Delicious New Delights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom—Plus More in News Briefs

July 18, 2018November 8, 2018

By Courtney Potter

New Animal Kingdom eats to tickle your taste buds, and a sneak peek at this year’s holiday fun aboard Disney Cruise Line… See more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Check Out All the New Eats Available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

If you’re adventuring over to Walt Disney World Resort this summer, there’s a host of delicious new eats and treats to try at Disney’s Animal Kingdom—including some fresh options at fan-favorites Tiffins Restaurant and Flame Tree Barbecue and a brand-new dessert party during the park’s gorgeous nighttime spectacular Rivers of Light. We’ve got all the mouthwatering scoop right here at D23.com.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
July 21, 2018
D23 Member Mixer—San Diego
July 30, 2018
Attend the Red Carpet Premiere of Christopher Robin
July 31, 2018
Be Among the First to See Disney’s Christopher Robin!
August 6, 2018
D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experience: Pixar Animation Studios
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
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
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
August 3, 2018
Disney’s Christopher Robin opens in U.S. theaters
November 2, 2018
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms opens in U.S. theaters
December 19, 2018
Mary Poppins Returns opens in U.S. theaters
Television
July 13, 2018
Fancy Nancy premieres on Disney Junior (11–11:55 a.m. EDT)
August 10, 2018
Disney Channel Original Movie Freaky Friday premieres on Disney Channel (8–9:45 p.m. EDT/PDT)

Making Merry with Disney Cruise Line This Winter

Don’t get us wrong—we love summer. Cookouts with s’mores, trips to the beach, listening to our favorite Disney summer jams on Spotify… But we’d be lying if we didn’t admit that we’re already looking forward to the coming holidays. And with the fun in store later this year on Disney Cruise Line (DCL), we don’t think you’ll be able to blame us!

Starting in early November, all DCL ships will be transforming into a veritable winter wonderland for their “Very Merrytime Cruises”—sailings with more jolly than you can shake a holly sprig at. All manner of parties and themed entertainment will delight guests young and young at heart, including “Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic” (where you’ll find Mickey Mouse and friends singing carols and lighting the ship’s three-deck-tall Christmas tree!); “sea-sun’s” greetings at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay (featuring beachside “snow flurries”); “Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball” (a magical welcome-party production that includes an appearance by Kris Kringle himself); special activities just for kids; and so much more.

So if you’re looking for a truly memorable way for your family to spend the holidays this year, check out DisneyCruiseLine.com for more information.

Disney’s Media Networks Honored with 39 Emmy^® Nominations

TV fans, rejoice—for awards season is upon us, and some of our favorite shows are getting the accolades they so richly deserve from the Television Academy… including a slew of awesome programming from ABC, Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Marvel Television. D23.com has a complete rundown of Disney’s whopping 39 Emmy Award nominations here.

Tokyo Disneyland Celebrates 35 Years with Fabulous New Entertainment

Regular readers of D23.com (including Gold Members, who also receive our nifty Disney twenty-three magazine each quarter) know that Tokyo Disneyland has been commemorating its mega-awesome 35th Anniversary in 2018—and they premiered several new entertainment options earlier this spring to launch the celebration. But the party is really kicking into high gear this summer with the addition of a brand-new nighttime spectacular and two new stage shows.

As first announced by our friends at the Disney Parks Blog, Tokyo Disneyland guests can now enjoy some New Orleans-style fun at the new “Let’s Party Gras!” show at Theatre Orleans inside Adventureland, where Mickey Mouse and his friends will “let the good times roll.” Over at Tokyo DisneySea, at the American Waterfront Dockside Stage, “Hello, New York!” finds Mickey and pals discovering—via song and dance—just what makes New York City so memorable. And back at Tokyo Disneyland once the sun sets, Cinderella Castle is transformed with Celebrate! Tokyo Disneyland—a nighttime spectacular featuring fountains, projections, and dazzling pyrotechnics. (Bonus tip: Purchase a super-cool, exclusive light-up pendant before the show starts and you can be a part of the magic.)

