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

December 4, 2019December 5, 2019

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Lea Michele Reveals Why Same Time, Next Christmas Needs to be on Your Holiday Watchlist Right Now

December 4, 2019December 9, 2019

By Beth Deitchman

Lea Michele has always loved the holidays, but perhaps never as much as this year. This summer, while the rest of us were sweltering in the heat, Michele was singing of a white Christmas—and dreaming of a tropical one.

This month, the actress and singer stars in Same Time, Next Christmas, a holiday movie from Freeform Studios premiering on ABC Thursday, December 5 (9–11 p.m. ET/PT). Michele plays Olivia Anderson, a successful young woman who spends every Christmas vacationing with her parents (played by Nia Vardalos and George Newbern) at a resort in Hawai‘i, which just happens to be the fateful spot where she met her childhood sweetheart, Jeff (Charles Michael Davis), years earlier. When the pair is reunited as adults the spark between them is rekindled, but circumstances—including Olivia’s new boyfriend, Gregg (Bryan Greenberg)—threaten to keep them apart.

Michele was drawn to Same Time, Next Christmas because she connected with the close relationship Olivia has with her family. “I loved that there was that great sense of family in the movie, and I thought it would be such an amazing opportunity to film in Hawai‘i,” she shares. The production filmed throughout the island of Oahu, from the North Shore to Waikiki Beach. “I had one incredibly spectacular day filming with Charles Michael Davis where we got to have all of Waimea Falls shut down just for us,” she recalls, deeming that magical day filming in the shadow of the breathtaking waterfall to be “one of the more extraordinary moments of my life.”

But when it comes to Michele’s dream Christmas, you’re more likely to find her building a snow fort than a sandcastle. “I always travel to the East Coast to be with my mom and dad over Christmas. It’s such a special time,” she says. “Every year my mother makes us wear an ugly sweater that she picks out for each of us—and she always knocks it out of the park. Last year she got me a sweater with my cat’s face on it, which was very special to me because she’s the fifth member of our family.” Michele also looks forward to her family’s “slightly competitive” tradition of cooking a Christmas feast together. Everyone cooks one dish, Michele explains, and “we always end up making a delicious Christmas meal. We spend the day together, listening to great music.”

This year, Michele’s new holiday album, Christmas in the City, will most definitely be in heavy rotation. The album was recorded before Michele left for Oahu, and she received the final version while on location for Same Time, Next Christmas. “I was literally sitting on the beach in Hawai‘i, listening to my Christmas album, filming a Christmas movie. I am ready for the holidays this year!” she laughs.

Michele, who put her own spin on the song “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” from Frozen for Christmas in the City, is as big a Disney fan now as she was when she was young. She becomes emotional when she recalls her first trip to Walt Disney World, when she was no more than 5 or 6 years old. “I remember taking my little autograph book and going up to Goofy, the Fairy Godmother from Cinderella, and all of the characters and asking them for their signatures,” she recalls. Michele reveals that she was also an avid collector of Disney figurines (and still has them safely socked away).

Performing as Ariel in The Little Mermaid—An Immersive Live-to-Film Concert at the famed Hollywood Bowl in May 2019 served as a full-circle moment for Michele. “The minute I walked on the stage and started to sing those first few words [of “Part of Your World”] and I just looked into the audience at all those faces of little girls that were looking up at me, it took me back to being a little girl myself,” she shares. “If I could have just told myself when I was a little girl, ‘Oh, just wait—you’re going to be playing this character when you get older and singing this song for thousands of people.’ It’s crazy when you think about it.”

A holiday movie marathon is also one of Michele’s favorite family traditions. “I love sitting around on Christmas Day with my family, watching great Christmas movies,” she says. Lucky for Disney fans, we won’t have to wait until December 25 to get started. Be sure to watch Same Time, Next Christmas’ December 5 premiere on ABC; tune in again when it comes to Freeform during the network’s 25 Days of Christmas programming event on Wednesday, December 11 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT); or watch any time right here on ABC.com.

