Mark Your Calendars—Disney’s Incredible Summer Movies Coming Soon!

May 8, 2018

By Megan Deppe

Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War had the highest global and domestic opening weekend of all time, and just crossed the $1 billion threshold faster than any other film in history. But the summer of great Disney movies is just beginning—over the next few months, four more films will make their way to the big screen, each bringing its own unique blend of imagination, heart, and Disney magic. Here are the dates you need to circle on your calendar:

1. Solo: A Star Wars Story (May 25)
Almost 41 years ago, a scruffy-looking nerf herder and his walking carpet co-pilot leapt into our hearts at lightspeed. This May, we’ll journey to a galaxy far, far away to experience the adventure that put Han Solo on the path to becoming one of the most famous smugglers in the galaxy. Not only will we discover how Han and Chewie became lifelong friends, but we will also find out what happened when Han met Lando Calrissian, the first owner of our favorite spaceship in the galaxy.

2. Incredibles 2 (June 15)
Fourteen years may have passed, but our excitement to once again see the Incredible family has never wavered! Picking up right where The Incredibles left off in 2004. Elastigirl heads off to save the world, while Mr. Incredible stays at home with their three super-powered kids. With Jack-Jack’s (many) powers finally coming to light and the regular challenges of a stay-at-home dad, it looks like a whole new type of Super adventure is on the horizon.

3. Ant-Man and the Wasp (July 6)
With the large cast of Avengers: Infinity War, did you notice two missing heroes? Just after his incarceration at the end of Captain America: Civil War, Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man, finds that his duties as a Super Hero often clash with his duties as a father. This time, however, he’s got some backup—Hope Van Dyne takes to the skies as the Wasp, and these two “tiny” heroes will pull together for their largest adventure yet.

4. Christopher Robin (August 3)
Everyone’s favorite chubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff is back and ready for some honey! Christopher Robin is all grown up now, married with a daughter of his own, and the daily pressure at his job has caused him to lose touch with what really matters in life. But have no fear—the Hundred Acre Wood gang is here, and they are ready to help Christopher Robin (and us!) recapture the magic of childhood.

To read more about all of these movies, check out the latest issue of Disney twenty-three which features in-depth articles about all these movies and much, much more.

Celebrate May the 4th with The Star Wars Show!

May 4, 2018

By Jim Frye

A not-so-long time ago, from the Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco, California, The Star Wars Show debuted on StarWars.com and has been entertaining and informing fans ever since. As we get closer to Solo: A Star Wars Story, which blasts into theaters May 25, The Star Wars Show is your place for all the latest updates, cast and filmmaker interviews and special behind-the-scenes reports about the film. And this year, as a special gift for May the 4th, the creative team behind The Star Wars Show has put together a very cool video sketch with help from none other than Ron Howard, director of Solo. You can check it out here.

For several years now, May 4 has become known as the annual fan-created “Star Wars Day,” chosen because it falls on the conspicuously Star Wars-sounding “May the 4th”—in other words, “May the forth be with you!” Most Wednesdays, however, have become de facto Star Wars fan days because that’s when The Star Wars Show drops. Hosted by Andi Gutierrez and Anthony Carboni, and written by Scott Bromley, The Star Wars Show, which launched May 11, 2016, has become the weekly face of the franchise to the worldwide audience of devoted fans.

“Welcome to The Star Wars Show,” says host Gutierrez on a recent episode, “a show that simultaneously proves that, Yes, you can do this every week, and Yes, you can talk about only one over-arching subject for three years and people will still watch it.” Co-host Carboni replies, “We’re like state TV, but for Star Wars, and on the internet.” Gutierrez shoots back, “But we still have free will and opinions,” to which Carboni deadpans, “As long as they’re scripted.”

It’s that irreverent humor, together with an ardent passion for Star Wars, that fuels this weekly series and makes it the go-to destination for fans. “We have to be a little more tongue-in-cheek,” says Bromley about writing each week’s episode, “and look at it from a different perspective.”

One example of that tongue-in-cheek humor can be seen during the opening of the show each week where a human mouth replaces Yoda’s mouth on the iconic Lucasfilm courtyard fountain statue and begins yelling in a very non-Yoda voice. “I did that deliberately so you would know from the very beginning that this was something completely different,” says Bromley. “We get away with the irreverence because we set the tone in the first three seconds. It’s not the normal Star Wars you’re used to watching.”