Congrats to Tokyo Disneyland on their amazing three-plus decades of bringing Disney fun to guests from around the globe!

A Jungle Full of New Eats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

July 17, 2018

by Karina Schink

Adventure awaits in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. Gear up for a “food-afari,” because all of your favorite food pit-stops just got a little bit yummier! This summer, the park is debuting tons of new, wild, and tasty treats, for carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores alike!

Rivers of Light
You might not believe us, but this party is only just getting started! A new dining experience is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s nighttime extravaganza Rivers of Light, which invites guests to embrace the magic of nature while the night bursts with captivating special effects, music, and animal folklore.

But now while you’re gazing (and oohing and ahhing) at the show, you can also tantalize your taste buds with the new Rivers of Light Dessert Party. This delectable new dining experience will take place on select nights starting on Monday, August 6, 2018, and features a beautiful buffet of desserts, snacks, and drinks that are themed to this incomparable park.

Pizzafari
Beginning July 31, you’ll be able to make reservations at the fan-favorite quick-service restaurant and enjoy the all-new Pizzafari Family-Style Dining Experience. After checking in at the podium and ordering your drinks, you and your pack will be seated in one of two dining rooms where all of your favorite Italian dishes will be brought right to your table!

While you’re there–eating in or to go–you’ll notice that the menu has some new additions! The classic round pizzas are back and ready to be the feature of your safari with options like Cheese, Pepperoni, Vegetable, or Sausage & Pepperoni.

Don’t worry if you’re not in the mood for pizza! You can also enjoy a small Caesar Salad (with a chicken option) and add some Garlic Knots on the side for good measure. Every great meal needs a great finale, too! Top it off with the decadent Cannoli Cake: a slice of chocolate cake with chocolate chip cannoli filling, topped with chocolate ganache and a mini cannoli filled with sweet ricotta cheese and chips! (Our mouths are watering just typing that!)

Tiffins Restaurant
You can also continue your culinary expedition next door at Tiffins Restaurant, which also debuts some new menu options! The new two-course lunch menu allows you to pick an appetizer/entrée or entrée/dessert combination.

If you choose to go the appetizer route, you can select options such as Apple Walnut Salad or Spiced Chickpea Falafel from the menu, while entrée choices include Wagyu Beef Tagine, Paella, and Roasted Chicken Breast. And, for those with a sweet tooth, you can enjoy a dessert duo (two is always better than one!) with South American Chocolate Ganache and Guava Mousse!

This lunch menu is $35 per person (plus tax and gratuities) and counts as 2 TSR meals on the Disney Dining Plan and is served from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Reservations can be made at DisneyWorld.com/Dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). And of course, walk-ups are always welcome!

Flame Tree Barbecue
Did we mention the sweets? When your savory tooth is satisfied, head over to the Flame Tree Barbecue for delectable delicacies like the Banana Maple Cake. This cake has all the fixins: a vanilla chiffon cake with banana maple mousse, topped with a white chocolate glaze and crunchy meringue.

Dino Diner
“What’s the big idea?” A Donald Duck-themed cupcake, of course! Donald’s Dino-Bash! Cupcake is available at Dino Diner in DinoLand U.S.A. and this vanilla cupcake is filled with lemon-flavored white chocolate mousse and topped with buttercream, crispy pearls, and a red fondant bow (Minnie would be so proud!).

If you’re nearing extinction and you need to fuel up before diving in for the sweets, Dino Diner has something new on the loose! The Italian Sausage Hoagie features broiled Italian sausage, sautéed onion, and sautéed peppers, served with a side of potato chips.

Restaurantosaurus
You can find another new leafy-green dish over at Restaurantosaurus, in the Grilled Chicken Salad with Summer Berries. If you prefer to chow down on something more omnivorous, Restaurantosaurus is also offering Breaded Shrimp with French Fries, as well as Shrimp & Chicken served with French Fries.

