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

March 10, 2019March 11, 2019

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:

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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

March 10, 2019January 26, 2021

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

March 8, 2019

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.

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?’”

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.

15 Films You Might Not Know Were Disney

March 8, 2019

By D23 Team

On this day in 1984, the Disney film pool got a bit deeper when Splash, starring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah, premiered. This debut marked the beginning of Touchstone Pictures. From its start back in ’84 until now, Touchstone has released films that have gone on to win Oscars®, Golden Globes, and most important of all, become a staple in our homes.

While there are some favorites we know you know (Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas to name only two), here are 15 of our favorite films you might not have known were Disney films.

Splash (1984)
No list of Touchtone films would be complete without the very first one, and what an auspicious debut it was! Directed by Ron Howard—and penned by his Happy Days writer/producer pals Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel—Splash stars Tom Hanks as Allen Bauer, a New Yorker who as a child encountered a beautiful mermaid in the waters off Cape Cod. After a particularly disastrous break-up, Allen travels back to Cape Cod—and is saved from drowning by that very same mermaid (Daryl Hannah). Taking on human form, she follows Allen to Manhattan, where she learns English by watching television and takes the name “Madison” based on a street sign… all while she and Allen fall madly in love, of course. Adventure ensues when an overzealous marine biologist (Eugene Levy) captures Madison for experimentation—and it’s up to Allen and his eccentric brother Freddie (John Candy) to save her.

Can’t Buy Me Love (1987)
Just the name might already have your head bopping to the classic tune from The Beatles, but this Steve Rash film is a true ’80s classic. Starring Patrick Dempsey (the future McDreamy on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy) and Amanda Peterson, this teen romantic comedy gave us everything that Rom Com fans need: the unlikely couple, the daring romances, and of course, a big New Year’s Eve party.

Beaches (1989)
Based on the novel by Iris Rainer Dart, this film starred Bette Midler (yes, Winifred herself) and Barbara Hershey as C.C. and Hillary Whitney, two friends who reflect on their lives from childhood into adulthood. This film was not only a hit, but also climbed the Billboard charts with “Wind Beneath My Wings,” which would go on to win two Grammys®.

Turner & Hooch (1989)
Tom Hanks starred in several Touchstone hits over the years, including Turner & Hooch—a “buddy cop” comedy where one of the cops just happens to be an extremely large, and very drool-tastic, dog. Small-town detective Scott Turner (Hanks) is known for his persnickety ways; after his elderly friend is murdered, Scott is forced to take in the friend’s bumbling dog, Hooch, who just happens to be the only witness to the crime. Soon enough, Hooch wreaks major havoc on Scott’s well-ordered life… but he does force Scott to meet the town’s veterinarian (Mare Winningham), and romance results. Can this mismatched human/canine pair bring the bad guys to justice?

Dead Poets Society (1989)
We doubt there isn’t a film fan anywhere that hasn’t heard the phrase “Oh, Captain, my Captain,” and it’s probably not because they’re a big fan of Walt Whitman. Peter Weir’s 1989 film starring Disney Legend Robin Williams was an instant classic. While it may have taken a while for the students of Welton Academy to warm up to Mr. Keating, we fell head over heels for him, this story, and this film right from the opening scene.

Pretty Woman (1990)
Before he was playing the devil in Hocus Pocus or bringing the country of Genovia and its rightful Queen to our attention, Disney Legend Garry Marshall brought Pretty Woman to the silver screen in 1990, helmed by Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. It’s a classic Hollywood rags-to-riches story, with a couple unexpected twists and turns we won’t spoil, just in case you haven’t seen it yet.

Father of the Bride (1991)
In 1991 we saw Disney Legend Steve Martin in a totally new pair of shoes. The comedic legend found himself as the reluctant father of the soon-to-be-bride Kimberly Williams in Father of the Bride. Follow along with the Banks family’s fortunes, and misfortunes, as they prepare for their oldest daughter’s wedding. Directed by Charles Shyer, this film also stars Diane Keaton and Martin Short, rounding up an all-star cast that delivered all-star comedy.

Sister Act (1992)
This hilarious vehicle for Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg spawned both a sequel and a Broadway musical—and it’s one of Touchstone’s biggest-ever hits. Reno lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier (Goldberg) accidentally witnesses a murder at the hands of her mobster boyfriend, Vince LaRocca (Harvey Keitel), and is forced to enter the witness protection program… in the form of a nun living inside a small San Francisco convent. Now known as Sister Mary Clarence, Deloris clashes with the Mother Superior (Maggie Smith) until she proves her mettle by revitalizing the convent’s somber choir with upbeat tunes—which begin to attract a younger crowd to the church. Eventually, Deloris is found by Vince’s henchmen and taken back to Reno, but her new “sisters” ultimately save the day. Also starring Kathy Najimy (Hocus Pocus) as Sister Mary Patrick, Sister Act was directed by Emile Ardolino.

