Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Popcorn Boxes

What you will need:  

6 sheets of cardstock
Glue stick or tape
Scissors

Instructions:

  1. Download and print each popcorn box onto card stock, and cut along the solid lines. Kids, please have a grown-up help you with the scissors. Each box will have two parts that will need to be glued together first before making the box.
  2. Apply glue to the tab on Part A, and align to the area indicated on Part B. When the glue has dried, fold along the dotted lines.
  3. Apply glue to the remaining tab, and secure to the open side of the box. Let the glue dry, and then fold in the bottom flaps and secure with glue or tape.
  4. Fill with with popcorn or your favorite snacks!

Sanderson Sisters’ Bingo

Instructions:

  1. Download and print out the bingo cards on 8.5”x11” white paper, be sure to “fit to page.”
  2. Randomly distribute cards to each player (up to 6 players).
  3. Have them look over their bingo cards to familiarize themselves with the movie scenes.
  4. Play Hocus Pocus and when a player recognizes scenes from the movie that match their bingo card, mark it!
  5. The first player to get 4 in a row wins the game.

The Anniversary Edition of Hocus Pocus is here to put a spell on you! Watch this Halloween classic in two different ways (including Trivia and Treats Mode) today.

Vacuums, Beds, Hats, Oh My! These Disney Icons Traveled in Style

By Karina Schink

We all know that getting around isn’t always the easiest of tasks, and sometimes you wish you had just a sprinkle of pixie dust to make it a bit easier. Well, we can all take a page out of the books of these ingenious Disney characters who found, let’s say, some unique ways to get to where they were going.

Disney transportation

Vacuum (Hocus Pocus)
Things don’t always go according to plan, and you have to make do with what you have. That’s exactly what Mary Sanderson had to do when the only broom for her locomotive needs was taken by her sister Winifred. So, what does she do? She sucks it up and uses a vacuum! We’d say that’s witchfully clever of her.

Disney transportation

Bed (Bedknobs and Broomsticks)
A good night’s sleep is often all you need to be catapulted into a wonderful world of dreams, and in this classic Disney film, a bed does just that for Miss Price, Mr. Browne, and the Rawlins kids. And all you need to make this goose-feathered steed soar? The famous travelling spell, a smart quarter turn to the left, then in a firm, clear voice tell it where you want to go and the bed will take you there!

Disney transportation

Albatross (The Rescuers Down Under)
When you’ve got places to be and things to see, you’re usually hurrying to get to the airport to hop on a plane. Well, for Bernard and Bianca, that was the plan—until new management took over their friend Orville’s travelling business. So, who ends up rescuing them in their hour of need (of what a turn of events)? Wilbur, of course!

Disney transportation

A Bathtub (Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas)
Lock, Shock, and Barrel, in their evil doing ways, have hatched a plan to kidnap Sandy Claws. And, as we all know, no plot quite like this can be truly complete without the perfect getaway vehicle. So, the mischievous trick-or-treaters drew up a bathtub to crawl in style on their mission for Jack.

Disney transportation

Magic Carpet (Aladdin)
The Cave of Wonders provided more than just three wishes for Aladdin—including a brand, spanking new (but actually kind of ancient) ride to soar the skies of Agrabah. And this mode of transportation? It’s beautifully ornate, and it definitely has a bit of a playfully sneaky attitude as Abu quickly finds out.

Disney transportation

Pumpkin (Cinderella)
Who would have thought that something you could find in your own backyard would be the perfect vessel to bring you to the palace in style? Luckily Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother did, and this Disney princess certainly looked gourd-geous as she rolled up to the party.

Disney transportation

The Portal (Treasure Planet)
A great, intergalactic quest just wouldn’t be complete without a twist at the most inopportune time. And, that’s exactly what happens to Jim and his ragtag team of space pirates. Just as they think they’re about to find Captain Flint’s treasure, it seems to slip out of their hands. The solution? A magical portal that will provide them the transportation to The Loot of a Thousand Worlds. They’re pretty lucky the door could morph into so many different locations!

