You Can’t Miss These Thrilling New Trailers—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

This Brand-New Avengers: Endgame Trailer is Everything We Needed Today…

You know it’s gonna be a good day when you can catch a new glimpse at some of the world’s greatest Super Heroes. Yes, we were just gifted with a brand-new trailer for Avengers: Endgame, Marvel Studios’ sure-to-be-monumental conclusion to a whopping 22 films.

Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and produced by Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige, Avengers: Endgame follows the grave course of events set in motion by Thanos—y’know, the one that wiped out half the universe and completely fractured the Avengers’ ranks. Naturally, this compels the remaining Avengers to take one final, truly epic stand.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
March 18, 2018
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – Presented by D23
March 20, 2018
D23’s Sip and Stroll at Disney California Adventure
March 25, 2018
Be Among the First to see Disney’s Dumbo!
April 5, 2018
Lunch with a Disney Legend–Linda Larkin
April 6, 2018
D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experience: The Lion King on Broadway
April 6, 2018
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – GOLD FAMILY EXCLUSIVE
April 15, 2018
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – Presented by D23
May 4, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: The Lion King at Walt Disney World
May 6, 2018
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – Presented by D23
May 11, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: The Lion King on the Lot
May 16, 2018
D23 Celebrates Mickey Mouse: From Walt to the World
June 1, 2018
D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experience: Return to Walt’s Chicago
June 8, 2018
Lunch with a Disney Legend – Paige O’Hara
August 23-25, 2019
D23 Expo 2019
Parks
March 1-April 23, 2019
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
March 6-June 3, 2019
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Summer 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening at Disneyland Resort
Fall 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening at and Walt Disney World Resort
Studios
March 8, 2019
Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel opens in U.S. theaters
March 29, 2019
Dumbo opens in U.S. theaters
April 17, 2019
Penguins opens in U.S. theaters
April 26, 2019
Avengers: Endgame opens in U.S. theaters
May 24, 2019
Aladdin opens in U.S. theaters
June 21, 2019
Toy Story 4 opens in U.S. theaters
July 19, 2019
The Lion King opens in U.S. theaters
August 9, 2019
Artemis Fowl opens in U.S. theaters
Television
March 3, 2019
American Idol kicks off second season on ABC (8–10:01 p.m. EST)

A Whole New Aladdin Trailer—Plus Colorful New Poster

We’ve got a few more months to wait ’til the live-action retelling of Aladdin—directed by Guy Ritchie—soars, tumbles, and freewheels its way into a movie theater near you. But to tide us over, our wish for a new trailer was just granted. If you haven’t had a chance to delight in the music and merriment, check it out, above!

aladdin news briefs 3/13

That’s not all—the trailer’s release was accompanied by this fantastical new poster. Disney’s Aladdin is a thrilling, vibrant tale that follows that über-charming street rat of the same name (Mena Massoud); the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott); and the larger-than-life Genie (Will Smith) who may just be the key to their future… With new recordings of the original Aladdin songs (written by Howard Ashman, Alan Menken, and Tim Rice)—plus several new songs penned by Menken and Oscar®-winning songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen)—Aladdin opens in theaters around the world on May 24.

Go Behind the Scenes of Dumbo’s Dreamland in New Clip

Speaking of “Disney films we’re ridiculously excited to see”: Dumbo, brought to life by Tim Burton (the mastermind behind The Nightmare Before Christmas, among many other terrifically unique films), soars into theaters at the end of the month. Go behind the scenes of this adventurous live-action retelling of Disney’s 1941 animated classic in the new clip, above. Plus, if you’re visiting Disneyland park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or even taking a trip aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship in the next few weeks, you’ll get to see an exclusive sneak peek of the film…

tim burton news briefs 3/13

And in case you’re wondering whether the director himself is excited for fans to finally see the film, wonder no more: Burton showed up at Disneyland park last weekend to surprise and delight guests both at the park’s Dumbo sneak peek (located inside the Main Street Opera House) and at the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction in Fantasyland!

Look for Disney’s Dumbo, starring Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito, Michael Keaton, and Eva Green, beginning March 29.

galaxys edge news briefs 3/13

Special Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Sneak at Star Wars Celebration Chicago

Great news for Star Wars fans either local to the Windy City or willing to make a (road/train/plane) trip—if you attend the huge Star Wars Celebration Chicago event on Saturday, April 13, you’ll be privy to a very special panel… all about what’s to come at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm will join forces to present “Bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Life at Disney Parks,” a panel featuring revealing discussions about the immersive land, and how guests can live their very own Star Wars story. And do take heed: There might just be a couple of fun surprises during the panel!

The ultimate fan experience focused on “a galaxy far, far away,” Star Wars Celebration Chicago will take place from April 11–15—and will give fans from all over the world the chance to gather together to enjoy big announcements, immersive exhibits, exclusive merchandise, autograph sessions, and so much more. For more information, visit StarWarsCelebration.com.

See the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival in Action!

Warning: Don’t watch this video if you’re hungry in the slightest… because you will immediately feel the need to head down to Disneyland Resort for the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, tickling the taste buds of guests now through April 23! See some of the delectable delights available in the clip, above.

