Every Way Disney is Celebrating the Year of the Mouse in 2020

By Zach Johnson

Oh, boy! It’s the Year of the Mouse, so you can bet Mickey and friends are taking part. Traditionally celebrated within Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures, Lunar New Year honors the celestial journey of the sun and the moon as they cycle into another year. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up everything to do, eat, and see at Disney California Adventure Park, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and some of the many other ways Disney is saluting the Year of the Mouse.

Disney California Adventure Park

From January 17 through February 9, 2020, guests visiting the park in Anaheim, California, will enjoy exciting live entertainment and musical performances. Running several times daily, “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” is a special parade led by Mulan that dedicates the new year’s blessings to family and friendship. Since it’s the Year of the Mouse, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse join the procession in new celebration attire, along with Goofy in his “God of Good Fortune” ensemble and Chip ‘n’ Dale in their red vests.

The 24-day celebration will also see the return of the “Hurry Home – Lunar New Year Celebration” before the World of Color spectacular. The uplifting nighttime water show at Paradise Bay tells the tale of a little lantern’s quest to reunite with family for the annual celebration of good luck and fortune—and features an appearance from Mulan!

Mickey and Minnie will don festive attire as they greet guests at Paradise Gardens. Other characters guests may encounter include Mulan, Pluto, and the Three Little Pigs.

Red and gold décor symbolizes good fortune, and guests will notice ornamental lanterns and banners wishing them a Happy Lunar New Year—in multiple languages!

Foodies will enjoy four festive marketplaces to experience delightful food and beverages inspired by Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures, including the smoked beef bulgogi short rib and the peach sojito, plus other new and returning favorites. The Sip and Savor pass is available to guests who want a taste of all the Asian marketplaces.

Longevity Noodle Co.

  • Chicken Meatballs and Lo Mein Noodles with Cabbage Salad and Apple-Ginger Sauce
  • Vegetable Egg Roll and Chilled Sesame Garlic Noodles with Cilantro-Cashew Sauce and Toasted Peanuts
  • Black Sesame Mochi Donut
  • Vietnamese Cold Brew with Coconut Milk
  • Tsingtao (bottled alcoholic beverage)

Lucky 8 Lantern

  • Shrimp Fried Rice with Garlic Bacon Edamame
  • Smoked Beef Bulgogi Shortrib on Rice Cake
  • Manadarin Orange and Green Tea Tart
  • Peach Sojito (alcoholic beverage)
  • Hitachino Nest Beer (bottled alcoholic beverage)

Prosperity Bao & Buns

  • Char Siu Pork Bao – Chinese BBQ Pork with Pickled Red Onions and Jalapeño
  • Mickey Chinese Hot Dog Bun
  • Lychee-Grapefruit Gin Spritzer (alcoholic beverage)
  • Kloud Original Gravity Lager (canned alcoholic beverage)

Red Dragon Spice Traders

  • Firecracker Three Cup Chicken Wings
  • Shrimp & Ginger Dumplings with Soy Reduction and Sriracha Mayo
  • Purple Yam Macaron with Crème Fraîche
  • Honey-Lime Green Tea
  • Honey-Lime Green Tea with Bourbon (alcoholic beverage)
  • Bottle Logic Hanamacahi (draft alcoholic beverage)

Themed food and beverage options are also available at the following locations:

Paradise Garden Grill (Mobile Order Available)

  • Korean Grilled Chicken
  • Plant-Based Orange Tempeh
  • Pork Belly Bahn Mi
  • Whole Deep-Fried Tilapia with Chili Lime Vinaigrette and Steamed Rice
  • Mango Mousse
  • Almond Milk Iced Tea
  • Orange Blossom Cocktail (alcoholic beverage)
  • Tiger Beer
  • Kloud Beer

Lucky Fortune Cookery (Mobile Order Available)

  • Bao Bun with Seasonal Fruit

Outdoor Vending Carts

  • Almond Cookies
  • Bulgogi Chicken

Lamplight Lounge

  • Pork Belly Egg Rolls – fried crispy egg rolls stuffed with tender pork belly and served with spicy mango glaze, pickled carrots, leaf lettuce, fresh cucumber, and pork rinds egg rolls stuffed with tender pork belly and served with spicy mango glaze, pickled carrots, leaf lettuce, fresh cucumber, and pork rinds

Throughout the celebration, daily performances by authentic Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese dancers and musicians will take place throughout Paradise Gardens Park.