“We don’t get away with everything,” says Bromley, “but I like to say, ‘Push it as far we can, because you’ll never know where the line or edge is unless you approach it.’” Mickey Capoferri, who executive produces the show, is the person who will, as Bromley says, “Reign me in a lot.” Also, the Lucasfilm story group reads and approves all scripts.

Now in its third season, The Star Wars Show was nominated last year for an Emmy® in short-form variety series. Recent guests include Solo’s Donald Glover, who plays Lando Calrissian in the new film, and Alden Ehrenreich, the title character, along with director Ron Howard, who is featured in the special May the 4th episode. The entire main cast from Solo is also scheduled to appear and join in the rollicking-good irreverent time. The tone of the show is perhaps tied to the fact that Bromley was a “moderate fan” growing up. “But I think that helps me with my job, because I don’t hold it so precious,” he says. “I make sure to treat it with reverence, but if it was too precious, then we wouldn’t be able to take any risks.”

The Star Wars Show can be found Wednesdays at StarWars.com. You will also find them live-streaming from the red-carpet premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story.

5 Out-of-this-Galaxy Reasons You Can’t Miss the Next Episode of Mission Force One

May 4, 2018May 14, 2018

By Beth Deitchman

On Disney Junior’s Mission Force One—the newest chapter of Miles from Tomorrowland—Miles Callisto, his sister Loretta, and their friends travel to the farthest reaches of the galaxy, using technology and their imaginations to help keep the universe a welcoming and inclusive place for all species. In “The Space Station Situation,” a brand-new episode debuting Monday, May 7 (5:30–6 p.m. EDT), on Disney Junior and in the DisneyNOW app, Miles and the gang go on an adventure a little closer to our home—240 miles or so above the Earth’s surface on the International Space Station (ISS)—as they travel back in time to our present day to prevent the ISS from getting stuck in the future.

The ISS represents a true international partnership between space agencies from the U.S., Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada. Series creator/executive producer Sascha Paladino, a self-described “space geek,” told D23.com that the new episode is intended to celebrate NASA, the ISS, and what humans can achieve when they work together. Here are several reasons why Miles fans, space fans, and, of course, Disney fans should be sure to tune in:

1. The first-ever screening of “The Space Station Situation” took place on the International Space Station, making it the first-ever kids television premiere in space.
After learning that astronauts on board the ISS will sometimes watch movies during their break times, Paladino began to think about creating an episode of Mission Force One that they might enjoy as much as the series’ young fans. “I thought it would be such a cool, full-circle thing to actually send Miles to the International Space Station,” Paladino said.

2. True to the spirit of the ISS, the episode’s voice cast features science experts and astronauts from several different countries.
Guest voices for the episode include a who’s who of space and science luminaries, including NASA astronauts Scott Kelly, Jeanette Epps, and Yvonne Cagle; the European Space Agency’s astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti from Italy; Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko; NASA space station flight director Holly Ridings; and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Randii Wessen, Diana Trujillo, Bobak Ferdowsi, and Kevin Hand—all voicing themselves. “I really wanted to show that the ISS is a true global collaboration,” emphasized Paladino. “It feels like it’s important to point out that when people from different places work together, amazing things can happen. And, to me, the ISS is the most beautiful and amazing example of that.”

3. In addition to their voices, the astronauts lent their expertise to the episode.
Paladino gave the astronauts and scientists who would lend their voices to “The Space Station Situation” the freedom to change their lines to make them sound more realistic. There may be areas on the ISS with eloquent names like “Tranquility Node,” but according to the astronauts, they refer to it only as “Node 3.” Astronaut Scott Kelly—who recently spent an entire year on the ISS—also provided some key design input. Paladino recalled, “He came by our studio and his first comment about our interiors for the ISS was that they were too clean and neat. He told us to make them messier.”

Mission Force One — (L-R) NASA Astronauts Dr. Yvonne Cagle and Scott Kelly joined Sasha Paladino at the “Earth Premiere” on Saturday, April 28.

4. The episode’s “Earth Premiere” took place at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
Following the ISS premiere of “The Space Station Situation,” the episode was screened at the nonprofit Space Center Houston, the official visitor center for NASA Johnson Space Center. “The event was so amazing because we had astronauts, people from NASA, and people from Disney there together. It felt like the culmination of everything we’ve been doing with Miles from Tomorrowland,” said Paladino.

