ZOMBIES 2 Gets a Valentine’s Day Premiere on Disney Channel

By Beth Deitchman

There’s no better night for a love story than Valentine’s Day, and our friends at Disney Channel have us covered. Our favorite star-crossed zombie-cheerleader couple, Zed and Addison, return to the network in ZOMBIES 2, premiering February 14 at 8 p.m. EST/PST. The movie will also be available in DisneyNOW.

Meg Donnelly (American Housewife) and Milo Manheim (Dancing with the Stars) reprise their roles of Addison and Zed, respectively, which they first played in the top-rated 2018 Disney Channel Original Movie ZOMBIES. In the follow-up, the pair is getting ready for Seabrook High’s Prawn (it’s like a prom, but supersized). After the unanticipated arrival of a new pack of mysterious teenage werewolves, who have come to Seabrook in search of an ancient life force buried somewhere within the town, the fearful city council reenacts the town’s anti-monster laws. Suddenly, Addison and Zed’s Prawn-night plans to become the first-ever zombie-cheerleader couple to attend the big event together are out the window. While Zed launches a campaign to run for school president and change the rules, Addison finds herself drawn into the werewolves’ circle. Could this be where she finally fits in? Zed takes drastic action to keep from losing Addison to the werewolf pack, but his plan backfires. When the truth comes out, everyone—zombies, cheerleaders, and werewolves—discover the real meaning of community and acceptance.

See the first official clip from the upcoming DCOM—the 108th in the franchise—below:

Manheim and Donnelly are joined by Trevor Tordjman as Bucky, Kylee Russell as Eliza, Carla Jeffery as Bree, James Godfrey as Bonzo, and Kingston Foster as Zoey, all of whom reprise the roles they first played in ZOMBIES. Chandler Kinney, Pearce Joza, and Ariel Martin (Baby Ariel) join the cast as werewolves Willa, Wyatt, and Wynter, respectively.

Throughout ZOMBIES 2, we can look forward to so much singing and dancing—from the cheerleaders’ pop beats to the zombies’ hip-hop flow and the werewolves’ world beat style. Four of the movie’s nine original songs are written by Rock Mafia (the team behind “Queen of Mean” from Descendants 3); and the first song off the soundtrack, “We Got This” (co-written and produced by Mitch Allan, whose credits include Descendants 2) debuts January 3. On January 31, “The New Kid in Town,” performed by Baby Ariel, makes its debut. George S. Clinton (ZOMBIES) and Amit May Cohen (Wrestling Za’atari documentary) composed the score. The ZOMBIES 2 soundtrack is available on February 14, but fans can pre-order it beginning January 3.

David Light and Joseph Raso, who were nominated for a Humanitas Prize for ZOMBIES, have returned to write the sequel, and ZOMBIES director Paul Hoen is also at the helm for the next chapter. Anna Gerb (All Is Lost, Triple Frontier), Hoen, Light, and Raso are executive producers and Mary Pantelidis is producer.

Want to catch up on all of the antics in Zombietown and Seabrook? You can watch ZOMBIES now on Disney+. And stay tuned for more details about ZOMBIES 2 as its February 14 debut approaches.

Everything We Know About the Tokyo Disneyland Expansion Opening April 15, 2020

By Beth Deitchman

Next spring, guests will experience a host of new offerings coming to Tokyo Disneyland as part of the largest expansion of the park since it first opened. From a new area themed to Beauty and the Beast in Fantasyland and a most joyous ride with Baymax in Tomorrowland, to an incredibly fashionable spot to greet Minnie in Toontown, there’ll be so much to discover in the park. Last week, Oriental Land Co., Ltd. revealed new details about what we can expect to see and do, beginning April 15, 2020.

exterior of beauty and the beast themed fantasyland

New Ways to Experience the Tale as Old as Time in Fantasyland
Guests will enter the new Beauty and the Beast-themed area at the entrance to Belle’s village; Maurice’s Cottage will mark guests’ arrival (and will be home to Disney FASTPASS machines). Gaston surely would be pleased to see a fountain dedicated to him standing at the village’s center. As guests stroll through Belle’s world, they’ll walk past La Taverne de Gaston restaurant and the Village Shoppes (of course, there’s a bookstore!) until they ultimately reach the forest where Beauty and the Beast Castle looms—and Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast awaits!

Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast is housed within the nearly-30-meter tall castle, and the attraction invites guests to board magical cups that “dance” in rhythm to the animated film’s iconic music. As they become immersed in the truly “enchanted tale,” guests will dance with the dishes and cutlery, glide over the ice alongside Belle and Beast, and encounter even more magical moments and surprises while they watch to see if Belle and Beast find love before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose.

la traverne de gaston interior artist concept only

Guests will want to bring an appetite worthy of Gaston when they arrive to the counter-service restaurant La Taverne de Gaston. The décor is inspired by the tavern in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, with a large portrait of Gaston hanging over the fireplace and trophies celebrating his many accomplishments also on display.

