You’ll Never Believe These Incredible Costumes from D23 Expo’s Mousequerade Presented by Raw Threads!

August 23, 2019September 1, 2019

By Courtney Potter

It all starts with a vision. Then, perhaps, a sketch. The designer (and probably more than a few kindhearted helpers) sews and stitches and hot-glues for days on end until their creation springs to colorful, magical life. And all that astonishing work comes down to this—D23 Expo 2019’s legendary Mousequerade competition, presented by Raw Threads! Covering an astounding spectrum of festive fandom, the Mousequerade features five Disney-inspired categories—and the winner of each category goes on to compete for bona fide Expo glory: the Best in Show title and $2,300 in cash.

Returning as host for the 2019 Mousequerade is Disney’s Jim Babcock—and he’s joined by two other D23 Expo favorites as judges: actress Yvette Nicole Brown (star of Disney+’s upcoming live action Lady and the Tramp), and Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars Rebels and the creator of the Her Universe clothing line. New this year, and rounding out the three-person judging panel, is Jennifer Leonard—owner and designer of clothing line Raw Threads.

Entrants who participated were judged on quality and craftsmanship; overall concept and design; and showmanship and stage presence. Every single costume was incredible. As Brown told the assembled crowd, “They all deserve a trophy!” But there can only be one grand-prize winner… Take a look at some of the most amazing creations from each category, and who took home the title of “Best in Show” (and a cool $2,300), below!

“Once Upon a Costume”: Disney Make-Believe & Fantasy

Caitlin Beards’ costume creation was Pepita, the “Alebrije” (protector) from Coco—who in the living world appears as a cat, but takes on a colorful winged look in the spirit world.

Steve Gonzales brought almost the entirety of Disney and Pixar’s Up to life. Fun fact: As he explained to host Babcock, he actually received all his merit badges in real life!

The category’s winner, Allen Weiserman, brought Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast incredibly to life—down to his gilded shoes, wax-like candle hands, and authentic French accent.

“Worlds of Adventure”: Adventurous Looks from the World of Disney

It’s the “Circle of Life,” and it’s right on the Mousequerade stage! Yes, Rafiki from Disney’s iconic animated hit The Lion King visited D23 Expo 2019 in the form of contest participant Julieanna Licon.

Davidson Sim brought a fan-favorite attraction at Shanghai Disneyland Park (soon to be seen at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort) to glowing life on stage: the Tron Lightcycle Power Run.

Tahirah Khadija Agbamuche was this category’s big winner… taking the stage as a super-screen accurate Shuri from Black Panther!

“Heroes and Villains”: Fashionable Versions of Good vs. Evil

K.C. Potter and friend appeared as a ridiculously detailed “Honest John” (real name: John Worthington Foulfellow) and the Blue Fairy from 1940’s Pinocchio.

… but the eventual winner was Nyssa Sara Lee as The Little Mermaid’s colorful villain Ursula! The crowd went wild when she lifted up her spider-like tentacle web!

“Inspired by Disney”: Bringing the Unique Creativity of Disney to Life

Grace Du Val’s creation, dubbed “Kitty!!!” was a totally couture and super-chic mashup of all things Monsters, Inc.! We especially loved her sunglasses and dramatic Sully-themed coat.

The winner? Tina Elliott with a truly remarkable creation: a walking, wearable version of the Haunted Mansion she dubbed “the Grim Grinning Gown.” Complete with “doom buggies” circling her skirt!

“Cast of Characters”: Disney Character Groups (Two or More Participants)

Emily and Nathan Mebust proved that we “have chosen wisely” with their entry: the deity Mara and “Fluffy” (that’s the fan pet name for the attraction’s well-known snake) from Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure attraction.

The “Cast of Characters” category winner was Katherine Regnier (and her lovely group) with a “Mad Princess Party”… in which a cadre of Disney Princesses suddenly became spinning teacups, à la the iconic attraction at Disney parks!

“Best in Show” Grand Prize Winner

And the winner of the big $2,300 grand prize? Tina Elliott with her “Grim Grinning Gown”!

Congratulations to all of this year’s Mousequerade participants! So much Disney-inspired creativity on one stage…

Check out the full gallery of costumes below!

Every Magical Moment from the 2019 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony

August 23, 2019August 24, 2019

By Beth Deitchman

This morning, the ultimate Disney fan event got off to the ultimate start as fans filled the 6,800-seat Hall D23 at D23 Expo 2019 for the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, sharing in the excitement as 12 incredible visionaries and artists were honored for their significant contributions to the Disney legacy.

The special ceremony—always an eagerly awaited D23 Expo tradition—was hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger. Welcoming fans to the three-day biennial event, Iger said, “A lot has changed in the two years since we held this event, but no matter how big we get, no matter how many years pass, no matter how much our company and the world change, we have never lost sight of one thing: It all started with a mouse.”

The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony always delivers Disney magic, as well as a few surprises. Christina Aguilera, one of the preeminent musical performers of our generation (and a Disney Legends Award honoree this year), provided the first of many surprises for fans attending D23 Expo 2019 with her unforgettable performance of the song “Reflection” from the animated classic Mulan.

Fewer than 300 people have received the award since the Disney Legends Program was established in 1987, including Julie Andrews, George Lucas, Marty Sklar, and Barbara Walters. “The award is the highest honor our company bestows on anyone—reserved for the artists and visionaries throughout our history who have pushed the envelope of creativity, challenged conventional wisdom, and broken the restraints of the status quo in search of new possibilities,” said Iger as the 2019 class of Disney Legends began to take the stage.

First to accept the Disney Legends Award was Robert Downey Jr. When Downey first took flight as Iron Man in 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe launched, as well. “Playing Tony over these many years and the thematic idea that technology can guide our species toward enlightenment or destruction has been really worthwhile, and it’s an ongoing meditation. It’s been a great gift,” Downey told the enthusiastic fans in Hall D23, and he thanked them for making it all possible. “I get to remain a fan of the first inclusive and evolving cinematic universe ever, so far, and here’s to the future.”

ABC News anchor and award-winning journalist Diane Sawyer marveled at the energy filling the room. “I feel you should know I’m really just a kid reporter who still gets up every day and gets to ask questions in the world and travel to far-flung places—although I’m also the girl who remembers her first Disney experience,” Sawyer shared, as she recounted memories of

watching Cinderella with her family. “My eyes opened and my heart leapt, and I think, for the first time, I felt a delight of all that was possible beyond Sterling Road.”

