This Marshmello-DuckTales Music Video is Out of this World

June 23, 2018July 16, 2018

By Beth Deitchman

We’re settling in to watch the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards (RDMA), airing tonight (8–10 p.m. EDT/PDT) on Disney Channel, but the fun has already begun. A special DuckTales-inspired music video of Marshmello’s hit single “Fly” just debuted, featuring Scrooge, Donald, Huey, Dewey, Louie, Webby, and an animated alien DJ—not to mention the music producer/DJ himself, who appears in live-action form, as well. Our favorite ducks have left Duckburg and are on a musical outer-space adventure in the video, until their spaceship unexpectedly crashes and they find themselves on a remote “Marshmello” planet.

This won’t be the only Marshmello sighting of the evening. The world-renowned DJ/producer is nominated in four categories for the 2018 RDMA, plus he’s set to perform. Tonight’s broadcast also includes performances by Kelly Clarkson (this year’s “Icon” Award-winner), “Hero” Award-winner Carrie Underwood (performing with Ludacris), American Idol winner Maddie Poppe, Charlie Puth, Meghan Trainor, and Echosmith. We’ve got everything you need to know about this year’s RDMA right here to help you get ready. Music’s biggest event for families is about to begin!

Pretty in Pink on National Pink Day

June 23, 2018June 22, 2018

By Karina Schink

June 23 is National Pink Day, and it’s the perfect opportunity to show your Disney pride in one of the brightest colors around. Here are some of our pink favorites from shopDisney and Disney store; from plush friends to backpacks and clothes, all featuring (or starring) today’s special color. So, today, we’ll have to agree with Flora and, “Make it pink!” (Sorry, Merryweather.)

And, don’t forget! D23 Gold Members receive 10 percent off your purchase of $50 or more, from now through June 30, 2018.

1. Disneyland Spirit Jersey— Millennial Pink
You’ve seen them on Instagram and maybe floating around on Facebook, too, but there’s no doubt about it, Millennial Pink has made head waves over at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Proudly show your Disney (and pink!) pride by donning the official Disneyland or Disney World Spirit Jersey, available for both adults and kids, so you can even match with your little ones! (And don’t forget to pick up some matching Millennial Pink ears the next time you visit a park!)

2. White Rabbit “Late for Everything” Baseball Cap
Oh, my fur and whiskers! Who knew the White Rabbit was such a fan of pink? Proudly represent your favorite fluffy Alice in Wonderland character by wearing the White Rabbit “Late for Everything” Baseball Cap, while also letting everyone know that you may, well, be a bit tardy sometimes. But, they’ll forgive you when they see your excellent taste in clothes!

3. Disney Princesses Backpack
Here’s your chance to take your favorite princesses everywhere with you. The Disney Princess Backpack, featuring Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Tiana, and Mulan, is the perfectly pink combination of convenience and Disney magic, with enough space for all of your daily necessities and your glass slippers, of course!

4. Solo: A Star Wars Story Jacket and T-Shirt
If you’ve seen the newest installment of the Star Wars saga and are longing to never truly leave a galaxy far, far away, you can pick up one (or multiple) of many different Solo: A Star Wars Story-themed items. Clad with that iconic Star Wars font in bright and bold pink coloring, these are definitely for those strong with the force.

5. Graphic Tees
We know that the younger royal set needs to join in on the fun as well, so here’s a collection of some of our favorite pink T-shirts featuring some of your favorite princesses and warriors.

Moana
Rapunzel
Gamora
Captain Phasma
Disney Princess

6. Minnie Mouse Fashionista
Did we mention that Minnie Mouse likes pink? Well, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to make sure you’re dressed in clothes one of our favorite girls would approve of.

Scarf
T-Shirt
Lounge Pants

7. Fantasyland Dress for Women by Her Universe
Since today is a celebration, it’s time to say “bibbidi-bobbidi-boo,” and become the bell of the ball in the Fantasyland Dress by Her Universe. You’ll feel just like Aurora in this sweetheart neckline, but we promise, this one will stay pink.

8. Piglet, Angel, and Minnie Mouse Plushes
End your National Pink Day by curling up with your favorite characters in plush form, whether its Piglet, Angel, or even the ever-enduring Minnie Mouse in her many perfectly pink variations.

