Everything You Need To Know Before Seeing Ant-Man and The Wasp

July 2, 2018

Marvel’s tiniest heroes find themselves—once again—in big, big trouble in the brand-new film from Marvel Studios, Ant-Man and The Wasp, hitting theaters July 6. Paul Rudd returns as Scott Lang, the ex-con who becomes Ant-Man, and Evangeline Lilly returns as Hope van Dyne, who finally dons The Wasp suit. Michael Douglas is also back as brilliant scientist Hank Pym, obsessed with finding his long-lost wife, portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer. With so much going on in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—including an astonishing turn of events in Avengers: Infinity War earlier this year—here’s everything you should know about the characters before you see Ant-Man and The Wasp.

WHERE WE LEFT OFF
First off, according to producer and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, Ant-Man and The Wasp is a sequel to two previous Marvel films. “It’s a follow-up to Ant-Man while also showing the aftermath of Captain America: Civil War,” he says. “For me, there’s a tremendous amount of excitement when you’re able to tell stories like this and combine characters from their origin movies and then layer in their appearances from other movies.”

Director Peyton Reed was eager to jump right back into the Ant-Man storyline. “In the first Ant-Man there was so much to set up. We had to set up the mythology of Hank Pym and the powers of Ant-Man. And then we had to set up Scott Lang as an ex-con and how he comes upon the Ant-Man technology. And we had to tell the story of who Hope van Dyne is. And then we had to give a little taste of Janet and Hank together. And then we had to establish that he controls ants, too. That it’s not just the shrinking. There was a lot packed into it.”

CATCHING UP WITH THE CHARACTERS OF ANT-MAN AND THE WASP

SCOTT LANG/ANT-MAN
Paul Rudd
Scott helped Captain America’s team in Civil War, earning him the ire of the federal government, not to mention Iron Man. What’s happened in the intervening time since then? “There’s the hint that Captain America busts them out,” says Reed. “So one of the big challenges was that, for the little amount of time that Scott Lang is in Civil War, we had to take into account what that meant for these characters going forward.” Ant-Man and The Wasp, then, shows us the repercussions of Scott’s involvement.

“One of the things that I really like about playing this character is that Scott is thrown into these extraordinary circumstances of shrinking and flying around on ants and dealing with life-threatening situations,” says Paul Rudd. “I’ve always tried to sustain his way of dealing with everything with a sense of humor and a carefree attitude. I think it gives an audience a fun ride to see somebody like Scott Lang take in all of this craziness. So, for me, that’s fun to play.”

HOPE VAN DYNE/THE WASP
Evangeline Lilly
Fans will remember that in the end-credits scene of the first Ant-Man film, Michael Douglas’ Hank Pym character gives his daughter, Hope van Dyne, The Wasp suit, setting up her Super Hero turn in Ant-Man and The Wasp. “I was excited to play Hope again for so many reasons,” says Lilly. “In Ant-Man she went through this enormous emotional arc. So it was exciting to have the chance to go back to this character and play her in a new space, a space where she is more at ease in her own skin and more at ease in her relationship with her father.”

HANK PYM
Michael Douglas
Hank Pym created the Ant-Man suit that helped Scott Lang defy the authorities and fight for Captain America in Civil War. It stands to reason, then, that Hank and Hope need to stay out-of-sight to avoid being arrested—not to mention the fact that that they skirted the law in the last Ant-Man film. Needless to say, the authorities would like to get their hands on this rogue scientist and his brilliant daughter. Hank’s desire to find his wife, though, complicates things.

“The best part about returning for a sequel is the opportunity to again work with Peyton, Paul, and Evangeline,” Douglas says. “There’s that feeling of familiarity that informs the filmmaking process. You also get to define your character more. Hank Pym is the straight man who keeps the story grounded.”

JANET VAN DYNE
Michelle Pfeiffer
Audiences have never met Hank’s wife and Hope’s mother, Janet van Dyne, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, who was the original Wasp. Thirty years ago, a freak accident lost her to the Quantum Realm, a place Hank and Hope want to rescue her from.

“Peyton and I spoke at length about Janet,” says Pfeiffer, “and he always stressed that, yes, she was a brilliant scientist unto herself, but at the heart of it all she is a warrior who has managed to survive on her own terms in the Quantum Realm. Honestly, I think she is a lot fiercer now than the original concept of the character, which is exciting to me.”

AVA/GHOST
Hannah John-Kamen
Ava, played by Hannah John-Kamen, seeks out the new technology developed by Hank for her own personal reasons. Of course, Hank won’t part with his invention willingly, which sets up one of the main sources of conflict in the film. “There are so many layers to this character,” says John-Kamen. “Her situation is not black and white. It’s not about world domination or good and evil. I was amazed at her vulnerability and felt really connected to Ava.”

THE X-CON SECURITY CREW
Michael Peña (Luis)
David Dastmalchian (Kurt)
Tip “T.I.” Harris (Dave)
Michael Peña returns as the hilariously lovable Luis, the one-time partner-in-crime to Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang. Trying to live lawfully isn’t necessarily easy for Luis, who wants to find a way to make money without going to jail. “Luis is such a fun-loving dude,” remarks Peña. “Although he’s been in and out of jail for some minor stuff, he is always really positive, and I think that’s really kind of endearing. He still has an optimistic viewpoint towards life. Especially now as he and Scott are building a business and potentially a new life.”

SCOTT’S FAMILY
Judy Greer (Maggie)
Bobby Cannavale (Jim Paxton)
Abby Ryder Fortson (Cassie)
Scott’s relationship with his daughter, Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson), his ex-wife, Maggie, (Judy Greer), and Maggie’s husband, Jim Paxton (Bobby Cannavale), is complicated by his exploits as Ant-Man. “Paul, Bobby, and I just have such a good time together,” says Greer. “They have been best friends forever, so being around those two is always fun. Peyton encourages improv, so we are always riffing and trying to come up with a funny piece of dialogue or moment in a scene. Even with all the joking around between takes, I’ve seen Paul take something funny and, on the fly, just seamlessly navigate it into something real and meaningful.”

BILL FOSTER
Laurence Fishburne
Laurence Fishburne, who plays Bill Foster, a scientist and former colleague of Hank Pym, has been anxiously awaiting his chance to be in a Marvel film. “I just was really hungry to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe,” says Fishburne. “I would’ve played an asteroid in any movie given the opportunity! So the fact that Kevin and Peyton found that I was a good match for the character of Bill Foster is huge. It’s a dream come true for me.”

