65 Years Later, Disneyland ’59 Shows Company at “the Forefront of Innovation”

By Moss Cohen

A mere four years after the 1955 opening of the Disneyland Resort—and 65 years ago this Friday—Walt Disney welcomed celebrities, fans, and even a full television crew to witness an event so grand, it felt like a “second opening” of Disneyland.

During a TV special on ABC titled Kodak Presents Disneyland ’59, Walt showed off six new and updated attractions as part of the first ever major expansion of Disneyland.

“Disneyland formally introduced the iconic E-Ticket attractions Submarine Voyage, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and the Disneyland-Alweg Monorail System,” Mike Buckhoff of the Walt Disney Archives, said. There was also “an all-new Skyway experience—which flew guests through the caverns of the Matterhorn’s Glacier Grotto—the reopening of the Motor Boat Cruise, and the Fantasyland Autopia.”

The Disneyland 1959 map.

Never Finished

Walt once remarked that “Disneyland will never be completed, as long as there is imagination left in the world.”

Seeking to ensure that all areas of the park were as robust as others, and that guests would regularly have something new to enjoy with each visit, Disneyland—and later all other Disney parks and resorts—would thrive on innovation.

However, innovation isn’t so simple, and ideas can push beyond the limits of what’s possible at the time.

Buckhoff states that Walt would “regularly envision changes and expansions for his new theme park, even as the turnstiles began revolving with the entry of the first guests to Disneyland in 1955.”

Walt Disney looks at framed Monorail plans.

Forward Thinking Innovation

“Since the very beginning, Disneyland attractions and experiences have been at the forefront of innovation,” Buckhoff noted.

While traveling across the globe, Walt would often find new ideas to implement at his park.

“Ever the forward thinker, Walt drew inspiration from the innovative monorail systems of Europe which he adapted to fit his Tomorrowland ideals,” Buckhoff said. “And the Matterhorn mountain was based on the towering peak in Switzerland which he visited during the filming of 1959’s Third Man on the Mountain.“

The Matterhorn Glacier Grotto in 1959

But to translate his inspiration into attractions, Walt needed time to allow his engineers at WED Enterprises (later Walt Disney Imagineering) to create what he had envisioned.

By 1959, “advancements in technology and available storytelling methods were providing some of the necessary tools for the creative evolution that Walt intended and actively sought out,” according to Buckhoff.

Buckhoff added that Matterhorn Bobsleds “was no exception, as it was the first roller-coaster style thrill ride at Disneyland and was also the first to use tubular steel tracks and an electronic dispatch system which allowed more than one car to be on the track at one time.”

Submarine Voyage, Matterhorn, Skyway, and the Disneyland-Alweg Monrail System

Of those new additions introduced in 1959, Buckhoff explained that the most influential may have been the Monorail.

It “would go on to serve as not only an enjoyable voyage,” ­­­­Buckhoff said, “but also an efficient means of transportation at other Disney sites, such as the Walt Disney World Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort.

Walt Disney and his family in front of the Monorail station.

For the Nation to See

“Well, Walt… how do you feel?” Disney Legend Art Linkletter asked.

“Like an expectant father: nervous, but wonderful,” Walt replied from in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Those were the words that greeted viewers when they tuned in to ABC on June 15, 1959, to view the broadcast of Kodak Presents Disneyland ’59, “an event chock-full of lively entertainment, including an extravagant parade down Main Street, U.S.A.,” Buckhoff stated.

“Walt Disney understood the rising importance of television in the 1950s,” Buckhoff added. He “quickly realized the medium could be an important asset to his theme park venture.”

Just as he had done with Dateline Disneyland, which showcased the opening of Disneyland on national television, “Disneyland ’59 afforded Walt Disney priceless publicity for the new adventures that awaited guests at the park,” Buckhoff declared.

The broadcast wouldn’t only live on television. “The Disney studio later released a 25-minute Technicolor featurette of the festivities in theatres entitled Gala Day at Disneyland,” Buckhoff explained. 

