Spend Your Black Friday With 7 Shopaholic Characters on Disney+

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+!

The Cheetah Girls

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.

Blank Check

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 Movie

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!

Freaky Friday

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!”

Suite Life of Zack & Cody

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!” 

101 Dalmatians

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 (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

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.

Beauty and the Beast place settings

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!

Reindeer Cookies

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.

Holiday Cake

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.

Sanderson Bingo

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?”

Inside Out Holiday Card

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

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.

Anna and Elsa FROZEN

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.

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.

Frozen Fever

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!

Frozen Fever

 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.

Olaf's Frozen Adventure

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.

Olaf's Frozen Adventure

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!

Frozen 2

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!

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.

Aulani Gingerbread

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.

Disney Fantasy Gingerbread

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.

Haunted Mansion gingerbread house

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.

Grand Californian Gingerbread

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?

Contemporary Resort Gingerbread house

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.

Amorettes gingerbread house

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

Epcot gingerbread house

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

Grand Floridian gingerbread house

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.

Beach club gingerbread house

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!

boardwalk display

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

saratoga springs gingerbread house

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

wilderness lodge gingerbread house

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

101 Dalmatians

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

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

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

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

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!

D23’s Lineup of Events for 2020

In 2020, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is bringing back many of its most popular events, adding incredible new experiences, and putting new twists on favorites for fans around the country to enjoy.

Check out our 10 helpful tips for D23 events.
D23 Ticketing tips

Event calendar:

DATE D23 EVENT CALENDAR: LOCATION
Jan 8 D23 Gold Member Mixer in Kapolei, Hawai‘i Aulani Resort, HI
Jan 17 Get VIP Tickets to Disney’s Frozen The Hit Broadway Musical Hollywood, CA
Jan 25 The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – Presented by D23 Burbank, CA
Jan 27 The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – Presented by D23 Burbank, CA
Jan 31 Disney’s Aladdin the Hit Broadway Musical VIP Tickets Orlando, FL
Feb 8 D23 Magical Screening Series: The Three Caballeros 75th on The Walt Disney Studios Lot Burbank, CA
Feb 12-13 D23 at Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite! Anaheim, CA
Feb 13 Attend The Call of the Wild Red Carpet Premiere in Hollywood! Los Angeles, CA
Feb 15 D23 Magical Screening Series: The Three Caballeros 75th at Walt Disney World Orlando, FL
Feb 16 D23 Magical Screening Series: The Three Caballeros 75th Near Washington, D.C. Silver Springs, MD
Feb 22 The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – Presented by D23 Burbank, CA
Feb 24 The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – Presented by D23 Burbank, CA
Mar 4 D23 Member Preview of Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic at the Bowers Museum Santa Ana, CA
Mar 11 D23’s Mulan Advance Screening and D23 Member Mixer in Raleigh, N.C.! Raleigh, NC
Mar 11 Attend an advance screening of Stargirl from Disney+ at The Walt Disney Studios! Burbank, CA
Mar 12 Sip & Stroll 2020 at Disney California Adventure Park Anaheim, CA
Mar 14 Mickey’s of Glendale – March 2020 Glendale, CA
Mar 16 The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – Presented by D23 Burbank, CA
Apr 6-10 D23 Celebrates A Goofy Movie 25th Anniversary D23.com and Social Channels
Apr 17 D23 Presents: ’90s Throwback with DCappella D23.com and Social Channels
May 8 Star Wars: The Clone Wars Cast Reunion Challenge, presented by D23 D23.com and Social Channels
May 15 It’s A Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer Premiere Watch Party with D23 D23.com and Social Channels
May 22 D23 Pollyanna-versary Celebrate 60 Glad Years with Hayley Mills! D23.com and Social Channels
June 22 Meet the Archives! Celebrating 50 Years of the Walt Disney Archives D23.com Virtual Event
June 23 D23 Celebrates 25 Years of Pocahontas with DCappella D23.com
June 27 Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives – D23 Gold Member World Premiere! Virtual Event
July 1 Prop Culture with D23 and the Walt Disney Archives D23.com and Social Channels
Aug 21-23 Disney Imagineers Celebrate 65 Years of Disneyland Park! Virtual Event
Aug 27 D23 Gold Member Advance Screening—Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe Virtual Event
Aug 28 D23 Trivia Night: 65 Years of the Disney Theme Park Virtual Event
Sept 11 D23 Drive-In: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back at the Rose Bowl Pasadena, CA
Sept 14 D23 Presents The Golden Girls: Cheers to 35 Years! D23.com and Social Channels
Sept 18-20 Gold Member Encore Presentation — Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives Virtual Event
Sept 18-20 D23 Gold Member Encore Presentation—Disney Imagineers Celebrate 65 Years of Disneyland Park! Virtual Event
October D23 Halloween Hullabaloo D23.com and Social Channels
Oct 20-25 Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks – D23 Virtual Launch Party D23.com and Social Channels
Oct 31 D23 Mousequerade – Virtual Costume Contest D23.com and Social Channels
Nov 16-20 D23 Fantastic Worlds Celebration D23.com and Social Channels
Nov 16 The Fantasia Legacy: A Conversation with Eric Goldberg D23.com and Social Channels
Nov 16 Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Storytelling through Merchandise D23.com and Social Channels
Nov 17 Marvel’s 616 Uncovered D23.com and Social Channels
Nov 17 Marvel Celebrates 80 Years of Captain America D23.com and Social Channels
Nov 18 Celebrate Mickey & Minnie on Their Birthday D23.com and Social Channels
Nov 19 Walt Disney World: Destination Tomorrow D23.com and Social Channels
Nov 19 EPCOT – The Magic of Possibility D23.com and Social Channels
Nov 18-27 Globetrotting with Mickey Mouse and the Walt Disney Archives Virtual Event
Nov 20-27 Creating Fantastic Worlds: A Journey into Disney Worldbuilding Virtual Event
Nov 21-21 The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse—D23 Gold Member-Exclusive Sneak Peek! Virtual Event
Dec 8-13 Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks—D23 Virtual Holiday Party Virtual Event
Dec 12 Join the Audience for Disney & Pixar’s Soul Virtual Red Carpet Premiere Virtual Event
December D23 Season of Magic D23.com and Social Channels