Visionary filmmaker Jon Favreau, who has been an important part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as an actor, director, and executive producer; has used groundbreaking technology to tell classic Disney stories in new ways; and who will next delight fans with The Mandalorian, the series he has written and executive produced for Disney+, proved to be a passionate Disney fan with a deep knowledge of the Company’s history. “Walt Disney was the master of bringing the old myths and the magic of technology together to create indelible memories and create a culture that we all grew up in, that passed a set of values from one generation to the next,” he shared. Favreau admired the significance of the design of the Disney Legends statue, with its representation of ideas and inspiration, the craft, and, of course, magic. “I also love it because it’s from The Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Fantasia,” he said, citing a personal favorite. “As I’m on my path now from mouse to wizard, I thank Disney and all of you for the opportunity to tell these stories, to explore technology, and to help bring magic to the next generation.”

Composer Hans Zimmer, whose music has had such a profound impact on films such as The Lion King and Pirates of the Caribbean, to name just a few, was unable to attend today’s ceremony. In a video message, Zimmer said, “It’s a great privilege to be selected by people I admire and trust and to be recognized alongside my extraordinary peers. Disney has been a home to me for the past 30 years. It’s a place that has supported all my outlandish and crazy ideas, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to help bring the magic of Disney stories to life.”

Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, who greets a nation every day while keeping us informed and entertained, was thrilled to greet fans in Hall D23. “I’ve always had this kind of connection with Disney,” she said, and recalled her first family trip to Walt Disney World as a young girl. “I was a pig-tailed little girl coming from Mississippi, I was in the car with mom and dad. We were driving to Orlando to see my sister Dorothy because she was an All-American Singer for Disney in 1976,” said Roberts, who was amazed by the ultra-modern Contemporary Resort and the nightly fireworks. “Every night was a reason for celebration,” she says. Now, as a Disney Legend, Roberts is delighted to return to a Disney park with her extended family, which includes siblings, nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews. “It is wonderful to experience their first time at Disney and to see the magic,” she said. “It is truly a blessing to be a part of a company where all we want to do is touch people’s hearts—that’s all we want to do.”

Disney fans can thank Barnette Ricci for some of their most enduring memories. As a director and choreographer, she has made many of Disney’s live shows and spectaculars more magical, and her work has dazzled guests in parks, on TV, and even on ice. Ricci was hailed as the visionary who helped bring Fantasmic! to life. Ricci, whose Disney career spanned more than 40 years, was moved to tears by today’s honor. “Being able to create shows for a living that bring happiness and joy to people, that is like the dream job of all dream jobs, and I was able to do that for so many years,” she shared.

As thrilled as fans were to hear from the honoree, Christina Aguilera—who professed herself to be the “ultimate Disney fan”—couldn’t help but geek out to meet Ricci, whose work she has experienced in Parks all around the world. The lifelong Disney fan now visits parks across the globe with her own children, and is always thrilled to point out to them what makes each park unique. Aguilera’s Disney journey has taken her from the Mickey Mouse Club to Disney Legend, and today she told fans that Disney is what inspired her to sing. “It was my escape as a child who grew up in kind of a chaotic household,” she explained. “It was music and it was Disney and it was the soundtrack of Disney that completely swept up my heart and gave me—before I even knew that I wanted to do it as a career—that hope and that connection to magic and that connection to what imagination can do.”

Ming-Na Wen who has brought to life an inspiring princess and an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., and who will next journey to a galaxy far, far away in Disney+’s The Mandalorian, described herself as a “geek girl” who has hit every bucket list item thanks to Disney. Wen shared that the inspiration for the strong female role models that she plays comes from her mother. “She is a woman warrior, through and through,” the actor stressed. “If Disney doesn’t personify all our dreams and all our hopes and our heart and our love for fantasy and believing in the hero in all of us, then there’s no magic.”

The actor whose commanding voice has breathed life into one of the most iconic villains in movie history, Darth Vader, as well as the regal, stately lion king, Mufasa, James Earl Jones, could not be on hand to accept his Disney Legends Award. In a video, Jones shared a message with fans: “I’ve had the great honor to work with Disney several times over the years, and it is a great honor to be included in the Disney Legends hall of fame. Thank you—and may the force be with you.”

Wing T. Chao was an extraordinary visionary and a master planner who led the development of so many exceptional and inspiration projects during his long career with The Walt Disney Company. “I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to work for the greatest entertainment company in the world, a company that truly believes in teamwork and producing high-quality products. I certainly had the pleasure and the privilege of working with some of the most amazing creative people at Disney,” he said, before also expressing his appreciation to his father, a renowned architect in Asia, and his mother, an educator and designer, for inspiring him. “There’s an old Chinese saying, ‘Gratitude for your parents should be as high as the mountains and as deep as the ocean,’ and I am truly grateful for my parents’ caring and teachings which have shaped me.”

Multi-award winning director, choreographer, and producer Kenny Ortega described the Disney Legends Awards ceremony as a full-circle moment for him, and he looked back to the days he spent experiencing Disney entertainment and watching the Mickey Mouse Club as a child. As a boy, Ortega was so enamored with the TV show that he went so far as to try to dismantle the family television, in order to get inside—to no avail. “I realized that I had to use my imagination and my imagination would get me into that club,” he said, noting, “Today is just extraordinary. I’m officially in the club.” Ortega—who will take his mother to Disneyland for the first time tomorrow—also said, “The Walt Disney Company has allowed me to work in a place of my dreams. When I was a boy I imagined a dream, and now I’m living that dream. I’m dancing in that dream.”

Bette Midler—who has enchanted fans on screen, on stage, and in song for so many years—is a true force of nature, but weather prevented her from flying to California to attend today’s ceremony. Midler’s daughter, Sophie Von Haselberg, accepted the award on her mother’s behalf and movingly read a speech that “the Divine Miss M” had planned to give. “I spent 10 of the happiest years of my life on Dopey Drive, both as an actor and as a producer. The pictures I was privileged to make brought so much joy into the world. We made people laugh and we made people cry, sometimes at the same time. There is nothing more satisfying and there’s nothing more necessary, especially these days,” Von Haselberg read. Expressing tremendous admiration to be honored today by The Walt Disney Company and to now take her place among her fellow Disney Legends, Midler wrote, “I feel like I’ve finally earned the right to call myself an artist.”

