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Captain Marvel is just about here, and we’re ready to go back to the ’90s with the leading lady herself, Carol Danvers. If you don’t already know, Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel takes place in the 90s (the trailer showcasing one of the greatest of the decade’s relics: Blockbuster), and over here at D23 we’re so excited to revisit one of our favorite decades.
As we prepare to go back to the ’90s with the Super Hero herself, we want to make sure we’re dressed (and accessorized) for the past. So, we’ve put together a list of all the ’90s-inspired must-haves you can get at shopDisney and Disney store (and don’t forget to use your D23 member discount!).
Star Wars Shirts: Women | Men
A long time ago, in a decade not too far away… Show off your love for the 1977 classic in a totally ’90s way.
Toy Story Tees
Back in November 1995, Toy Story hit the big screen for the first time. Represent one of your favorite movies—and favorite years—with these classic tees.
DVDs: Hercules | Beauty and the Beast | Hocus Pocus | A Goofy Movie | Toy Story Toy Story wasn’t the only Disney film to premiere in the 1990s. In fact, it was the beginning of a new era, with now classic films like Hercules, Beauty and the Beast, Hocus Pocus, and so many more. Add one (or all) of these classics to your home collection, so you can refresh your ’90s Disney knowledge before Captain Marvel flies into theaters.
Aladdin Denim Jacket and Case Clutch
While we’re still relishing in all the great ’90s Disney nostalgia, we find ourselves also jonesing for some ’90s-inspired swag. This Aladdin Denim Jacket and VHS Case Clutch looks like it traveled on a magic carpet ride all the way from 1992.
Hercules Mugs
Who didn’t have a collection of Disney cups or plates in their house growing up? These little cups are giving us all the flashbacks.
A Goofy Movie: Lunch Box | Pullover
While it may not fit the leaning tower of cheesa, this A Goofy Movie lunch box is the perfect companion to any road trip. And no matter where you’re headed on your adventure, we know you want to be dressed to the nine-ties, and we can’t think of a better way than with this Max pullover.
Make no bones about it: Bobby Bones has an eye for talent. As American Idol’s new in-house mentor, the radio DJ and reigning Dancing with the Stars champion will shepherd singers to superstardom, drawing upon his own experiences to help them turn their dreams into reality. The series kicks off its second season on ABC with a two-hour premiere this Sunday, March 3 (8–10:01 p.m. EST/PST).
It takes courage to step onto the world’s stage—which is why Bones, who grew up in the small town of Mountain Pine, Arkansas, is their biggest champion. “I see myself in them. They come in very wide-eyed. I’d never been to Los Angeles until it was for work. I was like, ‘Holy crap! This place is huge!’ Some of them have never flown on an airplane; I didn’t fly on an airplane until I was older,” he says. “It’s like, ‘Wow, in some ways I’m mentoring a younger version of myself.’”
Having competed on Dancing with the Stars last year, Bones picked up a few tricks of the trade. “I’d done music at a pretty high level, and I’d done radio and TV at a pretty high level, but I’d never done a reality show. That was eye-opening, because it is a grind. You’re learning as you go each week,” Bones says. “There is a lot I could teach the contestants from that experience!”
Bones served twice as a guest mentor on season 1 of American Idol on ABC, where he advised contestants like Gabby Barrett, runner-up Caleb Lee Hutchinson and winner Maddie Poppe. “It was supposed to be one time last year. I thought, ‘I’ll come in and do as much as I can to help them get through their one round,’” he recalls. Bones was invited back for the finale, where he was struck by how they’d matured since he last saw them. “It was so cool to go from when they first got to Hollywood and started to see what American Idol was really about to the end of it when they really knew what it was about and they were trying to win,” he says. “When they asked me to come back this year and do the entire season, I found that to be really exciting, because I don’t have to wait and see how everybody’s doing and wonder if I’m ever going to see them again. Now I’m with them week-to-week, so I can help them improve incrementally.”
To do that, Bones first assesses their strengths and weaknesses, then tailors his teaching methods based on each singer’s needs. “They brought me in to be their mentor on camera, to talk to them, but there are times when there isn’t a camera and they’ll need help with something—even life stuff. It’s not always just about the music or the vocal. It’s, ‘Hey, how do I handle being in Los Angeles? I’ve never been in a city this big before.’ You know, stuff like that,” he says. “I’m there the whole time—and when you’re there a lot, there’s a trust that’s formed.”
Fostering those connections is crucial in order for Bones to help contestants adjust to their sudden fame. “A lot of times they ask super-technical things about music. But they also say things like, ‘People on Instagram are being mean.’ That’s why I’m here—to help in all those ways,” Bones says. “When you’re on American Idol, now people see you, and most of them are going to be awesome and love you and support you. But occasionally, they’re not. Much like life, it’s not if it’s going to happen, it’s when it’s going to happen—and how do you handle it?”
American Idol will change each of these contestants lives overnight, so Bones is mindful of his approach. “My goal with everyone is to always be as empathetic as possible, because most of the struggles they’re going through, I’ve been through, or I know someone who has,” Bones says. “I just treat them like people—like I’d want to be treated if I were in the same situation.”
