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.

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

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.

7 Times Anna and Elsa Melted Our Hearts

November 27, 2019

By Savannah Salazar

For six years, we’ve grown alongside the sisters from the kingdom of Arendelle. The stories, the warm hugs, and most importantly, their sisterly love have been with us—as well as their songs that no, we’ll never let go! With today being the anniversary of the premiere of 2013’s Frozen, we decided to recount all of the heart-warming moments between Anna and Elsa—so get ready to break out a flurry of tissues.

1. Young Anna and Elsa building a snowman.
Frozen introduces the two sisters, young and carefree, playing with Elsa’s icy magic and a familiar snowman. Since then, we’d never turn down a chance to build a snowman—especially with Anna and Elsa.

2. Anna and Elsa finding true love.
Dashing across the fjord, Anna is searching for her true love—the only one who could melt her frozen heart—is it Hans? Kristoff! No! Instead, Anna and Elsa prevail with a different kind of love, and well, the rest is history.

3. Elsa wanting to give Anna the perfect birthday.
For Anna’s birthday in Frozen Fever, Elsa wants to put together the best birthday. And as her birthday date, Elsa sings Anna a song (classic move, Elsa) and strings along presents for bright-eyed Anna to find—sandwich included!

4. And, then Anna taking care of Elsa.
Looks like a cold can bother Elsa. During Anna’s birthday soireé, Elsa ends up with a fever—shall we say a frozen fever? And while she may have thought she ruined Anna’s birthday, it’s actually one of her favorite presents yet: Getting to take care of her sister.

5. When the sisters celebrate Christmas for the first time in forever.
After years apart with closed castle doors, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure finds the sisters reclaiming their old (while creating new) holiday traditions. Favorite characters return (yoo-hoo!) and the Yule Bell is rung, bringing the warmth of the holiday season to our hearts.

6. Anna and Elsa bonding over their love of Olaf.
Some of the first moments of Frozen illustrated a young Anna and young Elsa building a snowman (our number one heart-melting moment), but it wasn’t until Olaf’s Frozen Adventure where we find out that that snowman—Olaf—is what bonded Anna and Elsa throughout the many years they spent apart. Cue the waterworks!

7. The sisters venturing into the unknown together.
Three years have passed in Arendelle. A few birthdays and Christmases have come and gone, but it’s time for the sisters’ story to turn over a new leaf. As Elsa hears a whispering call, she’s determined to venture beyond the kingdom—with Anna by her side.

Take a Look at the Gingerbread Sweet Spots at Disney Parks and Resorts!

November 27, 2019

By Savannah Salazar

Holiday spirit—and the smell of gingerbread—is in the air! From the Disney Cruise Lines to the Disney resorts in Florida, California and Hawai’i, there are plenty of sweet sights and treats to look out for. And, as it snow happens, we have a sweet peek at the merriest gingerbread displays around the Disney Parks and Resorts.

Over at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, you’ll find a Frozen 2 display that’s snow cool! The gingerbread display features a giant white chocolate tree and a Hawaiian Olaf tree topper.

It’s sweet sailing at Disney Cruise Line. Each of the ships’ pastry teams compete in an annual holiday gingerbread competition producing some un-fir-gettable displays.

The Haunted Mansion transforms into the ghoulishly merry Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Resort, complete an homage to the attraction’s 50th anniversary with a gingerbread house that truly sleighs.

Located in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, this gingerbread replica stands over seven feet tall, is decorated with over 600 pounds of gingerbread and features a couple of hidden Mickeys. Can you spot them?

In honor of its 10th anniversary, the 18-foot tall Disney’s Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display has Cinderella, Prince Charming and Fairy Godmother greeting visitors.

In Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs, this miniature sweet spot is a replica of the pastry shop—including its kitchen!

There are stars, stripes and gingerbread at The American Adventure in Epcot. This seven-foot display depicts the Washington Monument topped with Mickey ears.