He continues, “What initially excited me about the role of Bill Foster is that he is a scientist in his own right, a contemporary of Hank Pym’s with the same level of smarts and curiosity. The fact that I’d be playing scenes with Michael Douglas and be a foil to him was a big factor. I’ve never worked with him before, so who in their right mind would walk away from that?”

Ant-Man, The Wasp, and Hank Pym return July 6 with epic adventures on a grand (and microscopic) scale. “We wanted to deliver on the promise at the end of Ant-Man,” says Feige. “When you look at the history of the comics, Ant-Man and The Wasp were one of the great team-ups of Marvel. We’d already touched on that a little bit in the flashback in the first film with the original Ant-Man and Wasp, and we absolutely wanted to see that now in the modern day. Hope and Scott as these two Super Heroes who couldn’t be more different is the perfect way to delve into their potential to live up to this iconic duo and pick up that mantle.”

Everything We Loved About Toy Story Land

June 30, 2018June 29, 2018

By Courtney Potter

D23 is celebrating the opening of Toy Story Land by bringing you along for an exclusive tour of this amazing new corner of Disney’s Hollywood Studios park…

“Yeehaw!” Giddy up, partner—it’s almost time for the grand opening of the newest land to delight the young and the young-at-heart at Walt Disney World Resort… a chance to play big as an “honorary toy,” bringing the fantastical world of a child’s imagination to life right before our eyes.

Nestled inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios park is the brand-new Toy Story Land, inspired by Pixar Animation Studios’ iconic Toy Story films. While the 11-acre land isn’t officially opening to guests until Saturday, June 30, D23 was extremely fortunate to get a joyful, toy-full sneak peek. But that’s not all: We were also lucky enough to have a quick chat with Liz Gazzano, Pixar Animation Studios’ executive producer for theme parks—and got a few of her unique insights into what’s in store.

We honestly couldn’t believe it—stepping into Toy Story Land was like stepping right into Andy’s backyard! With a tip of his wide-brimmed hat, a delightfully giant Sheriff Woody was on hand to greet us as we enter. Soon, we’re the size of a toy, and there’s nothing but joy on the horizon. We couldn’t help but start to explore… and suddenly found ourselves surrounded by all manner of adorable fun. Giant yo-yos, domino pieces, Crayola crayons, and Scrabble tiles—expressively strewn about the mega-tall “grass” where Andy left them. There are lampposts shaped like Tinkertoys, and even benches built from Lincoln Logs and K’nex pieces! The whimsical touches don’t end there: Huge playing cards and jacks, a large balsa-wood glider, and (of course) a big Barrel of Monkeys all add to the incredible visual tapestry.

According to Gazzano, there’s a nifty creative touch that visitors should be very sure to look for as they walk into the land: “Andy’s sneaker footprint in the cement,” she shares. “It’s not something you would notice the first time you come through… details like that are things I love.”

Slinky Dog Dash
The centerpiece of Toy Story Land is the new Slinky Dog Dash attraction. As this is Andy’s domain, he’s taken his Dash & Dodge Mega Coaster Kit and assembled his very own roller coaster—but instead of using the vehicle that came with the kit, Andy’s put his adorable floppy-eared dachshund Slinky Dog toy on the track! The family-friendly thrill ride offers guests a bendy, bouncy view of the entirety of Toy Story Land atop tracks and supports of bright red and yellow, designed (with hand-drawn plans, of course!) by Andy himself. (Even Rex and Jessie get into the action, helping Andy by stringing lights above his ginormous stacked Jenga pieces.) “One thing that I think is really fun with Slinky Dog Dash is being in the back seat and seeing his little tail spring [bounce up and down],” admits Gazzano, “just like the real toy… it cracks me up every time!”

Sitting down in our row, we couldn’t help but feel like we’d time-traveled back to our childhood—and it was the best! We laughed, we screamed with delight (especially about halfway through the ride; we don’t want to spoil the surprise!), and we left with wind-swept hair and smiles a mile wide… We especially loved the tuneful finale featuring Wheezy, the hilariously squeaky penguin from the Toy Story films.

(Luckily, we were able to visit Toy Story Land again once the sun went down—that’s when the entire area comes alive with incredible after-dark lighting and sound effects. Visiting soon? Be sure to ride the attraction at night too; it’s a whole different, but equally as fun, experience!)

Alien Swirling Saucers
We only had a moment to catch our breath, post-Slinky Dog Dash, when we found ourselves in front of the land’s other brand-new attraction—Alien Swirling Saucers. If you’re anything like us, you’ve wondered what life is like for those adorable three-eyed green aliens… whiling away the hours inside one of those claw game machines at Pizza Planet. (C’mon, we know you’ve thought about it.) As the story goes, Andy won this alien playset during one of his many Pizza Planet trips—and now we get to reap the whirling benefits. This attraction was particularly memorable from Gazzano’s point of view: “The process that I enjoyed the most was working with our production designer, Bob Pauley, who’d been a production designer on all three Toy Story movies,” she explains, “and having him design the ride vehicles and work with engineers from Imagineering. We would meet three times a week with our modeler at Pixar [to] design that vehicle… it [meshed] science and art in a really great way.”

We can safely say this attraction made all our Pizza Planet dreams come tr-“ooooooooohhh.” Once we climbed into our “saucer”, it was apparent that no detail was left in the proverbial pizza delivery truck; our particular alien (there are 22 in total) zoomed us ‘round and ‘round icons like Planet Pepperonia while the infamous claw loomed overheard. The attraction also includes lively, all-new music tracks based on the Toy Story films’ themes. We’d be lying if we said we weren’t giggling with glee the whole time!

Toy Story Mania
Even before Toy Story Land’s inception, no visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios park was complete without a twirl through Toy Story Mania—only now, with this new land’s opening, the fan-fave attraction has an amazing new entrance right across from Slinky Dog Dash. The carnival-style gateway features a candy-striped marquee—which is based, so we’re told, on the original box Andy’s own “Toy Story Mania Midway Games Playset” came in. The queue has nostalgic new touches we really enjoyed, including a gigantic View-Master disc (remember those?) featuring scenes from Disney’s Peter Pan… and don’t worry, the hilarious Audio-Animatronics® figure of Mr. Potato Head is back as the “Boardwalk Barker,” greeting guests with zingers a-plenty.