Next door, LeFou’s snack shop will offer smaller bites, including apple-caramel churros, a new flavor for Tokyo Disneyland.

In the Village Shoppes, guests will notice many nods to the animated film, including a rolling ladder in La Belle Librairie bookshop; the candlesticks and dishware that may be found decorating Little Town Traders; and the dresses and clothier’s tools that will be seen within Bonjour Gifts. And within those exquisite shops, approximately 100 different types of special merchandise will be available for purchase, featuring motifs from the film such as Belle dancing with Beast, as well as the enchanted rose.

fantasyland forest theater exterior

A Spectacular New Show in a Fairytale-Inspired Venue
The design for Tokyo’s first indoor theater, Fantasyland Forest Theatre, was inspired by the forest. As guests prepare to experience the original Tokyo Disneyland show Mickey’s Magical Music World, they’ll be surrounded by beautiful tapestries and murals that celebrate the forest and the woodland creatures of classic Disney animation, and the theater will be lit by rustic chandeliers that give the appearance of candlelight.

fantasyland forest theater interior

Mickey’s Magical Music World takes Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy deep into the forest, where they come upon a giant music box with a large golden key. When Mickey and his friends turn the key, the doors to the music box open, revealing favorite Disney characters such as Snow White, Pinocchio, and Woody, along with favorite Disney songs. But when the last door opens and no music is heard, Mickey and the gang embark on a search for the missing song, along the way encountering characters from Disney films that include The Jungle Book, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Peter Pan.

big hero 6 attraction

Big Fun Themed to Big Hero 6 in Tomorrowland
Tokyo Disneyland will debut the world’s first rotating ride attraction themed to the film Big Hero 6. The Happy Ride with Baymax has one goal: to make people happy. In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ beloved film, brilliant young inventor Hiro Hamada learned from Baymax—his robotic personal healthcare companion—that the first step to making people healthy is to make them happy. From the up-tempo music to the attraction’s wild and unexpected twists, we have no doubt that The Happy Ride with Baymax will do just that.

big pop

Pop in to Tomorrowland for a Delicious Snack
After a spin on The Happy Ride with Baymax, guests can give their happiness levels another boost at The Big Pop—a shop completely dedicated to popcorn. Located right next to The Happy Ride with Baymax, The Big Pop is themed to outer space, with a huge popcorn chandelier hanging from the starry ceiling, an homage to the “big bang” that created the universe. Popcorn will be available in a variety of buckets, and will be offered in three flavors: Cookie & Cream, Caramel & Cheese, and Strawberry Milk.

tokyo disneyland art

Meet Minnie in Style, Over in Toontown
Minnie’s Style Studio marks the first time that guests will be able to meet Minnie Mouse in her own greeting facility in the very studio where she designs, creates, and photographs her newest fashions. Magazine covers featuring Minnie will be on display in lobby, which leads to the office where Minnie draws her original designs. Guests will see the workroom where Minnie’s designs take shape and become outfits, before meeting the designer herself in the photo studio.

Fashionista that she is, Minnie will wear her latest design when she greets guests. She’ll change her look every season, and we’ve heard that her spring look will feature a hat and a dress with a floral design.

The big expansion will also bring special merch to the park, featuring two different design schemes. A look with the new facilities’ distinctive and dazzling logos will appear on T-shirts, caps, neck straps, and more; while a second design will feature Mickey showing his own excitement over the opening of these incredible new experiences. We totally understand where he’s coming from—and we know where we want to go next April!

All of Disney’s Golden Globe® and Critics Choice Nominations for 2019

By Zach Johnson

Roll out the red carpet, because awards season is now underway! Earlier today, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) announced the nominees for the 77th Annual Golden Globe® Awards. In the film categories, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen 2, Walt Disney Pictures’ The Lion King and Fox Searchlight Pictures’ Jojo Rabbit received two nominations apiece.  Meanwhile, in the television categories, FX’s Fosse/Verdon leads with three nominations: Best Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Sam Rockwell) and Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Michelle Williams).

Other film and TV nominees include Hulu’s The Act, Catch-22 and Ramy; FX’s Pose; 20th Century Fox’s Ford v Ferrari and Pixar’s Toy Story 4. Winners will be announced on Sunday, January 5, 2020, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, when comedian Ricky Gervais returns to host the show.