Minnie Mouse Plush Pink
Minnie Mouse Ufufy
Piglet Ufufy
Winnie the Pooh Ufufy
Angela Ufufy

Breaking News: Inside Out Attraction Debuting at Pixar Pier in 2019

June 22, 2018

By Courtney Potter

The incredible new Pixar Pier officially opens to guests this Saturday, June 23, at Disney California Adventure park—and when it does, guests will go “to infinity and beyond” as they discover its four unique neighborhoods: Incredibles Park (which features the reimagined Incredicoaster); Toy Story Boardwalk (home to fan-fave Toy Story Midway Mania!); Pixar Promenade (full of charming games and the Pixar Pal-A-Round wheel); and Inside Out Headquarters… which happens to be the scene for today’s big announcement from our pals at Disneyland Resort!

Located on the western end of Pixar Pier, the colorful Inside Out Headquarters is the future home of Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind; this whimsical family-friendly attraction—inspired by the Disney•Pixar animated hit Inside Out—is set make its big debut in 2019, and it’ll be (as you might imagine) chockablock with emotions! Take a gander at a nifty sneak peek of the attraction, above.

That’s not the only fun to come at Pixar Pier in 2019: Jessie’s Critter Carousel, a reimagined classic boardwalk-style attraction featuring all manner of adorable wilderness critters (inspired by the Woody’s Roundup TV show in Toy Story 2), will offer guests a rootin’, tootin’ good time beginning next year.

There’s so much to see, do, and enjoy at Pixar Pier—including truly delicious food and drink at the new Lamplight Lounge!—so start planning those Disneyland Resort vacations now… and keep your eyes peeled for more candy-colored info as it becomes available.

Absolutely Everything You Need to Know About the 2018 RDMAs

June 22, 2018

By Karina Schink

Music’s biggest event for families—the Radio Disney Music Awards—is back! This Saturday, join us to watch and cheer along as our favorite artists take the stage to perform and maybe even win some coveted ARDYs. It’s going to be a night you don’t want to miss, so we wanted to make sure you have absolutely everything you need, and want, to know about the 2018 RDMA!

The 2018 RDMA will take place on Friday, June 22, with a special telecast of the sixth annual show airing on Saturday, June 23.

This Friday, June 22, nominees, performers, and fans alike will gather at the Dolby Theatre® at the Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, California. But, if you weren’t able to score a ticket, don’t fret! Catch the show from the comfort of your own home on Saturday, June 23, as the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards premieres at 8 p.m. EDT/PDT on the Disney Channel, Radio Disney, the Radio Disney app, the DisneyNOW app, and Disney.com/RDMA.

New this year is the RDMAs first-ever DisneyNOW Live Play second screen experience which will allow viewers to participate in live polls, trivia and other interactive elements, including never-before-seen boomerangs in the DisneyNOW app, with real time results appearing on-screen on Disney Channel throughout the telecast. Viewers will also have a chance to enter and win the Next Level Sweepstakes using a code that will be revealed during the telecast. Prizes include once-in-a-lifetime experiences: a trip to Australia to see Katy Perry in concert and meet her, a trip to Nashville to hang out with Kelsea Ballerini and attend the CMA Awards, Shawn Mendes concert and backstage meet and greet, and a trip to visit both Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California.

Special Awards…
While there will be many performances from all of your favorite artists (more on that below!), the RDMA is really all about that one little fella, “ARDY,” the Radio Disney statuette that select musicians will win. And this weekend, a select group of musical mavericks will be honored with special awards. Without further ado, here are those special few.

Carrie Underwood—“Hero” Award
With already seven Grammy® Awards under her belt, Carrie Underwood is no stranger to award ceremonies (or being a champion). However, at the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards, Underwood will be honored for something other than her powerful pipes. A noted humanitarian, Underwood will receive the “Hero” award for her philanthropic work a myriad of charities, including Danita’s Children, an organization working to provide a safe haven for children and families in Haiti, and for her own charity called C.A.T.S. (Checotah Animal, Town, and School) Foundation which supports numerous needs in her hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma.

Carlos Polanco—“Hero for Change” Award
The Radio Disney Music Awards will also honor a youth leader with its “Hero for Change” award. This year the award, which recognizes young trailblazers in the area of community services, will be given to the Boys & Girls Club National Youth of the Year, Carlos Polanco. The Clifton, New Jersey resident is a student at Dartmouth College where he continues his longstanding volunteer career by organizing student programs to aid first-generation Americans and low-income students.