Like the contestants, this is a new experience for Bones. Luckily, he was already close friends with judge Luke Bryan before he signed on to become the show’s in-house mentor. “Luke and I live 15 minutes from each other in Nashville,” he explains. “I see Luke pretty regularly.” Bones has also known host Ryan Seacrest for years, since they work for the same radio company. “Ryan’s always one I’ve looked up to in the television world,” he says. “I’ve never seen anyone do what he does better than he does.” Judge Lionel Richie is “the nicest human being I’ve met in this weird Hollywood world.” As for judge Katy Perry? “It’s Katy Perry!” Bones says with a laugh. “What do you say? She’s actually been super-normal and nice. You might think, ‘Katy Perry’s such a big star. I wonder how she’s going to be.’ But Katy Perry? She’s just Katy.”
While Seacrest and the judges have been supportive since he joined the show, they’re also letting Bones do his own thing. “They just kind of let it roll,” he says. “All my American Idol producer friends, they’re awesome—but they’re also like, ‘I wonder what’s going to happen with Bobby. I wonder what he’s going to say.” I think I’m a bit of a wildcard—which is good!”
A new look at live-action Simba and friends, and more Galaxy’s Edge news than you can shake a lightsaber at… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!
Take a New Look at Disney’s Live-Action The Lion King
We’re ridiculously excited to be returning to the Pride Lands in just a few months’ time—when the all-new live-action retelling of The Lion King, helmed by Jon Favreau (Disney’s The Jungle Book), roars into theaters. And just this past weekend, we were gifted with a brand-new look at the film; check it out, above …
The Lion King journeys to the African savanna, where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. Featuring the voices of Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, James Earl Jones, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Seth Rogen, and Billy Eichner, look for Disney’s The Lion King in theaters beginning July 19.
Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:
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)
Huge Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Announcements You Need to Know!
Do you want all the incredible news about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (coming to both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort over the next nine or so months)—that was just revealed to the world at large—in one convenient place? Well, have we got an article, and accompanying galleries, for you! Live your best lightsaber life by clicking here to read more… trust us, you don’t want to miss a fraction of it.
Disney Cruise Line’s Return to Greece in Summer 2020
Fans of sailing the seven seas, pack your suitcases (it’s never too early!) and take heed: In summer 2020, Disney Cruise Line will embark on a variety of amazing itineraries around the world, including a long-awaited return to Greece—as well as the addition of five first-time ports of call in Europe.
After a five-year hiatus, the Disney Magic will return to Greece in Summer 2020 as part of three special Mediterranean voyages departing from Rome. During one 12-night and two nine-night cruises, guests will marvel at the beautiful landscapes and archeological wonders of destinations like Piraeus, the gateway to Athens; Katakolon, near ancient Olympia; and the incredibly beautiful islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete.
Each of these unique Mediterranean itineraries combines a selection of stops in Greece with visits to other notable cities in the region. For instance, two of the sailings include a new port of call in Messina, Italy, where guests can visit landmarks in Sicily such as Mount Etna, the highest and most active volcano in Europe—and the third features a return to the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik, Croatia, for the first time in half a decade.
Additional new ports of call in Europe include Gdynia, Poland; Nordfjordeid, Norway; Plymouth, England; and Zeebrugge, Belgium. This new collection of destinations is part of the Disney Magic’s grand tour of Europe in Summer 2020, which begins with sailings through the Mediterranean and Greek Isles before heading to northern Europe in late summer for cruises to the Baltic, British Isles, and Norwegian fjords.
Along with an expanded European season aboard the Disney Magic, adventures will continue across the fleet with summer season sailings to Alaska, and all manner of tropical fun during itineraries in the Caribbean and Bahamas. For more information on all things Disney Cruise Line, visit DisneyCruise.com
Meet Steve’s Inner Monologue: Ed Helms to Narrate Disneynature’s Penguins
Let’s face it: Penguins are some of the most adorable animals on planet Earth. So it’s no wonder that our friends at Disneynature chose these cuddly aquatic birds as the subject of their latest theatrical feature. Well, now we know who’ll be giving voice to said feature, which follows the antics of an Adélie penguin named Steve… actor Ed Helms!
The former Daily Show correspondent (and The Office’s Andy Bernard) recently announced his participation in the film, which waddles—penguins are flightless, y’know—into theaters on April 17, just in time for Earth Day. “Disney movies are filled with poignancy and real emotion, but also are extremely funny and relatable—this movie is no different,” Helms recently said. “I get to voice Steve’s inner monologue as well as straight narration… It was a really fun challenge for me—a privilege getting to imagine what this penguin might be thinking—and I’m really excited about it!”
Directed by Alastair Fothergill and Jeff Wilson, Penguins is the eighth theatrical release for Disneynature—and their first-ever film to be released in IMAX format, celebrating 10 years since its first feature premiered in theaters. And for each ticket sold opening week, Disneynature will make a donation to the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) to help protect penguins across the southern hemisphere. Cool, huh?
Exclusive Images from Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure
D23 was lucky enough to get our hot little proverbial hands on some super-fun—not to mention exclusive—images from this weekend’s brand-new episode of Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, airing on Disney Channel this Sunday, March 3. Take a look, and read more about what you can expect, by clicking here.
