Global Avengers Initiative to assemble Earth’s Mightiest Heroes at Disney Parks Around the World

Our friends at Disney Parks Blog just announced some news. Take a look at what’s coming to Disney parks all around the world:

By Scot Drake

There was an idea. To bring together a group of remarkable people, to see if they could become something more. It was called the Avengers Initiative. 

That original idea has now evolved into a brand-new global Avengers Initiative. One that brings us—the next generation of remarkable people—together. To find our power and become something more. To see if we can work alongside the Avengers so we may all become stronger together.

marvel parks

The Stark Expo in Hong Kong was to be a first step: A world exposition whose theme of ‘A Better Tomorrow Today,’ was meant to inspire and motivate through technological innovation. However, shortly after it opened, the Expo was attacked by the forces of Hydra. When even more powerful forces threatened the entire planet, the Avengers realized that the Earth needs more heroes. 

So today, to better defend the planet, the Avengers are setting up new Headquarters and technology sharing exchanges around the globe to empower and inspire all potential recruits willing to step up and become heroes.

marvel parks

In California and Paris, Tony Stark is retrofitting two of his father’s Stark Industries sites into new hubs for training and innovation. Through partnerships with S.H.I.E.L.D., Pym Technologies, Masters of the Mystic Arts, and the new Worldwide Engineering Brigade, The Avengers and their allies will forge new global campuses to champion the next generation of heroes. Who’s ready to answer the call?

marvel parks

As the creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering’s Global Marvel Portfolio, my team and I are collaborating closely with our partners across Studios and Entertainment to create exciting experiences and attractions where you can join your favorite Super Heroes at Disney Parks and Resorts. Together, we are expanding this epic story universe in a way that, for the first time ever, will allow you to take on an active role alongside these Super Heroes.

These interconnected stories are coming to life at our Disney Parks. In Hong Kong Disneyland, guests have already started battling the forces of Hydra in the Iron Man Experience. Beginning in March 2019, they will join Ant-Man and Wasp in a fight against Arnim Zola and his army of evil Hydra Swarm-bots in the all-new interactive attraction, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! In Disney California Adventure, guests have been helping the Guardians escape the Collector’s Fortress in Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT! And soon, in both Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Paris, guests will encounter the heroes in new and exciting ways, from the mystic arts of Doctor Strange to the gravity defying feats of Spider-Man. Guests will also experience the latest in Pym Technology with Ant-Man and Wasp and be wowed as Iron Man, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, Captain America, and more leap into action on a moment’s notice.

Get ready to assemble alongside Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to protect the world! Recruitment begins soon!

‘Tis the Season Mini Gift Box Craft

What You Will Need:

  • Heavy printer paper
  • Clear tape
  • Curling ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Hole punch

Kids, have an adult help you with the scissors.

How to Make the Boxes:

  1. Download and print onto heavy paper.
  2. Trim along the solid lines.
  3. Fold along the dashed lines.
  4. Place a treat or surprise in the center, fold the shorter flaps in, and secure with tape. Fold the longer tabs to meet at the top, and use a hole punch to make a hole in the tabs. Thread curing ribbon through the hole to secure the outer tabs to finish the box.
  5. Trim out the gift tag along the solid line, use a hole punch to punch the hole, and thread the gift tag onto the ribbon to attach.

7 Disney Parks Holiday Decorations Around the World to Fill You with Seasonal Cheer

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Every year, Disney fans eagerly await the chance to see their favorite parks transformed into gorgeous displays of holiday magic, and this year is no different! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite seasonal sights to see from Disney parks all over the world, from dazzling Christmas trees to captivating castles. Take a look at what’s filling our hearts with holiday joy this season.

Shanghai Disneyland

Snow-Capped Castles All Over the World
It’s the first thing you see when you enter many of Disney’s parks around the globe: A fairytale castle standing tall over some of the most magical places on earth. These iconic castles are beacons of holiday magic during this time of year, from Disneyland’s icicle-clad Sleeping Beauty Castle, which becomes a glowing spectacle at night, to Shanghai Disney Resort’s Enchanted Storybook Castle that sets the stage for a gorgeous tree lighting ceremony.

Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland’s 35th Anniversary Christmas Tree
Right in front of Cinderella Castle at Tokyo Disneyland stands a gorgeous Christmas tree, but this year it’s celebrating more than just the spirit of the season—emblazoned with Tokyo Disneyland’s 35th anniversary logo, the tree helps ring in the close of a magical year of celebration at Tokyo Disney Resort.