Runaway Bride (1999)
Co-produced by Touchstone and Paramount, Runaway Bride was directed by Garry Marshall and stars Julia Roberts as Maggie Carpenter, a Maryland woman who has a penchant for leaving grooms at the altar. (Yes, multiple grooms.) New York columnist Ike Graham (Richard Gere), fired for an earlier article about Carpenter, is given an ultimatum—if he can write an in-depth, factually correct piece on “The Runaway Bride,” he’ll get his job back. Graham and Carpenter, initially wary of each other, begin to fall in love—much to the chagrin of Carpenter’s fourth (and current) fiancé, Bob (Christopher Meloni). Does the bride finally make it down the aisle? And with who? We’ll give you one guess… Runaway Bride is especially notable for reuniting Roberts, Gere, and co-star Hector Elizondo with their Pretty Woman director Marshall.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
This teen-angst twist on a Shakespearean classic follows the high school adventures of two sisters, the younger and popular Bianca and her older, ill-tempered sister Kat. Bianca can’t date until Kat gets a boyfriend—so, naturally, Bianca concocts a scheme to find her sister the perfect match, and the rest is teen feel-good comedy history.

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
A nautical tale with signature Wes Anderson flair, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou follows the adventures of the titular oceanographer (played by Bill Murray) and his crew (“Team Zissou”) as they embark on a filmed search for the “jaguar shark” in order to create a documentary. The ensuing journey on the research vessel Belafonte has it all—Portuguese covers of David Bowie songs, long-lost sons, stop-motion sea creatures, Jeff Goldblum, and even pirate attacks!

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
The novel/cultural phenomenon by Douglas Adams is brought to life in this story of Earthman Arthur Dent’s very bad day: His house is about to be bulldozed, he discovers that his best friend is an alien, and to top things off, Planet Earth is about to be demolished to make way for a hyperspace freeway. He must adventure through space to survive, but lucky for him, he has a handy guide—The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Universe.

The Prestige (2006)
This thrilling tale of two Victorian era-magicians follows their friendship-turned-rivalry that leads to spectacular magic tricks—and terrible danger! Directed by Christopher Nolan, this mind-bending Touchstone film also features an unintentional hidden D23

The Help (2011)
In Mississippi during 1960s, two maids, Aibleen (Viola Davis) and Minny (Octavia Spencer) are approached by an aspiring author to share the stories exposing the racism they face in the day-to-day of their jobs. While the project brings great risk to everyone involve, a strong sisterhood is formed as the women hope to bring a positive change to the world. Spencer won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2012 for her performance in this emotionally stirring film.

Lincoln (2012)
Lincoln—a DreamWorks/20th Century Fox/Reliance Entertainment film, distributed by Touchstone—stars Daniel Day-Lewis as the 16th president of the United States and chronicles his final months in office as he tries to get the proposed 13th Amendment passed by the House of Representatives before the end of the Civil War. Day-Lewis won the Oscar® for his portrayal of Lincoln—and director Steven Spielberg; co-stars Sally Field (Mary Todd Lincoln) and Tommy Lee Jones (Thaddeus Stevens); screenwriter Tony Kushner (adapting his script from the book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin); score composer John Williams; and the film itself all received Oscar nominations.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening Date and First Look at Maleficent: Mistress of Evil—Plus More in News Briefs

March 7, 2019March 7, 2019

By Courtney Potter

Get reacquainted with Maleficent this fall, and check out Arcade Fire’s unique take on a classic Disney tune… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Breaking Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge News

In case you missed that (ridiculously exciting!!!) disturbance in the Force this week, our good pals over at Disney Parks just announced the official opening date of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts… as well as information on how to plan your very own sojourn to a galaxy far, far away. Check out our rundown of all the latest info right here at D23.com.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
March 10, 2018
D23’s 10-Year FAN-niversary Celebration at The Walt Disney Studios
March 11, 2018
D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: A Day at the Studio Lot
March 18, 2018
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – Presented by D23
March 20, 2018
D23’s Sip and Stroll at Disney California Adventure
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 6, 2018
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – Presented by D23
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)

First Look at Maleficent: Mistress of Evil—Coming This October

We’ve got some fantastic info for all you Maleficent fans out there (we’re raising our hands too, which does make it hard to type… but we’ll soldier on): Angela Jolie will return in the iconic role seven months earlier than previously announced!

Yes, Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, the sequel to the 2014 live-action fantasy told from the perspective of Sleeping Beauty’s archetypal antagonist, will now be casting a spell in theaters beginning October 18 of this year. And along with that bit of fabulous news, we’ve also been gifted a brand-new teaser poster.

