Andi Mack Stars Look to the Future as the Series Finale Draws Near

By Zach Johnson

Prepare yourselves, Space Otters, because Disney Channel’s groundbreaking series Andi Mack will start airing its final episodes Friday, June 21, at 8 p.m. To celebrate all three seasons, D23 talked to stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee (Andi Mack), Lilan Bowden (Rebecca “Bex” Mack), and Joshua Rush (Cyrus Goodman) about their favorite memories of making the hit comedy/drama.

“It’s a lot of mixed emotions,” Bowden said at Disney Channel Fan Fest in Disney California Adventure Park. “We have a lot of very passionate fans and they’re just as sad as we are that it’s ending. But also, they have a lot of love for us, so we’re sharing that joy with them as well.”

Andi Mack

Created and executive produced by Terri Minsky, Andi Mack debuted on Disney Channel in 2017 and went on to win a Television Academy Honor, a GLAAD Media Award, and a US-Asia Institute honor, among other accolades. The series, hailed for inspiring social change, has been a labor of love for everyone involved. Lee, for one, told D23 she is especially proud that Andi Mack is centered on a biracial, multigenerational family. “I think it’s really important that everyone is represented in the media,” argued Lee, who will appear alongside Skylar Astin in Secret Society of Second Born Royals, a contemporary story that will premiere on Disney+. “Seeing someone who looks like you or someone you connect with onscreen is very important.”

Andi Mack

“For me, it’s been twofold,” added Rush, whose character made television history earlier this season. “Being able to play this gay character has been absolutely incredible. It’s something a lot of older people did not have when they were growing up. And for these kids out there who are just having that realization in their own minds and are maybe internalizing it, I’m excited to give them an opportunity to see themselves portrayed. The other side of it is Cyrus being a Jewish character—a strong Jewish character. Because for me, when I grew up, Passover, or Pesach, was ‘Jewish Easter,’ and Chanukah was ‘Jewish Christmas.’ And it’s great to have a character out there who shows that Judaism is its own thing and that we are our own people.”

Andi Mack

Bowden shared her co-stars’ sentiments, as the coming-of-age story is known for exploring complex issues. “It’s wonderful to be on a show that normalizes so many things we don’t see a lot of represented in the media,” Bowden said. “We have the gay storyline, we have an Asian American family on TV, and the show is led by the three female characters. And on top of that, we have learning disabilities, we have a deaf character… Bex is a teen mom! For us to show so many different kinds of issues that real children and families face is so meaningful, because I can tell when I talk to our fans that it means everything to see themselves represented on TV.”

Fans won’t be disappointed when Andi Mack airs its final episode July 26. “There are so many wonderful storylines that wrap up in such a beautiful way—and I’m talking visually as well as emotionally,” Bowden said. “So, I can’t wait for fans to experience that.” Rush, meanwhile, doesn’t see the series finale as the end of Andi Mack and its colorful characters. “I’m excited for fans to get to imagine a future for the characters,” the actor told D23. “The way the show ends is really wonderful in that Cyrus, Andi, Buffy (Sofia Wylie), Jonah (Asher Angel), Bex, and Cece (Lauren Tom) are going to keep living in their own world. I’m really excited for fans to see that.”

Sofia Wylie Scores Goals on Disney Channel in Back of the Net and Andi Mack

By Jim Frye

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Sofia Wylie is a lot older than her 15 years. That’s because her resume is already stuffed with fan-favorite projects, her passport is filling up fast, and her ambitious schedule and sophisticated conversational style make her seem like a seasoned veteran of TV and film. And, in a way, she is.

Wylie is perhaps best known for her role as Buffy Driscoll in Disney Channel’s critically-acclaimed Andi Mack, which begins airing its final episodes on June 21 (8–8:30 p.m. ET/PT). She is currently filming the role of Gina in the upcoming High School Musical: The Musical: The Series for the direct-to-consumer streaming service Disney+. She is also the voice of Riri Williams (AKA Ironheart) in the animated series Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron and made her music debut with the single “Side By Side,” part of the animated special Marvel Rising: Chasing Ghosts. Wylie also has her own production company, AIFOS, and a newly launched IGTV series Dancing with Sofia Wylie, where she shares her love of dance with her 1.5 million followers.