Cars Land

Season’s Speedings from Cars Land
Disney California Adventure’s fan-favorite land puts the “car” in “carols” every year when the residents of Radiator Springs spruce up their town with decorations that you auto see to believe! From a towering tire Christmas tree to snowflakes made of wrenches, your road trip isn’t complete without a stop in this Route 66-inspired town filled with holiday spirit.

Mickey and Friends Wintertime Ball

Mickey and Friends Wintertime Ball at Hong Kong Disneyland
What better way to celebrate the season than at a wintertime party with all of your friends? Hong Kong Disneyland looks postcard-perfect when Mickey, Minnie, Duffy, ShellieMay, Cookie, and more friends—dressed in their seasonal best—gather together in front of the park’s gorgeous Christmas tree to celebrate this special time of year in a 20-minute musical extravaganza that is one-of-a-kind.

Toy Story Land

Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Biggest Little Celebration
They may be the size of a toy, but that doesn’t mean that Woody and friends don’t celebrate the holidays in a big way! The Toy Story crew has put up all their decorations, so you can enjoy a giant cranberry-and-popcorn garland, a 10-foot-tall sugar cookie in the shape of Hamm, and even ornaments inspired by the green aliens! With Buzz, Woody, and Jessie dressed in their holiday finest, you’ve got a friend in Toy Story Land this holiday season.

it's a small world

it’s a small world Holiday, a Timeless Classic
When you imagine Christmas at Disneyland, what fills your senses? The smells of gingerbread beignets? The fuzzy softness of your holiday ear headband? When it comes to the sights and sounds of Disneyland’s holiday season, this attraction fills our hearts with cheer right away—one look at the glowing lights of it’s a small world Holiday and we know it’s the most magical time of year. Whether you’re riding on the attraction or watching the special projection show, it’s a small world Holiday is a beautiful part of Disneyland’s holiday tradition.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Walt Disney Studios Park’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror turns Goofy
Goofy’s Incredible Christmas, a seasonal nighttime spectacular, turns Disneyland Paris’ spooky sight into a festive celebration! Using breathtaking special effects and mapping projection technology, the Hollywood Tower Hotel turns into the perfect backdrop for Goofy’s seasonal surprise for Mickey! Why not drop in and join the fun?

Sala Kahle—Day 10 of Adventures by Disney Safari to South Africa

By Robert Yoshioka

ABD Safari

What an adventure this has been! Our safari into South Africa started with its glorious coast of inviting beaches and lush vineyards and concluded in the vast grasslands where many of the animal kingdom’s most majestic creatures roam.

ABD Safari

ABD Safari

Welcome to the Cradle of Mankind, the famed birthplace of man where some of the oldest hominid fossils have been found. Once you have visited Africa, she will stay with you always. Thank you for visiting our beautiful land.
-Dr. Mark

ABD Safari

Human beings are now the single most powerful force of change on the planet.  There should not be a single person who thinks, “I can’t do anything.” Because just by existing as we do, at the top of a chain of energy and consumption, we are already doing something…for better or for worse. Every decision we make makes a difference to the natural world.  So, you don’t need a backpack, a pith helmet, and an all-terrain vehicle to be a conservation hero. You can be a conservation hero anywhere you choose, simply by paying attention to your own choices, and by supporting those organizations, like the Disney Conservation Fund, who are working to make a difference.
-Joe

Hot Spiced Apple Cider

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz. quality apple cider
  • ½ tsp. cinnamon
  • ½ tsp. whole allspice
  • ¹/8 tsp. whole cloves
  • ¹/8 tsp. nutmeg
  • ½ orange, cut into small pieces
  • 2 tbsp. packed brown sugar
  • Sliced apple and orange, for garnish
  • Whole cinnamon stick, for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, and simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes. Pour through a fine strainer into a heat-proof glass and garnish.

The Big 5—Day 9 of Adventures by Disney Safari to South Africa

By Robert Yoshioka

ABD Safari

This long necked friend kicked off a day of “lekker” (South African slang for fantastic or awesome) game drives!
ABD Safari

ABD Safari

ABD Safari

ABD Safari

ABD Safari

Back at the lodge, we tried our hand at several ancient forms of native hunting – with the bow, blow darts and spear throwing as well as local beading crafts.

ABD Safari

The day wrapped up with a very heartfelt and emotional farewell dinner. Joined by a group of local Shangaan performers with a mix of traditional and modern dancing, drumming and singing, we reminisced over this incredible adventure.

Our guides, Craig and Kira, also shared a beautiful slideshow starting from meeting in Cape Town, journeying together up the Garden Route and finally the past several days on safari.