The Dancing with the Stars Ballroom Comes to D23 Expo 2019

August 23, 2019August 23, 2019

By Bruce C. Steele

Just a few weeks remain before the debut of Season 28 of ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), and the celebrities competing still don’t know which professionals will be their dance partners, executive producer Andrew Llinares revealed Friday at D23 Expo.

“I think it’s a fun little twist,” he told the hundreds of fans gathered in the starlit arena of the Anaheim Convention Center. “No one knows.” Then he added, with an arched eyebrow: “I know.”

The contestants will learn shortly, so rehearsals can begin, he explained, but the pairings won’t be revealed publicly until the show’s premiere September 16. The show’s popular and surprise-filled Disney Night, when all the contestants dance to music from Disney movies, will be October 14.

Those were just a couple of the glimpses of the coming season shared by a panel of DWTS celebrities hosted by Good Morning America meteorologist Ginger Zee, who took third place in Season 22 of the competition in May 2016.

Also appearing at the D23 Expo event were Season 25 winner Jordan Fisher, Season 24 winner Rashad Jennings, and the show’s original and continuing host, Tom Bergeron.

“We want to make this season really, really special and make it bigger and more spectacular than it’s ever been,” Llinares said. Other changes to the format will include the sharing of preliminary voting results at the end of the competition show, previously not revealed until the results show the next night.

Also, he noted, the judges will have “a little extra oomph this season,” although the details of that new twist he could not yet reveal.

Some other highlights from the Dancing with the Stars panel at D23 Expo:

Jordan Fisher is a nerd. “I’m a nerd. I’m a gamer,” Fisher said at the beginning of the panel, later talking about his fascination with Walt Disney and particularly with Mickey Mouse’s Steamboat Willie character.

“I have a hidden Mickey tattooed behind my left ear,” he added. If he were given another shot at dancing for Disney night, he said, “We could do a [Bob] Fosse dance piece as Steamboat Willie.”

Disney Night rocks. “It’s still my favorite night as a viewer,” Zee said. “You can sing along to every song.”

The D23 Expo event included clips from past Disney Nights, selected by the panelists, including Zee’s dance to “Belle” from Beauty and the Beast and Jordan’s foxtrot to “You’re Welcome” from Moana.

“People talk about Disney magic. It’s real,” Jordan said, explaining why Disney Night is so popular with both viewers and dancers on the show. “It’s a legitimate thing. No matter where you go, people know who Mickey Mouse is.”

Bergeron added, “The Disney song catalog is staggering in how eclectic it is, how beautiful it is, and how it lends itself to this kind of show.” He continued, “It’s always the week we look forward to the most. It’s always the week that underscores what our show does best.”

The judges really make up their own minds. “It’s really your decision,” said Jennings, who served as a guest judge for one episode. “You make your decisions then and there.”

Jennings said his venture into dancing started because he would always try something new during each off-season from the National Football League. One year it was archery, one year it was card tricks. Then Dancing with the Stars called. “I’m still dancing now, so it’s fun.”

As for the giant grin on his face when he won Season 24, he said, “That big smile at the end was because I didn’t step on her [dance partner Emma Slater].” He continued, “There’s something about being nervous on live TV that you can’t duplicate it. It’s so appealing.”

The show bends toward joy. “A lot of it feels like Big Brother, a touch of Hunger Games at times,” Fisher said. During his season, come week seven, he was so exhausted “I wanted to thrust myself from a tall structure,” he said with a laugh. But what makes it onto the screen is the accomplishment not the despair: “It was the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done, and I would do it again in a heartbeat,” he said.

For Bergeron, after nearly 14 years, what stands out every season is “just the joy,” he said. “That’s not something that’s a big secret, but it’s what people talk about. It brings out people’s real characters. It’s really kind of nice.”

It’s all about family: “My experience on Dancing With the Stars was just a life-changing, ridiculously demanding experience but it became a family,” said Zee, one of several panelists to compare the DWTS cast and crew to blood relations. “I learned an art form but I gained a family.”,

“I have personally never experienced a family ever in the 15 years that I’ve been doing this that compares with Dancing With the Stars,” Fisher added. Buoyed by the one-on-one support of the professional partners, he said, “You don’t have that on any other show.”

Lucasfilm Brings 40 Years of Stormtroopers to D23 Expo 2019

August 23, 2019August 23, 2019

By D23 Team

Lucasfilm has arrived with a squadron of stormtroopers—or at least their armor—at the Anaheim Convention Center for D23 Expo 2019. But not just any stormtroopers—this collection features trooper armor from across the four-plus decades of Star Wars films, from the classic white of A New Hope to the visually arresting (and curiously hued) bright red from the upcoming The Rise of Skywalker.

Positioned on a stage above the floor, the display of life-size stormtrooper armor creates an imposing “best of” gallery of Imperial soldiers culled from the nine films of the Skywalker saga plus the stand-alone Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. And behind them, a huge video screen that stretches the length of the entire installation, plays interviews with J.J. Abrams, Kathleen Kennedy, and other creators within the Star Wars universe discussing the evolution and thought behind each suit’s design.

Here are some of our favorites:

Scout Trooper: With armor designed by Aggie Guerard Dodgers and Nilo Rodis-Jamero, scout troopers are perhaps best-remembered as the imperial soldiers who rode the speeder bikes and fought against the rebels (and the Ewoks!) during the battle on Endor in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. This particular armor was designed for quick, easy movements, which is why it was the perfect choice to use for reconnaissance and infiltration in the forests of Endor.

Imperial Tie Fighter Pilot: This striking black costume was designed by John Mollo and worn by soldiers piloting the Empire’s TIE fighters. Because the TIE fighter vehicles were very lightly armored and needed to quickly avoid incoming blasts, these pilots needed a uniform that allowed for lightning-fast reflexes and movements.

Shoretroopers: This particular set of armor, designed by Glyn Dillon and David Crossman, has a unique yellowish appearance, which stood in stark contrast against the beautiful tropical blues of the beachy ocean planet Scarif during the climactic battle of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Captain Phasma: Designed by Michael Kaplan, this distinctive chromium armor was created specifically for the character of Captain Phasma, the imposing commander of the First Order’s legions of stormtroopers. Played by Gwendoline Christie, the fearsome Captain Phasma—and her shiny armor—became an instant fan-favorite.