We haven’t been told too much about the film as of yet—only that original stars Jolie and Elle Fanning will be joined this time ’round by a few other incredible actors, including Michelle Pfeiffer as Queen Ingreth. So mark those calendars… we’ll be getting reacquainted with Maleficent and Aurora come fall!

Sneak Peek at Disney’s Dumbo with Arcade Fire’s “Baby Mine”

Earlier this week, during the season premiere of ABC’s American Idol, fans were able to “let [their] eyes sparkle and shine” when a brand-new version of “Baby Mine”—the iconic song from Disney’s Dumbo—was previewed as part of a never-before-seen look at Tim Burton’s live-action reimagining of the beloved film. This end-credit version of the tune is from Grammy®-nominated Canadian rockers Arcade Fire, and it’s a fresh take on the Oscar®-winning song from the 1941 animated classic. Check out the trailer, and delight in the poignant lullaby, above.

And here’s a fun tidbit: Arcade Fire’s Win Butler actually has a personal connection to the ’41 film. “There is a scene with a locomotive in the original Dumbo that uses an instrument called the Sonovox that my grandpa Alvino Rey made famous in the 1930s,” Butler recently said. “Every time I saw the film I thought it was him. When we were asked to do the [end credit version of ‘Baby Mine’], I immediately got all of my grandfather’s old guitars and wanted to play them in the song… I will forever relate to the song, thinking about the people I hold so dear that are ‘so precious to me.’”

Plus, just this week, Spirit Airlines unveiled its specially themed Airbus A321, featuring a larger-than-life image of adorable lil’ Dumbo! Spirit and Disney revealed the new plane with a time-lapse video of the decal-wrapping process—check out the clip, above—which took place at Spirit’s state-of-the-art maintenance hangar in Detroit, Michigan.

The Dumbo plane took off on its inaugural journey on Wednesday, March 6, traveling from Detroit Metro Airport to Orlando International Airport; guests adventuring between Detroit, Orlando, San Juan, Fort Lauderdale, and Baltimore/Washington will have the chance to fly with Dumbo on its first three days of service—after which the plane will crisscross the country for two months, celebrating the movie’s big debut.

Look for Dumbo to fly into theaters March 29!

Women’s Day on Broadway 2019 Announces Starry Lineup

In celebration of International Women’s Day (which is Friday, March 8, by the way), our friends at Disney on Broadway have announced their incredible lineup for the second annual Women’s Day on Broadway—Tuesday, March 12, at the St. James Theatre (home of Disney’s Frozen) in New York City.

Following its launch in 2018, this very special and thought-provoking event aims to engage attendees—of all genders and backgrounds—in a day of open and honest dialogue about gender equality in the theatre industry and beyond. This year’s theme, “Inspiring Changemakers,” will focus the day on people and organizations driving progress within the theatre and entertainment industry, highlighting ways each attendee can become an agent of change in their own community.

Among this year’s amazing participants are director/choreographer Graciela Daniele; actresses Mandy Gonzalez (Hamilton) and Dominique Morisseau (Ain’t Too Proud); songwriter Anaïs Mitchell (the upcoming Broadway musical Hadestown), playwright Theresa Rebeck; and casting director Tara Rubin. Additionally, this year’s event will highlight some of the organizations that are leading the way for gender equality in the arts—including The Actors Fund, BOLD, Girl Be Heard, The League of Professional Theatre Women, Maestra, Open Stages, PAAL, She NYC Arts, The Kilroys, and The WP Theatre.

For more information on this sure-to-be-incredible event, visit WomenofBroadway.com.

Get Your Groove On with “Mickey’s Mix Magic” at Disneyland Park

Our pals at Disneyland Resort are celebrating 90 years of Mickey Mouse (and Minnie Mouse) all year long—and as part of their big Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration, Disneyland park just kicked off its groove-tastic “Mickey’s Mix Magic” nightly extravaganza! Take a look at the video, above, for a quick taste of the party’s signature theme, “It’s a Good Time”!

Featuring amazing projections, lighting, lasers, and lots of high-energy music, the all-new “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will make the whole family wanna get up and dance! The colorful scene will be set nightly along Main Street, U.S.A., on the water screens on Rivers of America, and on the façade of it’s a small world—and on select evenings, fantastical fireworks will add a bit more pixie dust to the occasion.

Put on those dancin’ shoes and get to groovin’ the next time you’re at the Disneyland Resort!

Opening Dates for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios

March 7, 2019April 27, 2019

By Beth Deitchman

Cue the iconic John Williams fanfare—there is breaking news from a galaxy, far, far away! As exciting details emerge about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, one burning question has lingered: When can we visit this wondrous new land? Well, polish that lightsaber and prepare for lightspeed because Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is set to open on May 31 at Disneyland Resort in California and on August 29 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, debuting early because of high guest interest in the immersive land.