All of Disney’s Golden Globe nominations are included below: 

LIVE ACTION THE LION KING

Best Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy
Jojo Rabbit (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture—Drama
Christian Bale, Ford v Ferrari (20th Century Fox)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy
Roman Griffin Davis, Jojo Rabbit (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Best Animated Feature Film
Frozen 2 (Walt Disney Animation Studios)
The Lion King (Walt Disney Pictures)
Toy Story 4 (Pixar Animation Studios) 

Best Original Song – Motion Picture
“Into the Unknown” (Frozen 2)—Music by: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez; Lyrics by: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
“Spirit” (The Lion King)—Music by: Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Timothy McKenzie and Ilya Salmanzadeh; Lyrics by: Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Timothy McKenzie and Ilya Salmanzadeh

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series—Drama
Billy Porter, Pose (FX)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series—Comedy or Musical
Ramy Youssef, Ramy (Hulu)

Best Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Catch-22 (Hulu)
Fosse/Verdon (FX)

Fosse/Verdon

Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Christopher Abbott, Catch-22 (Hulu)
Sam Rockwell, Fosse/Verdon (FX)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Joey King, The Act (Hulu)
Michelle Williams, Fosse/Verdon (FX)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Limited Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Patricia Arquette, The Act (Hulu)

To view the entire list of this year’s awards nominees, visit GoldenGlobes.com.

The Act

Additionally, nominations for the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards were unveiled yesterday. In the film categories, Fox Searchlight Pictures’ Jojo Rabbit leads with seven nominations, and in the television categories, 20th Century Fox Television’s This Is Us leads with five nominations. All of Disney’s film and television nominations are included below. To view the full list of this year’s awards nominees, visit CriticsChoice.com. Winners will be revealed live from Santa Monica, California, on Sunday, January 12, at 7 p.m. ET (with a delayed viewing at 7 p.m. PT).

Best Picture
Ford v Ferrari (20th Century Fox)
Jojo Rabbit (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Best Supporting Actress
Scarlett Johansson, Jojo Rabbit (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Best Young Actor/Actress
Roman Griffin Davis, Jojo Rabbit (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Thomasin McKenzie, Jojo Rabbit (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Archie Yates, Jojo Rabbit (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Best Adapted Screenplay
Taika Waititi, Jojo Rabbit (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Ford v Ferrari

Best Cinematography
Phedon Papamichael, Ford v Ferrari (20th Century Fox)

Best Editing
Andrew Buckland and Michael McCusker, Ford v Ferrari (20th Century Fox)

Best Visual Effects
Ad Astra (20th Century Fox)
Avengers: Endgame (Marvel Studios)
Ford v Ferrari (20th Century Fox)
The Lion King (Walt Disney Pictures)

Best Animated Feature
Frozen 2 (Walt Disney Animation Studios)
Toy Story 4 (Pixar Animation Studios)

Best Action Movie
Avengers: Endgame (Marvel Studios)
Ford v Ferrari (20th Century Fox)

Best Comedy
Jojo Rabbit (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Avengers Endgame

Best Sci-Fi or Horror Movie
Ad Astra (20th Century Fox)
Avengers: Endgame (Marvel Studios)

Best Song
“I’m Standing With You,” Breakthrough
“Into the Unknown,” Frozen 2
“Speechless,” Aladdin
“Spirit,” The Lion King

Best Drama Series
Pose (FX)
This Is Us (NBC)

Best Actor in a Drama Series
Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us (NBC)
Freddie Highmore, The Good Doctor (ABC)
Billy Porter, Pose (FX)

Best Actress in a Drama Series
Mj Rodriguez, Pose (FX)

Pose

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Asante Blackk, This Is Us (NBC)
Justin Hartley, This Is Us (NBC)

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Susan Kelechi Watson, This Is Us (NBC)

Best Comedy Series
PEN15 (Hulu)

Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Ramy Youssef, Ramy (Hulu)

Best Limited Series
Catch-22 (Hulu)
Fosse/Verdon (FX)

Best Movie Made for Television
Patsy & Loretta (Lifetime)

Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television
Christopher Abbott, Catch-22 (Hulu)
Sam Rockwell, Fosse/Verdon (FX)

Catch 22

Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television
Megan Hilty, Patsy & Loretta (Lifetime)
Joey King, The Act (Hulu)
Jessie Mueller, Patsy & Loretta (Lifetime)
Michelle Williams, Fosse/Verdon (FX)

Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television
George Clooney, Catch-22 (Hulu)

Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television
Patricia Arquette, The Act (Hulu)
Margaret Qualley, Fosse/Verdon (FX)

Best Animated Series
The Simpsons (Fox)

Best Comedy Special
Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’ (ABC)

Belle of the Ball Bronze Collection Coming to Disney Parks Around the World

By Zach Johnson

On December 8, Disney Parks Color Collection will be adding a brand-new hue! The Disney Parks Belle of the Ball Bronze Collection will be the latest color collection available at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Shanghai Disney Resort. It will be available online at shopDisney.com, too, joining popular and previously released collections: Arendelle Aqua, Briar Rose Gold, Imagination Pink, and Magic Mirror Metallic.