Sith Trooper: Little is known about this bright red stormtrooper armor except for its color and the fact that it makes its debut in J.J. Abrams’ upcoming Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the ninth and final film in the epic Skywalker saga.

EXCLUSIVE! First Order Jet Trooper: Star Wars fans, get ready for this never-before-seen imperial uniform. Exclusively unveiled here at D23 Expo, this brand-new First Order Jet Trooper, designed by Michael Kaplan, will appear in the upcoming Rise of Skywalker. And get this—these specialized stormtroopers are actually equipped with rocket packs and fly into battle! It’s the coolest new stormtrooper since… well, since the Sith Trooper!

These stormtrooper uniforms, along with others, stand at the center of Lucasfilm’s commanding marquee installation, a tribute to the craftsmanship and creativity that have fueled this epic sojourn in a galaxy far, far away. D23 Expo 2019 brings that galaxy closer than ever before.

6 Sensational Spots to See on the D23 Expo 2019 Show Floor

August 23, 2019August 23, 2019

By Karina Schink

D23 Expo is finally here, and the Anaheim Convention Center has been transformed into a magical land of Disney discoveries. Yesterday, we were lucky enough to walk the show floor early, and we’re happy to share some sneak peeks of what we saw.

Disney DreamStore
Located through the Hall C entrance, the Disney DreamStore is returning to the Expo with brand-new, exclusive merchandise that feature some Dapper Disney Dans, special D23 Expo- branded swag, and a Haunted Mansion-inspired clutch we know you’ll want to snag.

D23 Gold Member Fan Lounge
The D23 Gold Member Fan Lounge, located at the back of Hall B, is a hideaway exclusively for D23 Gold Members. Just present your D23 Gold Member Card (or sign up to be a D23 Gold Member at D23 Expo 2019), and enjoy all the perks! There are charging stations for your phone, places for you to recharge, and exclusive giveaways to grab.

Please note, for members who join after August 2 and have not yet received their Gold Membership Kit and Card, temporary Gold Membership cards will be available at D23 Membership Services in North Hall, where you can also sign up as a new member. Temporary cards cannot be provided for members who may have lost or forgotten their membership cards.

Star Wars Stormtroopers on Display
Straight from a galaxy far, far away—although not a friendly one—is an up-close and personal (don’t worry, their blasters don’t work) look at the famous foes from the Star Wars galaxy. And, exclusive to D23 Expo is the unveiling of a brand-new, never-before-seen stormtrooper.

D23 Expo Photo Walls
The Expo show floor is filled with tons of Instagram-worthy locations, and while they appear in almost every corner, we’ll only give you a taste of the backdrops where you can grab a photo.

The rest you will have to discover on your own!

The Evolution of Autopia Presented by Honda
Right across from the Disney DreamStore, Honda has created a show-stopping exhibit you’ll want to speed to see. You’ll get a glimpse of the new Autopia cars that you know so well, plus a look at some of the historic ones that all helped bring this beloved attraction to the motorway at Disneyland Resort.

D23 Expo Design Challenge Exhibit
You may have already taken a look at the winners of the D23 Expo Design Challenge when we announced them last month, but you’ll want to hurrrry backkkk to the world of 999 happy haunts when you see just what the 23 ghoulishy talented artists created at the D23 Expo Design Challenge Exhibit in Hall A.

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Reveals New Magic at D23 Expo 2019

August 22, 2019

By D23 Expo Team

D23 Expo 2019 officially kicks off tomorrow at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, but our friends at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products (DPEP) are as eager as we are to get the party started. Tonight, DPEP unveiled the breathtaking Disney Parks “Imagining Tomorrow, Today” pavilion on the show floor, where guests can discover many of the attractions and lands coming to parks and resorts around the world, and revealed the first of many exciting announcements that will thrill fans throughout the weekend.

If you’ve ever wanted to vacay in a galaxy far, far away, your wish is about to come true! The all-new Star Wars vacation experience coming to the Walt Disney World Resort, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, invites guests to embark on a two-night adventure aboard a glamorous starship. During this first-of-its-kind vacation experience, you’ll interact with characters and become an active participant in immersive stories that unfold over the course of an unforgettable galactic journey on board the starcruiser (to be called the Halcyon). D23 Expo guests can see a new model and stunning visuals of the Halcyon throughout the weekend in the “Imagining Tomorrow, Today” pavilion.

And keep that jaw open while you’re perusing the pavilion, because you won’t believe what’s coming to Epcot, where a multi-year transformation is underway. DPEP is readying a host of new experiences that will make the park “more Disney, more family, more timeless, and more relevant to the millions of guests who visit each year,” said Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek.

DPEP also made an enormous splash this evening with the news that the first-ever attraction based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit film Moana is coming to Epcot. When Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opens, it will let guests interact with magical, living water in a beautiful and inspiring setting.

Want to take a closer look at the exciting plans for Epcot? Later this year, a new experience center will open in the former Odyssey Events Pavilion—and you’ve never before seen anything like this in a Disney park. Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience will bring guests up-close and personal with engaging and interactive exhibits where they can step inside the relentless innovation, energy, and excitement—and where they’ll also be privy to never-before revealed details—driving the future of Epcot throughout this amazing transformation.

If you’ve been on the edge of your seat, awaiting updates on the Super Hero-themed lands DPEP is building at Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Paris, you may want to hold on to something. Tonight we learned that the new lands will be called Avengers Campus—and guests who visit these campuses will become part of an interconnected, global story spanning from California to Paris to Hong Kong, as the Avengers recruit new extraordinary people to join them. An in-story experience that details why the Avengers are building these campuses will be part of the “Imagining Tomorrow, Today” pavilion throughout D23 Expo 2019.

And this is just beginning of what is already shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend! We’ll share additional news from DPEP as it’s announced, and we’ll be front and center in Hall D23 beginning Sunday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m. PT, to discover what else is planned for Disney’s parks and resorts across the globe. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram throughout the weekend for more exciting news from DPEP and from across all the worlds of Disney.