Still Innovating

Six and a half decades later, Disneyland Resort is getting ready to welcome in yet another new era of growth.

The company is investing $1.9 billion in the resort over the next 10 years through DisneylandForward.

“Now, it’s time for the next chapter in the legacy of Disneyland,” said Ken Potrock, President of the Disneyland Resort. “We’re ready to build on decades of innovation, creativity, and storytelling to bring new, exciting experiences for our guests.”

And the growth doesn’t stop in Anaheim.

Disney Experiences has opened a bevy of new lands and attractions all over the world, and has announced plans to turbocharge growth in its Experiences segment with even more new and exciting developments in the years to come.

Much like Walt did with Disneyland ’59, the company continues to regularly imagine and implement new innovations at its parks and experiences across the globe.

A Disneyland '59 banner hangs above Mainstreet, U.S.A., during a fireworks show.

7 Delicious Details to Spot in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

By Jocelyn Buhlman

We’re almost there! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at the end of the month, and with it comes an all-new story, song, and cast of critter characters for Disney fans to enjoy—that is, when they’re not too busy plunging down a 50-foot drop. Before you start going down the bayou, we’ve got the delicious details on Easter eggs and hidden treasures any sharp-eyed The Princess and the Frog fan will want to spot. Whether you’ll be making a splash on opening day, June 28, or joining us for our D23 Member preview of the attraction, let’s dig a little deeper into our favorite things to find in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

A part of the bright and colorful mural on the outside of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World. The mural depicts Louis the alligator playing the trumpet amongst a bright, green garden. Music notes come out of his trumpet, on a staff colored in with reds, greens, and yellow. The musical notation surrounds a variety of turnips in the air above him.

1. A Musical Mural

Before you even enter Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, make sure to stop and admire the gorgeous murals painted on the outside of the building. Created by New Orleans-based artist Malika Favorite, the murals are inspired by numerous murals and other works of art that decorate building exteriors throughout New Orleans. One mural in particular holds an Easter egg for the musically astute. Favorite describes the mural to the left of the entrance as Tiana’s garden, where “Louis inspired the garden to grow by adding music.” And what are his gardening grooves of choice? Of course, the music notation depicted in the mural is actual music from the original The Princess and the Frog movie!

Leah Chase sits in a music studio, singing into a microphone with her eyes closed.

2. A Touching Tribute to The Chase Family

Music plays a huge part of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, reflecting the musical nature of the city that inspired it: New Orleans! Terrance Blanchard, who performed the trumpet for Louis in the original film, was tasked with curating the songs you hear in the queue. While all the music pays tribute to the Crescent City, one song in particular stands out. In curating the soundtrack, Blanchard recalls, “Probably the most emotional was working with Leah Chase.” Leah Chase, Jr. is the daughter of Leah Chase, Sr.—who created one of the first African American fine-dining establishments in the country and was one of the inspirations for the character of Tiana herself! The Chase family has been involved with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure from the start, and it’s a wonderful tribute to Leah Chase, Sr. and her family’s influence to feature her daughter singing in the queue. Blanchard recalls the emotional day of recording, explaining, “Leah came in and sang ‘Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?’ and there wasn’t a dry eye in the studio. She did it in one take and that’s all she needed.”

A to-do list written in white chalk on a black chalk board, featuring tasks that characters from The Princess and the Frog need to or have completed before the big Mardi Gras party. Included on the list with the character names are the names Carmen, Charita, and Leah.

3. They’ve Got a Lot to Do!

While you’re tapping your toes to the New Orleans-inspired tunes of the queue, keep an eye out for an Easter egg that names two Walt Disney Imagineers key to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. You can spot Tiana’s to-do list for the big party after you pass her kitchen; many characters we know and love are assigned to tasks to help Tiana out—but amongst those names are two not from the film: Carmen and Charita. Carmen Smith, Senior Vice President, Creative Development – Product/Content & Inclusive Strategies, and Charita Carter, Executive Producer of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, have already checked off a lot on their to-do list to make this party happen… after all, they’re part of the team behind the attraction itself!