Kelly Clarkson—“Icon” Award
While Kelly Clarkson may be best-known for winning the inaugural season of American Idol, this star has had breakthrough after breakthrough (or should we say “Breakaway”?) since then. Clarkson will be the recipient of the “Icon” award, which is given to a performer who has exemplified what it means to truly transcend popular culture. RDMA “Icon” Award recipients are those whose music has been loved by Radio Disney fans for generations, and since her debut on our TV screens all those years ago, Kelly Clarkson has definitely found her way into the hearts of Disney fans everywhere.

Janet Jackson—“Impact” Award
Janet Jackson will be honored with the inaugural “Impact” Award for her ever-powerful and lasting influence on the world of entertainment, touching the lives of fans and other famous artists alike through generations. Jackson’s many accolades include six Grammy Awards, as well as nominations for two Emmys®, a Golden Globe® Award, and an Academy Awardâ, as well as 11 American Music Award wins with more than 30 nominations, nine MTV Video Music Award wins and 30 nominations, and six Billboard Music Award wins with eight nominations. And, that’s only to name a few, but we’re already out of breath!

Jackson’s incredible career has inspired superstars worldwide, such as Queen Bey herself, Lady Gaga, and Alicia Keys. She truly has inspired “a generation full of courage” over her illustrious career, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for this impactful icon.

The Who’s Who of the 2018 RDMA Awards Show Performers
Get ready to have your eyes glued to the screen this Saturday to watch some of today’s hottest, and your favorite, artists perform. Here is a list of everyone who will be performing at this year’s RDMA.

Several nominees will play the part of performer and take the stage this Saturday including Charlie Puth, Meghan Trainor, Marshmello, and Echosmith.

“Icon” award recipient Kelly Clarkson will bring a medley of her hits to the RDMA stage. Another special award winner, Carrie Underwood, will, for the first time, perform her hit song “The Champion” live with multi-Grammy Award-winning recording artist and actor, Ludacris.

Fresh off of her American Idol win, Maddie Poppe will take to the Dolby stage on Saturday to perform, and based on her incredible run throughout the Idol competition, we can’t wait to hear the melodies she brings to the RDMA.

Name That Presenter
The stars at the 2018 RDMA’s won’t be limited to the ones belting it out on stage, but also include those handing out ARDYs. Here are some of the stars who will be presenting at the 2018 RDMA:

Stars from Disney Channel’s Andi Mack
Olivia Holt and Aubrey Joseph from Freeform’s Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger
Hollywood Records recording artist Sabrina Carpenter
Radio Disney’s “NBT” (Next Big Thing) JAGMAC
ABC’s Boy Band winners and Hollywood Records group In Real Life

Special Marshmello/DuckTales Video
Woo-oo! Be sure to tune in early this Saturday because right before the RDMA premieres on Disney Channel, a special video featuring a few of our favorite ducks will make its debut! From a special collaboration between Marshmello and Disney comes a “DuckTales”-inspired music video of the DJ’s hit single “Fly.” Live-action and animation will come together as Scrooge, Donald, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, along with their friend Webby launch into space, only to crash into an alien island called Marshmello—where they’ll happen on a very familiar extra-terrestrial DJ.

This music video will premiere during Disney·Pixar’s The Incredibles (6–8 p.m. EDT/PDT) and leading into the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards (8–10 p.m. EDT/PDT), on Disney Channel.

The video will also be up on the DisneyNow app, since we know you’re going to want to watch it over and over again!

2018 RDMA Categories and Nominees

“You Know You Love Them—Best Duo/Group (Presented by KRAFT® Macaroni and Cheese Shapes)”
BTS
Clean Bandit
Echosmith
Imagine Dragons
Maroon 5

“The One—Best Artist”
Bruno Mars
Ed Sheeran
Meghan Trainor
Selena Gomez
Shawn Mendes
Taylor Swift

“The Bestest—Song Of The Year”
“Havana”—Camilla Cabello
“Look What You Made Me Do”—Taylor Swift
“The Middle”—Zedd, Marin Morris & Grey
“There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back”—Shawn Mendes
“Wolves”—Selena Gomez & Marshmello