Up next is the Disney original movie Back of the Net, debuting Saturday, June 15, at 8 p.m. EDT/PDT on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW, where she stars as Corey Baily, an ace science student who eagerly sets out for Sydney to embark on a semester at sea aboard an advanced research vessel. But when she lands in Australia, the wrong bus and a missed boat put her at Harold Soccer Academy, where she’s stuck for the summer despite her disinterest in soccer. Corey, undeterred by conflicts with mean girl Evie, is able to apply her unique strengths in science to end her team’s losing streak—and she just may make some friends along the way.

D23 caught up with Wylie to find out all about her favorite moments from the film, saying goodbye to Andi Mack, and which Disney characters she’d choose for her soccer team.

D23: How does it feel to be involved with so many great Disney projects?
Wylie: Really incredible. I have always been a big fan of Disney. When I worked with them for the first time on Andi Mack, it was like a dream come true. They’ve been so welcoming and the whole Disney community has become like my family, so I wanted to work with them as much as possible and I hope to continue to.

D23: Where did you film Back of the Net?
Wylie: It filmed in Australia, which was the cherry on top of being able to film a movie, first of all. I’d been to Australia once before, but the cast was super-welcoming and they taught me all the phrases that they use. It was really fun and such a beautiful place.

D23: Tell us a little about Corey Baily, your character in Back of the Net.
Wylie: Corey is a girl who only sees herself as a science geek, who’s always in her books. She’s flying to this semester at sea, which is the most exciting thing for her. What I love about her is that she realizes throughout this movie that she could be so much more than she thought she was. With the help of her friends, maybe a possible love interest, and competition, she realizes that she can do anything she puts her mind to. She doesn’t have to be in just one specific box. I learned a lot from her. She’s a real fun character and I can’t wait for everyone to fall in love with her.

D23: How does science help Corey with her soccer skills?
Wylie: That was such a cool part of the movie, because so many people think that sports and school can’t go hand-in-hand. There’s so much that education can do to help with sports and dance… and everything is kind of numbers in a way, so she’s able to help her team out and make calculations and equations about what soccer is. It’s a combination of athletic abilities plus what’s in her brain, and making the calculations to get the ball and make it curve. And she’s able to help her team. She gives so much to her team—she may not be the most athletic girl, but everyone has a place, has their niche.

Back of the Net

D23: Did you play soccer before this film?
Wylie: I played when I was about 5 years old, so basically, I had no soccer experience. But most of the characters I’ve played have been very athletic. On Andi Mack, I was a basketball player and a track runner at one point. Most have had athletic abilities, so going into this where Corey is not very coordinated was a lot of fun for me. I was learning things as much as Corey was, so it was fun.

D23: What can viewers take away from Back of the Net?
Wylie: That you cannot go at it alone. Corey’s never had real friends before. Having that group of people who can support you during the tough times is always important. Realizing that you can be anything and that you don’t need to be in the same category your whole life. If you’re intelligent, you can also play sports. If you’re an athlete, you can also be very intelligent. You can be a fashionista and also be a tomboy as well. There’s no one way that anybody is supposed to live.

D23: How is Corey different that than Gina, the character you play in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series?
Wylie: The characters are very different. I think Corey definitely finds her voice throughout the movie, but Gina comes into High School Musical: The Musical: The Series with that voice completely in place. Gina is the prima donna of the school, and she has this huge performing experience that she comes into the auditions with. She is confident like no other, and that’s something that Corey struggles with, is her confidence.

D23: How do you feel about saying goodbye Buffy, your Andi Mack character?
Wylie: It was very difficult. I grew up with Buffy for the past three years. It’s been a very formative time of my life. Being with anything that long, it’s very difficult. I cried, and we all cried together, and we cried even more. But I think we’re all very excited about the next stuff we get to do. I’m so excited for all my castmates—they’re all doing incredible things. I’m very happy that Andi Mack will be able to live on forever. Those three amazing seasons will never go away. I love Buffy, and I hate to say goodbye, but I’m excited to say hello to many new characters.

D23: Which Disney characters would you choose to be on your soccer team?
Wylie: Oooo, okay. I think I would have to go with Mickey Mouse, because he’s just the boss of all bosses. I’d have to have him on my team. My next character might not do very well, but she’s my favorite Disney princess of all time—Ariel. She doesn’t know how to walk when she first gets on land, but I think with enough time she would definitely be a pro soccer player. I think I would want Buffy on my team—she’s just mega-competitive. And lastly, I would definitely go with Ant-Man, because he would be super-small, and nobody would know how or why the ball was moving.