Minnie earband

The Belle of the Ball Bronze Collection is inspired by the Academy Award®-winning animated feature Beauty and the Beast from Walt Disney Animation Studios, and it offers Disney fans a perfect way to ring in the new year and dress up their Disney style.

Waffle cone

We’re certain as the sun you’ll adore this collection, which includes everything from headwear and accessories to men’s and women’s apparel—and much more! Select parks will offer items like a Mickey Mouse bean bag, an ornament, and a pet spirit jersey, while others will offer themed treats, like the milk and dark chocolate mousse cake and the egg puff with earl grey tea custard found at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

View the gallery by clicking the image below.

The World Premiere of Spies in Disguise Brings Its Stars Out of Hiding

By Zach Johnson

There was no disguising our excitement Wednesday night at the world premiere of Spies in Disguise at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. D23 Members lined the blue carpet to get a glimpse of the film’s stars—and a few met Will Smith, Tom Holland, and Masi Oka!

The animated feature film from 20th Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios is set in the slick, high-octane, globe-trotting world of international espionage. Agent Lance Sterling (voice of Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (voice of Holland) are nearly polar opposites, but when things go haywire, the unlikely duo is forced to team up for the ultimate mission—one that will require hiding Lance’s identity by turning him into a pigeon. Yes, a pigeon.

Spies in Disguise

“It really is a wonderful story about this odd couple, these two guys who are a little bit lost on their own—whether they realize it or not—who find each other,” director Troy Quane said. “And in doing so, they make it possible to save the world.” To that end, Smith said it was actually Lance’s inner transformation—not his outer transformation—that drew him to the role. “My character is a serious individualist. He works alone,” the actor shared. “But when he gets turned into a pigeon, he’s forced to work with the flock.”

Both Smith and Holland were the filmmakers’ top choices to voice the lead characters.

“Growing up, Will Smith was my hero,” director Nick Bruno said as Quane nodded in agreement. “He’s both of our heroes, and we modeled this character after him. To get him has been a dream come true. And Tom? He is my new dang hero! He is amazing. He’s loveable and he’s huggable, and at the same time, he can kick some serious butt.”

Spies in Disguise

The praise didn’t end there. “You look up charisma and swagger and comedy in the dictionary and there’s a picture of both of them,” Quane added. “We were so lucky to get two amazingly talented, sincere actors who are funny and can bring emotion to a line that you didn’t think was there. We were blessed to have gotten to work with them.”

Oka lends his voice to the character Katsu Kimura, an underworld hacker responsible for stealing a powerful weapon and selling it to the villain Keller “Robohand” Killian (Ben Mendelsohn). “What’s great about him is we think he’s this butch guy and he’s very menacing, but at his core, he’s a teddy bear,” Oka said. “He’s very squishy, both inside and out. He’s had a lifelong rivalry with Lance Sterling, so we get to see that play out.”

Spies in Disguise

Spies in Disguise was inspired by the 2009 short film Pigeon: Impossible, written and directed by Lucas Martell. “If you had told me that this was going to happen 10 years ago, I would’ve thought you were crazy!” he said. Although he had seen a number of scenes throughout the production process, Martell added, “I think the thing I’m most excited to see is exactly how all the pieces I haven’t seen assembled come together.”

Oka said Disney fans of all ages will love Spies in Disguise when it opens in U.S. theaters Christmas day. “It’s fun for the whole family. It’s going to make people laugh. It’s going to make people cry. It brings the whole family together,” he said. “There’s humor that kids are going to love, and there’s also humor that adults are going to love.”

Four Legendary Comics Bring the Laughs in Forky Asks a Question

By Zach Johnson

A new star-packed Forky Asks a Question short arrived on Disney+ today. “What is Love?” features four living legends reprising their roles from Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story 4: Mel Brooks as Melephant Brooks, Carol Burnett as Chairol Burnett, Carl Reiner as Carl Reineroceros, and Disney Legend Betty White as Bitey White. Fans first met the quirky quartet when Woody was moping in Bonnie’s closet over being forgotten.

“They have these little roles in Toy Story 4, but I wanted to work with them—and I wanted them to shine!” says Forky Asks a Question writer and director Bob Peterson. “I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be fun if they—as more experienced people—could teach Forky about love?’” Adds producer Mark Nielsen, “We get the chance to go a lot deeper into these characters and their relationships with each other in this really, really funny short.”

Forky Asks a Question

The story takes place just before Forky (voice of Tony Hale) meets his true love, as seen in the Toy Story 4 epilogue. “This is right after the toys come back,” Peterson says, “but a lot of the questions were built around who I wanted Forky to be paired with.”