New themed merchandise inspired by different cultures of East Asia are available to purchase. Guests will find all-new spirit jerseys, fun bobble-head figures with Chip ‘n’ Dale, a traditional red envelope set, themed Minnie Mouse ear headbands, and more!

Lucky Wishing Wall, located in Paradise Gardens, is where guests may write down wishes and tie them to the wall in hopes for a prosperous future. The educational art walls provide guests with information about the festival, including fun details such as “What Year Are You?,” as well as the unique story of Lunar New Year in each culture.

One area of the park features a complimentary dragon’s pearl coloring craft, while another features Chinese calligraphy with local artisans. Plus, new face-painting opportunities are now part of the Lunar New Year celebration, available for purchase.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

From now until February 9, 2020, everyone’s favorite mouse will be ringing in the new year throughout the park as part of the “Magical Year After Year” Chinese New Year Event.

Guests visiting Hong Kong Disneyland Resort during the first five days of the Chinese New Year (January 25–29, 2020) will receive a newly designed, Mickey Mouse-themed red packet upon entering the park (while supplies last). These limited-edition “packs of fortune” are memorable souvenirs and can be turned into fai chun banner decorations.

Enjoy the park’s festive decorations, including fai chun, beautiful lanterns, and flowers. Mickey joins his friends in their Chinese New Year outfits as they wish everyone a happy new year filled with good fortune and happiness. The Disneyland Band also brings joy by performing a series of Chinese New Year-themed songs. Guests can tour the specially created “Mickey’s Lucky Trail,” featuring nine spots in the park filled with good luck to help guests collect blessings for 2020 (during the first three days of the Lunar New Year), and they can even collect an exclusive set of stickers along the trail!

Each night, a dazzling Chinese New Year-edition of the “We Love Mickey!” projection show features Mickey dressed in his Chinese New Year outfit. Also, guests can also say “Kung Hei Fat Choi” to “God of Fortune” Goofy at The Annex and take pictures with him.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is serving up a series of delectable dishes with a festive twist. Guests can enjoy a traditional “Lo Hei” at Main Street Corner Cafe, hosted by Coca-Cola®, try the Chinese New Year-themed pastries at Main Street Bakery, and indulge in a decadent “Full House of Golden Treasures Dinner Set” at the Crystal Lotus.

Collect yourselves, collectors, because more than 50 exclusive merchandise items will be available! Check out the new Chinese New Year looks for Mickey and friends, as well as for Duffy and friends. Ring in Lunar New Year by snagging themed home décor, red packets, colorful new headbands, Year of the Mouse-edition Tsum Tsums, and more. Guests will flip their fins over Ariel’s Grotto Coral collection, and they’ll fall in love with Minnie’s REDD color fashion series—both of which are perfect for this time of year!

Hong Kong

In celebration of the Year of the Mouse, Disney worked with local partners to bring fans a wide range of Mickey-themed collections filled with Lunar New Year vibes. Through February 16, 2020, multiple Hang Lung Properties malls in Hong Kong—including Fashion Walk, Grand Plaza, Hollywood Plaza, Gala Place, Amoy Plaza, Kornhill Plaza, and Peak Galleria—have transformed into a festive Mickey town, part of the “Mick” the Holidays Bright campaign.

During the campaign period, Disney will delight fans with Mickey-themed decorations, including a specially-curated Mickey-themed lion dance art installation, a brand-new collection with local classic brand Red A, and a series of Mickey-themed products, which are available at the pop-up store in Fashion Walk. At the kick-off ceremony held at Fashion Walk on January 10, Mickey and Minnie were dressed in their New Year’s costumes and made a surprise guest appearance along with actress Eliza Sam.

Robert Tam, director and general manager of Consumer Product Commercialization in Hong Kong, and Belle Cheng, Disney’s design manager, were joined by representatives from Hang Lung Properties and Red A, Master Keung (who made the Mickey-themed lion head), as well as Keith (a Mickey super fan) for a fireside chat to talk about the Year of the Mouse partnerships, creative, and everyone’s affinity for Mickey Mouse.

South East Asia

Across South East Asia, Disney is celebrating at several malls with their Year of the Mouse campaign featuring Mickey and Minnie installations, pop-up shops with special CNY products and memorable experiences including Mickey and Minnie meet and greets, photo booths, and more.