5. Disney fans will want to stick around through the credits for a very special rendition of the beloved Sherman brothers song “There’s a Great, Big Beautiful Tomorrow.”
The iconic song—written by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman for the Carousel of Progress at the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair—is performed over the end credits of “The Space Station Situation” by musician Matt Mahaffey and features a solo by Bela Fleck, who also happens to be Paladino’s brother. Keep an ear out for the song throughout the episode because Mission Force One’s composer, Frederik Wiedmann, incorporated it into the score. If you listen closely, you’ll hear Grammy® winner Fleck play the classic tune on the banjo.

“The Space Station Situation” ends with Miles’ acknowledgement that the Tomorrowland Transit Authority could not exist had it not been for the incredible achievements of NASA and the other space agencies of the world. It also ends with a callback to the song, as Miles looks forward to a “great, big beautiful tomorrow.” For Paladino, the Sherman brothers’ song sums up Walt Disney’s vision of the future as a positive and optimistic place—and that’s the future that Paladino is committed to portraying in Mission Force One.

10 of Our Favorite Moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe

May 3, 2018May 4, 2018

By Megan Deppe

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe there are so many cool moments in the films that stick with us long after we leave the theater. In honor of the ten years that have lead up to Avengers: Infinity War, here’s a look back at some of the Marvel moments that we still can’t stop geeking out about.

1. “I am Iron Man.” (Iron Man)
There is perhaps no more iconic moment than when Tony Stark announces to the world “I am Iron Man.” The first Iron Man film kicks off ten years’ worth of stories. At that press conference, the MCU that we love today truly begins.

2. Circle of Heroes (The Avengers)
When Loki takes control of the Tesseract, and the Chitauri army pour through a portal onto the streets of New York, the world needs a group of special people to fight the battles that no one else can. The moment this team—made up of a super soldier, a tech genius, two super-spies, a god, and a raging green monster—first stand together will stand out forever to audiences.

3. Warrior Falls (Black Panther)
T’Challa fights to protect his claim to the throne against M’Baku of the Jabari tribe. Not only is it a memorable moment for T’Challa himself, but audiences are also “marveling” at the traditions and beauty of the country he will do anything to protect.

4. Quill’s Dance Moves (Guardians of the Galaxy)
The moment that Peter Quill dances his way onscreen to the tune of “Come and Get Your Love,” we know that Guardians of the Galaxy is going to be a new kind of Marvel movie. Between using an alien as a microphone and challenging Ronan to a dance-off, Quill’s ability to bust a move sets the tone for the film and gives audiences plenty to laugh at.

5. Vision and the Hammer (Avengers: Age of Ultron)
Supposedly, none of the Avengers save Thor are worthy of wielding Thor’s mighty hammer Mjolnir. So the moment when Vision—an android created by combining Tony Stark’s AI J.A.R.V.I.S. and the Mind Stone from Loki’s scepter—picks it up is particularly memorable. As Thor says, “If he can wield the Hammer, he can keep the [Infinity] Stone.”

6. Airport Battle (Captain America: Civil War)
We’ve all wondered who would win if the members of the Avengers stood toe-to-toe, and when Captain America and Iron Man disagree on the matter of the Sokovia Accords, it’s time to see just that. The two teams facing off in a German airport give us quite a few stand-out moments: the introduction of Spider-Man to the Marvel Universe, Ant-Man being shot from the end of an arrow, and his “giant” surprise for Team Iron Man.

7. “Teach me.” (Doctor Strange)
As it turns out, there’s a lot that Doctor Stephen Strange doesn’t know about the universe. When he arrives at Kamar-Taj to learn, the Ancient One sends him on a trip through different dimensions where nothing he sees can be explained and certainly isn’t found in any gift shop. There’s only one thing that Strange can say when he falls back into our world – “Teach me.”

8. “Puny God.” (Marvel’s The Avengers)
The Avengers all have great moments during their battle with the Chitauri in New York, but the Hulk has one that definitely stands out. When he comes face to face with Loki, the god of mischief, Hulk effortlessly pounds him into the floor like a ragdoll, calling him a “puny god.”

9. Train Tracks (Ant-Man)
Battles take on outsized proportions in Ant-Man. The battle on Scott Lang’s, a.k.a Ant-Man’s, daughter’s toy train tracks is one example. That’s when Scott knocks the nefarious Darren Cross, a.k.a. Yellowjacket, off the toy train with the “tunnel” building block. Eventually the whole train is derailed when it hits Yellowjacket on the track, after which Ant-Man accidently enlarges Thomas the Tank Engine to hilarious effect.

