Out-of-this-Galaxy News About Star Wars Resistance

By Karina Schink

A new Star Wars series is preparing to take flight! Star Wars Resistance makes its pilot flight in a one-hour premiere airing Sunday, October 7, at 10 p.m. EDT/PDT on Disney Channel! We know you’re all super-excited to hear about everything Star Wars-related (and so are we!), so here’s everything we know about the new animated series!

A New Hero
Meet Kazuda Xiono, or Kaz. He’s a young, new recruit for the Resistance who is getting ready to help fend off the growing threat of the First Order. Taking place prior to The Force Awakens, this new animated series will blast into light speed with a one-hour premiere titled “The Recruit,” and there are some familiar faces to welcome Kaz to the screen!

Return of Fan-Favorite Intergalactic Friends
Our favorite rule-bending Resistance pilot, Poe Dameron, returns with his trusty, beeping, all-around adorable sidekick, BB-8, to introduce Kaz to the ways of the Resistance and give him his very first assignment on the Colossus, a massive aircraft re-fueling platform on an outer rim water planet. This top-secret undercover mission catapults Kaz into a world filled with colorful new aliens, droids, and creatures from all corners of that special galaxy far, far away.

Poe Dameron’s Squad
Not only will we meet Kaz, but we will also be introduced to Poe’s old friend Yeager, who offers Kaz a place to live and a job in his starship repair shop, where he works as a mechanic while undercover. Veteran pilot Yeager’s crew includes Tam, Neeku, and their astromech droid, Bucket. But, who will Kaz cozy up the most to? BB-8, of course!

Force-Filled Cast
No stranger to the force himself, Oscar Isaac will reprise his role on screen and lend his voice to the animated series. Gwendoline Christie will also return as Captain Phasma. But, it won’t just be Star Wars stars who lend their voices to the new series: Disney veterans Myrna Velasco (Elena of Avatar) and Bobby Moynihan (DuckTales), will join this new adventure as Torra Doza and Orka, respectively.

What Star Wars story would be complete without some new, fresh faces (or voices, as the case may be)? Christopher Sean (Days of Our Lives) voices Kazuda Xiono, Suzie McGrath (East Enders) is Tam Ryvora, Scott Lawrence (Legion) is Jarek Yeager, Josh Brener (Silicon Valley) is Neeku Vozo, Donald Faison (Scrubs) is Hype Fazon, Jim Rash (Community) is Flix, and Rachel Butera (Tammy’s Tiny Tea Time) lends her voice to the role of General Leia Organa. This cast that promises to be a force worth reckoning with.

The series is created by renowned Lucasfilm Animation veteran Dave Filoni (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels). Athena Portillo (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels), Justin Ridge (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels), and Brandon Auman (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) serve as executive producers; and Amy Beth Christenson (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels) is art director.

Make sure you get all of your porgs in a line, set the timers in your Millennium Falcon, and tune in on Sunday, October 7, at 10 p.m. to be transported, once again, to our favorite galaxy with some of our favorite—and new favorite—heroes by your side.

D23 Expo 2019 Ticket Prices, Plus Haunted Mansion-themed Design Contest and the Return of Mousequerade

Click here to purchase tickets!

By D23 Team

Mark your calendars! On Thursday, August 23, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will begin selling tickets for the next D23 Expo, which will take place August 23–25, 2019, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The largest Disney fan event in the world, D23 Expo celebrates all the wonderful worlds of The Walt Disney Company under one roof, including the best of Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars across film, television, theme parks, products, online, music, live entertainment, and more. D23 Expo 2019 marks the sixth biennial Expo held in Anaheim.

D23 Expo 2019 poster

Everything You Need to Know About Tickets

Tickets for D23 Expo 2019 go on sale on August 23. This year, discounted single-day and multi-day tickets for D23 Expo 2019 will be available exclusively to D23 Gold Members, and Gold Members who purchase their tickets from August 23–November 20, 2018 will enjoy an additional special “Early Bird” discount. Gold Members can purchase up to two discounted tickets and Gold Family Members can purchase up to four discounted tickets.

