New Doc McStuffins TV Special—Plus More in News Briefs

November 20, 2020

By Courtney Potter

Doc McStuffins TV Special Coming December 4 to Disney Junior

Are you ready to learn once more with the ever-adorable Doc McStuffins? The popular Disney Junior series is returning with a brand-new TV special, premiering Friday, December 4 (7:30 p.m. EST/PST), on Disney Junior; called “The Doc is In,” the special features the beloved animated icon interacting with real kids, families, and medical professionals all about healthy habits—and it coincides with National Handwashing Awareness Week!

Set to some of the series’ beloved songs, the special also includes medical professionals Dr. Myiesha Taylor, MD, founder of the Artemis Medical Society and the “We Are Doc McStuffins” movement; and Mark Lee, RN, who provides tips to preschoolers about ways to prevent spreading germs. It all comes on the heels of Disney Junior and Doc McStuffins having recently joined forces with the World Health Organization for a PSA—meant to spread a message about thorough hand washing as a way to prevent the spread of germs and disease—released on Global Handwashing Day, this past October 15. Check out the PSA, above.

The Peabody Award-winning series also inspired a new addition to its award-winning retail line with the Doc McStuffins “Wash Your Hands” Singing Doll from Just Play. The doll comes with an interactive stethoscope, facemask, doctor’s bag, thermometer, and otoscope, and sings the popular “Wash Your Hands” song from the series (and seen in the PSA). Coinciding with the doll’s launch, Disney Junior and Just Play will donate funds to Feeding America, which will provide two million meals to families across the country! How cool is that?

So scrub up those hands and settle in for some Doc McStuffins fun this December!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

As we hop, skip, and jump ever closer to Thanksgiving, there’s a whole weekend upcoming during which we can settle in for some choice TV viewing from around the worlds of Disney. The season finale of One Day at Disney on Disney+; the 2020 American Music Awards, hosted by Taraji P. Henson, on ABC; and so much more. And after said viewing, you can keep settling in for that long winter’s nap we hear so much about…

Get Magical with New Trailer for Disney+’s Godmothered

What better time to follow the adventures of a fairy godmother than the holidays, right? So we’re positively bedecked with boughs of holly over this brand-new trailer for Disney+’s upcoming original film Godmothered.

Debuting exclusively on the streaming service in just a few weeks’ time, this enchanted new Christmas comedy introduces audiences to Eleanor (Jillian Bell)—a young, inexperienced fairy godmother-in-training. Upon hearing that her chosen profession is facing extinction, she decides to show the world that people still need fairy godmothers. Finding a misplaced letter from a 10-year-old girl in distress, Eleanor decides to track her down. She discovers that the girl, Mackenzie (Isla Fisher), is now a 40-year-old single mother working at a news station in Boston. Having lost her husband several years earlier, 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, Godmothered premieres on Friday, December 4. Don’t miss it!

The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration Airing Thanksgiving Night

Disney and ABC are kicking off the holiday season with a fifth anniversary edition of a jingly, jangly favorite. The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration features original hosts Derek and Julianne Hough, who off the night with a glittering new holiday performance… while Trevor Jackson (Freeform’s grown-ish) hosts from Walt Disney World Resort. And together, they’ll take viewers on a wintry ride through fan-favorite performances from the past five years and new heartwarming family moments. Viewers will also get a brand-new sneak peek into Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure coming in 2021 to EPCOT.

In addition to magical holiday moments, viewers will also get a sneak preview of Disney and Pixar’s all-new feature Soul before it becomes available exclusively on Disney+ beginning December 25. Featuring the voices of Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey, Soul introduces a middles-school band teacher who teams up with a sarcastic new soul on a mission to figure out exactly what makes life worth living.

Look for The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration airing Thanksgiving night, Thursday, November 26, at 9/8c, only on ABC!

Deck the Halls with High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special

If you’re anything like us, you’ve missed the theatrical shenanigans of Disney+’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series lo these last eight or so months… but we’re thanking Santa for the early gift of a brand-new holiday special featuring all of our HSM:TM:TS favorites! Read up on what you can expect right here at D23.com.

ICYMI: Magical Disney Parks and Entertainment Updates

Earlier this week, the world heard some pretty amazing updates from Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, when he took the stage at the IAAPA Expo: Virtual Education Conference. In case you missed it, do be sure to check out our rundown of some of the truly incredible stuff coming to Parks and Resorts around the world.

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Storytelling and Innovators Receive Themed Entertainment Industry’s Highest Honors

November 19, 2020

By Beth Deitchman

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) has just honored two of our new favorite attractions—Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway—with Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement. These are among the most highly regarded awards within the themed entertainment industry.