10. Winter Soldier and the Shield (Captain America: The Winter Soldier)
Stories about the Russian assassin known as the Winter Soldier have been swirling for years, but the first time he comes face-to-face with Captain America, he proves how formidable he can be. When Cap throws his unbreakable Vibranium shield toward him, the Winter Soldier catches it effortlessly—something that none of Captain America’s foes had ever been able to do before.

BONUS
11. Nick Fury Recruits Tony Stark
As far as iconic moments go, it’s hard to beat that heart-stopping end-credit scene in the first Iron Man where Nick Fury tells Tony Stark about the Avengers initiative. Comic book fans everywhere nearly leapt from their seats with the realization that Iron Man was the first of many Super Heroes to come. The MCU started in that moment, forever changing blockbusters as we know them.

INFOGRAPHIC: Celebrate 10 Spectacular Years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe

May 3, 2018

By Jocelyn Buhlman

This year, Marvel Studios has kicked off an epic celebration of 10 years of the world-saving, super-powered movies that culminated with the release of Avengers: Infinity War. To honor the amazing feats Marvel Studios has achieved with their movies, we’re sharing this super infographic on the first 10 years of Marvel Studios, which originally appeared in the Summer 2018 issue of Disney twenty-three.

The Cast of Avengers: Infinity War Went on a Fan-Tastic World Tour

May 3, 2018

By Beth Deitchman

Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War shattered records this past weekend. The film now has the highest-ever global opening, earning a staggering $640.4 million worldwide, and it is the biggest opening ever in regions around the globe such as Korea, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, and South Africa, to name just a few, as well as here in the U.S. Leading up to the April 27 release of Avengers: Infinity War, members of the film’s cast and creative team traveled far and wide to greet fans at special events all over the world. We’ve rounded up a collection of our favorite photos from this wonderful world tour.

Phineas and Ferb and Ant-Man and the Wasp—Plus More in News Briefs

May 2, 2018November 8, 2018

By Courtney Potter

The hit animated series debuts (in its entirety) on DisneyNOW, and a brand-new trailer for the next Marvel Cinematic Universe adventure makes its premiere… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Best News Ever: Every Episode of Phineas and Ferb is on DisneyNOW

Pinin’ for some Phineas Flynn in your life? Yearnin’ for Ferb Fletcher? Hankerin’ for some Dr. Doofenshimrtz? If so, we’ve got some excellent news: Disney’s hit animated series Phineas and Ferb will be available in its entirety on the DisneyNOW app, beginning Wednesday, May 2! The first season will be available for all users, while the next three seasons will be available for verified users.

Don’t have DisneyNOW? Fret not! Disney XD will also air the entire Phineas and Ferb library—all 126 episodes; seven one-hour specials; and the hilarious, record-breaking Disney Channel Original Movie Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension—throughout the month of May. Episodes are now airing weekdays from 5 to 8 p.m. (EDT/PDT)… at it all leads into a Phineas and Ferb Memorial Day weekend marathon from Friday, May 25, at 5 p.m. (EDT/PDT) through Monday, May 28, at 8:30 p.m. (EDT/PDT).

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
May 19, 2018
Exclusive Meet & Greet with Ashley Eckstein
May 25, 2018
D23’s Return to Marceline
June 9, 2018
D23’s Mickey’s of Glendale Shopping Experience in Florida
June 29, 2018
Lunch with Disney Legend: Burny Mattinson
November 16-18, 2018
Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse
August 23-25, 2019
D23 Expo 2019
Parks
February 28–May 28, 2018
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
April 26, 2018
Disney•Pixar Toy Story Land opens at Shanghai Disneyland
May 25, 2018
Incredible Summer Begins at Walt Disney World Resort
May 27, 2018
Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
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
2019
Star Wars-Themed Lands Opening at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Studios
May 25, 2018
Solo: A Star Wars Story opens in U.S. theaters
June 15, 2018
Incredibles 2 opens in U.S. theaters
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
June 9, 2018
Big Hero 6 The Series Premieres on Disney Channel (9 a.m. ET/PT)

It Takes Two in New Ant-Man and the Wasp Trailer

Now that Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War is out and taking the world by storm, it’s time to look forward to the next adventure from the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp! To that end, we’re getting a closer look at the film, courtesy of its brand-new trailer, above.