D23 Gold Family Members can save as much as $288 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Gold Member “Early Bird” rate.

General admission tickets are $89 for a one-day adult admission and $69 for children. Three-day money-saving tickets are also available.

D23 Expo 2019 Ticketing infographic

If you’re already counting down the days until D23 Expo 2019, start your Disney celebration early with exclusive merchandise available from August 23 until December 31, only when you buy your tickets to D23 Expo 2019!

D23 Expo 2019 merch

Discounted hotel and Disneyland Resort park tickets are available to all D23 Expo 2019 ticket purchasers. For more information on tickets and the ticket prices for Gold Members and general admission, visit D23expo.com.

A limited number of VIP Sorcerer Packages for D23 Expo 2019 will be available exclusively to both D23 Gold and Gold Family Members at $2,500 per ticket. The full list of Sorcerer benefits can be found here.

Members can purchase up to two Sorcerer tickets. Additional details and a complete list of Sorcerer Package benefits are highlighted at D23expo.com.

D23 Gold and Gold Family Members will also be entitled to special benefits throughout the weekend including exclusive discounts and offers at select Disney retail and partner locations; a commemorative gift; and limited priority queueing for Hall D23 and the Expo Arena. Stay tuned for announcements about these magical opportunities in the coming months—but if you’re looking for more Disney magic right now, visit D23.com/join to join D23 and enjoy these future benefits.

Every year, D23 Expo 2019 brings more and more Disney magic to the fans who come from all around the world to celebrate. Next year promises to be just as magical as 2017’s D23 Expo. Here are some of the exciting things you can look forward to, just announced today:

D23 Expo

All the Magic of Disney on One Show Floor:

Once again, the Expo will celebrate the past, present, and future of Disney with signature entertainment, celebrity appearances, panels, presentations, sneak peeks, and immersive experiences. A massive show floor will feature exhibits, shopping, and photo opportunities from all across Disney and its partners.

The Disney magic extends from the show floor to the stage, as D23 Expo 2019 will showcase all of the latest stars in the Disney universe in a variety of panels and experiences that fans can’t miss. In 2017, celebrity appearances included Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Whoopi Goldberg, Jordan Fisher, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Hamill, Kristen Bell, Chris Hemsworth, Mandy Moore, and the stars of Disney’s Descendants. Additionally, Disney executives and creative talent came together to deliver special presentations, announcements, and experiences to Disney fans throughout the three-day extravaganza.

Disney Legends presentation

New Disney Legends, Archives Exhibit, and More

One of the essential traditions of D23 Expo is the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, honoring the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy. Last year, we honored Mark Hamill, Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Carrie Fisher, and more of the magic makers who have helped shaped Disney through the years. Who will be announced as Disney Legends next? Stay tuned for future announcements on D23 Expo 2019’s honorees.

Additionally, one of D23 Expo’s can’t-miss experiences is an extraordinary exhibit presented by the Walt Disney Archives. D23 Expo 2017 featured a swashbuckling look at the history of Disney and pirates and our friends at the Walt Disney Archives are hard at work right now putting together an exhibit for D23 Expo 2019 that is sure to be packed full of stunning Disney history and memories.

Also returning to D23 Expo 2019 is Talent Central, where fans can meet their favorite Disney stars, and a daily parade on the show floor, which debuted at D23 Expo 2017 to rousing celebration.

D23 Expo 2019 Mousequerade logo

Ashley Eckstein and Yvette Nicole Brown Return to Judge Mousequerade

One of the most stunning parts of every D23 Expo is seeing the talented Disney fans in their amazing costumes, celebrating their favorite characters from Disney’s broad history. For D23 Expo 2019, the Mousequerade costume contest is back with actress Yvette Nicole Brown and fashion designer Ashley Eckstein returning as judges for the popular event, which includes dozens of eye-popping creations from fans around the world.

