Get an Exclusive First Look at Baby Swedish Chef on Disney Junior’s Muppet Babies

By Beth Deitchman

We’ve got delicious news to share about a fan-favorite character making his adorable animated debut on a brand-new episode of Disney Junior’s Muppet Babies airing this Friday, September 27, on Disney Channel and in the DisneyNOW app (10:30 a.m. ET/PT). The Swedish Chef is paying a visit to the playroom, bringing with him his inimitable recipe for fun (not to mention an impressive platter of cookies)! Even as a preschooler, Chef seemingly goes nowhere without his signature hat and bowtie, though, of course, his mustache is still some years away. When Muppet Babies executive producer Tom Warburton spoke with D23 at the start of the animated series’ second season, he explained, “We went with his hair being a bit more shaggy, so that his hair almost becomes the mustache.”

Muppet Babies - 1

See Chef’s grand entrance in the clip below, and tune in to Emmy® Award-nominated Muppet Babies tomorrow to find out what happens when Piggy challenges him to a cook-off. The very thought of that culinary competition leaves us with just one thought: Børk, børk, børk!

Everything You Need to Know About Disney Skyliner

By the D23 Team

Next time you visit Walt Disney World Resort, make sure to stop and take a look at the sky—you may just see your favorite Disney character gliding by! Starting September 29, the Disney Skyliner will be taking flight across four resort hotels and two parks as a new addition to the complimentary transportation systems across the resort. Decorated with images of many beloved Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel characters, each gondola gives guests a unique, never-before-seen view of Walt Disney World. Are you ready to glide with the Disney Skyliner? Read on to discover everything you need to know about the newest way to travel during your vacation.

WDW Skyliner 1

Your Favorite Characters Take to the Skies
While not every Disney Skyliner gondola features a special wrap, approximately 300 cabins (nearly half!) will be wrapped in whimsical Disney scenes—with beloved characters, fan-favorite movies, attractions and more—giving the appearance that Disney pals are riding along with guests. Along with the special wraps, the cabins will shimmer in one of eight vibrant colors—so keep an eye out for your favorite hues.

WDW Skyliner 3

WDW Skyliner 4

Travel Around Walt Disney World Resort
Each Disney Skyliner gondola can seat up to ten guests, traveling along six miles of cable to Disney Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

The Disney Skyliner provides a bird’s-eye views of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Approaches to Epcot are equally eye-catching, as the countries around World Showcase Lagoon come into view with iconic Spaceship Earth in the distance.

WDW Skyliner 8

Need to make a trip back to your hotel room? Guests staying at Disney resort hotels accessible by Disney Skyliner will have quick-and-easy transportation. Plus, travel to your favorite restaurants and entertainment available at the hotels, including all the fun of Disney’s BoardWalk entertainment district, and access to Epcot through the International Gateway station.

WDW Skyliner 5

WDW Skyliner 6

Artfully Magical Stations
Each station along the Disney Skyliner route is a treat for the eyes, featuring uniquely Disney designs that reflect their surroundings:

  • The Epcot International Gateway station is inspired by the nearby European pavilions in the park. Covered metal and glass canopies, hand-painted murals themed to flight and ornate metal detailing are all in the Art Nouveau style.
  • The Disney’s Riviera Resort station incorporates influences from the Mediterranean coast to produce an elegant portal for guests.
  • The station at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort connects all three routes and extends the architectural details and bright island colors associated with the Caribbean.
  • The Disney’s Hollywood Studios station reflects the Art Deco style of the park’s main entrance area. Guests arriving on Disney Skyliner will be awestruck as a panoramic view of the park unfolds.
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort share a Disney Skyliner station at Hourglass Lake. Colorful structural forms create a space that feels whimsical and contextual with both resorts. Departing the station, guests will glide above Hourglass Lake and ascend to thrilling views of both resort hotels.