In honoring Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which opened in December at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and in January at Disneyland Park, TEA celebrated the attraction as “the most technologically advanced theme park attraction in existence today… The entire attraction, from front to back, is one massive magic trick that leaves riders gobsmacked and represents the absolute pinnacle of how our industry can entertain an audience at a theme park.” To learn more about this technologically advanced attraction, visit D23.com for seven out-of-this-world facts about the immersive experience.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

And Disney’s first-ever ride-through attraction starring Mickey Mouse, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway—which opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in March—as also honored today by TEA. The organization said, “With a combination of physical sets, Audio-Animatronics® figures, animated media, and projection-mapping techniques, all syncing in time with trackless vehicles and a catchy original song and musical score, it turns a two-dimensional cartoon world into an immersive, eye-popping experience. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway raises the bar for all dark rides to come.”

Of course, there’s always been an incredible team of people behind the Disney Parks magic and this week, three inspiring individuals who have made important and lasting contributions to Disney parks around the world also earned some of the highest honors in the themed entertainment industry.

Bob Weis

Today, Walt Disney Imagineering President Bob Weis was presented with TEA’s Buzz Price Thea Award, a prestigious honor that recognizes a lifetime of distinguished achievements. Weis arrived at Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) soon after his graduation from architecture school, and throughout his exciting career at Disney he has made his mark on Disney theme parks around the globe. In Japan, Weis helped build Tokyo Disneyland, our first international theme park, and later returned to develop Tokyo DisneySea. In Florida, he led the design and development of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, and also oversaw subsequent expansion projects. In China, Weis served as the creative leader of Shanghai Disney Resort, building a team that would bring to life a park that was both authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese. And here in California, Weis presided over the extensive transformation of Disney California Adventure—including the introduction of Cars Land and World of Color—and now, as WDI president, he leads the global team that creates Disney’s theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and other themed family experiences. The D23 Inside Disney podcast spoke with Weis about some of the most memorable moments from his time at WDI, and he also looks ahead to some of the upcoming attractions he’s most excited about. You can get a sneak peek now on D23.com, and come back for the entire conversation on Wednesday, November 25, in the next episode of D23 Inside Disney.

Earlier this week, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) inducted Disney Legend and former Imagineer Tony Baxter and Disney Parks Chief Safety Officer Greg Hale into its Hall of Fame.

Tony Baxter

Baxter began his own storied career at Disney as a teenager, selling ice cream on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park. His move to Imagineering was sparked by his proposal for a Mary Poppins-themed attraction, and over the next 40-plus years, he helped open Walt Disney World and played an important role in the creation of the fan-favorite attractions Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Indiana Jones Adventure, Journey Into Imagination, Splash Mountain, and Star Tours. Baxter also served as the creative lead for the 1983 reimagining of Fantasyland at Disneyland Park and executive producer for Disneyland Paris in the early 1990s. He retired in 2013—the same year that he was named a Disney Legend—and continues to consult with WDI on a number of projects.

Greg Hale

As Disney Parks’ chief safety officer, Greg Hale leads a global team of ride design, operations, maintenance, and safety professionals around the world that keep Disney on the leading edge of theme park safety, accessibility for guests with disabilities, and technology advancements. Hale has been honored many times for his commitment to safety and for fostering innovative practices that increase access to Disney experiences for those with disabilities; and he holds dozens of U.S. patents. He’s also among the inventors of the Disney FASTPASS Service. Hale has served on several industry safety boards and associations and has held a number of leadership roles within IAAPA, including as the organization’s chairman in 2017.

DPEP Chairman Josh D’Amaro said today, “Congratulations to Bob Weis and to the entire team at Walt Disney Imagineering for these incredible achievements. Over the past several years, Imagineers have taken creativity and storytelling to an entirely new level, and I’m proud to see that the experiences they have created are being celebrated by our guests around the world and our peers throughout the industry. I look forward to sharing even more great stories with our guests as we continue to complete new experiences at our sites around the world.”

EXCLUSIVE: Walt Disney Imagineering’s Bob Weis Offers an Inside Look at What’s to Come at Disney Parks Across the Globe

November 19, 2020November 25, 2020

By Beth Deitchman

Over his nearly 30 years with The Walt Disney Company, Walt Disney Imagineering President Bob Weis has led a wide range of projects at Disney parks and resorts across the globe—from his work on the first international Disney theme park, Tokyo Disneyland, and creative leadership for the conceptual design for Tokyo DisneySea; to the five-year transformation and expansion of Disney California Adventure Park; to serving as creative executive for Shanghai Disney Resort. Today, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) awarded Weis its Buzz Price Thea Award for a Lifetime of Outstanding Achievements, an honor named for the Disney Legend who was the first Thea recipient in 1994.

Weis’ recognition comes just days after the announcement that Disney Legend Tony Baxter and Disney innovator Greg Hale have been inducted into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Hall of Fame. You can learn more about all of these prestigious industry honors, as well as some of the other groundbreaking new updates coming to Disney destinations around the world here on D23.com.