D23 Expo 2019 Design Challenge logo

A Ghoulishly Delightful Design Challenge

The D23 Expo 2019 Design Challenge will be themed to the fan-favorite attraction Haunted Mansion, which first opened at Disneyland in 1969 and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. Fans are encouraged to create ghoulishly delightful designs—from paintings and drawings to sculptures and models—inspired by the beloved attraction and its 999 happy haunts. Twenty-three pieces of finalist artwork will be on display throughout D23 Expo weekend at a gallery on the show floor. The winning artist will be chosen prior to the start of D23 Expo 2019 and will receive a cash prize of $2,300. Details for Mousequerade and the Design Challenge will be revealed this fall, so make sure to check back and find out more about this frighteningly exciting opportunity.

So much exciting news was announced today, but wait—even more announcements about the ultimate Disney fan event will be coming, so stay tuned! For the latest news and updates about D23 Expo 2019, visit D23expo.com.

Live-Action Mulan Now in Production—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Liu Yifei will portray Hua Mulan in the new version of Disney’s 1998 animated hit, and two fan-fave actors join the cast of Disney Channel’s live-action Kim Possible movie… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Live-Action Mulan Now in Production; Set to Bring Honor to Us All

We here at D23 are gazing into the future… and what’s the “Reflection” we see? Why, it’s actress Liu Yifei (Once Upon a Time) in the first official photo from Disney’s all-new, live-action Mulan—which just started production, on locations in New Zealand and China. Liu was cast as heroine Hua Mulan after a year-long global casting search, and she joins Donnie Yen (Star Wars: Rogue One), Jason Scott Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny), Yoson An (The Meg), Utkarsh Ambudkar (Pitch Perfect), Rosalind Chao (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), and Jet Li (Lethal Weapon 4) in this epic adventure based on Disney’s 1998 animated hit.

With a story steeped in the folktales of China (still taught in Chinese schools today), the film will follow the fearless young Hua Mulan as she masquerades as a man in order to fight Northern Invaders attacking China. The eldest daughter of an honored warrior, she is spirited, determined, and oh so quick on her feet… So when the Emperor issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army, she steps in—to take the place of her ailing father—as Hua Jun, becoming one of China’s greatest warriors of all time.

Look for Mulan in U.S. theaters on March 27, 2020.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
September 8, 2018
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23
September 8, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Mary Poppins at Walt Disney World
September 15, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Mary Poppins on the Lot
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 25, 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
August 10, 2018
Disney Channel Original Movie Freaky Friday premieres on Disney Channel (8–9:45 p.m. EDT/PDT)
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)

This Disney Channel Original Movie Just Got Cooler… If That’s Possible

Speaking of “animation getting the live-action treatment”… Some big news was recently broken during D23’s fabulous Saturday Morning on the Lot event at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California: Two amazing actors have joined the cast of the live-action Disney Channel Original Movie, Kim Possible—and we’re pretty sure you’ll recognize ‘em from their stints on the original Kim Possible series. Click here to get the scoop!

Gal Gadot Takes to the Virtual Streets in Ralph Breaks the Internet

We were already agog at the sheer number of fantastic voices in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming Ralph Breaks the Internet (see: almost every living Disney Princess ever!)… but just last week, we were clued into another amazing addition to the film’s voice cast.

Gal Gadot (Justice League, Wonder Woman) recently revealed that she’s lending her voice to a new character named Shank, a talented driver in a gritty online game called Slaughter Race. Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) and Vanellope (voice of Sarah Silverman) encounter Shank—and her unique cohorts—when they venture to the Internet in search of a replacement part for Vanellope’s game, Sugar Rush. Shank, a tough-as-nails street racer, takes her role (and her tricked-out car) very seriously… and doesn’t like to lose. So when Vanellope finds herself in a street race with Shank, her Sugar Rush driving skills are put to the test—and Shank is impressed.

See and hear Shank in action—and catch a glimpse of those Disney Princesses in their “hang around the house” clothes (so adorable)—in the brand-new sneak peek trailer for Ralph Breaks the Internet, above. Look for it at a cineplex near you on November 21!

news briefs 8/15

Get on the “Grid” with Updates on Upcoming Tron Attraction

If you’ve visited the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in the last few weeks, you may have noticed a new billboard located near the Storybook Circus area. (Check it out above; it’s pretty “Grid”-tastic!)