Set in the aftermath of Captain America: Civil War, the film finds Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) grappling with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. While trying 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. Now, 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 co-starring Michael Pena, Walton Goggins, Bobby Canavale, Judy Greer, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Randall Park, Laurence Fishburne, and Michelle Pfeiffer, Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp zooms into cineplexes on July 6.

Frozen on Broadway: Tony® Nominations and Cast Recording Release

Big news from the Big Apple! Disney Theatricals’ newest citizen of the Great White Way, Frozen, was just nominated for three Tony® Awards—including Best Musical. Additionally, Jennifer Lee received a nod for Best Book of a Musical, and Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez were nominated for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre. Wanna tune in to see if they all take home the prize? Catch the 2018 Tony Awards on Sunday, June 10, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT, from the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (And FYI: Frozen has also received Best Musical nods from the Drama League and Outer Critics Circle this season. Cool, right?)

But that’s not all: The Frozen Original Broadway Cast Recording from Walt Disney Records will be on sale digitally on Friday, May 11, at your favorite purveyor of digital music—and the physical album will be available beginning Friday, June 8, wherever music is sold. Produced by Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Stephen Oremus, Dave Metzger, and Chris Montan, the Cast Recording will feature an incredible 44-piece orchestra and—naturally—all the stars of the show, including Caissie Levy (Elsa) and Patti Murin (Anna). To learn more, visit FrozenTheMusical.com.

Magical Disney Moments at ABC’s American Idol

Last Sunday, D23 had the distinct pleasure of attending the very first Disney Night for ABC’s American Idol—and what a magical evening it was! Favorite Disney songs, plenty of Disney characters, and even Katy Perry dressed as Snow White. Read up on what went down right here.

Go Behind the Scenes with New Becoming Solo Featurette

We’ve entered the merry month of May—which means Solo: A Star Wars Story is almost ready to rocket onto the big screen! And just this past weekend, the good folks at Lucasfilm provided a bit of appetite-whetting with a very cool new featurette, above.

Becoming Solo includes interviews with director Ron Howard, screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan, and stars Alden Ehrenreich, Donald Glover, and Emilia Clarke. Plus a whole lotta great clips from the film itself, natch.

Also starring Woody Harrelson, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Joonas Suotamo, and Paul Bettany, Solo: A Star Wars Story debuts in theaters across the country on May 25.

2018 Radio Disney Music Awards—Check Out the Nominees

It’s the news music fans have been waiting for: the announcement of this year’s Radio Disney Music Awards nominees. The biggest names in pop and country music will go head-to-head on Friday, June 22, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with a special telecast of the show airing the following evening (Saturday, June 23). Read up on who’s nominated and how you can catch the show—on TV, streaming, or even in person!—here at D23.com.

Disney Junior’s Mission Force One Just Premiered… in Space!

Yes, you read that headline correctly—Disney Junior’s Mission Force One, the latest chapter of acclaimed series Miles from Tomorrowland, celebrated the very first kids’ television premiere in space when their episode entitled “The Space Station Situation” debuted to astronauts on board the International Space Station last week.

The episode, which features an exact replica of the space station using NASA’s original designs, was also shown at a private screening event at the nonprofit Space Center Houston, the official visitor center for NASA Johnson Space Center. Citizens of Earth will get to see the episode too, when “The Space Station Situation” makes its TV debut on Monday, May 7, at 5:30 p.m. EDT on Disney Junior and on the DisneyNOW app.

A who’s-who of space and science luminaries lent their voices for the episode, including NASA astronauts Scott Kelly, Jeanette Epps, and Yvonne Cagle; the European Space Agency’s astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti from Italy; Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko; NASA space station flight director Holly Ridings; and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Randii Wessen, Diana Trujillo, Bobak Ferdowsi, and Kevin Hand. Bill Nye (the “Science Guy”) recurs as Professor Rubicon, and the episode also features Grammy® Award-winning musician Bela Fleck. So break out the spacesuit and set those DVRs!

All the Magical Moments from American Idol’s Disney Night

May 1, 2018

Beth Deitchman

Disney fans are well aware of what can happen when you wish upon a star. Last night, American Idol’s 10 final competitors took the stage to sing some of the most beloved Disney songs of all time, and hopefully, move one step closer to making their dreams come true during the series’ first-ever Disney Night on ABC.