Woody’s Lunch Box
We’re happy to report the fun extends to food here at Toy Story Land, as diners are welcome to enjoy classic on-the-go fare from the new Woody’s Lunch Box. Since even toys have to eat now and again, Andy took his old Sheriff Woody-themed lunch box and propped it open with its gigantic thermos, creating a picnic for all his Green Army Men… and us. We sampled a few of the delightful treats featured at the eatery, including S’More French Toast (so delish, we hoped for seconds); Totchos, a bite-sized snack with potato barrels, corn chips, chili, and queso (delectable); and Lunch Box Tarts, a modern—and extremely tasty—interpretation of a breakfast toaster pastry as a hand-held dessert! And we couldn’t let this opportunity go by without trying the spot’s Grown Up’s Lemonade (for those 21 and over), created with cherry vodka, Odwalla Lemonade, and black cherry purée. So refreshing!

Toy Story Land Dedication
The next morning, we had the supreme pleasure of attending the spectacular Toy Story Land dedication ceremony, right in front of Slinky Dog Dash. After the Green Army Men “secured” the location, an “Andy’s Toys” box-like curtain was dropped to reveal our Toy Story faves: Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody, and Jessie the Cowgirl! They were soon joined by Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek, welcoming everyone who’ve “made a place for Toy Story in their hearts” to the immersive new land—a place where the young and young-at-heart can “play big.” But the biggest surprise was yet to come… Chapek thrilled the crowd (and those around the world watching the live stream over at the Disney Parks Blog) by introducing the voice of Buzz Lightyear himself, Disney Legend Tim Allen! “I’ve been part of this great movie for 20 years,” said Allen, “and you can’t ever imagine that somehow you’d be able to play in Andy’s backyard… This is amazing!”

With our time at the brand-new Toy Story Land now complete, we’ve been thinking back to something Gazzano had told us earlier—something that proved especially accurate once we’d experienced all the land had to offer. “The minute you cross that threshold,” she explains, “where Sheriff Woody is standing there greeting you, and you see all these big plants that look like grass, you really feel like you’re the size of a toy… Walt Disney Imagineering has done such an amazing job of bringing our characters to life, bringing our environments to life, building a back yard for Andy—making the guests feel like they truly can play here.”

For us, this was absolutely true… and we can’t wait to come back!

Our Top 7 Winning Disney Soccer Moments

June 29, 2018

By Karina Schink

The first leg of the World Cup is over! Hopefully your team made it through, but regardless of the outcome, there’s always a Disney team to root for! Here are some of our top Disney soccer highlights.

1. Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior
This Disney Channel Original Movie premiered in 2006 and introduced us to Wendy Wu (played by Brenda Song), a tenacious young woman who must train to become a warrior, at the risk of losing her homecoming crown. In one of the DCOM’s most memorable scenes, Wendy faces off against her rival Jessica during a soccer game and loses the ball when she tries to defeat Jessica in a verbal confrontation. But Wendy’s warrior skills kick in, and in what we can only describe as a sideways bicycle kick (with much more than a 360-degree rotation), she launches the ball into the goal. We’re still crossing our fingers that we’ll see some of those ancient, thousand-year-old warrior skills in this year’s World Cup.

2. Bedknobs and Broomsticks
In this unforgettable Disney classic, Emelius Browne acts as a volunteer referee to two very “wild” teams. As predator (including the lion king of Naboombu) goes against prey, Mr. Browne finds himself in the middle of the animal antics, suffering burned feet and nearly getting trampled (multiple times) over the course of the match. This game was unlike anything we’ve seen these past few weeks—and, we’re pretty sure they broke a couple, if not all, of FIFA’s rules—but might mark the first instance we aren’t rooting for one team, but the referee!

3. The Big Green
This live-action gem didn’t just include one soccer game; the sport is at the very heart of this 1995 film. When teacher Miss Montgomery was with a, let’s say, less than enthusiastic class, she decided to approach her lessons a bit differently: by instructing her students in the ways of soccer. The kids didn’t start out as the best team, but through blood, sweat, and tears (and some pretty fantastical imaginations), they came through in the end and pulled together to prove that “they’re not the nothings from nowhere.”

4. Air Bud: World Pup
Is there a better way to celebrate the World Cup than with our favorite Golden Retriever and his own “World Pup”? Featuring soccer legends Briana Scurry, Brandi Chastain, and Tisha Venturini, this film follows Buddy’s owner, Josh, as the two join a soccer team and compete to win the championship. While these two navigate crushes, puppies, and the famous game itself, not everything goes as smoothly as possible. It wouldn’t be an Air Bud classic without some furry foils on their way to victory, right?

5. Goal! The Dream Begins
Another soccer-star-studded film, Goal! The Dream Begins tells the very humble rags-to-riches story of Santiago Muñez, who works two jobs to tirelessly support his family but still finds time to chase his passion: soccer. Santiago’s life turns upside down when he is discovered by a former professional soccer player and flies to England to try out for Newcastle United. As he faces adversity from other players on the field, Santiago must learn how to overcome not only their doubts but his own, as well. This film pulls on your heart strings, keeps you cheering, and, of course, reignites your love for the game.

6. Switching Goals
This two-hour television movie premiered in 2002 on The Wonderful World of Disney and introduced everyone to Sam and Emma, played by twins and Disney favorites Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, two soccer-loving sisters with a few tricks up their sleeves. When neither sister is named to the team they want, they pull off a time-honored twin tradition and trade places on their respective teams. This movie is driven by themes of teamwork and persistence, but at the heart of it all is family.

7. Sport Goofy in Soccermania
Much like the FIFA World Cup, in this cartoon—which debuted in the television special An All New Adventure of Disney’s Sport Goofy—it’s all about that trophy. Three of our favorite ducks, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, become teammates under Sport Goofy’s coaching to try and win back the valuable trophy (worth over a million dollars!) their Uncle Scrooge McDuck accidentally gave away. Even though the McDuck Greenbacks may not be the most soccer-savvy, you can’t say that they don’t give the sport their all in this 20-minute cartoon that perfectly combines humor, sportsmanship, and of course, the bond between an uncle and his nephews.

As the 16 teams moving forward keep pushing for that World Championship title, we can’t help but think that Sport Goofy said it best, “May the best team win!”