Harambe Market
Harambe Market makes for the perfect stop on your safari where you can recharge and refuel your engines, especially with new additions to the menu like the Pork Sausage with curried onion relish, served on naan bread with black-eyed pea salad!

Also new to the market are the Roasted Vegetables with cauliflower, sweet potato, and chickpeas served over steamed rice with yogurt raita. Don’t drive away without grabbing a Safari Cake! This coconut cake goody—inspired by the Okapi (which you can snap some photos of over at Kilimanjaro Safaris)—is made with pineapple-coconut mousse and coated in chocolate.

Satu’li Canteen
For those of you who like to sit in the driver’s seat, Satu’li Canteen in Pandora – The World of Avatar features new Build-Your-Own-Bowl options. The carnivores among us need not choose between meats and can order the grilled beef and chicken combination, while also choosing from two new bases: Rice and Beans and a Hearty Salad base.

Warung Outpost
Oh boy, oh boy! Last, but certainly not least (but maybe the sweetest!) is the Up!-inspired Cake Push Pop. With this dessert, you can see from the ground to the sky, with layers of earth chocolate cake, mountains and skies of green and blue buttercream, all topped off with crispy white chocolate “balloons.” It’s the perfect snack to grab before heading into UP! A Great Big Bird Adventure in Asia.

To commemorate your “food-afari” (and stay hydrated during your tasty travels!), you can pick up the new Animal Kingdom Canteen at Mahindi Popcorn, The Feeding Ground, and at most Ice Cream Carts throughout the park.

And with that, folks, your great trek through Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s newest eats has come to an end. We hope you enjoyed the ride and worked up an appetite to embark on your own “food-afari” at the Walt Disney World Resort. It’s an epicurean expedition you’ll be tempted to take again and again!

Disney’s Media Networks Combine for 39 Emmy Nominations

July 12, 2018July 12, 2018

By Jim Frye

Nominations for the 2018 Primetime Emmy Awards were announced this morning from the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre at the Saban Media Center in North Hollywood. ABC received 31 nominations—including six for Dancing with the Stars and five for black-ish—while Disney XD and Disney Channel added five, for a total 36 nominations for the Disney ABC television group. Together with Marvel Television’s three nominations, Disney programs collected a total 39 Emmy nominations.

The 2018 Emmy Awards will be presented live September 17, 2018. A complete list of every Disney Emmy nomination is included below. To view the entire list of Emmy nominees, visit Emmys.com.

ABC

American Koko
Outstanding Actress in A Short Form Comedy or Drama Series, Diarra Kilpatrick

black-ish
Outstanding Contemporary Costumes
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, Anthony Anderson
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, Tracee Ellis Ross
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, Wanda Sykes
Outstanding Comedy Series

Dancing with the Stars
Outstanding Production Design for a Variety, Reality or Reality-Competition Series
Outstanding Costumes For Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Programming
Outstanding Hairstyling For a Multi-Camera Series or Special
Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Series
Outstanding Makeup for a Multi-Camera Series or Special (Non-Prosthetic)
Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Series

Grey’s Anatomy: B Team
Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series

How to Get Away with Murder
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series, Cicely Tyson

Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Outstanding Variety Talk Series
Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Series

Modern Family
Outstanding Sound Mixing for A Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation

Once Upon A Time
Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score)

The Oscars
Outstanding Production Design for A Variety Special
Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special
Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media Within an Unscripted Program
Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Special
Outstanding Music Direction
Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series Or Special
Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Limited Series, Movie or Special

Roseanne
Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Laurie Metcalf

Scandal
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series, Viola Davis

Shark Tank
Outstanding Directing for a Reality Program
Outstanding Structured Reality Program

DISNEY CHANNEL

The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance, Russi Taylor

DISNEY XD

Big Hero 6: Baymax Returns
Outstanding Animated Program

Star Wars Rebels
Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score)
Outstanding Children’s Program
Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) And Animation

MARVEL TV ON NETFLIX

Marvel’s Jessica Jones
Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score)

Marvel’s The Defenders
Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music

Marvel’s The Punisher
Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series or Movie

7 Disney Moments When Bad Luck Amazingly Led to Something Good

July 12, 2018September 13, 2019

By Megan Deppe

Friday the 13th is upon us, so we’re avoiding ladders and handling our mirrors oh-so-carefully—because who wants bad luck in their life? You might feel like the odds are weighted against you today, but if you let Disney movies serve as your guide, you’ll see that sometimes bad luck leads to something even better. And to give everyone an extra dose of good luck on this most superstitious of days, we’ve rounded up a lucky seven examples!