When you first arrive at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on opening day for phase one, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the sights, sounds, and experiences of Batuu—from the local watering hole, Oga’s Cantina, to the thrilling new attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, which places you in control of the most famous ship in the galaxy as you live out your very own Star Wars story.

Later this year, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will open for phase two—and you’ll find yourself in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance as you experience the most ambitious, immersive, and advanced attraction ever. The land is opening in phases so that guests can sooner enjoy the unique, out-of-this-world experiences that will only be found at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

If you’re planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park between May 31 and June 23, 2019, you needn’t bring your own protocol droid—but you will need a valid theme park admission and you’ll be required to make a no-cost reservation, subject to availability, to access the land. More details about reservations will be available on Disneyland.com and the Disney Parks Blog. If you’re staying at any of the three Disneyland Resort hotels, you will receive a designated reservation—one per guest—to access the new land during your stay (if it falls during these dates), and valid theme park admission is required.

When Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 29, guests will need valid theme park admission to visit the land (though a reservation will not be offered or required) and capacity is limited. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be open during Extra Magic Hours, providing guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels the opportunity to enjoy extra time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios experiencing select attractions. Check Disneyworld.com and the Disney Parks Blog for more information as it becomes available.

Our friends at Disney Parks will share additional information to help you prepare for your inaugural journey to a galaxy far, far away. Check the Disney Parks Blog for updates, and keep your coordinates set for D23.com as the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening draws ever closer.

7 Super-Secret Stories from the Captain Marvel Cast and Filmmakers

March 7, 2019March 7, 2019

By Beth Deitchman

On Friday, March 8, we go back to the 1990s to embark on new adventures with a powerful Super Hero unlike any we’ve ever seen before. Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel stars Brie Larson as the title character—aka Carol Danvers—a key member of the intergalactic elite Kree military team Starforce. But after Carol finds herself back on Earth, she teams up with S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) to delve into questions about her past while working to head off an invasion of our planet by the notorious, shape-shifting Skrulls. We recently heard from the Captain Marvel stars and filmmakers, who revealed some surprising behind-the-scenes stories from the film.

1. The women of Captain Marvel took their research higher, further, faster.
As part of their research for the film, Brie Larson and Lashana Lynch traveled to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas and went airborne in F-16s, reaching 6.5 Gs, experiencing barrel rolls and engaging in a simulated dogfight. Lynch, who plays Carol Danvers’ best friend and fellow pilot Maria Rambeau, laughed as she recalled, “Flying an F-16… is like your eyeballs coming out of the sockets and landing in your back pocket kind of thing.” Executive producer Kevin Feige deemed it “super-impressive” that director Anna Boden joined the actresses in flight, and added good-naturedly, “I wouldn’t do that for a million dollars!”

2. Brie Larson wanted to explore the not-so-super parts of Captain Marvel’s character.
“I was a little worried about playing somebody, a Super Hero, that would be perfect because I don’t think that’s realistic or something aspirational at all,” the Oscar®-winning actress shared. One of Larson’s favorite aspects about Carol is that she’s a confirmed risk taker… and sometimes things don’t go the way she plans. “Those are the moments, the defining moments of her character, where she doesn’t lay down—she gets back up. I mean, that’s everything. That’s for everybody. There isn’t a person who can’t relate to that,” Larson said.

3. Samuel L. Jackson enjoyed seeing Nick Fury in a brand-new light.
Jackson, who has played Nick Fury many times before in the Avengers movies (and on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), describes 1990s-era Nick Fury as “sort of a kinder, gentler, not-so-cynical/world-weary/chip-on-the-shoulder Nick Fury—who hadn’t met anyone from another universe just yet.” Another fun aspect to going back in time for Jackson: He was able to play the character with two eyes and no patch.

4. Before Lashana Lynch became a Marvel star, she was first a Marvel fan.
“I’ve grown up loving the characters, enjoying the trajectories, and… I just had a feeling that something would come up,” said the British actress, who recalls watching Marvel Studios’ previous releases with her friends while eagerly awaiting the opportunity to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe herself—and she couldn’t have imagined a more perfect film for her Marvel Studios debut. “I felt like energetically I was drawing towards something that I care about: women. So yeah, I campaigned to be up here,” she stated proudly.

5. Playing Carol Danvers taught Larson something very important about herself.
During the nine months she spent transforming herself into one of the most powerful Super Heroes the Marvel Cinematic Universe has ever seen, Larson admits that the extensive training moved her to tears on more than one occasion. “My trainer would be like, ‘Oh, she’s crying again,” Larson shared, explaining that it was very emotional for her to stir up “something very vulnerable and raw” inside. But, Larson realized, “I’m stronger than I realized.” How strong? “I was able to dead-lift 225 pounds. I was able to hip-thrust 400 pounds. I was able to push my trainer’s 5,000 pound Jeep up a hill for 60 seconds.” And while these stats might impress fans, Larson emphasized that the only person she truly sought to impress was herself.