DCA’s Food & Wine Festival allows foodies of all ages to explore California-inspired cuisine and beverages, as well as enjoy live entertainment, family-friendly seminars, and cooking demonstrations. Kids can even join the fun with hands-on “cooking” experiences that end with a yummy surprise! And for those of you looking to really dig in, the Sip and Savor Pass is now available to all guests—entitling holders to eight select food and non-alcoholic drink items from any participating Festival Marketplaces, Paradise Garden Grill, and other select Festival Food & Beverage Carts. Click here for more information… now, if you’ll excuse us, we need to go grab a lil’ snack.

hong kong dl news briefs 3/13

Hong Kong Disneyland Springs into Spring with Carnivale of Stars

Looking to put a little spring in your step? So is Hong Kong Disneyland! For a limited time, guests can enjoy the fabulous spring-themed offerings and vibrant decorations of the park’s Carnivale of Stars—for a limited time, now through June 26.

What can guests expect? Well, the all-new Disney Stars Springtime Celebration at the Castle Hub Stage invites guests to welcome spring with favorite Disney characters in adorable seasonal outfits, while the center of the park and Fantasy Gardens feature beautiful landscapes re-creating scenes from Disney animated hits including Moana, The Lion King, Bambi, and more. Plus, the popular Disney Character Egg Hunt is back this year with more than 100 charming Disney character-themed eggs scattered across the entire resort—including new eggs featuring Bo Peep and Slinky Dog from Toy Story; Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack from The Incredibles; Ralph and Vanellope from Ralph Breaks the Internet; and Marvel’s own The Wasp and Captain Marvel. Look out for more than 50 delicious spring-themed eats and treats, and a slew of exclusive seasonal merchandise items… and lest we forget—the highly anticipated new attraction, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!, opens in just a few weeks’ time!

In addition, guests staying at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s three hotels will also discover a cool, large-scale, outdoor Easter “Magicarnival” from April 19 to 28. Stay tuned for more info to spring forth from Hong Kong Disneyland in the coming weeks.

ABC’s The Fix Is So Much More Than a Legal Drama

By Zach Johnson

Craving a “juicy” new drama? Get your fix with ABC’s The Fix, which Robin Tunney jokingly compares to a “double decker hamburger.” Adds Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, “It’s dripping!”

From executive producers Marcia Clark, Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain, The Fix follows Maya Travis (Tunney), an L.A. district attorney who suffers a devastating defeat after prosecuting charismatic movie star Severen “Sevvy” Johnson (Akinnuoye-Agbaje) for double murder. With her law career derailed, Maya starts a new life in rural Washington—only to return eight years later, when Sevvy is again under suspicion for murder and she finally gets another chance at justice.

The Fix

“This is not a legal show per se,” says Clark, who co-wrote the enigmatic drama. “We almost never go to court. It’s all about the personal interactions of all the characters—Sevvy and his family, Maya and her relationships—and all the ways that they maneuver behind the scenes.”

Akinnuoye-Agbaje describes the series (premiering March 18) as a “bullet train ride,” saying, “Every episode, it’s high stakes. You don’t actually know who is guilty, who to suspect.” Similarly, Clark promises plenty of “twists and turns,” saying, “It’s very fast-paced, but the characters are all really nuanced, and they have layers to them. And they do surprising things you don’t expect that will keep the audience guessing—and the audience will be guessing from day one.”

The Fix

The series, which co-stars Marc Blucas as River “Riv” Allgood, Scott Cohen as Ezra Wolf, Merrin Dungey as CJ Emerson, Mouzam Makkar as Loni Kampoor, Breckin Meyer as Alan Wiest, Adam Rayner as Matthew Collier and Alex Saxon as Gabriel Johnson, was especially appealing to Tunney for another reason: “I wanted to play a three-dimensional character where it wasn’t just about the work, or like a soap, where you’re [simply] somebody’s wife or somebody’s mother.” Likewise, Akinnuoye-Agbaje says he relished the chance to portray a “larger-than-life movie star,” while also exploring how Sevvy “came about that lifestyle, and the pressures it takes to uphold that.”

Akinnuoye-Agbaje adds, “Like Robin said, it’s a sexy, dynamic, dripping drama!”

Nothing is as it seems, and that’s what makes The Fix so addicting. “By the time the season finale rolls around, we will answer every question,” Clark says. “And we will close the case.”

The Fix premieres Monday, March 18, at 10|9c on ABC.

 

Did You Know? 5 High-Speed Facts About The Love Bug

By Jim Fanning

Shifting for himself against all odds, that scrappy little speedster Herbie first sped into view 50 years ago when The Love Bug was released on March 13, 1969. This high-octane comedy hit about a Volkswagen “Beetle” with a mind—and heart—of its own is one of Disney’s most popular hits. Through the magic of Disney special effects, the lovable car skips across a stream, rides in a mineshaft elevator, and careens over every kind of terrain. The soft-hearted four-cylinder gives his all to help down-on-his-luck race driver and Disney Legend Dean Jones, ably assisted by feisty mechanic Michele Lee and offbeat sculptor and Disney Legend Buddy Hackett, much to the consternation of villainous upscale auto dealer and Disney Legend David Tomlinson. To celebrate 50 years of laughs and thrills with Herbie, here are five freewheeling facts about The Love Bug.