Every Star Wars Thing to Watch on Disney+ to Prepare for Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, Explained

December 4, 2019December 3, 2019

By Jocelyn Buhlman

It’s that time of year again—shop windows overflowing with action figures, people everywhere cozying up in their Star Wars spirit jerseys, the charming sounds of lightsabers buzzing and orchestral fanfares blasting… If you’re a fan of the Star Wars saga, this is your moment to shine. We’re sure you’ve already started planning your rewatch parties to ring in the end of the Skywalker Saga, but just in case you’re new to the galaxy far, far away or just trying to make sure you cover it all, we’ve not only rounded up all the Star Wars things you can watch on Disney+, but used our attenuation with the Force to help reveal just why these are key things to watch during this wonderful season. Are you ready? Grab your friends, log into Disney+, and discover the wonders of the universe—the Star Wars universe, anyway.

Star Wars: Episodes IV, V, and VI
Ah, the age-old question: In what order do you watch the Star Wars films? Chronological order, release order, or you own special order? Regardless of when you watch the films, these three movies hold a special place in the hearts of Star Wars fans everywhere because, well, these were the movies that started it all. Follow the adventures of Luke, Leia, and Han as they battle against the Empire—and against the mysterious Darth Vader. Commonly referred to as the “Original Trilogy,” named for the fact that this was the very first Star Wars trilogy ever created, these three movies changed the world forever.

Star Wars Episodes I, II, and III
Commonly referred to by fans as the “Prequel Trilogy,” these movies kick off the Skywalker saga by chronicling Anakin Skywalker’s transformation into the dreaded Darth Vader. If you’ve watched the recent Star Wars movies and wondered, “Hey, what’s up with that Vader guy that Kylo Ren is so obsessed with?” these movies will answer your question. See how it all started—and then brace yourself to see how it will all end.

Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
The start of a new era of Star Wars—and a new trilogy, of course—Star Wars: The Force Awakens introduces us to the scavenger Rey, ex-Storm Trooper Finn, and hotshot Resistance Pilot Poe Dameron. Just like us, these characters grew up hearing the stories of Luke, Leia, Han, and more—and now they discover that those stories are true, all of it. With the emergence of the evil First Order and their deadly new Starkiller Base, it’s up to our heroes to save the day—and start a new story. The Force Awakens starts the fan-named “Sequel Trilogy,” to which The Rise of Skywalker ends.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Solo: A Star Wars Story
Now that you’re all caught up on the Skywalker Saga, you may ask yourself, “So, how did they get those Death Star plans, anyway?” or even, “What is that Han Solo guy’s deal?” Good news! These two Star Wars story films can answer those questions. Rogue One, set before the events of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, provides us with the thrilling tale of the Rebels responsible for stealing the Death Star plans that exposed the space station’s weakness. Solo tackles the backstory of our favorite scoundrel—plus, we see how he met some other fan-favorite faces. While neither of these stories are technically part of the “Skywalker Saga,” they provide important depth to the Star Wars universe.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Set in between Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, this beloved film and animated series finally shows us what happens during the oft-mythologized Clone Wars. Anakin, his apprentice Ahoska Tano, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Padmé, and more face new challenges as war tears apart the galaxy.

Star Wars Rebels
Set before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope (Are you still keeping track of the timeline? May we recommend drawing a chart?), Star Wars Rebels chronicles the adventures of a ragtag team of heroes who join the battle against the Galactic Empire. If you’re a fan of the original three Star Wars movies, this series is sure to be your new favorite.

Star Wars Resistance
Kazuda “Kaz” Xiono’s life changes forever when the hotshot pilot is recruited by Poe Dameron himself to join the Resistance. Is Kaz in over his head pretending to be a mechanic while investigating the First Order? Set prior to the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, (quick, add that to your chart!) this series helps set the scene for the final three Skywalker Saga films.

The Mandalorian
Are we all not at least a little bit obsessed with Mandalorians? Ever since Boba Fett carbon-froze our hearts in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, we’ve been besotted with the mysterious armor-clad warriors, and this Disney+ original series only fans those flames. With new episodes dropping every Friday through December, The Mandalorian follows the adventures of a single, mysterious bounty hunter sometimes known as “Mando,” after the fall of the Empire. While we don’t yet know how this series connects to the wider Star Wars story, we do know that we’re tuning in every Friday to see what happens next.

Star Wars: Forces of Destiny
This animated series showcases short adventures of beloved Star Wars heroines such as Rey, Padmé, and Ahsoka Tano as they shape the destiny of the galaxy. While you wait to find out what happens next to your favorite Star Wars characters, enjoy this series’ look at what happens in between the films and series—plus, enjoy some fun team-ups like Sabine Wren and Jyn Erso or Princess Leia and Hera Syndulla.

Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy
Go behind-the-scenes of the production of the original Star Wars trilogy, discovering all the trials and successes that went into creating the cinema-changing series. If you love Star Wars stories, this documentary will delight you with the equally epic story behind the films’ creation.

Bonus Round: LEGO!
So, you’ve watched every movie, binged all the cartoon series, and become a fan-dalorian of the Mandalorian? There’s still one piece of the puzzle left (or should we say, “brick of the LEGO build”?). Disney+ has a variety of fun LEGO Star Wars series and shorts to keep a grin on your face as you enjoy the world of Star Wars built a whole new way.

We Have a Good Feeling About This New Look at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

December 4, 2019December 3, 2019

By Savannah Salazar

Do you have what it takes to join the resistance? Well, intergalactic travelers, your opportunity is coming in at lightspeed because starting tomorrow, guests at Disney Hollywood Studios will be transported to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The highly anticipated, immersive attraction puts visitors right in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order—featuring Kylo Ren, an army of storm troopers and two AT-ATs—and our favorite heroes of the Resistance—BB-8, Rey and Poe!

And ahead of the attraction’s opening, we’ve got a top-secret transmission with photos of the thrilling addition to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Godspeed, rebels!

BB-8 in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Kylo Ren in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Exciting Details About New Magic Coming to Walt Disney World

December 3, 2019March 31, 2020

There’s breaking news out of Walt Disney World Resort—which is the place you’re going to want to be in the coming months. Today Disney Parks, Experience and Products Chairman Bob Chapek shared exciting updates about Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, and more magical experiences in development across the resort.

Hot dog! Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway—the first ride-through attraction themed to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse—will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 4, 2020. The new attraction will have dazzling visual effects, a lovable theme song, and surprising twists and turns as you and your family step through the movie screen and enter a world where “Mouse rules apply” and anything can happen!

New adventures begin aboard Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser in 2021!

The immersive vacation, which will “transport” guests to a galaxy far, far away, makes you the hero of your own adventure during this two-night, cruise-style getaway. Today a new artist concept rendering of the Galactic Starcruiser Terminal was revealed. It’s your first step into an out-of-this-world experience that includes a visit to Black Spire Outpost at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (and you’ll remain in-story throughout the journey).

If the adventure you crave is of the culinary variety, you’ll only need to wait until summer 2020 to discover what Chef Remy is cooking up at Epcot’s France pavilion. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure—based on Disney and Pixar’s hit film Ratatouille—will invite you to shrink down to the scale of a rat for an exciting race across the floor of Gusteau’s kitchen. Today we got our first glimpse of the attraction’s adorable trackless ride vehicles.

For those who want to take a “short” break and enjoy a mousterpiece on screen, the Mickey Shorts Theater in Disney’s Hollywood Studios will show an original short film in the style of Disney Channel’s animated series Mickey Mouse. The theater’s interior will feature nods to the series—case in point, the Mickey-inspired seats—and guests will also have special photo locations available where they can create picture-perfect memories. The Mickey Shorts Theater is set to open in March 2020.

Can we get a “woo-oo”? Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure is coming to Epcot. Go in search of priceless treasure with Scrooge McDuck, Donald, Launchpad, Webby, and, of course, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, with the help of the Play Disney Parks mobile app. Discover exotic destinations, exciting mysteries, and even thieves, villains, and supernatural guardians of ancient artifacts on a duck blur of a trip around World Showcase that represents the next iteration of a fan-favorite scavenger hunt guests have enjoyed for years at Epcot.

Epcot is kicking off the new year with three new films that will make their debut on January 17, 2020:

Awesome Planet: This 10-minute film showcases our planet’s beauty and diversity, and features stunning imagery, in-theater effects, and an original score from Oscar®-winning composer Steven Price. You can see Awesome Planet in The Land pavilion.

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along: Don Hahn—producer of the animated and live-action Beauty and the Beast—directed and produced this film which presents a brand-new twist on a tale as old as time as guests are invited to sing along. 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 Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360: Over in the Canada pavilion, the O Canada! Film gets an exciting update with new scenes, a new musical score by Canadian composer Andrew Lockington, and new narration by award-winning actors Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy.

Step into a space elevator to enjoy an intergalactic dining experience 220 miles above the Earth’s surface at Space 220 Restaurant, debuting this winter. The new table-service restaurant is located next to Mission: SPACE and offers views like you’ve truly never seen before.

