You Have to Meet Purl, the Star of Pixar’s Newest Short

By Beth Deitchman

Pixar Animation Studios has woven together an exciting new film program, SparkShorts, an experimental storytelling initiative that welcomes new creative voices at the studio to share their stories. The program’s first three shorts recently made their big-screen debut at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre, and Purl launched on YouTube today.

Purl follows the title character, an earnest ball of yarn, as she embarks on her first day at B.R.O. Capital and endeavors to become one of the guys. How far will Purl go to fit in? Find out below in the short from director Kristen Lester and producer Gillian Libbert-Duncan.

“The SparkShorts program is designed to discover new storytellers, explore new storytelling techniques, and experiment with new production workflows,” said Jim Morris, president of Pixar Animation Studios. “These films are unlike anything we’ve ever done at Pixar, providing an opportunity to unlock the potential of individual artists and their inventive filmmaking approaches on a smaller scale than our normal fare.”

Sparkshorts

“We want to nurture our future storytellers and encourage them to share their stories with the world. Who are the future directors and producers and what crazy new ideas do they have brewing? What is the next big breakthrough in our industry?” added Lindsey Collins, vice president of development for Pixar.

“Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of SparkShorts,” she continued. “The program was created to provide opportunities to a wide array of artists—each with something unique to say.”

The two additional SparkShorts films are coming to the Disney•Pixar YouTube channel in the coming weeks:

Sparkshorts

  • Smash and Grab, directed by Brian Larsen and produced by David Lally, tells the story of a pair antiquated robots who risk everything for freedom and for each other after spending years toiling away inside the engine room of a towering locomotive. The short will be available on YouTube on February 11.

Sparkshorts

  • Kitbull, from director Rosana Sullivan and producer Kathryn Hendrickson, spotlights the unlikely friendship between a fiercely independent stray kitten and a pit bull. Look for Kitbull on YouTube on February 18.

The trio of SparkShorts (along with future films) will also be available on Disney+, The Walt Disney Company’s upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service, which is set to launch in the U.S. later this year.

Every New Disney Trailer from The Game

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Today is traditionally a day when football fans gather together to watch the game and root for their favorite team, but they aren’t the only fans with their eyes glued to their TVs today. Disney fans had several big reasons to tune in today, as several highly anticipate trailers for upcoming Disney films made their debut during today’s broadcast. Didn’t have a chance to catch them all? We’ve rounded them up right here, so you can catch every moment of excitement and Disney magic.

Captain Marvel
We’re almost a month away from Carol Danvers’ big debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and this new trailer is only making our anticipation higher, further, faster.

Avengers: Endgame
It’s the movie 10 years in the making, and April 26 cannot come soon enough! While this new sneak peek doesn’t give us any answers on what happened to our faves since that fateful snap, it does make us even more excited (is that even possible?) to see everyone take on Thanos in Avengers: Endgame.

Toy Story 4
It’s been a big week for fans anticipating Toy Story 4: Bo Peep’s new, action-ready design debuted earlier this week, along with the Twitter account for the hilarious newcomers, Ducky and Bunny. If that wasn’t enough, our excitement has gone to infinity and beyond thanks to this new trailer that debuted after the game!

Happy 2319 from the D23 Team!

By Justin Arthur

On February 3, 2019 (get it? 2/3/19?), D23 is declaring it 2319 Day, in honor of one of our favorite Monster’s Inc. moments. So break out the snow cones!

Artist Jerrod Maruyama scared up this incredible image to celebrate the day with us. Check out more of his amazing work at the WonderGround Gallery and at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts!

2319 day

So, from all of us at D23, happy 2319, Everyone! Put down that paperwork, and share this with all of your googly bears today!

The Super New Bowl Trend Coming to Disney Parks

By Karina Schink

From the recent debut of the Tropical Hideaway at Disneyland Resort, to the impending opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on both coasts, you may have noticed that things are changing a bit at some of our favorite Disney Parks.

There are a lot of good eats making delectable debuts. From savory baos to ramen shakers, the chefs have been hard at work to deliver the best of the best to each and every hungry guest. We had the opportunity to talk to four of the chefs making magic behind the scenes at the parks about the newest super addition to Parks menus: bowls!

While these convenient-on-the-go lunches have been popping up all over, Chef de Cuisine at Disneyland Resort Mark Buan told us that the story of how bowls ended up at the parks is really quite simple: “(It) all started with the Cast,” he said. “We have a team of different cultures and something like (the bowls), is something we didn’t have.”