Sneak Peek at New Attractions Racing to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

June 29, 2018August 6, 2018

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Disney Parks fans welcomed several high-speed announcements this morning. Following the dedication of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Parks Blog shared some exciting news about the future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

A New Look at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
The adorable new attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, will be headed to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019. We got our first look at concept art for the attraction at D23 Expo Japan 2018, and this morning we got another spectacular sneak peek!

The attraction, which will totally immerse guests in a cartoon world and feature a new catchy theme song created especially for the attraction, has now been revealed to feature Goofy as the railway’s wacky engineer. The fun begins when you see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie preparing for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy’s train for an animated adventure like you’ve never before experienced.

In order to create the most authentic experience with these beloved characters, the teams helping create the attraction are currently working with partners at Disney Television Animation in telling this attraction’s story, allowing guests to join Mickey and his friends like never before.

Cross the Finish Line with Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Start practicing your “Ka-Chow,” racers, because beginning in early 2019, there’s going to be another exciting reason to get revved up about a visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, a high-octane first-of-its-kind new show will put you right in the middle of the world of Disney•Pixar’s Cars. Located near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy brings guests face-to-face with racing legend Lightning McQueen. Our favorite red racer is here to share his knowledge with the next generation of rookies, but things don’t always go according to plan.

But don’t worry—with friends Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez and the gang from Radiator Springs on his side, Lightning gears up for the challenge.

7 Ways to Play in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

June 29, 2018June 29, 2018

By Beth Deitchman

Beginning Saturday, June 30, guests of the Walt Disney World Resort will go to infinity and beyond in Toy Story Land, the latest addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Inspired by the iconic Toy Story films, the brand-new land features two new attractions (plus an update to a fan-favorite!), a delightful new dining establishment and a slew of surprises. Teams at Pixar and Walt Disney Imagineering have dug deep into their toy boxes to create an immersive world that celebrates play—and we can’t wait to jump into the fun!

We want your first visit to Toy Story Land to be the best playdate ever, so we’ve compiled a rootin’, tootin’ list of experiences you simply have to take in while you cavort through the joy-filled, toy-filled world.

1. Spend a day as an honorary toy.
From our first visit to Andy’s room in Toy Story in 1995, we’ve known one thing for sure: It’s good to be a toy! When you enter Toy Story Land, you are transported to Andy’s backyard where, as an honorary toy, you enjoy a unique, imaginative perspective on the world. Favorite playthings are part of the décor in Toy Story Land, which features lampposts shaped like Tinkertoys and benches fashioned out of Lincoln Logs and K’nex pieces.

2. Take in the toy-riffic view while you ride Slinky Dog Dash.
The new family coaster appears to have been assembled by Andy from his “Dash & Dodge Mega Coaster Kit.” But, of course, a creative kid like Andy couldn’t help but stretch his imagination and replace the roller coaster vehicle that came with the kit with his old pal Slinky Dog. Guests ride within Slinky Dog’s coils, dipping, diving and dropping on the delightful new attraction—which is the first Disney coaster to feature a second launch at its midpoint.

3. Twist and turn beneath “The Claw” on Alien Swirling Saucers
All together now: “Ooohh!” Our favorite green Aliens have their own attraction at Toy Story Land, and everyone gets to ride along. Alien Swirling Saucers places guests inside a playset won by Andy at Pizza Planet where they swirl about in toy rocket ships helmed by the three-eyed cuties themselves. Keep an ear out for a space-inspired soundtrack of familiar songs that you’ve never heard quite this way before.

4. Enjoy new magic at Toy Story Mania!
Just in time for the opening of Toy Story Land, the popular attraction has a new entrance that’s designed to resemble the box that Andy’s Toy Story Mania Midway Games Playset came in. And with the addition of a third track, even more guests will be able to compete against each other in a series of virtual 3-D carnival games to see who will pop the most balloons, fire the most darts, and toss the most rings around the little green Aliens. But when it comes down to the question of who will have the most fun on Toy Story Mania!, that hasn’t changed—it’s always going to be a tie!

5. Savor new takes on old-fashioned eats and treats at Woody’s Lunch Box.
If all of the Pixar play makes you a bit peckish, simply look to the giant thermos and all of your cravings will be satisfied. Woody’s Lunch Box is a wonderful new walk-up window serving classic sandwiches, including a gleefully gooey grilled cheese, plus original snacks and sides such as the “Totchos,” Potato Barrels that have been given the nacho treatment—all the better to tempt your tastebuds. Grab a Lunch Box Tart or soda float and dine at a Tinkertoy table while you take in the sights and sounds of the land.

6. Assemble your own toy box at two merchandise locations.
Bring your favorite Toy Story pals home with you! A toy camper and a toy dump truck serve as enchanting emporiums where you can purchase T-shirts, replicas of the Alien Swirling Saucers and Slinky Dog Dash attraction vehicles, and more. We are eternally grateful for the new green Alien headband, and a cuddly Slinky Dog headband is available to “coil up” atop your noggin, as well. Slinky Dog also gets the high-tech treatment via a light-up version of the toy that can either be worn as a fashion accessory or brighten up a table or shelf once you’re home from your Toy Story Land adventure.

7. Mix and mingle with your fellow toys.
As an honorary toy, you’re one of the gang at Toy Story Land, where Woody, Jessie, Buzz and friends will be encountering guests throughout the land. Several times per day, Sarge and the Green Army Man Drum Corps will pause their march through Toy Story Land to play games with guests, such as “Sarge Says;” and you’ll also have the opportunity see if you have what it takes to join their ranks in an interactive boot camp.

Watch a replay of the Toy Story Land dedication ceremony that was streamed live on the Disney Parks Blog on Friday, June 29. The land officially opens to guests on Saturday, June 30. Let’s hear it for the toys!

The 7 Biggest Little Secrets Revealed by Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and The Wasp Cast and Crew

June 28, 2018June 28, 2018

By Jim Frye

Marvel Studios’ 2015 film Ant-Man introduced audiences to the hilariously heroic antics of Scott Lang, played by Paul Rudd, a one-time thief who gets a new lease on life when he puts on a scientifically enhanced suit that gives him the power to change sizes. Introduced by Marvel Comics in 1962, Ant-Man later appeared in Avengers No. 1, alongside Marvel’s very first Super Heroine—The Wasp.

Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and The Wasp, which takes place about two years after the events of Captain America: Civil War, puts both of those founding Avengers together onscreen for the first time as a Super Hero duo, with Scott once again donning the suit to fight alongside Evangeline Lilly’s Hope Van Dyne as The Wasp.