The Love Bug

1. The Love Bug Started its Engines with Walt
Herbie’s road to stardom started in the early 1960s when Walt Disney bought the rights to a screen treatment written by Gordon Buford entitled Boy-Girl-Car. Walt felt that the main concept—an automobile with a mind of its own—would make a delightful fantasy-comedy in the tradition of such hits as The Absent-Minded Professor (1961). “I had given Walt a script about the first sports car that had ever come to the United States,” recalled Jones, “and Walt said ‘I’ve got something better for you—Boy-Girl-Car,’ which became The Love Bug.” After Walt’s untimely passing in 1966, his winning team of producer/writer Bill Walsh, director Robert Stevenson, and writer Don DaGradi—Disney Legends all (shown here, l—r) drove on, shifting The Love Bug into high-gear production in 1968.

The Love Bug

2. A Volkswagen was Cast for Star Power, Not Horsepower
To fill the all-important title role, Walsh set up an auto audition by parking several small automobiles near the Studio commissary. “As the employees passed by on their way to lunch,” Bill recalled, “they looked at the little cars, kicked the tires, and turned the steering wheels. But everybody who went by patted the Volkswagen. They didn’t pat the other cars, which was indicative. The VW had a personality of its own that reached out and embraced people. Thus, we found our star.” The new car-star was a 1963 sunroof-model 1200 Volkswagen.

The Love Bug

3. Herbie was a New Disney Star in the Classic Tradition of Mickey Mouse
Walt reveled in portraying animation-like effects in live-action films, and The Love Bug abounds with laugh-inducing cartoon-like impossibilities, thanks in large part to an animation veteran, co-writer Don DaGradi. But beyond the visual gags, DaGradi and Walsh established Herbie as an endearing personality. “You’re ‘with’ the underdog,” explained Walsh, identifying Herbie as such, adding as an example “little, defenseless Mickey Mouse [who] tweaks the cat’s nose and gets away with it. Take Herbie: He’s a bug—even his makers call him that. He’s underweight, gawky, clumsy, but so jaunty as he braves the vicious [California] freeways. Heck, a VW is a born Disney character!” Baseball fan Walsh selected 53 as Herbie’s racing number because it was Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Don Drysdale’s number. As for the motorcar’s moniker, Walsh named the car after seeing Hackett’s Vegas act featuring a joke about a ski instructor named Herbie.

The Love Bug

4. Herbie Got Up to Speed with Disney Big-Screen Magic  
To best portray Herbie’s astounding ability to outdistance the big racecars, the lively little VW was given a powerful bus engine in some sequences. For other scenes, the bug was outfitted with a posh Porsche engine that could do 90 mph in third gear and 115 in top. Herbie was further enhanced with Porsche brakes, Koni shocks, and wide-base wheels with Indianapolis 500-type race tires. In all, 21 VW Beetles were used, each tricked out to perform different onscreen special effects. For the breathtaking race sequences, renowned Disney second unit director Arthur J. Vitarelli headed a 127-man crew filming racing sequences at such actual tracks as Grand Prix Raceway and Monterey Raceway. The second unit filming was completed first, in fall 1967 with principal photography following in 1968. Forty expert drivers were gathered by acclaimed stunt driver Carey Loftin, who oversaw the racing scenes. Celebrated racing promoter Andy Granatelli, and race drivers Max Balchowsky, Bob Bondurant, and Joe Playan all took part in the film. Balchowsky was famed for his “Old Yeller” Buicks of the 1950s. Art Vitarelli mounted two Mitchell cameras on “Old Yeller” No. 5 so as to capture the racing action at 150 mph.

The Love Bug

5. Herbie was Given a Grand Prix of a Grand Premiere
Once production reached the finish line, The Love Bug opened at Radio City Music Hall on March 13, 1969. Even though it had already been released, the new film was welcomed into the winner’s circle with a gala Hollywood premiere on March 26, at the legendary Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.  All 1,500 guests—including such Disney favorites as Sebastian Cabot and Kurt Russell, as well as Love Bug stars Jones, Lee, Hackett, and Benson Fong—were invited to wear “California mod” outfits. Following the screening, the star-studded audience was led to “The Bug House” (a nearby underground garage) for an “underground” party with wild psychedelic décor. Audiences raced to catch The Love Bug, making Herbie’s star vehicle the second most successful Disney film (after Mary Poppins, 1964) produced up to that time, a record it held for years. In fact, the film zoomed to the top of the box-office charts to become the number one hit of 1969. So “in” was the film with everyone, Herbie rode on to an enduring career in four additional feature films, a television mini-series, and a made-for-TV movie. It’s no wonder the lovable bug is a Disney superstar, for as Dean Jones explained, “Herbie had all the qualities of a great hero. He was sympathetic, he was loyal. He had tenacity. He had heart. Herbie was a car for all seasons, for all peoples.”