WDW Skyliner 7

Don’t Forget the New Latte!
Need a quick energy boost before you head back to the parks? Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co.®, the official specialty coffee of Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Vacation Club, will welcome guests with a quick-service location adjacent to the station at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. The menu of coffees, pastries and specialty items will include the new “Toffee Flight Latte” found initially only at the station. The latte blends sea salt caramel toffee and dark chocolate, topped with toffee and chocolate crumbles and a cloud of whipped cream.

Learn more about the Disney Skyliner at Walt Disney World’s official website.

You Need to See These Creepy Cute Disney Halloween Masks from the Walt Disney Archives

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Vintage Halloween masks can be a charming portal to the past—or a creepy peek at design differences from another era. Whether you’re wishing for one of these retro Disney masks of your own or hoping they stay firmly in the past, you’ll be fascinated by this collection of Ben Cooper Disney Halloween masks from our friends at the Walt Disney Archives. Take a closer look (but maybe not too close) at five of our favorites below:

Donald Ben Cooper - 1

It’d be your ducky day to have this mask to complete your Halloween costume. The neon-colored rendition of the ultimate quack up gives us total throwback vibes—and is perfect to celebrate Donald’s 85th anniversary!

Mouseketeer - Ben Cooper Halloween Mask

Want to join the club that’s made for you and me? Before there was D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, you could join the Mickey Mouse Club for a night with this Halloween mask that doesn’t just let you put on the iconic ear hat—but also the face of a Mouseketeer!

Tron - Ben Cooper Halloween Mask

Greetings, users. Pretend you’re on the game grid with this mask depicting our favorite program, Tron! The film Tron was known for its groundbreaking and unusual visual design, which this mask from the 1980s mimics.

Ludwig Von Drake - Ben Cooper - 5

Prove you’re the smartest duck around by wearing this mask, showcasing the feathered face of Professor Ludwig Von Drake, Donald Duck’s eccentric uncle and emcee of several iconic Disney television shows. This mask from the 1960s is the perfect costume choice for any Disney fan who considers themselves a bit of a wise-quacker.

Sleeping Beauty - Ben Cooper - 5

Do you want to look like Sleeping Beauty for Halloween? You… might… look like her in this mask, perfect for those of us who never decided between “make it pink” and “make it blue,” as this 1960s mask features a multi-hued tiara showcasing both of the princess’ iconic colors.

The Wonderful World of Disney presents The Little Mermaid Live! Adds John Stamos and Graham Phillips

By Zach Johnson

Everything’s better down where it’s wetter—just ask John Stamos and Graham Phillips! The actors have just joined the cast of The Wonderful World of Disney presents The Little Mermaid Live! The two-hour special airs Tuesday, November 5, at 8 p.m., on ABC.

Following Stamos’ performance as Chef Louis in the Hollywood Bowl production of The Little Mermaid, the two-time Emmy® Award-nominated actor and producer will reprise his role as the eccentric French cook. Also joining previously announced cast members Auli’i Cravalho (Ariel), Queen Latifah (Ursula), and Shaggy (Sebastian) is film and television star Phillips, who will return to his live theater roots in the role of Prince Eric. Both actors bring a wealth of stage experience. Stamos made his Broadway debut in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying before starring in productions of the Tony® Award-nominated The Best Man and the Tony Award-winning musicals Nine and Cabaret, while Phillips originated the role of Evan Goldman in the Broadway musical 13.

The Little Mermaid Live!

As previously announced, The Wonderful World of Disney presents The Little Mermaid Live! will honor the 30th anniversary of the beloved animated classic through a never-before-seen hybrid format that will take viewers on a magical adventure under the sea. Live musical performances will be interwoven into the broadcast of the original feature film, and the production will feature intricate sets and costumes by three-time Emmy Award-winning designer Zaldy. The special will also include music from the original animated film and the Tony Award-nominated Broadway stage version, originally composed by eight-time Oscar®-winning composer and Disney Legend Alan Menken. Howard Ashman’s iconic lyrics from the film will be showcased, and Glenn Slater, the lyricist for the Broadway adaptation, will contribute to the star-studded spectacular. Joining the production’s creative team are choreographers Nick Florez and RJ Durrell.