Disney Previews Frozen 2, Premieres Three Animated Shorts at Annecy

By Zach Johnson

Walt Disney Animation Studios wowed the Annecy crowd in France Friday by offering a first look at Frozen 2, presented by the film’s Head of Animation Becky Bresee and Head of Effects Animation Marlon West, and also by unveiling three new shorts from the experimental Short Circuit program, which will stream on Disney+ in Spring 2020. Natalie Nourigat, Brian Menz, and Jerry Huynh premiered the shorts Exchange Student, Just A Thought, and Jing Hua, respectively. Learn more about Frozen 2 (debuting in U.S. theaters November 22, 2019) and the three shorts:

Frozen 2

Frozen 2
Why was Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) born with magical powers? The answer is calling her and threatening her kingdom of Arendelle. With the help of her sister Anna (voice of Kristen Bell), Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff), Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), and Sven, Elsa will set out on a risky and extraordinary journey. In Frozen, Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In Frozen 2, she must hope they are enough. Frozen 2 was directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee.

Short Circuit Program

Exchange Student
Life is hard enough for an exchange student at a new school, but as the only Earthling at a school for Aliens, the central character in this fanciful story is the ultimate outsider and must prove her worth to be accepted by her unusual new classmates.

Short Circuit Program

Just a Thought
An awkward 12-year old boy named Ollie experiences “bubble trouble” when his infatuation for a girl is embarrassingly revealed as his innermost thoughts take the form of a physical thought bubble. When the bubble takes on a life of its own, Ollie struggles to keep his thoughts under control and hidden from his seventh grade crush.

Short Circuit Program

Jing Hua (Flower in the Mirror)
Using Chinese-style landscape paintings as a visual inspiration, this film follows the story of a grieving woman who pays tribute to her recently departed teacher by creating a painted world using a magical form of kung fu.

Chill Out with Brand-New Frozen 2 Trailer—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Anna and Elsa return to the big screen, and Chip ‘n’ Dale bring new adventures to Disney+… See more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Stay Cool with New Frozen 2 Trailer and Poster

Can you believe we’re already around halfway through the year?! Time flies when you’re having fun! (And we are always having fun at D23!) So it should come as no surprise that the further adventures of Arendelle’s most beloved sisters, Anna and Elsa, are really just around the corner—with the release of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen 2 this fall. Check out the brand-new and positively chill-rific official trailer, above.

Frozen 2 poster

But that’s not all: Take a gander at the film’s new poster, above, featuring the sisters as they set out beyond the gates of Arendelle. Frozen 2 is the highly anticipated sequel from Oscar®-winning directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, producer Peter Del Vecho, and songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez—and it’ll follow Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) as she searches for the source of her magical powers. Assisted by Anna (voice of Kristen Bell), Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff), Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), and reindeer Sven, Elsa will venture far outside the kingdom of Arendelle and embark on a journey to uncover the truth about her past… See Frozen 2 in theaters beginning November 22.

Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
June 13, 2019
Mickey Mouse’s Roller Disco Party
June 15, 2019
Celebrate Toy Story 4 with D23 Shopping Mixers
June 20, 2019
Celebrate the Induction of Disney’s Cinderella into the National Film Registry!
June 22, 2019
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – Presented by D23
August 23-25, 2019
D23 Expo 2019
Parks
August 16, 20, 23, 27, 30; September 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29; October 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31, 2019
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park
August 29, 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening at and Walt Disney World Resort
August 29—November 23, 2019, 2019
November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24; December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 2019
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom park
2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
November 29—December 30, 2019, 2019
2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
Studios
June 21, 2019
Toy Story 4 opens in U.S. theaters
July 19, 2019
The Lion King opens in U.S. theaters
October 18, 2019
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil opens in U.S. theaters
November 22, 2019
Frozen 2 opens in U.S. theaters
December 20, 2019
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in U.S. theaters
Television
June 21, 2019
Final episodes of Andi Mack begin airing (8 p.m. EDT/PDT)
August 2, 2019
Descendants 3 premieres on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW (8 p.m. EDT/PDT).