A Night at the Circus: Every Magical Moment from the Dumbo World Premiere

By Karina Schink

On the evening of March 11, the the fifth floor of the Dolby Theatre was transformed. Aerial dancers took flight in hoops above and jugglers on stilts began to perform as bells chimed from the carnival games and the smell of hot dogs and popcorn filled the air. The circus had come to town.

But this was no ordinary circus, for this troupe of carnival characters accompanied Disney’s all-new, live-action Dumbo to town.

Dumbo premiere

Dreams Take Flight
Last night we were thrilled to be on hand for the world premiere of Tim Burton’s live-action take on the 1941 classic Dumbo. While underneath the tented ceiling, we spoke with many of the film’s talented actors and filmmakers, who shared these behind-the-scenes details.

Dumbo premiere

Eva Green, who plays French trapeze artist Colette Marchant, had to overcome her phobia of heights and jump right into training to prepare for the role. A team of circus performers stepped in to train Green to become an aerial performer. “I would never have thought I’d be able to go up there and do things, and I owe them because I faced my fear.”

One Peculiar Pachyderm
As we head to the circus in the new film, we’re all eager to see one thing within those red and white stripes: the elephant, the myth, the legend—Dumbo. In this live-action take on the classic story, Dumbo himself, brought to life by CGI, didn’t actually appear in the film until post-production. We had a chance to ask producer Justin Springer what that was like.

An All-New Disney Villain

We all love a good baddie, and there’s none quite like a Disney baddie. Joseph Gatt is a newcomer to the world of Disney villains. We asked him to give us a little (spoiler-free) description of Neils Skellig, and he makes a comparison to a little ol’ villain we think you’ll know.

Pink Elephants on Parade Once More

It’s no secret that Tim Burton and Danny Elfman’s partnership is one for the history books, and they’ve delivered movie music magic once again. Arcade Fire provides a new rendition of the tear-jerking “Baby Mine” for the end credits; Sharon Rooney (who portrays Miss Atlantis) sings the song in the film. Elfman composed the film’s score. He told us what it was like to revisit the animated Dumbo in search of musical inspiration.

Of course, these weren’t the only stars in attendance. Tim Burton, Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Nico Parker, DeObia Oparei, and Finley Hobbins also dazzled at the spectacular premiere.

Dumbo premiere

We couldn’t have asked for a better night inside that circus tent, and we certainly can’t wait to see our favorite baby elephant take flight on March 29 when Dumbo debuts in theaters everywhere.

Exclusive D23 T-shirt Iron-Ons

Join the celebration with this Mickey- and Minnie -inspired T-shirt art! Choose your favorite or make them all! Be sure to share your pictures on social media with #10YearsofD23.

What you will need:
Injet printer
Inkjet iron-on printer transfer paper
Scissors
Light color T-shirt
Iron

Kids, be sure to get an adult to help!

Download the PDF with instructions and iron-on artwork for your t-shirt here.

Exclusive D23 10th Anniversary Ear Headband

Make your own Minnie ear headband – D23 10th Anniversary style!

What you will need:
Gold Glitter Paper
2 sheets of heavy printer paper
1 sheet of glittery black felt
8.5” x 11” x 3/16” thick foam board
Tacky Glue
Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
Scissors
Box cutter or craft blade
Pen

TIP: Be sure to cut out your materials on a safe surface as to not damage any furniture or flooring.

Kids, be sure to get an adult to help!

Download the PDF with instructions and template for your ear headband here.

10 FAN-tastic Memories from 10 D23 Team Members

By the D23 Team

Today marks our 10th anniversary since D23: The Official Disney Fan Club was founded, and since we’ve been sharing magical Disney moments with Disney fans. We love celebrating Disney with fans because we’re Disney fans, too! To help celebrate our milestone anniversary, we asked 10 of our team members to share their favorite moments from when we first kicked off the club way back in 2009 to now. What’s your favorite memory from 10 FAN-tasic years of D23? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

D23 Memories

Max Lark (Disney twenty-three Editor-in-Chief)
There are a lot of interviews that stand out. For the Disney Legends issue of Disney twenty-three, we were fortunate to interview a lot of Disney luminaries, but getting the chance to interview Tim Allen in a soundstage on the Studio lot, Dick Van Dyke in Walt’s “formal” office, and Kurt Russell in Walt’s “working” office were pretty unforgettable experiences for a guy from Detroit who wonders, sometimes, how he landed at Disney.

As someone who is a huge Elton John fan, interviewing him on the phone for his movie Gnomeo & Juliet will always be one of my favorite memories. I mean I idolized this guy as a child; to have him call my office phone and say, rather charmingly, “Hello Max, this is Elton…” Well for me, it doesn’t really get much better than that!

Getting the chance to go to Marceline, Missouri, and walk in Walt’s footsteps was also a highlight. I did a lot of research and had the time to amble across the same open fields he did, to see the same streams, to eat dinner in the house where he lived for five years. After walking down Main Street in Marceline, a walk down Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland is now an altogether different experience.

Putting together the Saving Mr. Banks issue of Disney twenty-three will always be a highlight and an issue that I am especially proud of. It’s funny how a labor of love can turn into something you love.