Captain Marvel Soars into Disney Parks in Just a Few Days…
With the arrival of Carol Danvers—aka Captain Marvel—on the big screen in just over a week, it’s also time for her to make an appearance at Disney Parks around the globe!
Beginning in March, Captain Marvel will make her triumphant arrival inside Disney California Adventure park on an armored S.H.I.E.L.D. vehicle—escorted by a team of agents as she makes her way to Hangar 12 in the northeast corner of Hollywood Land for some truly Heroic Encounters. She’ll also be touching down March 8 at Shanghai Disneyland, where she’ll appear at the Pepsi E-Stage in Tomorrowland—and later in the month, on March 23, she’ll be dropping into Disneyland Paris at the Blockbuster Café, in honor of Walt Disney Studios Park’s Marvel Season of Super Heroes event.
Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel is an all-new adventure that follows the journey of ace Air Force pilot Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the most powerful heroes in the universe. When Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom. See it on the big screen beginning March 8.
A Historic Night at the 91st Oscars®
It was an evening filled with gorgeous gowns, memorable performances, and stars a-plenty—not to mention a few truly historic wins for both Disney•Pixar and Marvel Studios! Read up on what happened during the recent Academy Awards right here at D23.com.
Your Guide to All Things Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
If you’ve read News Briefs—or, really, D23.com in general—for any length of time, you know that we thoroughly enjoy ourselves some delectable Disney Parks eats and treats. There are so many options, we usually don’t know where to begin! Thankfully, we’ve come up with a handy-dandy guide to this spring’s Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, which is sure to be memorable delicious… Click here for all the mouth-watering merriment.
The 2019 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival begins today! This year, the fan-favorite Festival expands to 54 days.
From March 1 to April 23, Festival Marketplaces will line the path all the way from Buena Vista Street to Paradise Gardens Park, brandishing flavors and fare that range all the way from Pepperoni Pizza Egg Rolls to Salmon Poke and Cauliflower Ceviche. But, no matter which dish catches your nose, each and every one has the same thing in common: California.
“Food & Wine is a focus on California cuisine and basically everything California, from Southern California and that melting pot, all the way up through Napa and its wine,” Chef de Cuisine Jimmy Weita told us when we sat down to discuss all things foodie- and Festival-related. “Produce, cheeses, dairy, anything that comes out of California.”
From the appropriately named Avocado Time Marketplace to the Meyer Lemon Blue Diamond Almond Macaron, it’s not hard to find culinary traces of the Golden State.
But, it isn’t just California that inspires Weita and his team; it’s something as simple as finding unique combinations, or as he puts it “a Disney twist.” In previous years, the hit combinations were scrumptious items such as Bagel Chip Nachos and the Thanksgiving Tamale. And, this year, that “touch of Disney” tradition continues. For 2019, you only have to travel to the Golden Dreams Marketplace by the Redwood Challenge Trail to taste two of the treats created with pixie-dusted magic: the Deconstructed Teriyaki Chicken Musubi with Pineapple Relish and the Anaheim Chile Relleno Bites with Salsa Verde.
If you’ve visited Disneyland Resort recently, you may have stopped by the new Tropical Hideaway and tried one—or more—of the tasty baos. Or, maybe you’ve found yourself filling up on ramen and other vegetarian delights that have been popping up around the park. The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will be no different. In keeping up with the recent trend, Weita and his team have included several brand-new vegetarian options that everyone (yes, even meat lovers) will enjoy.
One vegetarian option you’ll find at the Peppers Cali-ente near Wine Country Trattoria is the Ghost Pepper Mac and Cheese with Chili Cheese Corn Chip Dust. The macaroni and cheese, as all Festival aficionados know, is something that keeps coming back every year, just a little bit different every time. “It’s a really cool dish, because there’s a new incarnation of it every year,” Weita says. And the spice level? Well, he says, with some mischief in his eyes, “It’ll light you on fire!”
New to the Festival this year is the Dinner with the Disney Chefs event, held on March 28. Weita, along with Chef John State and Pastry Chef Jean-Marc Viallet, have put together a cookbook with recipes from the Festivals they’ve had a hand in creating, and at the Dinner with the Disney Chefs event on March 28, you’ll be able to hear all about the creation of the book and enjoy a four-course dinner inspired by Festival recipes. Perfectly paired with hand-selected wine and cocktails, the four courses will showcase flavors, cooking techniques, and beautiful presentation.
Each year, the Festival gets better and better, from offering all the familiar favorites to new ones guaranteed to please the palate. “Now that we’ve had so many Festivals under our belt, we have a lot of choices,” Weita says. “There are those fan favorites that we always bring back, but then we supplement those with all-new recipes, because we always come up with wacky and crazy ideas.”
The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival starts today, so be sure to check out our foodie guide and plan out everything you want to see while you eat. We can’t wait to try all of those wacky and crazy ideas.
Every year, the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns to Anaheim, bringing all kinds of flavors and fares inspired by the Golden State for guests to try. This year is no different, and with the Festival extended to 54 days of treats, full-on eats, and libations, we have more time than ever before to try every delightful delicacy.
If you want a guide to help you taste your way through the festival, the Sip and Savor Pass is the perfect way to go. Not only does it include a souvenir lanyard and credential, but it entitles you to eight select food or non-alcoholic beverage items from any participating Marketplaces, Paradise Garden Grill, and select Festival Food & Beverage Carts.