Peterson calls “What Is Love?” his favorite short, since he got to fulfill a childhood dream of working with his “comedy heroes.” Calling it a “surreal” experience, he adds, “I got to record Carol Burnett on one day, and I’m telling her what I would like… and there she was, Carol Burnett! I felt like I was 5 years old in my jammies watching TV. And then the next day it was Betty and Carl. We went to his house and recorded there, and then we did Mel—all in one day! It was amazing. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but that’s it.”

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

11 Movies to Stream to Have a Very Disney+ Christmas

By Savannah Salazar

Evergreen trees, twinkling lights, a warm fireplace, and your family and friends by your side—the holidays are in full swing! And, there’s nothing like flipping on your favorite Christmas movies to get you in jolly spirits. While you deck the halls and trim your Christmas trees, we decided to whip up a few holiday selections from Disney+.

the santa clause

The Santa Clause
What happens when something happens to Santa Claus? Well, there’s a certain clause for that! In the 1994 film, The Santa Clause, Tim Allen plays Scott—a divorced dad—who on one fateful Christmas Eve accidentally becomes the new Santa. Prepare for laughs and the strong urge to pour yourself a cup of delicious hot chocolate. You can also complete The Santa Clause trilogy with The Santa Clause 2 and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause.

noelle

Noelle
Holiday fun is packaged in this sweet film starring Bill Hader and Anna Kendrick, as brother-sister duo Nick and Noelle Kringle. As the time comes for Nick to take over for their father—you may know him as Father Christmas, Santa Claus… well, you get the idea—things don’t go entirely to plan. From there, reindeer hijinks, Christmas-themed hilarities, and heartfelt moments ensue!

babes in toyland

Babes in Toyland (1961)
This wacky, technicolor musical was Walt Disney’s first foray into the world of live-action musicals. Babes in Toyland features Annette Funicello and Tommy Sands as Mary Contrary and Tom Piper, two sweethearts set to be married until the evil Barnaby sets out to capture Mary. Fantastical characters, dazzling musical numbers, candy-colored sets, and, of course, the marching toy soldiers make this film a great Christmas pick.

miracle on 34th street

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Do you believe in Santa Claus? This classic black-and-white film begs that question as a man named Kris Kringle is hired to be an in-store Santa Claus for the holiday season. It’s a heart-warming tale to watch with your family, and maybe in this case, seeing is believing.

pluto's christmas tree

Pluto’s Christmas Tree
This 1952 cartoon short follows Pluto and Mickey Mouse embracing one of the favorite holiday pastimes: getting a Christmas tree. As the two decorate the evergreen for the holidays, they’re completely unaware that Chip and Dale have stowed away in Mickey and Pluto’s tree. Let’s just say Chip and Dale are literally rocking around the Christmas tree. Entranced by the gorgeous twinkling lights and colorful ornaments, the two mischievously cause trouble for Pluto, and it’s up to Mickey to remind them to embrace the friendly spirit of Christmas. If you’re looking for more classic cartoons, check out Santa’s Workshop, as well.

home alone

Home Alone
What is Christmas without watching Home Alone? The story of 8-year-old Kevin McCallister is full of entertaining hijinks and extremely memorable quotes—and it’s so fun so it’ll make you scream, “ahhhh!” After seeing Home Alone, you have to complete the series with Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Home Alone 3.

nightmare before christmas

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
A ghoulishly festive addition to any Christmas movie viewing, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas puts the scream in season’s screamings, as Jack Skellington—the Pumpkin King—discovers a wonderous place called Christmas Town.

muppet christmas carol

The Muppet Christmas Carol
This classic Charles Dickens’ tale gets a Muppetational twist. Following the events of a pivotal Christmas Eve, The Muppet Christmas Carol has grumply ol’ Scrooge explore the true meaning of the holiday with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. And of course, in true Muppets fashion, good times are had and cheerful songs are sung.

mickey's once upon a christmas

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
This movie brings the classic Disney gang all together again with three stories featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Max, Donald, and more. The gang reminisce on their wonderful memories of Christmases past in this delightful movie. And, for even more fun stories, also check out Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas.

i'll be home for christmas

I’ll Be Home for Christmas
“You can plan on…” having a good time when watching this endearing movie. Though he’s estranged from his father, days before Christmas self-absorbed Jake Wilkinson (played by Jonathan Taylor Thomas) is given an ultimatum—return to New York to spend the holidays with his old man or forfeit his opportunity to have his father’s vintage Porsche. A simple journey turns into a wild experience in this cross-country film.

the chronicles of narnia

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Playtime gets a little strange for the Pevensie siblings as they stumble into a grand world beyond their imagination. Through their wardrobe is Narnia, a land blanketed in crisp white snow and fantastical creatures until the Pevensies realize it’s not at all what it seems. It’s a thrilling adventure, invoking the wonder and spirit of the holidays, and the movie even features an appearance by Father Christmas—sleigh and reindeer included—with presents for Lucy, Peter, and Susan to help with their quest against the evil White Witch.