D23 Memories

Jim Frye (Disney twenty-three Contributing Writer)
My best D23 memory is having a conversation with the legendary (and Disney Legend!) George Lucas at D23 Expo 2015! It was just before the Legends ceremony where George was being inducted. We were in the middle of special Star Wars-themed issue of Disney twenty-three magazine and wondered if it would be possible to get a few quotes from Lucas. So myself and Max Lark took off down to the green room where all the inductees were waiting, and Jeffrey Epstein was able to get one of us in—me! And that’s when it happened. I have to admit, it was hard to form words at first, because my mind was consumed with the fact that I was TALKING TO GEORGE LUCAS! The rest is all a blur, but luckily you can see parts of that conversation in the 2015 winter issue of Disney twenty-three in the article, “Thank the Maker.”

D23 Memories

Courtney Potter (Disney twenty-three Contributing Writer)
I’ve been lucky enough—even before I wrote for D23.com—to attend every D23 Expo, and to see the growth of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club from a fairly close perspective. Back in 2012, when D23 was planning its Destination D event at the Disneyland Resort, I wound up as part of the team helping to execute a ‘flash mob’ to open the weekend with a bang—and it’s one of my favorite D23-related memories. Not only was it a total blast to rehearse a dance number, set to an incredible mash-up of songs from Disney animated films, with some of my colleagues, but it was also so much fun to see the reaction of the guests when we (seated amongst them in the audience) got up and started to dance! I’ve never been a performer at Disneyland, but I feel like I got to experience that same kind of heart-warming joy for a few moments that morning… bringing a little bit of magic to those D23 Members in a tangible, first-person way.

D23 Memories

Steven Vagnini (Walt Disney Imagineering, Former D23 Team Member)
D23’s Destination D: Walt Disney World 40th (2011)—the second of the six Destination D events held thus far—marked what was perhaps the most elaborate and in-depth Walt Disney World retrospective mounted by The Walt Disney Company. D23 Members gathered at Disney’s Contemporary Resort to meet and hear from dozens of Disney Legends and resort pioneers in this celebration of four decades of “the Vacation Kingdom of the World.” Among the luminaries were Debby Dane Browne, the first Walt Disney World Ambassador; Bob Foster, the counsel charged with scouting Central Florida to acquire the property; and many current and former Imagineers, marketing leaders, entertainment designers, songwriters, and archivists. The highlight was the finale concert, Magic Journeys: A Flight of Fancy Through 40 Years of Walt Disney World Musical Memories, which included special performances by the Kids of the Kingdom, the Main Street Philharmonic, resort entertainment legends Billy Flanigan, Carol Stein, Laura Compton, and Denny Zavett, the Encore! Choir and Orchestra, Dreamfinder and Figment, and Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman.

D23 Memories

Francesca Scrimgeour (Walt Disney Archives)
D23 has given me so many great memories over the years, but one of my favorite memories was before I joined the Archives team, during the D23 Expo at the 2011 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony. The ceremony was gorgeous, and getting to watch so many of my childhood heroes be inducted as Disney Legends is something that I will never forget. Many of the voices of modern Disney Princesses were inducted that year and many of them even participated in a musical interlude where they sang together! To top it all off, that was the year Jim Henson was honored, which led to a once-in-a-lifetime performance from Kermit the Frog and Rowlf the Dog performing “Rainbow Connection,” and the audience sang right along. I thought I had reached the pinnacle of excitement during the show, but on my way out, my friend and I stopped to watch the handprint ceremony, and were in for quite a surprise. We saw Anika Noni Rose “cementing” her legacy, and myself and my friend were picked out of the crowd and asked if we wanted a photo with her. Of course we did! We ran right over and quickly snapped a photo with the incredibly gracious Anika that we still treasure today!

D23 Memories

Tyler Slater (D23 Events Team)
My favorite memory as part of the D23 Team was our managing our Magic in Manhattan event. The fun-filled day included a taping of ABC’s The Chew, a private tour of the 1964-’65 New York World’s Fair grounds, a behind-the-scenes experience at the New Amsterdam Theatre, a meet-and-greet experience with the Aladdin cast, and then concluded with seating to see the Broadway spectacular.

It’s my favorite memory because it reminds me of the incredible diversity not only in our fan club, but also The Walt Disney Company. From ABC, to our heritage, to watching one of my favorite Disney movies come to life on Broadway, it will always be a moment in my career I’ll see as a dream come true in one of my favorite cities in the world.

D23 Memories

Jeffrey Epstein (D23 Creative Content Director)
Having been with D23 before its launch, I have been lucky enough to experience a lifetime of unbelievable moments with the fan club over the past 10 years. From interviewing the Once Upon a Time cast on stage at numerous D23 Expos to attending the opening of the magnificent Shanghai Disney Resort, it is almost impossible to pick one. But… In 2010 we held the first-ever Destination D event, themed to the 55th anniversary of Disneyland. The entertainment one night was a “two part” musical event in the majestic Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel, E Ticket: Music from the Disney Parks. The first part included wildly talented actors such as John Tartaglia, Traci Thoms, Wilson Cruz, Michael Urie, and Ana Ortiz singing parks favorites, and the second part was the wonderful Disney Legend Richard Sherman at the piano, playing a selection of songs he and his brother, Robert, created for Disney parks around the world. As the concert approached, an actor had to bow out because of work, and I was asked—somewhat on a lark—to fill in, singing “A Whole New World” with Ana (then on Ugly Betty, now on Whiskey Cavalier!). It had been years since I had sung in public, so breaking out a beloved Disney classic in front of more than 1,000 Disney fans could easily have been trial by fire. But I could not have felt more supported—by Ana, the amazing D23 Members in the audience, and even the man himself, Richard Sherman. My heart was so full, it felt like it could have burst. If we ever sold bottled pixie dust, I’m pretty sure that is the feeling it would create.

