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

August 23, 2019November 8, 2019

By Beth Deitchman

Ewan McGregor is returning to the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi… Hilary Duff is reprising the role she made famous, Lizzie McGuire… Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy are coming to a short-form series… and the slate of live-action series from Marvel Studios continues to grow! Believe it or not, these are just a few of the awe-inspiring announcements and memorable moments from today’s Disney+ presentation in Hall D23 at D23 Expo 2019.

Today marked Disney+’s first presentation at D23 Expo, and talk about a spectacular debut! The cast of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series got our hearts beating a little faster when, joined by a drum corps, they performed the HSM classic “We’re All in This Together” to start today’s presentation. Yvette Nicole Brown, one of the stars of the upcoming Disney+ original film Lady and the Tramp (and a lifelong Disney fan), was our host for the afternoon. “November 12 can’t get here soon enough for me,” Brown said, making it clear that she’s as excited about the launch of Disney+ as we are.

Kevin Mayer, chairman of Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment, kicked off the festivities. “With less than three months until launch, Disney+ will soon entertain and inspire audiences of all ages for generations to come, and we’re excited to preview some of the amazing original content being created for the service exclusively from our world-class brands today at the D23 Expo,” said Mayer. “Storytelling is the cornerstone of The Walt Disney Company, and we’re thrilled to unveil a new slate of original shows from the Star Wars and Marvel cinematic universes, along with popular television franchises set to return with all-new series streaming only on Disney+.”

Today stars, filmmakers, and creatives previewed some of the incredible content that will stream on Disney+ when it launches on November 12. Here’s a roundup of all of the magic from today’s presentation:

NEW TRAILERS

The Mandalorian
“Dave Filoni was nice enough to bring me over to Star Wars Celebration. I had never been there before, and now it’s my chance to bring him to his first D23,” said brand-new Disney Legend Jon Favreau, who was joined by fellow executive producer Filoni on the Hall D23 stage to introduce The Mandalorian. “Because here—we’ve got Star Wars fans, right? And we’ve also got Marvel fans, too. And most of all… we’ve got Disney fans!”

Favreau and Filoni also revealed how they came to work together on the first-ever Star Wars live-action series. Years ago, both were working at the Skywalker Ranch—Filoni on Clone Wars and Favreau on what Filoni jokingly referred to as “a tiny movie about an obscure comic book called Iron Man.” When Favreau requested a sneak peek at the then-top-secret Star Wars animated series, Filoni was happy to oblige… if he could also enjoy a first look at Iron Man. The rest, as they say, is about to become streaming history.

The producers were joined in Hall D23 by series stars Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers, and Giancarlo Esposito—as well as Taika Waititi, who brings the droid IG-11 to life—to premiere the teaser trailer for the first-ever Star Wars live-action series. Earlier today, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger also announced that new Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen will join the cast of the series. Set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order, The Mandalorian follows the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic. You can see the incredible trailer for yourself below, and binge the series on Disney+ beginning November 12.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
Disney Channel President and Chief Creative Officer Gary Marsh previewed some of the amazing new content coming to Disney+ from Disney Channel—including all 127 episodes of Phineas and Ferb, along with a new animated movie starring our two heroes and their sister, Candace. The 10-episode scripted series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, set at the real-life East High, where the original movie was filmed, follows a group of students as they count down to opening night of their school’s first-ever production of High School Musical. D23 Expo attendees were the first to see a brand-new trailer for the series, which stars Joshua Bassett, Oliva Rodrigo, Matt Cornett, Sofia Wylie, Julia Lester, Larry Saperstein, Dara Reneé, Frankie A. Rodriguez, Kate Reinders, and Mark St. Cyr. You can see the start of something new in the High School Musical franchise right now:

Lady and the Tramp
The canine stars of the film—Rose (“Lady”) and Monty (“Tramp”)—joined Yvette Nicole Brown for a pawsitively unforgettable moment from the presentation that included the premiere of the first trailer from the original film. In the timeless re-telling of the 1955 animated classic, a pampered house dog and a tough but lovable stray embark on an unexpected adventure and, despite their differences, grow closer and come to understand the value of home. Take a gander at the first trailer, below, and you’ll fall in love with the precious pups—as Yvette Nicole Brown did. Brown revealed that one of Rose’s doubles, Harley, found a fur-ever home with her.

