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!

Lobster Nachos from Lamplight Lounge

Enjoy this recipe for the legendary Lobster Nachos at Lamplight Lounge in Disney California Adventure park.

Click here to download a printable recipe page.

Serves 8 to 10

LOBSTER STOCK
Shells from 5 medium lobster tails
1 medium carrot, chopped
1 small celery rib, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 large garlic cloves, quartered
1 teaspoon canola oil
1/2 cup dry white wine
8 cups cold water
1 bay leaf
1/4 bunch parsley (stems only)
1 pinch red pepper flakes

TORTILLA CHIPS
3 cups canola oil (for frying)
48 (4 dozen) 6-inch corn tortillas
Salt in shaker

SEASONED BLACK BEANS 
1 15-ounce can black beans
1 small bunch cilantro chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

PICO DE GALLO
5 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 medium red onion, diced
1/2 bunch cilantro tops, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
1 serrano pepper, seeds removed, finely minced

SHREDDED CHEESE
1/2 pound cheddar cheese
1/2 pound Monterey jack cheese

ROASTED GARLIC 
2 large garlic cloves
Canola oil (to cover)

CHIPOTLE CREMA 
1 1/2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce
2 roasted garlic cloves 8 ounces sour cream
3 tablespoons manufacturing cream
1 pinch ground cumin
1 pinch ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

LOBSTER CHEESE SAUCE 
3 poblano chiles, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon canola oil, divided
3 large garlic cloves
1 shallot, roughly chopped
1/4 stick butter
2 1/2 tablespoons flour
2 cups manufacturing cream
1 cup reduced lobster stock
4 ounces Oaxaca cheese, grated
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

COOKED LOBSTER
4 tablespoons butter
5 medium lobster tails (meat only)
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 pinch black pepper
1 lime, juiced and zested (1 tablespoon juice and pinch of zest)

FOR LOBSTER STOCK:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Place lobster shells, carrot, celery, onion, and garlic on baking sheet with lip; coat with canola oil.
Bake for 35 minutes until lightly browned.
Carefully remove from oven and deglaze baking sheet with white wine.
Add baking sheet ingredients with liquid to large stockpot.
Add water, bay leaf, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
Bring lobster stock to boil over medium-high heat, then lower to medium low heat.
Let stock cook slowly until stock reduces by half, 60 to 80 minutes.
Carefully strain stock, reserving 1 cup for lobster cheese sauce.
Set aside. (May be made 2 days in advance, cover and refrigerate.)

FOR TORTILLA CHIPS:

Preheat frying oil to 350°F.
While oil is heating, cut tortillas into 6 pie-shaped pieces.
Once oil is hot, add tortillas in small batches for 2 to 4 minutes (frying times will vary).
Remove from fryer once chips are lightly browned, lightly season with salt.
Continue until all tortillas are fried and salted.
Set aside. (May be made 2 days in advance; store in sealed plastic bag.)

FOR SEASONED BLACK BEANS:

Rinse beans in colander until water runs clear.
Place beans in medium mixing bowl, mix in remaining ingredients until just combined.
Set aside. (May be made 2 days in advance; cover and refrigerate.)

FOR PICO DE GALLO:

Mix all ingredients except serrano pepper in medium bowl.
Add 1/2 serrano pepper, mix and taste; add additional serrano pepper until desired spiciness.
Set aside. (May be made 2 days in advance; cover and refrigerate.)

FOR MIXED CHEESE:

Grate cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses in medium bowl and toss together. Set aside. (May be made 2 days in advance; cover and refrigerate.)

FOR ROASTED GARLIC:

Remove tips from garlic cloves.
Add garlic to small pot and cover with canola oil.
Gently poach garlic on medium-low heat until lightly browned and soft.
Remove garlic and set aside for use in chipotle crema. (Save garlic oil in refrigerator for everyday  cooking.)

FOR CHIPOTLE CREMA:

Purée chipotle and roasted garlic in food processor.
Add purée and remaining ingredients to mixing bowl and mix thoroughly.
Pour crema in squeeze bottle or plastic zip bag.
Refrigerate until ready to use. (May be made 2 days in advance; keep refrigerated.)

FOR LOBSTER CHEESE SAUCE:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Lightly coat poblanos with 1/2 teaspoon canola oil, place on baking sheet; roast for 15 minutes.
Lightly coat shallots and garlic with remaining 1/2 teaspoon canola oil, add to poblanos on baking  sheet; roast for an additional 25 minutes until caramelized.
Purée caramelized garlic, shallots, and poblanos in food processor until smooth.
Melt butter in large pot over medium heat.
Add flour to make a roux, stirring constantly until smooth and light golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes.
Add cream and bring to boil, stirring constantly; continue to stir and cook for 10 minutes.
Add reserved lobster stock and poblano purée; bring to simmer, stirring occasionally.
Slowly add Oaxaca and cheddar cheeses.
Stir constantly until all cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
Set aside; hold warm.