“XOXO—Best Crush Song”
“I Like Me Better”—Lauv
“Ins and Outs”—Sofia Carson
“Perfect”—Ed Sheeran
“Legends”—Kelsea Ballerini
“Why”—Sabrina Carpenter

“#SQUADGOALS—Fiercest Fans”
BTS Army—BTS
Mellogang—Marshmello
Megatronz—Meghan Trainor
Selenators—Selena Gomez
Mendes Army—Shawn Mendes

“The Buzz—Breakout Artist Of The Year”
Camilla Cabello
Charlie Puth
Dua Lipa
Halsey
Julia Michaels
Marshmello

“The Freshest—Best New Artist”
Bebe Rexha
Cheat Codes
Hey Violet
Lauv
Why Don’t We

“So Happy—Best Song That Makes You Smile”
“DNA”—BTS
“I Miss Those Days”—Bleachers
“No Excuses”—Meghan Trainor
“One Foot”—WALK THE MOON
“So Much More Than This”—Grace VanderWaal

“Doubletap—Favorite Social Music Artist”
Alex Aiono
Carson Lueders
Chloe x Halle
HRVY
Max & Harvey
Rudy Mancuso

“Stuck In Our Heads—Best Song To Lip Sync To”
“Look What You Made Me Do”—Taylor Swift
“New Rules”—Dua Lipa
“Sorry Not Sorry”—Demi Lovato
“These Girls”—Why Don’t We
“This Is Me”—Keala Settle

“When The Beat Drops!—Best Dance Track”
“Friends”—Justin Bieber & BloodPopâ
“Let Me Go”—Hailee Steinfeld & Alesso feat. Florida Georgia Line & watt
“MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix)”—BTS
“The Middle”—Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey
“Silence”—Marshmello feat. Khalid

“Play It Again!—Radio Disney Country Favorite Song”
“Legends”—Kelsea Ballerini
“Meant to Be”—Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line
“Take Back Home Girl”—Chris Lane feat. Tori Kelly
“Unforgettable”—Thomas Rhett
“You Broke Up with Me”—Walker Hayes

“The Bestest!—Radio Disney Country Favorite Artist”
Florida Georgia Line
Kelsea Ballerini
Luke Bryan
Maren Morris
Thomas Rhett

“The Freshest!—Radio Disney Country Best New Artist”
Carly Pearce
Devin Dawson
Jillian Jacqueline
Jordan Davis
LANCO

“Mashup!—Best Collaboration”
“Meant to Be”—Bebe Rexha feat. Florida Georgia Line
“No Promises”—Cheat Codes feat. Demi Lovato
“Mi Gente”—J Balvin & Willy William
“It Ain’t Me”—Kygo & Selena Gomez
“The Middle”—Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey

To make sure you’ve got all the tunes down, check out Radio Disney’s Spotify playlist of all of the nominated songs. That way, you can rehearse your dance for the night of the show, when we’re sure you’ll be doing more than just tapping your feet along to the beat.

Throughout music’s biggest event for families you can follow the excitement at Disney.com/RDMA. The “ARDY” party gets started this Saturday, June 23, at 8 p.m. EDT/PDT on Disney Channel!

Did You Know? 5 Animated Facts about Who Framed Roger Rabbit

June 21, 2018

By Ross Anderson

Who Framed Roger Rabbit was released under Disney’s Touchstone banner and was a combined production of Disney and Amblin Entertainment, which was founded by Steven Spielberg. The film’s story takes place in 1947, opening with a typical mid-century cartoon short. As the short concludes, we find that the “toons” are just acting out roles in a studio production, and they actually lead their own lives in Toontown—often with more zany convolutions than they display in their scripted shorts. A down-on-his-luck private detective, Eddie Valiant, is drawn into a murder investigation and a citywide conspiracy. The look is film noir, the gags are broad, the acting is sublime, the writing is clever, the animation superb. More than that, the combination of animation and live-action is totally believable and remains astounding to this day. Thirty years later, Who Framed Roger Rabbit remains a fan-favorite, and to celebrate the film’s anniversary, we’ve rounded up some animated facts and anecdotes.