To celebrate all of this week’s exciting news, the D23 Inside Disney podcast sat down with Weis to talk about how he and the diverse teams at Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) will keep moving forward, and he looked ahead to the new offerings coming to Tokyo Disneyland, the largest expansion in the park’s 37-year history; Walt Disney World Resort; and Avengers Campus at Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris. He also shared some inside info about The Princess and the Frog-themed reimagining of Splash Mountain coming to the Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts, and discussed WDI’s commitment to bring more diverse voices into every aspect of their business. You can listen to the episode in its entirety on Wednesday, November 25, but we’re pleased to offer Disney fans a sneak peek right now.

D23 Inside Disney: For those who don’t know, the award is named for Disney Legend Harrison “Buzz” Price, one of Walt’s most trusted advisors who helped him select the land for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World among many of his achievements. Did you ever work with him?

Bob Weis (BW): I have the great pleasure of being able to say that I did meet several times with Buzz, and what a fireball. What an incredible, intelligent, personable guy, and filled with energy. There’s a stereotype, maybe, that creative people are full of energy and financial people are more conservative. Buzz broke the molds. He was incredibly excited about ideas, about possibilities. I got to meet him actually through Marty Sklar. We had a couple of sessions at WDI and he always came in with [the approach of] “Let’s talk about it. Let’s brainstorm.” He loved the word “charette.” He loved to talk about people sitting around a table coming up with great ideas. He is, of course, the first person who ever received a Thea Award, so that’s part of the reason why it is named for him… I have such a positive memory of the small amount of time I spent with him.

D23 Inside Disney: Your first big project with Imagineering was building Tokyo Disneyland. We just had Ted Robledo on the show talking about the park’s massive expansion. What, to you, is the coolest feat of Imagineering that is part of the new offerings in Tokyo?

BW: From my point of view, we’ve had such a long, exciting and quality relationship with Tokyo Disney Resort and with the Oriental Land Company [the owner/operators of the resort], who have been with us from the beginning. Right from the start, they saw quality as the No. 1 business plan for the Tokyo Disney Resort. So whenever we have a chance to do something—in this case, the whole new Beauty and the Beast area, expansions of Tomorrowland, such a great expansion of the existing park—quality is everything. And so we have great dialogue with them, we have great cross pollination of ideas. We know the guests very well there, too… The repeat audience is so huge in Japan—it’s a very high percentage. It just gives us a chance to try new things and we almost always do something brand-new there, which is great, or if we do something we’ve done before it’s highly adaptive and highly innovative. If you think about the Beauty and the Beast attraction, the fact that Ted [Robledo] and Daniel Jue and the team have been able to literally create a ride that can dance through the movie, through the music the way you remember—from both versions of that movie—it’s really incredible and it’s never been done before.

D23 Inside Disney: Buena Vista Street just reopened at Disney California Adventure, and you worked on the reimagining of that park. Can you talk about the importance of keeping “Walt” in the parks?

BW: It’s so exciting for me—for all of us who work on these projects—to see them opening again. It’s actually an emotional moment. We all get on Zoom together and we usually have somebody there on the ground who has their iPhone focused on the gates as they first open. It’s almost been more emotional to see the parks reopen than it was when we first saw them open—that’s how meaningful it is. We got the opportunity to do a very extensive reimagining of Disney California Adventure, and what fun that was, to take the best of a park that really had, I think, five or six of the most popular rides at the resort, but also to be able to bring new things: a whole new nighttime scene… a whole new shopping and story perspective… World of Color… Cars Land. But I really do love Buena Vista Street because we thought, well, if Main Street is Walt’s memory of his youth and growing up, then Buena Vista Street could be his memory of when he first came to the West Coast and started what we know as the Disney company today. So we were able to do Los Angeles and Hollywood from that era when Walt first was starting this Studio, starting with that sense of optimism. It really starts the park off with a tremendous amount of warmth and excitement, and having the bronze statue of Walt (as younger Walt) there at the end of the street where people can really stand right with him, put their arm around him, pose with him—it really is something a lot of people love.

Check out the D23 Inside Disney Podcast for more on Bob Weis

D23 Fantastic Worlds Celebration – Exclusive Early Access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Merchandise Just for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members

November 19, 2020November 23, 2020

By the D23 Team

This early access offer has ended. Look for these products soon, available to the public, on shopDisney.com

Exclusive D23 Gold and Gold Family Member early access to the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Merchandise — Luke Skywalker Lightsaber Hilt, Ben Solo Lightsaber Hilt, and Reforged Skywalker Lightsaber Hilt on shopDisney.