Not only does Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort & Spa have a life-sized winter-wonderland-themed gingerbread house, but it also has a sweet shop full of freshly baked items for sale.

At Disney’s Beach Club Resort, you can find a life-sized spinning carousel made of hand-crafted chocolate, sugar, fondant and gingerbread. Oh my!

This gingerbread display represents all the restaurants and shops located along Disney’s BoardWalk Resort.

New this year is a gingerbread display at Disney’s Saratoga Resort & Spa, which features a holiday village themed to Saratoga Springs, New York.

The first gingerbread display at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge embraces the rustic charm of America’s Great Northwest! The gingerbread cabin has Humphrey the bear greeting visitors along with a seven-story Christmas tree across the way.

UPDATED: One Day at Disney Book Signing Events Coming Soon

November 26, 2019December 9, 2019

By D23 Staff

Fans have been eager to get their hands on the new coffee table book One Day at Disney ever since the project—along with the Disney+ streaming series—was announced this summer at D23 Expo. The 224-page book, which shines a light on some of the talented men and women bringing Disney’s most beloved stories to life over a single day, hits stores December 3. We have the details on where you can pick up a copy—and have it signed, as well!

December 5

Signing featuring Q&A with One Day at Disney author Bruce Steele and local author Denise Kiernan
6 p.m.
Malaprops Bookstore
55 Haywood St.
Asheville, NC, 28801
For details click here

December 8

Signing with author Bruce Steele and special guests
1 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Orlando
7900 W. Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32819
For details click here

December 9

Signing with author Bruce Steele and special guests
9 – 10 a.m.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Discovery Trading Company
Walt Disney World Resort

Signing with author Bruce Steele and special guests
1 – 3 p.m.
Magic Kingdom
Main Street Cinema
Walt Disney World Resort

Signing with author Bruce Steele and special guests
5 – 7 p.m.
Disney Springs
The Art of Disney
Walt Disney World Resort

December 14

Signing with author Bruce Steele and special guests
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Disneyana Gift Shop – Main Street, U.S.A.
Disneyland Park

Signing with author Bruce Steele and special guests
4 – 6 p.m.
Downtown Disney
WonderGround Gallery

December 16

Discussion & Signing with author Bruce Steele
7:00 p.m.
Barnes & Noble at the Glendale Americana

All events subject to change.

10 Must-Stream Selections for the Ultimate Disney+ Family Movie Night

November 26, 2019

By Beth Deitchman

There are so many things to be thankful for this year across the worlds of Disney, but Disney+ has to be at the top of our list. And after a day of cooking, cleaning, carving, and conversation, it’s hard to imagine anything more heavenly than curling up on the couch to watch a movie. Before you and your family dig in to the Thanksgiving leftovers, why not dig in to one of these beloved films?

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
For many, an annual viewing of this Santamental favorite from 20th Century Fox is as much a Thanksgiving tradition as turkey with all the trimmings. Edmund Gwenn stars as an elderly gentleman named Kris Kringle, who—in addition to being the best department store Santa Claus ever—fills almost everyone he meets with Christmas spirit. But after Kris is declared insane and placed on trial in New York City, people whose feelings about Santa range from “ho ho ho” to “ho ho no” find themselves seriously questioning their beliefs.

Noelle (2019)
Here’s a new kind of Santa Claus story, and it’s been tailor-made for the brand-new streaming service. Anna Kendrick stars as the Disney+ Original’s title character, Noelle, for whom Christmas is truly the family business, since her father is Kris Kringle himself. As her brother Nick prepares to spend his first Christmas steering Santa’s sleigh and delivering joy to children around the world, the pressure becomes too much for him. When his sister suggests that Nick take a break for a few days, that break turns into, well, longer, and it’s up to Noelle to find Santa and save Christmas.