And, while you’re sipping, strolling, and munching, there are tons of events going on inside the Park to keep you entertained (and informed) while you enjoy your food. Click here to read about everything happening throughout the festival.
Now, without further ado, here is absolutely everything you can eat, drink, and enjoy at Disney California Food & Wine Festival.
Nuts About Cheese Near Carthay Circle Restaurant at the Festival Entrance
Food:
Fiscalini White Cheddar Lager Soup served in a Mini Boudin Sourdough Bread Bowl (V)
Ham and Vella Jack Cheese Pinwheel with Smoked Pistachios
When Disney Legend and Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith passed away, he left a legacy that will stand the test of time. Even more than that, anyone who was fortunate enough to meet Dave and get to know him will forever remember his unparalleled knowledge of The Walt Disney Company, his rapier wit, his generosity of spirit, and his natural humility. In honor of the passing of this man of towering accomplishment, we wanted to share some of the memories of the people who knew him best—the Disney archivists who worked at his side.
“I worked for Dave for 17 years, and then worked with him for an additional eight years after his retirement. And for more than a quarter of a century, I was constantly amazed by how much he knew. Now I am amazed by how much of it he shared. Convincing Roy O. Disney to let him start the world’s first entertainment archive was just the beginning. Once the Walt Disney Archives was founded, Dave went on to amass a monumental amount of information and organized it all into a collection that could be mined for deep historical insight, glorious inspiration, and pure fun. And he shared those treasures with those of us who worked at The Walt Disney Company, with historians around the world, and especially with fans who passionately love Disney. Dave’s incredible depth of knowledge about Disney will always be unsurpassed, but I think the true legacy that he left behind is that he so generously shared that knowledge with people of like mind. Dave’s opus, Disney A to Z, is the desktop reference for all Disney historians, and his ‘Ask Dave’ columns over the years have educated and entertained Disney aficionados all around the world. But for me, his most lasting impact was in the enjoyment that he took in mentoring others. He left behind a living legacy and the world is richer for it.” Becky Cline, Walt Disney Archives
“One thing that always struck me about Dave was, after decades leading the Archives and being considered the world’s utmost Disney historian, he was always committed to learning and knowing more about the always-growing company. He would watch every Disney film–from Nikki, Wild Dog of the North to Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3—and even every Disney Channel Original Movie in between—and then update Disney A to Z accordingly. His quest to learn about and document the Company stretched to the parks, too. I was lucky enough to accompany Dave during his first trip to Hong Kong Disneyland in May 2010, which marked the last of the 11 (at that time!) Disney theme parks around the world for him to visit. He graciously met with the cast members–and local fans–bringing an array of Archives treasures to show them, including Hong Kong Disneyland ticket No. 1 and the earliest comic book printed locally. Said Dave, ‘The press came over to cover the event, and the next day I was probably in a dozen papers written in Cantonese!’ After the cast member presentations, local employees began emptying out their desks to find all sorts of newly recognized treasures, dating back to the park’s opening day, to donate to the Archives. His commitment to giving back to employees, and his friendships with people around the world were such an asset during my time at the Archives, and to this day. We always had someone to email when we needed to track down a guide map that we were missing, or someone to call to verify an obscure fact. Dave’s commitment to the Company and its heritage is something that will continue to inspire so many people around the world, especially for those of us who were lucky enough to know him.” Justin Arthur, Walt Disney Archives (2011-2018)
“One of the most cherished moments that I shared with Dave Smith was visiting Walt Disney’s original Laugh-O-gram Films studio location in Kansas City, Missouri, in 2012. Dave regaled us with stories from his 1970s visit to the site where he was able to explore the interior of the building with the assistance of one of Walt’s Laugh-O-gram stenographers and bookkeepers, Nadine Missakian.” Mike Buckhoff, Walt Disney Archives
“Dave signed my copy of Disney A to Z three days after I started working in the Walt Disney Archives. I will never forget that day. It had always been my dream to work in the Archives, and my dream came true. Dave’s book serves as a constant reminder and inspiration to me. To know I’m continuing the legacy of Dave Smith is truly amazing.” Dennis Emslie, Walt Disney Archives
“While it’s hard for me to pick only one, my favorite memories of Dave always have to do with his laugh. Throughout the countless film screenings we’d go to together (to review the newest Disney film shortly before or after it was released), I could always tell how much Dave was enjoying a movie based on how much he’d laugh. Having the chance to chat with him after about what he liked (or, didn’t) and where we thought the film at hand would stack up in the pantheon of great Disney films was a sublime treat that this movie fan relished, and, frankly, is something I’m going to dearly miss. Dave could be a gracious, honest, and wonderfully funny critic—his one-line reviews sometimes bringing us all to laughter-filled tears. While I’ll always be grateful for the guidance and mentorship he shared with me over the years, Dave’s sense of humor—and laughter—will always be at the forefront of how I remember him.” Kevin Kern, Walt Disney Archives
