You Have to See These D23 Expo Cosplays

August 28, 2019September 5, 2019

Download high resolution photos from the cosplay photo shoots here.

By Karina Schink

Sadly, D23 Expo 2019 has come to an end. It was a weekend filled with magical announcements, surprise guests, exclusive items to buy, and of course, the most fantastical cosplays to gasp at around every corner.

From life-size Baymaxes, to groups representing Donald’s famous adventuring nephews, the D23 Expoers really came out and showed off their best Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Marvel looks.

For the first time ever, we held three cosplay photo shoots over the weekend, and were able to capture some of the creations. Check them out below, and get inspired for your next sartorial design.

A Marvel Fan’s Guide to Disney+

August 28, 2019May 11, 2021

By The D23 Team

We have a good feeling about this. Disney+ gives subscribers access to their favorite Marvel Studios titles, including brand-new live-action and animated series, classic films, and documentaries. Disney+ has a lot of out-of-this-world entertainment, so here’s a look at what to watch—and what to look forward to:

Marvel fans, assemble! Disney+ is bringing the greatest team-up of shows and films from Marvel Studios. It’s a lineup that fans of all ages will love 3,000.

What’s available to stream now?

Marvel’s Hero Project
Not all superheroes wear capes. This new series explores the remarkable change several young heroes make in their own communities and their selfless acts of bravery.

Iron Man

Thor

Iron Man 2

Captain America: The First Avenger

Marvel’s The Avengers

Iron Man 3

Thor: The Dark World

Captain America: The Winter Solider

Guardians of the Galaxy

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Ant-Man

Captain America: Civil War

Doctor Strange

Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2

Thor: Ragnarok

Black Panther

Captain Marvel

Avengers: Infinity War

Avengers: Endgame

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (animated series)

Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man (animated series)

Marvel’s The Runaways

Agent Carter

Inhumans

Marvel Rising (animated series)

X-Men the Animated Series

Spider-Woman (animated series)

Spider-Man (animated series)

The Incredible Hulk (animated series)

Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (animated series)

Avengers Assemble (animated series)

What’s Coming Soon?

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier
Sam Wilson (otherwise known as The Falcon) and Bucky Barnes (aka The Winter Soldier) are setting off on new adventures, and we can’t wait! The duo will hit the streaming service in Fall 2020.

Marvel’s 616
An anthological documentary series from Marvel New Media in partnership with Supper Club that explores the intersection between Marvel’s rich legacy of stories, characters and creators and the world outside your window. Each documentary will dive into the rich historical, cultural and societal context that has become inseparable from stories of the Marvel Universe. Marvel’s 616 is set to be released during year one of Disney+.

Loki
Tom Hiddleston is back! Because really, is the God of Mischief ever really gone? Who knows, but we’ll soon find out what Loki’s been up to in Spring of 2021.

WandaVision
Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany return as Wanda Maximoff and The Vision, respectively, in this unique series coming in Spring of 2021. The duo will be joined by Kat Dennings and Randall Park, reprising their roles from Thor and Ant-Man and the Wasp, along with MCU newcomers Teyonah Parris (playing an adult Monica Rambeau, first seen in Captain Marvel) and Kathryn Hahn.

Marvel’s What If…?
Marvel Studios unveiled their first animated series, inspired by the namesake comic books. Fans will get to explore iconic moments from the films being turned on their heads to answer the questions of what if? Jeffrey Wright will voice The Watcher along with a star-studded cast from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe to reprise their roles as voice talent in this brand-new series premiering in the Summer of 2021.

Hawkeye
This brand-new series brings Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye and a popular character from Marvel comics, Kate Bishop, together for the first time. The series is set to premiere in Fall 2021.

And that’s not all! Assembling an impressive roster of shows, Marvel Studios recently announced at D23 Expo 2019 three new shows coming exclusively to Disney+, Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight, and She-Hulk. And of course, the Marvel Studios lineup could not be complete without the groundbreaking Avengers: Endgame, coming soon.

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

The Disney History Buff’s Guide to Disney+

August 28, 2019November 8, 2019

By Savannah Salazar

Launching on November 12, Disney+ is the one-stop streaming service for all things Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, giving fans access to a variety of favorite titles. When it comes to being an ultimate Disney history aficionado, the anticipated streaming service has everything you need—from exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary series to fresh-from-the-vault Disney classics made and produced by Walt Disney. For all the Disney history buffs—and those looking to become one—here’s a look at what is coming to Disney+.

What’s available to stream at the launch of Disney+?

Untitled Walt Disney Imagineering Documentary Series
For fans of the Disney parks, this documentary series takes you behind-the-scenes of the 65+-year history of Walt Disney Imagineering. You’ll see exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage from Disney parks all over the world, and discover what it takes to bring Disney stories to to life in the parks.

Clear your schedules, because these quintessential Disney classics will also be available to stream on the day of launch:

101 Dalmatians
Bambi
Fantasia
Fun and Fancy Free
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Mary Poppins
Sleeping Beauty
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Steamboat Willie
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (short)
The Sword in the Stone
The Three Caballeros

Released in Year One

Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2
Trek into the unknown with this multi-episode documentary series on the making of the highly-anticipated sequel to 2013’s Frozen. Like never before, Walt Disney Animation Studios has opened its doors to take viewers through the intimate process of making Frozen 2 with the film’s cast, directors, and team of artists.

