that the children meet the character Red (played by Michael Peña), who leads the children to the final leg of their adventure.

Tesser alongside Mrs. Who, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Which to visit the fantastic worlds featured in Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time now streaming on Disney+!

Season’s Streamings with Disney+ Holiday Content

November 25, 2020November 30, 2020

By the D23 Team

We’ve arrived—by one-horse open sleigh, natch—at our second holiday season with the fabulous fun and frolic that is Disney+, the streaming service that has gifted the world with The Mandalorian; the incredible filmed version of Broadway’s Hamilton; High School Musical: The Musical: The Series; and so, so much more. And to make things merry and bright this year, our pals at Disney+ are offering up some incredible new holiday content over the next couple weeks.

Read on for our rundown of the kind of jingle-jangle joy you can expect… several are already streaming (perfect for Thanksgiving weekend viewing!), and some will premiere in just a few weeks’ time. And for good measure, we’ve included one amazing selection that may not be Disney+ original content, but will undoubtedly make you say “D’oh-ho-ho!”

High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special
The Wildcats are back in a brand-new special debuting exclusively on the streaming service on Friday, December 11. The cast of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series—Joshua Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, Matt Cornett, Sofia Wylie, Larry Saperstein, Julia Lester, Dara Reneé, Frankie Rodriguez, Joe Serafini, Mark St. Cyr, and Kate Reinders—reunite to share childhood holiday memories; recall unforgettable gifts; chat about favorite traditions; and reminisce over family photos. Plus, there’ll be lots of music, of course—including “The Perfect Gift,” a new song from the highly anticipated second season of the series, written and performed by Bassett. (By the way, the soundtrack for the holiday special is now available!)

On Pointe
Every holiday season, dance schools and studios across the country stage their versions of the Tchaikovsky’s legendary The Nutcracker for appreciative audiences… This year may look a little different, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some gorgeous holiday-themed ballet from the comfort of our own homes! Disney+’s brand-new six-part documentary series, On Pointe, captures a season in the School of American Ballet (SAB) in New York City. Featuring unprecedented access to the iconic ballet institution, the series follows the lives of the students ages 8 to 18 as they pursue their ultimate dancer dreams. While older students from all over the country rigorously train for professional careers, younger students from NYC are put through their paces as they rehearse and perform in New York City Ballet’s holiday classic, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, onstage in 2019 at Lincoln Center. Look for On Pointe on Disney+ beginning December 18.

Godmothered
Premiering December 4, Godmothered stars Jillian Bell as Eleanor, a young, inexperienced fairy godmother-in-training who—upon hearing that her chosen profession is facing extinction—decides to show the world that people still need fairy godmothers. Finding a mislaid letter from a 10-year-old girl in distress, Eleanor tracks her down and discovers that the girl, Mackenzie, is now a 40-year-old single mom (Isla Fisher) working at a news station in Boston. Having lost her husband several years prior, Mackenzie has all but given up on the idea of “happily ever after,” but Eleanor is bound and determined to give Mackenzie a happiness makeover, whether she likes it or not. Directed by Sharon Maguire (Bridget Jones’s Diary), Godmothered also stars Santiago Cabrera, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Jane Curtin, June Squibb, Jillian Shea Spaeder, and Utkarsh Ambudkar.

LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special
This particular special already premiered—on Life Day, November 17, appropriately enough—but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it again for the second, fourth, or 28th time (honestly, who’s counting?) as we dash through the snow towards our Earth-bound holidays… The special, the first for LEGO on Disney+, follows along as Rey sets off on a new adventure with BB-8 to gain a deeper knowledge of the Force. At a mysterious Jedi Temple, she is hurled into a cross-timeline adventure through beloved moments in Star Wars cinematic history, coming into contact with Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda, Obi-Wan and other iconic heroes and villains from all nine Skywalker saga films. But will she make it back in time for the joyous Life Day feast with Finn, Poe, Chewie, Rose, and the droids, and learn the true meaning of holiday spirit? (C-3PO himself, Anthony Daniels, chats about the special right here.)