“I will remember Dave as somebody who was generous with his time and knowledge. Despite not knowing who I was when I first contacted him back in 2010, he offered me a tour of the Walt Disney Archives and lunch at the commissary during my first visit to the Studio lot. In subsequent years, Dave would continue to devote hours of his time to my visits with him in both Florida and California. His unselfishness and accessibility were the two things I admired most about him. Dave had a way of making you feel like a welcomed friend anytime you came to see him. Despite his title and status within The Walt Disney Company, Dave always made sure that people were his priority.” Matt Moryc, Walt Disney Archives
“It always impressed me so much to see how Dave interacted with not only our Disney Legends, but our cast members, employees, Imagineers, and guests. Having coordinated many of the Disney Legends events he attended, I always knew I could look forward to seeing Dave smiling amidst the crowd and watch how much joy he brought to every room he walked into.” Joanna Pratt, Walt Disney Archives
“Some of my favorite memories with Dave were the times we had to drive down to Disneyland very early in the morning so we could do walk-throughs of the attractions prior to Park opening. Dave wanted to be sure we understood everything that went into each Disney product and project. After visiting with librarians and archivists at other studios, too, Dave would always stroll around the backlots. He said, ‘If you’re carrying a clipboard and look like you know where you’re going, and what you’re doing, no one will stop you.’ And no one did!” Paula Sigman-Lowery, Walt Disney Archives (1975-1990)
“‘How much does Walt Disney World weigh?’ What a bizarre question the chief archivist of The Walt Disney Company asked aloud as he entered the back room of the Walt Disney Archives. Since 1983, Dave had been answering Disney fans’ most pressing questions through his popular ‘Ask Dave’ column, and this was just his latest research mission. Dave was totally committed to his audience—millions around the world who had an appreciation and curiosity for Walt Disney and the company he founded—and it pleased him greatly to combine and use the different collections he amassed in the Archives to solve mysteries, bust myths, and shine a light on the lesser-known parts of Disney history. He researched and responded to every guest letter or email as soon as he could, and his staff was only honored to help. In the case of his ‘Ask Dave’ questions, Dave’s answers would be compiled and published later (originally in Disney Channel Magazine and eventually into books like Disney Trivia From the Vault and Disney Facts Revealed from Disney Editions). Other puzzling questions included ‘Did Walt Disney actually say, ‘If you can dream it, you can do it’?’ (we found no record of Walt saying this) or ‘What genus and species of cricket is Jiminy Cricket?’ It turns out Dave couldn’t come up with a weight for Walt Disney World (he assumed the question had something to do with the fact that the guest areas of the Magic Kingdom are actually on the ‘second level’ of the park), but his time spent researching was a testament to how greatly it pleased him to help others. Even after retiring in 2010, Dave continued to delight and enlighten Disney fans—a life’s passion he would ultimately perform for half a century.” Steven Vagnini, Walt Disney Archives (2006-2014)
“On January 25, 2019, after Dave joined D23 members for the recent ‘Lunch with a Legend’ event, he visited the Archives for the first time in quite a few months. After taking in our newest Reading Room exhibits, Dave asked me if there were any Archives staff he hadn’t met yet. It was a privilege to introduce a few of our newest staff members to the legendary gentleman that founded our department, and personally, I was brought back to the excitement I felt the first time I met him nearly 10 years before. Dave lived to engage with people who cared about what he did—and that was all things Disney.” Kelsey Williams, Walt Disney Archives
Marvel Studios fans, you’re going to want to assemble at the Captain Marvel Experience at Disney store Times Square! Starting March 1 at 9 a.m., explore an immersive Captain Marvel-themed area and see costumes from the movie! Click here for more information on this super-exciting experience.
Plus—go higher, further, faster with your fandom at the Captain Marvel Fan Thursday Event! On March 7, heard to Disney store locations across the U.S. for a chance to celebrate Captain Marvel. You can:
Get early access to Captain Marvel collectible figures by Hot Toys, the Captain Marvel Hat by New Era, and additional collectible surprises!*
See a sneak peek from the movie before it’s in theaters!
Watch an exclusive video on the Captain Marvel Special-Edition Doll!
Photo opportunities!
Plus, the first 30 guests who purchase any Captain Marvel products during the event will receive a free Captain Marvel Fan Thursday event lithograph
*New products release on March 7 at 4 p.m. and have limited quantities available. Events do not take place in Outlet locations.
For more information on this Captain Marvel Fan Thursdays, click here.
Keep the adventure going when Captain Marvel flies into theaters on March 8.
Adventures abound in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, coming this summer to Disneyland Resort and this fall to Walt Disney World Resort. Encompassing 14 acres in each park, the immersive lands build off decades of collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm Ltd. Droids and humans alike will be transported to the planet Batuu, located along the galaxy’s Outer Rim on the fringe of Wild Space. There, they will discover the Black Spire Outpost, an infamous port for explorers, smugglers, and traders who want to fly under the radar—literally and figuratively.
In their efforts to defeat the First Order, the Resistance has temporarily set up shop in an abandoned, ancient base encircled by forests, mountains, and rivers on the outskirts of Black Spire Outpost. Throughout the land in both parks, fans may see some familiar faces, including Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, BB-8, and Chewbacca—and even find themselves in a face-off with the First Order.