“Year of the Mouse” with SM, Philippines (January 23)
Disney Philippines and SM will launch the “Year of the Mouse” Chinese New Year campaign through a media event held at SM Megamall. Fans, influencers, and members of the media will enjoy meet and greet experiences with Mickey and Minnie. Mickey and Minnie will tour four SM malls from January 23–26, 2020. There will also be a social media promotion to highlight Mickey and Minnie apparel available in SM.

Disney’s Year of Mouse Special Event at Mall Kelapa Gading, Jakarta
From now until February 2, 2020, fans can enjoy Disney’s Year of the Mouse Mall Event at Mall Kelapa Gading Jakarta. Various Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse installations and fun photo booths are available for fans to experience their favorite Disney moments. Kids and families can also bring home their favorite Disney products from key partners and licenses at the retail area.

OPPO Reno2 Year of the Mouse Limited Edition, Indonesia—January 24
Disney Indonesia and Oppo will launch Oppo Reno2 Year of the Mouse Limited Edition on January 24, 2020. It will come in an exclusive packaging featuring the iconic Mickey Mouse. Reno2 Year of the Mouse Limited Edition will be available for pre-order at local e-commerce platform Blibli.com from January 17–23, 2020. The offline sale of the smartphone will begin on January 24, 2020. 

Korea

In Korea, The Walt Disney Company celebrates Year of the Mouse with a Mickey-themed mall activation at Lotte Mall and a Mickey-themed pop-up shop called “Mickey House” featuring Mickey products with a newly adopted retro design.

Celebrate Polka Dot Day in the Most Positively Minnie Way

By Beth Deitchman

If you’re seeing spots today, we’re positive that you’re going to want to join in the fun. Today isn’t just Polka Dot Day: It marks the launch of the newest celebration of Minnie Mouse, Positively Minnie!

Minnie is independent, confident and charming, not to mention beloved by fans around the world who look to her as the ultimate fashionista. Positively Minnie goes beyond fashion and celebrates Minnie as a modern lifestyle icon with a uniquely positive approach to life that inspires us all to make every day the best ever.

A new series of short-form videos share glimpses into Minnie’s world—a world that’s filled with joy, laughter and wonder in all the things that make Minnie, well, Positively Minnie. You can watch the first episode below—and stay tuned! Nine more episodes will be released throughout the year. Follow Minnie’s official Instagram account—@MinnieMouse—to see each enchanting installment as it debuts.

Follow Minnie’s official Instagram account—@MinnieMouse—to see each enchanting installment as it debuts.

Discover Secrets and Details on The D23 Fantastic Worlds Map

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Our 2020 Gold Member Gift is all about discovering the Fantastic Worlds of Disney—but how will you know where to adventure first? Why, with the spectacular D23 Fantastic World Map, of course! You can have your own 24-by-36-inch map designed by Disney artist Bryan Mon as part of the 2020 Gold Member Gift when you join or renew a D23 Gold Membership.

If you can’t wait to start planning your next Disney adventure, we’ve got a special, closer look at a future-focused piece of the map, featuring some theme park favorites, out-of-this-world ships, and other familiar Disney delights and deep cuts.

Five details to find:

  1. Condormobile, Condorman
  2. Guinevere, Onward
  3. Captain Eo’s Ship, Captain Eo, Disneyland
  4. Jake’s Spaceship, The Cat from Outer Space
  5. Apu Taku, Roaring River Rapids, Shanghai Disneyland

Click on the image below to take a closer look!
D23 Fantastic Worlds map part 1

Roasted White Chocolate Budino from Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas

By D23 Team

As a special treat, our friends at Disney Editions have served up three delightful recipes for us from their cookbook, Delicious Disney: The Fresh Edition. We’ve got the final—and sweetest— recipe for you to try out, straight from author Pam Brandon’s book, currently on-sale as an exclusive souvenir only available at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

Want to serve up more Disney Parks deliciousness?
Click here for the starter recipe.
Click here for the entrée recipe.

delicious disney cover

Roasted White Chocolate Budino
DISNEY’ S BOARDWALK INN AND VILLAS
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
TRATTORIA AL FORNO

Family-friendly Trattoria Al Forno brings Italian favorites to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas. Sweet budino is creamy like a custard or pudding, and the crunchy amaretto cookie is the perfect accompaniment.