Noelle
The holidays kicked off early, as stars Anna Kendrick and Billy Eichner unveiled a trailer for the film that will premiere on Disney+ on November 12. Anna Kendrick told Disney fans, “I’ve always wanted to be in a Christmas movie. My family and I have movies that we watch every year. We watch The Muppet Christmas Carol—we know all the words—and the idea that I have the opportunity to be in a movie that could be something that families watch together this Christmas, and it becomes part of their tradition and they have favorite scenes and they can’t wait to put it on is just so amazing and I was so happy to have the opportunity.”

In the upcoming holiday comedy, Kris Kringle’s daughter is full of Christmas spirit and holiday fun, but wishes she could do something “important” like her beloved brother Nick, who will take over from their father this Christmas. When Nick is about to crumble like a gingerbread cookie from all the pressure, Noelle suggests he take a break and get away… but when he doesn’t return, Noelle must find her brother and bring him back in time to save Christmas.

The World According to Jeff Goldblum
The mind of actor Jeff Goldblum has to be a pretty fascinating place to visit—and we’ll get to do just that in this new series from National Geographic. Today Goldblum, the series’ star and host, previewed a first trailer for The World According to Jeff Goldblum… where nothing is ever as it seems.

Encore!
Self-described “musical theater junkie” Kristen Bell debuted a trailer for Encore!, the series that brings together former castmates of high school musicals for the most entertaining high school reunion we can possibly imagine, as we watch them re-create their original performance years after they last performed it. “For me, musical theater in high school was the time that I discovered who I was. I wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for my musical theater club,” Bell shared.

Encore! will celebrate real people. “Extraordinary talent is not the point. Professional talent is not the point,” said Bell. “We are taking former high school musical theater casts and reuniting them—anywhere from millennials to baby boomers—getting them back on stage for their encore performance.” Check out the trailer, below.

Forky Asks a Question
Tony Hale, who voiced craft project-turned-toy Forky in Toy Story 4, returns in this sporktacular new shorts series from Pixar Animation Studios. He debuted the first of 10 episodes coming to Disney+, “Money,” and we’re looking forward to discovering, alongside Forky, the answers to such complicated questions about how the world works, such as: What is love? What is time? And, most crucially, what is cheese?

NEW TITLES

Disney fans come to Hall D23 eager for surprises, and Disney+ most certainly delivered, revealing six new titles that we can’t wait to stream.

In a Force-filled moment that literally brought the fans in Hall D23 to their feet, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy welcomed Ewan McGregor to the stage to announce his return to the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in a new untitled series from Lucasfilm.

Marvel Studios President (and proud D23 Member!) Kevin Feige announced three new live-action series that originate from Marvel comics, which are currently in development for Disney+. “The opportunities that Disney+ is bringing to the MCU [Marvel Cinematic Universe] to grow and to evolve and to expand are tremendous,” Feige said. Stay tuned for more details about Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight, and She-Hulk.

Hilary Duff made a surprise appearance to reveal that she is reprising her iconic role of Lizzie McGuire in an all-new series from Terri Minsky, who created the original show. “It is so great to be home,” Duff enthused, before revealing details about the upcoming series. “The good news is, just like me and everybody who loved Lizzie and grew up with her, Lizzie’s also grown up. She’s older, she’s wiser—and she has a much bigger shoe budget, which is super exciting. She has her dream job, she has kind of the perfect life right now. She’s working as an apprentice to a fancy New York City decorator. She has her dream guy who owns a cool SoHo restaurant. She has her dream apartment in Brooklyn, and she’s getting ready to celebrate her 30th birthday.” Her life sounds pretty ideal… but, Duff reassured fans, “She’s still dealing with that 13-year-old no-holds-barred animated Lizzie that’s constantly babbling in her adult Lizzie head.”