6. One Captain Marvel star relied upon his powers of purr-suasion to endear himself to his fellow cast members.
“I am not a cat person,” declared Samuel L. Jackson. “But I’m also not a dog, bird, or a fish person, either. I don’t engage pets.” But the actor formed a collegial working relationship with Reggie, the feline actor who portrays Goose in the film. “He’s very snack-oriented… You give him something to eat, you talk softly and nice to him, give him something to eat again, and they love you,” he explained.

7. Captain Marvel features incredible action sequences, ’90s nostalgia, and even shape-shifting aliens, but there’s a beautiful friendship at the film’s heart.
Brie Larson and Lashana Lynch were both moved by the special friendship between their characters, Carol Danvers and Maria Rambeau, a friendship that was forged by their shared experience as groundbreaking Air Force test pilots. “I think they would have been friends outside of that experience, but I think that’s a really tight-knit bond that they have, and they’re family… This is the love of the movie, this is the great love,” shared Larson. “This is the love lost. This is the love found again. This is the reason to continue fighting and to go to the ends of the earth for the person, the thing that you love.”

Everything You Can Eat and Do at the 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

March 6, 2019March 7, 2019

By Karina Schink

From March 6 to June 3, 2019, you can see what’s blooming over at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This year, the Festival is bigger than ever before. This year’s Festival features 17 Outdoor Kitchens, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series is expanded to run for 90 nights, featuring 270 performances by a wide range of popular artists.

If you want to enjoy everything there is to eat and hear, special dining packages are available for the Garden Rocks Concert Series, for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner at almost every table-serve restaurant in the park, and the packages also guarantee you seating at one of three concert performances that day!

When you’re not listening to music or munching on the new treats, you can head over to Bo Peep’s Training Grounds, where the little ones can cavort in a fun playground and garden featuring topiaries inspired by Bo and her Toy Story pals, Buzz and Woody.

If you feel the need to satisfy the gumshoe itch—and assuming Bo Peep doesn’t need help finding any missing sheep—you can find your way to Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration, a family scavenger hunt with new locations to discover along the garden pollination trail. And, from April 5–21 (while supplies last), you and your family can participate in the Eggstravaganza Scavenger Hunt and search for Disney character-themed eggs around World Showcase.

Aside from all the fan-favorite events coming back this year (such as the Goodness Garden Butterfly House), there will be many new things to discover, including a 9-foot tall art sculpture (made from recycled marine debris) celebrating the release of Disneynature’s Penguins, four new Outdoor Kitchens, and the Health Full Trail presented by AdventHealth, featuring the Flavor Full Kitchen, Play Full Garden playground experience, and Mind Full Retreat decompression area.

But, we can’t very well talk about the Festival and not mention the food! Check out all new eats you’ll definitely want to try this year!

Arbor
Located at The Gardeners Terrace in The Odyssey Center

Food:

Fried Green Tomatoes with Blue Crab-Fennel Salad, Remoulade, and Smoked Paprika Oil (pictured above)
Smoked Salmon Stack with Avocados, Tomatoes, Sour Cream, Caviar, and Focaccia Crostino
Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cake with Apple Cider Sorbet (GF, V)

Beverages

Original Sin Brewery Black Widow Hard Cider, New York, NY
Florida Beer Company Caribé Strawberry Rose Hard Cider, Cape Canaveral, FL
3 Daughters Brewing Key Lime Apple Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL
Karbach Brewing Lemon and Ginger Radler Houston, TX
Seadog Brewing Company Sunfish Ale Clearwater, FL
Shipyard Brewing Company Grind the Rind Watermelon IPA, Portland, ME
Cider Flight
Beer Flight

La Isla Fresca
Located in Showcase Plaza East

Food:

Jamaican-braised Beef with Pigeon Pea Rice and Micro Cilantro
Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut-Lime Sauce (pictured above)
Tropical Mousse Cake: Layers of Passion Fruit Cake, Coconut Mousse, and a Tropical Fruit Glaze with Fresh Pineapple

Beverages:

Simply Tropical Freeze (non-alcoholic)
Golden Road Brewing Tart Mango Cart Wheat Ale, Los Angeles, CA
Simply Tropical Freeze with Mango Rum

The Citrus Blossom
Located near Refreshment Port

Food:

Lobster Tail with Meyer Lemon Emulsion and Grilled Lemon (GF)
Tuna Tataki with Spicy Yuzu Glaze, Mango, Avocado, and Pappadam Crisp (pictured above)
Crispy Citrus Chicken with Orange Aïoli and Baby Greens (GF)
Citrus Shortcake: Orange Chiffon Cake, Lemon Curd, Mandarins, Whipped Cream, and Citrus Crumble (V)

Beverages:

Orange Cream Slushy in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper (sipper only available while supplies last) (non-alcoholic)
Islamorada Beer Company Coconut Key Lime Ale, Fort Pierce, FL
First Magnitude Brewing Lemon Hefeweizen, Gainesville, FL
Heavy Seas Brewery TropiCannon Citrus IPA, Halethorpe, MD
Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy
Beer Flight

Pineapple Promenade
Located near Refreshment Port

Food:

Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Plantain Chips (pictured above)
Pineapple Soft-Serve Ice Cream 9V)

Beverages:

Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
Pineapple Soft-Serve Ice Cream with Fanta (non-alcoholic)
Coastal Empire Beer Co. Coco Piña Gose, Savannah, GA
Maui Brewing Co. Pineapple Mana Wheat, Kihei, HI
SweetWater Brewing Company Goin’ Coastal IPA with Pineapple, Atlanta, GA
Playalinda Brewing Company Violet Lemonade Ale, Titusville, FL
Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
Pineapple Soft-Serve Ice Cream with Coconut Rum
Pineapple Beer Flight

The Honey Bee-Stro
Hosted by National Honey Board
Located near Refreshment Port

Food:

Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Purée, Wild Rice Pilaf, Asparagus, Honey-blistered Grapes, Sunflower Brittle, and Coriander Flowers (GF, V)
Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese, Charred Vegetables, Clover Honey Sour Cream, and Micro Citrus Greens
Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses and Petite Lavender Shoots (V) (pictured above)

Beverages:

Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze (non-alcoholic)
Goodwood Brewing Company Brandy Barrel Honey Ale, Louisville, KY
Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with Blueberry Vodka

Flavor Full Kitchen
Hosted by AdventHealth
Located near the Honey Bee-stro Garden

Food:

Citrus-poached Salmon with Ancient Grain Salad, Roasted Vegetables, and Citrus Greens (GF) (pictured above)
From the Garden: Roasted Beets, Cashew Cheese, and Micro Herbs with Lemon-Oil Dressing (GF, V)
Mickey Tart Peanut Butter Mousse with Strawberry Jam and Boba Pearls (V)

Beverages:

Blood Orange Aqua Fresca (non-alcoholic)
Cooke Butter Worms and Dirt (non-alcoholic)

Refreshment Port
Located near the Canada Pavilion

Food:

Coffee-rubbed Pork Poutine with Barbecue Demi-Glace, Fire-roasted Corn Relish, and Cheese Curds (pictured above)

Beverages:

Stow Away Mary: Classic Bloody Mary with Vodka garnished with Pimento-stuffed Olives, Cherry Tomato, Celery, Jumbo Shrimp, and Smokehouse Jerky

Northern Bloom
Located in the Canada Pavilion

Food:

Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette, and Apple-wood Smoked Bacon
Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, and Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables (pictured above)
Griddled Maple Pound Cake with Warm Peach Compote and Sweet Corn Gelato featuring Burton’s Maple Syrup

Beverages:

Maple Popcorn Shake (non-alcoholic)
Unibroue Éphémère Apple Wheat Ale, Chambly, Québec
Unibroue Blanche de Chambly Belgian White Ale, Chambly, Québec
Unibroue Lune de Miel Amber Ale, Chambly, Québec
Maple Popcorn Shake with Crown Royal Maple Whisky
Beer Flight

Fleur De Lys
Located in the France Pavilion

Food:

Vichyssoise aux Concombres: Chilled Cucumber Vichyssoise Soup (GF, V)
Tarte au Chévre: Goat Cheese Tart with Caramelized Onions on a Flaky Pastry Crust (V)
Canard Confit à la Provençal: Braised Duck Confit with Tomatoes and Olives on Polenta
Macaron au Chocolat en Sucette: Large Chocolate Macaron Lollipop (GF) (pictured above)

Beverages:

La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, Orange Vodka, Elderflower Liqueur, and White and Red Cranberry Juice
Kir Framboise: Sparking Wine and Monin Raspberry Syrup
Cabernet Sauvignon, Maison de France
Kronenbourg Blanc 1664

Florida Fresh
Located between the France and Morocco Pavilions

Food:

Carne Guisada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream (pictured above)
Spicy Blackened Shrimp and Cheddar Cheese Grits with Brown Gravy and Local Sweet Corn Relish
Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue

Beverages:

Watermelon Cucumber Slushy (non-alcoholic)
Tampa Bay Brewing Company Twisted Strawberry Fest Fruit Ale, Tampa, FL
Big Top Brewing Company Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat, Sarasota, FL
First Magnitude Brewing Monarch Milk Stout, Gainesville, FL
Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Key Lime Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
Watermelon Cucumber Slushy with Gin
Beer Flight

Taste of Marrakesh
Located in the Morocco Pavilion

Food:

Harissa Chicken Kebab with Dried Fruit Couscous Salad
Fried Cauliflower with Capers, Garlic Parsley, and Chili-Ranch Sauce
Walnut Honey Baklava (pictured above)