Disney transportation

Luke Skywalker (Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back)
Who says your mode of transportation can’t be strong with the force? Yoda certainly thinks that the young Jedi makes for a good piggyback victim. We can’t speak for Luke, but this kind of training seems out-of-this world fun to us!

Disney transportation

Bing Bong’s Rocket (Inside Out)
Can you think of a greater way to travel than via rainbow? We certainly can’t. Bing Bong’s rocket is decked out with imagination’s best, it’s powered through song, and it’s the rocket that’ll makes you yell, “Hurray!” (We heard it can even take you to the moon!)

Disney transportation

Mad Hatter’s Hat (Once Upon a Time)
This accessory has a little bit more than a dash of that special Disney magic. Jefferson’s hat is the home to the Portal of Doors, and inside are portals to every realm. That’s a mad hat trick!

Disney transportation

Conch Shell (The Little Mermaid)
Ariel’s trusty sidekick, Sebastian, has always had a flair for the theatrical, so why should his entrance to King Triton’s concert be any different? This distinguished court composer drifted into the processional in a perfectly blue conch shell, led by two very eager fish, and he sure looked swimmingly doing it!

Oogie Bingo Boogie

Instructions:

  1. Download and print out the bingo cards on 8.5”x11” white paper, be sure to “fit to page.”
  2. Randomly distribute cards to each player (up to 6 players).
  3. Have them look over their bingo cards to familiarize themselves with the movie scenes.
  4. Pop Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas on the TV and when a player recognizes scenes from the movie that match their bingo card, mark it!
  5. The first player to get 4 in a row wins the game.

Watch Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas two different ways (including a Sing-along Edition) when you bring it home today.

Mickey’s 90th Spectacular to Feature Performances by Josh Groban, Leslie Odom Jr., Meghan Trainor and More

By Jocelyn Buhlman

The star-studded celebration of Mickey Mouse’s 90th anniversary just got a little brighter! ABC has announced an exciting lineup of music, film, and television stars who will be joining in the celebration of the leader of the club on Mickey’s 90th Spectacular. Tune in Sunday, November 4, from 8–10 p.m. EST on ABC for a two-hour television event honoring 90 years of the internationally beloved icon.

mickey 90 announce

So, just who will be joining in the celebration? (Besides us, of course—D23 Gold Members are invited to attend the taping of the special on October 6! Making special appearances will be the actress, mom, and activist that we just can’t let go—Kristen Bell (Disney’s Frozen)! Joining her will be actress and singer Sofia Carson (Disney’s Descendants, Freeform’s upcoming Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionist), two-time Emmy® Award-winning actor Tony Hale (Veep, Arrested Development), and actress Sarah Hyland (ABC’s Modern Family), who will all help celebrate Mickey’s milestone anniversary. Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger will also make a special appearance to celebrate Mickey. Stay tuned right here for future announcements of more names and details on the upcoming exciting performances.

But that’s not all—several musical artists are set to serenade Mickey in honor of his special anniversary! GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, and TV, film, and Broadway actor Josh Groban will be singing his new hit song, “Granted,” from his recently released eighth studio album, Bridges. Also performing is Seoul-based global K-Pop powerhouse NCT 127, showcasing their popular hit, “Regular.”

mickey 90 announce

Stars will also perform several beloved Disney classics, including the heartwarming “When You Wish Upon A Star,” Tony® and GRAMMY Award-winning performer Leslie Odom Jr. will perform the hit from the 1940 Disney adaptation of Pinocchio, which has become one of The Walt Disney Company’s most iconic songs. GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Meghan Trainor will perform one of Pixar’s perfections, the Randy Newman hit and Toy Story franchise theme song, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” Three-time GRAMMY-winning multiplatinum artists Zac Brown Band will bring wild fun to the night with their performance of “Bare Necessities” from the classic Disney film The Jungle Book.

With Mickey’s special day drawing nearer, the celebrations are getting bigger and bigger. We can’t wait to tune in on November 4 to see the magic happen on Mickey’s 90th Spectacular, and we look forward to all the future celebrations culminating in Mickey’s birthday on November 18. Want to be part of the fun? Join the party on social media with the hashtag #Mickey90!