And in news that makes you say, “Hi-Ho,” the Muppets are coming to Disney+. Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the gang will appear in their first-ever unscripted short-form series, MuppetsNow. In a special teaser, Kermit revealed that the show will be full of “unspecified fun things”—but that’s all that Joe from Legal would allow our favorite frog to say… at least for now.

FIRST LOOKS

Some of the incredible talent from other upcoming Disney+ titles shared new details about films and shows that will also launch on the service in the very near future.

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made
In a first look, fans met the quirky Timmy Failure, who operates his own detective agency in Portland—with the help of his 1,500-pound polar bear (not to mention a deadpan sense of humor). Launching in early 2020, Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made is directed by award-winning filmmaker Tom McCarthy from a screenplay by McCarthy & Stephan Pastis, and based on the best-selling book series by Pastis.

Togo (Launching in early December)
The untold true story is an exhilarating and uplifting adventure set in the winter of 1925 across the treacherous terrain of the Alaskan tundra. Togo stars four-time Oscar® nominee Willem Dafoe, along with Julianne Nicholson, Christopher Heyerdahl, Richard Dormer, Michael Greyeyes, Michael McElhatton, and Michael Gaston. Ericson Core directs from a screenplay by Tom Flynn. Kim Zubick is the producer.

Diary of a Female President (Premiering in January)
Gina Rodriguez executive produces (and is a recurring guest star) on the half-hour single camera that follows a 12-year-old Cuban-American girl’s journey through the trials of middle school, which sets her on the path to ultimately become president of the United States. Tess Romero stars as Elena. Rodriguez told Expo guests, “I’m excited to bring hope, positivity, and joy and a family comedy to your houses, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it.”

Stargirl (Launching in early 2020)
Series stars Grace VanderWaal and Graham Verchere introduced the coming-of-age film based on the critically acclaimed New York Times best-selling young adult novel of the same name by Jerry Spinelli. Julia Hart directs from a screenplay by Kristin Hahn and Julia Hart & Jordan Horowitz; Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Lee Stollman, and Kristin Hahn are producers. Karan Brar, Maximiliano Hernandez, Darby Stanchfield, and Giancarlo Esposito also star.

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (Launching in 2020)
Following the events of Marvel Studios’ Avenger: Endgame, Falcon and the Winter Soldier (played by Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan, respectively) team up. During today’s presentation, Kevin Feige revealed that Emily VanCamp will reprise her role as Sharon Carter, and introduced Wyatt Russell, who will portray John Walker—a Marvel Comics character—for the first time on screen. Kari Skogland directs and Malcom Spellman serves as head writer.

Monsters At Work
The new series from Disney Television Animation takes fans back to Monstropolis, where they’ll meet a new cast of monsters—including Tylor (played by Ben Feldman) and Millie (played by Aisha Tyler)—in the series inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Oscar®-winning feature film Monsters, Inc. Monsters at Work will feature special appearances from the film’s beloved buddies, Mike and Sulley, who will again be voiced by Billy Crystal and John Goodman. Today, Feldman and Tyler shared a special look at their characters with fans, and revealed that the series takes place immediately after Monstropolis makes the switch to laugh power, as Tylor—a Monsters U. alum who graduated “scarum cum laude”—has to find his way through this new world of laughter.

WandaVision (Premiering in 2021)
As Vision and Wanda Maximoff, Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen play two super-powered beings trying to live ideal suburban lives… until they begin to suspect that things are not as they seem in this series that Feige describes as “half classic sitcom and half epic MCU adventure.” Bettany and Olsen made a surprise appearance at D23 Expo 2019, joined by Kat Dennings and Randall Park, who will reprise their roles from Thor and Ant-Man and The Wasp. They’ll also be joined by Kathryn Hahn (who will play a new character in the series).