SERVES 6

BUDINO:
1 3/4 cups white chocolate chips
1 (1/4-ounce) envelope powdered gelatin
1 cup whole milk, divided
1 cup, plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 teaspoon light corn syrup

AMARETTI COOKIES:
(MAKES 2 1/2 DOZEN COOKIES)
1/2 cup, plus 3 tablespoons almond paste
2 large egg whites
3/4 cup, plus 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup, plus 1 tablespoon almond flour

FOR SERVING:
Whipped cream
Maraschino cherries

FOR BUDINO:

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F. Place white chocolate chips in a shallow baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes and stir. Cook for an additional 30 to 60 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Color should be medium caramel. Using a rubber spatula, scrape chocolate into a medium bowl.
  2. Sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 cup of milk in a small bowl.
  3. Combine remaining 3/4 cup milk, heavy cream, and corn syrup in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and mix in the gelatin/milk mixture, whisking until fully dissolved.
  4. Pour hot cream mixture over roasted chocolate, whisking to combine.
  5. Divide evenly among 6 serving bowls. Refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours.

FOR AMARETTI COOKIES:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Beat almond paste with electric mixer until crumbly.
  3. Beat in egg whites until mixture is smooth. Sift in powdered sugar and all-purpose flour, beating just until combined, about 1 minute.
  4. Stir in almond flour with a wooden spoon. (Dough will be sticky.)
  5. Use water to lightly wet scoop before working the dough. Scoop rounded teaspoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
  6. Bake until cookies rise, crack slightly, and are golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and cool completely before removing from baking sheet with a thin metal spatula. Store in an airtight container.

TO SERVE:
Top each budino serving with an Amaretti cookie, whipped cream, and a cherry.

WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES 2020 EVENT AND EXHIBITION CALENDAR

In 2020, the Walt Disney Archives will celebrate its 50th anniversary and, to mark this special occasion, the department is spreading some extra pixie dust by introducing several exciting new events and opportunities to view treasured Disney historical objects around the country. The Archives’ very own retrospective exhibition “Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic” will premiere at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in March, while several other events and surprises are scheduled to occur throughout the rest of the year – be sure to stay tuned for more!

D23 CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES: In addition to the new exhibit coming to Destination D, D23 Members will be invited to a special Grand Opening Preview of Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, Calif., on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. Plus, on June 22, the actual anniversary of the founding of the Archives, D23 will hold a special “birthday party” at the Bowers Museum. And next year, D23 will offer two exclusive D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: A Day at the Studio Lot, for an exciting look behind the incredible work that goes on every day at the Walt Disney Archives.

Fantasia at the El Capitan

SCREENINGS at THE EL CAPITAN THEATRE:

Kicking off the magical milestone, the Archives and the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood are partnering for special El Cap Throwback screenings throughout the year. Before each screening, guests will be treated to an introduction by the Archives and have the chance to see an exclusive display of memorabilia from the film.

 

Walt Disney Archives Presents Heroes and Villains The Art of the Disney Costume

WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES PRESENTS HEROES & VILLAINS – THE ART OF THE DISNEY COSTUME at MoPOP: 

The costuming of Disney characters has dazzled us for years, and now you have a chance to see some of the most stunning pieces up close. The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop) today announced the October opening of Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume in partnership with the Walt Disney Archives. Through more than 70 original items, including ball gowns, sorcerers’ capes, military uniforms, tiaras, and, of course, glass slippers, the exhibition immerses visitors into the world of Disney and shows how our understanding of its iconic characters is shaped through the artistry and creativity of its costumes.

 

events press 2020

D23 DESTINATION D: FANTASTIC WORLDS: Returning to Walt Disney World Resort next November 20–22, Destination D will honor Disney’s many magical places, from the extraordinary to the fantastical. In addition, the Walt Disney Archives, which turns 50 next year, is creating an all-new exhibit that will include 50 iconic treasures, representing the 50 years of the Archives. And Walt Disney Imagineering’s store, Mickey’s of Glendale, will once again open a pop-up shop featuring exclusive items, just for the weekend. Additional details, including special hotel rates and ticketing information, will be announced in late spring.