1. Pit Stop (Cars)
When Lightning McQueen fell out of the back of Mack, he thought his world was ending—all he cared about was getting to California for the biggest race of his life! To him, it was his bad luck to end up in in the middle of nowhere, Radiator Springs. That turned out to be exactly what Lightning needed to get his priorities in order and learn what’s really important in life. Who could imagine Lightning never meeting Mater, Doc Hudson, or Sally?

2. An Icy Flight (Iron Man)
“Sometimes you gotta run before you can walk.” Tony Stark lived to regret those words, at least a little bit, when he flew for the first time in the Iron Man suit. Since he hadn’t tested everything before taking flight, he ended up freezing his suit and going into free fall and nearly colliding with traffic. Tony turned this bad luck into a lesson: He fixed his suit and later tricked Obadiah Stane into flying high enough to freeze himself, giving Tony the upper hand in their battle.

3. Off the Hook (Moana)
After Moana and Maui retrieved the demigod’s hook, they figured their quest to Te Fiti would be smooth sailing. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Maui’s lack of confidence and his years without the hook made it difficult for him to shapeshift into the forms he actually wanted, and he eventually turned himself into a half-shark. But this obstacle created an opportunity for Moana and Maui to bond—not to mention how much fun we had watching Maui regain his confidence.

4. Scare Tactics (Monsters University)
All Mike Wazowski ever wanted was to be in the Scare Program at Monsters University, but he had some bad breaks—culminating with an argument with Sulley during their final exam, when their roars cause Dean Hardscrabble’s prized scream canister to fall and break. Both monsters are dropped from the Scaring Program. However, that devastating moment ultimately led Mike (and Sulley) to join Oozma Kappa, where they both would find out what it truly means to be a monster, and (most importantly), become best friends. What’s one moment of bad luck compared to a payout like that?

5. The Garbage Will Do (Star Wars: The Force Awakens)
Rey, Finn, and BB-8 were in a tight spot as they tried to escape Jakku—there were Stormtroopers on their tail, and most of the nearby ships weren’t in the best shape. At first, Rey directed the trio towards a ship that she was confident she could fly, but that turned out to be the next ship blown up by passing TIE Fighters. Only one option was left: the ship Rey deemed to be “garbage”—which turned out to be none other than the Millennium Falcon.

6. 23-19! (Monsters, Inc.)
Poor George Sanderson, his life seems to be marred by bad luck. When we first meet the monster, it’s with a sock stuck to his back—prompting a 23-19 call signifying he’d been contaminated by humans! This happens again to George when Sulley crams all of Boo’s toys into George’s locker, and when Sulley runs George over when upon his return from banishment. Thankfully George’s story ends happily on the Laugh Floor, when—after it’s discovered that humans aren’t toxic after all—the monster finds his calling amusing kids, rather than scaring them.

7. Wolf Attack (Beauty and the Beast)
It’s hard to imagine a scenario in which a wolf attack would could ever be construed as a positive thing, but hear us out… Belle, frightened by Beast in the West Wing, tries to run away from his castle but is cornered by a pack of wolves. She thought she’d escaped, but now she’s in serious trouble! To combat this perilous twist of fate, Beast swoops to save Belle from the wolves and she sees a different side to Beast. As Belle takes care of the injuries Beast received in the fight, there seems to be something there that wasn’t there before.