The Wonderful World of Disney presents The Little Mermaid Live! is being produced by Done+Dusted. Executive producers include director Hamish Hamilton, Katy Mullan, David Jammy, Raj Kapoor, Ian Stewart, and Richard Kraft (who directed and produced the Hollywood Bowl productions of both The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast).

400+ Plant-Based Dishes Coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts

By Zach Johnson

Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort have announced that all of their major quick and table service restaurants will soon be serving plant-based options. Guests can choose from more than 400 sweet and savory creations, including several new dishes. Because guests have embraced existing plant-based offerings, the two Resorts were inspired to expand their menus and introduce a new menu icon, a green leaf, making it easier than ever to find these creations.

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Plant-based dishes - 2

Mouths will be watering over the delectable plant-based items already at Disney Parks, such as the Shiriki noodle salad from Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom Park (noodles, edamame beans, mushrooms, green mango, and cucumber, tossed with a sweet chili sauce); the Felucian garden spread from Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park at the Disneyland Resort (plant-based “kefta,” herb hummus, tomato-cucumber relish, and pita); the chili-spiced crispy fried tofu bowl from Satu’li Canteen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (crispy tofu, seasoned with chili-spice, topped with a crunchy vegetable slaw, boba balls, and choice of base and sauce); and the plant-based cashew cheesecake from California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Preview additional menu items in the video from the Disney Parks Blog:

Each of the fun and flavorful options are made from plant-based ingredients—fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and vegetables—and without animal meat, dairy, eggs, or honey. At quick service locations on October 1 and at table service locations on October 3, Walt Disney World Resort will add the plant-based menu icon and introduce new options at its theme parks and resort hotels. In the spring of 2020, the menu icon and many new plant-based options will arrive at Disneyland Resort. Across the world, Disney Parks are already serving up delicious plant-based fare, including risotto-style spelt with mushrooms at Disneyland Paris; pan-fried vegetables with plant-based dumplings at Hong Kong Disneyland; and caramel mix nuts banana cake at Shanghai Disney Resort. While sailing the high seas aboard Disney Cruise Line, guests can enjoy everything from a plant-based chili dog to plant-based eggs to chocolate truffle cake.

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Celebrate National Comic Book Day with Some Super Cosplay!

By Savannah Salazar

In honor of National Comic Book Day, celebrate the cosplayers that are popping off the page. Bringing to life the vibrant heroes from comic books and the silver screen, these super cosplays from D23 Expo are out of this world!

Marvel Cosplay 2
Look out for web-slinging royalty.
Marvel Cosplay 3
Shout-out to this group of SUPER heroes!
Marvel Cosplay 4
They are Groot.
Marvel Cosplay 5
These cosplayers went higher, further, faster!
Marvel Cosplay 6
Something is a little strange here…
Marvel Cosplay 7
A Super Duo.
Marvel Cosplay 8
Shuri, Forever!
Marvel Cosplay 9
Young Avengers, assemble!
Marvel Cosplay 10
Valkyrie or Hela? Choose your next words wisely…

Check out more super Marvel cosplay in the gallery below!

Programming from Across The Walt Disney Company’s Brands Receives 22 Emmy® Wins for 2019

By Beth Deitchman

On Sunday night, the stars of Pose, Fosse/Verdon, and The Act were honored at the 2019 Emmy Awards®, bringing the total number of wins for The Walt Disney Company’s portfolio of brands—which includes ABC, FX, 20th Century Fox Television, National Geographic, and Hulu—to 22. During the live telecast from the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles, Billy Porter made history as the first openly gay black man to be named Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role on Pose, from FX and Fox 21 Television Studios. Michelle Williams received the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her role as Gwen Verdon in Fosse/Verdon, also from FX and Fox 21 Television Studios; and Patricia Arquette was honored as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for Hulu’s The Act.

Just one week earlier, Free Solo, the thrilling documentary from National Geographic, swept the seven categories in which it was nominated during the 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Awards—making it the most Emmy-winning documentary in history. Emmys also went to The Handmaid’s Tale, The Simpsons, Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons,’ Rent, National Geographic’s Life Below Zero, and Family Guy.