While that may be the scoop on how the bowls themselves came to be, the inspiration in their flavor is also a family affair—a Disney family, that is. Walt Disney World Culinary Director Eddie Thomas told us that he’s sure Disney fans and Park guests will love the bowls (both the current ones, and all the new ones that are soon to debut!) because like anything at Disney, they all started with a story. “Any creation must have a story behind it,” he said, “and that is exactly what we (pursued). There is nothing better than when you combine a great story with a super tasty and cool offering.”

Disney bowls

And that great story? It’s a simple (yet scrumptious) tale of taste. What makes these bowls so special is that they are all created with their area in mind. Just as your surroundings transform into the sights and sounds of New Orleans or a small pavilion of Germany, so will your taste buds. Culinary Director John State from Disneyland Resort said he hopes guests are “transported to a unique place with foreign flavors” when they try each bowl.

Culinary Director of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Lenny DeGeorge told us, “The story (of the bowls) is how (their) ingredients fit the theme. At Satu’li Canteen, for example, employees are using Pandora-inspired ingredients.” He also added that each bowl has one goal: “To ignite all of the five basic taste sensations: salty, sour, sweet, bitter, and umami.”

State emphasizes that while there are so many bowls to choose some (and many will have familiar flavors) there are some extraordinary combinations to sample. “The (mint and yuzu juice compressed) watermelon and tuna combination is extraordinary,” he said. “The sweetness of the watermelon along with the touch of acidity combined with the rich savory tuna—fireworks!”

Disney bowls

You may be wondering, what exactly goes into these circular (or sometimes oval, as Mark Buan hinted) vessels? It starts with a base of  rice, then a protein, and different toppings that are always fresh, from Togarashi seasoning, pickled cucumbers, and all the veggies you can imagine.

And, that’s really where the limit is—your imagination.

While all the chefs have different favorites (Lenny recommends the Berbere-spiced Pork Ribs with Cilantro Rice from Harambe Market, while Eddie prefers any that feature Latin flavors), there is one thing they all agree on: no matter what combination you create, the outcome will always be the same: delicious.

Disney bowls

Bowls are already making their superb debut at the Parks (check out the newest addition at White Water Snacks) with many more are on the way! From the Asian Rice Bowl at Lucky Fortune Cookery, to a Shrimp & Noodle Bowl at Satu’li Canteen*, and more, we certainly can’t wait to taste all the unbelieva-bowl flavors!

*not all bowls may be available yet

Bo Peep is Back in Toy Story 4 and Black Panther Returns—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

See a beloved character in action once again, and find out where you can see a Best Picture nominee for free… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Fan Fave Bo Peep Will Re-Team with Woody and Pals in Toy Story 4

We’ve got some sheep-rific news to share, especially for fans of the Toy Story franchise (and aren’t we all?): Bo Peep is back! The long-lost friend of Woody, Buzz, and the whole gang has always shared a special connection with Woody… but they haven’t seen each other in years, and Bo has become a bit chipped and faded over time. However, Bo’s strength—and sarcasm—has always contradicted that delicate porcelain exterior, and it turns out she’s a total adventure-seeking free spirit who feels right at home on the road. When she and Woody are reunited under unlikely circumstances in the upcoming Toy Story 4, they realize they’ve grown worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy…

Check out a brief sneak-peek at Bo’s return in the new Toy Story 4 teaser, above!

Actress Annie Potts (Pretty in Pink, Young Sheldon) returns as the voice of Bo Peep. “She is modern, independent, capable, and confident,” Potts recently said of her character. “Bo is written and conceived to be inspiring as she has weathered life’s ups and downs with grace. I aspire to that.” Look for Bo when the film—directed by Josh Cooley (Riley’s First Date)—hits theaters on June 21.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
February 16, 2018
D23’s Happily Ever After Brunch
February 16, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Sleeping Beauty on the Lot
February 16, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Sleeping Beauty at Walt Disney World
March 7, 2018
Don’t Miss a Complimentary Advance Screening of Captain Marvel
April 5, 2018
Lunch with a Disney Legend–Linda Larkin
April 6, 2018
D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experience: The Lion King on Broadway
August 23-25, 2019
D23 Expo 2019
Parks
January 18-February 25, 2019
2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts
January 25-February 17, 2019
Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure
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
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
February 15, 2019
Kim Possible premieres on Disney Channel (8–9:32 p.m. EST/PST)
February 24, 2019
The Oscars® airs on ABC (8–11 p.m. EST)
March 3, 2019
American Idol kicks off second season on ABC (8–10:01 p.m. EST)

news briefs 1/29

Black Panther Coming Back to Theaters—and Tickets are Free!