1. Easter Eggs For Quick Eyes
Roger Rabbit pulsates with unforgettable scenes, characters and cinematic legerdemain, and each fan finds their own joys, favorite scenes, favorite quotes, and the fun of searching for the hundreds of Easter eggs embedded in the film. Particularly cool are the references to members of the production crew that have found their way onto graffiti, store signs, and billboard notices in the Toontown segment. Caricatures of production crew members are on billboard notices for Br’er Baer (Dale Baer) and Gregory and his Rubber Band (Gregory Hinde); and Christine (Blum), Cindy (Finn), Jane (Baer), Gisele (Recinos), Randy (Fullmer), and others involved with the film are memorialized on Toontown store signage—kind of like the acknowledgment given to key Disney contributors on the windows of Main Street. There must certainly be others that are less obvious.

There is also an assortment of cartoon comic devices strewn about Toontown: banana peels, falling anvils, and rubber chickens. Of course, rubber chickens show up elsewhere in the film; when Daffy Duck is maniacally playing in the “dueling pianos” segment, he’s wearing boxing gloves initially, but as he continues, his hands come up with a hammer and ice cream cone and then with rubber chickens. Part of the fun of watching the film is to identify the many references to animated shorts and features from the past. Sure, lists of Easter eggs can be found on the Internet, but it’s more fun to discover them for yourself.

2. Out-of-this-Galaxy Effects
Although Tron had been made a few years earlier, digital special effects had not yet found their way into film in a serious way, and all the special effects in Roger Rabbit were done with optical printers, puppetry, stop-motion animation, and clever gadgetry. Astoundingly, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) did more special effects for Roger Rabbit than were done for Star Wars.

3. A Legend Gets His Start
Andreas Deja got encouragement from Eric Larson to pursue a career in animation and was eventually hired at Disney. During the production of The Black Cauldron in Burbank, Deja was put in an office with Tim Burton, partly to coach Burton in classical “Disney” drawing. Of course, it didn’t work out that way, and although Burton didn’t quite fit the Disney mold, the freedom he was given to develop projects on his own has ultimately given us Vincent, Frankenweenie, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

The experience of The Black Cauldron proved to be difficult for many of the young animators at the studio. The Nine Old Men had retired by that time and there had been a changing of the guard. When given the chance, Deja jumped at the opportunity to be one of the supervising animators on Roger Rabbit at the new studio Disney was establishing in London.

4. The Animation Made ’Round the World
All of the people working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit knew that they were working on something very special. It was a grand adventure for the American and Canadian expatriates, as well as for the British and European artists. It made for a collegial atmosphere and the extra enthusiasm of being part of something historic. The animators would routinely work long hours, grab a pub dinner at the Edinburgh Castle Tavern on Delancey Street in Camden Town, then go back to work in the evening. Also, the production and coordination with the live-action footage was complex and time-consuming. In spite of the long hours, the London crew was as risk of not having the film ready for the scheduled summer 1988 opening. Of course, this was before the advent of computers in the animation process.

A satellite animation unit was set up in Glendale, under the supervision of Dale Baer, and was focused primarily on the Toontown sequence. It functioned independently, and production could be coordinated and artwork shared through “high-tech” means such as FedEx and fax.

5. A Reason to Smile
On March 18, 1988, a wrap party was held at the Barbican Centre in London. The entire London crew was there for the celebration and was treated to a magic act by the producer, Frank Marshall, and a thank-you speech by director Bob Zemeckis. The song, “Smile, Darn Ya, Smile,” was planned for the gathering of Toons during the “iris out” at the end of the film. The song had already been recorded by professional singers, but the producers felt that a more raucous crowd sound was required. Sound equipment was set up at the wrap party and the crew was asked to sing, “Smile, Darn Ya, Smile.” Each member of the crew was paid the amount of one pound (somewhat more than one dollar) for their singing contribution to the film, and everybody had to sign a waiver!

This article originally appeared in a slightly different form in the Fall 2013 issue of Disney twenty-three and was modified for D23.com.

An Enchanted Tiki Tour of Disney Parks

June 21, 2018June 22, 2018

By Jim Frye

Grab your flowered shirts, tropical prints—and maybe a Dole Whip or two—and head to where “all the birds sing words and the flowers croon,” because Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is celebrating 55 years of Polynesian-inspired family fun. Combining Walt Disney’s love of nostalgia and showmanship with a mid-century tiki aesthetic, this beloved Disneyland attraction has been a favorite for guests and tiki enthusiasts for more than half a century.