“As the scripts keep rolling in, it’s so funny and it just ends up being this huge epic… The writing is so extraordinary,” Bettany said. Matt Shakman serves as director, with Jac Schaeffer on board as head writer.

Loki (Debuting in 2021)
Tom Hiddleston returns to play the fan-favorite villain Loki in a series set after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Kate Herron directs this eagerly anticipated series centered on the god of mischief, with Michael Waldron as head writer. In a video greeting to D23 Expo guests, Hiddleston promised, “It’s your boundless enthusiasm and your support that mean that Loki still has more story left to tell, and it will never stop surprising and delighting me that you think he’s cool. This journey isn’t over yet—in fact, it’s only just begun.”

What If…? (Premiering in 2021)
Marvel Studios’ upcoming animated series spotlights different heroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and imagines what happens if the events in the films had turned out differently—how a single choice can branch out into infinite realities. Haley Atwell, who will voice Peggy Carter in What If…?, joined director Bryan Andrews and head writer Ashley Bradley today in Hall D23. “It feels like the gift that keeps on giving,” said Atwell regarding the opportunity to give life to the character in this new way, and she credits the fans for their love for Peggy. “They brought her back,” she shared.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Premiering in February 2020)
The Emmy® Award-winning animated series will return with 12 all-new episodes and will mark the return of classic characters Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and fan-favorites Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex.

A Second Lucasfilm Live-Action Series
Diego Luna and Alan Tudyk will reprise their roles of Cassian Andor and K-2SO, respectively, from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in this, the second live-action series from Lucasfilm for Disney+. The series, currently in development, follows Andor’s adventures as a rebel spy during the formative years of the Rebellion, before the events of A New Hope. “We’re going to look younger,” laughed Luna, noting that the show is a prequel to Rogue One. “We’re going to look gorgeous,” Tudyk added good-naturedly.

Throughout D23 Expo 2019, guests have the opportunity to see Disney+ in action and experience the app, complete with features and functionality confirmed for the global launch dates in November. Disney+ is available for a monthly price of $6.99 USD or an annual rate of $69.99 USD. Visit DisneyPlus.com to learn more about the service, and stay tuned to D23.com for all the Disney+ news that’s still to come.

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

Go Wildcats! Disney+’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Comes to D23 Expo 2019

August 23, 2019August 23, 2019

By Courtney Potter

To paraphrase a certain Disney Channel Original Movie, we’re all in this D23 Expo together! And if you were lucky enough to be in the audience for Friday evening’s Disney+ screening of (and panel for) High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, that phrase takes on even more meaning. Those in attendance were among the very first to see the premiere episode of the Disney+ series—which debuts to the public when the streaming service launches on November 12!

The event was kicked off by none other than original High School Musical (HSM) star—and Dancing with the Stars Season 17 runner-up—Corbin Bleu, who welcomed the excited assembled crowd to hear about this fresh interpretation of the hugely popular HSM franchise. “I got the chance to see the first episode,” Bleu said, “and I was watching with bated breath, of course. But then I breathed a sigh of relief because you guys are gonna love this. The cast is awesome; they’re the real deal!” Bleu then introduced the series’ creator and executive producer Tim Federle: “We are so excited to be here to launch High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” he confessed. “This is a 10-episode scripted series that I like to think of as a love letter to the original fans. There are many of you out there! And it’s also an irreverent new musical for a new generation… Because the entire series is all about finding your tribe. That’s the most important thing to me. And that’s one of the reasons why I think this is the perfect audience to see the very first episode—because if you’re at D23 Expo, you know the power of sitting next to a stranger whose name you might not know, but you guys already share something. You’re a tribe. You’re a family.”

With that, the crowd was treated to the first episode the series. We don’t want to spoil anything—but it was hilarious, heartfelt, and filled with the same kind of catchy tunes and amazing choreography you’ve come to expect from the world of High School Musical.