Marvel Studios’ Black Panther is rakin’ up some truly stellar wins this “awards season”—including Best Ensemble at the recent SAG Awards… and as you know, it’s also up for Best Picture at the upcoming 91st Oscars®! So color us positively breathless regarding the following news: In celebration of Black History Month, Black Panther will return to the big screen (yes!) for a one-week engagement, from February 1 to 7, at 250 participating AMC Theatres locations nationwide. But that’s not all—to ensure that the movie is accessible to everyone, tickets are free for everyone, and there will be two showings per day at each participating theater.

The Walt Disney Company will also give a $1.5 million grant to support UNCF (United Negro College Fund) in furthering its mission to help minority students access and move to and through college. For 75 years, UNCF has been providing scholarships to students in need, and this grant is part of Disney’s longstanding commitment to diverse communities and to expanding the pipeline of talent.

For free tickets to the Black Panther showings—and a list of participating AMC theaters—visit WeTicketIt.com/BlackPanther.

ICYMI: Maleficent Makes Her Magnificent Return to Magic Kingdom Park

She had a brief sojourn out of the spotlight, but now she’s back—and she’s better than ever. Yes, Maleficent has returned to the Disney’s Festival of Fantasy, which winds its way down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort. See a sneak peek of the float, and read up on what other Sleeping Beauty characters are re-joining the parade, here at D23.com.

Soaring Skyward: Disney Skyliner Now in Testing Phase!

Elsewhere at Walt Disney World, the newest mode of transport between several resort hotels and both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot has just kicked off its initial testing phase! Check out this brand-new look at the adorable gondolas in action, thanks to our friends at the Disney Parks Blog, above.

Scheduled to open this fall, Disney Skyliner is a unique, state-of-the-art gondola system that will conveniently connect Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and the proposed Disney’s Riviera Resort (which is now accepting guest reservations for stays beginning December ’19) to all the fun that Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios have to offer.

Several gondolas will be adorned with graphics based on Disney films, attractions, and characters—including Ralph Breaks the Internet; Frozen; Star Wars; The Haunted Mansion; our pals Mickey Mouse (of course), Chip & Dale, and even Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow; and many more!

So if you’re visiting Walt Disney World Resort soon, keep your eyes to the skies! You might just see a Disney Skyliner gondola in action…

Rejoice in the Colorful Pageantry of Lunar New Year

Now through February 17, Disney California Adventure park is celebrating Lunar New Year—it’s the Year of the Pig, in case you hadn’t heard—with a colorful, multicultural, altogether memorable event. See some of the festive fun in action in the clip above.

Throughout the festivities, guests will experience incredible live entertainment and musical performances, including an enhanced “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession”; lots of fun-filled arts and crafts; beautiful décor; tons of delicious food and drink; and themed merchandise. Even the Three Little Pigs will be joining the jubilee, making a rare DCA appearance! It’s truly an event the whole family can enjoy…

You can find out more at Disneyland.com—and if you attend, do make sure to add your wish for the new year on the beautiful Lucky Wishing Wall over in Paradise Gardens. Here’s to health, happiness, and hope!

The Voices Behind Goofy and Donald Duck Reflect on 17 Years of Kingdom Hearts

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Across the stunning 10-game saga of Kingdom Hearts, when you play as Sora, there are always two familiar faces by your side: Goofy and Donald. That’s right—your epic journey through the worlds of Disney is aided by none other than two classic, comic Disney characters. They join plucky, young Sora again in Kingdom Hearts III, out now for Xbox One and PS4, the latest installment in the Kingdom Hearts story.

Kingdom Hearts III Bill Farmer

Goofy (voiced by Bill Farmer) is the captain of the knights at King Mickey’s royal court, and uses his trusty shield as the main line of defense while taking on a rogue’s gallery of villains.

Kingdom Hearts III Tony Anselmo

Donald (voiced by Tony Anselmo) is the royal magician to King Mickey, fighting with a staff and providing magical assistance during battle, including restoring health… if he feels like it.

Having been with the game from the start—and voicing the classic characters for even longer—Farmer and Anselmo take a look back with us and share their memories from voicing Goofy and Donald during the epic saga of Kingdom Hearts.