It’s Never Too Early for Disney Holiday Fun—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Go behind the scenes of Disney’s upcoming The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, and see who’s been added to Epcot’s Candlelight Processional narrator lineup… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Go Behind the Scenes with The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

Creating a movie truly “takes a village,” especially a movie as epic as Disney’s upcoming holiday adventure The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. Luckily, we get to take a quick peek behind-the-scenes in the film’s latest featurette—a look at the incredible craftsmanship that went into conceiving everything within the Land of Flowers, Land of Snowflakes, Land of Sweets, and the mysterious Fourth Realm. Check it out, above.

In The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, all young Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key—a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift from her late mother. A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key—which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world.

It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), and together they must face the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren) in order to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to an unstable world. Also starring Keira Knightley, and with a special performance by iconic ballerina Misty Copeland, the film twirls into theaters November 2.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
October 6-21, 2018
D23’s Spooktacular Fanniversary Complimentary Screenings
October 19, 2018
Lunch with a Disney Legend: Ron Logan
October 22, 2018
D23’s Sip and Stroll at Epcot
October 28, 2018
D23 Celebrates 25 Spooktacular Years of Hocus Pocus
November 16-18, 2018
Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse
August 23-25, 2019
D23 Expo 2019
Parks
August 17, 24, 28, 31
September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park
September 19, 21, 24, 26, 28
October 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 29, 31
Mickey’s Halloween Party at the Disneyland Resort
August 30-November 12, 2018
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
September 7-October 31, 2018
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort
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
November 2, 2018
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms opens in U.S. theaters
November 21, 2018
Ralph Breaks the Internet opens in U.S. theaters
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
June 21, 2019
Toy Story 4 opens in U.S. theaters
Television
September 21, 2018
Elena of Avalor: Song of the Sirenas premieres on Disney Junior (7–8 p.m. EDT/PDT)
November 4, 2018
Mickey’s 90th Spectacular airs on ABC (8–10 p.m. EST)

news briefs 9/27

Mark Those Calendars: New Stars Added to Epcot’s Candlelight Processional

Speaking of the holidays, the much-anticipated Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World’s Epcot is just around the corner… and this week, our friends at Disney Parks shared a few more amazing celebrities who’ll be joining the roster. Honestly, there’s now more star power than you can shake a pear tree at!

Joining previously announced narrators including Chita Rivera, Neil Patrick Harris, and Whoopi Goldberg are Oscar® winner Helen Hunt for November 24 and 25 (wow, right?); America’s Funniest Home Videos host Alfonso Ribeiro for November 26 and 27; Moana’s Auli’i Cravalho from December 21 to 23; and still one more to be announced. Plus, new this year, the Candlelight Processional will actually begin on Thanksgiving Day, November 22.

Looking to jingle all the way to Epcot this holiday season? Don’t miss new food offerings at their Festival of the Holidays—like sofrito-marinated beef with sweet plantains and olives at the Feast of the Three Kings marketplace, or black forest roulade with cherry whipped cream at the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen. But that’s not all: Take some holiday magic home with you with the brand-new Festival of the Holidays t-shirt and hoodie featuring Chip & Dale! Visit DisneyWorld.com/Holidays for more info on how you can join the festive fun.

news briefs 9/27

Disney Cruise Line Adds Brand-New Port and Itineraries for 2020

Ready to set sail? Our friends at Disney Cruise Line just announced some fantastic itineraries for 2020… plus the addition of a brand-new home port!

Families will have even more ways to explore the world together with the addition of a home port in historic New Orleans, from which the Disney Wonder will embark on a variety of Caribbean and Bahamian cruises. Before or after their cruise, guests can venture into the city to savor the distinct flavors of famous “N’Awlins” cuisine; visit family-friendly museums and parks; and delight in world-renowned jazz music. Travelers might even recognize some iconic sights and sounds that inspired Disney’s beloved animated hit The Princess and the Frog!