Life-Size 2 is Shining Bright This Christmas—Plus More in News Briefs

July 11, 2018November 8, 2018

By Courtney Potter

Mark your calendars for Life-Size 2 on Freeform; get ready to test your Disney knowledge; and prepare for Christopher Robin’s debut next month… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Freeform’s Life Size 2 is Now in Production

No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you—there’s going to be a sequel to fan-fave The Wonderful World of Disney television movie Life Size… and it just went into production! Life Size 2 will air on Freeform and will once again star Tyra Banks as Eve—but this time, she’ll have to contend with Grace Manning (portrayed by grown-ish co-star Francia Raisa), the confident and funny CEO of Marathon Toys, a toy company started by her mother that’s most famous for manufacturing the iconic Eve doll. Unfortunately, Grace herself is notorious for drunken exploits that wind up all over the tabloids… and make the company’s stock plunge on a daily basis.

The cast also includes Gavin Stenhouse (Allegiance) as Grace’s potential love interest Calum; Shanica Knowles (The Young and the Restless) as Tahlia, and Hank Chen (The New 30) as Brendan, Grace’s two best friends; and Alison Fernandez (Once Upon a Time) as Lex, Grace’s young next-door neighbor. It is directed by Steven K. Tsuchida (Younger) and executive produced by Banks. Look for more about Life Size 2—including a premiere date—soon.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
July 13, 2018
D23 Member Mixer—Seattle
July 21, 2018
D23 Member Mixer—San Diego
July 30, 2018
Attend the Red Carpet Premiere of Christopher Robin
August 6, 2018
D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experience: Pixar Animation Studios
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
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
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
July 6, 2018
Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp opens in U.S. theaters opens in U.S. theaters
August 3, 2018
Disney’s Christopher Robin opens in U.S. theaters
November 2, 2018
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms opens in U.S. theaters
December 19, 2018
Mary Poppins Returns opens in U.S. theaters
Television
July 13, 2018
Fancy Nancy premieres on Disney Junior (11–11:55 a.m. EDT)
August 10, 2018
Disney Channel Original Movie Freaky Friday premieres on Disney Channel (8–9:45 p.m. EDT/PDT)

Disney QUIZney Kicks Off This Monday, July 16

What if you could test your Disney and Disney Channel trivia mettle, right from your very own mobile device… and potentially win some cash prizes to boot? Sounds awesome, right? Well look no further than Disney QUIZney, the brand-new, groundbreaking, multi-platform interactive trivia game show—hosted by K.C. Undercover’s Trinitee Stokes—kicking off this coming Monday, July 16. Watch the show’s trailer and read all about it right here on D23.com.

Disney QUIZney isn’t the only thing to premiere next week; fans of Disney Channel’s wildly popular 1990s docu-series Bug Juice will be pleased as punch to know that the show is returning—and it all starts on Monday, June 16, at 7:30 p.m. EDT on Disney Channel, the DisneyNOW app, and Disney Channel VOD. The 16-part series goes back to its original location (Camp Waziyatah in Waterford, Maine) to chronicle all manner of hilarious and heartwarming summertime adventures with a whole new batch of kids. Episodes will air Monday through Thursday evenings throughout the summer. Roast up some marshmallows for s’mores (safely, of course) and check it out!

Brand-New Christopher Robin Featurette

We’re less than a month away from the debut of a movie we’re tickled pink to finally see: Disney’s Christopher Robin! (We’re big fans of the Hundred Acre Wood ’round these parts.) So we were excited to see this just-released featurette for the film, featuring never-before-seen footage as well as interviews with stars Ewan McGregor and Hayley Atwell; director Marc Forster; and Disney Legend (and Christopher Robin songwriter) Richard Sherman.

In this heartwarming live-action adventure, the young boy who shared countless adventures with his stuffed animal friends has grown up… and lost sight of what’s important in life. Now it is up to his childhood pals to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin rediscover the joys of family life, the value of friendship—and to appreciate the simple pleasure in life once again.

Tickets for the film, which opens August 3 in U.S. theaters, are now on sale. We’ll see ya there!