Kingdom Hearts III

D23: How is recording for a video game different than doing voice work for movies and shorts?
Bill Farmer (BF): There are typically many, many more lines of dialogue involved with a video game than with a movie or TV series, so I knew that I would be busy with a lot of work.
Tony Anselmo (TA): While there may be more dialogue to record in a game than in a short, the dialogue for our characters must be written, performed, recorded, and mixed, with the same consistency and character integrity as in any other Disney product.

D23: Do you have a favorite memory from working on Kingdom Hearts through the years?
BF: Two things. One, Kingdom Hearts was first produced in Japanese, and so I heard the Japanese actor’s voice in my headphones while I provided the English translation. It’s somewhat of a challenge, but it’s a lot of fun to contribute to such a new and inventive project. Secondly, we do not record in a distinct front-to-back linear fashion, so figuring out the story and how to voice a particular scene was a fun challenge.
TA: I have to say working with my old pal Bill Farmer is never short on laughs.

D23: Do you have a favorite thing about the Kingdom Hearts version of your character?
BF: Seeing how Goofy changes from world to world was my favorite thing.
TA: I’m proud of Donald’s sense of adventure, courage, and heroism.

Kingdom Hearts III

D23: What is your favorite interaction with fans of Kingdom Hearts?
BF: The fans are so involved, and so knowledgeable about the game that it thrills me to know that I am helping to provide something that so many people enjoy.
TA: I’m always impressed by how big a part of their lives Kingdom Hearts is and how dedicated they are.

D23: Did you ever expect Kingdom Hearts to become such a huge phenomenon?
BF: From the look of the game and the story, I knew that it would be a hit, but I had no idea that it would be so massively popular. It was a wonderful surprise.
TA:  We never know at the time. We hope our audience will be entertained, and it’s always rewarding when they are.

D23: Is there something exciting or new in Kingdom Hearts III that fans should look forward to?
BF: I certainly hope so, but I’m usually the last to know, so just keep your ears open. I’m sure there is something great just around the corner.
TA: Even more spectacular animation, color, design, and characters than before.

Kingdom Hearts III

D23: Throughout the different games, your character travels to different worlds and often takes on fun new designs and costumes to match the worlds. Could you name three of your favorite designs of your character?
BF: There are so many to choose from, but I guess my favorites are Halloweentown, Monsters, Inc., and Timeless River.
TA: I must admit, I laughed pretty hard when I saw Donald in his Monster design.

D23: What is something you hope fans take away from playing the Kingdom Hearts games?
BF: I just hope they have as much fun playing the game as we had making it!
TA: If they are entertained, have fun, and come back again for this new game, we couldn’t ask for more.

Kingdom Hearts III

D23: We are coming to the end of a very long saga with Kingdom Hearts III. How does it feel to say goodbye to this beloved franchise?
BF: Like all projects with Goofy, it is sad when the journey ends, but knowing that it will entertain people for years to come makes it all worthwhile.
TA: They asked me that question after we finished the first game. I doubt anything this popular could end any sooner than its audience wants it to.

Kingdom Hearts III is available now for Xbox One and PS4.

You Need to See This Royally Rare Sleeping Beauty Concept Art

By Jocelyn Buhlman

In 1959, we fell under the spell of Sleeping Beauty, the gorgeously animated Disney film known for its unique style inspired by illuminated manuscripts. From the lush backgrounds to the enchanting character designs, the art from this Disney animated classic is unforgettable. To celebrate Sleeping Beauty’s milestone anniversary, check out some of the stunning concept art from the film, courtesy of our friends at the Disney Animation Research Library.

Oscar® Nominations and Women’s Day on Broadway—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

See what Disney films delighted Academy voters, and find out how you can celebrate International Women’s Day with Disney on Broadway… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

We Couldn’t Be More Excited for Disney’s 17 Oscar® Nominations!

Earlier this week, the nominations for the 91st Oscars® were announced, and we were joyfully agog over Disney’s amazing 17 noms—including Marvel Studios’ Black Panther for Best Picture! Check out all the nominations right here at D23.com… and make sure to mark your calendar for the Oscars, airing live on Sunday, February 24, only on ABC.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
January 25, 2018
Lunch with a Disney Legend: Dave Smith
January 26, 2018
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—D23 Gold Member Exclusive
February 16, 2018
D23’s Happily Ever After Brunch
February 16, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Sleeping Beauty on the Lot
February 16, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Sleeping Beauty at Walt Disney World
March 7, 2018
Don’t Miss a Complimentary Advance Screening of Captain Marvel
April 5, 2018
Lunch with a Disney Legend–Linda Larkin
April 6, 2018
D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experience: The Lion King on Broadway
August 23-25, 2019
D23 Expo 2019
Parks
January 18-February 25, 2019
2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts
January 25-February 17, 2019
Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure
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 19, 2019
Penguins 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
February 15, 2019
Kim Possible premieres on Disney Channel (8–9:32 p.m. EST/PST)
February 24, 2019
The Oscars® airs on ABC (8–11 p.m. EST)
March 3, 2019
American Idol kicks off second season on ABC (8–10:01 p.m. EST)