Disney+ and Disney Publishing Worldwide Announce One Day at Disney

August 22, 2019August 28, 2019

By Courtney Potter

D23 Expo hasn’t even officially kicked off yet, and we’re already reveling in some truly amazing news! Just this evening, Ricky Strauss, president, Content & Marketing for Disney+, joined Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts to announce One Day at Disney—an incredible collaboration between Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney’s highly anticipated new streaming service. Encompassing a colorful 224-page coffee table book and a unique documentary series, One Day at Disney will shine a light on some of the talented men and women bringing Disney’s most beloved stories to life. Both the book and the series will arrive on December 3.

GMA host, former ESPN sportscaster, and soon-to-be-inducted Disney Legend Roberts—whose work on ABC’s Emmy Award®-winning morning show will be highlighted in One Day at Disney—said of the project, “We all argue who has the best job in the company; we all do. We all feel that we have the best job! And to be able to be a part of [this] project, and to really get a sense of, globally, what we’re able to do or what our hope is… All of us—it doesn’t matter where we are in the company—we just want to touch people’s hearts. We just want to share [and] bring out the creativity that they have within themselves. It was a lot of fun!”

On February 21 of this year, nearly 80 different photo shoots took place all around the globe, as Disney dispatched photographers to capture images of employees and cast members who drive creativity and innovation at The Walt Disney Company. From Shanghai Disneyland and ESPN to Pixar and even the set of ABC’s Modern Family, these dazzling photographs—and the memorable stories behind them—will be featured in the hardbound, collectible book, written by Bruce Steele and now available for pre-order.

Hundreds of cast members. Five continents. One Day At Disney. Original documentary. Streaming December 3 only on #DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/bFEewylOV0

— Disney+ (@disneyplus) August 23, 2019

On December 3, the same day the book arrives in stores, Disney+ will debut its new, 52-episode short-form series One Day at Disney—which takes an in-depth look at the extraordinary (and often surprising) roles these men and women call their daily jobs. Executive produced by Michael Antinoro and David Chamberlin for Endeavor Content, the series kicks off with a feature-length documentary highlighting not only GMA’s Roberts, but also the likes of (in alphabetical order):

Walt Disney Imagineer Eric Baker, who helped bring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life
WDI’s Ashley Girdich, a Research and Development Project Manager in the world of robotics technology
Legendary animator Eric Goldberg (Aladdin, Pocahontas, the Academy Award^®-nominated Get a Horse!)
Disneyland Railroad cast member Mark Gonzales
Disney Publishing Worldwide’s senior illustration manager Grace Lee
South African actor Zamavus “Zama” Magudulela, currently portraying Rafiki in the Madrid production of Disney on Broadway’s The Lion King
Marvel Studios’ head of visual development Ryan Meinerding (Avengers: Endgame, Guardians of the Galaxy)
Walt Disney World resort veterinarian Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko
Pixar artist and sculptor Jerome Ranft

Following the debut of the special, more than 50 One Day at Disney shorts—ranging in length between 4 to 7 minutes and each profiling a single remarkable person and his or her fascinating job—will debut each week.

So don’t miss your chance to spend One Day at Disney with Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney+ later this year! And remember: D23 Expo attendees are getting the opportunity to be among the first to subscribe to Disney+ with a special “Founders Circle” offer; find out more by clicking here. Preorder the book here.

Inside the World of Avatar at D23 Expo 2019

August 22, 2019August 25, 2019

By Jim Frye

This is a D23 Expo first!

James Cameron is a visionary director who has pushed the world of filmmaking forward with each of his movies, and in 2009 he did it once again with the epic and groundbreaking Avatar. A cinematic experience utilizing cutting-edge performance-capture technology, it transported moviegoers into the far-off world of Pandora, complete with floating mountains, giant flying banshees, and blue-skinned aliens. It truly was a revolutionary film, going on to become the biggest worldwide box-office champion of all time, up to that point (unseated just last month by Avengers: Endgame).

And now, for the first time ever, the world of Pandora has come to D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, in an exciting new installation called Inside the World of Avatar, located on the second floor in room 207. Walking in, guests will be greeted by a robust gallery of pre-production models, costumes, screen-used props, and all manner of artifacts and materials used both in the film and in the creation of Pandora – The World of Avatar land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Here are just a few examples of the cool stuff that attendees can see:

Na’vi Weaponry: A collection of bows, arrows, and spears handcrafted by the famed Weta Workshop. The weapons were scanned for accuracy to be used digitally on screen in Avatar.

Concept Maquettes: The animals of Pandora were unique, never-before-seen digital creations based on hand-made pre-production concept maquettes. They included the Hammerhead by designer Jordu Schell, the Banshee by designer Neville Page, and the Viperwolf and Direhorse created by Stan Winston Studios.

Tsu’tey’s Necklace: Costume designer Deborah Scott and costumer Claire Prebble created this warrior necklace worn by the character Tsu’tey as a member of the Clan.

Jake Sully’s Necklace: Created by costume designer Deborah Scott and costumer Claire Prebble, this is the necklace that Jake Sully weaves (off camera) when he is first allowed into the Omatikaya Clan.

Groundbreaking Shovel: In January 2014, leaders from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Lightstorm Entertainment kicked off the largest expansion in Disney’s Animal Kingdom history with a ceremonial groundbreaking for the park’s new Avatar-inspired land with giant blue Na’vi-inspired shovels.

Check out this gallery for even more from Inside the World of Avatar.

All the Magic of D23 Expo 2019!

August 22, 2019November 14, 2019

By D23 Team

It’s the start of something new, well, a new year of D23 Expo! The ultimate Disney fan event is back with three days full of pixie dust-infused fun, fan-omenal shopping, and show-stopping panels. To keep up with all the expo-alidocious magic that is happening this weekend, check out our day-to-day updates for all the latest D23 Expo news right here! And for more D23 Expo fun, check out our livestream of various events throughout the weekend here.

Click here to see the updates from Friday.
Click here to see updates from Saturday.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

D23 Expo 2019 Daily Download – Sunday

5 Magical Moments from D23 Expo’s Unforgettable Characters Presentation

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. Click here to read the full story.

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

The panel, held on Stage 28 on Sunday afternoon at D23 Expo 2019, celebrated Davis’s spectacular contributions at Walt Disney Imagineering. See the full story here.

Every Incredible Announcement from Disney Parks, Experiences and Products at D23 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. See the full story here.