Go Nuts Over New Chip ‘n’ Dale Series for Disney+

Two favorite Disney characters—who happen to be small mammals adept at getting into all sorts of hilarious shenanigans—are coming to Disney+ with a brand-new original series. Read up on what to expect from Chip ‘n’ Dale (created by Disney’s London-based animation team and an award-winning French production studio) right here at D23.com.

Marvel Entertainment and Square Enix Assemble New Marvel’s Avengers Game

Every June, gamers around the world wait with bated breath to hear the latest news out of the E3 Expo, the world’s premiere event for computer and video games and all their related products. Marvel Entertainment, and their friends at Square Enix, got in on the E3 action earlier this week when they offered up a first look at Marvel’s Avengers—an incredible new action-adventure game that combines cinematic storytelling with single-player and co-operative gameplay. See the trailer for the game, above!

Developed by Crystal Dynamics in association with Eidos-Montréal, Nixxes Software, and Crystal Northwest, Marvel’s Avengers will release simultaneously for PlayStation®4, Xbox One devices, Stadia, and PC on May 15, 2020. The adventure begins on A-Day, where Captain America, Iron Man, the Hulk, Black Widow, and Thor are unveiling a high-tech Avengers Headquarters in San Francisco—including the reveal of a new helicarrier powered by an experimental energy source. (The trailer, created from in-engine footage, is narrated by a young woman who meets the Avengers on A-Day.) Sadly, the celebration turns deadly when a catastrophic accident devastates the city. Blamed for the tragedy—in which Captain America perishes—the Avengers disband. Five years on, with Super Heroes outlawed and the world in jeopardy, the only hope is to reassemble Earth’s Mightiest Heroes… Register for updates about Marvel’s Avengers, and pre-order for “beta access,” at playavengers.com. 

Walt Disney

Coming Soon: New Animation Experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

If you happen to be adventuring over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort this summer, look for some brand-new enhancements in celebration of the 25th anniversary of The Lion King.

As we previously reported, Rafiki’s Planet Watch—as well as Affection Section and the Wildlife Express Train—will be reopening next month, and it will include a cool new encounter. Drawing on Disney’s rich heritage of wildlife animation, The Animation Experience at Conservation Station will feature a talented animator offering step-by-step instructions on how to illustrate a popular Disney character, including The Lion King’s Simba, Zazu, Pumbaa, and Timon… which, in turn, invites guests to discover how live animals inspired some of the most iconic characters from Disney films! Since each 25-minute class will be different, guests are encouraged to come back often in order to complete their collections. Luckily, Disney FastPass+ Service is being offered for The Animation Experience, and selections can be made now. So don’t miss this whole new way to experience a bit of “Hakuna Matata”!

Paris Train Station Enjoys Surprise Preview of The Lion King and Jungle Festival

Imagine you’re in Paris (that’s a nice daydream already), and you’re at the Gare de Lyon train station. Now imagine you hear the opening strains of “Circle of Life,” sung by an incredible singer, right in the middle of the station. Suddenly, an entire cast of performers joins him—and you realize you’re witnessing something very special…

That’s just what happened last week, when members of the cast of “The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands”—part of Disneyland Paris’ The Lion King and Jungle Festival, beginning later this month—surprised Gare de Lyon travelers with a surprise preview. The whole thing was captured on video; check out the amazing clip, above.

The Lion King and Jungle Festival at Disneyland Park brings guests closer than ever to the beating drums and unforgettable songs of the savannah during “The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands.” But wait, there’s more: The festival will also feature Baloo and Friends in “The Jungle Book Jive” show, and Timon will entertain young and young at heart over in Adventureland with Timon’s “MataDance.” See it all beginning June 30!

Disneyland fireworks

“Disneyland Forever” Fan-Fave Fireworks—Back at Disneyland Resort!

There’s a ton of summer fun to be had at the Disneyland Resort (besides visiting Batuu, of course)… and just in time, a fan-favorite fireworks spectacular is back! Yes, “Disneyland Forever” has returned to the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle.

The “street-to-sky” festivities, which first debuted during Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration, feature tons of pyrotechnics, colorfully immersive projections, and a host of other effects—taking guests on a breathtaking, up-close journey through timeless Disney stories. And there are multiple viewing locations, including Main Street, U.S.A., the Rivers of America, and near it’s a small world. It’s truly a “must see” item for your summer Disneyland to-do list.