A very special “Fab Four” was on hand for the enchanting evening. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy—dressed in their most sparkly, Hollywood best—cheered on the American Idol singers, checked out the view from the judges’ table, and even took over the control booth at one point during the broadcast. The judges also added a little pixie dust to their attire, with Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan representing the Seven Dwarfs by wearing buttons that named them as “Happy” and “Dopey,” respectively—while Katy Perry appeared to have raided Snow White’s closet (and perhaps borrowed a pair of glass slippers from Cinderella).

As they prepared for last night’s performances, the contestants had a mentor worth melting for. The group traveled to the Disneyland Resort on Tuesday, where Idina Menzel met them at 21 Royal in Disneyland park to share her expertise with the aspiring Idols and help them shape their performances. “I think each one of us took something away from that,” said Idol hopeful Maddie Poppie. “I changed the whole bridge of my song, based on what she told me, and I think [her mentoring] really made a difference.” The contestants’ visits to the Resort were made even more magical when each was surprised by a family member or friend, who joined them for a day to enjoy what was for many of the young performers a first visit to a Disney park.

Maddie Poppe showed off her ukulele skills as she kicked off Disney Night with a rendition of “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book, followed by Jurnee’s heartfelt performance of Moana’s “How Far I’ll Go,” which she said was influenced by the time she spent this week with her mother—who always inspires her to go farther as she pursues her dreams.

Cade Foehner reimagined “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid as an acoustic rock ballad, while Katy Perry referred to Ada Vox’s majestic version of “Circle of Life” from The Lion King as another example of how she keeps “dropping the mic” with every performance.

Michelle Sussett sang “Remember Me” in both English and Spanish, making for a truly unforgettable performance of Coco’s signature song. Michelle’s song choice was a nod to her family and friends back home in Venezuela, and Gabby Barrett was also thinking of someone special to her while she performed “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas, a song that she and her sister, Gypsy, both loved to sing together when they were younger.

Michael J. Woodard showed his impressive range during his soulful performance of the title song from Beauty and the Beast, along with his ability to hold a note for a seemingly impossible length of time. He spent an unforgettable day at Disneyland alongside his grandmother, who surprised him on Main Street, U.S.A., by hiding under a massive bouquet of balloons.

Watching the Pixar Play Parade at Disneyland, Caleb Lee Hutchinson told Woody, Buzz, and the gang that he’s their biggest fan, and he honored those beloved characters when he performed “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story during the live broadcast. Catie Turner looked like a princess, in her pink ball gown with an elegant up-do, and she sang like one, too, choosing “Once Upon a Dream” from Sleeping Beauty for her Disney Night number. The week was a high point in Catie’s Idol journey. “My heart was full to a point that if I went home this week I would feel satisfied, because I had the best time with family, I had the best time with friends, and I got to go on rides and have Dole Whip—and I don’t have Dole Whip back home—so I was content,” she told us after the broadcast.

Dennis Lorenzo had never been to Disneyland until this week, and he had the bonus experience of enjoying the park with his young daughter, who was also visiting for the first time. Dennis sang “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King—a song that he explained takes him back to his own childhood and reminds him of his late father.

The judges seemed to enjoy Disney Night as much as the contestants did. “I’m a through-and-through Disney fanatic. I know all the songs, I was singing along. Some of them are written in my DNA,” Katy Perry said. “The ‘D’ in DNA stands for ‘Disney.’” Perry revealed that she’s been to every Disney park except for Disneyland Paris—but she has plans to remedy that as soon as she can.

Disney Night marked the first-ever coast-to-coast simul-vote, with the results of the voting revealed at the end of the evening. American Idol said goodbye to Michelle Sussett, Ada Vox, and Dennis Lorenzo, but the three were all smiles when we spoke with them after the show. “The fact that I’ve made it this far means success for me,” said Michelle, who says her Idol experience allowed her to find herself as an artist. “Every single day is a new opportunity to be better and improve yourself. You never stop learning. The learning process in the music industry and artistic world is infinite.”

The Complete List of 2018 RDMA Nominees Revealed

April 27, 2018April 27, 2018

By Beth Deitchman

Talk about a Fri-YAY! Nominations for the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards (RDMA) were revealed Friday evening during a special #FriYAYLive livestream hosted by Radio Disney’s Morgan and DJ Lela B, with a little help from special guests Jenna Ortega (Stuck in the Middle), singer-songwriter Carson Lueders, and social media influencer Sofie Dossi. Some of music’s biggest names will go head-to-head for music’s biggest night, as Camila Cabello, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Selena Gomez are among this year’s contenders.