Beverages:

Casa Beer
Larroque Chardonnay, Meknes
White Sangria
Desert Rose: Sparkling Wine topped with Pomegranate Liqueur

Hanami
Located in the Japan Pavilion

Food:

Frushi: Fresh Pineapple, Strawberry, and Melon rolled with Coconut Rice, sprinkled with Toasted Coconut, Whipped Cream with Raspberry Sauce on the side (V)
Chilled Soba Noodle Salad with Pan-seared Tuna and Wasabi Dressing (pictured above)
Chicken Karaage with Nanban Sauce: Japanese-style Fried Chicken served on a bed of Shredded Cabbage and topped with a Soy and Vinegar-based Dressing

Beverages:

Kirin Draft Beer
Sayuri “Little Lilly” Nigori Sake
“Ichigo Sun” Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail with Sake, Strawberry Purée, and Lemonade

Funnel Cakes
Located in The American Adventure

Key Lime Funnel Cake topped with Crumbled Graham Cracker and Whipped Cream
Lexington Brewing Company Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Lexington, KY
Short’s Brewing Company Local’s Light Lager, Bellaire, MI
Dogfish Head Brewery American Beauty Pale Ale, Milton, DE
Brooklyn Brewery Defender IPA, Brooklyn, NY
Golden Road Brewing Pineapple Cart Wheat Ale, Los Angeles, CA
3 Daughters Brewing Hard Rosé Cider, St. Petersburg, FL
Beer Flight

The Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brews
Located in The American Adventure

Food:

Pulled Pig Slider with Coleslaw (pictured above)
Beef Brisket Burnt Ends and Smoked Pork Belly Slider with Garlic Sausage, Chorizo, Cheddar Fondue, and House-made Pickle
Shredded Beef Brisket and Smoked Potato, Chorizo Fondue, and Green Tomato Relish
Warm Chocolate Cake with Bourbon-salted Caramel Sauce and Spiced Pecans (V)

Beverages:

Frozen Simply Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
Central 28 Brewing Company Sunshine Greetings Orange Hibiscus Wheat Ale, DeBary, FL
3 Daughters Brewing Phantasmas Spicy Double IPA, St. Petersburg, FL
Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout, Clearwater, FL
Boneshaker Zinfandel, Lodi, CA
Frozen Simply Lemonade with Blackberry Moonshine
Beer Flight

Fife & Drum
Located in The American Adventure

Beverages:

Short’s Brewing Company Soft Parade Shandy, Bellaire, MI

Primavera Kitchen
Located in the Italy Pavilion

Food:

Pizza Toscana: Rustic Italian Flatbread with Sweet Sausage, Caramelized Onion, Mozzarella, Asiago, and Parmesan Cheeses (pictured above)
Pomodori Verdi e Mozzarella: Fried Green Tomatoes, Mozzarella Cheese, and Balsamic Reduction
Tri-colored Cheese Tortellini, Sage Butter, and Chicken Veloute
Zeppole: Ricotta Cheese Fritters, Powdered Sugar, Raspberry Sauce, and Chocolate-Hazelnut Drizzle

Beverages:

Peroni Nastro Azzurro Pilsner
Placido Pinot Grigio
Placido Chianti
Villa Sandi Prosecco
Montegrande Corbinello
Fior d’Arancio Montegrande Moscato
Bellini: Sparkling Wine and Peach Purée
Frozen Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market
Located in the Germany Pavilion

Food:

Potato Pancakes with House-made Apple Sauce (V)
Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream
Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyère Cheese
Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries (pictured above)

Beverages

Stiegl Brewery Radler Zitrone, Salzburg, Austria
Paulaner Original Munich Lager, Munich, Germany
Köstritzer Schwarzbier Black Lager, Bad Köstritz, Germany
Hugo Cocktail with Sparkling Wine, Elderflower, and Mint
Beer Flight

Lotus House
Located in the China Pavilion

Food:

Szechuan Spicy Red-braised Beef Shank over Rice
House-made Crab and Cheese Wontons (pictured above)
Vegetable Spring Rolls (V)

Beverages:

“Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Bobas (non-alcoholic)
Jasmine Draft Beer
Pirates of the China Sea: Dark Rum, Peach Syrup, and Piña Colada Mix
Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango Syrup, and Orange Juice
Plum Wine Cooler

Jardin De Fiestas
Located in the Mexico Pavilion

Food:

Tlacoyo: Blue Corn Mesa topped with Black Bean Spread, Ground Chorizo, Queso Fresco, and Mexican Cream
Beef Torta: Braised Beef served on a Crispy Sourdough Roll with Queso Oaxaca, Avocado, Pickled Onions, and Jalapeños in a Spicy Habanero Sauce
Tres Leches: Milk-soaked Sponge Cake topped with Cajeta Whipped Cream and Almond Powder (pictured above)