Here are all 22 Emmy winners from across The Walt Disney Company’s brands. Congratulations to all!

Michelle Williams - Emmys Recap

Fosse/Verdon (FX Networks/Fox 21 Television Studios/FX Productions)

  • Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie: Michelle Williams
  • Outstanding Hairstyling for a Limited Series or Movie
  • Outstanding Makeup for a Limited Series or Movie (Non-Prosthetic)
  • Outstanding Music Direction

Free Solo - Emmys Recap

Free Solo (National Geographic)

  • Outstanding Directing For A Documentary/Nonfiction Program: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin
  • Outstanding Cinematography For A Nonfiction Program
  • Outstanding Picture Editing For A Nonfiction Program
  • Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media Within An Unscripted Program
  • Outstanding Music Composition For A Documentary Series Or Special (Original Dramatic Score)
  • Outstanding Sound Editing For A Nonfiction Program (Single Or Multi- Camera)
  • Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Nonfiction Program (Single or Multi-Camera)

Emmys Recap - Billy Porter

Pose (FX Networks/Fox 21 Television Studios/FX Productions)

  • Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Billy Porter

Rent (20th Century Fox Television)

  • Outstanding Production Design For A Variety Special
  • Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction For A Variety Special

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

  • Outstanding Variety Special (Live)

Life Below Zero (National Geographic)

  • Outstanding Cinematography For A Reality Program

The Simpsons - Emmys Recap

The Simpsons (20th Century Fox Television)

  • Outstanding Animated Program

Family Guy (20th Century Fox Television)

  • Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance: Seth MacFarlane

The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)

  • Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: Bradley Whitford
  • Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series: Cherry Jones
  • Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program (One Hour or More)

Patricia Arquette - Emmys Recap

The Act (Hulu)

  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie: Patricia Arquette

You Need to Watch this Behind-The-Scenes Sneak Peek of the Music for Epcot Forever

By Jocelyn Buhlman

We can’t wait to enjoy Epcot Forever, the all-new nighttime spectacular celebrating Epcot’s past—and future! Before the spectacular (originally announced at Destination D in 2018) opens on October 1, 2019, as part of Epcot’s historic, multi-year transformation project, check out a sneak peek at the musical magic to come.

Bringing World Showcase Lagoon to life with an epic spectacle of fireworks, lighting, lasers, special effects kites, and more, Epcot Forever will be set to the sounds of some of the most beloved songs from the park’s history. You’ll be able to hear your favorites, from “Magic Journeys” and “Tomorrow’s Child” to, of course, “One Little Spark.”

Check out the behind-the-scenes video from our friends at Disney Parks Blog below for a sneak peek at the show—and mark your calendars for October 1 (Epcot’s anniversary!) when the spectacular debuts.

Sign Up Now! Disney+ Public Pre-Order Now Live

By Zach Johnson

The countdown is on!

In just 49 days, Disney+ will launch in the U.S. and Canada with unrivaled entertainment offerings. Consumers in the U.S. can sign up early for Disney+ and be among the first to start streaming on November 12, 2019, when the service debuts. Pre-order is now live for the general public through launch on DisneyPlus.com, with monthly and annual subscriptions available for purchase at $6.99 and $69.99, respectively, with a seven-day free trial beginning November 12.

In its first year, Disney+ will release more than 25 original series and 10 original films and documentaries, including The Mandalorian, from executive producer and writer Jon Favreau, and Lady and the Tramp, a timeless retelling of the 1955 animated classic, both streaming at launch. Subscribers will also enjoy unprecedented access to a vast collection of films and TV series from iconic brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. (For a more comprehensive look to what else is coming to Disney+, check out our expert guide.)

