Take Matters into Your Own Tentacles with Our Wonderfully Wicked Photo Frames

February 7, 2019November 26, 2019

By D23 Team

Life’s full of tough choices, isn’t it? Well, we’re sorry to say, we haven’t made it any easier. Here, within the reach of your very own tentacles, are eight photo frames to make your favorite photos transform! Just like Ariel, this fin-tastic choice is all up to you! Now, go forth and select your frame and watch as the transformation begins…Beluga sevruga, come winds of the Caspian Sea!

If you want a chance to add whozits and whatzits galore to your collection, enter in our Villaintine Sweepstakes here!

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

Freeform Fun A-Plenty and Cruising with Fan Faves—Plus More in News Briefs

February 7, 2019

By Courtney Potter

Tons of news from the world of Freeform, and Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea return in 2020… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Catch a Peek at Freeform’s Upcoming Shows via These Cool New Teasers

Freeform has been featuring some killer (pun intended?) shows lately, so color us excited to feature a trailer for one of their brand-new upcoming dramas… In the clip above—which premiered on the heels of the show’s recent appearance at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour—catch a sneak peek at Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, which spins off Alison (Sasha Pieterse) and Mona (Janel Parrish) from the original PLL into a series that finds them living in the college town of Beacon Heights and dealing with an ever-so-mysterious murder. Stay tuned for the series debut on Wednesday, March 20, at 8 p.m. EST/PST, only on Freeform.

There were more headline-grabbing announcements during Freeform’s TCA sojourn, including the fact that grown-ish has been picked for a third season! The black-ish spinoff, which stars Yara Shahidi, Trevor Jackson, and Francia Raisa (and currently airs on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EDT/PDT), will continue following Zoey and her friends as they navigate the ups and downs of college.

The Bold Type returns for a third season, picking up right after the heartbreaking and romantic sophomore season finale in the City of Lights. Season three finds Jane, Kat, and Sutton back in New York City, coming to terms with some seriously major decisions. Check out the video, above, to see the series’ stars—including Katie Stevens, Aisha Dee, and Meghann Fahey—learn that The Bold Type’s new season kicks off on Freeform on Tuesday, April 9 (8 p.m. EST/PST), and they’re just as excited as we are.

Lest you believe that’s all in terms of Freeform news, we’re also happy to report that Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger is returning for season two on Thursday, April 4, at 8 p.m. EST/PST, with a special two-hour season premiere. Look for this new season to “turn up the heat” on our young heroes Tyrone (Aubrey Joseph) and Tandy (Olivia Holt), as they try to find their place as more active heroes in this world. As they learn and grow emotionally, so will their skills. Color us intrigued!

For more information about all these amazing series, visit Freeform.go.com.

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
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
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
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
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
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)

Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea Return to Disney Cruise Line in 2020

They’re two ridiculously popular experiences on the already ridiculously awesome Disney Cruise Line itineraries…and they’re coming back for 2020! That’s right: Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea will be returning to select five- and seven-night sailings early in the year.

Guests will celebrate all the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga on special seven-night Disney Fantasy sailings from January to March 2020, taking you to the Caribbean for an out-of-this-galaxy experience that includes encounters with characters; live shows; Star Wars-themed family and kids’ activities; unique food and beverage offerings; and exclusive merchandise. And from January to early March 2020, special five-night Disney Magic sailings will combine the excitement of a Disney cruise to the Caribbean and Bahamas with all the thrills of Marvel comics, films, and animated series for a truly action-packed, day-long celebration of the Marvel Universe—complete with visits from the likes of Captain Marvel, Spider Man, and Iron Man; an extraordinary deck show; and so much more!

So sail on over to DisneyCruise.com to find out how you can be a part of the action.

Meet Purl in Latest Pixar Animated Short

Our pals over at Pixar Animation Studios just started a fabulous new film program called SparkShorts—and the first short from this experimental initiative has made its debut! An adorable ball of yarn finds herself tied up in knots (literally and figuratively) when she tries to blend in at her new job… find out more about Purl, and see the short for yourself, right here at D23.com.

Hercules Stage Musical to “Go the Distance” in New York This Summer

“Bless my soul, Herc is on a roll!” Now this is some über-nifty musical theater-related news, especially for fans of the Disney animated classic Hercules. (Hey, that’s us!) Just this week, The Public Theater announced that a new stage musical adaptation of the 1997 film will be presented this summer at their Delacorte Theater inside New York City’s Central Park, as part of Public Works’ Shakespeare in the Park theater series. And best of all, it’ll be free!