FOR COOKED LOBSTER:

Ensure lobster meat is cleaned and veins removed.
Chop lobster in large bite-size pieces.
Heat butter in large sauté pan over medium heat.
Add lobster pieces, salt, pepper, lime juice, and zest to pan.
Once fully cooked (145F°), remove lobster pieces with a slotted spoon.
Set aside; hold warm.

TO SERVE:

Preheat broiler to 500°F. Spread chips on one large or 2 medium oven-safe plates. (Use a nice baking sheet if you do not have oven-safe plates.)
Layer with black beans, lobster cheese sauce, and mixed cheddar/jack cheese, ensuring to cover all chips.
Broil until cheese is melted, watching carefully, 2 to 4 minutes.
Carefully remove plate/sheet, add pico de gallo; top with lobster.
Drizzle chipotle crema and garnish with sliced serrano peppers (optional). Serve immediately.

CHEF’S NOTES: To cut down on preparation time, use restaurant-quality chips, pico de gallo and pre- shredded cheeses. But, if you have time, the homemade chips are the best!

Get into the Aloha Sprit with these Tropical Tiki Room Photo Frames and Stickers

June 25, 2018November 26, 2019

By D23 Team

Aloha! We’re celebrating the 55th anniversary of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland. While we all want to celebrate with a Dole Whip and a show starring our favorite parrots, you can also show your love for this charming spot by decorating your most tropical photos—and don’t forget to upload them to share your tiki spirit online!

This campaign has ended. Check out D23.com for more Disney fun!

Disney Musicals in Schools Brings Disney Magic to Public Elementary Schools

June 25, 2018

By Beth Deitchman

It’s opening night at the Ahmanson Theatre, the storied Los Angeles venue that has hosted such Disney musicals as Mary Poppins and Aida. As the performers take the stage for their big, theatrical debuts, you’ve never seen a more enthusiastic audience—or a more adorable cast. The Disney Musicals in Schools Student Share Celebration is the culmination of months of hard work on the part of elementary school students, teachers, and teaching artists—in this case, professional educators from Center Theater Group (CTG)—who have just completed the Disney Musicals in Schools program’s inaugural year in Los Angeles, California.

Disney Musicals in Schools (DMIS) was introduced by Disney Theatrical Group in 2010 with sustainability in mind: The free program is designed to help create theater programs in under-resourced public elementary schools where there previously were none. Through the program, participating schools receive performance rights to a half-hour Disney musical for kids, show kit materials, and, most importantly, a pair of teaching artists—professional musical theater artists and educators—who work with the school over the course of a semester to mount a first musical. This hands-on support is what sets DMIS apart, explains Lisa Mitchell, education director, Disney Theatrical Group. She says, “Over the course of the six-month process, the [school’s] teachers learn how to become music directors, directors, choreographers, producers, stage managers, and designers, so that when we’re not there in the future, they’ve got the training necessary to sustain this kind of work in the school for year after year after year.”

Since 2010, some 30,000 students from nearly 300 schools have performed in their first school musical through the program. With the 2018 launches of the Los Angeles program in partnership with Center Theatre Group and a Chicago-based program with the Goodman Theatre, DMIS is now in 18 cities, including its first international program in London with Eastside Charitable Trust.

Disney Theatrical Group works with partner organizations that excel at both theater-making and arts education, and as DMIS has expanded around the country, Mitchell shares that she’s been thrilled to see each city and theatre company make the program their own. In Las Vegas, many of the teaching artists come from Cirque du Soleil, so their productions feature choreography with some added acrobatic flair; while students in Nashville receive a world-class music education in their public school system, which shines through in their DMIS performances. “One of the things that surprises me most is how you can have two dozen versions of The Lion King take place on school stages around the country, and every single one of them—despite having the same script and the same score and the same plot—is completely unique to that school and that community,” Mitchell says.

Though the cities and schools may put their own spin on the musical productions, they come together for a magical moment that opens every Student Share Celebration, as all of the participating students perform the song, “It Starts with a Dream,” written for DMIS by Disney Legend Alan Menken. “There are so many people in this industry who acknowledge that arts education is what set them on their career path,” says Mitchell. “We were very grateful to him for writing us a beautiful song and giving back in that way.”

Over the course of the program the students learn stage skills, but while they’re preparing to perform titles such as The Jungle Book or Aladdin, they also develop such universal skills as creativity, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, empathy, and more. Menken’s musical tribute to DMIS begins with the inspiring lyrics, “Start with a dream and imagine where you take it,” and for these young performers it’s clear that a truly boundless future lies ahead.

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