D23 Swings into 20 Years of Tarzan

D23 Expo celebrated the wild history of this animated classic with a panel featuring the team behind the film—plus a dazzling performance by Matthew Morrison! See the full story here.

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

Recognized as one of the greatest animated films of all time, The Little Mermaid celebrated 30 years of being “part of our world” with an incredible panel and performance, hosted by Ariel herself—Disney Legend Jodi Benson! Join us for a swim “under the sea”… See the full story here.

Keegan-Michael Key Plays Some Lively Brain Games

A D23 Expo preview of the National Geographic series that pits men against women. Click here to see more.

Heroines of the Disney Galaxies Team Up at D23 Expo

Hosted by Ashley Eckstein, voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, Heroines of the Disney Galaxies – Presented by BoxLunch celebrated some of the most inspiring and empowered heroines from the worlds of Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. Click here for the full story.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

D23 Expo 2019 Daily Download – Saturday

The second day of D23 Expo 2019 has come to a close, but it proved to be every bit as magical, exciting, and full of surprises as day 1! From all the A-list celebrity appearances and latest movie announcements from The Walt Disney Studios and a big D23 Expo welcome to The Simpsons, to panels and appearances celebrating entertainment from every corner of Disney, this was a day for the memory books. Check out the highlights from Saturday below.

On with the Show! Disney on Broadway Takes to the D23 Expo Stage

Stars from some of Disney on Broadway’s biggest hits help commemorate 25 incredible years of music and magic around the globe. See the full story here.

The Unbelievable Sights at “The Musical Journey of Aladdin”

Fans were invited to a whole new world, as the D23 Expo Arena became host to a musical spectacular celebrating the various Disney versions of the classic story. Click here for the full story.

Marvel Comics Celebrates 80th Anniversary at D23 Expo

This panel had it all as Marvel Comics packed 1,600 eager fans into Stage 28 at D23 Expo to celebrate 80 epic years of publication. Click here to find out more.

“Ish” Universe Adds New Show to the Mix

The “ish” family is growing! The casts of ABC’s black-ish, Freeform’s grown-ish, and the latest spinoff on ABC, mixed-ish, all came together for the first time at the D23 Expo Arena in a dynamic panel hosted by Nischelle Turner of Entertainment Tonight. “It’s going to be a party!” Turner exclaimed at the start of the panel before giving the audience a taste of the close-knit relationships that exist between the three casts. It’s basically one big family-ish.

Up first was mixed-ish, executive produced by black-ish actress Tracee Ellis Ross (Rainbow Johnson). A flashback to the ’80s, mixed-ish depicts a younger Rainbow’s life in a mixed-race family. Ellis Ross recounted how the show mirrors her own experiences, saying mixed-ish explores the complexities of finding your own identity while being a fish out of water. “Even though Bow’s (younger Rainbow) life in mixed-ish is not my life, it’s still what I’ve experienced,” Ellis Ross said. Bow is played Arica Himmel, who talked about finding that sweet spot between the older Rainbow in black-ish and Bow. “I realize that younger Bow is different than older Rainbow, and that it’s going to be interesting interpreting that.”

Yara Shahidi, star of grown-ish, spoke during the panel about her character, Zoey Johnson, who we first saw on the series black-ish. “Season three sees Zoey being really dedicated to being an adult,” Shahidi said. “It’s cool to see her more grown.” (Pun intended.)

When he first started working on black-ish, star and executive producer Laurence Fishburne never imagined the level of success the show—and its siblings—would achieve. “I’m grateful I found myself in this situation. Getting to do the stories we wanted to share and the stories we relate to is profound,” Fishburne (who plays Pops) said. Star and executive producer Anthony Anderson added to the sentiment later in the panel saying, “We only dreamt of moments like this. It’s amazing that we’re able to be on the television landscape with this beautiful, colorful family.”

black-ish returns to ABC, along with the premiere of mixed-ish, on September 24, while grown-ish season three premieres January 2020 on Freeform.

D23 Expo’s Spirited Haunted Mansion 50th Anniversary Celebration

D23 Expo materialized a roster of guests (from the world of the living!) to relive and remember some of their best memories from these 50 years of Happy Haunts! See more here.

12 Fantastic Live-Action and Animated Films Showcased at D23 Expo 2019

The Walt Disney Studios kicked off day two of D23 Expo with a whole lot of movie magic! Check out all the details about their upcoming 12 films here.

5 Questions Answered About One Day at Disney

Cast members featured in book and video project share behind-the-scenes stories. Click here to find out more.

Marvel’s Moon Girl to Launch on Disney Channel

Disney Television Animation panel teases Marvel’s Moon Girl launch and second seasons of Amphibia and Big City Greens. See the full story here.

7 Cool Things We Learned During The Simpsons! Panel at D23 Expo

The Simpsons TV joined the Disney family this year, and the first family of TV animation paid a visit to D23 Expo 2019. Click here to see the full story.

A Celebration of Seasonal Magic at Disney Parks

Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline and Disney historians Graham Allan and Charlie Price hosted a lively panel on the Walt Disney Archives Stage on Saturday morning that let the packed audience celebrate the beauty, majesty—and hilarity!—of Disney Parks holiday celebrations through the years. Their book, Holiday Magic at Disney Parks (Disney Editions), out next summer, promises to be the perfect get—or gift—for any Disney fan.

Cline began the presentation with a fond look back at some of the earliest Disneyland seasonal celebrations, including such little-known treasures as the first Halloween event at Disneyland, 1959’s “Parade of the Pumpkins,” the inevitable “Piano Teacher’s Day,” “The National Pop Warner Disneyland Bowl,” and, coolest—and most humorous—of all, “Zorro Days,” during which Zorro star and Disney Legend Guy Williams visited the park to entertain show fans. Cline managed to exhume extremely rare color footage from a Thanksgiving event in November 1959 that showed an exuberant Williams dueling with a game Captain Monasterio, then ambling across the roof of the Golden Horseshow Saloon, with the bad guys giving chase. A charming window into another time.

Allan says Holiday Magic at Disney Parks contains more than 1,800 photographs—more than 60% of which have never been seen before. We can’t wait to see it!

Friday, August 23, 2019

Daily Download – Friday

Phew! The first day of D23 Expo 2019 is officially over, and what a day it was! From tear-jerking speeches from newly inducted Disney Legends to costumes sewn from dreams and imagination at Mousequerade, it’s been a day filled with panels, presentations, and announcements! Check out the highlights from Friday below.