Magic of Animal Kingdom
Coming soon to your screens is an all-access pass to go behind-the-scenes with the animal caretakers who run one of the most advanced veterinary facilities in the world, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park and Epcot’s SeaBase aquarium.

Prop Culture
A look at the greatest props of pop culture, this anthology series hosted by film historian and collector Dan Lanigan will take a unique look at some of our favorite films and talk to the craftspeople who made them, the actors who interacted with them, and the collectors and archives who cherish them. The first eight episodes will feature five films—Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Mary Poppins, The Muppet Movie, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, and Tron.

Released in Year Two

Ink & Paint
Based on the book of the same name, this documentary series tells the story of Animation at Disney and spotlights the unsung group of trailblazing women who helped create some of the best animated films of all time.

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

Watch All the Disney+ Trailers Unveiled at D23 Expo 2019

August 28, 2019November 8, 2019

By Zach Johnson

During the Disney+ First Look Showcase at D23 Expo 2019 Friday, attendees were the first to see trailers for original movies and series premiering on Disney+, the ultimate streaming destination for films and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Disney+ will launch in the U.S. November 12, available for $6.99 per month. D23 Members can take advantage of a special “Founders Circle” offer, priced at $23 less per year with a three-year commitment—or 33 percent off the standard annual price. This limited-time offer is open to D23 Members until September 2, 2019.

As part of the presentation, some of the creative minds behind Disney+’s content slate—including Sean Bailey, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production; Kevin Feige, president, Marvel Studios; Kathleen Kennedy, president, Lucasfilm; and Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channel Worldwide—gave guests a first look at the service’s upcoming originals and announced exciting new titles. Here are the trailers shown at the Disney+ First Look Showcase, all available at launch:

Encore!
Executive producer Kristen Bell brings together former high school musical castmates, tasking them with re-creating their original performance in a reunion unlike any other. Emotions run high as the former students face faded friendships, former flames, self-doubt, and killer choreography. Through it all, each unlikely group of friends—with the help of Broadway’s biggest and brightest stars—just might pull off a standing-ovation-worthy performance of musicals like The Sound of Music and Beauty and the Beast.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
The 10-episode scripted series, set at the real-life East High, where the Disney Channel Original Movie and its sequels were filmed, follows a group of students as they count down to opening night of their school’s first-ever production of High School Musical. With meta references and some docu-style elements, it’s a modern take on the “classic” from 15 years ago. Show-mances blossom; friendships are tested, while new ones are made; rivalries flare; songs are sung; and lives are changed forever as these young people discover the transformative power only high school theater can provide. Joshua Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, Kate Reinders, Sofia Wylie, Matt Cornett, Dara Reneé, Julia Lester, Frankie A. Rodriguez, Larry Saperstein and Mark St. Cyr star in the fresh take.

Lady and the Tramp
This is a timeless re-telling of the 1955 animated classic about a prim and proper house dog and a tough, but lovable stray. Despite their different upbringings, they grow closer and come to understand the true meaning of “home.” Directed by Charlie Bean, from a screenplay by Andrew Bujalski, it stars Tessa Thompson (voice of Lady) and Justin Theroux (voice of Tramp), Kiersey Clemons (Darling), Thomas Mann (Jim Dear), Janelle Monáe (voice of Peg), Yvette Nicole Brown (Aunt Sarah), and Sam Elliot (voice of Trusty).

The Mandalorian
Written and executive-produced by Emmy®-nominated producer, actor and Disney Legend Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian is the first ever live-action Star Wars series. Set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order, the series follows a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic. The cast includes Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito, Emily Swallow, Omid Abtahi, Werner Herzog, and Nick Nolte. Executive producer Dave Filoni directed the first episode, with Deborah Chow, Rick Famuyiwa, Bryce Dallas Howard and Taika Waititi directing subsequent episodes. Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson are producers and Karen Gilchrest is co-executive producer.

Noelle
Nick Kringle (Bill Hader) may be first in line to become Santa Claus, but he struggles every step of the way. His little sister, Noelle (Anna Kendrick), enjoys all the perks of being a Kringle without any of the expectations or responsibility. As Christmas draws near, Nick caves to the pressure and disappears just weeks before the big day. Now it’s up to Noelle to scour the globe to find him, bring him home, and save the holiday. Kingsley Ben-Adir, Billy Eichner, Julie Hagerty, and Shirley MacLaine round out the cast.

The World According to Jeff Goldblum
Through the prism of Jeff Goldblum’s inquisitive and highly entertaining mind, nothing is as it seems in this new series. Each episode is centered around something everyone loves—like sneakers or ice cream—as the actor pulls the thread on these deceptively familiar objects and unravels a wonderful world of astonishing connections, fascinating science and history, amazing people, and countless surprising big ideas and insights.

One Day at Disney
On February 21, 2019, more than 70 unique photo shoots took place around the world, as Disney dispatched photographers to capture images of the employees and cast members who drive creativity and innovation at The Walt Disney Company. From Shanghai Disneyland and ESPN to Pixar and the set of Modern Family, these spectacular photographs—and the stories behind them—will be featured in the hardbound, collectible book by Bruce Steele, out December 3 (available for pre-order).

The magical trailer was unveiled during a media preview Thursday night. The same day the book hits shelves, the feature-length documentary will debut on Disney+, followed by a new, 52-episode short-form series, with episodes ranging in length between four and seven minutes. Debuting weekly, each will profile a single remarkable person and their unique job at The Walt Disney Company—including new Disney Legend Robin Roberts!