ABD Safari

In Africa, people sing and dance at every kind of occasion, and saying farewell is a particularly vibrant event. Remember to say Sala Kahle (stay well) as they wish you Hamba Kahle (go well).
-Dr. Mark

Click here to see more about this amazing safari adventure.

Totally Trekkin’—Day 8 of Adventures by Disney Safari to South Africa

By Robert Yoshioka

Our second morning of private game drives started with a delicious breakfast. Even in South Africa, #EverythingTastesBetterShapedLikeMickey!!

ABD Safari

This morning we were on the look out for big cats returning from a night of hunting.

ABD Safari

Early morning game drives are always worth getting up for. The sunrise over the bushveld is magnificent, and bird life in particular is prolific in the mornings.
-Dr. Mark

ABD Safari

ABD Safari

ABD Safari

ABD Safari

As guests look around on safari, they can compare what they see to what they know of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Some things will match perfectly. Some won’t.  When we did our research trips, one of things we were trying to discover was just exactly what kind of Africa could be replicated in Florida. We photographed everything, even our own tire tracks. Southern Africa actually offers lots of parallels to DAK. For example, the Kapama landscape is often broken up into smaller spaces, like little theatrical sets.  Once we saw this pattern on our original research trips, we figured we could do the same with our own savanna.  This was the key to being able to do the safari at all. The natural landscape of Florida was once a savanna itself, so many tree shapes will be familiar, and we were able to find many substitutes for Africa trees. So our Disney’s Animal Kingdom savanna is partly a replica, and partly real. We will see what matches we can find.
-Joe

ABD Safari

Just when we were starting to get a bit peckish and parched, the rangers and trackers set up a lovely assortment of South African snacks and beverages while in the bush. This is truly the best way to take a “drive around town”!!

ABD Safari

ABD Safari

ABD Safari

Following the snacks, Joe led us in an sketching lesson down by the water. After a week of learning to see and remember our experiences through drawing, it was wonderful to showcase our new skills for a master artist like Joe!

ABD Safari

With a storm brewing in both the sky and our bellies, we headed to a delicious family meal around a roaring fire at the Rhino Boma to wrap up a day full of trekking, sketching and adventuring!

Click here to see more about this amazing safari adventure.

Golden Globe Nominations and New Captain Marvel Trailer—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Get the scoop on Disney’s Golden Globe nods and see more of Carol Danvers in action… See more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

The Walt Disney Studios Celebrates its Golden Globe® Nominations!

We’re about to head into the always enjoyable “awards season”—when so many of our favorite TV series and films are fêted—and to kick things off, we’re celebrating The Walt Disney Studios’ just-announced nine Golden Globe® nominations! Take a look at the list (which includes Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, up for Best Motion Picture—Drama) right here.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
December 8, 2018
Mickey’s of Glendale – Holiday Shopping 2018
December 9, 2018
D23’s Light Up the Season – 2018
December 15, 2018
D23’s Grand Gingerbread Workshop
August 23-25, 2019
D23 Expo 2019
Parks
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
December 19, 2018
Mary Poppins Returns opens in U.S. theaters
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
December 8, 2018
Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Holiday Magic airs on Freeform (8–9 p.m. EST/PST)
December 25, 2018
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade airs on ABC (10 a.m.–12 p.m. EST, 9–11 a.m. CST/MST/PST, airtimes vary, check local listings)

See More of Carol Danvers’ Intriguing Life in New Captain Marvel Trailer

Fans around the world—including us here at D23—have been waiting (not so) patiently for Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel to rocket into theaters this spring… it’s when we’ll officially meet Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), and see how she transforms into the incredible Super Hero we know her to be. To that end, we were gifted this week with a second—and definitely more detailed than before—trailer for the film; check it out, above.

Set in the 1990s, Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that follows Carol as she transforms into one of the universe’s most powerful heroes. When a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom.

Also starring Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, Lashana Lynch, Gemma Chan, Annette Bening, Clark Gregg, and Jude Law—and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck—Captain Marvel premieres in U.S. theaters March 8.

Controllers at the Ready: Awesome News for Fans of Kingdom Hearts

Beginning December 14 and continuing through the end of January, Walt Disney World Resort guests will be gifted the opportunity to be among the first to play the Kingdom Hearts III video game, courtesy of a special pop-up experience at Disney Springs. Read all about it right here at D23.com.

news briefs 12/6

New Toy Story Hotel Coming to Tokyo Disney Resort

Ever wanted to stay smack in the middle of “infinity and beyond”? You’ll soon be able to at the Tokyo Disney Resort! Our good pals over at the Disney Parks Blog recently shared that the resort will soon feature a family-friendly hotel based on the adorable world of Disney·Pixar’s Toy Story films.