You’ve Never Seen a Series Like Just Roll With It Before

By Karina Schink and Beth Deitchman

Have you ever wanted to mix sardines, vanilla ice cream, and a host of ingredients that simply aren’t meant to co-exist in a single dish? The cast of Disney Channel’s new series hasn’t either… but they’ll “just roll with it”—if that’s what the audience decrees. On Friday, June 14, Disney Channel welcomes a whole new kind of comedy with Just Roll With It, premiering at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. Created and executive produced by Adam Small and Trevor Moore, this unique show blends improvisational comedy with a scripted family sitcom for unbridled, unpredictable fun.

Sound familiar? Probably not. And, that’s just what the creators and stars want! Just Roll With It is a brand-new kind of show that’ll bring a barrel of laughs with it as you watch—and play—along. The sitcom is scripted, but the show goes off-book with an improvisational side that gets an assist from a live studio audience.

The creators/executive producers—who previously combined scripted comedy with hidden-camera hijinks in Disney Channel’s Walk the Prank—knew they wanted to capture the spontaneity often found in sketch comedy shows like Saturday Night Live. Small and Moore especially loved the energy that comes through when actors break from character and find themselves laughing in the middle of a scene, and they set out to bring that same excitement and unpredictability to Just Roll With It.

Just Roll With It

In this unique take on a family sitcom, several times throughout an episode, a horn will sound at certain pivotal moments—moments that are unknown to the actors and audience alike. At that point, the audience is presented with a chance to choose one of three options as to what will happen next. And no, the actors don’t know what that will be until it’s already happening.

Small and Moore wanted a show that revolved around “happy accidents” where something unexpected happens and the actors have to well, just roll with it. Small explains, “We came up with this idea where the cast spends all week memorizing and performing a script, and then on production night, parts of the script get thrown out and the actors are completely rudderless. They basically just have to roll with the punches.”

The improvised scenarios differ from episode to episode, and the audience has had the opportunity to compel cast members to devour a “Breakfast Barf Bonanza” (highlighted by the aforementioned sardines and vanilla ice cream) and they’ve determined whether a pig or a snake would make a special appearance in a scene (the pig won). The Just Roll With It production staff has to prepare for every possible outcome—meaning multiple costumes, multiple props and infinite secrets kept from the cast. The actors’ families are in on the fun, too, and, in fact, a recent scenario found a Just Roll With It star coming face-to-face, on-camera, with someone very important in his or her life (who secretly flew across the country to be part of the surprise).

Suzi Barrett, who plays Rachel—loving mom and producer of the morning talk show hosted by her husband, Byron—has an extensive background in improv, with a resume that includes Chicago’s Second City and L.A.’s Upright Citizens Brigade. She considers each episode of Just Roll With It to be a workout for both sides of her brain. As she and the cast prepare for Friday night tapings, she says, “My left brain is focused on going over my lines and remembering every bit of movement that was changed. My right brain is like an 8-year-old kid on Christmas morning, excited to open the presents and play with them.”

Just Roll With It

The actors try to predict when the horn will sound and bring an unpredictable pause to their meticulously rehearsed performance, but Tobie Windham (Byron) credits the producers for their skill at misdirection. “We are dope actors and we’re also smart actors,” he says with a laugh. “We’re looking at this thing and we’re like, where is the hidden gem? They work so hard to keep that hidden from us so that our reactions are as organic as fans will see when this starts airing.”

Rounding out the Just Roll With It cast are Kaylin Hayman and Ramon Reed, who play Blair and Owen, respectively—the younger generation of the blended Bennett-Blatt clan. The four have become as tight-knit off screen as they are in the series—no surprise, given that they alone are in the dark about what may transpire in any given episode. When the horn sounds, Reed says, “My first thought is, whatever’s happening, I am ready for it. And also, I know my cast mates have my back.” Of course, the butterflies still kick in for Reed, who says of Moore and Small, “They go to the extreme!”

Hayman, who also enthusiastically tackles any scenarios the producers put her in, compares the unconventional process to building a wall, sharing, “If you drop your brick, you always know that the person you’re building the wall with will have an extra block to put on where you were supposed to.”

Though the rug is constantly being pulled out from under them, the cast faces everything the audience and producers choose for them, together, and Moore thinks this is something everyone can take to heart—even if they unlikely to be confronted with a “Breakfast Barf Bonanza” or a root beer float dunk tank. “Whatever life throws at you, just have to get back up and keep going,” he says. You’ve just got to roll with it.