The Disney+ app will include unlimited downloads, high-quality and commercial-free viewing, profile customizations, and concurrent streaming. Available in multiple languages, it also offers closed captioning, descriptive audio, and navigation assistance.

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

5 Magical Moments from D23 Expo’s Unforgettable Characters Presentation

August 26, 2019

By Zach Johnson

Tonight at D23 Expo, the talented actors who voice some of Disney’s most beloved characters, from Mickey Mouse to Moana, came together for Disney Character Voices, Inc: The 30th Anniversary Celebration in Hall D23 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Rick Dempsey, SVP of Character Voices, led the presentation, praising those who currently voice the characters and remembering those who did the honors before them.

The presentation featured six Disney Legends—Tony Anselmo (voice of Donald Duck), Bill Farmer (voice of Goofy and Pluto), Jodi Benson (voice of Ariel), Linda Larkin (voice of Jasmine), Paige O’Hara (voice of Belle), and Anika Noni Rose (voice of Tiana)—and special guests Bret Iwan (voice of Mickey Mouse), Corey Burton (voice of Ludwig Von Drake, Captain Hook and more), Jim Cummings (voice of Darkwing Duck, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Ray, and more), Anthony Gonzalez (voice of Miguel), Ginnifer Goodwin (voice of Judy Hopps) and Auli‘i Cravalho (voice of Moana). Below, we highlight five magical moments from Disney Character Voices, Inc: The 30th Anniversary Celebration.

1. Dempsey treated the audience to rare footage of an “embarrassed” Walt Disney recording dialogue as Mickey Mouse for the animated short Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip. Filmed in 1940, it also showed Billy Bletcher doing the voice of Pete, Mickey’s nemesis.

2. Fans auditioned on the spot for a chance to read original dialogue—written just for D23 Expo—alongside Burton and Cummings. A lucky two were chosen to join them onstage, with one voicing both Alice and Wendy (just as Disney Legend Kathryn Beaumont did) and the other voicing the Queen of Hearts. Sound-alike voice actors Burton and Cummings, meanwhile, played multiple roles—almost too many to count!

3. Like his character in Coco, Gonzalez is obsessed with music. Since his voice has deepened since the film’s release, he surprised fans by bringing out his younger brother to sing the Academy Award^®-winning song “Remember Me”—together for the first time!

4. O’Hara, a fine artist, surprised Benson, Larkin, and Rose with water color portraits of their respective princesses, bringing each of the women to tears. “I saw Paige backstage, and she gave me a big hug,” a touched Rose told the audience. “Since the first time we met, she has been one of the warmest, most welcoming people… I want you to know that this is who she is; this is not for the stage. This is this woman’s heart.”

5. Cravalho closed the show by performing “How Far I’ll Go,” her signature song from Moana. Earlier in the presentation, she recalled performing it at the Academy Awards in 2017 and laughed about a recurring production mishap in which she was hit in the head!

Marc Davis In His Own Words—Imagineering the Disney Parks Panel Celebrates the Timeless Work of One of Disney’s Greatest Artists

August 26, 2019August 26, 2019

By Max Lark

Had his Disney career ended with what he accomplished as an animator, Marc Davis would be considered one of the greatest artists in Disney history. But in 1962, Walt Disney moved Davis from Walt Disney Feature Animation to WED Enterprises (later Walt Disney Imagineering), where he would become a driving force behind the designs of some of the most iconic Disneyland park attractions, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, it’s a small world, Jungle Cruise, and more—all featuring environments, staging, and storylines that were heavily influenced by his conceptual artwork.

The Marc Davis In His Own Words—Imagineering the Disney Parks panel held on Stage 28 on Sunday afternoon at D23 Expo 2019 celebrated Davis’s incredible second act at Disney. Hosted by Imagineer Christopher Merritt and Pixar Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, who co-wrote the magisterial two-volume Disney Editions book of the same name, out September 3, the presentation reminded all in attendance, if they needed it, of the towering accomplishments of one of Disney’s most significant artists of all time. Through rarely seen photos and video sequences, as well as myriad examples of his art—from pencil sketches and designs to fully realized works of art—Merritt and Docter celebrated the work of this seminal artist, who Walt once described as “my Renaissance man.”

“It was a labor of love,” Merritt said during the panel about his and Docter’s five-year effort to write the book (after all, they both have day jobs). “A lot of lunch hours, a lot of late nights.” Merritt and Docter met Davis and his wife, Alice, during their student years at CalArts, visiting them at their Los Angeles home where the two aspiring artists became good friends with two world-class ones. “Chris went to the Library of Congress and unearthed some amazing photographs, unposed pictures of Marc and the Imagineering team working with Walt at the WED Building in Glendale,” Docter said. “We wanted the book to be akin to getting into a time machine and getting to sit alongside Marc,” Merritt added.

Their close friendships with Marc and Alice yielded incredible benefits when it came time to write the book. “Alice basically turned their house over to us,” Merritt says. “We were able to go through old drawers and boxes,” helping them find artwork no one had seen in decades. The Davis household, as photos projected during the panel plainly revealed, was a mini-museum, with walls covered in art of all kinds from all around the world. “Animated versions of some of the artwork made appearances in Up,” Docter, who directed the film, said.

