Disneyland After Dark Goes to A Galaxy Far, Far Away on May 3

March 16, 2018

By Jocelyn Buhlman

It’s time for Star Wars fans to embrace the dark—not the dark side of the Force, but Disneyland After Dark! The second after-hours event in the new Disneyland After Dark series has just been announced as Star Wars Nite—guests can ring in May the Fourth and celebrate all the intergalactic experiences coming to Disneyland, including the new “March of the First Order,” the new Rey meet-and-greet at Star Wars Launch Bay, and the return of Hyperspace Mountain!

Are you ready to experience the galaxy far, far away at a theme park that’s a little bit closer to home? On the evening of May 3,come dressed in your Star Wars best and prepare to jump to light speed with fun activities such as:

Exclusive after-hours access to Disneyland park, with mix-in access beginning at 6 p.m.
Special entertainment, including character encounters and more!
Themed décor and immersive Star Wars-themed photo opportunities.
Commemorative lanyard, event credential and complimentary PhotoPass digital downloads.
First opportunity to purchase limited-edition “May the 4th” merchandise.

A limited quantity of tickets will be available, so be sure to visit Disneyland.com for pricing and details, and mark these dates on your calendar!

March 27: Tickets on sale for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders
March 29: Tickets on sale for general public

No matter if you’re staying after dark or playing in the light, all Star Wars fans will be able to enjoy special offerings at Disneyland beginning May 4. All Disneyland park guests can partake in these new and returning Star Wars experiences:

“March of First Order”—Captain Phasma guides a squad of First Order stormtroopers through Tomorrowland in a dramatic show of force.
Encounter Rey—Meet the Resistance’s newest hero at Star Wars Launch Bay
Hyperspace Mountain—This popular transformation of Space Mountain returns!

Plus, stay tuned for additional event updates including elements from Solo: A Star Wars Story, in theaters May 25.

Are you ready for a Star Wars Nite to remember? Mark your calendars, and may the Force be with you.

Everything You Need to Experience at the Food & Wine Festival

March 16, 2018

By Jocelyn Buhlman

The delightfully delicious Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival runs now through April 12, a celebration of flavors and fare inspired by the Golden State.

The Festival features a variety of offerings for the whole family to enjoy, including unique food and beverage offerings to sip and savor at more than a dozen Festival Marketplaces. We’ve rounded up all the can’t-miss activities and offerings, so you can make the most of this delicious opportunity.

Fresh Food from the Golden State
We’ve rounded up some of the best eats from the fest, which you can find at the Festival Marketplaces. All of the treats are California-inspired with fresh, California-grown ingredients like avocado, strawberries, fragrant citrus, peppers and artisanal cheese. Of course, since this is the Food & Wine Festival, you can expect an array of locally brewed craft beers and wines from all over the Golden State to sip on as well.

Seminars to Sharpen Your Food Smarts
At the Backlot Stage in Hollywood Land, you can learn about a variety of topics, such as growing your own vegetables or preparing some of the festival marketplace favorites. No matter if you’re young or young-at-heart, there’s a seminar topic that’s sure to capture your interests.

Junior Chef Experience
Want your kids to become expert cooks so you can have the delicious eats of the Food & Wine Festival at home? The Junior Chef experience is perfect for you, but look out—the teacher is a little, well, Goofy! Chef Goofy provides hands-on cooking fun for children ages 3 to 11, teaching aspiring young chefs to follow a recipe and mix ingredients to create treats that end with a tasty surprise.

Star-Studded Signature Events
Guests looking for more palate-pleasing experiences will want to try the festival’s signature events, including new offerings such as Celebrity Chef LIVE! at the Hyperion, as well as returning favorites like the Disney Family of Wines Dinner, Sweet Sundays and the Winemaker or Brewmaster Dinners. Some of this year’s signature events include:

Robert Irvine LIVE! at the Hyperion (March 30)
Disney Family of Wines Dinner (March 29)
David Arthur Winemaker Dinner at Carthay Circle Restaurant (April 5)

Many of the Disney California Food & Wine Festival events are included with admission to Disney California Adventure Park. Special signature events and seminars will require a separate fee. Additional details and reservations for the signature events and seminars can be made at Disneyland.com/FoodandWine. Guests may also check for the latest information and schedules as they become available, at Disneyland.com.