Black Widow Teaser Trailer Spins Thrilling Web—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Several exciting new trailers from anticipated Disney films, and a first look at Frozen the Musical’s North American tour… See more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Marvel Studios’ Black Widow Teaser Trailer Debuts!

We’re not afraid to admit we’ve been waiting for this trailer for a while… Marvel Studios has finally given fans a little peek into the world of Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) with Black Widow, the first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In case you haven’t had a chance to watch the totally intriguing, action-packed teaser trailer yet, take a gander above.

Johansson stars in the spy thriller alongside Florence Pugh as Yelena, David Harbour as Alexei (aka The Red Guardian), and Rachel Weisz (as Melina). Directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Kevin Feige, Black Widow will spin its web in theaters beginning May 1.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
December 8, 2019
Light Up the Season with D23—2019
December 8, 2019
Mickey’s of Glendale Shopping Event—December 2019
December 10, 2019
One Day at Disney Presentation and Screening
December 11, 2019
D23 Presents Live From Walt Disney Imagineering: A Conversation with Don Iwerks
December 14, 2019
Lunch with a Disney Legend: Tom Nabbe
December 14, 2019
D23’s Merriest Mixer at Walt Disney World
January 8, 2020
D23 Gold Member Mixer in Kapolei, Hawai’i
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
August 9, 2020
Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise Presented by D23
Parks
November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24;
December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 2019
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom park
November 8—January 6, 2020
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
November 29—December 30, 2019
2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
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
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
Studios
December 20, 2019
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in U.S. theaters
March 6, 2020
Onward opens in U.S. theaters
March 27, 2020
Mulan opens in U.S. theaters
May 29, 2020
Artemis Fowl opens in U.S. theaters
Television
December 13, 2019 (8-8:30 p.m. EST)
Disney Channel Holiday Party @ Walt Disney World premieres on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW
December 25, 2019 (10 a.m.—12 p.m. EST, 9—11 a.m. CST/MST/PST; airtimes vary, check listings)
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade airs on ABC

Bring Honor to Us All… By Watching This Brand-New Mulan Trailer

This week has truly been a boon for Disney movie fans—not only did the first official Black Widow trailer drop, but so did a brand-new trailer for Disney’s Mulan! Have a look at the enthralling clip, above.

When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan (Yifei Liu), the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation… and a proud father.

Mulan boasts an international cast that also includes Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Cheng Honghui; Gong Li as Xianniang; and Jet Li as the Emperor. Directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Elizabeth Martin & Lauren Hynek (based on the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan”), look for the film in theaters beginning March 27.

Anna and elsa on stage

Frozen North American Tour Kicks Off in Los Angeles

Love is an open door… and also the feeling you’ll get from watching Frozen, Disney Theatrical’s hit Broadway musical, now that it’s kicked off its North American tour at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles this week. And in celebration of its big opening night, we’ve gotten our first official look—above—at stars Caroline Bowman (as Elsa) and Caroline Innerbichler (as Anna), the spirited sisters at the heart of the joy-filled story.

Anna on stage

Joining them are principal cast members Austin Colby (Bowman’s real-life husband) as Hans; F. Michael Haynie as Olaf; Mason Reeves as Kristoff; Jeremy Morse as Weselton; and Collin Baja and Evan Strand alternating as Sven; as well as Stella Cobb (Young Anna), Alyssa Kim (Young Elsa), Jaiden Klein (Young Elsa), Arwen Monzon-Sanders (Young Anna), and an ensemble of talented triple-threat performers.

A mysterious secret. A family torn apart. As one sister struggles with being an outsider and harnessing her powers within, the other sets out on a thrilling adventure to bring her family together once again. Both are searching for love, but they’ll learn that to find it they’ll have to look inside themselves first. Make sure to visit FrozenTheMusical.com/Tour to see if it’s coming soon to a town near you!

Togo Coming to Disney+ on December 20

We’ve got a brand-new trailer for a heartwarming film coming soon to Disney+… you’ll want to gather the family ’round your favorite streaming device for this one, because it’s perfect holiday viewing.

Starring Oscar® nominee Willem Dafoe and Julianne Nicholson, Togo is an as-yet-untold true story, set in the winter of 1925 during a trek across the treacherous terrain of the Alaskan tundra. An exhilarating—but ultimately—uplifting adventure tests the strength, courage, and determination of one man, Leonhard Seppala, and his lead sled dog, Togo.