Arendelle Castle Yule Log
With last year’s premiere of Frozen 2, Disney+ debuted a warm and inviting Arendelle Castle Yule Log during the holiday season—which featured the castle’s hearth (in the same room where they often gathered for Family Game Night). Well, we’re delighted that the Arendelle Castle Yule Log is returning for Holidays 2020, beginning on Friday, December 18. The castle is newly decorated this year with elements harking back to Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven’s recent journey to the Enchanted Forest!

Once Upon a Snowman
Speaking of Frozen: Now streaming on Disney+ is another adorable short from our good friends at Walt Disney Animation Studios. The film follows Olaf the sunny snowman’s first steps as he comes to life and searches for his identity in the mountains outside Arendelle. Once Upon a Snowman was directed by WDAS veterans Trent Correy and Dan Abraham, and once again features the voice of Josh Gad as Olaf. (For a deeper dive into all things Once Upon a Snowman, check out D23’s behind-the-scenes Q&A with the filmmakers.)

The Simpsons—Christmas Episodes from all 31 Seasons
We couldn’t conclude this list without alerting all and sundry that Disney+ is streaming Christmas episodes from all 31 seasons of the seminal animated series The Simpsons. Should you feel the need (and who amongst us doesn’t?) to roast chestnuts and feel Jack Frost nippin’ at the ol’ nose with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and baby Maggie, you’ll have hours and hours of holiday hilarity from which to choose.

The Films of Ron & John on Disney+

November 25, 2020November 24, 2020

By Courtney Potter

On November 25, 1992, audiences first met a smart, scrappy street rat; a headstrong yet kind princess; and a Genie with a hilariously kinetic energy that could probably be seen from space. Take those characters, mix in some ultra-memorable songs from the likes of Disney Legends Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Sir Tim Rice, and you get Disney’s iconic animated hit Aladdin—celebrating its 28th anniversary this week!

Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker—collectively and colloquially known as Ron & John—Aladdin went on to become the highest-grossing animated film to date. Two Oscars^®, two sequels, an animated TV series, a Broadway musical, and a 2019 live-action retelling later, and Aladdin remains one of Ron & John’s most enduring works.

But as die-hard fans know, the pair’s animated directorial efforts go way, way deeper than just Aladdin. They’re responsible for the film that kicked off Disney’s “animation renaissance” of the 1990s—The Little Mermaid—as well as one of its most recent hits, Moana… and a whole lot of incredible work in between. And this Thanksgiving week, in honor of Aladdin’s anniversary, we’re giving thanks that so many of Ron & John’s films are available for streaming on Disney+. If you need a refresher course in all things Clements and Musker, or if you’d like to add some extra fun to your holiday streaming playlist, read on. (The films are presented in chronological order; there’s no other way to rank them, because they’re all fantastic!)

The Great Mouse Detective
Ron & John’s directorial debut was this adorable 1986 animated caper based on Eve Titus’ children’s book (itself based loosely on the adventures of noted sleuth Sherlock Holmes). Basil of Baker Street (voice of Barrie Ingham) is a brainy, resourceful mouse who’s called upon to search for Flaversham, a kidnapped toy maker being forced to make a robot replica of the Queen for the evil Ratigan (voice of Vincent Price). Basil, aided by the intrepid Dr. Dawson (voice of Val Bettin), helps the toy maker’s daughter search for her father. Can they foil Ratigan’s nefarious plot and save the Queen before it’s too late?

The Little Mermaid
In case you’ve just returned from an extended 30-year sojourn on Mars, here’s some info on the film that really put Ron & John on the map: Released in November 1989, The Little Mermaid follows Ariel (voice of future Disney Legend Jodi Benson), a young mermaid who is endlessly fascinated with the human world. Defying her father—and ignoring his crabby emissary, Sebastian (voice of Samuel E. Wright)—Ariel winds up saving a handsome prince (voice of Christopher Daniel Barnes) from a storm—and falls head over heels in love. Enter Ursula the sea witch (voice of Pat Carroll, in a legendary turn), who exploits Ariel’s dream of “where the people are” by granting her wish to be human… in exchange for her beautiful voice! Adventure, intrigue, and several amazing songs by future Disney Legends Alan Menken and Howard Ashman ensue.