Get your hands on these detailed creations of the most elegant weapons in the galaxy. From November 19 – 20, D23 Gold members will have an exclusive “first-access” opportunity to purchase three legacy lightsaber hilts from Star Wars: Galaxy Edge on shopDisney.com, before the general public on November 25. These exotic items are from the eclectic assortment of goods at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

Watch the Fantastic World’s Celebration – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Storytelling through Merchandise

On Thursday, November 19, at noon PST shopDisney will make these three legacy lightsaber hilts available to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members before they go on sale to the public!

Luke Skywalker Lightsaber Hilt – Return of the Jedi – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

$140

An elegant weapon for a more civilized age, this detailed recreation of Luke Skywalker’s Return of the Jedi lightsaber hilt from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World and Disneyland activates sound effects and illuminates in green when you attach one of the Lightsaber Blades, sold separately.

Ben Solo Lightsaber Hilt – Rise of Skywalker – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

$140

The struggle between the Dark Side and the Light is at the heart of this detailed recreation of Ben Solo’s lightsaber hilt from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Activates sound effects and illuminates in blue when you attach one of the Lightsaber Blades, sold separately.

Reforged Skywalker Lightsaber Hilt – Rise of Skywalker – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

$130

An elegant weapon for a more civilized age, this detailed recreation of the Reforged Skywalker lightsaber hilt from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World and Disneyland activates sound effects and illuminates in blue when you attach one of the Lightsaber Blades, sold separately.

Created especially for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Exclusive early access for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members only.

To purchase, log in to shopDisney with the Disney account tied to your D23 Gold Membership.

Not a D23 Gold Member? Join Today!

Available to general public November 25, 2020

- - 12 p.m. PST launch on shopDisney 11/19 with waiting room

- - Must log in as D23 Gold member on shopdisney to purchase

- - Limit 1 per Guest
  - Not discountable

Offer Details:

Early access offer available only to D23 Gold and Gold Family members starting November 19, 2020, at 12 p.m. PT through November 20, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Items will be available for general public purchase on November 25, 2020. 900 Luke Skywalker Lightsaber Hilts, 300 Ben Solo Lightsaber Hilts, and 300 Reforged Skywalker Lightsaber Hilts are available for early access. Valid while supplies last at shopDisney.com (online but not via phone orders). Not valid on purchases made at Disney store and Disney Baby Store retail and outlet locations or Disney Parks and Resorts locations or on Disney store merchandise purchased from other retailers or using third party websites. Must be logged in to your Disney Account to redeem, using an account linked to your D23 Gold or Gold Family membership. Maximum of one of each item per D23 Membership. Items not eligible for any additional promotional discounts or offers except available shipping offers. Offer subject to restrictions and to change without notice. Void where prohibited.

Everything New You Can Stream on Disney+ in December 2020

November 19, 2020

By Zach Johnson

December is the perfect month to curl up under a blanket and enjoy some of your favorite films and series on Disney+. In addition to adding fan-favorite titles such as Anastasia, Big, Eddie the Eagle, Into the Woods, and Ralph Breaks the Internet to its library, Disney+ will also be premiering highly anticipated originals including Godmothered, High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special, On Pointe, Safety, Soul, and more. Throughout the month, The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse will release two new shorts a week, while a new episode of The Mandalorian will premiere weekly until its December 18 finale.

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

Friday, December 4
Anastasia
Big
Big Sharks Rule
Man vs. Shark
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Sky High
Godmothered (Premiere)
The Mandalorian (Episode: “Chapter 14”)
Beyond the Clouds: Where It All Began (Extras)
The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse (Shorts: “Keep on Rollin,’” “The Big Good Wolf”)

Friday, December 11
Disney Channel’s Epic Holiday Showdown
Disney Holiday Magic Quest
Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric
Ralph Breaks the Internet
High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special (Premiere)
Safety (Premiere)
The Mandalorian (Episode: “Chapter 15”)
Beyond the Clouds: Meet the Sobiechs (Extras)
The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse (Shorts: “The Brave Little Squire,” “An Ordinary Date”)

Friday, December 18
Buried Truth of the Maya
Cosmos: Possible Worlds (Season 1)
Disney Channel Holiday House Party
Disney Parks Sunrise Series (Season 1)
Disney Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (Season 3)
Eddie the Eagle
Into the Woods
Miraculous World: New York, United Heroez
On Pointe (Premiere)
Arendelle Castle Yule Log (Premiere)
Dory’s Reef Cam (Premiere)
Beyond the Clouds: Creating Zach’s World (Extras)
The Mandalorian (Episode: “Chapter 16”) (Season Finale)
The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse (Shorts: “Supermarket Scramble,” “Just the Four of Us”) (Winter Finale)

Friday, December 25
Max Keeble’s Big Move
Soul (Premiere)
Burrow (Premiere)
Beyond the Clouds: A Musical Miracle (Extras)

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

November 19, 2020September 14, 2022

By Zach Johnson

The stars have aligned, as the finale of The Right Stuff is arriving on Disney+ this Friday—the same day the documentary The Real Right Stuff is debuting on the streaming service, complementing the scripted series from National Geographic. Also streaming on Friday, the One Day at Disney season finale will once again celebrate Disney cast members from around the world. Then, on Saturday, tune in to Nat Geo WILD for another episode of Secrets of the Zoo: North Carolina, spotlighting polar bears, red wolves, and more animals. Last but not least, the 2020 American Music Awards will air live on ABC Sunday night, featuring the biggest names in entertainment and show-stopping performances fans simply cannot miss!