Tiki is a unique design aesthetic based on a romanticized depiction of tropical cultures, including carved masks, glass floats, bamboo décor, lava stone, hula girls, palm foliage, and other South Seas imagery. Popularized in the 1930s and ’40s by world traveler Donn Beach, this pop-Polynesian design style soon found its way into highly themed restaurants, bars, and specially carved mugs—oh those crazy, crazy mugs!

For an in-depth look at how tiki motifs are used across Disney, check out the article “Disney Tiki, Still Enchanting,” in the summer issue of Disney twenty-three magazine. There, you’ll find how tiki found its way into Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland in California, and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Walt Disney World.

As Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room celebrates 55 years of tropical serenades, we thought it would be fun to share a gallery of Disney tiki from across the country, including a few Disney-inspired paintings by the renowned artist Shag.

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Disneyland Resort

Walt Disney with Jose inside the Enchanted Tiki Room — Fifty-five years ago, Walt Disney introduced his beloved tiki birds to the world.

the entrance to the Enchanted Tiki Room — The entrance to *Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room* at Disneyland Resort.

carved drummer statues inside the Enchanted Tiki Room — Some of the carved “drummers” inside the attraction.

The tropical hideaway inside the Enchanted Tiki Room — The “tropical hideaway” inside *Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room*.

carved statue of Pele outside the Enchanted Tiki Room — The carved statue of Pele that greets guests in attraction’s Enchanted Garden.

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, Disneyland Resort

Volcanoes outside the window at Trader Sam's — Watch out for the erupting volcanoes inside Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar.

ship-in-a-bottle at Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar — This ship-in-a-bottle at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar isn’t your typical decoration—an actual storm, with lightning, keeps things exciting.

Trader Sam's tiki mug — One of the tasty treats inside a trademark Trader Sam’s tiki mug at the Disneyland Resort.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Walt Disney World

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort lobby — Guests feel as if they are immediately in a tropical paradise once they enter the main lobby of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

BouTiki gift shop — BouTiki, one of the tiki-themed gift shops inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, Walt Disney World

The Paintings of Shag

art by Shag — Southern California artist Shag created some memorable paintings celebrating tiki at Disney. Here, he captures the magic of *Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room*.

Latest Buzz for Ant-Man and The Wasp—Plus More in News Briefs

June 20, 2018November 8, 2018

By Courtney Potter

Catch up with Scott Lang/Ant-Man in a brand-new TV trailer, and join our pals at Disney Parks for a look inside preparations for Pixar Pier and Toy Story Land… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

New TV Trailer: Where Is Ant-Man (and The Wasp)?

With the life-altering after-effects of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War still palpable (and its release on Blu-ray and Digital imminent), we’re seriously looking forward to the next adventure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—Ant-Man and The Wasp! Thankfully, we have only a few more weeks before we find out what Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) and his hilarious cohorts have been up to since the events of the first film… Want a sneak peek? Check out its brand-new TV trailer, above!

Taking place in the aftermath of Captain America: Civil War, we find Scott grappling with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from the past.

Directed by Peyton Reed and also starring Michael Peña, Walton Goggins, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer, Randall Park, Laurence Fishburne, and Michelle Pfeiffer, Ant-Man and The Wasp opens July 6. And guess what? Tickets are now on sale! Get ‘em while the gettin’ is good…

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
June 23, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Robin Hood on the Lot
June 24, 2018
D23’s Incredible Mixer in Altamonte Springs, Florida
June 24, 2018
D23 Celebrates the Opening of Pixar Pier/a>
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
November 16-18, 2018
Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse
August 23-25, 2019
D23 Expo 2019
Parks
June 23, 2018
Pixar Pier opens at Disney California Adventure
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
August 10, 2018
Disney Channel Original Movie Freaky Friday premieres on Disney Channel (8–9:45 p.m. EDT/PDT)

Take a Peek Behind the Scenes of Pixar Pier and Toy Story Land

This summer, both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort are bringing Pixar-themed experiences (and beloved Disney•Pixar characters) to guests like never before. Need proof? Check out the fantastic new videos from our pals over at Disney Parks—highlighting all the incredible work going into both Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure park and Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios park to get them ready for their impending debuts—right here at D23.com.