The show, presented by special arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), will feature beloved songs from the film as well as brand-new musical numbers—all written by Disney Legend Alan Menken and David Zippel. It’ll also include a new book (that means “script”) by Kristoffer Diaz, and original choreography by Chase Brock. Directed by Public Works Founder Lear deBessonet, the Hercules musical will run August 31 through September 8.

Should you find yourself in the New York City area later this year, visit PublicTheater.org to find out how you might be able to see this sure-to-“hit the heights at breakneck speed” show in person!

These Brand-New Reusable Shopping Bags are Practically Perfect

Disney Parks have something for literally everyone—from exciting attractions to seriously delicious food to all manner of fabulous shopping opportunities. And now there’s a whole new way to bring home your goodies from Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort… Take a gander at Disney’s new reusable shopping bags in the video, above.

Available for a nominal fee and offered in three sizes, these bags are made of 80 percent recycled materials and are similar to reusable bags first introduced at the World of Disney stores last fall. They’ll feature fun Disney character designs mixed with recognizable icons from around Disney Parks—and they’ll be found in Disney owned-and-operated shops. Environmentally friendly and adorable? Sign us up!

If you’re visiting either location in the near future, keep your eyes peeled for these bags—they’re different on both coasts, so they’re a bit of a “collector’s item” to boot. Plus, if you keep them in your car once you’re home, you’ll be the envy of all your fellow grocery-store shoppers… just sayin’.

Fozzie Bear Lends Voice to Big City Greens—This Weekend!

Muppet fans, listen up! There’s a show you’ve just gotta watch—on Disney Channel and/or DisneyNOW—this weekend… Fozzie Bear, The Muppets’ (and the world’s only!) “stand-up comic bear,” will make his voice acting debut as Dr. Enamel, a cheery and affable dentist who eagerly imparts dental wisdom to his patients, in a brand-new episode of Big City Greens this Saturday, February 9, at 8:30 a.m. EST/PST. Hear from the legendary bear himself in the clip, above.

In the episode titled “Hurty Tooth,” the Greens go on a family visit to the dentist’s office where Cricket is determined to avoid Dr. Enamel and power through his toothache. Comedian and actor Paul F. Tompkins also guest stars as the Tooth Fairy.

For those unfamiliar, Big City Greens is an animated comedy-adventure series—created and executive produced by brothers Chris and Shane Houghton (Harvey Beaks)—which follows the offbeat adventures of 10-year-old Cricket Green, a mischievous and optimistic country boy who moves to the big city with his wildly out of place family: older sister Tilly, father Bill, and Gramma Alice. You can catch the show daily on Disney Channel… and good news: The show was recently picked up for a second season!

ICYMI: Every New Trailer from the Game

Okay, we’re fairly certain you’ve seen at least one of these by this point—but just in case you missed any of the massive Disney-related trailer drops during this past weekend’s big game, we’ve got a rundown of them all here at D23.com. Do check ‘em out, and then double-check that your calendar is marked up and prepared for all the epic adventure to come …

Hercules Stage Musical Coming to New York City This Summer

February 6, 2019

By Zach Johnson

This summer, Hercules will once again go the distance—but this time, our hero will go from Mount Olympus to New York City! Today, The Public Theater announced it is bringing Hercules to the stage, continuing its 57-year tradition of offering free performances in Central Park. Part of Shakespeare in the Park, Public Works’ new adaptation will close out the 2019 season.

The stage show, presented by special arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, will feature songs from the beloved animated classic, as well as new musical numbers by Disney Legend Alan Menken and David Zippel; it will also include a new book by Kristoffer Diaz and original choreography by Chase Brock. Directed by Public Works Founder Lear deBessonet, the Hercules musical will run August 31 through September 8.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lear deBessonet back at the helm of our Public Works initiative for the first time since 2015,” said Oskar Eustis, artistic director, The Public Theater. “Alan Menken is one of the great musical geniuses of our time; it is an honor to welcome him, David Zippel, and Kristoffer Diaz to the Delacorte. Our Public Works community promises to connect this brilliantly conceived story back to the earth from which it sprang: the people. What a grand and unlikely experience this will be!”