Tune in for a sneak peek of Just Roll With It on Friday, June 14 (9:45–10:15 p.m. EDT/PDT), ahead of its official premiere Wednesday, June 19 (8–8:30 p.m. EDT/PDT) on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW.

Mark Your Calendar for Star Wars Celebration Anaheim!

By Beth Deitchman

The Force will be strong in Southern California next summer, as the Anaheim Convention Center hosts Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2020. And this morning, StarWars.com has revealed the dates for the world’s biggest gathering of Star Wars fans: We can all set our coordinates for Anaheim, California, from August 27–30, 2020. Tickets go on sale June 21 at 9 a.m. PT.

The official production from Lucasfilm and ReedPOP honors the past of a galaxy far, far away and looks ahead at what’s to come, from new movies to upcoming shows, games, and comics. We can’t wait to experience the incredible four-day event, which will feature major announcements, immersive exhibits, an interactive show floor, screenings, exclusive merchandise, celebrity guests, panels, autograph sessions, fan-inspired activities, costumes, and other surprises. No matter which part of the Star Wars galaxy calls to you, from animated series and the original trilogy to the latest and greatest clashes between the light side and the dark side, Star Wars Celebration is a dream come true for every fan.

D23 will bring you updates as Star Wars Celebration grows closer, and you can also check StarWarsCelebration.com for news and additional information about next year’s big event.

French Quarter Lounge and More Enhancements Coming to Disney Wonder

By Zach Johnson

This fall, Disney Cruise Line will make our dreams come true when it brings the world of The Princess and the Frog to life with some exciting new enhancements aboard the Disney Wonder.

The new French Quarter Lounge will perfectly complement Tiana’s Place restaurant, which opened its doors in 2016. Its jazzy ambiance will evoke an airy outdoor space in New Orleans, surrounded by touches of iconic architecture (think wrought-iron balconies, classic brick walls, and shutter-framed windows). Decorative details include a life-size trolley car and nods to the film, with signs and icons on the walls that add to the mood of the space. Days and nights will get a touch of bayou hospitality at the French Quarter Lounge, as guests will enjoy live music on the gazebo stage and sip specialty drinks at an updated whimsical bar. The story will continue through the lounge with special New Orleans-themed family activities, trivia, and character encounters. You might even catch a glimpse of Princess Tiana herself as she welcomes guests!

French Quarter Lounge Disney Wonder

Vibe, a club reserved for teens ages 14–17, will transform into a contemporary place to kick back with friends while sailing the high sea. The space will have a timeless feel with an open, bright redesign, a light color palette, and industrial metal work. A new coffee bar and updated virtual reality technology add to the list of activities for teens to enjoy in this exclusive hangout.

Cove Café, an adults-only lounge, will be transforming its look and feel into a local coffee shop, complete with warm, comfortable, and trendy décor. Ample seating and a relaxed atmosphere will invite guests to indulge themselves in this peaceful retreat. The redesigned Cove Café will be the perfect place to sip specialty coffee or tea during the day or partake in wine, cocktails, and light bites at night. Adult beverage tastings will be available at select times for an added fee. A few steps away, Signals Bar will be undergoing its own transformation with a similar look.

The new enhancements debut September 30, 2019, on the Disney Wonder’s four-night sailing from Vancouver to San Diego. Guests sailing on the Disney Wonder can experience a variety of itineraries and ports of call throughout the year, including summer sailings to Alaska, cruises to the Mexican Riviera, and voyages to the Bahamas and Caribbean. The Disney Wonder will also call New Orleans home in 2020, with Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries departing February 7.

How to Have the Perfect Disney Princess Movie Marathon

By Courtney Potter

Summer fun usually means heading outdoors for barbecues and beach time. But if the weather report is promising a bit too much sun, we here at D23 have a way to keep cool and enjoy some true Disney magic… by hosting your very own Disney Princess Movie Marathon! And it’s really the perfect time to have one, as there’s a new princess joining the incredible Walt Disney Signature Collection—an assemblage of groundbreaking films, created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney himself, available on Digital and Blu-rayTM.