Additionally, DCL will make a highly anticipated return to the Hawaiian Islands in 2020 for two special Disney Wonder cruises—as well as make a return to Puerto Rico, and continue guest-favorite itineraries from Florida and San Diego, CA, to several sun-drenched tropical destinations.

For more information on DCL’s new port and 2020 itineraries, visit DisneyCruise.com.

news briefs 9/27

Get Quackin’ When DuckTales Returns for Season Two… and Three!

Big news from Duckburg: Season Two of Disney Channel’s mega-hit animated series DuckTales will look for more adventure beginning Saturday, October 20. Plus, the cast recently helped the show announce that there’s a third season to come! See Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Scrooge—well, actors Bobby Moynihan, Ben Schwartz, Danny Pudi, and David Tennant—make the big announcement here at D23.com.

ICYMI: Coco’s Miguel Now Appearing at Disney California Adventure Park

There’s a new performer at Disneyland Resort, and he’s already delighting audiences of all ages! Talented little Miguel from Disney•Pixar’s Coco can be seen as part of Plaza de la Familia, Disney California Adventure park’s special seasonal festivity celebrating the Oscar®-winning animated film as well as the everlasting bonds of family. See Miguel in action—and peek into what you can expect from the event—in the clip above.

New for 2018, Miguel joins “A Musical Celebration of Coco,” an entertaining street show presented several times a day. Singing host Mateo is joined by the Grammy®-winning Mariachi Divas, authentic Folklórico dancers, and townspeople from Coco’s Land of the Dead—who all engage the audience with beloved songs from the film. Miguel himself appears in the form of an amazing hand-animated figure!

Make sure to visit Miguel, and to take part in all the “Un Poco Loco” events available at Plaza de la Familia, at Disney California Adventure park now through November 4.

news briefs 9/27

Shanghai Disney Resort Welcomes World’s Biggest Mouse Party

Unless you’ve been living on the International Space Station (in which case, welcome back! And also, thanks for reading D23.com!), you’ve probably heard all about the incredible events planned to celebrate 90 years of Mickey Mouse over these next few months. Well, even our pals at Shanghai Disney Resort are getting in on the fun…

The “leader of the club” himself arrived in style at the Shanghai Tourism Festival’s recent kick-off on board a brand-new, festival-exclusive Shanghai Disney Resort float called “Mouse Party.” And this new float—featuring Mickey and all his friends, including Pluto, Donald, Daisy, and Chip & Dale—officially marks the resort’s launch of the World’s Biggest Mouse Party, celebrating #Mickey90 in a big way!

“Mouse Party” will dance its way across the city of Shanghai (delighting visitors and citizens alike) through October 6, when the Shanghai Tourism Festival marks its closing at Shanghai Disney Resort’s Disneytown (a first for both the event and the resort). Look for more info on the World’s Biggest Mouse Party—at Disney Parks across the globe—in the coming weeks.

You Won’t Believe This Toy Story Land-Themed Domino Maze is Real

Now here’s something totally mind-bending… Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, inside the Walt Disney World Resort, opened to much fanfare just a few months ago. The party continues, however, now that popular YouTuber and domino artist Lily Hevesh has revealed an epic 32,000 domino maze commemorating the new land. Check out the you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it clip above. Talk about “playing big,” right?

Hevesh, herself a Disney uber-fan, started the chain reaction by rolling the iconic Pixar ball into the first of the dominoes. It took Lily and her team of four additional domino builders nearly a week to set the maze up at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex… but it toppled in less than five minutes! Keep your eyes peeled for several complicated domino “tricks” within the maze, including Slinky Dog propelling a ball though a Slinky toy, and a domino fall that activates a Buzz Lightyear Bubble Blower toy.