Davis brought a sense of “whimsy and humor” to Disneyland, Merritt added, citing during the panel the playful elephants that charm Guests during their enchanting rides on Jungle Cruise. “He instilled characters with a quintessential Disney touch,” Merritt said. “You don’t notice it right away. But the elephants smile, especially the baby ones. Marc made them look as if they came from nature, but had them do things real elephants wouldn’t.

“One thing that we discovered that surprised us the most was that Marc actually started contributing designs for the theme park in fall 1960, a couple years before he transitioned to WED,” Merritt said.

The book Marc Davis In His Own Words – Imagineering the Disney Theme Parks really has to be seen to be believed. It is chockful of rarely or never-before-seen photos—many of Marc and fellow Imagineers working alongside Walt—as well as drawings, artwork, Marc’s notes and staging ideas, and more. As far as time machines go, you can’t find a better way to journey back to this marvelous era in Disney history.

Every Incredible Announcement from Disney Parks, Experiences and Products at D23 Expo 2019

August 25, 2019August 27, 2019

By Beth Deitchman

Talk about an E-ticket attraction—and we experienced all of it from our seat in Hall D23 at Disney Expo 2019! This morning, during an exciting presentation led by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek, an unbelievable array of new experiences and updates were revealed—from a new port of call for Disney Cruise Line to the first-ever attraction inspired by Mary Poppins at Epcot. It was a morning filled with Disney magic, complete with a surprise appearance by Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke.

Nearly 7,000 fans filled Hall D23 to hear from Chapek, who was happy to detail how Disney is bringing to life the next generation of immersive storytelling—and ensuring that guests are in the starring role.

“It was Walt’s vision for our theme parks to be places where Disney stories come to life in amazing ways, and with the world’s most creative and talented team of artists and dreamers, there’s no shortage of inspiration,” Chapek said.

To begin today’s presentation—always one of the most highly anticipated events at D23 Expo—Chapek returned to where it all began: animation. From Snow White to Frozen, guests can experience our classic characters and stories at theme parks around the world, and today Chapek revealed new details about the next generation of animated stories at Disney Parks.

Magic Happens Parade at Disneyland Park
Next spring, the new Magic Happens parade will make its way down Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland park. The parade will feature stunning floats, beautiful costumes, and beloved Disney characters from Moana, Coco, Sleeping Beauty, and more—with Mickey Mouse and his friends leading the way. In addition to an energetic score, Magic Happens will feature a new song produced in partnership with singer-songwriter Todrick Hall. Today, multitalented performer (and winner of Dancing with the Stars’ Season 25) Jordan Fisher got our toes tapping and gave us a sneak peek of the song.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Reminding fans in Hall D23 that Disney Parks, Experiences and Products never forgets that “it was all started by a mouse,” Chapek had updates for fans about the first ride-through attraction starring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in 2020 and Disneyland in 2022. The attraction will take guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy® Award-winning Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts, and Chapek promised it will feature a stunning “surprise twist.” In Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland, you’ll find the attraction at the El CapiTOON Theater—where Mickey and Minnie’s new short, “Perfect Picnic,” is about to premiere. And, reminiscent of the magic guests experience at Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre, visitors to El CapiTOON can experience a special exhibit created by the Toontown Hysterical Society featuring costumes and props from the toon world. Then, after you enter the cartoon world of Mickey and Minnie, Goofy will be your engineer as you embark on the train ride of a lifetime.

Zootopia at Shanghai Disney Resort
Today we heard more details about the brand-new land, which will feature a major attraction that combines our unparalleled storytelling with the latest technology, new merchandise, and dining options that you won’t find anywhere other than Zootopia. We can’t wait to “try everything” that the themed land coming to Shanghai Disney Resort has to offer.

Celebrating Animated Stories at Hong Kong Disneyland
When the centerpiece of Hong Kong Disneyland is completely transformed, the Castle of Magical Dreams will honor 13 beloved Disney heroines. And nods to each are part of the castle’s design: Look for adornments such as Snow White’s apple, Cinderella’s coach, and Belle’s rose while you’re strolling by the castle, or enjoying the new daytime show and nighttime spectacular that will take place at the stunning locale. And speaking of transformations, the castle will be home to a new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where young princes and princesses will have the opportunity to become even more regal.

In some of the cooler news of the morning, Chapek revealed that guests will be able to “let it go” at Hong Kong Disneyland and step into the world of Frozen and experience all of its sights, sounds, cuisine, and traditions. The new coaster attraction, Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleigh, will take guests on a winding journey through the kingdom, and the popular family attraction Frozen Ever After comes to the park, as well. Guests will also experience a beautiful “winter-in-summer” day, courtesy of Elsa and her magical powers.

First Cirque du Soleil Show Celebrating Walt Disney Animation Studios

Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Cirque du Soleil are partnering to bring an incredible, first-of-its-kind show to Disney Springs. “This is destiny,” said Cirque du Soleil director Michel Laprise, who joined legendary Disney animator Eric Goldberg to announce the new show today in Hall D23.

So many of Disney’s most compelling and memorable experiences have come from blending different art forms, and this show promises to be no different. The team from Cirque du Soleil visited Disney parks, The Walt Disney Family Museum, the Walt Disney Archives, and Walt Disney Animation Studios to design the show. In addition to the breathtaking choreography and visuals Cirque du Soleil is known for, the new show will also feature music that integrates beloved Disney themes and music.