Three kids explore the queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, leaning on a railing and taking a photo of a plate of beignets that are out of focus in the bottom front of the photo.

4. What’s Cooking?

If you’ve ever wondered just what the recipes are for some of Tiana’s most famous dishes, wonder no more! As you explore the queue, you’ll see Tiana’s father’s gumbo recipe framed along with other family mementos. If you can take your eyes off the delicious beignets in the kitchen for just a second, you’ll also notice Tiana has helpfully written down her beignet recipe on the counter. Didn’t have time to make note of the recipes? You can check out Tiana’s Cookbook,featuring even more tasty treats from Tiana’s world that you can make in your very own kitchen—trumpet-playing alligator not included.

In the finale of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Princess Tiana sings in front of a colorful building, surrounded by critters performing music. To her right, a rabbit sits on a stair railing, playing a license plate like a washboard.

5. You Auto Spot This Detail

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure introduces us to a whole cast of critters, from frogs to bears to an armadillo with an eye patch. But according to Executive Creative Director Ted Robledo, there’s one critter in particular you need to keep an eye on. He explains, “One of my favorites is called Gritty the rabbit and he plays this washboard—but it’s actually an automobile license plate. We find evidence of this license plate being missing in the queue.” We’d ask Gritty to give it back, but we can’t stop dancing to his infectious tunes! 

A framed black and white photo of Tiana, her father, and her mother

6. Honoring Tiana’s Father

This detail in the queue is especially near and dear to Carter as an Air Force brat. The queue features a variety of photos from Tiana’s life, including many of her beloved father. Carter explains, “From the film we learn that Tiana’s dad was a World War I veteran in the Army. We have photos of him in the queue, and you can see him in his uniform and with Tiana.” For Carter, that detail is “especially meaningful,” as several of her family members have served in the Air Force.

The exterior of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, facing the attraction’s 50-foot drop. In the bottom of the image, two frogs sit on a log with their backs to the camera.

7. Astutely Observant Amphibians

We make a variety of froggy friends throughout the attraction—and while many of them are preoccupied with showing off their musical skills, others are just as interested in looking at us as we are looking at them. Haunted Mansion fans are familiar with a selection of portraits scattered throughout Magic Kingdom’s mansion, where all the subjects’ eerie eyes seem to move and follow you, no matter where you go. But did you ever expect to see frogs do the same thing? Keep an eye out for these very focused frogs… they’re certainly keeping an eye out for you!

The Cast of Inside Out 2 Picks Their Favorite Disney Movies

By Bruce C. Steele

Things are about to get emotional.

When D23 asked cast members and the director of Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 to name their favorite Disney or Pixar film, most were eager to pick… Inside Out! Told that that wasn’t an option—since we expected a bias in that direction—we were faced with a bit of sadness, some anxiety, and maybe a little anger. But in every case, joy soon kicked in as other beloved choices came to mind…

Read on to compare your second-favorite Disney or Pixar movie to these picks… and be sure to see Inside Out 2, only in theaters, opening June 14!

Inside Out 2 cast member Amy Poehler stands next to the character Joy at the film’s world premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California, on June 10. The backdrop behind them features the film’s logo in white on a multicolored background. She’s wearing a floral gown.

Amy Poehler (Joy)

D23: Was there a Disney film or a Pixar film that really meant a lot to you when you were growing up?

AP: Let me think. I mean, my brain goes to the ones I saw when I was really small. Does it have to be animation?

D23: Of course not.

AP: Okay, because I used to like the live-action ones, like Bedknobs and Broomsticks. I think that’s Disney, right?

D23: Sure!

AP: It’s a classic, from 1971, the year I was born. It was a musical—like Mary Poppins adjacent—and it had action and animation. And it had Angela Lansbury. I fell in love with Angela Lansbury, who was, as we know, a great actor and voice actor. That was a big one for me.

Inside Out 2 cast member Maya Hawke stands in front of a backdrop with the film’s logo on it in white on purple at the film’s world premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California, on June 10. She’s wearing a dark green low-cut gown.