Star Wars: A New Hope : Episode IV (1977)
Before the suns set on the Skywalker Saga in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, go back to where it all began: Episode IV. Whether you’re so well-versed in the ways of the Force that you can recite favorite lines along with the characters, or you’re looking to pass along your vast Jedi knowledge to the Padawan in your life, you can’t go wrong with A New Hope. Watch it now to re-live the magic of the beginning of Luke’s journey from farmboy to one of the greatest Jedi the galaxy has ever known; the first spark between Han and Leia that ignited one of cinema’s most iconic romances; and to hear again that first ominous breath emanate from Darth Vader’s helmet. This is the family movie night you’re looking for.

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
It’s likely that your holiday table will include folks who know the Marvel Cinematic Universe backward and forward, along with novices who will stare at you blankly when you tell them that you love them 3,000. But turn on the first Guardians of the Galaxy film, and you will bridge these two factions. GOTG stands on its own as an introduction to an unforgettable group of disparate misfits—Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord; gun-toting raccoon Rocket; tree-like humanoid Groot; the deadly and enigmatic Gamora; and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer—as well as a thrilling adventure that sets up key events in the Infinity Saga. Plus, the film’s killer soundtrack will have even the most reticent toes tapping before they know it.

One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
Holiday gatherings can be fraught with opposing viewpoints. Case in point: Cranberry sauce—canned vs. home-made? It can be polarizing. But who doesn’t love dogs—especially when there are 101 to love? And rest assured, the spirited discourse One Hundred and One Dalmatians will inspire might include which pup is the most adorable (we’re partial to Rolly), which tune is the most hummable (um, “Cruella De Vil,” of course), and—from the youngsters among your group—can we get a puppy? (We’ll let you handle that one!)

The Game Plan (2007)
If you’re looking to bring football into your holiday without committing to four quarters of an actual game, consider this family comedy starring Dwayne Johnson as Joe Kingman, a famous Boston quarterback who has to tackle his biggest challenge yet: fatherhood. As the big game approaches, Joe begins to discover that the most meaningful win he can achieve is the heart of the one fan who matters most, his 8-year-old daughter.

Inside Out (2015)
Joy. Fear. Anger. Disgust. Sadness. While there’s no doubt that Joy will be manning the console throughout your holiday season, Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out serves as a perfect reminder that her fellow Emotions play an important role in everyone’s inner life, as well. The film features a hilarious cast—led by Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith as Joy and Sadness, respectively, with Bill Hader as Fear, Lewis Black as Anger, Mindy Kaling as Disgust, and Richard Kind as the incomparable Bing Bong—along with a moving and relatable story about what a bumpy road growing up can be.

Free Solo (2018)
Free solo climber Alex Honnold sets out to achieve what would seem to be a truly superhuman feat: scaling the face of the 3,200-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, without so much as a rope. This acclaimed documentary from National Geographic boasts no secret weapons or supersuits, no special effects, and no stunt doubles—and it will have you and your entire family on the edge of your seats from start to finish.

The Cat from Outer Space (1978)
We’ve got a feline there’s something for everyone in your family to love in The Cat from Outer Space. The film follows Jake, an out-of-this-galaxy cat (literally!), who crash-lands his spaceship on Earth and needs an offbeat physicist named Frank; Frank’s girlfriend, Liz; and their gambling-obsessed co-worker, Link, to help him elude the U.S. Army and a power-hungry businessman. If you’re in the mood for sci-fi, comedy, and even a little romance—The Cat from Outer Space has a truly meowvelous combination.

The Muppets (2011)
The Muppets brought our favorite felt friends back to the big screen after a 12-year hiatus, with this most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational on-screen reunion orchestrated by two fans like us, Gary and Walter. Walter is the world’s biggest Muppet fan (for reasons that quickly become clear when you meet him in the film) and he’ll let nothing stop his quest to thwart a diabolical plot to destroy the Muppet Theater—not a second-rate tribute band of “Moopets” and especially not a greedy oil millionaire. The Muppets stars Jason Segal, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, and Rashida Jones and features cameos by several dozen celebrities, continuing a longstanding cinematic Muppets tradition. There’s no movie like a Muppet movie!