From the hotel exterior to the spacious gardens, guests will enjoy a world where everything looks like it’s made of toys. The rooms are inspired by Andy’s bedroom—including Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and all their friends—with colorful furniture and other immersive features inspired by the world of Toy Story. The hotel will also include spectacular dining and shopping opportunities.

Longtime readers know this announcement is right on par with some major upcoming development plans already revealed for both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. The good news? You won’t have wait too terribly long before you can stay with Woody and Buzz; the approximately 600-room hotel is slated to open in the resort’s fiscal year 2021.

But That’s Not All: Tokyo Disneyland Offers Sneak Peek at New Attraction

We’ve got more scoop from Japan: a brand-new (and seriously amazing) look behind the scenes of Tokyo Disneyland’s upcoming Beauty and the Beast attraction! See the video, and read more about what’s to come from those aforementioned development plans (set to start dazzling guests in spring 2020), right here.

news briefs 12/6

You Won’t Want to Miss This Disney Channel Holiday Throwback Livestream

So you’ve poured yourself a glass of nog and are comfortably ensconced on your couch, ready to spend your evening watching something festively fun on your television (or other streaming device of your choice). Might we suggest some memorable TV throwbacks, courtesy of the fine folks at Disney Channel?

Yes, for the entire month of December (that means it’s already started!), Disney Channel’s YouTube Channel is live-streaming five fabulous holiday-themed episodes of five former Disney Channel shows—Lizzie McGuire, That’s So Raven, Even Stevens, The Proud Family, and Phineas and Ferb—on a continuous loop.

Check out the livestream by clicking here… and get ready to have celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa with some of your fave Disney Channel friends. We know what we’re doing tonight!

news briefs 12/6

Celebrate Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Disneyland Resort Like Never Before

Everyone—and we mean everyone—around the worlds of Disney celebrated Mickey Mouse’s 90th last month; there were TV specials, art exhibits, the #ShareYourEars campaign in support of Make-A-Wish, and so much more. But that doesn’t mean the festivities surrounding Mickey’s (and Minnie’s!) 90 years of magic are now over… far from it!

Case in point: Disneyland Resort’s upcoming Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration. Launching next month, Get Your Ears On will offer up exciting new ways to celebrate Mickey and Minnie, with fresh entertainment and décor around Disneyland park, limited-time food and beverage offerings, and swell new merchandise available throughout the resort. Mickey’s Mix Magic will kick things off in a big way beginning January 18; this new, high-energy projection extravaganza will create a family-fun dance party throughout the park—with “DJ” Mickey himself spinning the new celebration song, “It’s a Good Time,” along with fun new takes on favorite Disney songs. State-of-the-art projections, lighting, and lasers will transform Main Street, U.S.A., the water screens of the Rivers of America, and the façade of it’s a small world into a dazzling display of sights and sounds—all to celebrate Mickey! And on select nights, Mickey’s Mix Magic will take to the skies when the show is enhanced with the addition of fireworks. Mickey’s Mix Magic debuts on January 18.

Plus, Mickey’s Soundsational Parade makes its triumphant return to Disneyland on January 25, with a new opening inspired by those nostalgic Mickey pull toys. And in honor of Valentine’s Day, from January 22 through February 15, guests can take part in Minnie’s Valentine Surprise, a special scavenger hunt experience that includes a search for hidden valentines that Minnie’s left for Mickey around Disneyland park.

So mark those calendars and get ready to celebrate Mickey and Minnie at Disneyland Resort throughout 2019. “Oh boy!”

ICYMI: Mira, Royal Detective Coming Soon to Disney Junior

There’s a brand-new animated series coming to Disney Junior channels and programming blocks across the world—and it centers on a one-of-a-kind young sleuth who helps solve mysteries for royal and commoners alike in the colorful land of Jalpur. Read more about Mira, Royal Detective here at D23.com.

Now Playing: New Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures Shorts

If you’ve got some younger Padawans at home—or perhaps some kids who aren’t yet familiar with the world of Star Wars—here’s some fantastic news: A whole new series of animated shorts just debuted, and they’re great for the whole family.

The product of a collaboration between Titmouse Animation and Lucasfilm, these Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures shorts have a vibrant, modern look that falls somewhere between Japanese “manga”-style animation and a Star Wars Little Golden Book come to life. Each short looks into one of the iconic Star Wars characters and how they found their place in the saga.

See how “The Journey Begins” with the first Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures installment, above—and make sure to check out the other shorts on StarWarsKids.com and at the Star Wars Kids YouTube channel. Bonus: Some of them include super-cool “fun facts” courtesy of the filmmakers themselves!