Maya Hawke (Anxiety)

MH: When I was a little girl, I loved Cinderella. I loved that movie. I loved the way the animals talk to each other. The whole thing lit up my imagination in such a wonderful way. Since then, as I grew up, WALL•E is a work of staggering genius that I watched at exactly the right time. I think about it probably every single week as I watch the world change around all of us. So that’s a favorite. And then came Inside Out. I would pick those three as kind of the demarcators of [certain] times in my life.

Inside Out 2 cast member Lewis Black stands in front of a backdrop with the film’s logo on it in white on purple at the film’s world premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California, on June 10. He’s wearing a blue sport jacket over a black T-shirt.

Lewis Black (Anger)

LB: Fantasia, because Walt Disney took it out of the space of just Disney. I also like [anything with] Goofy, because whoever came up with Goofy is just demented. Who conceived of this character, you know? All of those cartoons as a kid had an effect on me. Because I’m it, right? I’m the target audience.

Inside Out 2 cast member Tony Hale stands in front of a backdrop with the film’s logo on it in white on purple at the film’s world premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California, on June 10. He’s wearing a gray sport jacket over a green shirt.

 Tony Hale (Fear)

D23: What Disney or Pixar film other than Inside Out has meant the most to you growing up or as an adult or in any way in your life?

TH: Man, so many times, even when I was doing press for Toy Story 4 [Hale is the voice of Forky. –Ed.], I would always mention Inside Out as my most influential movie. Let me think a minute. I mean, they’re all so beautiful. I mean, Up definitely has a special place in my heart. I also just love The Incredibles, which came around during a time when you never really saw the weaknesses of superheroes. But, again, Inside Out is always the immediate answer.

Phyllis Smith (Sadness)

PS: I loved Up. It really hit home with me because I had elderly parents, and about the time that Up came out, my dad was in a precarious position. And he’s no longer with us. My mom is still with me, but… So Up really hit home with me. I identified with it a lot.

D23: Was there any Disney film that was special to you when you were a child?

PS: Cinderella, because every little girl wanted to be a princess or turn into a princess. So, yeah, I’ve been a Disney fan all my life.

Inside Out 2 director Kelsey Mann stands in front of a backdrop with the film’s logo on it in white on purple at the film’s world premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California, on June 10. He’s wearing a blue sport jacket over a black T shirt.

Kelsey Mann (director)

KM: I was always a huge fan of Disney growing up, and I wanted to work there. It wasn’t until I was in college when Pixar started making movies, and I saw Toy Story and was blown away by it. And I was blown away by a bug’s life. But I vividly remember going to Toy Story 2 and being like, “Okay, they’ve made some great original movies. Are they going to phone in the sequel?”… The fact that Toy Story 2 was as good as the original blew me away—that even in the sequel, they were committed to quality and making a great film. I remember watching the end credits for Toy Story 2 and just having this sense of wishing that my name was on it. I just pinch myself that I get to work here, every day. And I try to remind myself, whenever I get stressed, of that moment and that feeling. To be a part of the legacy of Disney and Pixar has been absolutely incredible.

Gold Member Offer: $3 Off to the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, CA

The Walt Disney Family Museum
Where: The Walt Disney Family Museum
What: $3 Off Tickets
Expires: April 17, 2025

Find animation, innovation, and inspiration and immerse yourself in the remarkable life story of Walt Disney—the man who raised animation to an art; tirelessly pursued innovation; and created a distinctly American legacy, transforming the entertainment world! Located in the Presidio of San Francisco, The Walt Disney Family Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is one of the Bay Area’s most inspirational venues... welcoming visitors to an historic building that reveals 40,000 square feet of imagination. Contemporary interactive galleries and state-of-the-art exhibits are narrated in Walt’s own voice, and feature early drawings, cartoons, movies, music, listening stations, more than 200 video screens, and a spectacular model of Disneyland. While you’re there, enjoy weekend screenings of Disney classics. Come experience the life story of the man behind the magic.