Disney on Broadway to Celebrate International Women’s Day

In honor of International Women’s Day, our pals over at Disney on Broadway have announced their 2nd annual “Women’s Day on Broadway: Inspiring Changemakers.” Following its launch in 2018, “Women’s Day on Broadway” aims to engage attendees—of all genders and backgrounds, of course!—in a day of open, honest, and memorable dialogue about gender equality in the theatre industry and beyond.

This year’s event will focus on changemakers driving progress within the theatre and entertainment industry, highlighting ways each and every person can become an agent of change. Panel conversations—as well as a variety of speakers and presentations—will be announced as the day approaches.

“Women’s Day on Broadway” will be held on Tuesday, March 12, at the St. James Theatre—home of Disney on Broadway’s hit musical Frozen. For more info, or to reserve your free general admission seat, visit the brand-new home for “Women’s Day on Broadway”: womenofbroadway.com.

news briefs 1/23

Guests Will Soon “Try Everything” at New Shanghai Disneyland Expansion

Zootopia favorites Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde (and all their pals) will soon have a new place to call “home”—an incredible Shanghai Disneyland expansion based on the film! Read up on what guests can expect from the eighth themed land at the world’s newest Disney park here at D23.com.

Here’s What Happened When 50 Different “Andys” Visited Toy Story Land

Imagine: Your name is Andy (or some variant thereof)—and one day, you get a call from Disney asking if you’d like to take part in a very cool after-hours event inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. You’d say yes in a heartbeat, right? (We absolutely would! Sadly, our name isn’t Andy.) So it’s no surprise that 50 different people with variations on the name Andy recently celebrated all the imagination and creativity found at Toy Story Land during a very special “Andy Night”!

The group of guests—all of whom have a flair for being imaginative themselves—included a student named Andi; a concept designer named Andrew; Internet personality Andre Meadows; and even popular actress Andrea Barber (Fuller House). Catch a glimpse of all the fun they had via the video—directed by Grammy® nominee Andy Hines—above.

ICYMI: A Tale of Two Tarzans

D23 recently had the good fortune to chat with performers Josh Strickland and Kevin Massey, both of whom have swung and sung on Broadway and on international tours in Disney’s Tarzan as the title role… and both of whom are taking part in the Broadway Concert Series during the Epcot International Festival of the Arts—currently delighting guests at Walt Disney World Resort. See what they had to say right here.

news briefs 1/23

Reservations Now Available at Disney’s Riviera Resort

It’s slated to be the 15th property in Disney Vacation Club’s assemblage of captivating holdings, and you can now reserve yourself a room! Yes, Disney’s all-new Riviera Resort is now accepting guest reservations for stays beginning in December 2019. (That’s only 11 months from now!)

This all-new resort will immerse guests in the grandeur and enchantment of the European Riviera, bringing the elegance of a modern European retreat and blending it with a touch of old-world glamour—plus lots of Disney charm. It’s slated to offer approximately 300 family-friendly vacation homes, including deluxe studios; one- and two-bedroom villas; and grand villas that sleep up to 12 guests each. Guests will be able to dine at the resort’s rooftop restaurant, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (fun fact: Topolino is the Italian name for Mickey Mouse), or at the Le Petit Café with its freshly brewed coffees and other treats. Plus, guests will be able to access the brand-new Disney Skyliner gondola system to travel from the resort to both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

To learn more (or to make your own reservation), visit DisneysRivieraResort.com—and keep your eyes peeled for more info as it becomes available… Ciao!

Magnificent Maleficent Returns to Magic Kingdom Park

By Courtney Potter

She’s baaaack! Our friends at Disney Parks Blog just announced a Walt Disney World Resort return we’ve all been waiting for—Maleficent is appearing once again in Magic Kingdom park’s Disney’s Festival of Fantasy parade! Take a peek via the brand-new teaser video, below.