There are three carefully designed entrance points to Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland, allowing guests to enter via Critter Country, Fantasyland, or Frontierland, and two entrance points at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Short enclosed passageways between lands are designed to compress and then expand the views of visitors, like a movie fading out and then back in, to ensure that the first sight of Galaxy’s Edge is a carefully framed, cinematic view.
As previously announced, Academy Award®-winning composer John Williams has created original musical themes especially for the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land and its attractions; composers and songwriters from all over the world also contributed original songs for Oga’s Cantina.
Altogether, between 5,000 and 6,000 people have touched the projects on both coasts. “We wanted to build a place where guests could feel, ‘I could be meaningful here,’” says Scott Trowbridge, portfolio creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “[But] if you want to be passive, you can just watch, too.” Long before construction began, Trowbridge says Star Wars fans would almost all tell him the same thing: “Oh, my gosh! I want to fly on the Millennium Falcon.” Thanks to Trowbridge, the Imagineers, and Lucasfilm, that shared dream is about to become a reality.
SET YOUR HYPERSPACE COORDINATES
Two thrilling attractions await those bold enough to oppose the First Order. In Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, guests will climb into the cockpit of “the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” to take control of the ship, acting in one of three roles: pilot, flight engineer, or gunner.
“Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is a level of guest participation in a ride that we haven’t done,” says Robin Reardon, portfolio executive producer, Walt Disney Imagineering. “When you step into that cockpit as the only flight crew of the onlyMillennium Falcon for the day that’s going on that mission, that’s a pretty amazing leap in terms of storytelling from the very beginning. And the payoff and participatory nature of the experience are, so far, unparalleled.”
The second attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, is one of the most advanced and immersive experiences ever undertaken by Walt Disney Imagineering. As new Resistance recruits, guests will join a climactic battle against the First Order, including a run-in with Kylo Ren. Their journey will take them inside a full-size starship and aboard a nearby Star Destroyer.
Disney Imagineers worked with Lucasfilm Ltd., as well as with directors and producers J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson, to maximize the experience. “It’s more than just a ride,” says John Larena, executive creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering. “It’s a cinematic immersive experience.”
Calling it “one of the most complex things we have ever done,” Reardon promises Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is replete with “experiential, jaw-dropping, how-did-they-do-that? moments.”
Adds Larena, “We have had wonderful cooperation with Lucasfilm, coordinating shoots with [the actors’] shoots. Turns out, they’re fans, as well. We’re thrilled to get them on a ride, and they’re thrilled to be on a ride. Fitting this within the framework of the movies is very important.” And since the stars mostly film in front of façades on set, “To see it all around is amazing for them.”
FUEL UP WITH OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD FARE
If you’re like C-3PO, who thinks “space travel sounds rather perilous”—or if you simply want to unwind after a daring day of wandering through Black Spire Outpost—look no further than Oga’s Cantina, where even the blaster-bolt scorches on the walls tell a story. Run by an intriguing alien proprietor, Oga Garra, this watering hole invites guests to share their tales from around the galaxy as they enjoy exotic beverages served in unique vessels. Potations with alcohol include Bespin Fizz, Bloody Rancor, Dagobah Slug Slinger, Fuzzy Tauntaun, Jedi Mind Trick, Jet Juice, The Outer Rim, Spriran Caf, T-16 Skyhopper, and Yub Nub; non-alcoholic libations include Black Spire Brew, Blue Bantha, Carbon Freeze, Cliff Dweller, Hyperdrive Punch It!, Jabba Juice, Moogan Tea, and Tarine Tea; and provisions include a Cantina mix. Keep your spaceships parked, as all beverages in Oga’s Cantina will be the same on both coasts.
You’ll find Oga lurking in the shadows, and locals know better than to dare cross the proprietor. DJ R-3X—formerly known as Captain Rex, the Starspeeder 3000 pilot droid from Star Tours—now calls Oga’s Cantina his home, where he’s in charge of providing the musical entertainment.
Feeling hungrier than a Leviathan? Head over to Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, a multi-purpose transport shuttle docked atop a large hangar for traveling food shuttles. That’s where Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs has converted his modified Sienar-Chall Utilipede-Transport into a popular mobile kitchen and restaurant. His travels across the galaxy allow him to fill his pantry with exotic ingredients, and he’s proud to present Tuggs’ Grub, a “traveling diner for diners traveling,” inspired by dishes he created during his time working for Maz Kanata on Takodana.
Non-alcoholic beverages include the Phattro and Moof Juice, while entrées include the Braised Shaak Roast, featuring beef pot roast with cavatelli pasta, kale, and mushrooms; the Fried Endorian Tip-Yip, a decadent chicken dish with roasted vegetable mash and herb gravy; the Felucian Garden Spread, a plant-based kefta “meatball” dish with herb hummus and tomato-cucumber relish with pita bread; the Ithorian Garden Loaf, a plant-based “meatloaf” dish served with roasted vegetable mash, seasonal vegetables, and mushroom sauce; the Smoked Kaadu Ribs, featuring smoked country sticky pork ribs with blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw; the Oven-roasted Burra Fish, featuring Dijon-crusted sustainable fish with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds with a creamy green curry ranch dressing; the Oven-roasted Tip Yip, featuring roasted chicken with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds with a creamy green curry ranch dressing; and the Yobshrimp Noodle Salad, a marinated noodle salad with chilled shrimp. Dessert options include a raspberry crème puff with passion fruit mousse, and chocolate cake with white chocolate mouse and coffee custard. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo has two children’s menu options: fried chicken with macaroni and cheese; and chilled shrimp with vegetables and rice noodle salad (with sweet orange dressing).