Goldberg teased a little about the story, which centers on a young girl whose father is a Disney animator who finds a way to send his daughter on a magical journey of self-discovery through a world of animation. The story is very personal to Goldberg, whose own children grew up surrounded by Disney animation, and he is thrilled to part of this exciting new show. “I admire how the team really came to us and tried to understand what we do, how we do it, and really what makes Disney animation special and unique,” he said. Previews are set to begin March 20, 2020, leading up to the world premiere of the new show on April 17.

Disney store at Target
Bullseye, Target’s adorable mascot, made a surprise appearance on the Hall D23 stage to help reveal that Target and Disney will come together with a creative retail collaboration that encompasses experiential retail and merchandising—including the launch of 25 Disney stores within select Target stores nationwide on October 4, with 40 additional locations opening by October 2020. The “shop-in-shop” will feature an enhanced Disney assortment of more than 450 items, including more than 100 products that were previously only available at Disney retail locations.

Disney’s Hotel New York—The Art of Marvel
“We’ve already shrunk you down to the size of a toy. We brought you to the edge of the galaxy. And now we’re going to give you super powers,” Chapek told the delighted crowd in Hall D23. When Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel opens next summer, it will celebrate 80 years of Marvel art and the artists. Guests will find Marvel art at every turn throughout the hotel, where more than 300 pieces will be on display. Guest rooms will include one-of-a-kind themed suites featuring favorite Super Heroes, who will also meet their fans in a dedicated space within the hotel.

New Details About Avengers Campus
Both of the immersive lands coming to Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Paris will be linked together in a global story, as the Avengers set out to recruit the next generation of Super Heroes. “In some ways, these new campuses are like the Avengers themselves: a group of diverse individuals who have teamed up for the same purpose,” Scot Drake, creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, detailed today. We’re ready to volunteer our services and step up, suit up, and team up!

At Disney California Adventure, the Worldwide Engineering Brigade, aka “WEB,” will house the first Disney ride-through attraction to feature Spider-Man. In this brand-new experience, guests will take a test spin on the “Web Slinger” vehicle and sling webs just like Spidey, as you help him collect Spider-Bots that have run amok.

After you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll want to stop by the Pym Test Kitchen, where Pym Technologies uses their latest innovations to grow and shrink food. And all around the campus you’ll encounter heroes such as Black Widow, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Doctor Strange, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Super Heroes from Wakanda and Asgard, and Iron Man.

These will open next year in Anaheim as part of phase one, but today Chapek also revealed that a new E-ticket attraction is already planned to open later in phase two. Guests will be able to step on board a Quinjet and fly alongside the Avengers in an epic adventure to Wakanda and beyond on the upcoming attraction that will feature an all-new, innovative ride system.

Epcot’s Amazing Transformation
“Every inch of every park should be magical, and that’s why I’m so excited about this transformation,” Chapek shared. Disney fans can look forward to more attractions for the whole family, more of their favorite stories, and even more shade, he said—the latter evoking a huge laugh from the crowd.

Zach Riddley, Walt Disney World Portfolio Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, told Disney fans that his personal goal is to inspire the next generation of children as he was inspired by his first trip to Epcot so many years ago. “I can remember being amazed by fruit that can sing, spiraling journeys through time and space, undersea cities, and a little purple dragon,” he said, adding that what stuck with him were the ideals that embody Epcot most: the power of hope, the power of possibility, and the power of wonder.

Today we learned that Epcot will be comprised of four neighborhoods and filled with new experiences rooted in authenticity and innovation that take you to new destinations, where the real is made fantastic in a celebration of curiosity, hands-on wonder, and the magic of possibility:

World Showcase
In a moment that none of the 6,800 fans in Hall D23 will ever forget, Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke joined Chapek on the Hall D23 stage to reveal that World Showcase will welcome the first attraction inspired by Mary Poppins in Cherry Tree Lane, which will join the United Kingdom pavilion as an entirely new neighborhood. Following a heartfelt standing ovation from the crowd, Van Dyke shared why he believes the film is still so dear to the hearts of so many. “What made it was ‘Uncle Walt.’ Walt Disney was a creative genius who looked at the world through a child’s eyes,” Van Dyke said.

The new nighttime spectacular HarmonioUS will follow the limited-time run of Epcot Forever and will be the largest ever created for a Disney park.

The magnifique plans for the France pavilion include the much-anticipated attraction Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, as well as a delicious new restaurant called La Crêperie de Paris, both coming to Epcot in summer 2020. The classic Impressions de France film will be joined by an all-new Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along in January 2020.

The Canada pavilion will be home to Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360, which will debut in January 2020 with new scenes and a new story.

In the China pavilion, Wondrous China will take guests on a spectacular journey across China, filmed and presented in a completely seamless 360-degree digital format.

World Celebration
New magic is coming to the iconic Spaceship Earth, which will remain a voyage through time as the journey transforms with new scenes reflecting the universal nature of the human experience. A new guide and all-new narration will focus on the storytelling that brings people together.

Epcot’s signature festivals will have a home base in a new pavilion that will offer a stunning view of World Showcase—and the distinctive three-level structure will be an especially wonderful vantage point from which to witness the park’s nighttime spectacular.

Dreamer’s Point will also offer spectacular views and will feature lush gardens, a wishing tree, an interactive new fountain, and a new statue that pays homage to Walt. “You all know that Epcot was Walt’s dream,” Chapek said, “and we all imagine him along with us, looking out from this very spot.”