You’ll Truly Love the Final Frozen Friday Song

March 16, 2018

Over the past few weeks, four of the 12 new songs written by Oscar® winners Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez for Disney Theatrical’s new Broadway musical Frozen have been released to the delight of fans everywhere, on consecutive Fridays leading up to the production’s March 22 opening. Today, we can now enjoy the final song, “True Love,” a new Act Two solo sung by Patti Murin as Anna.

We’re already melting over the new songs “Monster,” an Act Two solo for Elsa (played by Caissie Levy); “What Do You Know About Love?,” a duet for Anna and Kristoff (played by Jelani Alladin); and “Dangerous to Dream,” an interior monologue sung by Elsa. All four of these stunning new songs are available at FrozenTheMusical.com and wherever music is streamed or sold.

Frozen began preview performances on Thursday, February 22, and will officially open Thursday, March 22, at the historic St. James Theatre. Tickets are on sale now. Visit FrozenTheMusical.com for more information.

Avengers: Infinity War Pics and Pixar Fest Fun—Plus More in News Briefs

March 15, 2018November 8, 2018

By Courtney Potter

A look at our favorite Avengers in their latest film, and info about what’s to come during this summer’s Pixar Fest… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

The Avengers: Infinity War Pics You’ve Been Waiting For!

We’re not sure we could be more excited for Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War if we tried! And now that its release is just around the corner (later this spring), we’re celebrating with these brand-new, just-released images from the film, above.

A truly unprecedented cinematic journey 10 years in the making—and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe—Avengers: Infinity War brings to the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time. The Avengers and their Super Hero allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.

Produced by Kevin Feige and directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War descends into theaters on April 27!

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
March 24, 2018
Celebrate the Opening Weekend of Frozen on Broadway in New York City
April 7, 2018
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Gold Family Exclusive
April 22, 2018
D23 Celebrates 20 Years of Disney’s Animal Kingdom
May 25, 2018
D23’s Return to Marceline
November 16-18, 2018
Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse
Parks
February 28–May 28, 2018
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
March 2–April 12, 2018
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
April 13, 2018
Pixar Fest begins at the Disneyland Resort
April 26, 2018
Disney•Pixar Toy Story Land opens at Shanghai Disneyland
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 30-November 12, 2018
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
2019
Star Wars-Themed Lands Opening at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Studios
May 4, 2018
Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War opens in U.S. theaters
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
March 23, 2018
Muppet Babies premieres on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW (10 a.m. ET)

All the Pixar Fest and Pixar Pier News That’s Fit to “Print”…

Friends and fans, it’s almost time for the biggest celebration of Pixar to ever reach “infinity and beyond” at Disney Parks: Pixar Fest kicks off at Disneyland Resort this April, and D23 was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at what’s to come. First, we heard from the creative director for the all-new Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular; read all about it here. We also got to see—and taste!—some of the new Pixar-themed foods to be offered during Pixar Fest; check them out here, and be prepared for some serious hunger pangs.

Plus, we also got a look at the fun coming later this year to the terrifically transformed Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure park; meet the critters appearing at Jessie’s Critter Carousel, and find out how some of your favorite treats will get a Pixar twist, right here.

Jedi Alert: Mark Hamill Receives Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

The force was super strong with Disney Legend (and Star Wars icon) Mark Hamill last week, as he was honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with his very own Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The actual star’s location is equally as iconic—right in front of the El Capitan Theatre! Joining Hamill for the special event were special guests Harrison Ford; George Lucas; Carrie Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd; The Last Jedi’s Kelly Marie Tran; and even R2-D2.