D23 Gold Members can receive $3 off general admission tickets (all price levels) for themselves and up to three (3) guests!

To redeem your offer in-person, please follow the instructions below:

Guests must show their proof of D23 Gold Membership at the Ticket Desk to redeem the discount.

NOTE
Offer valid for $3 off general admission tickets (all price levels) for the Gold Member and up to three (3) guests. Must be a current D23 Gold Member and show proof of membership at the museum ticket desk. Offer is non-transferable and may not be applied to prior purchases; combined with any other offer or discount; used online; redeemed by employees; or applied to gift card purchases, tax, or shipping charges. This offer is redeemable in-person at the ticket desk only—not available online. Terms and conditions, and blockout dates, may apply.

All discounts subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. D23 Gold Members must present their valid D23 Gold Member card prior to purchases to receive any applicable benefits or discounts. Benefits and discounts at Disney-owned and operated locations are determined solely by Disney, are subject to restrictions and exclusions, and may be valid at only select locations. Check third-party locations for details about their offered benefits and discounts, if any; Disney is not responsible for benefits and discounts offered by any third parties. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer void where prohibited by law.

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Showcased are the four 2025 D23 Gold Member Premiums: Disneyland 70th Collection, including The Happiest Place on Earth, a replica Disneyland Park entrance plaque, and a reproduction of the Disneyland Entrance plaque text draft; Gold Member Fan Pack including a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse water bottle, crossbody bag, and hat; a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse Spirit Jersey; and a 10-piece Pin Set.

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Everything to Watch and Read If You Can’t Get Enough of Star Wars: The Acolyte

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Star Wars: The Acolyte made its two-episode debut on Disney+, giving us the first live-action look into the High Republic Era of the Star Wars galaxy. With a veritable nebula of Star Wars content before you, we’re here to be your guide to keeping the fun going as you dive into the mysterious world of The Acolyte.

A collage of Star Wars: The High Republic book covers, with the Star Wars: The High Republic logo superimposed over it.

Books

Much of the High Republic era is explored through on the page—and our friends at StarWars.com have a comprehensive guide to the books in chronological order. But what if you just need a lightspeed look at this era? Check out Star Wars: The High Republic: Chronicles of the Jedi: An Illustrated Guide to the Galaxy’s Golden Age, an in-universe guide to the High Republic Era that provides an entry point for anyone new to both this time period and the Star Wars saga as a whole.

More curious about The Acolyte characters than its era? While there’s plenty of new faces in the series, one rather green face has already appeared in Star Wars canon. Vernestra Rwoh, a Mirialan Jedi Master, made her mark in the Star Wars galaxy in a series of Star Wars: The High Republic books, which chronicle how she becomes one of the youngest Knights in Jedi history at the age of 16. You can follow Vernestra’s adventures in the following books:

Comics

High Republic stories bring the action in several comic series exploring the Jedi and Padawans adventures during this grand era. Explore these stories in Marvel’s Star Wars: The High Republic by Cavan Scott,  which is an adventure story with horror overtones following Jedi Knights and Padawans as they deal with the Nihil and the Drengir. For a more all-ages story, you can read Dark Horse’s Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures by Daniel José Older which tells the stories of younglings and Padawans as they’re thrust into the fight against the Nihil.

In an image from Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Rystáll Sant, a humanoid alien with bright red hair, spotted pink skin, and horns, gasps in shock at something happening offscreen.

Movies

While no Star Wars movies have explored the High Republic era or the characters we meet in The Acolyte, there are two films that were influential to the story of The Acolyte. The series’ events can be seen as the start of a journey for the Jedi that ends with Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. For series creator and showrunner Leslye Headland, The Phantom Menace was a key milestone for positioning her own story: “We straddled this gilded age where the Jedi are at their height and spiritually attuned, and then where they are in The Phantom Menace, where they’re completely politically embroiled and unable to sense what Palpatine’s doing. To me it was nice to set something between those two things and understand where the Jedi are in their journey.”