Want to be part of the magic in 2020? Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year. Additional details on D23’s lineup of 2020 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at www.D23.com/events. Many of these events are exclusively for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members. Be sure to check the full listings when events post for details. All events and dates are subject to change.

12 Thanksgiving Meal Secrets from the Disney Parks Pros

By Beth Deitchman

Will you be attempting to pull off some culinary magic this Turkey Day? If so, we’ve got some inspiration from the chefs of the Walt Disney World Resort who cast savory spells every day as they create delicious meals for guests.

Twice monthly, Disney chefs and their teams also prepare fresh meals to serve at the local nonprofit Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. Continuing a longstanding tradition, the Walt Disney World culinary teams will bring turkey with all of the trimmings, including mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, stuffing, salad, rolls, cranberry sauce, and dessert, to the Coalition on Thanksgiving night—and they’ve shared some of their top Thanksgiving tips to help you in your own holiday meal prep. See them in the video below, or download and print the shareable graphic to have it close at hand as the holiday approaches.

Click here to download a printable list.

Avengers: Endgame Composer Reveals the Two Most Challenging Scenes to Score

By Jim Frye

Spoiler warning: The following article contains very minor spoilers to Avengers: Endgame.

From Back to the Future and Forrest Gump to Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Lilo & Stitch, the Oscar®-nominated music of Alan Silvestri has threaded itself into the fabric of modern cinematic history, becoming an indelible part of our movie-going experience. At Marvel Studios, Silvestri’s heroic compositions and thrilling themes have become emotional touchpoints in films such as Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers, Avengers: Infinity War, and, most recently, Avengers: Endgame.

With galactic-sized action and heart-wrenching pathos, Avengers: Endgame proved, in Silvestri’s words, “daunting.” Here, he discusses the two most challenging scenes to score in the film, and the gargantuan task of providing the soundtrack to the biggest movie of all time.

“It was monumentally big,” says Silvestri. “[Directors] Joe and Anthony Russo were very clear that it needed to be epic, it needed to be operatic, and although they would never say ‘over the top,’ there needed to be no room left in the room… it needed to fill the theater.”

Silvestri elaborates about the difficult process of “spotting the movie,” which is when the composer and director go through the entire film—frame by frame if necessary—and together decide where a piece of music will start and where it will end. Each of those individual pieces of music are called “cues,” and, according to Silvestri, there are two very important moments in every cue. “The first one is when it starts, and the second one is when it ends.”

Avengers: Endgame

“It’s a challenge to figure out frame by frame tonally what’s right and what’s going to help the filmmakers tell their story,” he continues. “In Endgame, there were a couple of devastatingly challenging places. One of them was the Portals event that happens after Cap has really lost everything.” The “Portals” moment to which he’s referring occurs during the giant final battle where multiple “portals” open up, revealing many beloved characters.