“Many generations of our Public Works families have embraced Disney musicals as a shared American canon,” said deBessonet. “Hercules’ roots in Greek mythology, infused with soulful gospel music, make it a natural extension of Public Works’ radical exploration of humanity through Shakespeare and the classics. We’re excited to see how this Public Works production will uncover the deeper meaning of what it means to be a hero and how true strength is derived, not from the greatness of one person, but the transformative power of community.”

Based on Disney’s Oscar®-nominated 1997 film, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, the stage production has also recruited scenic designer Dane Laffrey; costume designer Andrea Hood; lighting designer Tyler Micoleau; sound designers Kai Harada and Jessica Paz; wigs, hair, and makeup designer Cookie Jordan; and music arranger and supervisor Michael Kosarin.

If a trip to New York City is on your agenda this summer, visit PublicTheater.org for more details and ticketing information.

7 Pairs of Matching Shirts for Disney Super Fan Sweethearts

February 6, 2019

By Jocelyn Buhlman

When Disney fans think of romance, we often imagine long, romantic walks through Disney Parks, full of all of the magical details we’ve been dreaming of: Holding hands, coordinating Mickey Ear Hats, sharing Mickey-shaped snacks, and—the essential—wearing matching shirts! What all started with a mouse (or two) with the classic “I’ll Be Your Mickey”/”I’ll Be Your Minnie” shirts has now expanded into matching shirts for every kind of Disney fan out there. Are you ready to make your romantic dreams come true? We hope you know your sweetie’s shirt size, because your Valentine’s Day shopping list just got longer. And D23 Gold Members, don’t forget to use your shopDisney and Disney store discount to receive 10 percent off your purchase of $50 or more.

For the Couple that Adventures Together

Do you have someone you want to share an adventure book with? Then these shirts are for you. Inspired by one of the most tear-jerking scenes from Disney•Pixar’s Up, these shirts remind you and your sweetie that no matter what you do or where you go, as long as you’re together, adventure is out there!

Available in-store at Disney Parks.

For the Super Couple – He’s incredible | She’s incredible

Listen, it may be cliché, but we know you can’t help it: Sometimes you just feel like your sweetheart has super powers! Perhaps you could even call your sweetie… Incredible! Take inspiration from your favorite super power couple with these shirts inspired by The Incredibles and Incredibles 2.

For the Mythologically Awesome Couple – The Muscle | The Muse

If you think there’s no chance, no way you’d wear a matching shirt with your sweetheart, we’ve found the shirt pair that’s up to the heroic task of changing your mind. Inspired by our favorite demigod and damsel not-so-in-distress, these matching shirts show off how your relationship puts the “glad” in gladiator.

For the Couple Who Are #CoupleGulls… er… we mean #CoupleGoals – She’s mine | He’s mine

Show off your sweetie and your silly side all at once with these shirts inspired by the hilarious seagulls from Finding Nemo. Sure, your devotion for each other may be as big as the deep, blue sea, but you also aren’t afraid to share your love with a side of laughs.

For the Royally Regal Couple – Her King | His Queen

If you love your honey and you’re not lion, we’ve got a set of shirts that will show it. Inspired by our favorite king and queen of Pride Rock, you’ll be prowling around the parks like the royalty you are.

For the Couple Strong with the Force – R2D2 | C-3PO

This isn’t a Jedi mind trick—these shirts featuring R2-D2 and C-3PO are based around one of our favorite jokes from Star Wars: A New Hope. Whether you’re transporting secret Death Star plans or getting in line for Star Tours, these shirts show off your nerdier side while you’re enjoying a day with the one you’ve been looking for.

For the Couple that’s Out of This World

If you get starry-eyed when you stare at your sweetie, we know that these shirts inspired by our favorite robotic couple from Wall–E are the perfect way to express your love. Together, everyone will know that you and your sweetie are over the moon for each other.

Available in-store at Disney Parks.

Say “I Lava You” With These Disney Valentine’s Day Gifts

February 5, 2019

By Karina Schink

It’s time to open those windows and doors, because Valentine’s Day is nearly here. Celebrate that very special someone in your life with the perfect Disney gift, and if you don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered! All the gadgets and gizmos here are ones we’re sure you’re loved one will… well, love!

Be sure to order by February 6 to receive gifts by Valentine’s Day with standard shipping. And D23 Gold Members, don’t forget to use your shopDisney and Disney store discount to receive 10 percent off your purchase of $50 or more.