One Day at Disney—Friday, November 20, on Disney+
In the season finale, revisit the compelling and inspiring cast members who bring life to some of Disney’s most beloved stories. From the heart of Disney parks to the streets of Madrid, enjoy one more behind-the-scenes look at the people who make magic happen.

The Right Stuff—Friday, November 20, on Disney+
The thrilling finale, “Flight,” finds Shepard (Jake McDorman) feeling restless and underwhelmed after his dramatic voyage to space. Heeding advice from Glenn (Patrick J. Adams), Shepard tries to replace his ambition with gratitude. And while Shepard’s marriage somehow remains intact, Gordo (Colin O’Donoghue) reaches a crossroads with his wife, Trudy (Eloise Mumford). Meanwhile, after President John F. Kennedy, Jr., issues a challenge for NASA to send a man to the moon, Glenn’s drive to beat Shepard is reignited.

The Real Right Stuff—Friday, November 20, on Disney+
The two-hour documentary from National Geographic tells the remarkable true story of the nation’s first astronauts, the original Mercury 7, and pulls from hundreds of hours of archival film and radio broadcasts, interviews, home movies, and other rare and never-before-seen material to catapult viewers back to the late 1950s. The Real Right Stuff is a gripping account of NASA’s Project Mercury program, which revolutionized America’s role in human space exploration and inspired future generations of space enthusiasts. Free of modern-day narration and interviews, the special employs award-winning filmmaker Tom Jennings’ signature style to provide unparalleled access to the early days of the space race.

Secrets of the Zoo: North Carolina—Saturday, November 21, at 10 p.m. ET on Nat Geo WILD
In the brand-new episode “Polar Bear Opposites,” the zoo has been encouraging polar bears Nik and Anana to make a baby for years without any luck. With mating season approaching and the survival of their species hanging in the balance, this might be their last chance. Meanwhile, two critically endangered red wolves go on a blind date, an elderly porcupine needs radical dental work, and a young elephant undergoes unusual treatment.

2020 American Music Awards—Sunday, November 22, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Tune in as Taraji P. Henson hosts the show live, ushering in music’s hottest night of the year with dynamic performances from Bad Bunny with Jhay Cortez; Bebe Rexha and Doja Cat; Bell Biv DeVoe; Billie Eilish; BTS; Dan + Shay; Dua Lipa; Jennifer Lopez and Maluma; Justin Bieber; Katy Perry; Lewis Capaldi; Lil Baby; Machine Gun Kelly; Megan Thee Stallion; Nelly; Shawn Mendes; and The Weeknd with Kenny G. Roddy Ricch and The Weeknd are the most nominated artists, with eight each. Megan Thee Stallion earned five nods, while Bad Bunny, DaBaby, Doja Cat, Bieber, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift earned four.

These Easter Eggs and Details in The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special Are the Perfect Life Day Gift to Star Wars Fans

November 19, 2020November 30, 2020

By Jocelyn Buhlman

WARNING! This article contains spoilers for The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special on Disney+

Earlier this week, Disney+ rang in the biggest holiday in the galaxy in proper Star Wars style with the debut of The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special. That’s right, November 17 is traditionally Life Day in the Star Wars universe—but you can enjoy the special any day, now that it’s streaming on Disney+. Already watched the special? While you certainly enjoyed the holiday festivities and epic galactic adventures, did you also keep your eye out for hidden details or Easter eggs? According to Jaqui Lopez, executive producer, “It’s LEGO—we feel that we have a license to do anything in LEGO!” If anything goes, that means this weekend might call for a rewatch of the special with your pause button at the ready!

The biggest Easter Egg moment in the special is that “bucket dump moment,” as executive Josh Rimes calls it: “It’s Vader and Rey chasing each other across all timelines of Star Wars from prequels to the original trilogy and even The Mandalorian.” He likens the sequence to a child getting out all of their Star Wars LEGOS at once: “That’s our equivalent to kids dumping all their Star Wars Legos on the ground and having villains and heroes from different eras fight each other.”

So, what should you be keeping a sharp eye out for? Check out some of the notable moments and details the creative team has noted, and then let the Force guide you in your quest to spot them for yourself!