The cast and filmmakers of Ant-Man and the Wasp gathered this week and spilled the beans on some things that moviegoers might not know. Here’s the big and small of it.

1. Paul Rudd explains why he thinks this film was able to include more humor.
“After two other films,” says Rudd, referring to the first two films where his character appeared—the first Ant-Man and Captain America: Civil War—he thinks audiences “buy” him as Ant-Man and they understand the rules. “It felt as if we had a little bit more freedom to play into the humor,” he says. “Where the first time around, we were still… modulating. Now, people know who this guy is already.”

2. Kevin Feige explains how much the Quantum Realm will be a part in future films.
“Without giving anything away… in the first film, we got a glimpse of it,” says Marvel Studios President and producer Kevin Feige. “For people who like to go through it frame by frame, there was a little silhouette of Janet lost in there, which is a big story element in this new movie. There are things that Peyton put in there—but where and how they pay off in the near term and the long term remains to be seen.”

3. Evangeline Lilly can explain quantum physics—and LOVES it!
“I really love quantum physics, and I did before this happened and that’s one of the reasons I was excited about this brand,” enthused Lilly, who plays Hope van Dyne/The Wasp, daughter of brilliant scientist Hank Pym. “At one point we thought the atom was the be-all and end-all, and the smallest nucleus in the world, but we found out that’s not true… And atoms can exist in multiple places at the same time.” She continued to explain that matter is kinetic and is displaceable, and that we have the ability to warp matter, and warp time, and warp the universe—in short, she blew our mind! And now we know there’s no one better qualified than Lilly to play a scientist that has a super-powered suit.

4. Hannah John-Kamen, who plays Ava/Ghost, does not consider her character a villain.
When asked if she sees her character—Ava/Ghost—as the villain, Hannah John-Kamen answered, “Absolutely not. I definitely approach the character not as the villain… when you play a villain, you have to play it like you’re the good guy and everyone else is bad. … She has a clear objective in the movie… I think what Marvel does so well is that it’s not black and white. The villains are redeemable.”

5. Peyton Reed wanted San Francisco to be a character in the film.
“We wanted to do a car chase that you just couldn’t see in any other movie,” said director Peyton Reed. “We wanted to do all these very specific things and make San Francisco a character in the movie. Thankfully the city of San Francisco was so cooperative and we had free range to do some crazy things.”

6. Michael Douglas was ecstatic to finally work with Michelle Pfeiffer.
“I look great,” joked Douglas, referring to his high-octane performance as Dr. Hank Pym. “First of all, when I discovered that Michelle Pfeiffer was going to be my wife—I’m such a tremendous fan of hers but never had any chance to work with her—I was totally ecstatic. And then to read the script and find out that Michelle Pfeiffer and I were going to be 30 years younger, it made it all that much better.”

7. Kevin Feige says that featuring The Wasp was always in the plans.
“The first Ant-Man film is essentially all about how qualified Hope is and her estrangement from her father,” says Feige. “So we always knew that the next one was going to be Ant-Man and The Wasp and [we would] finally see her suit up and be the hero that she was born to be.”

Catch all the action and comedy when Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and The Wasp opens in theaters July 6.

Top 10 Disney Duos to Celebrate 10 Years of WALL•E

June 27, 2018June 28, 2018

By Karina Schink

In honor of the 10-year anniversary of WALL•E and EVE rolling (and flying) into theaters, here’s a look at our top 10 Disney duos.

1. WALL•E and EVE
While they officially made their silver screen debut 10 years ago, WALL•E and EVE really traveled all the way from 700 years in the future to grace us with their beautiful story. Who could forget the scrappy robot, who just wanted to get the job done, and the hyper-clean and sleek flying robot who had to slowly learn to understand. Whether you’ve been a fan for 10 years or have yet to see the Disney•Pixar classic, now is the perfect time to join in on their out-of-this-world adventure.

2. C-3PO and R2-D2
Here we have two of our other favorite galactic bots. C-3PO is a droid built for etiquette and protocol (he speaks more than 6 million languages!), and R2-D2 is an astromech droid. They each have their little quirks (or should we say beeps?) that set them apart, but even when forces seem to pit these two against each other, they formed a lasting and enduring friendship, even though at times it may seem much to R2’s dismay.

3. Yzma and Kronk
While they may not be the first pair that you think of when someone mentions The Emperor’s New Groove, these two have remained a winning duo even after the movie’s conclusion. They’re the dynamic duo of villains that go up against Kuzco and Pacha, but they’re not really entirely evil after all. Much like the little devil and angels that sometimes appear on your shoulder (and Kronk’s!) that, this duo is split between good and evil. Yzma brings the terror and Kronk brings… well, he definitely doesn’t bring Kuzco’s poison. They may be bad, but we’re willing to forive them for the friendship they find in each other.

4. Miguel and Hector
These two are definitely un poco loco, but who doesn’t love a great-great-grandfather/son duo? While Disney is filled with great grandparents, Coco takes it a step further and gives us a bond that not only transcends time but dimensions, as well. Miguel wasn’t expecting to go to the Land of the Dead, let alone meet his great-grandfather, the trickster Hector, who turned out to be just the friend he needed to find his way home.

5. Ant-Man and The Wasp
Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne, or as they may be better known, Ant-Man and The Wasp, are two heroes who not only pack a pretty hefty punch; they also beat the odds to buzz their way into our hearts. When they joined forces they showed us that even the smallest of heroes can have the biggest impact, especially when they work together. See these two return to the screen in just a few weeks in Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and The Wasp.

6. Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl
When they made their iconic debut 14 years ago, fans everywhere fell in love with Bob and Helen Parr, or as they also go by, Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl. While this powerful pair provided audiences worldwide with a look inside their super-powered world in The Incredibles, they also gave us a super-family. In their debut, this husband-and-wife team showed Disney fans that there is more to being a super than powers, and that it takes love, trust, and most important, family. And this year, we were able to welcome this incredible family home with the premiere of the much-anticipated Incredibles 2 which arrived in theaters everywhere earlier this month.

7. Jim and Morph
While the endearing pink blob that seems to be a mixture of a soap bubble, flubber, and bubble gum was originally a sidekick to cyborg/cook John Silver, the lovable Morph took a liking to Jim Hawkins (didn’t we all?) in Disney’s Treasure Planet. While Jim tries to navigate his way across the galaxy, Morph always seemed to complicate things, but in a totally adorable way. The two become inseparable as the story goes on, and we, for one, are very happy that they didn’t need to separate when their adventure came to an end.