Candlelight Narrators Announced for 2018 Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort

With temps heating up around the country and kids out of school—at least for a few more weeks—we can’t help but daydream about the cooler weather and holiday fun to come. So our bells were positively jingled when we saw that our friends at the Disney Parks Blog announced the majority of their celebrity narrators for the 2018 Candlelight Processional at Epcot! Disney-loving pals like Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, and The Little Mermaid’s Jodi Benson are returning for the merry magic; check out the list here, but keep your eyes peeled for a few more announcements as the holidays draw closer.

These #DreamBigPrincess Digital Shorts Celebrate Female Trailblazers

Disney’s Dream Big, Princess movement aims to inspire girls around the globe to realize their dreams. Coming soon, there’s a brand-new series of digital shorts—to be created by young filmmakers—showcasing well-known (and well-loved) role models… and it’s all to encourage girls everywhere to create, dream, and celebrate who they are!

Plans for the #DreamBigPrincess series were unveiled recently at the United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. Each aspiring filmmaker will be paired with a fabulous, inspirational interview subject from a truly diverse range of professions; the young women will capture the stories of these incredible folks, along with their advice for achieving success. Jennifer Lee, director/writer of Frozen and the new Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, is just one of the talented women who’ll be featured in the series.

Plus, starting this October 10 and through November 20, for each like or share of a video or photo with the hashtag “#DreamBigPrincess” on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, Disney Worldwide Services will donate $1 to Girl Up in support of girls’ leadership and empowerment—up to $1 million! Pretty cool, huh?

Check out the video above to hear what excites Lee most about this #DreamBigPrincess digital series, and keep your eyes peeled for more information as we get closer to the first short’s debut.

Meet Cookie, Duffy’s Newest Pal at Hong Kong Disneyland

Longtime readers of D23.com know our love for Duffy, the adorable Disney Bear that welcomes guests from all over the world to Hong Kong Disneyland (as well as Tokyo DisneySea). He has several equally adorable friends—Gelatoni, ShellieMay, and StellaLou—but just recently welcomed a new pal into the fold… Cookie, a very curious puppy who loves to learn all about food! She’s the first of Duffy’s friend to make her inaugural appearance at Hong Kong Disneyland.

According to our pals over at the park, Duffy and Cookie met on Main Street, U.S.A. His cotton candy and her tall stack of waffles went flying when they bumped into each other, and when Cookie caught them she came up with a new idea: why not combine her waffles and Duffy’s cotton candy to make a cotton candy waffle sandwich? Sounds delish!

Cookie is now visiting with guests on Main Street, U.S.A., in her signature chef’s hat with the cute pink bow. And visitors can even take a little bit of Cookie’s sweetness home with them, with exclusive merchandise and yummy treats available at the Main Street Corner Café.

Take a look at Cookie’s arrival at Hong Kong Disneyland in the video, above.

Everything You Need for the Ultimate Disney Summer Party

July 11, 2018

By Karina Schink

It’s finally the season to jump in the pool and relax in the sun. And, what better time than now to host a Disney summer party? Whether it’s at the pool, in your backyard, or on the beach, here’s everything you need to create some magical memories. Don’t forget that D23 Members get a discount at shopDisney.com.

Darling Decorations

Finding Dory Balloons

Moana Plates

Ariel Paper Fans

Decorate your space to showcase your favorite sea-themed Disney characters, so when your guests walk through the door, they know a party here is “never second best.”

Perfect Poolside Pieces

Sebastian Pool Float

BB-8 Inflatable Pool Toy

Ariel Tiara Dive and Catch Game

Swimsuits for the Little Ones – Boys, Girls

Swimsuits for the Big Ones – Women, Men

What better way to welcome the summer season than with a splash in the water? Disney-fy your pool with these floats while also making sure the whole family is dressed swimmingly.

Glorious Garden Games

Star Wars Bocce Ball Game

Star Wars Bean Bag Toss Game

Disney Song Challenge Game

Pit Rebels against the Empire, villains against heroes, and test your Disney song knowledge in these Star Wars– and Disney–themed games.