“When we were looking at the film, we knew that’s when Joe and Anthony were going to show you every character, basically, in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We knew the fans were just going to love this, so you’ve got to find the right tone and the right approach. It was a big orchestra, and when we needed to move a lot of air—like in ‘The Portals’ cue—we moved a lot of air in the studio. It’s the challenge of being appropriate.”

Avengers: Endgame

On the other end of that spectrum, the other scene that Silvestri found challenging to score was the large gathering of characters toward the end of the film at the cabin by the lake. “It was a difficult scene—the death, then moving into a celebration of life, with this most spectacular cast. Then when Joe and Anthony pan up from the dock and we see all these movie stars, one after the next, I knew we had to get this right somehow.”

7 Easter Eggs You Need to Find in Toy Story 2

By Jocelyn Buhlman

We’re celebrating the 20th anniversary of Pixar’s first ever sequel—1999’s Toy Story 2. Following the adventures of Woody, who has been stolen from Andy and faces a future inside a toy museum, and Buzz, who will stop at nothing to get Woody back to his home, Toy Story 2 expanded the world built in the original film and proved to us that we’re never too old to play with our toys! Besides introducing us to thrilling new adventures, catchy songs, and a host of new characters (Jessie! Bullseye! Emperor Zurg!… Barbie?), Toy Story 2 followed in the grand tradition of its Pixar predecessors with a veritable treasure trove of hidden details for sharp-eyed fans to spot. To help ring in the anniversary, we’ve brought seven of our favorites to the roundup. Next time you have a family movie night (or feel like re-watching the film on Disney+), make sure to keep an eye out for the following:

Toy Story 2

1. Familiar TV Programming
If there’s a record for most Easter eggs displayed in a few seconds, this moment may be a leading contender—when Hamm is flipping through TV channels trying to re-find a commercial for Al’s Toy Barn, he’s not just flipping through your normal TV shows. Each clip shown on screen is taken from one of Pixar’s early shorts, including Tin Toy, Red’s Dream, and Luxo, Jr. Can you spot them all?

Toy Story 2

2. May The Force Be With You
Many popular films get visual references and shout-outs in Toy Story 2, but one of the most well-known references is to none other than Star Wars! Not only is the main storyline between Buzz and Emperor Zurg a direct homage to that plot twist from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, but the video game that Rex plays at the beginning of the film, Buzz Lightyear: Attack on Zurg, uses sound effects that sound suspiciously familiar to those you might hear in Star Wars films. Keep your ears open for the buzz of a lightsaber, the blasts from an X-Wing, and even some ominously familiar breathing.

Toy Story 2

3. Get a Pizza This Detail
The character with the most appearances in Pixar films isn’t really a character at all (well, except in the Cars universe)—It’s the Pizza Planet Truck, which originated in the first Toy Story and makes its third appearance in a Pixar film with Toy Story 2, where it serves as a crucial form of transportation for our merry band of toys.

Toy Story 2

 4. A Toy’s Life
Another kind of iconic Easter egg that Pixar prefers to hide in their movies are references to movies from the studio that debuted directly before and after the film you’re currently watching (for example, you can spot Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear from 2010’s Toy Story 3 in 2009’s Up). Toy Story 2 is no exception, paying homage to the previous year’s film, a bug’s life, many times throughout the movie. Sharp-eyed fans should be on the lookout during sequences in Al’s Toy Barn for a display of a bug’s life­-themed toys—plus other small shout-outs throughout the film!

Toy Story 2

5. Pixar Merch Galore!
Another iconic Pixar Easter egg makes its home in Al’s Toy Barn—the Pixar ball, which originated in Luxo Jr., one of Pixar’s first animated shorts, and now serves as a sort-of mascot for the company. Keep an eye out for a bin full of the balls while Buzz and friends are searching for Woody.

Toy Story 2

6. A “Geri” Familiar Face
One of the most famous moments from Toy Story 2 (and one of the most oddly satisfying parts of the film, according to fans) is the extended cleaning sequence where Woody is restored to his original glory. This scene also holds a very interesting Easter egg—the cleaner himself looks identical to the title character of the Pixar animated short Geri’s Game! When The Cleaner goes through the drawers of his toolkit, he even reveals a drawer full of chess pieces, another nod to the short he originated in.

Toy Story 2

7. A “Class”-ic Detail
We’ve found the Pizza Planet Truck, spotted a couple of Pixar balls… all that’s left in the classic trio of Pixar Easter eggs is to locate a hidden “A113.” Referencing a classroom from CalArts, where many of Pixar’s best and brightest studied, A113 has appeared in almost every Pixar movie—and Toy Story 2 is no exception. Just as it appeared in the original Toy Story, you can spot this hidden A113 on the license plate of the van belonging to Andy’s family.