8. Linguini and Remy
Who doesn’t love a good star-crossed couple? And, no, we’re not talking about Beauty and the Beast, though these two sets of pairs do have something in common. We’re talking about Linguini and Remy from Ratatouille, of course! Remy is a rat, the very thing that restaurateurs and chefs want in their kitchen the least, and Linguini is a busboy with little to no knowledge of cooking. Reluctantly, the two pair together to create the incomparable culinary duo, melting hearts all around, including that of Anton Ego. We tip our big (and little) chef hats to these two and their delectable vegetable delicacies.

9. The Rescuers
The two tiny ambassadors showed us what it means to persevere. Bianca, the detective from the Rescue Aid Society, joins forces with custodian Bernard in order to save an orphan named Penny. While these two may be tiny, they are certainly mighty. Bianca showed us what it means to be brave and headstrong in the best of ways, and Bernard revealed another side to being a hero: how to keep going in the face of fear. These two band together to be one of the strongest (and smallest) duos ever.

10. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
You thought we forgot them, didn’t you? No Disney dynamic duo list is complete without the two that set the precedent for every duo thereafter—the mouse that started it all and his polka-dotted partner. You know them, love them, and what is there really left to say except: Where would we be without them?

Every Musically Magical Moment from the 2018 RDMAs

June 27, 2018

By Karina Schink

We’re still reeling from the incredible performances at last weekend’s 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards (RDMA). Here’s a look back at some of the night’s most thrilling numbers and an overview of who went home with an ARDY!

Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson walked away with the RDMA “Icon” Award (presented by none other than this year’s American Idol winner Maddie Poppe—we’re going full circle here, folks) and true to her nature, she dedicated it to one special group, saying, “It really does come all down to the fans.”

Clarkson also performed, in quite the show-stopping number, a medley of her hits including “My Life Would Suck Without You,” “Since U Been Gone,” “Miss Independent,” “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” and “Heat.” Our feet were tapping and we danced along throughout her powerful performance.

Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood and Ludacris performed—for the first time ever live—their hit single “The Champion,” accompanied by the West Los Angeles Children’s Choir, clad in all white, emerging from the audience to join them on stage.

Right after her performance, Underwood was presented with the “Hero” Award by former American Idol judge Randy Jackson. “This is truly an honor, we’ve all been blessed with gifts that we can use to make the world a better place,” Underwood said.

Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson received the first ever “Impact” Award, which henceforth will be known as the “Janet Jackson Impact Award.” After a video highlighting her many areas of influence including music, fashion, and dance, Jackson was awarded her special ARDY and movingly spoke about the impact that can come from simple acts such as “a smile, a handshake, a hug.”

Echosmith
The sibling trio brought a medley of their songs “Over My Head” and “Cool Kids” to the RDMA for a colorful performance that transformed the theater from a red glow to an icy blue, with a balloon drop that invited the “cool kids” in the audience to join in the fun.

Charlie Puth
Charlie Puth took the stage Friday to sing his new song “The Way I Am.” He didn’t just leave it up to the crowd to move along to his music—as Puth and his guitarist danced on stage they seemed to be having the time of their lives at the RDMA. And we certainly were, too, as we watched them!

Meghan Trainor
With a hairdo that would make Minnie Mouse very proud, Meghan Trainor belted out a medley of her hits including “Let You Be Right,” “All About That Bass,” “Can’t Dance,” “Me Too,” and “No Excuses.” With colorful lights in the background and a beat that kept the audience on their toes, it’s no surprise that we clapped along and bounced to the music throughout her performance.

Maddie Poppe
In addition to presenting the “Icon” Award to Kelly Clarkson, American Idol winner Maddie Poppe also sang her single “Going Going Gone” accompanied only by two guitars and a drum, leaving her voice to really shine through (it is award-winning, after all). “Going Going Gone” is Poppe’s first original song following her Idol win and it’s already a hit!

Marshmello
As the ARDYs floating above the audience changed to match Marshmello’s famous mask, the DJ descended from the ceiling to perform three of his hits. As the audience bounced beach balls and pool floaties (including, but definitely not limited to, a pineapple!), he performed his songs “Alone,” “FRIENDS” (featuring Ann-Marie), and “Silence” (featuring Khalid).

This wasn’t Marshmello’s only musical moment at the 2018 RDMA. Before the show started, he debuted in a special music video for his hit “Fly” featuring none other than our favorite ducks from DuckTales! Together they went on a galactic adventure after their spaceship crashed on a strange and mysterious “Marshmello” planet.

In addition to all of these these magically musical moments, many artists also headed home from the RDMA with an ARDY in tow. Check out the winners in each category below:

“You Know You Love Them—Best Duo/Group (Presented By KRAFT® Macaroni and Cheese Shapes)”
BTS

“The One—Best Artist”
Shawn Mendes

“The Bestest—Song of the Year”
“Havana”—Camila Cabello

“XOXO—Best Crush Song”
“Perfect”—Ed Sheeran

“#SQUADGOALS—Fiercest Fans”
BTS Army—BTS

“The Buzz—Breakout Artist of the Year”
Camila Cabello

“The Freshest—Best New Artist”
Bebe Rexha

“So Happy—Best Song that Makes You Smile”
“DNA”—BTS

“Doubletap—Favorite Social Music Artist”
Max & Harvey

“Stuck in Our Heads—Best Song To Lip Sync To”
“New Rules”—Dua Lipa

“When The Beat Drops!—Best Dance Track”
“Mic Drop (Steve Aoki Remix)”—BTS

“Play It Again!—Radio Disney Country Favorite Song”
“Meant To Be”—Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line

“The Bestest!—Radio Disney Country Favorite Artist”
Kelsea Ballerini

“The Freshest!—Radio Disney Country Best New Artist”
Carly Pearce

“Mashup!—Best Collaboration”
“It Ain’t Me”—Kygo & Selena Gomez

Toy Story Land Will Shine Bright at Night—Plus More in News Briefs

June 27, 2018November 8, 2018

By Courtney Potter

The newest land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios glimmers and gleams when the sun goes down, and we learn all about The Wasp’s origins… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Toy Story Land Will Light Up the Night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

We’re mere days away from the opening of Toy Story Land inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort—which means all the final touches are being added and finessed. From the pictures and videos we’ve already seen, the land will be unbelievably colorful during the day… but the visual fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down! Check out this new clip, above (courtesy of our pals at Disney Parks), all about the incredible lighting and sound being employed specifically for nighttime enjoyment.