Streaming Soon! Every Exciting Announcement, First Look, and Surprise Revealed at D23 Expo 2019 for Disney+

From first trailers for The Mandalorian and Lady and the Tramp, to new series featuring Obi-Wan Kenobi, Lizzie McGuire, and the Muppets, we’ve got all of the news fresh out of Hall D23. See it all here!

Go Wildcats!

Before viewers return to East High via the brand-new series on Disney+, Expo guests were invited to a very special advance screening of the first episode—and a panel with the talented new cast. Check out all the details here.

Darth Vader Invites You to the Dark Side

During our ultimate galactic gathering here in Anaheim, fans were the first to see a sneak peek of Episode II at the Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series panel. Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series – Episode II is a continuation of the first episode of the virtual reality adventure, set before the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, in which you (a Force-sensitive smuggler) learn the ways of the Force from Darth Vader; but just be careful not to choke on your aspirations… (we had to!).

Hosted by entertainment journalist Todd Gilchrist, the panel included an in-depth discussion of the series with Director Ben Snow, Senior Experience Designer Jose Perez III, and Lucasfilm Story Group Creative Executive Matt Martin who teased the action-packed story of the yet-to-be released Episode II. From new creatures and characters to enhanced Force abilities, Snow, Perez, and Martin say the adventures are a step up from the first episode of Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series.

“You are such a key part of the story,” Snow said. “We wanted to make it feel like you’re a part of this world,” which means getting to explore Mustafar, learn the “twisted ways of the Force” with Darth Vader, as well as training on your own in the Lightsaber Dojo II—a standalone experience within the game. The exclusive footage shown during the panel revealed an out-of-this world look at the exhilarating training experience, complete with new Force abilities and lightsaber throwing—think of throwing a boomerang but using the Force to pull it back and looking extremely cool. “We’ve been digging deep into what is the Force to get the best possible ways to use it” Perez said.

Also revealed was a look at a terrifying encounter with a menacing new creature called the Darkghast. “We wanted an iconic design that instantly reads Star Wars,” Martin said. Inspired by the Star Wars: Return of the Jedi creature the Rancor, the Darkghast “is something you might recognize even though it’s completely new,” he said. And yes, players will be able to fight this creature—and maybe learn a trick or two from Vader.

While there is not an official release date for Episode II yet, the panel assures that it will be well worth the wait.

D23 Expo According to Jeff Goldblum

The exciting hustle and bustle of the Anaheim Convention Center proves that there is so much to see and do around D23 Expo, and the Disney+ Pavilion is no exception! Jeff Goldblum, star of the upcoming Disney+ show The World According to Jeff Goldblum, sat down for a Q&A and gave fans a taste of what’s to come. Looking at subjects as diverse as sneakers to denim to ice cream, Goldblum investigates the world and brought a scoop of charm as he waltzed to the Disney+ Pavilion stage singing the “Mickey Mouse Club March.”

An extraordinary look at ordinary things. The World According To Jeff Goldblum. Original Series. Streaming November 12 only on #DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/Jnz5wPGaGI

— Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) August 24, 2019

After hosting National Geographic Explorer for a bit, Goldblum says he loves being a part of his latest project with National Geographic and Disney+. “I can’t believe it,” Goldblum said when asked about his show being one of the first debuted on the Disney streaming service. “I feel like a pioneer!”

“I even met Ben and Jerry!” Goldblum said. The trio got to make a specialty flavor named after Goldblum himself. “Goldblum… something, something,” he said jokingly. Looks like we’ll have to wait and see The World According to Jeff Goldblum, as if we weren’t going to already! Check out the trailer for the Disney+ show, launching November 12.

Long Live Colson!

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. took a break from their intergalactic missions to stop by Expo and give us a taste of what it’s like to work on a super-powered show beloved by fans worldwide. Find out more here.

Sew Cute! The Incredible Looks from Mousequerade!

From Beauty and the Beast to Star Wars, fans of everything Disney brought their best cosplay to the Mousequerade! Stage. Check out the enchanting looks here.

Every Magical Moment from the 2019 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony

Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, and Robin Roberts are among the 12 remarkable men and women honored as Disney Legends this morning at D23 Expo 2019. Click here to get all the details!

The Dancing with the Stars Ballroom Comes to D23 Expo 2019

With just a few weeks remaining before the debut of Season 28 of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), Executive Producer Andrew Llinares, host Tom Bergeron, and a panel of DWTS celebrities take us inside this fan-favorite show. See the full story, here.

“Great Moments with Walt Disney” Hits all the Right Notes

Grammy® Award-winning Disney Music Group Supervising Producer and Music Historian Randy Thornton kicked off three days of programming at the Walt Disney Archives Stage on the second floor of the Anaheim Convention Center with an enthralling presentation consisting of rarely heard recordings of Walt Disney recalling pivotal moments in Disney history.

In the summer of 1956, Walt Disney sat in the backyard of his home on Carolwood Drive for a series of interviews with journalist Pete Martin, and Thornton, who supervised the digital transfer of these important recordings originally captured on a simple Wollensak tape recorder, presented some revealing moments from the interviews to a packed audience who listened in rapt attention. Adding to the charm of hearing Walt’s storytelling in his Midwestern drawl was the way it often caused his daughters, Sharon and Diane, who were present, to break into peals of laughter.

Among the topics Thornton presented were Walt explaining the development of synchronized sound for Steamboat Willie; how “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf” came to be; the development of Disney package films; and more.

“These tapes were never intended to be heard,” Thornton reminded the audience. “Walt doesn’t pull any punches. Hearing these tapes is like sitting in the backyard with Walt Disney.”

An Out-of-This World Collection

Part of the Resistance? Watch out! Coming from a galaxy far, far away, Lucasfilm has brought an impressive collection of stormtrooper armor, spanning across 40 years of Star Wars films. From the classic stormtrooper and Imperial Tie Fighter Pilots to the brand-new Sith Trooper from the upcoming Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, this installation brings the galaxy closer than ever. Click here to see more!

Sensational Sights

D23 Expo is officially underway, and we’re giving you the first peak at the show floor at the Anaheim Convention Center. From a heart-racing, historical look at a beloved attraction, to picture-worthy moments that’ll make you stand out. Check out our preview of the D23 Expo show floor for your first taste of the magic in store this weekend. Click here to see more!