Beverages

Cerveza: Allende Golden Ale Craft Beer served with a Liqueur Floater
Damiana Flower Margarita: Damiana Flower Liqueur, Blanco Tequila, Agave Nectar, and Citrus Juices served on the rocks with a Black Ant Salt Rim
Oaxacan Gin & Tonic: Smokey Gin, Black Currant Liqueur, Vermouth, Lime Juice, and Tonic Water
Rosé Sangria: Withers Rosé Wine, Tequila Blanco, Elderflower and Ginger Liqueur, Pineapple, Cactus Pear, and Ginger Juices

Trowel & Trellis
Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE Foods
Located near the Mexico Pavilion

Food:

Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread (GF, V) (pictured above)
Farmhouse Meatball with Lentil Bread, Spinach, Marinated Vegetables, and Creamy Herb Dressing (V)
Chocolate Pudding Terrarium with Avocado Cream, Matcha Crumb, Pomegranate, and Baby Herbs (GF, V)

Beverages:

suja Organic Cold Pressed Juice: Noon Greens (non-alcoholic)
suja Organic Cold Pressed Juice: Vibrant Probiotic (non-alcoholic)
Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea featuring Twinings of London (non-alcoholic)
Playalinda Brewing Company Tropical Wonderland Wheat Ale, Titusville, FL
Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea featuring Twining of London with Vodka served in a Mason Jar

Taste Track
Located in Future World East

Food:

Violet Blueberry Vanilla Croissant Doughnut (pictured above)

Beverages:

Berry Tea Mint Julep (non-alcoholic)
Berry Tea Mint Julep with Bourbon

Sunshine Seasons
Located in The Land Pavilion

Food:

Earl Grey Tea Cake with Orange-Honey Filling topped with Honeybell Tangelo Buttercream, Honeycomb, and Bee Pollen (pictured above)

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea
Located throughout the park

Beverages:

Future World East—Pedal to the Meadow: Frozen Cappuccino topped with Vodka and Kahlúa Liqueur
Near Canada—Cold Clover: Cold Brew Coffee with Irish Cream Syrup and topped with Irish Cream Liqueur
Near Disney Traders—Goose on the Loose: Frozen Passion Fruit and Vodka topped with Iced Tea
The American Adventure—Bee’s Buzz: Frozen Lemon and Coconut Syrup topped with Pineapple Rum

(GF) Gluten/Wheat Friendly Menu Selections
(V) Vegetarian Menu Selections

You Need to See the AMAZING Audio-Animatronics® Figure Coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

March 6, 2019

By Jocelyn Buhlman

He’s a famed space pirate, a former colleague of Boba Fett, and he once kidnapped Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi for ransom. Now, he’s headed to Disneyland and Walt Disney World for his biggest adventure yet. Hondo Ohnaka, the fan-favorite Weequay space pirate made popular in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, will be featured in the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Disney Parks recently released new details of planetary proportions about this unprecedented land, including this amazing video of Hondo’s Audio-Animatronics® figure in action.

As Walt Disney Imagineering explains, “A1000 advanced robotics are the next evolution of the A100 Audio-Animatronics® figures that were first introduced by Walt Disney Imagineering in the mid-1980s. This standardized system for building humanoid robotic figures incorporates new electric functionality, replacing former hydraulic functions, producing extremely realistic, lifelike movement. Future figures in humanoid form can all use this system to ensure the same degree of realism and advanced levels of movement. The advanced figures that were developed for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—like this animated figure of Hondo Ohnaka—are a hybrid of A1000 technology enhanced with custom-built elements.”

Jim Cummings will reprise his voice role as Hondo, bringing this legendary scoundrel on an all-new adventure at Disneyland and Walt Disney World that guests will experience firsthand. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disneyland Resort summer 2019 and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios fall 2019. Stay tuned to D23.com for more out-of-this-world news as it breaks.

Which Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers Character Are You Most Like?

March 4, 2019November 26, 2019

By Jocelyn Buhlman

This year marks the 30th anniversary of our favorite two gumshoes who are picking up the slack. That’s right, Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers first debuted in 1989, and 30 years later we are still marathoning this Disney Afternoon classic (and getting the theme song stuck in our head). Whether you fell in love with the team of daring detectives when the show first debuted or have recently discovered the series, everyone has a member of the team they identify with most. Who are you most like? Take our quiz now to find out!

This campaign has ended. Check out D23.com for more Disney fun!

Breaking Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge News

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

First Look at Maleficent: Mistress of Evil—Coming This October

Sneak Peek at Disney’s Dumbo with Arcade Fire’s “Baby Mine”

Women’s Day on Broadway 2019 Announces Starry Lineup

Get Your Groove On with “Mickey’s Mix Magic” at Disneyland Park

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