The Heroes Return: The Avengers: Endgame Trailer is Here

By Karina Schink

It’s already been a superpowered week, and we’re closing out with a big finish. Earlier in the week we got to see the new trailer for Captain Marvel, catching a glimpse into Marvel Studios’ first female-led Super Hero film, and now, the highly anticipated trailer for the next Avengers film is here!

The last time we saw our heroes they were a little worse for wear, and with Thanos still around, the next chapter will explore what happens after the events of Avengers: Infinity War.

Avengers: Endgame hits theaters next year on April 26.

Kim Possible Premieres Friday, February 15, on Disney Channel

By Beth Deitchman

We’ve got breaking news that is so the drama: The live-action Disney Channel Original Movie based on the animated series Kim Possible has a premiere date—which means that if you try to call us or beep us (if you want to reach us) on Friday, February 15 (8 p.m. ET/PT), we’ll be planted firmly in front of our TV screen watching the movie. As Ron Stoppable would say, boo-yah!

But there’s more to the sitch… Our friends at Disney Channel also released the first official Kim Possible trailer today. Take a look, below, to see newcomer Sadie Stanley as Kim and Sean Giambrone (ABC’s The Goldbergs) as Ron.

We’ve also learned a little more about the exciting new adventure our favorite basic average girl will encounter in the Kim Possible DCOM, which follows Kim and her BFF, Ron, as they start Middleton High School. While saving the world may come naturally to Kim, she finds high school to be the ultimate challenge as she has to navigate an intimidating social hierarchy (not to mention confusing hallways!), make it to class on time, and face off against her frenemy, Bonnie, in soccer tryouts. Kim and Ron find a friend in Athena—a new classmate and Kim Possible super-fan who is having an even worse day than Kim is—who becomes the newest member of Team Possible… and even starts to eclipse Kim. But when the nefarious super villains Drakken and Shego resurface in Middleton determined to stop Kim, can Team Possible—which also features tech-genius Wade and a naked mole rat Ron meets along the way (Rufus!)—thwart them? You’ll have to tune in to find out.

In addition to Stanley and Giambrone, the Kim Possible cast also includes Todd Stashwick (12 Monkeys) and Taylor Ortega (Succession) as fan-favorite evil villain duo Drakken and Shego, respectively; Ciara Wilson (OMG!) as new student Athena; Alyson Hannigan (How I Met Your Mother, Disney Junior’s Fancy Nancy) as Kim’s mom, Dr. Ann Possible; Connie Ray (The Big C) as Kim’s grandmother, Nana Possible; Issac Ryan Brown (Disney Channel’s Raven’s Home) as tech-genius Wade; and Erika Tham (Make It Pop) as Kim’s childhood frenemy, Bonnie Rockwaller.

Kim Possible

Multitalented actress/singer Christy Carlson Romano, who voiced Kim Possible in the animated series, will make a cameo appearance in the DCOM, as will Emmy®- and Grammy®-winning  actor/comedian Patton Oswalt, who reprises his role from the animated series, Professor Dementor.

Following Kim Possible, leave that remote on the coffee table and check out the first episode of the new miniseries Fast Layne. The first installment, “Mile 1: the Voice in the Shed” airs right after the DCOM, with the second episode airing in Fast Layne’s regular timeslot on Sunday, February 17 (8 p.m. ET/PT). In Fast Layne you’ll meet Layne, a 12-year-old overachiever whose orderly life is thrown into a tailspin when she discovers “VIN,” a sophisticated talking car that’s been hidden in an abandoned shed. Layne’s eccentric neighbor Zora joins her on a high-speed adventure to discover the secrets behind VIN’s creation. Along the way they encounter secret agents, surprises, and Cody, a smart and charming—and mechanically minded—boy who works in his abuelo’s garage.

The eight-episode miniseries stars Sophie Pollono (The Young and the Restless) as Layne Reed, Sofia Rosinsky (The Other Side of the Door) as Zora Morris, Brandon Rossel (The Outsiders Club) as Cody Castillo, Winslow Fegley (Teachers) as Mel, and Nate Torrence (Star vs. the Forces of Evil) as the voice of VIN. Recurring cast members include Enid-Raye Adams and David Milchard as Layne’s parents, Cheryl and Rob; Diana Bang as Kwon, Michael Adamthwaite as Riggins, Caitlin Howden as Aunt Betty, Reese Alexander as Principal Mugbee, and Ty Consiglio as Jasper.

We’re revved up to share more details about Kim Possible and Fast Layne as they’re announced!