Meanwhile, Ronto Roasters’ large podracing engine will be firing up a barbecue pit for mouth-watering sandwiches. When customers line up to order, they will encounter a former smelter droid, carefully turning the spit of meats (and complaining about his job). Items include the Meiloorun Juice, the Turkey Jerky, and the Ronto Wrap filled with spiced grilled sausage and roasted pork. Guests will also be able to choose from a variety of exotic non-alcoholic drinks, like the Sour Sarlacc or Tatooine Sunset.
Elsewhere in the bustling market, the Milk Stand will offer two local favorites: blue milk, first seen in Star Wars: A New Hope, and green milk, introduced in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Four years ago, the team visited Lucasfilm to get ideas for the ingredients, according to Michele Gendreau, food & beverage director, Disneyland Resort; Brian Koziol, food & beverage concept development director, Walt Disney World Resort; and Brian Piasecki, culinary director, Concept Development, Walt Disney World Resort. Lucasfilm’s response: “You get to write the story.” After brainstorming what a bantha might consume in order to produce blue milk, for example, they landed on a plant-based dairy drink, allowing more guests to enjoy it.
Other vendors in the area will highlight local delicacies, like the colorful Outpost Mix—a popcorn snack combining savory, spicy, and sweet flavors—available to try at Kat Saka’s Kettle.
Check out all the food and drink options coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge:
GET YOUR GEAR—NO GALACTIC CREDITS REQUIRED
The Droid Depot is located in the market, inviting patrons to pick parts and pieces off a conveyor belt, then build and customize their astromech droids (R-series or BB-series); the droids are capable of interacting with elements in the land, responding to guests’ behaviors. Additional programming chips and accessories can be added to the droids to further customize their abilities. The Droid Depot will also offer guests pre-built droids, including a C-3PO who has quite a bit to say (especially if you “accidentally” take off his head and put it on backwards!) and a Rex who will happily play whatever music you have on your smartphone through an intergalactic Bluetooth connection. The shop also offers droid-inspired products and much more—and intergalactic tourists needn’t fret, as all merchandise will be labeled in dollars.
Meanwhile, at Savi’s Workshop, guests are given the opportunity to draw upon the Force as they build their own elegant lightsaber. At the heart of every saber is a kyber crystal, and during a guided tour, each guest will have four options to choose from: Peace Justice (modeled after Jedi from the Republic era); Power Control (a nod to the Sith); Elemental Nature (harnessing air, earth, fire, and water); and Defense (shrouded in mystery). Will you embrace the light side of the Force, like Luke Skywalker, or the dark side of the Force?
Inside Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, visitors will find a selection of mysterious and rare items for sale representing different eras of the Star Wars galaxy, including ancient Jedi and Sith artifacts, holocrons, lightsabers, and more. As they explore the shop’s nooks and crannies, they will find Dok at his desk, checking his inventory, taking calls, and barking orders at his assistants.
Guests who venture to the Creature Stall will find some fascinating and unusual beasts from all across the galaxy, ranging from the friendly (porgs, tauntauns) to the not-so-friendly (rathtars, wampas). Nearby, you’ll find the Toydarian Toymaker stall, offering items crafted by its namesake alien, first seen buzzing around Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. It peddles artisan-style plush characters, wood and tin toys, and instruments.
Resistance Supply is a “makeshift” resource location at the Resistance’s hidden command post, selling badges, hats, pins, and other accessories to help guests feel like part of the cause. On the flip side, First Order Cargo is a temporary storage dock located near the market. Easily identified by a never-before-seen First Order TIE echelon, it gives interstellar tourists a chance to pledge their loyalty to the First Order by purchasing caps, gear, model ships, pins, and more.
“This is the first place they touched down,” Brad Schoeneberg, director, Merchandise Strategy & New Park Experience Development, Walt Disney World Resort, says of First Order Cargo’s vendors. “They are trying to win the hearts and minds of locals with propaganda and merch.”
One thing you won’t find: “evergreen” Star Wars products. Everything was created specifically for Galaxy’s Edge. Or, as Brad puts it, “We’re giving today’s consumers an experience only we can deliver.” Items reflect the stories of yore, as they’ve been told throughout Black Spire Outpost. With a vast array of innovative goods, he adds, “[There are] many levels of discovery.”
Check out a range of products available exclusively at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge:
MAXIMIZE THE MOMENT ON YOUR MOBILE PHONE
Make the most of your first—or hundredth—visit to Batuu by downloading the Play Disney Parks mobile app. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the first land designed to integrate with the one-of-a-kind app, which debuted last summer and offers interactive adventures and experiences that bring surrounding environments to life at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
The app will provide new opportunities for guests to engage with the land, like translating a galactic language, learning what’s hidden inside crates and containers, or accomplishing certain tasks by participating in missions. Guests also can use the app to interact with a variety of elements, like antenna arrays, door panels, drinking fountains, droids, media screens, and ships.