Our pals over at the Disney Parks Blog revealed last summer that a new coaster-style attraction themed to the Tron films will be taking up residence at Magic Kingdom park. It’s set to occupy an entirely new area next to Tomorrowland’s Space Mountain—and as such, there are some modifications that had to be made as construction kicks off.

The Walt Disney World Railroad will temporarily take up residence at the Main Street Station starting in December 2018, halting its grand-circle tours of Magic Kingdom Park—but don’t worry, it’s only for a limited time. But during that station sojourn, guests will be able to get an up-close look at the railroad and take advantage of one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. Plus, the Tomorrowland Speedway will close for a portion of 2019 as the attraction’s track is adjusted; it’ll reopen as the same attraction guests know and love in Summer ‘19.

The new Tron attraction is set to debut just in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021, and it’s based on the Tron Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland—which is one of the most technologically advanced (not to mention exciting!) attractions ever created for a Disney park. Keep your eyes peeled for more info as the opening date draws closer…

Mal vs. Uma in All-New Descendants Short

There are so many “ways to be wicked,” and a new one is coming to Disney Channel this September! Read about the latest showdown between Descendants “villain kids” Mal (Dove Cameron) and Uma (China Anne McClain)—and see the live-action short-form special’s new teaser—right here at D23.com.

news briefs 8/15

Marvel Studios Announces 10th Anniversary Film Fest

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has offered moviegoers an astonishing decade of adventure—and to celebrate, beginning this August 30, Marvel Studios will be presenting a festival chock full o’ Super Hero hijinks at IMAX screens across the country! Read up on the films included; locations of the screenings; where to purchase tickets; and how you can have a say in which final two films will be shown here at D23.com.

Did You Spot These Easter Eggs in Disney’s Freaky Friday?

By Beth Deitchman

In Freaky Friday, “The Hunt” is an epic scavenger quest that sees high school students team up and search the city for a carefully curated list of off-the-beaten-path items and experiences. It’s as competitive as it gets, and 16-year-old Ellie Blake is determined to join in the fun this year. It turns out, however, that there’s another Freaky Friday hunt that viewers can enjoy—and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your couch to participate. We’ve uncovered some of the Easter eggs that the filmmakers have hidden within the brand-new “DCOM.” Take a look at our list, then head over to DisneyNOW to re-watch Freaky Friday and see how many you can find.

Freaky Friday easter eggs

Every-bunny loves a rabbit
A magician needs a rabbit, especially while he or she is still polishing their tricks, so of course younger brother Fletcher has Presto for a pet. But Freaky Friday set decorator Terry Joseph revealed that there are a few additional bunnies-of-note in the film: “We put a big, floppy stuffed one in Fletcher’s room, and then we decided that Ellie should have one, as well,” she says. Look for a small plush sombrero-wearing bunny in Ellie’s room on the shelf behind her bed.

Freaky Friday easter eggs

A Hidden Minnie
Disney fans are accustomed to looking for Hidden Mickeys, but Freaky Friday gives us something more elusive: a Hidden Minnie. Ellie keeps a framed photo of her late dad and herself in her room and if you look very closely, you’ll see a familiar red bow on the shelf just in front of the picture. Plus, this Easter egg comes with another fun find: The little girl in the picture isn’t Cozi Zuehlsdorff, who plays Ellie—it’s actually her older sister, Lacey Zuehlsdorff.

Freaky Friday easter eggs

Hours and hours of hourglass fun
The body-swap between mom Katherine and her daughter, Ellie, is set in motion by a magical hourglass—a special keepsake that was given to Ellie by her late father. This special prop was designed especially for Freaky Friday, and it should come as no surprise that the creative team looked at a LOT of hourglasses as they researched how this important item should look. “We had a lot of hourglasses in our possession at some point,” recalls Joseph, so the team decided to use as many as they could in a fun way.