The Biggest Pint-Sized News From The Ballroom-Dancing With The Stars: Juniors Cast Announced

The youngest cast ever is breaking in their dancing shoes and getting ready to break out on the dance floor on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors! Twelve celebrity kids will compete for the coveted Mirrorball trophy when the season premieres on Sunday, October 7. Take a look at who will be sparkling up their wardrobe, learning their steps, and taking to the ballroom this season.

dwts juniors

Addison Osta Smith
Addison Osta Smith is the first girl and youngest contest ever to win MasterChef Junior at the age of 10! Now 13, she will be paired with Lev Khmelev and mentored by Keo Motsepe.

dwts juniors

Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson
Alana Thompson, or as most of us know her, Honey Boo Boo, is most known for her show Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, and she’s currently starring on Mama June: From Not to Hot. Alana is partnered with Tristan Ianiero and will be mentored by Artem Chigvintsev.

dwts juniors

Akash Vukoti
This “Spellebrity” read and wrote (and of course spelled) his way to fame when he won the Scripps National Spelling Bee at just 6 years old! Now 9, Akash Vukoti will partner with Kamri Peterson and be mentored by Witney Carson during this year’s competition.

dwts juniors

Ariana Greenblatt
This small-but-mighty star on the rise just wrapped Disney’s The One and Only Ivan, in which she stars alongside Bryan Cranston. But her credits don’t end there: Ariana has also starred as Daphne Diaz on Stuck in The Middle, in Bad Mom’s Christmas, and in Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War as Young Gamora! She will be partnered with Artyon Celestine and mentored by Brandon Armstrong.

dwts juniors

Hudson West
Hudson West found his way to the spotlight when he booked his first commercial at the age of 6. Now 10, he plays Jake Spencer in ABC’s General Hospital and he has also appeared in Paul Blart Mall Cop 2, True North, Netflix’s Grace and Frankie, Modern Family, and Grey’s Anatomy (to name a few!). Hudson will be partnered with Kameron Couch and mentored by Hayley Erbert.

dwts juniors

Jason Maybaum
You know him as Levi in Disney Channel’s Raven’s Home and Fletcher in the Disney Channel Original Movie Freaky Friday, but this young star has also starred in the Hulu movie Becoming Bond, Workaholics, Teachers, Blunt Talk, and Superstore. This 10-year-old will be partnered with Elliana Walmsley and mentored by Emma Slater.

dwts juniors

Mackenzie Ziegler
Mackenzie Ziegler, 14, most recently starred on the YouTube series Total Eclipse, for the digital network Brat, of which she also serves as an executive producer! She also released her debut novel Kenzie’s Rules for Life on May 8, 2018. She will be partnered with Sage Rosen and mentored by Gleb Savchenko.

dwts juniors

Mandla Morris
The 13-year-old son of superstar Stevie Wonder is an aspiring fashion designer, drawing and sketching clothes in his spare time (when he isn’t playing with his five brothers, four sisters, or his dog, Cairo!). Mandla will be partnered with Brightyn Brems and mentored by Cheryl Burke.

dwts juniors

Miles Brown
One of the stars of ABC’s comedy series black-ish, Miles Brown is busy on- and off-set. He recently finished wrapping Emmett, starring opposite Rita Wilson and Nora Dunn, and is a member of the Jr. NBA Leadership Council. This 13-year-old star will be partnered with Rylee Arnold and mentored by Lindsay Arnold.

dwts juniors

Sky Brown
This viral sensation is best known as a skateboarding and surfing phenomenon, learning how to skate at just 3 years old! Ten-year-old Sky Brown will be partnered with JT Church and mentored by Alan Bersten.

dwts juniors

Sophia Pippen
This 9-year-old fashionista is the daughter of six-time NBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Scottie Pippen. From a young age, Sophia Pippen has pursued a career in world fashion and beauty, and in a short time has become the face of Oscar De La Renta Kids! Sophia is partnered with Jake Monreal and mentored by Sasha Farber.

dwts juniors

Tripp Palin
The son of former Dancing with the Stars contestant Bristol Palin, 9-year-old Tripp Palin is an all-outdoors-all-the-time kind of boy and can’t wait to bring his love for athleticism to the ballroom! He will be partnered with Hailey Bills and mentored by Jenna Johnson.