Get a first look at the thrilling story in the clip, above. This poignant and emotional adventure debuts on Disney+ on December 20!

Breaking News from Walt Disney World Resort

If you’ve been reading D23.com for a while (and thank you, if so!), you’ll recall that there are some truly awesome plans in store for Walt Disney World Resort as it heads towards its big 50th anniversary in 2021. Well, just this week, Disney Parks, Experience and Products Chairman Bob Chapek shared some exciting updates on what we can expect; click here to read up on magical new experiences coming to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and more!

Toy Story 4

Annie Award Nominations from Across the Worlds of Disney

For nigh on five decades, the Annie Awards have celebrated the best in animation—and this year, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen 2 and Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story 4 are leading a super-robust pack, with eight and six nominations, respectively.

Among the other nominations, from around the worlds of Disney, are Disney Television Animation’s Elena of Avalor for Best TV/Media – Preschool and Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame for Best Character Animation – Live Action (created by Weta Digital). Winners will be revealed during the 47th Annual Annie Awards on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at Royce Hall on the campus of University of California, Los Angeles.

For a full list of nominees, visit AnnieAwards.org.

Another Peek at Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker…

It’s time to face facts—the conclusion to the iconic Skywalker saga is just over the horizon, and we’re desperately trying to prepare ourselves for the undeniable onslaught of “feels.” In these last few weeks, director J.J. Abrams and Lucasfilm have been wetting our proverbial whistles with teaser footage from the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and just a few days ago, we were gifted with a dollop more! Check out the latest trailer for the film, above.

Starring Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, Lupita Nyong’o, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, and Kelly Marie Tran—with Ian McDiarmid and Billy Dee Williams—Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker light speeds into theaters on December 20.

ICYMI: Don’t Miss These One Day at Disney Book Signing Events

No doubt you’ve seen the big news: One Day at Disney, both the Disney+ series and the accompanying book of the same name, have officially debuted! And there was much rejoicing in the amazing, heartfelt stories of Disney employees and cast members to be told… as well as in a host of book signings, by author Bruce Steele, taking place this month around the country. We’ve got the rundown of said signings right here at D23.com!

Disney Super Fans—Are You Ready for the Ultimate Challenge?

Can you name all Seven Dwarfs? Do you remember all of Ariel’s sisters? How many of Kim Possible’s catchphrases are in your repertoire?

Here’s the sitch (see what we did there?): Disney Channel is looking for families with kids who are down to put their Disney knowledge to the test. Gather the three biggest Disney fans you know (ages 9 and up) for an upcoming game show with larger-than-life physical challenges and trivia-based games. Teams of four can be made in a variety of ways, from parents, to siblings, friends, cousins, grandparents, favorite teachers, and beyond.

Once you’ve determined your fan foursome, submit the following to Quizney@digomind.com:

  • Team photo
  • Reasons why your team are the biggest Disney super fans
  • Ages of team members
  • Contact info
  • Anything else you would like Disney Quizney to know

You must be 18+ or older in order to submit. Teams can be made of ages 9+.

Disney Channel is under no obligation to you or to use any information you submit. You must be at least 18 years or older and legal U.S. resident in order to submit. Other eligibility requirements and terms and conditions apply. Disney Channel is committed to a diverse, inclusive casting. Please submit qualified groups without regard to disability, race, national origin, ethnic origin, or any other basis protected by law. Any information provided in correspondence with this message may contain confidential and/or proprietary information. The information is for use only by the intended recipient. Any unauthorized use disclosure or distribution by individuals that are not the intended recipient is prohibited. ©Disney

7 Out-of-this-World Facts about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

By Jocelyn Buhlman

If you’ve visited Batuu, you know there’s a lot to do, from building your own lightsaber to jamming out to DJ Rex’s tunes in Oga’s Cantina. But while you’re exploring the galaxy far, far away, have you ever considered joining the Resistance? Starting December 5 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida, you can be part of our favorite band of rebels when you experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

The setup is classic: You’re on the secret Resistance base when Rey appears with a warning transmission  for you—the First Order is here! You need to get off Batuu. You board an I-TS to fly out of danger… but the First Order is too quick. Trapped on a Star Destroyer full of stormtroopers, First Order officers, and—gulp—a very angry Kylo Ren, it’s up to you to find an escape pod and get out of danger! Fortunately, you’ve got some help from some new faces—plus Finn, who (lucky for you) was already on the Star Destroyer as part of a secret mission.

If the concept of this attraction gets your little Star Wars-loving heart racing, keep reading, because we’ve rounded up seven of the most interesting facts about this groundbreaking new attraction.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

1. It’s one of the most technologically advanced Disney Parks attractions of all time.
From the moment you set foot in the queue until you exit your ride vehicle, the world of Star Wars comes to life in front of your very eyes.  As Doug Chiang, vice president and executive creative director of Lucasfilm, explains, “One of the biggest challenges that we had was: How do you re-create the world of Star Wars into an attraction?”