There are hourglass Easter eggs hidden throughout Freaky Friday. You can spot one on the Blake family kitchen table and on a shelf in younger brother Fletcher’s room. There are two in Ellie’s room—on the nightstand and near her record turntable—and, according to Joseph, a number of them in Mrs. Time’s antique clock shop. We’ve personally counted more than 20 hourglasses, but take your time and you may discover even more. To echo both Katherine and Ellie in Freaky Friday, you got this.

 

Play Your Way Through Disney Parks with the Play Disney Parks App

By Karina Schink

Are you ready to take your love for Disney Parks to the next level? We love exploring the happiest and most magical places on earth and discovering new details, but there’s another way to make your way through the park. The Play Disney Parks mobile app (which you can download to play at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World) is the latest way to experience the parks in a totally new way! Here are our some of our favorite things to look out for when using the Play Disney Parks app at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts:

Play Disney Parks App

In-Queue Games

We know that sometimes you find yourself waiting in line during a visit to a Disney park, and in addition to the surprises and details that are part of any queue, Play Disney Parks features games that you can only access while you’re in line to enjoy some of your favorite attractions! Be sure to pay attention to your surroundings; you may even see a bit of special pixie dust in your queue!

Play Disney Parks App

Peter Pan’s Flight—“Off to Never Land”
For this game, you need at least two players to play along with Tinker Bell as you share your happy thoughts with a series of questions, stories, and jokes!

Play Disney Parks App

Toy Story Mania! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney’s California Adventure—”Playset Party”
Grab a friend or four as you stand in line for this fan-favorite attraction and you can help some of your favorite pals (or should we say pardners?) assemble the Toy Story Midway Mania! Playset.

Play Disney Parks App

Space Mountain—”Rocket Race”
As you get ready to blast off, join your friends in special training missions. This game needs at least two space cadets and can include up to five. It’s the perfect way to prepare for your intergalactic adventure.

Location-Specific Experiences

While some games are designed for families and friends to enjoy while waiting to hop on favorite attractions, other experiences are available at specific locations around the parks and can also be enjoyed from home. Here are a couple of our favorite special spots to play!

Walt Disney World Resort

Play Disney Parks App

Epcot—Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure
While you’re in Epcot, go on a world adventure with Agent P, trekking across the UK, France, Japan, Germany, China, and Mexico. Here you can test your secret agent skills by thwarting Dr. Doofenshmirtz as you travel around the world.

Play Disney Parks App

Disney’s Animal Kingdom—Maharajah Jungle Trek
This wild game can be played solo or with up to five people. Join the Disney Conservation Fund in becoming a conservation hero as you discover inspiring wildlife efforts in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Music

The app also allows you to enjoy the songs of Disney with specially curated playlists for all of your favorite spots in the parks. By accessing Apple Music from within the app, users can tap into a curated audio experience featuring official playlists inspired by beloved theme park lands, attractions and characters – and some favorite memories too. From “Happily Ever After” to “Tomorrowland” to “Epcot Future World,” there’s always a playlist ready to create magically musical moments – whether in the parks, or at home!

Play Disney Parks App

Trivia

We know you’re all Disney trivia aficionados, and while you’re walking around the park, you can play variously themed trivia games to boost your already estimable Disney knowledge!  The trivia is themed around your favorite regions in the parks, no matter where you are! So, whether you’re waiting in line or waiting for a friend—or waiting with a friend—there’s always a game for you to play. You can even sharpen your Disney trivia skills from home!

Christy Carlson Romano and Patton Oswalt Join the Cast of the Live-Action Kim Possible

By Jocelyn Buhlman

This morning was SO the drama! D23 Members were the first to hear some thrilling Kim Possible news that will give fans of the classic series a reason to rejoice: Christy Carlson Romano and Emmy® and Grammy® Award-winning actor/comedian Patton Oswalt are joining the cast of the live-action Kim Possible, the highly anticipated Disney Channel Original Movie based on the beloved animated series about an everyday high school girl who, in her spare time, saves the world from villains. Romano originally lent her voice to the hit series’ iconic title character, while Oswalt voiced the villainous Professor Dementor.