This season will not only have stars on the floor, but also stars behind the judges’ table. Professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy, Emmy® Award-winning choreographer Mandy Moore, and Dancing with the Stars: Athletes champion Adam Rippon will judge this season with Dancing with the Stars Season 25 winner Jordan Fisher and finalist Frankie Muniz serving as hosts.

Tune in on Sunday, October 7, on ABC (8–10 p.m. EDT) to see one of the biggest competitions get a little bit smaller.

ILMxLAB Announces Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series for Oculus Quest

By Beth Deitchman

The force is strong with the newly announced Oculus Quest. Today ILMxLAB—Lucasfilm’s immersive entertainment division—revealed the title of their highly anticipated virtual reality project, set to launch on Oculus Quest in 2019. Vicki Dobbs Beck, ILMxLAB Executive in Charge, and award-winning Writer and Executive Producer David S. Goyer unveiled the title and a debut trailer for Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series today at Oculus Connect 5 in San Jose, California.

“We always look for opportunities to explore the Star Wars universe in new ways,” said Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm. “ILMxLAB is very excited to be working with David S. Goyer on a first-of-its-kind Star Wars experience which allows fans to travel to Darth Vader’s fiery, lava-ridden fortress and wield a lightsaber on his home turf.”

“Our mission at ILMxLAB is to have fans ‘Step Inside Our Stories,’ and Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series represents a significant step forward in that ongoing quest.” said Vicki Dobbs Beck, ILMxLAB Executive in Charge. “Our friends at Oculus share ILMxLAB’s ambition to bring compelling immersive narratives to life and using Oculus’ hardware, we will invite fans to experience Darth Vader as never before.”

“As a lifelong Star Wars fan, working with ILMxLAB on an untold Vader story is a dream come true. The experience is designed to be ‘immersive first,’ meaning that from its inception, this three-part series has been conceived and executed specifically for the VR medium,” said David S. Goyer, Writer and Executive Producer. “We’re breaking new ground with this project that places you, the user, at the center of the story.”

Vader Immortal

“Whether it’s hearing Darth Vader’s breathing behind you and physically turning to face him in person or wielding a lightsaber with your own hands, Vader Immortal captures the ultimate wish fulfillment,” says Colum Slevin, Head of Experiences at Oculus. “Untethered VR immerses you in this universe and places you at the center of this amazing story.”

Taking place between Star Wars—Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars—Episode IV: A New Hope, Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series is connected to ILMxLAB and The VOID’s location-based hyper-reality experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire.

Our 7 Favorite Things About A Million Little Things

By Beth Deitchman

ABC’s newest series takes its name from the old adage that friendship isn’t one big thing, but a million little things—from a shoulder to cry on to a hand to squeeze when you’re riding the Incredicoaster for the first time. The closest friendships are more complicated than they seem… even to the people in them. That’s the premise behind A Million Little Things, which follows a group of Bostonians after one member of their friend group takes his own life. His death becomes a wake-up call for the rest to start living, while they struggle to find a reason for Jon’s tragic demise and grapple with secrets of their own.

A Million Little Things premieres tonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and stars a talented ensemble that includes David Giuntoli as Eddie Saville, Ron Livingston as Jon Dixon, Romany Malco as Rome Howard, Allison Miller as Maggie Bloom, Christina Moses as Regina Howard, Christina Ochoa as Ashley Morales, Grace Park as Katherine Kim, James Roday as Gary Mendez, Stephanie Szostak as Delilah Dixon, Lizzy Greene as Sophie Dixon and Tristan Byon as Theo Saville. The series is inspired by creator/executive producer D.J. Nash’s real-life experiences, and when we recently heard from Nash and the actors during a premiere event at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, it was clear that the series is inspiring a real-life friendship for its cast. There are a million reasons to tune in tonight—both little and not-so-little—and here are some of our favorites.