The Mandalorian Disney+ Pre-Order

Subscribers will be able to stream content from Disney+ on a wide selection of mobile and connected TV devices at launch, including gaming consoles, streaming media players, and smart TVs. Subscribers will enjoy high-quality and commercial-free viewing, up to four concurrent streams, unlimited downloads, personalized recommendations and the ability to set up to seven different profiles—including the ability for parents to set up special Kids Profiles that feature an easy-to-navigate, child-friendly interface to better access age-appropriate content.

HSM Disney+ Pre-Order

Subscriptions automatically renew, with the option to cancel at any time before each renewal date. As previously announced, on November 12, U.S. consumers will have the opportunity to purchase a bundled offering of Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu (with ads) for $12.99 per month. The bundle offers access to all of the Disney+ programming plus thousands of live sporting events, sports-themed original series and award-winning sports documentaries from ESPN+, as well as Hulu’s award-winning original content and on-demand streaming library. Consumers who are interested in the bundle offering should wait until it becomes available at launch November 12.

For more information and/or to sign-up early to Disney+, visit DisneyPlus.com.

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

“New Fantasyland” Coming Soon to Tokyo Disneyland—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Tokyo Disneyland to Debut Enchanting “New Fantasyland” in Spring 2020

If you’ve been following News Briefs (and D23.com in general) for a while, you know we’ve been happily anticipating some incredible new additions coming to Tokyo Disneyland… and with this week’s big announcement, we now have an opening day to circle on our calendar! “New Fantasyland,” a new area featuring the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast attraction and the indoor Fantasyland Forest Theatre, will open to guests on April 15, 2020!

Guests will soon be able to immerse themselves in a “tale as old as time” upon entering Belle’s village—which features Maurice’s Cottage, Gaston’s fountain, restaurants, and shops. Towering high above the forest is Beauty and the Beast Castle, which houses Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, an attraction where guests join a musical adventure in vehicles that dance in rhythm to the music from the animated film. Deeper into the forest sits Fantasyland Forest Theatre, the first full-scale indoor theater at Tokyo Disneyland.

Disney News Briefs-1

Other brand-new additions in Tomorrowland and Toontown will open on the same day; on The Happy Ride with Baymax, guests can join their own personal healthcare companion for an exciting journey. Meanwhile, popcorn enthusiasts will love The Big Pop, an outer space-themed popcorn shop also coming to Tomorrowland… and for the first time ever at Tokyo Disney Resort, guests will be able to meet Minnie Mouse in person at Minnie’s Style Studio in Toontown. Stay tuned for more info on all things Tokyo Disney Resort in the coming months!

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
September 21, 2019
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom at Walt Disney World
September 28, 2019
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom on the Lot
October 1, 2019
Freeform’s Second Annual Halloween House at the Hollywood Athletic Club, Los Angeles
October 4, 2019
The Muppets Take Manhattan—Exclusive Screening in Manhattan
October 13, 2019
D23 Heads to the Hollow
October 21, 2019
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23
October 21, 2019
D23’s Sip & Stroll at Epcot
October 29, 2019
D23’s Mostly Ghostly Halloween on The Walt Disney Studios Lot
November 14, 2019
D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: A Day at the Studio Lot
January 17, 2020
Get VIP Tickets to Disney’s Frozen The Hit Broadway Musical
January 31, 2020
Disney’s Aladdin the Hit Broadway Musical VIP Tickets
August 9, 2020
Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise Presented by D23
Parks
August 16, 20, 23, 27, 30; September 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29; October 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31; November 1, 2019
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park
August 29—November 23, 2019
2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
September 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, 2019; October 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31, 2019
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure park
November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24; December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 2019
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom park
November 29—December 30, 2019
2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Studios
October 18, 2019
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil opens in U.S. theaters
November 22, 2019
Frozen 2 opens in U.S. theaters
December 20, 2019
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in U.S. theaters
March 6, 2020
Onward opens in U.S. theaters
March 27, 2020
Mulan opens in U.S. theaters
May 29, 2020
Artemis Fowl opens in U.S. theaters
Television
September 1—30, 2019
Freeform’s 30 Days of Disney
September 16, 2019
Dancing with the Stars kicks off newest season on ABC (8
10 p.m. EST)
October 1-31, 2019
Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween
November 5, 2019
ABC airs The Wonderful Word of Disney Presents The Little Mermaid Live! (8—10 p.m. EST)

Disney Channel’s Elena of Avalor Sets Season Three Premiere

That’s right: Fan-favorite Disney Channel animated hit Elena of Avalor is coming back for a third season, beginning next month. Read up on what you can expect for Princess Elena—who’s almost ready for her queen-ly crown!—and all her pals (including some amazing guest stars) by clicking here.