While the float still has her signature “Steampunk” style and her dragon-tastic toothy grin, this Maleficent will have a refreshed look and enhanced features to keep her “in check.” Also making their return to the parade are Sleeping Beauty’s Prince Phillip; the Fairies Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather; and the mischievous “Ravens” who fly around Maleficent just waiting to do her bidding.

Disney’s Festival of Fantasy parade is part of a new generation of parades for Disney Parks featuring truly unique, never-before-used technology on eye-popping floats—all adorned with Disney characters from more than a dozen fairy tales. Set to an all-new musical score, the dazzling parade floats soar up to three stories tall with spirited performers in colorful costumes crafted at an incredible 10 different design houses across the country.

So if you’re visiting Walt Disney World Resort soon, do be sure to make your re-acquaintance with Maleficent as she dazzles her way down that legendary Main Street, U.S.A., thoroughfare…

Everything You Need to Know About Disney Channel’s Sydney to the Max

By Beth Deitchman

“When I was your age…” What kid hasn’t heard those words come out of a parent’s mouth? And what mother or father hasn’t uttered them? Disney Channel’s brand-new comedy Sydney to the Max follows middle schooler Sydney Reynolds as she faces the challenges of life as a modern tween, growing up in the house that her dad, Max, was raised in—with hip grandma Judy along to offer support, as well. Through flashback sequences that take us back to the 1990s—and a very different stage in Judy and Max’s lives—the series reminds viewers that the times and trends may change, but the basic struggles tweens face are eternal.

We recently went back to the ’90s—and just across town to the Hollywood set of Sydney to the Max—to speak with the cast of the heartwarming new series premiering Friday, January 25 (8:30 p.m. ET/PT) on Disney Channel, in the Disney NOW app and Disney Channel VOD. They gave us some inside scoop that will maximize your enjoyment when you tune in tomorrow night.

Sydney to the Max

Santa Cruz native Ruth Righi stars as Sydney, and her on-screen best friend, Olive, is played by Ava Kolker, who Disney Channel fans will remember from Girl Meets World. It’s no stretch for the two to play BFFs; the young actors met early in the Sydney to the Max audition process and have become the closest of friends. Righi says of their on-screen alter egos, “Olive and Sydney go through so much together—whatever experiences or issues that one of the characters is facing, the other will be right there with them.”

Sydney to the Max

Actors Jackson Dollinger (Young Max) and Christian J. Simon (who plays, Leo, Max’s best friend) spend their on-set time in the 1990s—and they’re having a blast diving into the recent past. “The clothes are a little different,” Simon says diplomatically, likely in reference to the “Hammer pants” he wears in an early episode. While Sydney and Olive have the modern convenience of cellphones and devices, young Max and Leo venture out to an arcade to experience the latest technology of their era, and the difference is not lost on the young actors. “The arcade games are really pixelated compared to now,” Dollinger observes.

Sydney to the Max

Jackson’s modern-day counterpart, actor Ian Reed Kesler (Suits), appears only in the present-day sequences, as Sydney’s single dad. “We tag team,” he says of Dollinger and the character they each play in parallel eras. For Kesler, who did, indeed, grow up in the ’90s, the nostalgia-filled episodes are truly special. “Every time we get a script there’s something that jumps out that I think, oh my gosh, I remember that.” Dollinger may not share Kesler’s frames of reference but he and Kesler laugh at the memory of the young actor figuring out on-set how to use a now-antiquated pay phone.

Sydney to the Max

Judy—single mom in the ’90s, fun-loving grandma in 2019—is played by actress and comedienne Caroline Rhea, the only member of the cast who moves from era to era. A strict mom to young Max, Judy is both sidekick and maternal figure to her granddaughter. “She’s already done all of the heavy lifting and she knows that Sydney is in really good hands with her dad,” Rhea says of Judy.

Sydney to the Max

The series films on two structurally identical sets, each dressed to reflect the appropriate era. The appliances and furnishings are unique to each, and Rhea theorizes, “[Judy’s house] had a good renovation. Probably Judy watched a lot of HGTV, then she probably did it all herself, too.”

The series’ multigenerational cast believes that Sydney to the Max will be enjoyed by entire families, and might just create the opportunity for kids to see their parents in a whole new light. “Hopefully kids, when they see it, will every once in a while, go, Wow, I didn’t even think about the fact that my parents probably went through the same thing that I’m going through now,” Kesler shares. “It might have been a different time period, might have been a little different circumstance. But, in reality, they were all kids, too, and I think that’s something that this show says and that’s a huge benefit.”