Meet Disney+’s Stargirl and Hear from the Cast—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Disney+ welcomes a kind and quirky new character, and Frozen on Broadway welcomes several new cast members… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

We’re Wishing Upon This Stargirl First-Look Trailer and Cast Interviews…

Based on the critically acclaimed New York Times best-selling young adult novel by Jerry Spinelli, Disney+’s upcoming Stargirl follows an unassuming high schooler named Leo Borlock (Graham Verchere) as he finds himself inexplicably drawn to the free-spirited new girl at his high school (Grace VanderWaal). Known as Stargirl, her unconventional ways change how the entire school—not to mention Leo—sees themselves… and the world. Check out the brand-new trailer for the offbeat coming-of-age story, directed by Julia Hart, above.

graham verchere and grace vanderwaal

But wait, there’s more: D23 was lucky enough to visit the set of the film in New Mexico, and spoke to several members of the cast; click here to hear from Verchere, VanderWaal, and more! And make sure to fall under Stargirl’s spell beginning March 13, only on Disney+.

McKenzie Kurtz, Ciara Renee, and Ryan McCartan

Arendelle Welcomes a New Anna, Elsa, and Hans in Frozen on Broadway

As the hit Disney Theatricals musical Frozen approaches its second anniversary on Broadway, the show is ever so thrilled to announce a trio of new stars joining the company! McKenzie Kurtz will make her Broadway debut starring as Anna, and Ciara Renée (Pippin, Big Fish, The Hunchback of Notre Dame) will star as Elsa—replacing original Broadway stars Patti Murin and Caissie Levy. Additionally, Ryan McCartan (Wicked, Heathers: The Musical, Disney Channel’s Liv & Maddie) will join the cast as Hans, replacing current cast member Joe Carroll. The new stars will begin performances Tuesday, February 18, with Levy, Murin, and Carroll playing their final performance Sunday, February 16.

Frozen, the Tony®-nominated Best Musical, has joined Disney Theatrical hits The Lion King and Aladdin on the Great White Way. Heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” Frozen has emerged as the biggest hit musical of the last two Broadway seasons—breaking four house records at the legendary St. James Theatre, where it is currently celebrating its second smash year. And don’t forget—the North American tour of Frozen is playing the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, California, now through February 2!

For more information, make sure to (let it) go and visit FrozenTheMusical.com.

Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
January 17, 2020
Get VIP Tickets to Disney’s Frozen The Hit Broadway Musical
January 31, 2020
Disney’s Aladdin the Hit Broadway Musical VIP Tickets
February 8, 2020
D23 Magical Screening Series: The Three Caballeros 75th on The Walt Disney Studios Lot
February 15, 2020
D23 Magical Screening Series: The Three Caballeros 75th at Walt Disney World
February 16, 2020
D23 Magical Screening Series: The Three Caballeros 75th Near Washington, D.C.
August 9, 2020
Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise Presented by D23
Parks
January 17, 2020
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens at Disneyland park
January 17—February 9, 2020
Lunar New Year returns to Disney California Adventure park
January 17—February 24, 2020
Epcot International Festival of the Arts
February 28—April 21, 2020
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns to the Disneyland Resort
March 4—June 1, 2020
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort
March 4, 2020
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Studios
March 6, 2020
Onward opens in U.S. theaters
March 27, 2020
Mulan opens in U.S. theaters
May 1, 2020
Marvel Studios’ Black Widow opens in U.S. theaters
May 29, 2020
Artemis Fowl opens in U.S. theaters
Television
February 9, 2020 (8:00 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT)
The Oscars® air live on ABC.
February 14, 2020 (8 p.m. EST/PST)
ZOMBIES 2 premieres on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW
February 16, 2020 (8 p.m. EST/ 7 p.m CST)
American Idol returns to ABC
Disney+
January 17, 2020
Diary of a Future President premieres
February 7, 2020
Timmy Failure premieres
March 13, 2020
Stargirl premieres

Black Widow Confronts Her Past in a New “Special Look” Clip

Can you believe it? Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) begins in just a few months’ time with Marvel Studios’ Black Widow. During the College Football Playoff National Championship on ESPN this past Monday, fans got a “special look” at the upcoming film, in which two-time Oscar® nominee Scarlett Johansson reprises her title role.

In Marvel Studios’ latest action-packed spy thriller, Natasha Romanoff confronts the darker parts of her background when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must reckon with her past as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger.