While not as key to the plot of The Acolyte, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi was extremely influential on Headland in a different way. Fans familiar with the special edition of Return of the Jedi might remember that three alien singers were featured during the “Jedi Rock” sequence near the beginning of the film. For you, it might have been a fun sequence, but for Headland, it sparked a lifelong obsession with the character Rystáll Sant, a singer with a shock of red hair, horns, and hooves, who belongs to the Theelin species. “I thought they were so cool,” Headland explained of Theelins. “I remember watching her in the theater and just being like, that is such a cool design!” Naturally, there had to be a Theelin in The Acolyte, and so half-Theelin padawan Jecki Lon (Dafne Keen) was born. “It’s just my younger self being like, it would be so cool if there was a Theelin Jedi!” And she was right—it is very cool.

The two-episode premiere of The Acolyte is now streaming on Disney+. 

Meet the New Emotions of Inside Out 2

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

Inside Out 2, Pixar’s highly anticipated sequel to 2015’s Oscar®-winning Inside Out, arrives exclusively in theaters on Friday, June 14. This time, things are more emotionally charged than ever. A whole host of new Emotions have arisen in the mind of now-teenager Riley (voiced by Kensington Tallman). Joining Riley’s OG Emotions at Headquarters are Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke), Envy (voiced by Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (voiced by Adèle Exarchopoulos), and Embarrassment (voiced by Paul Walter Hauser)—aka the perfect recipe for teenage drama.

These new Emotions are set to stir things up, challenge our perceptions, and create new dynamics with Joy (voiced by Amy Poehler), Disgust (voiced by Liza Lapira), Fear (voiced by Tony Hale), Anger (voiced by Lewis Black), and Sadness (voiced by Phyllis Smith)—the original Emotions. Buckle up, because Riley’s emotional roller coaster just got a whole lot bumpier!

In a scene from Inside Out 2, Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke) stands facing the camera, nervously waving at the original Emotions lined up in front of her. To the right of the image is Headquarters' cream console with colorful buttons. Behind Anxiety, shelves display colorful marble balls. In front of them sits a red couch with orange pillows.

Anxiety
This jittery guardian ensures Riley is ready for every imaginable disaster. Armed with color-coded charts and doomsday plans, Anxiety is practically Velcroed to Riley’s back, navigating social minefields—because heaven forbid a teenager feels left out. In essence, Anxiety is the friend you never asked for but can’t shake off. But Anxiety’s not the villain—like all the Emotions, she wants what’s best for Riley.

In a scene from Inside Out 2, Joy (voiced by Amy Poehler), Anger (voiced by Lewis Black), Disgust (voiced by Liza Lapira), Envy (voiced by Ayo Edebiri), and Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke) stand behind Riley’s Headquarters console, now teal, reflecting Envy’s influence. Envy lies atop the console. Joy, Anger, and Disgust wear shocked expressions, while Anxiety appears pleased.

Envy
Sadly, no one escapes her green-eyed glare. With a size that belies her strength, Envy is constantly coveting what others possess and is fixated on the latest and greatest, longing for whatever Riley happens to lack. She plays a critical role in creating Riley’s wants and goals. As for the antidote? We’re stumped. Maybe a sprinkle of glitter and a dash of self-esteem?

Ennui
Ah, and here comes Ennui, here to establish that, for teenagers, most events are as thrilling as watching paint dry. School? Yawn. Family dinner? Double yawn. But hey, she must serve some purpose, right? When the drama gets to be too much,  Ennui is there to take it down a notch or nine.

In a scene from Inside Out 2, Sadness (voiced by Phyllis Smith), Fear (voiced by Tony Hale), Anger (voiced by Lewis Black), and Disgust (voiced by Liza Lapira) stand on the left side of the Headquarters’ console. The left corner has turned blue with Sadness’s touch. Lying on his stomach on the console and turning it pink is Embarrassment (voiced by Paul Walter), clad in a gray hoodie, jeans, and red shoes. On the right side of the console stands Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke), looking nervously at Embarrassment. The background of the images features windows and shelves with colorful, illuminated marble balls.