Hear from Walt Disney Imagineering’s Hannah Brennan, Ryan Wineinger, and Dave Minichiello—as well as Pixar Animation Studios’ creative director Roger Gould—about what it was like to see all the evening elements come together in such spectacular fashion. And remember: Toy Story Land officially opens on Saturday, June 30! “To infinity and beyond!”

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
June 29, 2018
Lunch with Disney Legend: Burny Mattinson
June 30, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Robin Hood at Walt Disney World
July 13, 2018
D23 Member Mixer—Seattle
July 21, 2018
D23 Member Mixer—San Diego
August 6, 2018
D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experience: Pixar Animation Studios
November 16-18, 2018
Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse
August 23-25, 2019
D23 Expo 2019
Parks
June 30, 2018
Toy Story Land opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
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)

Who is The Wasp? Watch This New Featurette to Find Out!

Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and The Wasp, the next chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) adventure, is set to thrill moviegoers starting early next month—so if you need a primer on who exactly is The Wasp (the awesome hero alter-ego of Hope van Dyne, portrayed by Evangeline Lilly), look no further than this brand-new featurette, above.

In the clip, producers Kevin Feige and Stephen Broussard, along with stars Lilly and Paul Rudd, look at the legacy of The Wasp from her Super Hero origins in the Marvel comics—as a founding member of the Avengers—to her connections to the next Avengers film and to the MCU, going forward.

Directed by Peyton Reed and also starring Michael Douglas, Hannah John-Kamen, Laurence Fishburne, and Michelle Pfeiffer, Ant-Man and The Wasp swoops into a theater near you on July 6.

Disney Springs Celebrates Summer with Brews & BBQ

We’ve got some brand-new tips—make that tri-tips—from our friends at Disney Springs… and if you’re headed to Walt Disney World Resort for a vacation this summer, you’ll definitely want to know the score.

Beginning this Friday, June 29, Disney Springs celebrates summer with their Brews & BBQ foodie experience! Visitors will discover a whole host of deliciously unique food and beverage pairings as they roam through the many restaurants and shops throughout the area. This experience offers guests mouth-watering, BBQ-inspired dishes at nearly every restaurant at Disney Springs—plus, for guests ages 21 and older, each of these dishes can be paired with a craft-brewed beer.

Look for delectable delights including southern brisket tacos, pulled chicken nachos, BBQ guava ribs, fire-roasted shrimp, and grilled bistro sirloin steak—paired with brews from Bold City Brewery, Islamorada Brewing Company, Orlando Brewing Company, and more. Hungry yet? (We sure are!) The Brews & BBQ experience runs through September 3, so make sure to check it out—reservations are available through the Walt Disney World Resort dining website—if you’re in the proverbial neighborhood…

Music’s Biggest Stars Take Home ARDYs at the 2018 RDMA

If you’ve been following along here on D23.com, you know that the sixth annual Radio Disney Music Awards (RDMA) were held in Hollywood on Friday, June 22—and a host of music’s biggest stars took home a coveted ARDY statuette, including Shawn Mendes, Korean pop sensation BTS, Kelsea Ballerini, Camila Cabello, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Kygo & Selena Gomez, and Bebe Rexha. And the fans in attendance at the Dolby Theatre were treated to thrilling performances by Charlie Puth, American Idol winner Maddie Poppe, Marshmello, Meghan Trainor, and Echosmith.

But that wasn’t all: Music superstars Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and Janet Jackson were all on hand to receive their very special “Hero,” “Icon,” and “Impact” Awards, respectively.

Plus, in case you missed its initial broadcast, this year’s RDMA featured an extremely cool new music video collaboration between Disney Channel’s DuckTales and mega-huge DJ and electronic music producer Marshmello; read all about it, and take a gander at the clip, here at D23.com.

You Won’t Believe These Luminous Libations from Disney H2O Glow Nights

If you ask us, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is one of the best ways to cool off—while still having a total blast—during a Walt Disney World resort vacation… and this summer, thanks to Disney H20 Glow Nights, you can get the pool party going like never before!

At this separately ticketed nighttime event, hosted by Partysaurus Rex and all his Toy Story pals, guests have a “glowing” good time with character greetings, awesome attractions, and even a DJ dance party on the beach. But perhaps the most, well, illuminating additions to the event are the unique beverage concoctions being served up each evening—including the Black Light Cherry Lemonade, Fred’s Purple Sire, and the Green Glowrita. Take a look at the video, above, to see some of the amazing drinks being mixed. And don’t worry: There are “mocktails” available for the younger partygoers in attendance.

Don’t miss Disney H20 Glow Nights—on select evenings now through August 31 at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Click here for ticket information.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: Added Experiences for 2018

Speaking of special events at Walt Disney World, we’ve got a bit more news to pass along… Yes, we know, summer only officially started back on Thursday, June 21. But we maintain that this doesn’t mean we can’t look forward to the fall—when temps cool off a bit, the pumpkin spice lattes begin to flow, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks into gear at Magic Kingdom Park! And this year, the annual event adds some brand-new experiences to the mix.

Taking place on select evenings from August 17 through October 31, the separately ticketed spooky soiree will welcome revelers to the Mad Tea Party with new lighting and special effects; invite guests to interact with new scoundrels on the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction; offer explorers a brand-new soundtrack and added effects on Space Mountain; and entice the younger set with the new Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam, a dance party featuring some of your favorite Disney Junior characters—including Doc McStuffins.

And that’s all on top of the Not-So-Scary activities you’ve come to know and love, like the tuneful “Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular” castle show, a magical fireworks extravaganza, and an appearance by the Headless Horseman himself.

Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are now on sale! And stay tuned for more info on all the creepy-cool fun as the event draws closer…

Everything You Need to See, Do, and Enjoy at Pixar Pier

June 27, 2018

By Courtney Potter

Woody and Buzz. Mike and Sulley. Joy and Sadness. Disney•Pixar has created some of the most beloved duos to ever grace the silver screen. But the latest pairing isn’t in a movie theater (or on a streaming device) near you… it’s at the Disneyland Resort! This past Saturday, June 23, Pixar Pier officially opened inside Disney California Adventure (DCA) park—and it’s truly a “pier-fect” match! The fully reimagined area, located in the former Paradise Pier section of the park, will allow guests to experience Pixar stories and characters in incredible new ways, along the now-iconic DCA waterfront.