D23 Memories

Laura Sanchez (D23 Events Team)
The trip to Marceline is one of my favorite memories. When the buses pulled up amongst the cheering people of the city and the children of Marceline, and seeing that the kids had made a huge welcome mural and the whole thing made me cry. The electricity of pride and excitement from everyone involved was palpable.

There was also the Lunch with a Legend hosting Marty Sklar. This was our first Lunch with a Legend and it thrilled me to be able to watch our guests have the opportunity to talk on a personal level with such a wonderful Disney Legend.

Destination D of 2011 celebrating WDW anniversary is another wonderful memory. The closing concert with Kids of the Kingdom, the Main Street Marching Band, and then with Richard Sherman not only performing but bringing in the Dreamfinder and Figment to perform with him was another electrifying moment.

The Fanniversary roadshows hold a special place for me as well. Again, it wasn’t the show but the D23 members who were all just so thrilled that we would bring the fun of Disney and the Fan club to them! Always so many smiles and tears from joy.

D23 Memories

Justin Arthur (D23 Team, Formerly the Walt Disney Archives)
I’ve had so many great memories of D23 over the years, but one of my favorites has to be the very first D23 Expo Japan in 2013. I had been to the three D23 Expos in Anaheim prior to it, but D23 Expo Japan was such a unique and extraordinary experience. After many months of planning, packing, and getting items through customs, the Walt Disney Archives team arrived in Tokyo to install our very first Japanese exhibit, “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives.” The D23 Expo Japan was held at the Tokyo Disney Resort (you could do much worse), and the exhibit made its debut inside the beautiful Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta. I’ll never forget the morning we opened the Expo, when hundreds of Disney fans, who had been lined up for hours, came streaming in, thrilled that we had “brought the Archives” to them. Working with the incredible Disney Japan team, and meeting so many passionate fans over the course of the Expo was so special. After that initial Expo, the exhibit travelled all over Japan, enjoyed by thousands of Disney fans across the country, and it was followed by many more successful D23 Expos and Walt Disney Archives exhibits!

D23 Memories

Michael Vargo (Head of D23)
One standout moment for me was a recent one, because it reminded me of how impactful Disney fandom is. Last summer, I joined several D23 Members on a trip to the Midwest:  Marceline, Missouri—where Walt Disney enjoyed his early boyhood years. The local schools were on their summer break, but that did not stop the students from coming to town to welcome Disney and D23—some even changing their vacation plans to be there. When we arrived in the town of just over 2,000 people (2,333 to be exact!) on that warm summer morning, we were greeted by a true community of enthusiastic Disney fans. As our busses arrived at the town’s Main Street, I never experienced such a heartfelt and genuine greeting like I did that day. The local elementary school students and teachers were cheering loudly and waving banners as they lined the town’s streets; the high school cheerleaders and marching band were practicing for weeks to give us a rousing welcome performance; and the entire community came together to give us the ultimate D23 welcome. It gave your body goosebumps and made your eyes water. Standing there in the middle of Main Street watching a community of Disney fans come together, really showed how the magic of Disney touched people far beyond our theme parks or movies. We at Disney love to make magic, but that day, the people of Marceline made it for us.

So Much Swag! Unboxing 10 Years of D23 Gold Member Gifts

By Zach Johnson

In celebration of D23’s 10th anniversary, we’re unboxing the magic once again by taking a closer look at all the exclusive goodies our Gold Members have received over the years. From limited-edition lithographs to rare reproductions, D23 Gold Members have amassed quite a collection!

Without further ado, here is the complete list of annual D23 Gold Member gifts:

D23 Gold Member gifts

2009
Members received a lithograph of Mickey Mouse’s official 80th anniversary portrait. Artist Paul Felix focused on Mickey’s global reach, showing him as playfully painting a smile on the world.

D23 Gold Member gifts

2010
A 23-month calendar highlighted Disney’s unrealized masterpieces, like Disneyland’s Rock Candy Mountain (1957), Walt Disney World’s Enchanted Snow Palace (1977) and much more.

D23 Gold Member gifts

2011
The time was right to give members a classic analog watch featuring bandleader Mickey Mouse.

D23 Gold Member gifts

2012
Members traveled back in time—albeit temporarily—with a 23-month calendar highlighting 75 years of Disney feature animation, celebrating the art of Mary Blair, Tim Burton, Albert Hurter and others. The concept art, not all of which had ever been shown publicly before, celebrated old and new films like Pinocchio, Dumbo, The Artistocats, Robin Hood, Pocahontas and Tangled.