A Million Little Things

1. The show comes from a very real place for D.J. Nash.
Several years ago, Nash ran into a buddy and made plans for a lunch date that would never come to be. But as tragic as his friend’s death was, Nash remembers lighter moments, even in his time of grief. “[My friend] was hilarious, and we would always laugh together. At his funeral, we laughed a ton and we cried a ton, too,” says Nash, who carefully balances the emotional drama at the core of A Million Little Things with moments of humor between the close friends.

2. Nash pitched his story of friendship without a title, but he found a solution in an unlikely source.
After finding out that his pilot would be shot, Nash was tasked with settling on a name for the series. He left the pitch meeting and ended up in a supermarket where he took advantage of free WiFi and searched the Internet for titles that evoked friendship. “I found a cat poster with a cat holding on with another cat, helping him, and it said, ‘Friendship isn’t a big thing, it’s a million little things.’ And that little title is now on every billboard,” Nash laughs.

A Million Little Things

3. Though Jon dies at the beginning of the pilot, flashbacks will inform how he brought the group together—and why his absence has the impact that it does.
Ten years earlier, Jon, Rome, Eddie, and Gary were trapped in an elevator for several hours. By the time they were freed, the diehard Boston Bruins fans agreed to purchase season tickets and their commitment to their hockey team evolved into a friendship that took them through marriages, an addiction, and a fight against cancer. Ron Livingston, who plays Jon, notes, “We’re seeing everybody else in real time, moving forward after the suicide, and with Jon we’re sort of jumping back to essential moments that D.J. is teasing out.” Livingston believes that the character of Jon is defined, in part, by his friends and what he meant to each of them.

A Million Little Things

4. The friends don’t understand why Jon takes his own life… but each of them has a secret of his or her own, as well.
“I think every single person is broken in some way. Some people give you the courtesy of telling you right away when they meet you what that is, and with other people, you find that out sometimes at the worst time possible,” says Nash. As the characters’ secrets begin to unravel—which Nash promises will happen quickly—the revelations threaten to pull the friends apart at a time when they need each other more than ever.

5. Nash and the writers are determined that just when you think you know someone, you don’t.
Nash says that as we experience twists and turns with the characters, we’ll discover things that make us see them in a different light. “In the pilot, there’s a version you think of Katherine, and [in subsequent episodes] you see this humanity that Grace [Park] brings to the part and you understand Katherine and her struggle… Just when you think it’s Rome who’s going to take his life, it’s Jon. We will constantly, over the course of the series, flip those cards,” he says.

A Million Little Things

6. The characters won’t always be their best selves—and that’s what makes them so relatable.
David Giuntoli, who plays Eddie, admits that at first it can be a struggle to justify the choices his character makes—especially when they forever alter the dynamic between the friends. The actor confesses, “I can only do so much charming with these green eyes—and you can’t charm your way out of this one.”

The irreverent, wisecracking Gary is battling breast cancer and that has made him angry and combative, yet also darkly hilarious. “I think in a matter of seconds he has the ability to make everybody feel better and then 20 times worse,” says actor James Roday, pointing out that Gary often says what other people are probably thinking but wouldn’t say.

A Million Little Things

7. A Million Little Things is filled with tremendous optimism.
Rome’s life is saved when he gets the fateful call, and he decides to live his life differently as a result. “It’s almost like a reincarnation, where Rome has to reintroduce himself to who he is,” says Romany Malco. “He has to reintroduce himself to his wife, to his peer group and, at the same time, be honest enough and open enough to expose himself to seek help.”

“All of us, we’re all just not living the version of life we thought we’ve be living. Maybe it’s better than we’d thought, maybe it’s worse, but it’s different,” says Nash. For this group of friends, their friend’s death is the catalyst to make them change their lives. But, laughed Nash, perfectly—or purrfectly—embodying the humor that’s always present in A Million Little Things, “That’s hard to fit on a billboard, so we just went with the cat poster!”

7 Spectacular Facts About Disney Legend Ron Logan

By Francesca Scrimgeour

On Friday, October 19, D23 Gold and Gold Family Members are invited to Lunch with a Disney Legend: Ron Logan at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn conference center at Walt Disney World Resort. During the special event, guests can enjoy a three-course luncheon with Ron and ask him about his 23 years at Disney, where he ushered in a new era of live entertainment.