Aladdin (1992)
During production on The Little Mermaid, Ashman proposed the idea of adapting the story of Aladdin and his magical, wish-granting lamp—first told in a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian stories known as One Thousand and One Nights—as an animated musical to the Disney powers-that-be. Ashman himself wrote an initial treatment, and collaborated on six songs for the film with Menken, including “Arabian Nights,” “Friend Like Me,” and “Prince Ali.” After Ashman’s untimely death in 1991, Tim Rice came on board to write some additional songs, including future Oscar winner “A Whole New World.” Disney’s Aladdin was released 28 years ago this week, and features the voices of Scott Weinger, future Disney Legend Linda Larkin, and Jonathan Freeman (who’d go on to reprise his role as evil vizier Jafar in the 2014 Broadway musical); the singing voices of Brad Kane and future Disney Legend Lea Salonga; and—perhaps most notably—an incredible performance by the late, great Robin Williams as the Genie.

Hercules
Released in 1997, this next Ron & John effort follows Hercules, the mighty son of Zeus and Hera, as he’s taken—as a baby—from his Mount Olympus by Hades, the god of the Underworld. Unfortunately for Hades, his two bone-headed sidekicks bungle the mission by not giving Hercules the final drop of a special potion… which leaves the infant with god-like strength, but human mortality. As Hercules grows up, he discovers the truth about his origins and sets out to prove himself a true hero. The starry voice lineup for Hercules includes Tate Donovan as the titular hero, Susan Egan (who’d go on to originate the roll of Belle in Disney Theatrical’s stage version of Beauty and the Beast), Danny DeVito, James Woods, Charlton Heston, Bobcat Goldthwait, Roger Bart, Hal Holbrook, and Barbara Barrie.

Treasure Planet
Ron & John’s 2002 effort was Oscar-nominated for Best Picture and tips its proverbial hat to Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic Treasure Island. Fifteen-year-old Jim Hawkins (voice of Joseph Gordon-Levitt) finds himself on an amazing journey across a fantasy universe as cabin boy aboard a fantastical solar galleon, the RLS Legacy. Befriended by the ship’s cyborg cook John Silver (voice of Brian Murray), Jim learns all about how to become a capable “spacer”—and as the story unfolds, he and the all-alien crew battle supernovas, black holes, and space storms. But Jim discovers his trusted mentor Silver is actually a conniving pirate with mutiny in mind!

The Princess and the Frog
Created using traditional animation techniques, Ron & John’s lush, Oscar-nominated hit first captivated audiences this very week in 2009… In jazz-fueled 1920s New Orleans, a young woman named Tiana (voice of future Disney Legend Anika Noni Rose) dreams of opening her own restaurant. Meanwhile, Prince Naveen of Maldonia (voice of Bruno Campos) comes to town, looking to better his financial situation by marrying rich—and Tiana’s childhood friend Charlotte (voice of Jennifer Cody) is the perfect candidate. But Naveen is swindled by the evil Dr. Facilier (voice of Keith David)—who turns him into a frog and plans to make off with Charlotte’s family fortune himself. At a masquerade ball, amphibian Naveen convinces Tiana to kiss him to break the spell… but instead, she’s turned into a frog, too! What follows is a mystical adventure through the Louisiana bayou, before spells are vanquished and love wins the day.

Moana
Ron & John’s most recent success is 2016’s Oscar-nominated Moana, in which an adventurous teenager (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, she meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together they sail across the open ocean, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she has always sought: her own identity. The film features memorable music from Lin-Manuel Miranda (whose “How Far I’ll Go” was also Oscar-nominated, for Best Song), Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina.