World Nature
Guests visiting this neighborhood will meet and play with magical, living water, which has a mind of its own in the new attraction Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana.”

The new film Awesome Planet showcases the spectacular beauty, diversity, and dynamic story of the planet. It’s coming to The Land pavilion in January 2020.

World Discovery
The new and thrilling family-friendly attraction Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will feature the first-ever reverse launch into space. “It’s going to be awesome,” Chapek said, as he announced the new coaster, which rotates to focus on the action, wherever it might be.

The new restaurant Space 220 takes its name from its distance above earth. Departures begin this winter for the out-of-this-world culinary experience where you’ll also be able to take in daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up.

PLAY! Pavilion will invite guests to discover a city bursting with games, activities, and experiences that will connect them with family, friends, and favorite Disney characters like never before. We’re especially excited to join in an epic water balloon fight with Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby when the pavilion opens (in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary).

And in celebration of Epcot’s incredible transformation, the park will debut a new signature anthem. Today award-winning composer Pinar Toprak gave D23 Expo attendees a preview of her beautiful melody.

Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary
The party is coming to all four parks at Walt Disney World Resort, and we can look forward to highly anticipated attraction openings and new entertainment, special food and beverages, merchandise, and more.

Planned to debut in late 2020, Disney Genie is a revolutionary new digital offering that will enhance the way guests plan for and experience a trip to Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Genie will make planning easier and more fun by providing guests customized itineraries geared to princesses, thrill seekers, foodies, families, and more. Guests will even be able to tell Disney Genie what they want to experience, and it will quickly evaluate millions of options to present them with an optimal day.

Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge
Today, Chapek shared a new look at the hotel and proposed Disney Vacation Club resort that draws inspiration from the wonders of nature and artistry of Walt Disney.

Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser
Prepare for the ultimate out-of-this-galaxy adventure! When guests board the Halcyon for a two-night adventure at Walt Disney World Resort, they’ll depart together—as they would do on any cruise. But unlike most cruises, they’ll live out their multi-day story as it interweaves with the Halcyon crew, fellow passengers, and “interesting” characters from a galaxy far, far away. You never know who you might encounter. And every window has a view that looks out into space.

The journey will feature incredible dining, a “spaceport” day on Batuu at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and special activities—including an opportunity for both kids and grown-ups alike to learn how to wield a lightsaber.

We’ve got a really good feeling about this vacation experience, which will begin booking soon.

Disney Cruise Line (DCL)
Joe Rohde, portfolio creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, came to Hall D23 to share plans for DCL’s new port of call, which was announced today. Lighthouse Point will be located on the breathtaking island of Eleuthera and will celebrate both the stories of the Bahamas and the natural environment of Lighthouse Point itself. Rohde and the team at WDI are working with local artists and cultural experts to create a unique destination that is rooted in Bahamian culture and filled with Disney magic. “The end result will be a place not like any other—not a replica of some old Bahamian town, not a pirate fantasy, but a dreamlike landscape of adventure by the sea, where art and nature combine with Disney magic to create a destination that can only exist in one place: here at Lighthouse Point,” Rohde said. He also noted that Disney will be directly involved in conservation efforts to preserve and protect the environment.

Three new ships are coming to the Disney Cruise Line fleet, and today Chapek announced the name of the first of the trio, which will first set sail in January 2022: the Disney Wish. Rapunzel will grace the stern of the new ship, which will feature an expansive atrium inspired by the beauty of a Disney fairy tale.

Today’s presentation culminated with a video featuring several young people whose lives were changed as the result of wishes granted by Disney as part of its ongoing relationship with Make-A-Wish. They joined Disney characters on stage for a spectacular finale.

“Thank you for helping us celebrate hope, magic, and the power of a wish to change a life—and the world,” said Chapek to bring the morning to a spectacular close. “Because after all, we’re all here because of one man’s wish to build a place where both he and his daughter could have fun together. And look what that’s led to: millions of families around the world brought together by the magic of Disney and millions of magical memories that last a lifetime.”

D23 Expo’s Swinging Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Tarzan

August 25, 2019

By Jim Frye

It was a wild end to a fantastic D23 Expo 2019 as “Two Worlds, One Family: The Making of Tarzan,” gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Disney’s 1999 animated classic. Hosted by Wayne Knight, who voiced Tantor the Elephant in the film, the panel featured directors Chris Buck and Kevin Lima, along with producer Bonnie Arnold. They were joined by animators Bruce W. Smith, Ken Duncan, and Eric Daniels.

Arnold—fresh from her work on Toy Story—said she was always a huge fan of the Tarzan stories, especially the Johnny Weissmuller films, and was ecstatic about joining the production. She was instrumental in helping to choose the songs for the film, which was composed and sung by iconic musician Phil Collins. “Phil was an incredibly good match and so great to work with,” she said.

Exclusively for this D23 Expo panel, one of Phil Collins’ original demo recordings was played, accompanied by the pre-visual artwork from the film. A video clip of Tony Goldwyn, voice of Tarzan, doing the famous “Tarzan call,” was also shown.

But perhaps the biggest “bit of news” to come out of the panel came from Buck, who joked, “Can I please put this rumor to rest? Tarzan’s parents are not Elsa and Anna’s parents.”