No less exciting, but a little closer to terra firma, Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue will open this winter at The American Adventure in Epcot. The fast-casual restaurant will serve classic barbecue and home-style craft brews, with flavors inspired by different regions across the U.S.

In 2020, guests will say “howdy” to a new immersive restaurant that’s coming to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant invites the entire family into a rootin’, tootin’ rodeo experience right in Andy’s backyard.

Visit the Disney Parks Blog for more news about these exciting new experiences, and stay tuned to D23.com for additional details as they’re announced.

Watch the Live Dedication of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance on December 4

December 3, 2019

By Zach Johnson

On December 5, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will debut at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality on a scale never before seen in a Disney attraction. To celebrate the attraction’s opening, Disney Parks Blog will live stream the dedication ceremony on Wednesday, December 4, at 6:55 p.m. ET/3:55 p.m. PT.

One of the most ambitious, advanced, and immersive experiences ever undertaken by Walt Disney Imagineering, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance begins with guests boarding a full-size transport shuttle to meet General Leia Organa at a secret rendezvous point. On the way, their ship is drawn into a Star Destroyer’s hangar bay, where they are imprisoned by the First Order.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will bring guests face to face with some of their favorite Star Wars characters, including Rey, Poe, Finn, Kylo Ren, General Hux, and even a Stormtrooper garrison. Walt Disney Imagineering combined multiple ride systems to tell the story of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. For example, in one sequence, a new simulator experience will give the sensation to guests they are falling from space to crash land on Batuu.

On January 17, 2020, Star Wars: Rise of Resistance will open at Disneyland park in California.

How the One Day at Disney Book and Series Complement Each Other

December 3, 2019December 2, 2019

By Zach Johnson

Here’s a novel idea: You can experience One Day at Disney in two formats… separately or simultaneously! As Disney Legend Robin Roberts helped to announce at D23 Expo 2019, One Day at Disney is a collaboration between Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney+, highlighting the people who bring to life Disney’s most beloved stories. Today, Disney Publishing Worldwide releases a 224-page coffee table book, written by Bruce Steele, and Disney+ premieres a 52-episode documentary series, starting with a feature-length film.

On an “ordinary” Thursday in February, photographers and videographers around the world captured images of cast members and employees who drive creativity and innovation across The Walt Disney Company—people who opened up their cubicles, dressing rooms, kitchens, labs, TV studios, workshops, and more to share their stories.

The documentary is narrated by Emmy® Award-winning actor Sterling K. Brown, who voices Gen. Mattias in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen 2. The film profiles Eric Baker, creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering; Ashley Girdich, technical program manager, Research & Development, Walt Disney Imagineering; Eric Goldberg, animator and director, Walt Disney Animation Studios; Mark Gonzalez, steam locomotive engineer, Disneyland; Roberts, co-anchor, Good Morning America; Grace Lee, senior illustration manager, Disney Publishing Worldwide; Zamavus “Zama” Magudulela, Rafiki in The Lion King (Madrid); Ryan Meinerding, head of visual development, Marvel Studios; Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko, veterinarian, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment; and Jerome Ranft, sculptor, Pixar Animation Studios. In the book, their stories are further explored with compelling interviews and large, full-color photographs.

New One Day at Disney shorts will premiere on December 6, 13, 20, and 27, with dozens more to follow in 2020. After you get a glimpse at the subject’s daily lives through watching the documentary shorts, you’ll find even more fun details about each person via the collectible book. For example, Roberts reveals in the book that her favorite Disney attraction is the monorail at Walt Disney World, while Girdich and Lee name Beauty and the Beast (1991) as their favorite Disney film. (Lucky for them, the animated classic is streaming on Disney+—and so is the 2017 live-action adaptation!)

Before all of the One Day at Disney shorts are available to stream, you can learn more about each subject on every page. You’ll see familiar faces, like actress Sofia Wylie from Disney+’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and meet new people, like Juan Estrella, a security guard at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. If you’re inspired by the short highlighting Maxine Shepard, production designer on ABC’s black-ish, she shares her journey and her work philosophy on pages 162 and 163. And if you’re moved after reading the story of Katie Whetsell, a principal actor in Finding Nemo—The Musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’ll cry happy tears during her short. Because whether you choose to read or watch these stories individually or in tandem, One Day at Disney invites you to see their magic at work—and in a new light.