Also starring Florence Pugh as Yelena, David Harbour as Alexei/The Red Guardian, and Rachel Weisz as Melina—and directed by Cate Shortland—Black Widow debuts in a cineplex near you May 1.

ICYMI: Every Disney Oscar® Nominee for 2020

Speaking of Johansson and her Oscar noms, awards season is upon us—and all our pals from around The Walt Disney Company’s portfolio of brands are so excited for the incredible 23 nominations in 15 categories for this year’s Academy Awards®. D23.com has a rundown of the excitement; click here to see the full list!

Eighth Annual Magic of Storytelling Campaign Celebrates Huge Milestone

Book lovers the world over, we have excellent news: The eighth annual Magic of Storytelling campaign kicked off this week, during which Disney will celebrate its whopping 75 millionth book donation to First Book—a nonprofit that provides new free and affordable books to educators and organizations serving children in need. The Magic of Storytelling campaign aims to inspire families’ imaginations; cultivate a lifelong love of reading in kids; and bring new books to underserved communities across the country.

And here’s the best part—we can all get involved! From now through March 31, families and fans can take a “shelfie” (so cute, right?) with a favorite book or in front of a bookshelf and publish it on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #MagicOfStorytelling; purchase any book on shopDisney.com; or place a bid in one of First Book’s Charitybuzz auctions… and for each of these actions, Disney will donate a new book to First Book!

Open to legal U.S. residents who are 18 years of age or older. No purchase is necessary to enter. To learn more, and to access the official rules and information, visit MagicOfStorytelling.com.

frozen float disneyland paris

Star Wars and Frozen Seasons Now Delighting Guests at Disneyland Paris

Should you find yourselves “across the pond” in the next several months, do make sure to schedule some time at Disneyland Paris—not only for the oodles of fun you can have there on the daily, but also because there are two special experiences beginning this very weekend!

darth vader

The return of Legends of the Force – A Celebration of Star Wars reunites all of the iconic characters from a galaxy far, far away for exciting shows and encounters throughout the day and night. Through March 15, an imposing First Order March brings stormtroopers up close, while Rey, Chewbacca, and Kylo Ren can be spotted interacting with guests. Even more adventure awaits at Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, featuring a new sequence from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Lightspeed to Disneyland Paris for this limited-time event, post haste.

Plus, a sparkling new float inspired by Frozen 2 made its first appearance this weekend as part of the resort’s newest show, Frozen 2: An Enchanted Journey. Now the tallest float at Disneyland Paris, it includes the silhouette of the mystical Nokk and everyone’s favorite characters from both Frozen films. But that’s not all: Guests will even hear new music from the hit sequel! In addition to the new show, Frozen: A Musical Invitation is open to guests of all ages at Walt Disney Studios Park, and new merchandise and food are on sale across the resort through May 3. C’est magnifique!

Gina Rodriguez Celebrates Girl Power with Diary of a Future President

By Zach Johnson

Elena Cañero-Reed’s journey to the Oval Office begins in middle school.

That’s the premise of the new Disney+ series Diary of a Future President (now streaming). Told from the narration of her diary, the series follows 12-year-old Cuban-American Elena (Tess Romero) as she navigates the ups and downs of middle school in the Miami suburbs, setting her on the path to become President of the United States.

tess romero as elena in diary of a future president

Diary of a Future President, inspired by creator and executive producer Ilana Peña’s childhood, is produced by Golden Globe® winner Gina Rodriguez’s I Can and I Will Productions. Rodriguez, who directs the first episode and guest stars as adult Elena, joined her onscreen mini-me to chat with us about the series at D23 Expo last summer. “At I Can and I Will Productions, our mission is to bring new faces in front of and behind the camera,” explained Rodriguez. “Diary of a Future President was right in line with our mission and the kind of work we wanted to create. Disney+ was the best place to put it.”