A highlight of the event was a video greeting from Disney Legend Glen Keane, character animator for Tarzan. In it, he drew Tarzan on an art pad, then said, “Thank you for the chance of lifetime to do Tarzan. I feel like I was born for that character. Thanks to everyone at D23 Expo for celebrating Tarzan with us.”

The event ended with a concert by Mathew Morrison (Glee) singing songs from his forthcoming Walt Disney Records album, including a new rendition of “You’ll Be in My Heart,” from the film.

D23 Expo Goes Under the Sea with “The Little Mermaid: The 30th Anniversary Celebration!”

August 25, 2019September 3, 2019

By Courtney Potter

“We got no troubles, life is the bubbles!” On this final morning of D23 Expo 2019, we donned our proverbial mermaid tails, grabbed a couple of whozits and whatzits, and headed over to the D23 Expo Arena for an event three decades in the making: “The Little Mermaid: The 30th Anniversary Celebration! Presented by H2O+”!

The party kicked off with none other than Ariel herself, Disney Legend Jodi Benson, who joined an adorable group of literal “little mermaids” (six talented young girls) on a beautiful rendition of Benson’s now-signature tune, “Part of Your Word.” She then welcomed the large and appreciative crowd to a truly auspicious occasion: “I’m really excited because I get to share with you amazing stories and some wonderful memories,” Benson confessed, “and to be able to introduce some of the incredible creators of our film… I’m thrilled that you’ve come to join us today! And who knows—we may even have a little surprise for you, cuz you know how D23 Expo is!” The crowd, of course, went wild.

As if on cue, one of Benson’s colorful Little Mermaid costars suddenly joined her (in puppet form) onstage—King Triton’s trusted advisor and court composer extraordinaire, Sebastian! Before he could wax too rhapsodic (which, if you know Sebastian, he is wont to do), Benson sent him backstage to help coordinate that special surprise she alluded to earlier… and then welcomed to the stage one of the people responsible for bringing the 1989 animated classic to the big screen: co-director and co-screenwriter Ron Clements, who gave some background on how the film came to be. “The Little Mermaid actually came to life for the first time January of 1985… They had a group of us [animation] directors and story people, and [Disney’s Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg] met with us and they said, ‘We want everybody to come up with five new ideas for animated features. We’re gonna reconvene in two weeks and we want everybody to pitch their ideas.’ So I took this seriously… and I went into a bookstore in North Hollywood, and I picked up a book of fairy tales, just at random. And I came across The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen—and I was reading the story, right in the bookstore. It’s a great story—very visual and very cinematic. And I wondered why they hadn’t done it [as an animated film].” The rest, as they say, is history.

Clements then talked about how he and co-director/co-screenwriter John Musker hooked up with lyricist Howard Ashman—who had just come off of creating the Off-Broadway hit Little Shop of Horrors with collaborator Alan Menken. And the filmmakers even found their Ariel through Ashman; at the time, Benson was starring in a Broadway musical he’d directed (and written the songs for, with the late Marvin Hamlisch) called Smile, about the world of beauty pageants. Coincidentally enough, Benson’s big song in the show was called “Disneyland”!

After showing some behind-the-scenes clips of Benson working in the recording studio with Ashman on “Part of Your World”—including one in which Ashman had turned off most of the lights to simulate an underwater “grotto”—Clements revealed that a young Jim Carrey had actually auditioned for the role of Prince Eric. As for late Disney Legend Buddy Hackett, who lent his incredibly memorable voice to the role of Scuttle, Clements admitted that no audition took place; knowing he was interested in the role, they went to meet Hackett at a restaurant in Glendale and knew right away they had their seagull.

Benson then welcomed The Little Mermaid art director Michael Peraza to the stage, who explained that he first found out that “Ron and John” (as they’re colloquially known) were directing The Little Mermaid at a party; Musker had come over to Peraza’s table and asked if he’d like to be involved. Peraza immediately said, “Where do I sign?” As an art director, Peraza was in charge of the “look” of the film—and to demonstrate, he showed some of his very early sketches for the film’s castles; Prince Eric’s royal bath; and Ariel’s underwater hangout. More of Peraza’s sketches appeared in the next clip—an early version of “Under the Sea” (with Ashman singing lead vocals).

Next to join the panel was Disney animator Mark Henn, who (with Glen Keane) was responsible for animating Ariel. Did you know Ariel was almost a blonde? In fact, the filmmakers looked to supermodel Christie Brinkley for inspiration. Ultimately, though, they decided on that now insanely recognizable red hair.

Benson then introduced a clip of her and composer Alan Menken discussing how “Part of Your World” almost didn’t make the final film. (“Can you imagine?” exclaimed Benson.) Menken couldn’t make this year’s D23 Expo (he’s currently working on the brand-new stage adaptation of Disney’s Hercules for the Public Theatre in New York City)—but he sent a video, thanking the fans and offering all manner of best wishes.