Janet Jackson to Receive Inaugural “Impact” Award at 2018 RDMAs

Music lovers, this is your weekend! The sixth annual Radio Disney Music Awards are almost ready to delight your ears and eyeballs with all the best of today’s (and tomorrow’s) music. But it’s not just the performances from Charlie Puth, American Idol winner Maddie Poppe, and Meghan Trainor (among others!) to look forward to—it’s also the special awards being given to three legends of popular music: Carrie Underwood, who’s receiving the “Hero” Award; Kelly Clarkson, who’s taking home the “Icon” Award… and now superstar Janet Jackson, who is accepting the inaugural “Impact” Award!

The “Impact” Award is in recognition of Jackson’s influence on society and the world of entertainment—particularly women—across generations of fans. Artists like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Alicia Keys have all cited Jackson as having a huge impact on their own careers. One of the most influential entertainers of the modern era, Jackson is about to embark on an extension of her “State of the World Tour,” beginning July 11 in Austin, Texas. The 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards will hand out all their coveted ARDYs live in Hollywood this Friday, June 22—with a special presentation of the show airing on Saturday, June 23, at 8 p.m. EDT/PDT on Disney Channel and a slew of other Disney platforms.

And guess what else? A special collaboration between RDMA performer Marshmello and Disney Channel’s DuckTales will air in the lead-up to the awards on Saturday, during Disney•Pixar’s The Incredibles (airing 6–8 p.m. EDT/PDT). A mix of animation and live-action, the special music video launches Scrooge, his nephew Donald, great-nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and their friend Webby into a musical outer-space adventure with the world-renowned DJ. Don’t miss any of the fun!

Prepare for Spooktacular Fun with Disney Cruise Line This Fall

Looking to have a wickedly good time out on the ocean blue? Our pals over at Disney Cruise Line are gearing up to transform their ships into a ghoulish wonderland of themed parties and activities, spookily special decorations, devilishly delightful new menu items, and much more in just a few months’ time!

Halloween on the High Seas will take place on most voyages aboard the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wonder, and Disney Magic from September through October 2018. This one-of-a-kind Halloween celebration will—as in years past—feature The Pumpkin Tree, which magically transforms throughout the cruise. Other special experiences include Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party (complete with dancing and lots of candy); the interactive movie event A Nightmare Before Christmas—Sing and Scream; the Creepy Cabaret, a Halloween music-themed performance live in the ship’s atrium; and yummy treats including spider cakes, chocolate cake with pumpkin filling, and even “Spooky Juice.” Plus, the fun isn’t just for kids; adults should look out for fabulous nighttime entertainment, with costume contests and a “villainous takeover” on the dance floor.

Look for Halloween on the High Seas on select DCL sailings this fall—visit DisneyCruise.com for more information!

Shanghai Disney Resort Kicks Off Summer 2018 in a Big Way!

Can you believe we just celebrated the second anniversary of Shanghai Disney Resort on June 16? Time sure flies when you’re having fun… And to help celebrate this momentous occasion—plus ring in the summer months with grand style—the resort recently opened its brand-new Mandarin production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre.

One of the longest-running musicals in Broadway history, this “tale as old as time” has captured the hearts of more than 35 million people around the world—and is now being enjoyed in Mandarin for the first time. Visitors will be enchanted by a talented cast of performers from around the world, stunning costumes, memorable music, and so much more.

Additionally, inside Shanghai Disneyland park, this summer finds the fan-favorite Summer Blast stage show returning to Enchanted Storybook Castle, and Duffy’s Splashing Pre-Parade will again delight guests waiting for Mickey’s Storybook Express. And inside the all-new Toy Story Land, some of Andy’s favorite toys will host a new interactive performance, Farmer Al’s Splash Around, to help guests cool off. Sounds like a sensational summer to us!

Tokyo DisneySea Plans Largest Expansion Ever

Shanghai Disney Resort’s neighbor to the west, Tokyo DisneySea, recently had some big news of its own: Just last week, they announced a massive expansion project for the park, including the creation of a new themed port and a brand-new hotel! Read all about it here.

Ming-Na Wen Talks Mulan’s Milestone and Disney Favorites

June 19, 2018June 19, 2018

By Jeffrey Epstein

This month, the beloved animated film Mulan celebrates its 20th anniversary. Recently Ming-Na Wen, who voiced Mulan and plays Agent Melinda May on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., reflected on this milestone for Disney twenty-three magazine. Here are some exclusive web extras.