We gathered this morning at The Walt Disney Studios to celebrate some of our favorite Disney animated series at our Saturday Morning on the Lot event, including the Disney Channel classic Kim Possible. During a presentation on the original series, Romano announced she will appear in the comedy-adventure movie, set to debut in 2019, but we’ll have to stay tuned for more details about her character. Romano—who also plays the voice of young bot-fighter Trina in an upcoming episode of Disney Channel’s animated series Big Hero 6 The Series—also announced that Oswalt will introduce a new generation of fans to super villain and mad scientist Professor Dementor, a favorite character for fans.

Kim Possible live action

Besides Romano and Oswalt, the movie stars Sadie Stanley as Kim Possible, Sean Giambrone (ABC’s The Goldbergs) as Kim Possible’s loyal best friend, Ron Stoppable; Alyson Hannigan (How I Met Your Mother, Disney Junior’s animated series Fancy Nancy) as brain surgeon Dr. Ann Possible (AKA Mom Possible); Todd Stashwick (12 Monkeys) and Taylor Ortega will play fan-favorite villains Drakken and Shego, respectively; Connie Ray (The Big C) as grandmother Nana Possible; Ciara Wilson (OMG!) as new high school student Athena; Erika Tham (Make It Pop) who will play Kim’s childhood frenemy, Bonnie; and Issac Ryan Brown (Raven’s Home) as teen computer genius Wade.

Mark your calendars for this sitch: The live-action Kim Possible is set to debut in 2019 on Disney Channel.

Descendants’ Mal and Uma Are Going Under the Sea…

By Beth Deitchman

Darling, it’s better down where it’s wetter—take it from D23! And if you don’t believe us, ask Descendants arch-nemeses Mal and Uma, who go head to head in an epic underwater showdown in Under the Sea: A Descendants Story, a new live-action short-form special premiering on Disney Channel on Friday, September 28 (7:50–8 p.m. EDT/PDT).

In the super-mysterious teaser that just debuted, Mal (Dove Cameron) emerges from the shadows of a mystical forest onto a dark coastline where she crosses paths with Dizzy, played by Anna Cathcart. And they aren’t the only “VKs” coming to Under the Sea: A Descendants Story—fans can look forward to seeing China Ann McClain reprise the role of Uma, along with Thomas Doherty and Dylan Playfair as Harry and Gil from Uma’s wicked pirate gang.

As in the insanely popular Descendants and Descendants 2, the new short-form special will feature devilishly dazzling visual effects, as well as high-energy music and dance. And just as there are so many ways to be wicked, there are so many ways to watch Under the Sea: A Descendants Story. Immediately after its Disney Channel debut, you’ll be able to watch it again and again on the DisneyNOW app and Disney Channel VOD.

Mal, Uma, and the “rotten-to-the-core” rest of your favorite Villain Kids will return in the highly anticipated trequel, Descendants 3, premiering on Disney Channel in Summer 2019.

The Marvel Studios 10th Anniversary Film Festival

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Assemble your friends! Your favorite films from the first 10 years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are coming to IMAX screens across the U.S. and Canada from August 30–September 6.

For the past 10 years, super hero fans have gathered at theaters to watch some of their favorite characters fight for justice on the big screen. It’s been an amazing time to be a comics fan—we’ve watched our favorite moments jump from the page to the silver screen, creating blockbuster moments gathering fans, sometimes in full costume, to assemble in celebration of Marvel’s amazing super stories.

Now, you can experience a movie marathon like no other: To celebrate Marvel Studios’ 10th anniversary, select IMAX screens across the United States and Canada will show a decade of Marvel Studios’ films, from Iron Man to Ant-Man and The Wasp. The Marvel Studios 10th Anniversary Film Festival takes place from August 30 through September 6 and will show all 20 films exclusively in IMAX. Three of these films—Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk and Captain America: The First Avenger—have never been seen in the format.

The first five days will show all 20 films in release order, followed by two themed days focusing on “Origins” and “Team Ups.” The festival will conclude on the morning of September 6 with two films chosen especially by fans!