Cinderella is one of Disney’s most treasured animated classics—and in honor of its milestone 70th anniversary next year, the film is set to join the Walt Disney Signature Collection on Digital this June 18 and on Blu-ray and DVD (available for pre-order now) on June 25! It’s the ninth title in the Signature Collection, and it’s joining previous Disney Princess-related films, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin… And if you really wanna binge-watch during your marathon, never fear: Disney Movies Anywhere has you covered with several other Disney Princess classics, such as Tangled, The Princess and the Frog, Moana, Brave, Pocahontas, and Mulan!

So now that we have the “movie” part of the “movie marathon” sorted, here are some super-fun additions to make your marathon a truly memorable one…

Hush puppies

Enjoy Some Snacks!
What movie marathon is complete without something delicious to nosh on throughout the day (and/or evening). In honor of Tiana in The Princess and the Frog, why not whip up some of these amazing hushpuppies featured at the Blue Bayou restaurant inside New Orleans Square at the Disneyland Resort? And might we suggest washing ’em down with a tasty beverage inside of this adorable The Little Mermaid mug—it’s customizable to boot!—from shopDisney? (Don’t forget: D23 Gold and Gold Family Members get a 15% discount off a purchase of $60 or more at shopDisney.com!)

Mulan merchandise

Get Comfy!
You’re in the for long haul, so make sure you’re wearing something comfortable, like this “My Weekend is Booked” (how appropriate!) tank top from shopDisney, displaying Belle from Beauty and the Beast… or, if your neck of the woods has some “June gloom” cloud cover, this cowl-neck pullover featuring Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. And if you’re watching late into the night, keep summer chills at bay with this Mulan woven tapestry throw blanket.

Disney characters

Find Your Disney Soulmate!
Disney Princesses often end up with an incredible soulmate (or, like Merida in Brave, they find their inner soulmate—which is just as fantastic!)… so take a break from your marathon to find out which Disney character you might live your “happily ever after” with, courtesy of D23.com’s “Find Your Disney Soulmate” quiz.

Secure a Soundtrack… Anytime!
Thanks to our friends at Walt Disney Records, you can keep the Disney Princess movie marathon going—at home or on the go—once the hushpuppies are eaten and the movies are over. Check out their “Disney Princess” playlist on Spotify, which features beloved tunes like “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas; “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana; and “Some Day My Prince Will Come” from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. (And by the way, we have a great “D23’s Disney Fan Playlist” on Spotify too; check it out here.)

Here’s hoping your Disney Princess Movie Marathon is marvelous—and don’t forget to add Walt Disney Signature Collection’s Cinderella to your library later this month!

Must-Have Limited Time Merch Coming to D23 Expo 2019

By D23 Team

Get a sneak peek at some of the new collections and limited-edition sets attendees can get their hands on during D23 Expo 2019 at the Anaheim Convention Center from Aug 23–25. During the show, fans can scoop up never-before-seen collections across the three Disney-operated retail shops on the Expo floor: shopDisney.com | Disney store, The Dream Store, and Mickey’s of Glendale.

D23 Expo 2019 attendees will be introduced to new collections that celebrate milestone anniversaries and fan-favorite characters across Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel, along with must-have official D23 Expo 2019 gear and accessories, nostalgic Disney Parks-inspired items, and limited-edition collectibles celebrating Walt Disney Imagineering’s heritage.

Check out the gallery below for highlights of some of the exciting merchandise fans will be able to purchase at the show, and then read on to learn more about all the amazing shopping you can do at D23 Expo.

For images and pricing of the below items, click here. To purchase tickets to the Expo, visit D23Expo.com.

ShopDisney.com | Disney store
Home to the widest assortment of Disney merchandise for everyone in the family, D23 Expo 2019 merchandise will give fans a wide variety of specially curated collections and limited-edition (LE) series with a behind-the-scenes twist. Honoring some of Disney’s biggest legacies, here is a snapshot of what fans will see:

  • Disney Designer Collection: Midnight Masquerade Series – The fan-favorite series returns with a new twist and features doll sets of Tiana and Naveen, Giselle and Edward, and Aurora and Phillip. Rapunzel, Belle, Meg, Cinderella, and Esmeralda will also be included. In addition to dolls, fans can pick up pin sets, stationery, mug and plate sets, and more
  • Legacy Collection – This LE collection will celebrate anniversaries and milestones for some of the most beloved Disney characters and films including:
    • Donald Duck 85th – Plush, collectible pins, a retro T-shirt, varsity jacket, hat, and more
    • Silly Symphony 90th – Spirit Jersey shirt, retro T-shirt, pins, and more
    • The Lion King 25th – Celebrate the wonder that is The Lion King with LE collectibles, plush, litho set, and more
  • The Little Mermaid 30th – Celebrate 30 years of The Little Mermaid with journals, ornament sets, pins, apparel, dolls, and more
  • Disney•Pixar
    • Take home a LE “Talking Woody,” “Talking Jessie,” and “Talking Bullseye,” along with a LE plush set of Ellie and Carl in their “Adventure Book” and much more
  • Backstage Collection – Go “Backstage” for a behind-the-scenes look into DisneyPixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Walt Disney Animation Studios to celebrate the artistry, legends, and rich heritage of The Walt Disney Company.
    • Disney Backstage Collection Subscription Box – D23 Expo guests will be among the first to see and order the new Disney Backstage Collection subscription box, which celebrates the artistry of Disney through limited-release T-shirts, pins, and more, delivered to your doorstep—all in a custom-designed package.
    • Walt Disney Animation Studios “Under the Hat” – LE Wreck-It Ralph Shadow Box, mug, and sketchbook
    • Disney•Pixar “Under the Lamp” – Pixar campus hat, fleece, tiki crew mug, and more
    • Lucasfilm “Behind the Force” – All-new crew jacket and hat along with a LE “Java the Hutt” T-shirt, mug, and more
    • Marvel “Behind the Hero” – A LE Black Panther Shadow Box, hat, and more
  • Mickey Mouse Shufflerz – Fans can extend their “Mickey Mouse Memories” collections with the new Mickey Mouse Shufflerz that highlight Mickey through the years—pressing the top of the figures 10 times causes them to “shuffle” along their way! Pick up the LE 13-pack or single figures.

 The Dream Store
Jam-packed with D23 Expo 2019-themed official merchandise and other specialty items from Disney Theme Park Merchandise, The Dream Store returns with something magical for Disney fans of all ages. This year, guests will discover whimsical assortments inspired by the Dapper Dan’s, Main Street, U.S.A., and iconic Mickey balloons on a variety of items including apparel, art and collectibles, accessories, pins, and more! The Dream Store is a Disney enthusiast’s dream come true. Highlights include:

  • Dapper Dan’s – This collection features a “Dapper Dress” from Her Universe along with adult T-shirts, a Spirit Jersey shirt, pins, plush, Funko POP figures, and much more
  • Mickey Balloons – Evoking the feeling you get as you stroll down Main Street, U.S.A., the Mickey Balloons lend their iconic look to an assortment that includes adult apparel, a Spirit Jersey shirt, skirt from Her Universe, hats, mugs, accessories, and more
  • Official D23 Expo 2019 Gear – Swing by to grab official 2019 D23 Expo gear and apparel including T-shirts, a Lounge Fly mini-backpack, hat, pins, and more!

 Mickey’s of Glendale
Mickey’s of Glendale, the Walt Disney Imagineering store, returns with two stores for three days only for D23 Expo attendees at the Anaheim Convention Center:

  • Mickey’s of Glendale Main Store – Mickey’s of Glendale will feature exclusive merchandise designed by Imagineers, including hats, T-shirts, accessories, and more. Additionally, Guests will have the opportunity to shop limited-edition collectibles celebrating Walt Disney Imagineering’s heritage.
    • Attraction Quote T-Shirt Collection– An assortment of T-shirts that let fans celebrate the most iconic quotes from their favorite attractions through bold graphics.
  • Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store – Disney pin enthusiasts will want to stop by the Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store, which will feature a large assortment of limited-edition pins.

Attendees can also head to “Uptown Disney” for an interactive shopping and photo experience, featuring merchandise available through shopDisney.com. In this booth on the showroom floor, fans can shop, snap photos with friends, and discover hidden surprises around every corner and magic in every step. Featured product includes the “Black Leather Collection” from Disney store China along with Marvel’s Iron Man MK50 Robot by UBTech, “The Lion King” Mighty Roar Simba from furReal, The Little Mermaid apparel and accessories, Toy Story 4 apparel from Fifth Sun, new Star Wars items, Mickey Mouse LEGO® Ideas Steamboat Willie set and the relaunch of the Minnie Mouse Dose of Colors collection.

 Single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday of D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children 3–9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $77 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.