D23: What do you remember personally about making the film?
Ming-Na Wen (MW): That was my first voiceover job ever, and I knew nothing about the process. I came from theater, where it’s such an ensemble work environment, and you go into this world where you are singled out as the sole actor every time you go into the session. I never worked with Eddie Murphy, B.D. Wong, or any of the other actors. It was just me, the reader, and the director, then writers and producers who were all behind a glass screen. It was just so much fun to be able to bring a character to life just using your voice and your imagination.

D23: Did you have a sense of the film’s future popularity when you were making it?
MW: Not at all. I was excited to be part of a big Disney animation film. I was thrilled that they were taking a piece of very popular and renowned folklore from China and trying to create a beautiful but fun story about this girl discovering her own strength. But I had no perception about what the impact would be. After I saw the final product, I was mesmerized.

D23: Why do you feel the love for Mulan is so enduring?
MW: You know, there is just so much love for the character that it bypasses any of the cultural differences of the kids who are watching. And they get a greater sense of feeling—a connection—to Mulan, because it doesn’t matter that she’s Chinese or that she’s from a whole different cultural time period. For them, they’re just watching this girl discovering who she is. And that universal story crosses all boundaries of cultural or racial boundaries. And I think that is its ultimate success.

D23: You have done many projects with us—is there something that attracts you to working with Disney?
MW: Disney creates quality entertainment and really tries to adhere to more family values while still branching off and covering a bigger canvas of audience. I think it’s great to also have a company like Disney where they also are aware of the need for some changes, but still try to maintain their core values of being decent and humane in their storytelling.

D23: What’s your favorite Disney song that’s not from Mulan?
MW: “Part of Your World.” I love that song. It’s the most wonderful song. When I first heard it, I was like huh… I don’t know, it just made so much sense to me.

D23: What your favorite animated movie that is not Mulan?
MW: I loved Beauty and the Beast when it came out. It had a great impact on me. But that’s like Sophie’s Choice right there. There have been so many amazing Disney movies: Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Dumbo, Bambi, Mary Poppins. Too many to choose from!

Amazing Behind-the-Scenes Videos Give You the Inside Look at Pixar Pier and Toy Story Land

June 19, 2018June 21, 2018

By: Jocelyn Buhlman

Recently, the Disney Parks Blog shared a pair of videos (here and here) giving Disney fans a special sneak peek at how the two new Pixar-themed experiences are coming to life at Disney California Adventure in the Disneyland Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort.

Pixar Pier, opening this Saturday, June 23, at Disney California Adventure park, will immerse guests in the wonderful world of Pixar in a series of neighborhoods set along the shores of Paradise Bay. Check out the behind-the-scenes video below.

Toy Story Land, opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on June 30, received its final touches in this special video shared by Walt Disney Imagineering, including the small details that add authenticity to the toy box paradise of the new land. Check out the video to see what Imagineers Ryan Wineinger, Shannon Mashchak, and Alexis Cummins had to say about creating this new experience.

D23 Fab Five: Ming-Na Wen Shares Her Top Disney Heroines

June 19, 2018June 19, 2018

By Jeffrey Epstein

From Mulan to Agent Melinda May, Ming-Na Wen has a rich history of playing fierce warriors. In celebration of Mulan’s 20th anniversary, we asked her to name her top five “kick-butt” Disney characters.

Princess Leia
“Similar to Mulan, she followed her own heart and believed in herself. She’s truly just a soldier, as well. She didn’t take any crap from the men. She was equal. And that’s what’s so amazing about her. And, of course, she was played by Carrie Fisher.”

Agent Melinda May
“She’s my favorite character. Playing her is such a gift. I get to play a really kick-butt character and get paid for it. So it’s a fantastic win-win situation.

Moana
“She was fearless. She defied everyone and changed the course of her life and the lives of her people.”

Elsa
“I really like Elsa. Elsa kind of went to the dark side and then had to find her way back and discovered that love is ultimately what wins out—it’s stronger and more powerful. And I think that was a very different take for a heroine.”

Mulan
“Of course.”

For more Mulan celebration with Ming-Na Wen, check out the Summer issue of Disney twenty-three.