D23 Gold Member gifts

2013
This gift was all “write!” Members received a stylish pen, featuring the likeness of one of Walt Disney’s early signatures. It was similar to the one he and Roy Disney used to sign a contract with film distributor Margaret J. Winkler, marking the beginning of The Walt Disney Company 90 years before.

D23 Gold Member gifts

2014
The Disney Fan-niversary 23-Month Calendar featured amazing artwork and fun facts from Disney attractions (e.g. Space Mountain, 1975), films (e.g. Pinocchio, 1940), and theme parks (e.g. Hong Kong Disneyland, 2005), celebrating landmark anniversaries through 2014 and 2015.

D23 Gold Member gifts

2015
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Disneyland Park, members were mailed an exclusive reproduction of the pitch portfolio used to sell the park to prospective licensees on the East Coast. More than 20 pieces of concept artwork from Bruce Bushman, Peter Ellenshaw, Harper Goff and Herb Ryman were recreated from the Walt Disney Archives collection—and, as an added surprise, select members also got their hands on an autographed card from Disney Legend Dave Smith, founder, Walt Disney Archives.

D23 Gold Member gifts

2016
A first-of-its-kind collection, “From the Office of Walt Disney” commemorated the restoration of Walt Disney’s office suite to Disney’s Burbank studio lot. Among the 23 mementos, members received replicas of a Laugh-O-gram Films Inc. Business Card (1923), “Minnie’s Yoo Hoo” Sheet Music (1930), a Disneyland Press Preview Pass (1955), an Inter-Office Memo to Ward Kimball (1955), a Postcard of Walt’s Plane (ca. 1964) and Walt’s Notes on the EPCOT Film Script (1966).

D23 Gold Member gifts

2017
Members received a tribute to some of the most creative artists in filmmaking history: Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men. The collection was created in partnership with Walt Disney Archives and Disney’s Animation Research Library, and filled with reproductions of 23 unique treasures, like a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Premiere Police Pass, a Peter Pan “Fan Card,” The Artistocats Promotional Handbill, Eric Larson’s 50th Anniversary Pinback Button, a Disney Animation Recruitment Brochure and a Disney Legends Award Ceremony Program (1989).

D23 Gold Member gifts

2018
Chronicling the 90-year career of Mickey Mouse, this collection contained 23 reproduced archival treasures, like a mini-animation cel representing his first color appearance, a 1978 “Happy Birthday, Mickey” button, and a souvenir gift bag from Tokyo Disneyland’s early days.

D23 Gold Member gifts

2019
Disney artist Ricky De Los Angeles has designed an exclusive collection of gold-finish pins spanning 90 years of Disney history. The pins represent 10 significant company anniversaries, starting with The Skeleton Dance, the first “Silly Symphony” (90 years) and ending with Pixar Animation Studios’ Up (10 years).

Now’s the time to join or renew as a D23 Gold or Gold Family Member to collect this year’s gift!

Test Your Disney Knowledge with The Ultimate Anniversary Quiz

By Karina Schink

This year is our 10th anniversary! That’s right—10 years ago today D23 became the first Official Disney Fan Club, and each year, it’s only gotten better. We’re honoring our first decade by testing your own Disney knowledge with a trivia quiz! But, this isn’t just any trivia quiz. Our Anniversary Quiz is filled with questions honoring each of our pins from this year’s D23 Gold Member Gift.

Do you have what it takes to prove you’re the ultimate Disney fan?

1. What is Donald Duck’s Middle Name?
A. Augustus
B. Swansdown
C. Fauntleroy
D. Worthington

2. What do Indiana Jones, Willie, and Short Round from Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom have in common?
A. They all went by pseudonyms
B. They were all named after dogs of crew members
C. They were all estranged from their fathers
D. They all hated their names

3. What was the title of the premiere episode of Disneyland the TV series?
A. “The Disneyland Story”
B. “The Disney Story”
C. “Disneyland”
D. “An Adventure in Disneyland”

4. While riding your Doom Buggy in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion, you come across a ghostly bride. What is her name?
A. Columbia
B. Colette
C. Cora
D. Constance

5. Back in 1979, the Muppets made their film debut in The Muppet Movie. But, can you identify which of the following Muppet songs did not debut in the 1979 film?
A. “The Rainbow Connection”
B. “Movin’ Right Along”
C. “Can You Picture That?”
D. “Mahna Mahna”

6. The Skeleton Dance was the first of which cartoon series?
A. Melody Time
B. The Disney Afternoon
C. The Silly Symphonies
D. Alice Comedies

7. Where does the frequent Pixar Easter Egg A113 appear in Up?
A. The number of the court room behind Carl
B. Carl and Ellie’s street address
C. On Charles Muntz’ airship
D. On Dug’s collar

8. Which The Little Mermaid character was at one point named Wendell during production?
A. Sebastian
B. Flounder
C. Prince Eric
D. Chef Louis

9. In the lobby of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which classic board game is left “in play”?
A. Chess
B. Checkers
C. Mahjong
D. Backgammon

10. What was Marvel Comics first known as?
A. Excelsior
B. Mystic Comics
C. S.A. Comics
D. Timely Comics

Answers:

1: C. Fauntleroy

Donald Duck is one of the few Disney characters to have a middle name. It was in the 1942 cartoon Donald Gets Drafted that we first learned his name, and it was in a story meeting that the name was first suggested. But, it wasn’t the first one that was thrown out. Before settling on Fauntleroy, Swansdown was the favorite to become his middle name.