Marvel Studios Film Festival

Get Your Votes In Now

The final two showtimes of this festival will be chosen by you, the fans! Team up with your friends and vote to see one of your favorite films on Thursday, September 6. Choices will include Iron Man, The Avengers, Captain America: The First Avenger and Black Panther. Voting is open now though August 17 on Twitter @IMAX and @MarvelStudios. Be sure to vote, share and tag #MarvelStudios10FilmFestival.

Tickets for Marvel Studios 10th Anniversary Film Festival are available now! Get your tickets now at Fandango.com.

IMAX® is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation.

Heartfelt Celebrity Tributes for Mickey and Minnie’s 90th and More in the Latest Issue of Disney twenty-three

By D23 Team

Since his debut on November 18, 1928, Mickey Mouse has been bringing the world joy through his adventures in movies, animated shorts, video games, theme parks, and more. There’s no better tribute to the mouse that started it all than a star-studded celebratory issue of Disney twenty-three, coming to D23 Gold Members this August.

The celebration starts with a heartfelt tribute to Mickey penned by film historian Leonard Maltin, honoring Mickey’s enduring optimism and youthful spirit. More celebrities and luminaries join in sharing Mickey memories, including Kurt Russell, Mark Hamill, Whoopi Goldberg, Alan Menken, and Hayley Mills.

Of course, with an issue honoring a star this big, he has to be on the cover! The cover features the latest tribute to Mickey—his new birthday portrait, titled “Spreading Magic Around the World,” painted by legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios animator Mark Henn—and Walt Disney Archives director Becky Cline looks at the long-standing tradition of Mickey portraits over the decades. We go behind the scenes of the creation of the portrait, which we unveiled at our first-ever San Diego Comic-Con panel, in a stunning time-lapse of Henn’s animation process:

Mickey’s not the only Disney icon ringing in 90 years of happiness—the effortlessly charming Minnie Mouse is joining the festive celebrations! We honor Minnie with a special tribute by actress and fashion designer Ashley Eckstein, who spotlights Minnie’s enduring place as a role model and fashion icon.

Get ready to tune in to your next favorite Disney Channel Original Movie—Disney twenty-three goes behind the scenes on the making of the new Freaky Friday, sharing exclusive interviews with stars Heidi Blickenstaff and Cozi Zuehlsdorff.

Plus, D23 is kicking off its annual Fanniversary in the most spellbinding way: We’re honoring Hocus Pocus and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, two beloved films celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. Director Kenny Ortega talks about the making of Hocus Pocus and all of the on-set excitement working with Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

This month’s “Character Analysis” examines the frightfully fun denizens of Nightmare, along with a first look at the new Nightmare-themed gingerbread house coming to Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction overlay this year. For more Fanniversary fun, visit D23.com/Fanniversary beginning October 1.

Also included in the fall issue of Disney twenty-three:

  • Animation historian Fox Carney dives into the vaults of the Animation Research Library to show off stunning paintings and drawings from Mickey’s rich history
  • From the Desk of: Mickey’s portrait painter Mark Henn
  • A preview of The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
  • An advance look at the new Disney Channel series Star Wars Resistance
  • Regular features including D Society and Ask Dave

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in mid-August.

Learn more about D23 Gold Membership here

Twirl Away with The Nutcracker and the Four Realms—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

There’s a magical new trailer for Disney’s holiday film, and ABC is celebrating Mickey Mouse with a star-studded primetime special… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Sparkling New The Nutcracker and the Four Realms Trailer and Poster

School is starting across the country, which for us has always signaled the beginning of fall… And you know what else that means? The holidays are just around the corner! To celebrate, Disney just released a brand-new trailer for its upcoming film, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, as well as a colorful new poster. Check out the magical clip, above.

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In this new live-action feature—directed by Lasse Hallström (Chocolat, My Life as a Dog) and Joe Johnston (The Rocketeer) and based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale—all Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key… a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift. A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Oscar® winner 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), a gang of mice, and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers, and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Oscar® winner Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world.