Mackenzie Foy Reveals how the Disney+ Original Black Beauty—and the Film’s Equine Cast—Changed her Life

November 24, 2020

By Beth Deitchman

A moving and powerful friendship is at the heart of the Disney+ Original Black Beauty, a modern reimagining of the iconic novel by Anna Sewell, which arrives on Disney+ on Friday, November 27. The brand-new film tells the story of Jo Green, a 17-year-old girl who has recently lost both of her parents, and a mustang that has also been separated from her mother and now finds herself living with strangers in an unfamiliar place, Birtwick Stables in Montauk, New York. Actress Mackenzie Foy brings a quiet inner strength and resilience to the part of Jo, and she’s quick to share credit with her co-stars for the realistic and emotional relationship between the teen and Beauty. “Horses are very expressive,” Foy tells D23. “A lot of people don’t realize how expressive they are and I think Black Beauty really showcases the range of their emotions.”

One would never know from watching the film, but four different horses combined to deliver Beauty’s on-screen performance; and Foy approached each of them as she would any other human actor. At a recent socially distanced press event—held, fittingly, at a remote farm outside of Los Angeles—she observes, “When you work with someone and they give that emotion and put it out it’s like energy. You really feel that and, as an actor, you take that energy, turn it, work it, and you just throw that energy back and forth. That’s how you kind of want to go through the scene.” Of course, that process becomes much more complex when there are four wildly different personalities to adjust to, but for Foy, that only added to the fun.

A horse appropriately named Spirit captured much of Beauty’s inherent wildness, while Rosie’s lovely gait made her especially well-suited for scenes that feature the mustang running. Most of Foy’s stunts took place while she was atop Indiana, who she describes as “super-chill and just so cute.” But it was a spunky horse named Jenny who truly captured Foy’s heart, in much the same way that Beauty captured Jo’s. Though Foy began taking riding lessons well in advance of Black Beauty’s location shoot, the first two weeks after she arrived in South Africa were spent training and getting to know the horses. A key part of the bonding process is known as “hooking on,” which is when a horse makes the conscious choice to be with a person and follow them around without the use of a rope or reins. “I feel like we bonded fairly quickly,” Foy says of her relationship with Jenny. “You could kind of just tell that it went from being, ‘Oh, this is my friend,’ to ‘OK, I really like you, I trust you, and I care about you—and I know that you trust and care about me.’ It was a really unique thing.”

Of course, every now and then the equine actors made their own choices about what Beauty should be doing in any given scene. “We did rolling takes, which was where we would just keep going. It was really fun,” Foy recalls, and she believes that these spontaneous moments brought something really unique to the film. But she also shares, “There was a running joke that Jenny read the script—no joke, she would do things that were just perfect, just absolutely perfect.” But in at least one instance, Jenny demanded the final say over what Beauty would or would not do: “There was one scene where actually it was scripted that I give Beauty sugar cubes, but Jenny doesn’t really like sugar cubes, and I gave her one and she was like, ‘No,’ and spat it out,” Foy remembers with amusement. “I was like, ‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ and I got her a carrot and she ate that and was like, ‘Oh, that’s better. Thank you.’ Little things like that would happen.”

A solid connection between actor and horse was vital for scenes in which Foy performed her own stunts, such as a stunning sequence in which Jo and Beauty race across a beach at sunset, and Jo lifts her hands off the reins and rides with her arms outstretched, as if flying without wings. “It’s the most surreal thing. When you’re on a horse and you’re galloping, you feel the speed; you feel the power underneath you. To have that moment and let go, and to have all that trust and that bond between you and the horse—it’s just so many emotions, so many things just going through you that you can feel going through the horse,” Foy shares. “It’s like nothing I’d ever experienced before. It’s like you’re flying.”

Foy acknowledges that at the end of production it was difficult to say goodbye to the horses—especially Jenny—noting that unlike with human co-stars, “You can’t text a horse.” But after her experience making Black Beauty, Foy couldn’t imagine no longer having a horse in her life, and recently became the proud owner of Don, a Percheron-cross. She says, “He’s adorable. I’ve had him for a couple months now and I basically spend all my time with him.”