Embarrassment
Last, but certainly not least, meet Embarrassment: the self-conscious sentinel of awkwardness, on a mission to shield you from both your finest and your cringiest moments. Shy and decidedly quiet, Embarrassment is ready to flop onto the Headquarters’ console at the mere whiff of a social faux pas.

Gold Member Offer: 15% off Food at STK Steakhouse, Disney Springs

STK Steakhouse
Where: STK, Disney Springs
What: 15% Off Food
Expires: April 15, 2025

Relax in the chic lounge atmosphere or on the stunning rooftop terrace at STK Steakhouse in Disney Springs, Florida, where guests can experience world-class service and a carefully crafted, modern menu.

D23 Gold Members can dine in style and enjoy 15% off food at STK Steakhouse in Disney Springs. 

To redeem your offer in-person, please follow the instructions below:

Guests must show proof of D23 Gold Membership during their in-person dining experience to redeem the offer. 

NOTE
This offer excludes holidays, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Halloween. Cannot be combined with any other offer including happy hour. Does not apply to tax/gratuity. No cash value. Dine-in only. Offer only valid at STK located at Disney Springs, Florida.

All discounts subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. D23 Gold Members must present their valid D23 Gold Member card prior to purchases to receive any applicable benefits or discounts. Benefits and discounts at Disney-owned and operated locations are determined solely by Disney, are subject to restrictions and exclusions, and may be valid at only select locations. Check third-party locations for details about their offered benefits and discounts, if any; Disney is not responsible for benefits and discounts offered by any third parties. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer void where prohibited by law.

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Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Showcased are the four 2025 D23 Gold Member Premiums: Disneyland 70th Collection, including The Happiest Place on Earth, a replica Disneyland Park entrance plaque, and a reproduction of the Disneyland Entrance plaque text draft; Gold Member Fan Pack including a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse water bottle, crossbody bag, and hat; a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse Spirit Jersey; and a 10-piece Pin Set.

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Meet the Characters of Star Wars: The Acolyte

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Star Wars: The Acolyte is about to make the lightspeed jump to Disney+ for its two-episode premiere on June 4, and it’s taking all our Force powers to wait to dive into the series’ mysterious story. Set approximately 100 years before Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, The Acolyte follows the Jedi at the height of their power, facing a sinister unknown threat. While much of the series itself is shrouded in mystery, we do know a little bit about the characters at the center of this intergalactic intrigue:

Mae—a woman in a cloak and black face mask—holds silver daggers in both hands, posed as though ready to strike an attacker. A black border frames the bottom of the image with the logo for Star Wars: The Acolyte written in white font.

Mae (Amandla Stenberg)
We don’t know much about Mae, other than she’s central to the conflict and mystery in The Acolyte from the jump. Her tragic past has led her to seek vengeance on those who have wronged her—no matter who stands in her way.

Jedi Master Sol holds his blue lightsaber with both hands, turned towards the camera as though preparing for an attack. A black border frames the bottom of the image with the logo for Star Wars: The Acolyte written in white font.

Master Sol (Lee Jung-Jae)
As a highly respected Jedi Master, Master Sol is strong in the ways of the Force—and he keeps his powerful emotions in balance through his Jedi training. However, his control is tested when the struggle central to The Acolyte throws him into internal conflict.

Jedi Master Indara faces the camera, her left hand held forward in the “stop” motion. She holds her ignited green lightsaber in her right hand. A black border frames the bottom of the image with the logo for Star Wars: The Acolyte written in white font.

Jedi Master Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss)
With great physical and mental skill, Master Indara has total control over her Force abilities. She is viewed as a commanding presence, never seeking out combat but with enough skill to engage on her own terms.

In an image from Star Wars: The Acolyte, Yord Fandar, a humanoid Jedi Master, stands next to Jecki Lon, a half-human, half-theelin Jedi padawan. Both are looking towards the camera in surprise at something offscreen.