What Child is This?

The epic “bucket dump” moment Rimes references includes characters from all across the galaxy—including a certain Emmy Award-winning Disney+ series. “We have [The Child] for a brief moment and I just love that as soon as everyone sees [The Child], all action stops. Everyone’s like, ‘Aw!’” Lopez recalls. The cameo got a blessing from The Mandalorian’s creator himself: “You know, Favreau’s a big LEGO fan, so he’s supporting of it.”

Listen for Some Familiar Quotes

Part of that “license to do anything” in LEGO that Lopez mentioned includes referencing quotes that have become iconic catch phrases for Star Wars fans. From Admiral Ackbar delightedly opening his gifts with an exclamation of, “It’s a wrap!” to a chorus of Obi-Wans greeting each other with, “Hello there!” the special delights in celebrating quotes that fans can’t help but repeat. Some lines are not directly quoted (for example, Poe Dameron mentioned a certain ill-fated Senate Speech delivered by Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones), and a certain moment references a fairly new memetic Star Wars line that debuted with the launch of Disney+, (One word: Maclunkey!) so make sure to keep your ears open while you’re enjoying the special.

Batuu’s Hottest Life Day Gifts

Let’s be honest, if you lived in the Star Wars galaxy, wouldn’t you do all your gift shopping at Black Spire Outpost? Darth Vader certainly shops there, as he mentions he bought Emperor Palpatine’s gift at Batuu—the home planet of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort. That’s not the only reference to our favorite not-so-far, far away Star Wars planet. Tip-yip, one of the tasty treats you can buy at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is also enjoyed in LEGO form. (Wait until they find out about LEGO Ronto Wraps!)

A Family Reunion

As those familiar with the original Star Wars Holiday Special know, going home for the holidays isn’t just a human tradition—Wookiees also need some quality time with their fuzzy family to celebrate. Chewie’s wife, son, and father all appear in the original, live-action special—and since it’s that holiday season again, it only makes sense that we’d possibly get another glimpse of Chewie’s loved ones. “There is a Wookie that has markings of Itchy [Chewbacca’s father from the original Star Wars Holiday Special],” Lopez hints.

Being able to recreate these Star Wars Holiday Special characters in minifigure form is something Rhimes describes as “really funny,” but also, he thinks, “It’s just nice—there are moments that are just nice little nods to that original.” While only a few elements of that original holiday special made it into Star Wars canon right away, (Hey, Boba Fett!) it’s nice to spot some familiar faces making merry in this latest Star Wars adventure.

Festive Freemakers?

While the team was coy, it seems that loyal fans of the LEGO Star Wars animated series have another reason to go back and rewatch the special—”There is a small blink-and-you-miss-it nod to the Freemaker Adventures” Rimes teases.

Did you catch all these Easter eggs and details? Hoping to spot some new ones? You can stream The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special right now on Disney+. Want to learn more about how Lopez, Rhimes, and more of the LEGO Star Wars team built this epic special? Check out the Winter 2020 issue of Disney twenty-three magazine for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes story.

The Adorable Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway-Inspired Toys You Need to See

November 19, 2020November 24, 2020

By Beth Deitchman

What makes a Happy Meal even happier? Well, feast your eyes on a brand-new line of Happy Meal® toys that have just rolled into McDonald’s®. This new collection is inspired by the Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction and features our favorite mouse and his friends experiencing some of the most iconic attractions from across Walt Disney World Resort.

The 10 individual toys connect together to form a train—with Engineer Goofy leading the way—and each toy has a unique function that enables the character to move as it rolls. Look for Mickey and Minnie celebrating Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Donald Duck taking a spin in a teacup from the Mad Tea Party attraction, Pluto setting sail in a Jungle Cruise boat, and Mickey dropping in at the Hollywood Tower Hotel from The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ attraction, to name just a few of the toys that will be available.

FIRST LOOK: Buena Vista Street Returns and We Have Everything You Need to Know

November 19, 2020November 30, 2020

By Jeffrey Epstein

Buena Vista Street is back! The beloved entryway to Disney California Adventure that celebrates Walt’s early years in Southern California is set to reopen today as an extension of Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort. We got a first look at its glorious return and were able to get all the details you need to know! Plus, at the end, we show off some of the holiday décor that just went up around the Downtown Disney District and Buena Vista Street.