Lady & The Tramp Tiny Big Feet Plush – Lady | Tramp
He’s a Tramp and she’s a Lady; what better way to celebrate love’s day than with this iconic couple? While they can’t slurp on spaghetti or roll that famous meatball, we’re sure they’ll make excellent additions to your family.

Prince Pin Sets
Celebrate all the princes in your life (fictional and real) with these Disney Prince Sets! Whether your heart lies with Eugene’s smolder or glides high in the sky with Aladdin, you can proudly claim your one true love, once and for all.

Minnie Mouse Potion Purple Set – Backpack | Headband
If your S.O. is a serious Parks fan (or just really likes purple), give them a complete look with the Minnie Mouse Potion Purple Ear Headband and Sequined Mini Backpack!

Mickey Mouse PJ Pals Men | Women
If you prefer a quiet Valentine’s Day spent indoors with a movie on the TV and takeout on the menu, surprise your loved one with matching pajamas to make the night even cozier (and cuter!).

Lightsabers – Red | Blue
Now this is our kind of present! We’re confident that these sabers will ensure that the only fighting between you will be with this force-filled (and fun-filled) gift you both can enjoy. The couple that duels together rules together.

Mickey Mouse and Friends Waffle Maker
Start the holiday off the right way: with breakfast in bed! This Mickey Mouse and Friends Waffle Maker helps you give two gifts in one: a waffle maker, and the breakfast that comes with it!

The Game of Life® The Haunted Mansion® Disney Theme Park Edition
Take your love of Disney one step further and become the 1,000th haunt in The Game of Lifeâ The Haunted Mansionâ Disney Theme Park Edition! Just don’t let the ghouls and ghosts of competition come between you on this special day!

How to Have the Happiest Chinese New Year Ever at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

February 5, 2019February 4, 2019

By Beth Deitchman

They’re ringing in the Year of the Pig at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, where a Chinese New Year celebration to end all celebrations is currently underway. The festivities continue all the way through February 24.

Three special Disney V.I.P.s—Very Important Pigs, that is—are on hand for the fun! The Three Little Pigs can be found at Fantasy Gardens in Fantasyland, taking photos with guests who should also keep an eye out for special décor themed to the porcine trio in Town Square.

For the first five days of Chinese New Year—February 5–9—there is extra magic at the Hong Kong Disneyland entrance, where guests will receive a newly designed Lai See packet that’s filled with a special (and delicious) surprise. Once inside the park, the spirit of Chinese New Year is everywhere you look, as gorgeous flowers and shimmering lanterns adorn the park, adding to the anticipation of prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead.

On Main Street, U.S.A., Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Chip ‘n’ Dale, Duffy, ShellieMay, StellaLou, Gelatoni, and their newest friend, Cookie, are all dressed in their brand-new Chinese New Year best. You’ll spot performers dressed in traditional outfits all around the park as they bring surprises and deliver happy New Year wishes to everyone in attendance.

Goofy shares a special Chinese New Year moment with guests twice daily as he appears at the Castle Hub Stage for the “God of Fortune Goofy Celebration Moment,” featuring upbeat dance and traditional Chinese New Year songs.

The resort’s Chinese New Year celebration is for all of the senses, and your taste buds will be tantalized by 60 food and beverage offerings that range from full menus to tasty treats. Among the must-eats are the “Gold Ingot,” “Ingot Pudding,” “Wishing Fish,” and “Lucky Mousse Cup” at the Main Street Bakery; or the “Chinese New Year Set” at Main Street Corner Café hosted by Coca-Cola®, where guests can feast in Chinese, Japanese, or Thai style. Families can also enjoy seasonal offerings together around the resort, with special choices for family gatherings available at Studio Lounge, Hollywood & Dine, Crystal Lotus, and World of Color Restaurant.

Hong Kong Disneyland has a host of new and exclusive merchandise available around the resort this year, including Duffy and Friends plush toys, keychains, bags, and Tsum Tsum dressed in traditional Chinese outfits; along with Disney-style Chinese New Year gifts that include a new windmill, candy and cookie box, Lai See packet, and a “fai chun” banner with a lucky message. Choose your favorites to share blessings with friends and family, or bring them home for yourself, along with your memories of an unforgettable Chinese New Year celebration.

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

February 4, 2019

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.”

“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:

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.

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

February 3, 2019

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!

February 3, 2019February 1, 2019

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!

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

February 1, 2019March 5, 2019

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.”

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!”

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.

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