Following the screening, Bleu and Federle brought the entire cast of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series to the stage: Joshua Bassett (Ricky), Olivia Rodrigo (Nini), Sofia Wylie (Gina), Matt Cornett (E.J.), Dara Renee (Kourtney), Julia Lester (Ashlyn), Frankie Rodriguez (Carlos), Larry Saperstein (Big Red), Kate Reinders (drama teacher Miss Jenn), and Mark St. Cyr (STEM teacher Mr. Mazzara).

“One of my favorite parts about the series is that people who have grown up watching the movies, like me, can really resonate with it—but people who have never seen the films before can also find themselves in the characters,” explained Rodrigo. “That’s one of my favorite things about the story, so I’m really happy it came out that way.” Added Rodriguez, “I always did feel different in high school. I was the only ‘theater nerd’ at my high school—and so to find all of these people, it was like, ‘Oh, we’re all weird and quirky, and that’s what makes us special!” Bleu followed to offer an appropriate, “Aww”-inspiring anecdote: “Right before we came up here, all of [the cast] were standing in a circle backstage, and they just had their moment together—and then they all did the Wildcat Chant! You can really see that the bonds have already formed.”

Finishing with questions from fans, the audience saw some dance demonstrations—both a “difficult” move that Rodrigo explained took hours to perfect, as well as some “favorite” moves from Wylie; learned that most of the cast would want to live permanently in the world of High School Musical 2 (“It’s like a summer vacation for life!,” admitted Saperstein); and found out that the cast (and the show’s creator) has very diverse taste in breakfast cereals.

Don’t miss this adorably talented cast in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series when it premieres on Disney+ November 12!

The Final Mission of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

August 23, 2019

By Jim Frye

ABC’s Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and D23 Expo have a bit of history together: The very first episode of season one of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. screened at D23 Expo 2013, and today the first episode of the seventh and final season screened for fans—a whole year ahead of when it will air. It seemed only fitting, and executive producer and head of Marvel Television, Jeph Loeb, said as much: “This is really, really a special event. We showed the pilot to a whole bunch of you,” he said to the fans in the D23 Arena, “and somehow after that we made 136 more episodes. It’s really an incredible achievement and we couldn’t have done it without you.”

After six thrilling seasons of saving the world (and beyond!), Marvel Television’s flagship series is preparing to head into the home stretch, blazing into its final adventures in summer 2020. S.H.I.E.L.D., or the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division, has long been a mainstay of Marvel Comics, but gained wide notoriety with the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It all started with that iconic moment in the end credits of the very first Iron Man movie when Samuel L. Jackson stepped out from the shadows and introduced himself to Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark: “Nick Fury. Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.”

Thus began the adventures of this pseudo-governmental organization dedicated to protecting mankind. Or, as the show’s Grant Ward, played by Brett Dalton, once said, “We’re the line between the world and the much weirder world. We protect people from news they aren’t ready to hear. And when we can’t do that, we keep them safe.”

Aside from Nick Fury, the best-known S.H.I.E.L.D. agent is Phil Colson, played by Clark Gregg, who took the stage today to cheers and applause befitting his fan-favorite status. Joining Gregg and Loeb onstage were Jeff Ward, who plays Deke Shaw, as well as executive producers Jed Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen, and Jeff Bell.

“Once upon a time, I worked on a little indie film called The Avengers,” joked Gregg. “But then this mischief-making person stuck me with a pointy thing and ended my Marvel career.” After that, some fans started an online “Coulson lives” movement that caught the eye of Marvel execs—along with Joss Whedon. “Ironically, my favorite memory was getting a call from this guy (pointing at Loeb) and Whedon saying, ‘We think you may not be so dead.’”

And that’s how Gregg’s Agent Coulson character came to lead Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.—and how he became such an important touchstone for fans. As today’s audience members asked questions, one fan broke down in tears talking about her affection for the character of Coulson… and how he represented “the everyman” character who stands among the super-powered heroes. Gregg hugged her, then returned to the stage and said this: “It’s been such a big part of my life for 11 and a half years now. Because there was a need for someone who wasn’t super except for his heart.”

Long live Coulson!

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.