So please be seated. Keep your hands and arms inside the Millennium Falcon at all times. And prepare to venture light speed to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Rapunzel, Eugene, Pascal, and Max are back! A brand-new episode of Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure debuts this weekend, and we’ve got a trio of exclusive images from the latest installment, “Max and Eugene in ‘Peril on the High Seas.’”
It’s the pirate’s life for the Corona crew when they take to the sea for an exciting new adventure. Max and Eugene find themselves stranded at sea, only to realize that the passing ship that saves them isn’t quite what they expected.
Set your alarm clock to get up bright and early this Sunday, March 3. Watch the new episode on Disney Channel (7:30–8 a.m. EST) or on DisneyNOW—where you can also catch up on episodes from the animated series and relive Rapunzel and Eugene’s royal romance. Sounds like the perfect beginning to the Best. Day. Ever.
While we can barely believe that March is almost here, we’re overjoyed that it means the annual Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is almost here, as well! And, this year, the festival is longer than ever, with 54 whole days of food, delicious drinks, and fun!
From March 1 to April 23, 2019, Disney California Adventure will become home to flavors and fare inspired by the Golden State. There will be new eats, unforgettable treats, and so many things to see and do.
Lucky for you, we’ve got the roundup of everything you can partake in during the festivities. Be sure to keep checking back here for updates on all things food-related.
Culinary Curiosities
While your taste buds will be tantalized with all the flavors there are to try, you’ll also be able to learn more about how the treats came to be. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays you can witness culinary demonstrations by some of the most celebrated chefs in the industry, who will share their own go-to recipes (that we may very well attempt to re-create at home) and their tips and tricks for preparing a perfect, seasonal dish. Family-friendly seminars will also be presented on these days by Chef Daniella Malfitano, who will give you and yours the opportunity to discover how preparing and sharing a meal together makes for a wonderful time to spend as a family.
At the Junior Chef experience on the Backlot Stage in Hollywood Land, your young aspiring foodies, with some help from Chef Goofy, will be able to participate by following a recipe until it leads them to a tasty surprise.
Flavored Festivities
While the full list of food offerings is still to come, we already know of a couple ways you can get your grub on during the festival. This year, there will be new tastes to satisfy all of your culinary cravings. Dinner with Disney Chefs and Winemaker Receptions at Carthay Circle Restaurant are new this year, and we’ll also welcome some favorites back like Sweet Sundays, which will be held at the Palisades Stage in Paradise Gardens Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Plus, this year’s festival will also feature some special events, each for one day only—so make sure to plan now! Click here to learn more, and for reservation and ticketing information.
March 9 — Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri will be at Palisades Stage in Paradise Gardens Park
March 10 — Jean-Marc Viallet, Disneyland Resort Executive Pastry Chef*
March 22 — MacMurray Ranch Vineyards Winemaker Reception with Kate MacMurray at Carthay Circle Restaurant
March 24 — Matt Lewis, Baked NY and Tokyo, Baked: New Frontiers in Baking*
March 28 — Dinner with Disney Chefs at The Vineyard Room at Wine Country Trattoria
April 7 — Emily Ellyn, Food Network Star and Cutthroat Kitchen*
April 19 — Silverado Vineyards Winemaker Reception with Jonathan Emmerich at Carthay Circle Restaurant
April 21 — Keegan Gerhard, Food Network Challenge*
*Sweet Sunday event
There will be new eats, unforgettable treats, and so many things to see and do.
On Thursday, March 28, you can also partake in a very special event, Dinner with the Disney Chefs. From 6:30–9 p.m. in the Vineyard Room at Wine Country Trattoria, you’ll be able to meet the Disneyland Resort chefs and sommeliers featured in the new Disney Festivals Cookbook, all while feasting on a delicious four-course dinner with Festival-inspired dishes, paired with hand-selected wines and cocktails.
Marvelous Merchandise
We all know that no trip to a Disney Park is complete without stocking up on all of the limited-time goodies that we can carry home with us! From accessories and a new spirit jersey to the perfect match for your kitchen, check out all of the merchandise you can snag at this year’s festival.
Appetizing Attire
In this year’s selection of merchandise, there is something to please every palate. Show your love for all things tasty by adding another spirit jersey to your collection (or perhaps this can be your inaugural one!), plus you can also grab another pair of ears (adorned with a dinglehopper, no less!) to be the perfect condiment to your ensemble.
Accessories a la Carte
Display your tasteful Disney style with themed merchandise that ranges from tees and hats, to bags. There’s a little something that’ll please every kind of taste bud.
Kitchenware with some Kitchen Flair
If you take part in any of the Festival’s seminars (or if you’re already a chef yourself), you know that the kitchen is at the heart of all the most delicious magic! Add a dose of pixie dust to your meal prep with a cutting board that we’re sure will make a perfect match to your kitchen aesthetic.
Please note that many of the Disney California Food & Wine Festival events are included with admission to Disney California Adventure park. Special signature events, demonstrations, and seminars will require a separate fee. Additional details and reservation information for the select signature events and seminars can be found at Disneyland.com/FoodandWine. You can also check for the latest information and schedules as they become available at Disneyland.com.