For the actress, who, as a child, read Sewell’s novel until it nearly fell apart, she found the sweeping sequences, such as the beach ride, to be incredibly memorable. “You never think, ‘I’m going to ride Black Beauty on the beach.’ That was a really, really surreal moment for me,” Foy shares. But the moments from the production that she will truly treasure are ones that she now gets to experience with her own beloved horse. “The moments where a horse just trusts you enough that they bond and hook on to you, moments like that—they’re just so unique and so beautiful and personal, it’s just everything.”

You can read more about Black Beauty in the Winter 2020 issue of Disney twenty-three.

QUIZ: Can You Finish These Tangled Lyrics?

November 24, 2020November 23, 2020

By Zach Johnson

Ten years ago today, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Tangled opened in theaters, introducing us to Rapunzel (voice of Mandy Moore), Flynn Rider (voice of Zachary Levi), and Mother Gothel (voice of Donna Murphy)… not to mention Maximus and Pascal, plus a few thugs who have a dream! Set in the kingdom of Corona, the fairy-tale adventure featured original music composed by Disney Legend Alan Menken with lyrics written by Glenn Slater. In honor of the film’s anniversary, we’re putting your musical knowledge to the test. See how many lyrics you can finish… and if you need a refresher, Tangled is now streaming on Disney+! All the correct answers will be revealed at the bottom of this page.

1. “Then I’ll stretch, maybe sketch, take a climb, ________”
A. “Make a mess”
B. “Relieve some stress”
C. “Sew a dress”
D. “Take a guess”

2. “Yes, I have everything, except, I guess, ________”
A. “My freedom”
B. “A door”
C. “A kingdom”
D. “A window”

3. “Me, I’m just your ________ / What do I know?”
A. “Mother”
B. “Brother”
C. “Captor”
D. “Suitor”

4. “Tor would like to quit and be a ________”
A. “Baker”
B. “Florist”
C. “Mime”
D. “Knitter”

5. “Rapunzel’s so mature now / Such a clever, grown-up ________”
A. “Princess”
B. “Girl”
C. “Miss”
D. “Dame”

6. “Now she’s here shining ________”
A. “In the starlight”
B. “In the spotlight”
C. “In the moonlight”
D. “in the daylight”

7. “Make the clock reverse, ________”
A. “Turn back the hands of time”
B. “Change the Fates’ design”
C. “Please give me a sign”
D. “Bring back what once was mine”

Correct Answers:

1. C, “Sew a dress”
2. B, “A door”
3. A, “Mother”
4. B, “Florist”
5. C, “Miss”
6. A, “In the starlight”
7. D, “Bring back what once was mine”

How did you do? Share your results with D23 on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Joe Rohde Announces Retirement After Over 40 Years of Making Magic with Walt Disney Imagineering

November 23, 2020

By the D23 Team

It’s been a wild ride for Walt Disney Imagineering’s Joe Rohde, who has spent more than 40 years bringing to life some of Disney Park’s most iconic experiences and attractions. Starting as a model designer on EPCOT, Rohde has since overseen projects such as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park; Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa; Expedition Everest; and Pandora: The World of Avatar. He announced today via the Walt Disney Imagineering Instagram page that he will be retiring on January 4, 2021.

“We can’t thank Joe enough for his infectious passion, being an incredible teacher and mentor, and for inspiring generations of Disney Imagineers and guests from around the world,” the Walt Disney Imagineering account wrote. “Wishing @JoeRohde all the best in his next journey and on the many, many more adventures yet to come.”

Rohde reflected on his career with Walt Disney Imagineering in a heartfelt Instagram post of his own. “I’m sure by now many of you have come across the news that I am retiring from Walt Disney Imagineering. It has been 40 years since I stepped foot in the door at age 25, not knowing anything about theme parks, Disney, or what it meant to work for a big company. Every day of my life since then has been a learning experience,” Rohde wrote. “I’m very glad to have had that opportunity, and proud of the work that has been done, not just by me, but by all my fellow Imagineers, and especially those who worked by my side over the decades. But 40 years is a long time, and this strange quiet time seems like a great opportunity to slip away without too much disruption. If I wait, I will once again be in the middle of another huge project and by the time that is done, I would be truly old.”