The answer? High tech wizardry on an intergalactic scale. The attraction itself combines multiple ride systems, including a new simulator experience that gives the sensation of falling from space to crash land on Batuu. Additionally, the trackless ride vehicles acting as your transport through the menacing Star Destroyer are some of the most advanced ever used in a Disney attraction, with a sleek, low profile and the ability to move in all directions.

And what’s a Star Wars story without characters? Disney A-1000 Audio-Animatronics® figures depicting iconic characters appear throughout the attraction so that you can adventure alongside some of your favorites. The goal? Create a cinematic Star Wars story of your very own: “More and more, our guests want to lean into these stories; not just be a spectator,” explains Scott Trowbridge, Star Wars portfolio creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. Star Wars: Rise of Resistance sets out to do just that—create a full experience with fans like us as the center of the story.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

2. It’s a 360° experience.
John Larena, executive creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering, explains, “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is an immersive experience like you’ve never been on before, with fully realized blaster bolts in midair, holograms, AT-ATs… this is truly a 360-degree attraction.” What does that mean? Well, it means that no matter where you look, you’ll be part of the action. Each aspect of the ride is designed to get your heart racing—from stumbling into a room housing towering AT-AT walkers to fleeing across a Star Destroyer from Kylo Ren’s wrath. Larena likens the feeling to the exhilaration of Star Wars: A New Hope: “It touches on a feeling of exploration—the same feeling that drove Luke Skywalker to join Ben Kenobi on a crazy mission to Alderaan. We’re going to call on you to be brave.”

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

3. This adventure takes place in between The Last Jedi and Rise of Skywalker.
This attraction represents a special collaboration, explains Chiang: “The Lucasfilm design team and the Walt Disney Imagineering design team worked together seamlessly as one team, essentially.” Together, the teams crafted an original story that flows perfectly into the timeline of Star Wars films: Jumping into the action after the battle of Crait in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (which you can also experience for yourself during a certain sequence in Star Tours: The Adventures Continue), this attraction bridges the gap between 2017’s The Last Jedi and this month’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

4. The Hangar Bay features an impressive 50 stormtroopers.
The now-iconic image of stormtroopers lined up inside the Star Destroyer’s Hangar Bay has already gone viral—and for good reason! The Hanger Bay features an intimidating display of 50 stormtroopers, lined up to observe you after your I-TS has been taken by the First Order. The stormtroopers must be seen to really appreciate the impact—you’ll understand why Finn wanted to leave the First Order and never look back! According to Chiang, creating such an impactful scene was important to Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Imagineering: “You have the spectacle and scope of cinema, and yet the grounding of a real-life theme park.”

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

5. You’ll see some familiar faces
You’re greeted by BB-8’s cheerful beeps in the briefing room, before a hologram of Rey appears to give you the news: The Resistance Base on Batuu is compromised. You must flee to General Organa’s secret base before the First Order catches you… if only it were that simple! In your adventures to escape the First Order, a host of Star Wars characters are there to help you along the way: Poe Dameron, Finn, and Nien Nunb. Not all familiar faces are friendly, though: If you run into Kylo Ren and General Hux, be prepared for trouble.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

6. And meet some new allies!
The fishy-faced Mon Calamari species has held a special place in the hearts of Star Wars fans for some time, whether we’re quoting Admiral Ackbar or peeking in on the Mon Calamari working away in the Star Tours: The Adventures Continue queue. Now we have a new Mon Calamari friend to add to our faves—Lieutenant Bek, an original character created just for the attraction. Assigned to help us escape the First Order, you rely on Bek throughout the attraction to guide you to safety!

Along with Bek, you also get some help from a First Order astromech-turned-ally, R5, who pilots your vehicle as you race to escape the Star Destroyer. “He’s very reactive to whatever is happening around you,” Larena tells us—so pay attention to where that droid is looking, because you never know where he’ll drive your transport next.

7. …Plus, more surprises are in store!
There’s no doubt that you’re here because you’re ravenous for any information you can get on Star Wars: Rise of Resistance, but we have a word of advice for anyone looking to read all they can on the groundbreaking attraction: Let some of it be a surprise! Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm have been hard at work creating a cinematic experience like no other—so save some surprises for your next visit, when you get the chance to be the next Star Wars hero. “It’s very important that you feel like you’re in the movie,” Larena tells us. “The way you experience the attraction will be very different from the way your friends and family will.”

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens December 5 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and January 17 at Disneyland Resort. For more of our Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge coverage, click here.