Yord Fandar (Charlie Barnett)
Dedicated to the rules and his role as a guardian at the Jedi Temple, Yord Fandar is overachieving to a fault, letting his need to be by-the-book cloud his mind.

Jecki Lon, a humanoid alien with white skin and hair and horns lining her forehead, holds her green lightsaber out, a train of green light implying she has just swung her blade towards the viewer. A black border frames the bottom of the image with the logo for Star Wars: The Acolyte written in white font.

Jecki Lon (Dafne Keen)
Half human and half theelin, Jecki Lon is a studious Padawan to Master Sol. Despite her young age, Jecki conducts herself with a calm maturity beyond her years.

In an image from Star Wars: The Acolyte, Jedi Master Vernestra Rwoh, a green humanoid alien, stands in a forest looking at something offscreen.

Vernestra “Vern” Rwoh (Rebecca Henderson)
Book lovers may already know Vernestra Rwoh from the Star Wars: The High Republic books such as  A Test of Courage and Out of the Shadows. As one of the youngest Jedi Knights in a generation, joining the order at 15, Vern has ascended the ranks to leader. She is known for her purple-bladed lightsaber that changes into a lightwhip.

Gold Member Offer: 10% Off Merchandise at Sugarboo & Co, Disney Springs

Sugarboo & Co
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Expires: April 15, 2025

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To redeem your offer in-person, please present a valid D23 Gold Membership card at time of purchase to receive the discount at checkout.

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Showcased are the four 2025 D23 Gold Member Premiums: Disneyland 70th Collection, including The Happiest Place on Earth, a replica Disneyland Park entrance plaque, and a reproduction of the Disneyland Entrance plaque text draft; Gold Member Fan Pack including a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse water bottle, crossbody bag, and hat; a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse Spirit Jersey; and a 10-piece Pin Set.

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Ron Howard on Directing Jim Henson Idea Man—A New Disney+ Documentary About a “One-in-a-Generation Talent”

By Moss Cohen

Disney Legend Jim Henson was many things.

He was the beloved creator of The Muppets, an innovator, and according to director Ron Howard, a “one-in-a-generation talent.”

Howard explores the many aspects of Henson and his wondrously creative life in Jim Henson Idea Man—a new documentary from Disney Branded Television about the creator that premieres on Disney+ on Friday.

We spoke with the famed director about the project, what made Henson special, and what drew Howard to Idea Man.

What is the story you’re trying to tell with Jim Henson Idea Man?

I have always been a fan of Jim’s work and was very excited about the opportunity. Many people have felt impacted by his work, yet there is still an entire generation with lesser knowledge on his contributions to cinema, television, and pop culture. I hope this story is an honest reflection of Jim’s immense creativity and serves as a catalyst for opportunity for audiences to feel inspired by.

Jim Henson is one of the most iconic creators in pop culture history. As a creator yourself, what drew you to direct this documentary?

I have long admired Jim and found his work ethic to be extremely influential to my own. As I began researching deeper into his creative history, I learned things about Jim that I felt needed to be recognized wholeheartedly. I was drawn to re-telling the story of this one-in-a-generation talent while still relishing in the challenge of compacting the story of this creatively complex individual in 105 minutes.

Jim Henson tinkers with a Kermit the Frog Muppet.

What is the one thing you learned about Jim Henson that surprised you?

Jim operated on the assumption that creativity has no bounds and it reflected in all his projects. I hope my film creates opportunity for audiences to go back to his work and see just how far he was able to stretch his ideas across various mediums. To my surprise, this restless and burning creative spirit became more apparent than ever as I dug deeper into the creation of this film.

Jim Henson and The Walt Disney Company were connected in many ways. How did working with Disney help you tell Henson’s story?

There has always been a natural synergy between The Walt Disney Company and Jim Henson. Beyond Imagine Entertainment and me, I wanted to ensure Jim’s children and The Henson Company felt confident in their collaborators. In this search, it became increasingly evident that Disney — with their amassed knowledge of Jim and their continued support of his work—was the best fit. 

Jim Henson Idea Man is now streaming on Disney+.