“I love coming to Downtown Disney District, especially here on Buena Vista Street when you walk in and see the garland all around the building, the lampposts decorated with ribbon,” notes Rafa Barron, one of Disneyland Resort’s ambassadors. “It brings back those holiday memories”

Walking from the main Esplanade area onto Buena Vista Street, the holiday spirit (and music!) is in the air. Bright, swirling greenery and ornaments adorn Oswald’s, and every lamppost is trimmed with care. The Red Car Trolley has even gotten in on the fun. And all the stores have their festive flair as well, from the “classic Christmas” look of Elias & Co. to an expansive garland of candies inside Trolley Treats (and you’re going to need to sample all the treats!). And while Off the Page is not part of this extension, check out the Kingswell Camera Shop for “Kingswell Signature Art,” which offers a few stunning pieces that may make a great stocking stuffer (if you can fit them into a stocking!). And outside Elias & Co., a floral bed bursts with bright red and white blooms to help put you in a holly jolly mood.

“This moment is exciting, not only for our guests as they get to visit Buena Vista Street again,” observes a beaming Justin Rapp, Rafa’s partner in making Disneyland Resort ambassador fun, “but it’s also exciting for us because, as cast members, we get to be making that holiday magic that we are so accustomed to.”

Of course, this is not the exact same Buena Vista Street we last visited. Much like they did for the reopening of Downtown Disney District this summer, the Disneyland cast members have worked hard to ensure that the best precautions have been put into place to ensure the safety and security of our guests.

“I’m grateful to be able to welcome back guests with health and safety top of mind,” adds Justin. “The training that the cast members have gone through has been incredible. We are trying to make sure guests have a nice safe holiday.”

Well-designed signs that fit into the look and feel of their respective areas outline the protocols that have worked so well at our resorts around the world, reminding guests that masks must be worn at all times unless you are seated and eating or drinking (and yep, that includes when posing in front of all the delightful decorations, so wear a colorful mask!); guests should remain six feet apart at all times; regular handwashing is encouraged (and additional stations with basins have been set up); and of course, please cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing (and if you don’t feel well, stay home—Downtown Disney will be here tomorrow!).

The check-out line at Elias & Co. is well-spaced for the safety of guests.

Like the signage, there are now well-themed markers on the floor to denote safe distancing between parties. And loads of additional seating has been added, which guests will certainly need so they can sit down to enjoy the popcorn and turkey legs and churros and Angry Dogs (yep, “imported” from Pixar Pier!). There is expanded seating throughout the area, offering plenty of space for guests to relax and enjoy some of Disneyland’s signature treats.

“One thing we have both at Trolley Treats and Marceline Confectionary is toffee,” says Justin of his favorite Disneyland treat. “I love toffee. It’s delicious and we make it fresh right here on Buena Vista Street. Seeing the process—from making the toffee to bagging it and it being sold and then into your stomach—it is so good!”

Rafa prefers the chocolate and peppermint marshmallow wands. “Every time I try it, it brings me back into the holiday spirit.”

Carthay Circle remains a beacon. “When you think of Buena Vista Street, you think of Carthay Circle Restaurant,” notes Justin. “And we are introducing Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining. It’s a new and innovative concept with an incredible menu created by our chef. And, beyond that, think about the atmosphere. You’re sitting outside on Buena Vista Street surrounded by holiday décor—I don’t think it gets much better than that!”

And at the tip of the street, nestled in front of Carthay Circle Lounge, the Storytellers statue of a young Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse gleams in the sun… perhaps a little bit brighter. In celebration of Mickey’s birthday yesterday, Disneyland unveiled beautiful refurbishments of the Partners statue inside Disneyland Park and the Storytellers statue, and the Disney Parks Blog details how it was done.

Now, onto the details. Be sure to check out the Downtown Disney District Know Before You Go for complete, up-to-date information.

Getting into Downtown Disney District / Buena Vista Street

Starting November 19, parking in the Simba lot will be $10 per car. As before, there will be temperature checks before you enter.
Entrance onto Buena Vista Street will be first-come, first-served. However, once the area has reached capacity, a mobile waiting list will be used.
Beginning November 27, the Downtown Disney District (including Buena Vista Street) will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Downtown Disney District hours as well as individual dining and retail location hours may vary, so we always encourage our guests to check the Disneyland app or Disneyland.com for specific location hours of operation.

Restaurants/Quick-Serve Locations Open on Buena Vista Street:

Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining: The fan-favorite sit-down restaurant of Disney California Adventure will offer al fresco dining and a significantly expanded seating area. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. Starting November 25, guests with proof of reservation to Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining may enter Buena Vista Street up to an hour prior to their reservations with their full party, when Buena Vista Street is at capacity. Guests with a reservation to Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining should speak with a cast member and present proof of the day’s dining reservation for assistance. The entire party must enter Buena Vista Street at the same time.
Fiddler, Fifer & Practical: Enjoy a cozy cup of coffee or cocoa or scone!
Smokejumpers Grill: This quick-serve restaurant is reopening with a modified menu—but don’t worry, it still includes those incredible onion rings! And with mobile ordering, you can just grab and go!
Award Wieners: These dogs are ready to take a bow at this quick- serve, which will offer mobile ordering.
Outdoor Vending Carts: Get ready to sample some of your favorite park treats as carts offering churros, popcorn, turkey legs, and even Angry Dogs are ready to serve you sweet and savory sensation
Splitsville Luxury Lanes™: Reopening for outdoor dining on November 24, guests can make a reservation or learn more by visiting the Splitsville page on Disneyland.com or the Disneyland app.