Divided into four imaginative neighborhoods—with memorable attractions, colorful merchandise, and delightfully fresh food and beverage options—Pixar Pier is the latest, greatest place to celebrate with friends and family. Just before opening day, D23 was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at all the candy-colored fun. Read on for our adventure “to infinity and beyond”!

Incredibles Park
When guests first stroll through the old-fashioned gateway and onto Pixar Pier (past the brand-new Lamplight Lounge restaurant; more on that in a moment!), there’s color everywhere… from the imaginative sign above the new Knick’s Knacks merchandise location—make sure to check out the all-new Disney•Pixar apparel, artwork, and collectibles inside—to the Disney•Pixar-themed billboards lining the promenade. Keep walking a bit further and it’s hard not to be enthralled by the gigantic white and red structure rising in the immediate distance; it’s the reimagined Incredicoaster, and it’s—well, incredible. The neighborhood where the coaster is located, Incredibles Park, welcomes guests with a cool “mid-century modern” aesthetic much like the two Disney•Pixar hits it’s based on, 2004’s The Incredibles and the just-released Incredibles 2.

Ready to get super? An archway and a totally unique queuing area (one that, from the outside, resembles the Parrs’ new house in Incredibles 2) guides guests right to the attraction—a thrilling race alongside the Parr family that includes fantastic new character figures; stunning lighting (make sure to visit the attraction at night for some added bonuses); an exclusive new soundtrack by Incredibles composer Michael Giacchino; and all manner of special effects. You don’t want to miss it! As a reward after adventuring with Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and their super kids—and an appearance by none other than Edna Mode—treat yourself to a fresh baked treat at Jack-Jack Cookie Num-Nums. We tried all three options—and they were, in fact, “num num”!

Toy Story Boardwalk
Is it just us, or have we suddenly shrunk to the size of a toy? Makes sense, because adjacent to Incredibles Park is Toy Story Boardwalk. Touches of whimsy from the Toy Story trilogy are in every nook and cranny! Fans of Toy Story Midway Mania! (hey, that’s us!) will be delighted to know the attraction is the centerpiece of this Pixar Pier neighborhood—and it’s now surrounded by several brand-new food establishments based on Woody and Buzz’s world… Ready those taste buds for Poultry Palace (inspired by the Pixar short Toy Story Toon: Small Fry) and then satisfy your sweet tooth at Señor Buzz Churros. Both are seriously tasty.

There’s more Toy Story Boardwalk fun to look forward to in 2019, when Jessie the yodeling cowgirl gets the spotlight with Jessie’s Critter Carousel—a new spin on a classic boardwalk carousel, where more than 50 adorable wilderness critters (inspired by the Woody’s Roundup TV show from Toy Story 2) welcome riders for a rootin’, tootin’ good time. Watch this space for info as the attraction’s opening day gets closer.

Pixar Promenade
We have an affinity for old-school boardwalks—like the ones found in Coney Island, New York, or Santa Cruz, California. So when we realized that classic turn-of-the-century-style games would still be a big part of the Pixar Promenade neighborhood at Pixar Pier, we were pleased as punch! The games have been rethemed with all kinds of charming Disney•Pixar characters, including a “candy corn toss” with Heimlich from a bug’s life, the WALL•E Space Race, a “star catcher” game based on the Pixar short La Luna, and the Bullseye Stallion Stampede (featuring the beloved horse from Toy Story). All four are barrels of fun—and you might just get to take home a prize! Right nearby are two brand-new food and snack locations themed to Inside Out: Angry Dogs, where dear ol’ Anger helps heat up yummy (if “somewhat annoyed”) hot dogs, and—opening later this summer—Bing-Bong’s Sweet Stuff, where the lovable character offers up the delicious sweets like rainbow cotton candy.

But the magical focal point of Pixar Promenade is the Pixar Pal-A-Round; the fan-favorite wheel still welcomes all who come to Disney California Adventure park with that iconic Mickey Mouse face—but now, each of the 24 gondolas features different combos of Disney•Pixar pals. Our favorites include Lightning McQueen and Mater from Cars and Miguel and Hector from Coco! And there’s the added bonus of a beautiful bird’s eye view of both the Pier and the park.

Inside Out Headquarters
The fourth neighborhood at Pixar Pier is not quite complete—which just means we have even more to look forward to! Inspired by the Oscar®-winning Disney•Pixar film Inside Out, this lush area will soon include a whimsical new attraction, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, fit for the whole family. We can’t wait to come back when it’s completed!

Lamplight Lounge
As we mentioned earlier, there’s a stylish new eating establishment right at the fore of Pixar Pier. We can safely say that—having had a very special chance to enjoy its fare—the food is delicious… and the décor equally memorable. Lamplight Lounge offers “gastro-pub”-style cuisine that’s great for kids and adults alike; we were particularly fond of the crab & tuna sushi rolls and the delectable ratatouille dish! Plus, the location has a full bar—so those over 21 can indulge in artisan signature cocktails. As the story goes, Lamplight Lounge is housed in a converted warehouse originally called The Brooklyn Building—a location that just happens to have the same name as a building at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California. (Is it a coincidence? We think not… ) Known as the local haunt for a host of Pixar artist “regulars,” the lounge features nifty little mementos they’ve left behind—from concept art and other filmmaking collectibles to amazing sketches (featuring the animators’ signatures) on the drink coasters. And fans of the former venue’s lobster nachos, never fear: They’re still on the menu!

Planning a visit to Disneyland Resort this summer? Don’t miss your chance to experience everything that the new Pixar Pier has to offer… And here’s the best news: Pixar Fest is still entertaining guests, through September 3, with the new Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular at Disneyland park and brand-new floats in the Pixar Play Parade and Paint the Night. It’s a Pixar feast for all the senses, and we can’t wait to go back!

Toy Story Land Will Light Up the Night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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

Who is The Wasp? Watch This New Featurette to Find Out!

Disney Springs Celebrates Summer with Brews & BBQ

Music’s Biggest Stars Take Home ARDYs at the 2018 RDMA

You Won’t Believe These Luminous Libations from Disney H2O Glow Nights

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: Added Experiences for 2018

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