After an adorable interlude—in which a blushing Benson and an audience member (chosen for his resemblance to Prince Eric) were serenaded by a live quartet with the film’s romantic “Kiss the Girl”—Benson then introduced principal Ursula animator Ruben Aquino, who discussed how they locked into the look and personality of the iconic villain. (Another fun fact: Some of Ursula’s bearing was inspired by the ’80s TV series Dynasty and its stars Joan Collins and Linda Evans, all favorites of Ashman’s.) Peraza then told what he called the Ursula “jar story”; he and his wife were at home one night watching TV, and the show they were viewing included footage of an octopus in a jar inside an aquarium… All by itself, the octopus opened the jar, escaped the aquarium, and tried to make a break for it! And that’s where Ursula’s half-human, half-octopus form began! And speaking of Ursula, Benson introduced some clips of the actress behind her ridiculously recognizable voice: Pat Carroll! Carroll is unable to travel, so she sent through some hilariously adorable well wishes (and some flawless Ursula cackles!) from her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Following some great footage of Broadway actor Samuel Wright (voice of Sebastian) in the recording studio, Benson surprised the audience with a very special guest: Auliʻi Cravalho, who’s starring as Ariel in the upcoming live ABC special celebrating The Little Mermaid’s 30th, this November 5! “I’m absolutely thrilled,” she said, “and so thankful to be able to come back and play another princess that’s related to the ocean!” Cravalho then showed some sneak-peek concept art for what the stage will look like for the ABC special, which will incorporate live musical numbers into the original ’89 film.

Finally, Benson brought the memorable panel to a close by inviting Sebastian back to the stage to kick off the big surprise—a huge group of dancers and singers performing a rollicking rendition of “Under the Sea,” complete with bubbles cascading down from the rafters! To paraphrase the song, they got the spirit and we got to hear it… and it was a swimmingly spectacular way to start the final day of D23 Expo 2019.

Special thanks to H2O+ for helping us make a splash with this panel! D23 Gold Members, don’t forget that you can get 25% off your purchase at H2Oplus.com!

Keegan-Michael Key Plays Some Lively Brain Games

August 25, 2019August 25, 2019

By Bruce C. Steele

Keegan-Michael Key has always kept television viewers on their toes. With the National Geographic series Brain Games, he’s now aiming a little higher on the body. An enthusiastic Key previewed the show, which challenges viewers to question their perceptions of the world, Sunday at D23 Expo with battles of the sexes and some astonishing mind-reading.

“If you are familiar with earlier seasons of Brain Games, then you know that the show is fascinated with what the brain can do,” Key said. The show returns December 1 to National Geographic—after a three-year hiatus—with a new host and format.

“We have added a live audience, a lot of celebrities, and a world-renowned mentalist,” Key revealed. “Everything is bigger and better!”

The freshly conceived show was previewed at D23 Expo with a snappy video montage of moments from upcoming episodes, including flashes of flame. “We add danger, we add risk— and lots of fireballs,” Key said in the video. “It’s absolutely amazing!”

Brain Games began on National Geographic as a special in 2011 and ran as a series from 2013-2016. The Key-hosted reboot invites both members of a studio audience and viewers at home to participate in breaking down illusions and misperceptions, all in a quest to understand how the brain translates sensory input into what we see as the real world—some of which may not be real at all.

One kinetic and confounding addition to Brain Games is Israeli mentalist Lior Suchard, whom Key introduced at the D23 Expo event as “someone who defies expectations” and “one of the world’s greatest master mentalists.”

Suchard performed some of his stunning feats of mind-reading at the preview. He guessed the name of an audience member’s first crush (it was “Brett”) and used the iPhone of another volunteer—which he unlocked himself—to generate an incredibly long number from random digits offered by the audience. Impossibly, the final iteration of the many-digit number turned out to have been pre-printed on a long scroll Key had been holding throughout the presentation.

Suchard, well known for his many stupefying appearances on late-night and daytime talk shows and for a longtime association with singer-actor-director Barbra Streisand, will be a regular on Key’s Brain Games, interacting with the studio audience.

Another regular on Brain Games will be Cara Santa Maria, whom Key called a “roving scientist who will go out into the field to conduct experiments.” Santa Maria will be familiar to viewers of the earlier incarnation of the show.

At the D23 Expo event, Santa Maria appeared on video in an experiment with actor Colin Hanks at an art exhibition. When 15 randomly selected people viewed the art believing it was created by Hanks, whom many of them recognized, they ranked it an average of 8.1 out of 10. When a different 15 people saw the art, thinking it was created by a rude and pessimistic artist with straggly hair (portrayed by Hanks in makeup), they scored it three points lower.

This discrepancy, Santa Maria explained, was “the Halo Effect,” in which people are more generous in judgments of someone they admire, and the opposite “Horn Effect,” which depresses positive feelings about anything associated with someone they dislike.

Such entertaining demonstrations of real-life evidence of laboratory findings will be just one staple of Brain Games, which turns science into raucous fun. “I’m on the show, and I want to see the show!” Key said.

His enthusiasm for both Brain Games and the D23 Expo was on full display as he frequently interrupted himself to shout “D23!” from the stage, urging the audience to roar in response.

The preview event made a game out of one study that suggested that teams of men are better at performing tasks cooperatively than similar teams of men. Key put that conclusion to the test with four volunteers—two women and two men, yoked into same-sex pairs by double-size aprons. Using only one hand from each person, the pairs had to deflate a giant beach ball, stuff it into a footstool-size box, and tie the box with a bow.

The men got their beach ball deflated into the box quicker than the women, as the science predicted, but they were undone by the requirement that they tie what Key called “a standard Christmas bow”—a task at which the women excelled, winning the competition.

“Sometimes science doesn’t have all the answers,” said Muppet Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, who appeared with sidekick Beaker in a video clip that took audience members to Muppet Labs.

The most practical advice of the afternoon, however, came from Suchard, when he returned the borrowed iPhone to its owner. “Change your password,” he said.