To learn more about Ron, here are seven spectacular facts about his legendary Disney career, creating entertainment spectacles around the world!

Beauty and the Beast on Broadway

1. Ron helped bring the “tale as old as time” to Broadway!
Building on the success of live theme park stage shows, Ron and his team pitched the idea of a Beauty and the Beast Broadway show to leadership, and the same team that produced the Beauty and the Beast stage show at Disneyland helped to create the Broadway version. They even partnered with the film’s screenwriter, Linda Woolverton, and songwriters (and fellow Disney Legends) Tim Rice and Alan Menken, who added to and adapted the classic songs written for the film by Menken and Howard Ashman. This led to the establishment of Walt Disney Theatrical Productions, where Ron served as President for the early years of Disney on Broadway!

Wild Bill's Wild West Show

2. Ron brought Western legends to life in France!
When Disney was building a theme park in France, the idea of an epic dinner show separate from the theme park was hatched. Thus, an arena-style dinner show, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show was created for Disneyland Paris. Ron helped with designing the entire experience, from casting of the actors and actresses, the hearty American-style food service facilities, and the facilities for the animals. The show was such a hit that it still runs today at Disneyland Paris!

3. Walt Disney influenced Ron directly.
Ron had the opportunity to meet Walt Disney three times when he was a college-age trumpet player at Disneyland, and even performed as part of the Disney-produced pageantry for the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, California. One of Ron’s fondest early Disney memories includes being a fanfare trumpeter for the Candlelight Processional at Disneyland. In 1968, Ron remembers a technical issue where all the sound and lighting cut off during the show. Narrator Henry Fonda didn’t skip a beat, but pulled out a pen light from his coat pocket and continued narrating with his robust, unamplified, voice until the electricity returned. That was a defining moment for Ron, showing him that the show must go on, even when elements beyond the performers’ control aren’t going according to plan.

4. Ron added a Disney touch to the Super Bowl and the Indy 500!
Ron was involved in many sporting events and festivals around the world, bringing the Disney magic to new and exciting places. Ron aided in the opening ceremony for the Indy 500, and helped with a Disney float for Carnivale in Rio. He had a big role in creating halftime specials for many of the Super Bowls throughout the decades. Super Bowl 2000 was an especially challenging experience due to ice storms in Atlanta. Bringing in a large cast for the show became impossible, so they focused on a smaller cast to give the show a more sophisticated look. The incredible show that resulted was based on the story of the Tapestry of Nations parade that Ron brought to Epcot to celebrate the new millennium.

5. Ron’s roots run deep in education.
Ron is currently an associate professor at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, but his education roots reach throughout his Disney career! While he was a music professor at Long Beach City College, he came up with the idea of putting together a two-week pilot program where college-age student musicians would perform on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland. The group eventually became the All-American College Marching Band, an educational program that still exists today, bringing college students from around the United States to perform at Disney’s parks!

Happily Ever After

6. Ron took fireworks spectaculars to new heights—literally!

When the first three of the Walt Disney World theme parks were open, launching firework shells to a certain height was unachievable. Ron wanted guests to view fireworks from all three Walt Disney World theme parks, and went to his team to see if they could figure out a way it could be done. They first thought of launching fireworks from helicopters, but they couldn’t find any pilots willing to do that! They ended up finding inspiration in the U.S. military, which was using air-launching systems for training purposes. The Disney team went on to develop electronic chips that ignite fireworks at different heights. This allowed the fireworks to not only reach new heights, but also to sync with the music, bringing Ron’s vision to a reality!

7. Not every Disney Legend has their own window on Main Street, U.S.A.!
Ron was honored with his very own Window on Main Street, U.S.A. above the Emporium in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. His window reads, “Main Street Music Co.—Ron Logan—Conductor —Leading the Band into a New Century”, which is very fitting, considering his start as a trumpet player in Disneyland! See if you can spot it next time you’re there!