Rodriguez founded her production company in 2017 after realizing she had the ability to empower others whose stories weren’t being told. “I used to feel like I didn’t really see myself very often; I thought being in front of the camera was going to create change,” she said. “But the Latinx community is not monolithic.” With Diary of a Future President, Rodriguez said she aimed to “give women opportunities and put them in positions of power they hadn’t had before.” Rodriguez estimated 70 percent of the crew is women, as are the majority of the department heads. “We have a very inclusive writers’ room and set; it’s something I really wanted Tess to see,” she said. “I wanted all our actors in front of the camera to see a reflection of the world behind it. That was important to me.”

michael weaver, selenis leyva, tess romero in diary of a future president

Mission accomplished. Romero, whose credits include Alternatino and Blind Spot, said she was inspired by Rodriguez’s leadership. “I have learned so much from Gina on set!” the youngster said. “She’s everybody’s favorite because she’s so sweet. She helps people be what they want to be, and we all love her so much. I’m always hearing about her. She’s, like, a legend! Everybody’s always talking about how great she is, how much they love her, and what she’s done for them. Hopefully one day, I can get to that point.”

“You will!” Rodriguez told Romero. “She will! She will!”

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

Meet the Cast of Stargirl on Disney+

By Bruce C. Steele

For Stargirl—a Disney+ movie coming in March that celebrates the joys of being different, set in an Arizona high school—it was imperative that director Julia Hart and her team put together a youthful cast that underscores a lesson in diversity with the sheer range of their talents and backgrounds.

A D23 visit to the movie’s freezing-cold winter set at a golf resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico, quickly demonstrated that the filmmakers do not disappoint on that score.

Acting in Stargirl was a dream job for all the young people in the cast. Here are just some of the charismatic performers D23 got to meet:

Grace VanderWaal. For the title role, as the ukulele-playing sometimes-cheerleader who loves creative costumes more than fitting in, Hart was blessed by the universe: After years of searching and hundreds of auditions, the producers were able to cast Grace VanderWaal, the ukulele-playing winner of America’s Got Talent, who was still just 14 at the time of filming.

Stargirl “was like my dream role,” Grace says during a break in filming, wearing a spectacular gown for the Winter Ball scene being shot both inside the country club and outside on the frigid golf course. “So it’s kind of crazy that I’m playing her.”

Graham Vershere. The teen actor, who lives in Vancouver, Canada, has had recurring roles on TV’s Supergirl and The Good Doctor and appeared in the horror film Summer of 84. But Stargirl was more than a job for him. Playing the male lead, Leo, reinforced Vershere’s hard-won real-life philosophy: “I like to stick around people who I feel like I can be myself with,” he says from the set, sitting with his costume’s brightly striped socks just visible above his brown Buster Brown-style shoes. “I didn’t always do that, but I’m glad I do it now.”

Annacheska Brown. She may be in her 20s, but Brown fits right in with the teenage performers on the set. She plays Tess, who works with Leo and his best friend, Kevin, on the high school’s closed-circuit talk show, Hot Seat. Playing Tess could be a big break for Brown, whose past roles on Roswell, New Mexico and other TV shows have often been identified by names like “Mohawk Teen” and “Witch Guard #3.”

On set, she’s decked out in a vivid blue pant suit with a dazzling rhinestone necklace in the shape of a necktie. When she meets with D23, she recalls how the movie’s depiction of the ill-treatment of outsiders reminded her of her middle school experiences in Birmingham, Alabama. “I think now more than ever it’s really important for people to know that you need to be strong and who you are,” she says. “Don’t let societal pressures make you feel like you have to change how you’re moving through this Earth.”

Karan Brar. A veteran of TV series on Disney Channel (Bunk’d) and ABC (Schooled), Brar plays Leo’s pal Kevin. The Washington state native was jokingly dubbed “Daddy” by the younger cast members, due to his age—then approaching 20—and experience. But among parental figures on set, Brar says director Julia Hart stood out.

“If anyone fills that role, it’s Julia,” he says, wearing his character’s stylish Winter Ball tux. “She’s really guided these actors in amazing ways—as well as me. I feel really comfortable with her making sure that we’re heading in the right direction.”

Artemis. The single-name phenomenon—actress, model, martial artist—who grew up in a small town in Georgia plays head cheerleader Mallory. Other than a guest shot on Vice Principals, this is her highest-profile acting role to date, and she found much of the filming “an amazing, exhilarating experience.” It was particularly fun, she notes, filming the cheerleaders’ dance routines, choreographed by movie dance icon Mandy Moore (La La Land). “As soon as that music comes on, it was like this adrenaline rush that came over all of us.”

Collin Blackford. The Denver-based teenage actor gets a lot of the laughs in Stargirl, as his character, Benny, is obsessed with food. Blackford notes that Stargirl’s message of kindness is particularly important in the age of social media, which wasn’t even imagined when the novel came out in 2000. The movie, he says, “shows that one little video can really hurt someone or that one little post can change someone’s life. It can happen, and I think that this film portrays it in a very realistic way.”