Miss seeing it snow on Main Street, U.S.A.? Create your own nighttime spectacular with this delightful new snow wand, available in Elias & Co and World of Disney

Shopping Locations Open on Buena Vista Street:

Elias & Co.: Along with stores such as Los Feliz Five & Dime and Big Top Toys, this signature shopping destination is bursting with holiday goodies and Disneyland-themed merchandise.
Julius Katz & Sons: Home décor abounds in this quaint shop.
Trolley Treats: Churro toffee anyone? Go in to see the candy-colored garland; stay for the sugar-coma-inducing deliciousness!
Kingswell Camera Shop: Now featuring stunning Disney artwork.

Again, please check out the Downtown Disney District Know Before You Go for complete, up-to-date details.

And have a very merry time looking at some of these shots of the dazzling decorations of Downtown Disney District. and Buena Vista Street.

Get Exclusive Early Access to Enchanting Fantasia 80th Anniversary Collectibles

November 18, 2020November 18, 2020

To celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Fantasia, we have exciting new shopping opportunities coming to shopDisney—exclusively for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members!

Starting Wednesday, November 11, at 7 a.m. PT, D23 Gold and Gold Family Members will have exclusive early access to purchase a Fantasia 80th Anniversary Collectible Key and Key Pin, before these items go on sale to the general public! Plus, all D23 Gold and Gold Family Members will be able to pre-order a limited-edition Fantasia 80th Anniversary Figure with Snowglobe, while supplies last. All three commemorative items are limited quantities, so be sure to act fast!

Fantasia Limited-Edition Snowglobe Figurine, $149.99 (Exclusive D23 Gold pre-order starting November 11 at shopDisney)

Fantasia Snow Globe — Snowglobe measures 9 1/4″H x 7 1/4″ Diameter.

Cast a spell of enchantment on your home or office with this commemorative 80th anniversary salute to Walt Disney’s masterpiece Fantasia. As the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Mickey Mouse commands his army of Magic Brooms to fill the well on this spectacular limited-edition statue topped by a small snowglobe.

Fantasia 80th Anniversary Collectible Key, $12.99 (Exclusive D23 Gold Access ONLY on November 11 at shopDisney)

Fantasia key — Key measures 6″ in length.

To continue with the collectible key series, the new special-edition Fantasia 80th Anniversary Collectible Key features Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. The Disney store ”D” key bursts with iconic film motifs. The key also features Fantasyland Castle teeth, the Fantasia film logo, magic brooms, and glitter Sorcerer Hat icons and comes in a commemorative window display box.

Fantasia 80th Anniversary Collectible Key Pin, $12.99 (Exclusive D23 Gold Access ONLY on November 11 at shopDisney)

Fantasia pin — Pin measures 2″ in length.

The collectible Fantasia 80th Anniversary Collectible Key Pin features Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. It is a miniature version of our Fantasia 80th Anniversary Collectible Key and features many of the same design elements and comes in a collectible keyhole display card.

Exclusive early access for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members only.

To purchase, log in to shopDisney with the Disney account tied to your D23 Gold Membership.

Not a D23 Gold Member? Join now!

Offer Details:

Fantasia Limited-Edition Snowglobe Figurine

Early access pre-order offer available only to D23 Gold and Gold Family members. Item will be available for general purchase on January 20, 2021. Valid while supplies last at shopDisney.com (online or via phone orders). Not valid on purchases made at Disney store and Disney Baby Store retail and outlet locations or Disney Parks and Resorts locations or on Disney store merchandise purchased from other retailers or using third party websites. Must be logged in to your Disney Account to redeem, using an account linked to your D23 Gold or Gold Family Membership. Maximum one item per D23 Gold Membership. Item not eligible for any additional promotional discounts or offers except available shipping offers. Offer subject to restrictions and to change without notice. Void where prohibited.

Fantasia Key and Pin

Early access offer available only to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members. Items will be available for general purchase on November 13, 2020. Valid while supplies last at shopDisney.com (online or via phone orders). Not valid on purchases made at Disney store and Disney Baby Store retail and outlet locations or Disney Parks and Resorts locations or on Disney store merchandise purchased from other retailers or using third party websites. Must be logged in to your Disney Account to redeem, using an account linked to your D23 Gold or Gold Family Membership. Maximum one of each item per D23 Gold Membership. Items not eligible for any additional promotional discounts or offers except available shipping offers. Offer subject to restrictions and to change without notice. Void where prohibited.