See This Year’s Haunted Mansion Holiday Gingerbread House Come to Life…

The artisans at the Disneyland Resort Central Bakery have outdone themselves once again, with a monstrously mesmerizing gingerbread house for 2019’s Haunted Mansion Holiday, celebrating the Haunted Mansion’s 50th anniversary. And much like in years past, as the team set to work creating the house inside the attraction’s Grand Hall, they got some amazing footage of the entire process. Check it out, above!

If you’re unable to visit Disneyland Resort during the thrills and chills of Halloween Time this fall, and are worried you might miss seeing (and smelling!) the gingerbread house in person, fret not—it’ll be delighting foolish mortals through early January 2020.

First Look at Ride Vehicles for Epcot’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

There’s so much to look forward to at Epcot in the next few years, what with the park about to celebrate Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary in a really big way. Construction is already underway on the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction, and we recently got an up-close look at its colorful new ride vehicles. See them for yourself via the clip, above.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a family-friendly storytelling coaster that will feature a groundbreaking ride system with vehicles that rotate 360 degrees—and can even do a reverse launch. This “OmniCoaster” ride system will direct your eyes to what’s happening around you; instead of whizzing by the action, the system will fully immerse you in the attraction’s story from the minute you take off. Plus, your adventure starts in the “Galaxarium,” an amazing planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. You’ll be invited to learn more about Xandar’s treasures—until the moment when the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive, and adventures across the cosmos ensue!

Look for more Cosmic Rewind scoop as we soar ever closer to the attraction’s 2021 opening.

Behind the Scenes with New Epcot Forever Nighttime Spectacular

Speaking of Epcot, and yet another ridiculously cool thing to look forward to: The park will soon debut a brand-new nighttime spectacular, and our pals at the Disney Parks Blog just posted the tuneful behind-the-scenes clip that Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek shared with the Hall D23 audience during D23 Expo 2019. See (and hear) a bit of the magic Epcot Forever has in store, above.

Premiering in just a few weeks, Epcot Forever is an all-new, limited-time spectacle of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers, and choreographed special effects kites. (Sounds amazing, right?) The show takes viewers on a journey through the past, present, and future of Epcot—featuring a memorable collection of songs that paint a colorful picture of the park, with a look towards all the magical possibilities still to come…

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort this fall, don’t miss Epcot Forever—beginning October 1 at World Showcase!

Add Some Arendelle Aqua to Your Closet with New Frozen-Inspired Collection

Fans of Frozen are sure to melt for an all-new color collection now available at Disney Parks worldwide (or online at shopDisney.com)… Find out more about the Arendelle Aqua line—featuring headwear, accessories, and men’s and women’s apparel—right here at D23.com.

Extended Sneak Peek at Freeform’s Party of Five

Fall isn’t the only time when amazing new TV shows hit the proverbial airwaves. Case in point: Just last week, Freeform announced that their highly anticipated drama Party of Five will debut on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. This reimagined series follows the five Acosta children as they struggle to survive as a family unit after their parents are suddenly deported back to Mexico. Check out a special extended look at the show, above.

In a new iteration by original Party of Five creators Amy Lippman and Christopher Keyser, the beloved story of a young family bound by adversity will be retold through the lens of current-day themes and cultural conversations. The series stars Brandon Larracuente as Emilio, Emily Tosta as Lucia, Niko Guardado as Beto, and Elle Paris Legaspi as Valentina—with Bruno Bichir and Fernanda Urrejola as the Acosta parents. Mark those calendars!