Beach Basics

Finding Nemo Seagulls Beach Towel

Minnie Mouse Cooler Tote

Stitch Picnic Blanket

If your summer festivities take you “Under the Sea,” make sure you’re prepared with all of the classic essentials.

Cooking Crucials

Mickey Mouse Popsicle Molds

Olaf Snow Cone Maker

Mickey Mouse Mixing Bowl Set

Mickey Mouse and Friends Apron

From classic barbeques and chips and dip all the way to the sweet finale of dessert, summer food is the best, especially when it’s shared with friends (even if they’re there just for the food).

Magical Musical Must-Haves

Ariel Light-Up Bluetooth Speaker

Disney Summer Jams Spotify Playlist

It wouldn’t really be a Disney party if you didn’t blast some tunes, now would it? With our Disney Summer Party Jams Spotify Playlist, you can sing (and dance!) along to the newest hits and, of course, some of the classics.

The 5 Fanciest Facts About Disney Junior’s ’Fancy Nancy’

July 10, 2018July 11, 2018

Disney Junior is getting fancy… But there’s no need to don a tuxedo or ball gown—in the network’s newest animated series for kids and families, Fancy Nancy, “fancy” is a blissful state of mind. Based on the New York Times bestselling book series by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, Fancy Nancy chronicles the adventures of a truly original 6-year-old with boundless enthusiasm, an exceptional imagination, and an unwavering determination to “do it herself” as she transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary for everyone around her.

If you aren’t already acquainted with Nancy—the star of 60 titles that have been translated into 20 languages, with more than 28 million books sold worldwide—you’ll meet this unstoppable force when Fancy Nancy makes its Disney Junior debut this Friday, July 13 (11 a.m. EDT/PDT). We recently spoke with series executive producer and director Jamie Mitchell (Sofia the First), story editor Krista Tucker (Sheriff Callie’s Wild West), and the 12-year-old actress who gives Nancy her voice, Mia Sinclair Jenness (Broadway’s Matilda) about what makes this family comedy series trés magnifique.

1. Director Jamie Mitchell has designed a rich, three-dimensional world that honors Robin Preiss Glasser’s beloved illustrations in the most amazing way.
Mitchell and Tucker—both parents to older children—were always drawn to the Fancy Nancy books when they would see them in bookstores. From first glance, Mitchell loved the pen-and-ink drawings, but knew the series needed to take place within a three-dimensional environment. “Nancy’s real,” says Mitchell. “She’s a real girl. Her friends are real. Everything is real about her.” But as true-to-life as Nancy is portrayed, she has a rich imagination that comes to life in fantasy sequences that have a more two-dimensional look that pays homage to Preiss Glasser’s original illustrations. Those exquisite fantasy sequences take shape from drawings—ostensibly penned by Nancy, an artiste herself—of the worlds she envisions, which hang on the walls of her bedroom.

2. The series empowers kids to design the world they want to be in.
Nancy’s sense of “fancy” comes from within. Her flannel shirt-wearing mom (voiced by Alyson Hannigan) and her equally understated dad (voiced by Rob Riggle) encourage Nancy to find her own sense of style and to be creative in her surroundings. The series provided an opportunity to dig deeper into the world of the books and flesh out the characters in new ways, such as Nancy’s best friend Bree and the other kids from the neighborhood. “Our show is really through the eyes of Nancy and all kids,” says Tucker. “It’s a safe place, it’s a really fun place—a place of exploration—and they’re in it together.”

3. The creative team hopes the show will inspire kids to be more creative.
According to Tucker, “Nancy uses what is in her world already to create whatever she wants. She’s very much ‘do-it-yourself’ in a very empowering, original way.” When her dad and grandpa finish building her playhouse in the series’ first episode, Nancy turns “plain into a palace” with things she finds around the house—no trips to the craft store or visits to Pinterest for mom! A basic beach chair can become the most fabulous chaise lounge, and a simple snack can become a delectable hors d’oeurve—and who doesn’t think that tea, or any beverage, tastes best when served in a china cup? Nancy sings in the main title song, “Think what makes you happy and then fancy up the place,” and Mia Sinclair Jenness hopes all kids take this to heart. “Nancy is encouraging. She will inspire boys and girls to do something amazing every day.”