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Exciting Announcements from Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

New details were revealed about an all-new Star Wars vacation experience coming to Walt Disney World Resort and the Super Hero-themed lands guests will experience at Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Paris. Click here for all the news, including the first-ever attraction based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit film Moana at Epcot, where an incredible multi-year transformation is underway. Click here to see the full story.

Disney Publishing, Disney+ and Pixie Dust

D23 Expo 2019 starts with a magical announcement! Disney+ and Disney Worldwide Publishing revealed their incredible collaboration, One Day at Disney – a 224-page coffee table book and unique counterpart Disney+ series coming this year. Click here to here for more information.

Exploring the World of Avatar

For the first time at D23 Expo, the world of Pandora has arrived at the ultimate Disney fan event with an exciting installation called Inside the World of Avatar, where Guests can see costumes, on-screen props, and more from one of the most innovative and unforgettable films ever made. Click here to see more.

Dressed for the Part

The Walt Disney Archives returns to D23 Expo 2019 with the brand-new Walt Disney Archives Presents Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume exhibition—a 12,000-square-foot celebration of the inspired costumes that helped bring Disney filmed entertainment to life. Click here to see more.

And Sew It Begins: A First Look at Walt Disney Archives Presents Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume Exhibition

August 22, 2019July 28, 2020

By Max Lark and Karina Schink

The fabled Walt Disney Archives, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, has once again curated an exhibit for the D23 Expo, one that presents more than 70 spectacular costumes, from Mary Poppins to this summer’s Aladdin. The exhibit provides dazzling proof that when it comes to Disney storytelling, what characters wear plays a dramatic role in making the magic. The 12,000-square-foot exhibit, which includes costumes from some of Hollywood’s preeminent designers, past and present, including Academy Award®-winners Colleen Atwood, Sandy Powell, and Tony Walton, as well as Emmy® winner Ellen Mirojnick and Emmy nominees Eduardo Castro and Penny Rose, is a must-see stop for fans who appreciate the passion, dedication, and imagination of the world’s top costume designers who help bring filmed entertainment to life.

“I’ve been wanting to do this exhibition for many years,” says Becky Cline, director, Walt Disney Archives. “I’m happy fans will get an up-close look at these marvelous creations and discover just how integral costumes are to storytelling. I marvel at the details and ideas that costume designers weave into the fabrics of these amazing outfits—and I know our guests will, too.”

The exhibition begins in Gallery 1: Cinderella’s Workshop, which feels like an active costume department like one you might see on a film set. Front and center in this natural, unpolished atelier is the iconic Cinderella ball gown that has evolved over the decades. “This is the perfect opportunity for visitors to see the multiple ways a costume can be reimagined by different designers for different movies,” says Robert Maxhimer, Exhibitions Manager of the Walt Disney Archives and curator for Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume. During a visit to Gallery 1, guests will view a never-before-seen short film featuring all the designers who created the costumes on view, providing a behind-the-seams look at the art of costume design that is both revelatory and remarkable. Suffice it to say, when it’s time to head to the second major gallery of the exhibition, guests will have an even greater appreciation for the enormity of the task that is creating the costumes for such beloved films. Later in the exhibition, don’t forget to check out Cinderella’s carriage from 2015’s Cinderella—a perfect example of how iconic props and costumes complement each other to produce dazzling results.

Stepping from Gallery 1 to Gallery 2: Heroes, Villains and Spaces Between transports guests from the work room to the theater, revealing a pulse-quickening panoply of beloved Disney costumes as you’ve seen them in films and TV shows through the years. A dazzling kaleidoscope of color, shapes, and movement is on view. The villains—“the characters we love to hate and hate to love”—Maxhimer jokes, are lined up on the right side of the gallery; heroes to the left. Cutting through the middle of the gallery are seven pairs of iconic heroes and villains frozen in custom poses that represent the epic final battle every protagonist and antagonist must face: Beast vs. Gaston, The White Queen vs. The Red Queen, Balthazar vs. Horvath, Red Riding Hood vs. the Wolf, Giselle vs. Queen Narissa, and a Dalmatian puppy vs. Cruella De Vil. No Disney fan will want to miss these seven colorful pas de deux suspended in time (for the length of the exhibition, anyway).

Across nearly every medium Disney has touched, from the earliest days of animation through innovations in live-action filmmaking and pioneering efforts in television, location-based entertainment and retail and even gaming, costumes have seldom been recognized but ever-present. With the Walt Disney Archives Presents Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume, guests will come away with a new appreciation for this integral part of Disney storytelling and reacquaint themselves with the beloved costumes that played such a big role in the films that they cherish.

Many of the costumes on exhibit will be featured in The Art of Disney Costuming: Heroes, Villains, and Spaces Between, a dazzling new book out this September from Disney Editions. The book will also be available in advance exclusively at D23 Expo.

Exhibit Curator Robert Maxhimer’s Five Favorite Costumes
We asked exhibit curator Robert Maxhimer for his five favorite do-not-miss costumes for guests visiting the Walt Disney Archives Presents Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume exhibition. Here are his picks:

Lady Tremaine, worn by Cate Blanchett, designed by Sandy Powell
“It’s interesting to me that Sandy Powell said she thinks of characters in terms of colors before she even designs the costumes. I like the way the green is offset with black—there are no friendly colors but they are very expressive.”

Maleficent, worn by Angelina Jolie, designed by Anna B. Sheppard
“This one is rather like Maleficent from the animated version—just more beautiful.”

Mrs. Which, worn by Oprah Winfrey, designed by Paco Delgado
“Mrs. Which is what designer Paco Delgado neatly described as ‘energy in the pure state.’ This costume is complex because of the exotic materials used, including neoprene, plastic, and metal. The goal was to show a ‘a supernova that exploded.’”

Colette Merchant, worn by Eva Green, designed by Colleen Atwood
“Tim Burton said that of the many times he had worked with Atwood, costumes such as this one for Eva Green are some of her most beautiful designs, and I agree.”

Cruella De Vil, worn by Glenn Close, designed by Anthony Powell
“Powell said this costume ‘all started with a silhouette, because she’s so spiky and forceful.’ Cruella loses none of the iconic sense of fashion that we all know and love from the animated film; the eccentricity and boldness translated over into the live-action creation really effectively.”