2. B. They were all named after dogs of crew members

At the end of the third installment of the saga, we learn that Indiana gets his nickname from the family dog, something he seems to be quite ashamed of, but it’s  also true in real life. Indiana Jones is named after director and creator George Lucas’ Alaskan malamute. So, when it came time for the sequel, they kept the tradition and named Short Round after the screenwriters’ dog, and Willie after Steven Spielberg’s dog.

3.  A. “The Disneyland Story”

The first episode of Disneyland aired on October 27, 1954, on ABC. While also being a way to promote the upcoming theme park the company was planning, it was also created in order to fund what would become Disneyland. The Disneyland television series won the Emmy as Best Variety Series during its first season, and another award for Walt Disney as Best Producer of a Filmed Series the following year.

4.  D. Constance

In May 2006, Constance or “Black Widow Bride” found her home in the attic of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, where she can still be found reciting her vows. While there is no ghostly groom to be found upstairs, there are many portraits of past husbands.

5. D. “Mahna Mahna”

Not only was The Muppet Movie a big hit with the fans, but in 1980, the Academyâ also recognized its marvelous melodies. It was nominated for both Best Original Song for the now classic “The Rainbow Collection” and for Best Original Score. While it didn’t walk away with any awards that year, the Muppets did snag the Best Original Song Oscar for “Man or Muppet” in 2012.

6. C. The Silly Symphonies

August 22, 1929 saw the debut of the first every “Silly Symphony”: The Skeleton Dance. Similar to many things in Disney history, the musical cartoon series began as just an idea to push creative and artistic boundaries. Ub Iwerks, Carl Stalling, and Walt Disney teamed up to produce this ground-breaking cartoon, the first of its kind, where the musical score and animation were planned, designed, and executed in unison.

7. A. The number of the court room behind Carl

As is Pixar tradition, A113 does appear in 2009’s Up. As Carl waits outside the courtroom, a sign hanging to his left shows the popular Easter Egg. This nod to a classroom at Cal Arts, where many Pixar animators went to school. A113 can be seen in many Pixar films: as a license plate in Toy Story, on a building in a bug’s life, and the scuba diver’s camera in Finding Nemo (to name just a few).

8. C. Prince Eric

Before he was the dashing Prince Eric, Ariel’s true love was actually called Wendell. But, he wasn’t the only character who went through an identity crisis. Sebastian was called Clarence early on, and then Desmond before settling on his full name: Horatio Felonious Ignacious Crustaceous Sebastian.

9. C. Mahjong

Many of the props in the lobby of the Hollywood Tower Hotel are actually authentic to the time period, and were hand-picked to create a realistic 1939 setting. Imagineers found many of the antiques at Los Angeles-area auction houses.

10. D. Timely Comics

In 1939 Martin Goodman, a New York publisher, founded Timely Comics and began to develop (by popular demand) comic books. Their very first comic book, entitled “Marvel Comics,” was released in October of 1939, and introduced the original, android Human Torch. Timely Comics would go on to change its name to Marvel Comics in 1961.

 

Bob Saget Casts Videos After Dark in a Good Light

By Zach Johnson

Let that camera roll, because Bob Saget is back on the airwaves!

Twenty-two years after ending his eight-season run as host of ABC’s America’s Funniest Home Videos (AFV), the comedian is returning to the format with Videos After Dark (March 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC). “This is an organic thing that happened,” he says. “This was not something I ever anticipated.” The new series reunites Saget with executive producer Vin Di Bona, who is unlocking his video vault to release never-before-seen clips better suited for mature audiences.

Bob Saget - Videos After Dark

America’s Funniest Home Videos continued after Saget left, guided by hosts Daisy Fuentes and John Fugelsang (1998–99); Tom Bergeron (2001–15); and Alfonso Ribeiro (2015–present). All the while, Saget softened his style. “I’m a different person. You know, I’m twice the age I was when the thing started. To be honest, I look at [my old episodes] now and I go, ‘You need therapy!’” he laughs. “I was a snarky guy, like, ‘Here’s a wedding! You ever been to wedding?’”

Bob Saget - Videos After Dark

Saget has been hands-on from day one, even writing and recording the theme song at L.A.’s Capitol Records in Studio 1—using Frank Sinatra’s microphone! “What I’m excited about is I’m doing the voices again,” the comedian says, “because nobody’s done them since [I left AFV].” Although Saget says Di Bona and fellow executive producer Michele Nasraway are giving him “so much more freedom” with Videos After Dark, he wants to keep the fun PG-13: “The show is meant for everybody to watch. [But] going on at 10:00 at night with our first show… it’s the right time to be that late.”

A special sneak preview of Videos After Dark will air Tuesday, March 12, at 10 p.m. on ABC after The Bachelor season finale. Additional episodes will air later this year.