Also starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy and renowned dancer Misty Copeland as the Ballerina, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms opens in theaters on November 2.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
August 10, 2018
Lunch with a Disney Legend – Jim Cora
August 11, 2018
D23’s Saturday Morning on the Lot
August 12, 2018
Mickey’s of Glendale Summer Shopping Event
September 8, 2018
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23
September 8, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Mary Poppins at Walt Disney World
September 15, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Mary Poppins on the Lot
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
Television
August 10, 2018
Disney Channel Original Movie Freaky Friday premieres on Disney Channel (8–9:45 p.m. EDT/PDT)
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)

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ABC’s Throwing a Party for Mickey Mouse, and You’re Invited!

With the incredible 90th anniversary of Mickey Mouse’s first appearance (in Steamboat Willie) coming up this November, ABC has announced a very special, star-studded Mickey celebration to air in primetime this fall! Read up on Mickey’s 90th Spectacular, to be directed and produced by Emmy® winner Don Mischer, right here at D23.com.

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Disney Junior’s Vampirina Joins Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort

If you’re got kids in your household (or, like us, you just enjoy adorable animated TV shows based on a popular book series), then you’ve probably heard of Disney Junior’s Vampirina—which debuted last fall and is already a huge hit, consistently ranking among the top five series on TV among girls ages 2 through 5. And now, Vampirina herself will soon be making her debut inside several Disney Parks, just in time for the Halloween season.

Beginning September 7, guests will be able to meet Vampirina (otherwise known as “Vee”) at Disney California Adventure park, as part of Disneyland Resort’s Halloween Time celebrations—and she’ll also be making special appearances during the Frightfully Fun Parade at Mickey’s Halloween Party, the separately ticketed event running on select nights from September 9 through October 31. Plus, later this year, Vee will also appear in DCA’s Disney Junior Dance Party!.

Fans on the East Coast, never fear: Vee will be making appearances at Walt Disney World Resort, too! Beginning September 30, she’ll join her friends for yummy breakfast at Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine, inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios… and later in the fall, she’ll be available for meet-and-greets at the park’s Animation Courtyard.

We can’t wait to make Vee’s acquaintance!

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Secrets You Just Have to Hear from the Christopher Robin Premiere

Thrill your friends and impress your neighbors with all manner of amazing tidbits from the recent Christopher Robin premiere, held on The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California. Check ‘em out right here at D23.com, and then prepare to have a hankerin’ for honey. (Don’t say we didn’t warn you.)

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Gabby Duran & the Unsittables is Coming to Disney Channel

There’s a brand-new live-action series coming to Disney Channel, and it’s truly out of this world! Based on the novel by Elise Allen and Daryle Conners, Gabby Duran & the Unsittables is now in production and slated to debut in 2019.

Pre-teen Gabby (played by newcomer Kylie Cantrall) constantly feels like she’s living in the shadows of her super-polished and successful mother (Valery Ortiz, late of Freeform’s Switched at Birth) and whip-smart younger sister (Coco Christo). She finally finds her moment to shine when she inadvertently lands a totally unique job—babysitting an unruly group of very important extraterrestrial children hiding out on Earth disguised as everyday kids. Fearless and bold, Gabby steps up to the challenge to protect these youngsters and their secret identities, and to prove she’s the best babysitter in the galaxy.

Stay tuned for more info on Gabby Duran & the Unsittables as its premiere draws closer.

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ABC’s American Idol Kicks Off New Round of Auditions Starting This Month

You know it; you love it; you watched its huge return on ABC; and now cannot wait for the new season to begin… don’t worry, we’re right there with you! Thankfully, American Idol is poised to begin its second season on ABC soon—and to that end, they’re just about to kick off their nationwide talent search.

Beginning Saturday, August 25, the series will hold open auditions for the next singing sensation at Walt Disney World Resort’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. And once they’re done there, they head out on an incredible 20-plus-city tour that takes them to San Diego, California; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Buffalo, New York; and everywhere in between.

Along the way, Season 1 winner Maddie Poppe (so talented!), runner-up Caleb Lee Hutchinson (also amazing!), and finalist Catie Turner (she’s so quirky and we love it!) will make special appearances.

Click here for a full rundown of the Idol casting bus tour, and keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for Season 2 of ABC’s American Idol’s later in the 2018–19 season.