4. Fancy Nancy’s fantasy sequences are filled with nods to history and real-world references.
While Nancy may design the world she envisions, the animators have the fun job of incorporating into it historic and realistic details, such as when a protest led by Nancy and her friends turns her playhouse into the headquarters of something resembling the French Revolution. “That is what is so enriching for me as a filmmaker and as a storyteller. Let’s go and take this thing as far outside the box as you can take it, but present it through the 6-year-old voice,” shares Mitchell.

5. Being “fancy” means being yourself.
Sinclair Jenness loves voicing Nancy because “she’s not afraid to be different and to be herself. I have always felt that little girls and little boys really need to not be afraid to stand out.” Tucker emphasizes that Nancy’s external fanciness—her tiaras… her tutus… her bows and her predilection for papillons (that’s French for “butterflies,” Nancy would be quick to point out)—is just a reflection of how she feels about herself: “To Nancy, being fancy means being who you are and celebrating that broadly.”

Add a little fancy to your Friday morning and tune in to Fancy Nancy on Disney Junior, Video on Demand and DisneyNOW! It’ll make your day fantastique!

Play Along—And Possibly Win Prizes!—with Disney QUIZney

July 10, 2018July 10, 2018

By Karina Schink

We know you think your Disney trivia knowledge can “go the distance,” but starting on Monday, July 16, you can play along and test your knowledge with Disney QUIZney a groundbreaking, multiplatform interactive trivia show. Starting Monday, July 16 (9-9:07 p.m. EDT/6-6:07 p.m. PDT) for 10 weeknights, you and your family can watch the seven-minute quiz show live on Disney Channel and play along to win cash prizes on the DisneyNOW apps and DisneyNOW.com.

This Disney Channel show, hosted by Trinitee Stokes, from Disney Channel’s K.C. Undercover, is a fast-paced real-time quiz on all things Disney Channel and Disney. Live commentary and real-time game results will be seen exclusively on Disney Channel.

All Disney fans, ages 6 and older, have a chance to win $100 to answer five trivia questions within 25 seconds, and all you have to do is play along on your DisneyNOW app. Questions increase in difficulty with each round.

Check out the official rules here before you tune in and play!

8 Celebrity Narrators Announced for the Epcot Candlelight Processional

July 9, 2018

By Jocelyn Buhlman

If you’re feeling the heat from the summer sun, why not cool off by making your holiday Disney parks plans? The partial list of narrators for the 2018 Candlelight Processional at Epcot has been released, so break out your calendars and think merry thoughts—this year features many returning favorites, although there are also still some narrators left to be announced. Here’s who you can expect so far:

November 22-23: Chita Rivera
November 24-Dec. 2: TBD
December 3-6: Neil Patrick Harris
December 7-9: Whoopi Goldberg
December 10-12: TBD
December 13-14: Blair Underwood
December 15-17: Gary Sinise
December 18-20: Pat Sajak
December 21-23: TBD
December 24-25: Edward James Olmos
December 26-27: Jodi Benson
December 28-30: TBD

Joined by a mass choir and orchestra, the celebrity narrator reads through the Christmas story in Epcot’s America Gardens Theatre, setting a beautiful atmosphere of holiday tradition and cheer. This year, the Candlelight Processional will start on Thanksgiving evening and continue until December 30.

Can’t wait to get in to that holiday spirit? You can make reservations for the Candlelight Processional dining package starting Wednesday, July 11. You can choose from 15 of Epcot’s delectable restaurants, along with special breakfast, lunch, and dinner options at Ale & Compass at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and breakfast and dinner options at Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

For more information, check out the Disney Parks Blog.

15 Swashbuckling Props from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

July 9, 2018July 9, 2018

By Kelsey Williams, the Walt Disney Archives

Avast! In honor of the 15th anniversary of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, D23 takes a look at 15 pieces of glittering treasure from the Walt Disney Archives collection.