Winners will be announced Friday, June 22, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, California. Tickets for the RDMA are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com/RDMA. D23 Members are invited to be part of the excitement and enjoy a 10-percent discount on tickets to this year’s event. Click here for more details.

A special telecast of the show, 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards, airs the following evening, Saturday, June 23 (8 p.m. EDT/PDT), on Disney Channel, Radio Disney, the Radio Disney app, the DisneyNOW app, and Disney.com/RDMA.

Voting for the 2018 RDMA opens today across six voting platforms: Disney.com/RDMA, the Radio Disney app, the DisneyNOW app, Google Search Voting, and Radio Disney’s Facebook and Twitter. Here is the complete list of this year’s 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”—Camila Cabello
“Look What You Made Me Do”—Taylor Swift
“The Middle”—Zedd, Maren 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”
Camila 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 & BloodPop
“Let Me Go”—Hailee Steinfeld & Alesso ft. Florida Georgia Line & watt
“Mic Drop (Steve Aoki Remix)”—BTS
“The Middle”—Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey
“Silence”— Marshmello f. 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 & 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 & Florida Georgia Line
“No Promises”—Cheat Codes & Demi Lovato
“Mi Gente”—J Balvin & Willy William
“It Ain’t Me”—Kygo & Selena Gomez
“The Middle”—Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey

Incredible Items that Celebrate Avengers: Infinity War

April 27, 2018April 27, 2018

By Megan Deppe

Are you geared up for the release of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War? There are so many ways to show your Marvel spirit—you might even wear it right on your sleeve. We’ve pulled together a list of some great Infinity War merchandise that you will definitely not want to pass up. It’s time to save the world!

1. Iron Man Hero Vision Augmented Reality Experience Mask
You can see through Iron Man’s eyes and jump into an Avengers adventure with the Hero Vision mask! With 10 levels of play and an Infinity Stone of your own, there’s no telling what heroic adventures you’ll experience.

2. Black Widow Stingers Playset
Prepare for your battle against Thanos with the Black Widow Stinger glove set. Fire darts from the light-up cuffs or slip them on to go undercover like Natasha. Either way, the world is safe in your hands.

3. Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War: The Heroes’ Journey Book
After 10 years’ worth of stories, it’s amazing to see so many heroes team up to face the ultimate threat: Thanos. In Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War: The Heroes’ Journey book, you can discover how all of the characters’ paths led them to the Infinity War to come.

4. Infinity War Lunch Tote
Even heroes have to eat! Assemble your favorite foods every day in the Infinity War lunch tote, complete with a graphic of your favorite Super Heroes, and head off to school or work in style.

5. Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War Raglan T-Shirt for Men
We’ve met a lot of super heroes over the first 10 years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and as we approach the most epic team-up ever, you should have some apparel that celebrates all of them! This T-Shirt features the profiles of 24 heroes, including Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, and Black Widow.

6. Iron Spider Costume for Kids
Playtime soars to new heights when your little Avenger has a Spider-Man suit of his or her very own. They won’t need Spidey senses to enjoy the attached spider legs and the motion-activated web-slinging sound effects!

7. Star-Lord Element Blasters
You’ll have a blast firing darts to stop Thanos with these two element blasters that feature flashing lights and firing sound effects. Simply turn on your cassette player, pop in your favorite mixtape, and get ready to save the galaxy like Peter Quill.

8. Thanos Rising Game
If you’re a Marvel fan and you’re looking for something new to play on game night, you can try out Thanos Rising, inspired by Avengers: Infinity War. Two to four players can assemble a team to protect the Earth against Thanos’ arrival—and hopefully keep the Infinity Stones from changing life as we know it.

9. Infinity Gauntlet Fist
We certainly don’t wish for Thanos to have all of the Infinity Stones combined in the gauntlet, but do you think you could handle the weight of all the power in the galaxy? The Infinity Gauntlet Fist is yours to command, and this foam toy provides the ability to take over the world comfortably.

Best News Ever: Every Episode of Phineas and Ferb is on DisneyNOW

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

It Takes Two in New Ant-Man and the Wasp Trailer

Frozen on Broadway: Tony® Nominations and Cast Recording Release

Magical Disney Moments at ABC’s American Idol

Go Behind the Scenes with New Becoming Solo Featurette

2018 Radio Disney Music Awards—Check Out the Nominees

Disney Junior’s Mission Force One Just Premiered… in Space!

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