At Walt Disney Imagineering, he explained, “We encourage a culture of storytellers, not just amongst ourselves but among our guests and our fans, and because of this, there is a strong temptation to take this moment and turn it into a story. But what story? I think it’s a coming of age story. I started at Disney as a child, and I learned almost all my life lessons there, developed my confidence, recognized my skills and weaknesses, and went on to work with both… and do what could be done. I could stay forever, but that is like remaining in another kind of womb. I want to see what a grown man might be able to do on his own.”

Rohde added he owes a “tremendous debt” to “our guests and our fans who have been so generous” over the years, writing, “Working as an Imagineer has made me a good designer, but it is all of you who have made me a better person.” (You can Rohde’s note in full here.)

Throughout his career with Walt Disney Imagineering, Rohde has always been a friend of D23, speaking at panels at the D23 Expo and Destination D, joining us for events such as the opening ceremony of Pandora the World of Avatar, and helping us celebrate the fifth anniversary of Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa.

Bob Weis, president of Walt Disney Imagineering, also shared a note on Instagram congratulating Rohde on his years of imagination and service. “Joe Rohde is a real life adventurer—in life, in art, and in work. Whether trekking across the mountains of Mongolia on an expedition to raise awareness for snow leopard conservation, or leading project teams from Animal Kingdom to Aulani to Pandora, Joe fully embodies the true spirit of adventure and exploration. He approaches these experiences, not as a tourist, but with curiosity, respect, and purpose,” Weis wrote.

“Joe has committed forty years to bringing dynamic, inventive, and diverse projects to Disney parks,” he continued. “While he is widely renowned for his unmatched expertise across numerous creative disciplines, he’s also an expert in every facet of leading and managing our projects, from setting the vision to feasibility, design and execution. His unyielding commitment to excellence across all aspects of projects, and his demand for authenticity and including diverse, indigenous cultures in design and production, are hallmarks of his projects and what differentiate them from all others.”

“Today, Joe announced his plans to retire from the company, and while I respect and accept his decision, I know he will remain part of our Imagineering family, a mentor to our current and future generation, and certainly the best example to our worldwide audience of what it is to be an Imagineer,” Weis concluded.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

November 23, 2020

By Zach Johnson

There’s a lot to be thankful for this week… starting with the season finale of Dancing with the Stars, airing Monday on ABC. The Hulu film Happiest Season will arrive Wednesday, just in time for Thanksgiving. And on the actual holiday, ABC will broadcast The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration, featuring a spectacular new opening number, cherished performances from the past, and an exciting look at the future. That same day, FXX is airing a Thanksgiving-themed marathon of The Simpsons you don’t want to miss. Nat Geo WILD’s Vetsgiving programming block will begin Thursday and run through Saturday.

Dancing with the Stars—Monday, November 23, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Who will be the next Mirrorball Champion? Four couples will compete in the live season finale, hosted by Tyra Banks. Each couple will repeat one of their favorite performances from earlier in the season with some new creative elements. Then, they will perform the most anticipated dance of the season: the freestyle! During the highly anticipated finale, Nelly will perform a medley of his greatest hits including “Ride Wit Me,” “Lil Bit” and “Hot in Herre” as his partner, Daniella Karagach, dances with her husband, Pasha Pashkov. In addition to Nelly and Karagach, the remaining couples are Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem Chigvintsev; Justina Machado and Sasha Farber; and Nev Schulman and Jenna Johnson. During the show, judge Derek Hough will also perform solo to “Let’s Fall in Love for the Night,” while several couples who were previously eliminated will return to the ballroom.