One Day at Disney book signings events will take place across the U.S. throughout December, with Steele and a number of special guests. Click here to get all the details.

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

One Day At Disney: 5 Tips From the Author on Reading the Book

December 3, 2019December 2, 2019

By Bruce C. Steele

After years of planning, one insanely busy day taking photos all over the world, and many months of writing, filming, designing, and editing, One Day at Disney finally makes its debut December 3 in book form and as a new documentary and series on the Disney+ streaming service.

With more than 75 behind-the-scenes profiles of cast members working at some of the most fascinating jobs at The Walt Disney Company and hundreds of beautiful full-color photographs in this stunning coffee-table volume, it’s a lot to take in. So we asked the book’s author, Bruce C. Steele, to give us all some tips on diving into the project.

As a bonus, he provided corresponding trivia questions that you’ll only be able to answer once you read the book for yourself! (or find the answers below)

1. Start at the beginning. Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, who championed the project from the beginning, wrote the foreword to the book—then we move right into the photos and profiles, starting with Walt Disney World ranch-hand Stephanie Carroll, pictured behind the white horses that pull Cinderella’s Coach for parades and Fairy Tale Weddings. It’s a great start, since Stephanie’s job turns common tasks—working on a ranch—into something magical. After that, feel free to skip around the pages, stopping on whatever photos catch your attention.

QUIZ QUESTION NO. 1: What other cast member in One Day at Disney came to The Walt Disney Company in an equestrian fashion?

2. Do your homework. Plan to tune into the One Day at Disney documentary on Disney+, debuting December 3. But before you watch the feature-length movie, read in the book the profiles of the cast members included in the film: Imagineers Eric Baker and Ashley Girdich; animator Eric Goldberg; Disneyland Railroad engineer Mark Gonzales; book illustrator Grace Lee; The Lion King actress “Zama” Magudulela; Marvel exec Ryan Meinerding; Disney’s Animal Kingdom veterinarian Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko; Pixar artist Jerome Ranft; and Good Morning America host Robin Roberts.

QUIZ QUESTION NO. 2: Eric Goldberg uses pencil and paper for his animation. What other cast member in One Day at Disney is pictured drawing with pencil and paper?

3. Follow along. After the One Day at Disney documentary debuts on December 3, a new documentary short will be available on Disney+ for each of the next 52 weeks, featuring a different cast member from the book each week. As each new video profile appears, be sure to go back and reread the story from the book to get some details that may not appear in the short film and to see what stories are so good, they get told in both profiles.

QUIZ QUESTION NO. 3: What other Disney+ series with new weekly episodes are featured in the book One Day at Disney?

4. Pay attention. A lot of Disney characters make cameos in the hundreds of photos in the One Day at Disney book: That’s Woody on a shelf in Jerome Ranft’s art studio at Pixar, for example, and the Broadway cast of Frozen is visible on images behind Disney Theatrical Group’s Dana Amendola. Concept art from Incredibles 2 appears in the Pixar conference room behind Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, and Mickey Mouse appears too many times to count. Attentive readers will also find Donald Duck, Pinocchio, and Marvel’s Spider-Man. I’m still finding characters I hadn’t noticed, and I wrote the book!

QUIZ QUESTION NO. 4: Disney PhotoPass photographer Fabiola Kersul de Salles is pictured with Mickey Mouse himself, but who’s the only person in the One Day at Disney book who’s seen standing with Minnie Mouse?

5. Cherchez la shoes. That’s French, sort of, for look at the footwear. From Disney Cruise Line Captain Fabian Dib’s spotless white deck shoes to Zama Magudulela’s Rafiki feet, One Day at Disney showcases some great foot covers. Three cast members—children’s clothing designer Nontra Null, black•ish production designer Maxine Shepard, and El Capitan Theatre house organist Rob Richard—even pose with some fancy pairs. Who knows what other dress-for-success tips you might find along the way?

QUIZ QUESTION NO. 5: Why was the color of Mickey Mouse’s shoes important to Captain Fabian Dib?

QUIZ ANSWERS

Golden Oak Ranch senior manager Steve Sligh drove streetcar horses on Main Street, U.S.A. in his early 20s.
Disney Television Animation character designer Jose Zelaya.
The Mandalorian and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
The author, Bruce C. Steele, stands with Mickey and Minnie Mouse in a photo on the back flap of the book’s dust jacket.
Captain Dib was the safety officer who oversaw the creation of the Disney Magic’s evacuation protocols, including painting the lifeboats yellow instead of the standard orange.