Shelby Simmons. A public school student herself, in Virginia, Simmons recalled “the top dogs at my school” in shaping her performance as mean girl Hillari, Stargirl’s nemesis. She has thought a lot of Hillari’s motivations and defends her character’s actions convincingly on set—wearing both her Winter Ball gown and a brown wool coat to protect against the icy weather. Hillari, she says, “doesn’t come from a place of jealousy or hatred.” Rather, she is just “baffled” by Stargirl’s unique way of being. “She just doesn’t get it.”

Juliocesar Chavez. Just 15 during filming, Chavez plays Alan Ferko, a minor character in the novel who gets more attention in the film. Chavez, who grew up in Oklahoma, has a long resume of TV appearances, stretching back to a 2012 appearance on iCarly and including a recurring role on Kidding.

On the set of Stargirl, his favorite word is “amazing,” an adjective that applies to his Winter Ball costume—including a purple velvet tux jacket—as well as director Hart and the other cast members. “Every single day is amazing and fun. The cast is amazing. The crew is amazing. Everyone is so cool and funny to hang out with—no one thinks they’re better than the other. Everyone is really humble and just amazing. Every single day is a fun day for me.”

On March 13 on Disney+, that fun can be shared with the rest of the world.

GALLERY: Celebrate 45 Intergalactic Years of Space Mountain at Walt Disney World with this Totally Retro Gallery

By Jocelyn Buhlman

45 years ago, we first blasted off on a rip-roaring rocket into outer space when Space Mountain launched at Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom park. This iconic attraction cuts a classic shape into the Tomorrowland skyline, and the famous dome of Space Mountain is now featured at Disney parks around the world. When this beloved attraction opened in 1975, a dedication ceremony was attended by about 2,000 guests—including several astronauts!

Throw it back to Space Mountain’s earliest days with this gallery of vintage images from the attraction’s history. Want even more retro fun? Check out our 2020 Gold Member Gift for an exclusive Space Mountain postcard featuring vintage art—plus more items celebrating the Fantastic Worlds of Disney.

Everything New You Must Do at Epcot

By Jocelyn Buhlman

January 17, 2020, is a red-letter day at Epcot: three new films and a festival all open, providing even more excitement for your itineraries during your next trip to Walt Disney World. We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about these new experiences—so, mark your calendar, check our list, and get ready to plan your next epic day at Epcot!

awesome planet poster epcot

Awesome Planet
The Land pavilion celebrates the wonder of our natural world, so it only makes sense that it would be home to this brand-new film showcasing our planet’s beauty and diversity. Awesome Planet is a 10-minute film featuring stunning imagery, in-theater effects, and an original score from Oscar®-winning composer Steven Price. If you’re looking for a new way to appreciate our planet, make sure to stop by The Land pavilion to catch a showing of this gorgeous film.

beauty and the beast sing a long

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
You might think you know everything there is to know about this tale as old as time—but think again! Next time you stop to enjoy a pastry in the France pavilion, check out this new film which presents a new twist on Beauty and the Beast. Directed and produced by the legendary Don Hahn—producer of the animated and live-action Beauty and the Beast—the film invites guests to sing along to all of their favorite songs from the original film. Angela Lansbury (who voiced Mrs. Potts in the original film) narrates the film, which will run in rotation in the France pavilion with Impressions de France, which will receive an upgrade to 4K projection.

canada oh far and wide

Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360
Award-winning actors Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy might just be our dream team for our guides to the wonders of Canada. The duo provides new narration for the O Canada! Film’s exciting update. Next time you’re visiting the Canada pavilion, make time to enjoy this film, featuring 360-degree views of new scenes—plus, a new musical score by Canadian composer Andrew Lockington, along with the new narration.

Epcot International Festival of the Arts
If you’ve got the creativity bug, Epcot has the perfect festival for you: The annual celebration of art, entertainment, and food returns to inspire the young and young-at-heart to immerse themselves in the arts. Whether you’re enjoying culinary creativities, catching a captivating performance, trying your hand at a workshop, or checking out more of the festival’s fun-filled offerings, there’s a little bit of something for everyone hoping to express themselves creatively at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, which runs at Epcot until February 24.