Happiest Season—Wednesday, November 25, on Hulu
In writer and director Clea DuVall’s festive romantic comedy, Abby (Kristen Stewart) is planning to propose to her girlfriend Harper (Mackenzie Davis) at Christmas… that is, until she discovers Harper’s parents don’t even know their daughter is a lesbian. Hurt that Harper would hide their relationship, Abby begins to question whether she really knew her. Will it take a Christmas miracle to make things right? Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Burl Moseley, Daniel Levy, Mary Holland, Mary Steenburgen, and Victor Garber round out the film’s cast.

The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration—Thursday, November 26, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC
Derek and Julianne Hough will kick off the nostalgic fifth anniversary edition of the special with a new performance. Together with Trevor Jackson, who will host the show from Walt Disney World Resort, they will take viewers on a wintry adventure. Relive classic holiday performances from Aloe Blacc; Andrea Bocelli; Becky G; Boyz II Men and JoJo; Brett Eldridge and Meghan Trainor; Ciara; Jason Derulo; Kelly Clarkson; Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel; OneRepublic; Pentatonix; and Shaggy. The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration will also include a special sneak peek at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, coming to EPCOT in 2021, and Disney and Pixar’s Soul, streaming on Disney+ December 25.

The Simpsons Thanksgiving Day Feast—Thursday, November 26, at 5 p.m. ET on FXX
Grab that last slice of pumpkin pie and gather around the TV for three hours of Thanksgiving mishaps you don’t have to clean up. The marathon will include the fan-favorite episodes “Bart vs. Thanksgiving,” “Homer vs. Dignity,” “Homer the Moe,” “The Wettest Stories Ever Told,” “Thanksgiving of Horror,” and “Holidays of Future Passed.”

Vetsgiving—Thursday, November 26–Saturday, November 29, on Nat Geo WILD
The network’s annual weekend-long event will kick off on Thanksgiving and feature heartwarming network veterinarians from Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet; Heartland Docs, DVM; Critter Fixers: Country Vets; Alaska Animal Rescue; The Incredible Dr. Pol; and Secrets of the Zoo. Highlighting the seasoned professionals and their empathy, devotion, and love, Vetsgiving serves the ultimate viewing feast to enjoy with the people (and pets!) you love.

This D23-Exclusive Fantasia Pin Set Marks Musical Milestones!

November 23, 2020November 23, 2020

By the D23 team

As part of D23 Fantastic Worlds Celebration, D23 Gold Members will have a special opportunity to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Fantasia and the 20th anniversary of Fantasia/2000! Now’s your chance to take home a melodious tribute to animation history with an exclusive pin set celebrating both films, created in beautiful enamel with glitter infill exclusively for D23 by Disney artist Caley Hicks.

Featuring fantastical favorites like Sorcerer Mickey and Chernabog, this beautifully stylized pin set pays tribute to The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, The Pastoral Symphony, The Dance of the Hours, and Night on Bald Mountain in Fantasia, as well as Carnival of the Animals and Firebird Suite from Fantasia/2000.

This boxed pin set—a limited edition of 2,000—is available exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family members on shopDisney here.

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. Pin sets are $59.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of one (1) pin set 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.

Not a D23 Gold Member? Join Now!

This D23-Exclusive Fantastic Worlds Puzzle is off the Map!

November 23, 2020March 9, 2021

By the D23 Team

**The D23- Exclusive Fantastic Worlds Puzzle has SOLD OUT**

As part of D23 Fantastic Worlds Celebration, D23 Gold Members will have a special opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind collectible for the ultimate Disney fan! From Adventureland to Zootopia, celebrate the worlds of Disney—both real and imagined—with this 1,000-piece premium puzzle featuring the one-of-a-kind D23 Fantastic Worlds map!

FW Puzzle

Designed by Disney artist Bryan Mon, this D23 Gold and Gold Family Member-exclusive puzzle features more than 250 places, vehicles, and characters, across more than 150 films, television shows, and theme park locations—all created by Disney and Pixar!

This boxed puzzle—a limited edition of 3,300—is available exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family members on shopDisney here.

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. Puzzles are $24.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. 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.

Not a D23 Gold Member? Join Now!