Spend Your Black Friday With 7 Shopaholic Characters on Disney+

November 29, 2019November 26, 2019

By Zach Johnson

Some fan-favorite Disney characters really took the phrase “shop ’til you drop” to heart! From Hannah Montana fighting with Tyra Banks over a sole pair of soles to Preston Waters inventing a new identity to write himself a $1 million check, there’s no (credit) limit to how much these characters are willing to spend. So, in honor of Black Friday, we’re highlighting seven shopaholics from movies and series you can stream now on Disney+!

Chanel Simmons (The Cheetah Girls)
Girls just want to have funds! In the first of three Disney Channel Original Movies, Chanel (Adrienne Bailon) gets into trouble for maxing out her mom’s credit card. Even worse? When her mom tried to buy a pair of sandals, the card was declined—and the saleswoman “snatched them back so fast she took the paint off my toes!” Chanel apologizes (“I thought we were going to be rich after this demo”), but the damage is done. “I trusted you!” Chanel’s mom says. “I trusted you and you took advantage of me!” After some tears, amends are made—and eventually, the demo does make Chanel rich.

Preston Waters (Blank Check)
If a crook hastily handed you a blank check after running over your bike, what would you do? If you’re 11-year-old Preston Waters, you make it out for $1 million, create a fake identity—Macintosh—and go wild! In just six days, he spends $999,667.83 on a castle-style mansion, a limousine service, a go-kart track, a water slide, and more! At one point, when his driver (Rick Ducommun) asks how Macintosh makes his money, Preston replies, “Well, he doesn’t get it. He just has it.” Hmm. When the driver pushes the issue, asking why Macintosh would allow a kid to spend his money, Preston has another lie ready. And boy, is it rich! “He never had a real childhood,” he says, “so now that he’s really, really rich, he can have all the fun he couldn’t have when he was a kid.”

Lizzie McGuire (The Lizzie McGuire Movie)
Hijinks ensue on a class trip to Rome, where Lizzie (Hilary Duff) meets pop star Paolo Valisari (Yani Gellman) and is persuaded to impersonate his look-alike singing partner Isabella Parigi. To get Lizzie camera-ready for the Italian Music Awards, he turns to an avant-garde designer who might be a little too fashion-forward. Eventually, Lizzie—as Isabella—speaks up for herself. “I don’t want you to dress me,” she tells the designer. “See, I’m not your Barbie doll. I am Isabella Parigi and I dress myself! So… choices! I need choices!” It doesn’t take long for Lizzie to find a look that suits her. Hello, fabulous!

Dr. Tess Coleman (Freaky Friday)
After eating magical fortune cookies, Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her daughter Anna (Lindsay Lohan) wake up the next day to discover they’ve somehow switched bodies. It’s a shocking turn of events, of course—but not as shocking as the makeover Anna decides to give her mother while she’s in her skin! Armed with two credit cards, “Tess” heads to the local mall and gets a haircut, a new wardrobe and a cartilage piercing—then struts her stuff in a slow-motion montage set to Aly & AJ’s “What I Like About You.” Needless to say, the real Tess doesn’t love the look—especially since her wedding is days away. “Oh, my God! What have you done to me?” she asks. “My hair! It’s gone! And those clothes? Those are going back first thing tomorrow… I look like Stevie Nicks!”

London Tipton (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody)
Teenage hotel heiress London (Brenda Song) only wears designer clothes and is obsessed with fashion. In the episode “Dad’s Back,” for example, she implements shopping bags as part of a training regimen she designs to help Maddie Fitzpatrick (Ashley Tisdale) raise her grade in P.E. “You build up a lot of muscle carrying these from store to store when your limo driver claims he ‘has a bad back’ because he ‘hurt it saving someone’s life,’” London tells her. Her method may be unconventional, but it works. As Maddie climbs a rope in P.E., she recites her London-inspired mantra: “Get the sandals! Get the sweater! I’m gonna make myself look better! I’m going to make it!”

Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians)
In the 1996 live-action comedy adventure film, Cruella de Vil (Glenn Close) is incensed when Anita Campbell-Green (Joely Richardson) and Roger Dearly (Jeff Daniels) refuse her £7,500 offer to purchase their 15 newborn puppies. She feels it’s generous, as it equates to “two pounds per spot”—but it doesn’t matter. After Anita firmly tells her boss the puppies are not for sale, the furious fashionista sees red. “Keep the little beasts! Do what you like with them. Drown them for all I care!” Cruella yells. “You’re a fool, Anita! I have no use for fools! You’re fired! You’re finished! You’ll never work in fashion again! I’m through with all of you! I’ll get even! Just wait! You’ll be sorry! You fools! You idiots!”

Hannah Montana (Hannah Montana: The Movie)
Before she’s sent back to her home state of Tennessee for a much-needed attitude adjustment, diva-in-training Hannah (Miley Cyrus) cops some swag, courtesy of a deal her publicist Vita (Vanessa Williams) makes. Even though it makes Hannah uneasy, Vita argues it’s part of being a celebrity. “Do you know what a well-placed photo of you shopping is worth? You’re a star! An icon!” Vita says. “You look at it, touch it, wear it—and the whole world has to have it! They owe it to you, Hannah. Name it and it’s yours!” Unfortunately, Hannah buys into her own hype and fights with Tyra over a pair of shoes. It turns out to be a blessing in disguise, of course, as her dad Robby Ray (Billy Ray Cyrus) recognizes he must intervene—and remind her of her roots—before it’s too late.

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Your Guide to the Ultimate Disney Thanksgiving

November 27, 2019November 27, 2019

By Karina Schink

The Holiday season is fast approaching, but before we deck the halls with all those boughs of holly, we’re bringing in the cornucopia and stuffing the turkey because Thanksgiving is here! It’s a day of laughter, fun, and most importantly, family. So, we’re making sure you have everything you need to make your day as magical as possible with hints of pixie dust sprinkled all the way through. From crafts to recipes to after-dinner events, here’s how to have a delightfully Disney Thanksgiving.

Disney Decorations Galore
We all love a good hidden Mickey or two (especially in a festive wreath), and subtle Disney nods strewn about. These holiday decorations and this table dressing idea will have even Cogsworth longing to be your guest!

Got a lot of little princesses and princes invited to your royal turkey affair? Here’s how to keep the little ones happy. This artwork printout can double as a place mat, keeping them occupied while also creating artwork to hang up later!

Creative Crafts for the Whole Family
We know that Thanksgiving can be a stressful time. There’s so much to do! To keep everyone busy and having fun, here are some of our favorite crafts—plus, a candle creation for your Thanksgiving table!

While there are some activities that are exclusive to Christmas, we think cookie decorating is quintessential for every family gathering! Decorate these Mickey Mouse Gingerbread Cookies with the whole family. Or, if you want to get even more into the festive spirit, these Reindeer Cookies will provide a tasty craft for all the little elves.

Already have your Christmas tree up? Add some decorations from a galaxy far, far away with this Death Star Ornament DIY craft. Just make sure you don’t lose those blueprints.

Recipes to Delight
You’ve got the main course handled, even sides all the way as far as the eye can see (is that the infamous grey stuff we see?), but make sure you don’t forget the most important dish of the day! Dessert! There are few things more quintessential to an excellent Thanksgiving than pie. While pumpkin and pecan are two of the most traditional, we’ve taken the best of both worlds and combined them in this Pumpkin Pecan Pie. But, if pie’s not your thing, or if you’re looking for a bit more variation, try The Chew’s Holiday Cake, which we guarantee will please everyone at the table.

After Dinner
After the big meal, it’s time to sit back, relax, and spend time with your family and friends. Whether it’s around a campfire, watching a film, or playing a game, here are your go-to’s for after dinner fun.

Whether you’ve teamed up to battle it out over Mickey trivia, or you’ve decided to settle back down with a cup of hot cocoa, everyone needs a quick-fix! This Mickey Mouse Party Mix Recipe is the people-pleaser for after-dinner cravings that are sure to come up (especially when you’re starting to break a sweat over some of those trivia questions!)

Trivia not really your game? Why not try out Hocus Pocus-themed bingo. Or, gather your troop and test each other’s acting chops with “What Disney Character Am I?”

When It’s Time to Go Home
No matter who you’re spending the holiday weekend with, we know that it’s all about friends and family, and having a day filled with joy and laughter. So, as a party keepsake or to place on your mantel, frame your memories in our Core Memories Photo Card.