“Words truly fail me,” Hamill said during the ceremony. “It’s hard to convey my gratitude, my joy, the exhilaration of being recognized this way… I haven’t been this speechless since The Force Awakens.”

So the next time you’re visiting the City of Angels, make sure to head down to Hollywood to take a look at Mark Hamill’s new place in Tinseltown history. And see him in action in the comfort of your own home with Star Wars: The Last Jedi, now available on Digital—and on 4k Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and On-Demand beginning March 27.

Beauty and the Beast Comes to the Hollywood Bowl This Summer

It’s a “tale as old as time,” and it’s coming to one of Los Angeles’ most historic venues—with a bevy of amazing stars—just a few short months from now. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in Concert at The Hollywood Bowl will mix film, live music, singers, dancers, digital projections, special effects, and stars from stage, TV, and film to create a whole new take on the beloved animated classic.

The all-star cast is set to include Zooey Deschanel as Belle; Anthony Evans as Beast; Kelsey Grammer as Lumiere; Taye Diggs as Gaston; Rebel Wilson (who co-starred in last year’s The Little Mermaid event at the Bowl) as LeFou; and Jane Krakowski as Mrs. Potts. Directed by Richard Kraft and executive produced by Alan Menken, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in Concert at The Hollywood Bowl will perform on Friday, May 25, and Saturday, May 26. Tickets go on sale for the general public this Friday, March 16, at 10 a.m.; visit ticketmaster.com for more info.

Production Begins on Disney’s Artemis Fowl

A new movie is in production and it sounds oh-so-intriguing: Based on the first book of Eoin Colfer’s best-selling series of the same name, and directed by Kenneth Branagh, Disney’s Artemis Fowl has begun principal photography and will film in England, Northern Ireland, and Ho Chi Minh City. The book was adapted for the screen by award-winning playwright Conor McPherson.

Descended from a long line of criminal masterminds, 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl finds himself in a battle of strength and cunning against a powerful, hidden race of fairies who may be behind his father’s disappearance. Newcomer Ferdia Shaw will play the title character, with Lara McDonnell (Love, Rosie) playing Captain Holly Short, a feisty, spirited elf, who is kidnapped by Artemis for a ransom of fairy gold.

In the underground fairy world of Haven City, Academy Award®-winner Dame Judi Dench (Skyfall) portrays Commander Root, the leader of the reconnaissance division of the LEPrecon, the fairy police force; and Josh Gad (Frozen, Beauty and the Beast) plays Mulch Diggums, a kleptomaniac dwarf, who attempts to help rescue Holly.

Keep your eyes peeled for more Artemis Fowl facts as they become available…

Nifty New Look at Disney Cruise Line’s Next Ships

In just a few years, you’ll be able to take to the high seas with Disney in fresh new ways! As you well know, the DCL fleet has the most beautiful ships at sea—and the three newest vessels setting sail in 2021, 2022, and 2023 will be no exception. Take a gander at an early rendering depicting the most excellent exterior of the newest Disney ships, above.

In keeping with the distinctive DCL style, the new ships will embody the elegance and romance of the golden age of ocean cruising with unique touches all their own. The new vessels will offer lots more innovation, state-of-the-art technologies, awesome entertainment, and more Disney stories and characters than ever before.

Each new ship will be approximately 140,000 gross tons—and each is currently planned to include about 1,250 guest staterooms. Talk about massive! (And massively fun!) There’s more info to come, so stay tuned; in the meantime, you can read all about DCL’s fabulous current fleet by visiting their website, at DisneyCruise.com.

Catch a Look at Construction at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Our friends over at the Disney Parks Blog recently debuted an amazing video—a fly-over of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, currently under construction at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort. First shared by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger at last week’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the video confirms that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is shaping up to be one of the most immersive (and elaborate) lands in Disney Parks history. Take a look, above.

Guests will be able to visit the planet of Batuu; take the controls of the Millennium Falcon; and take part in a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance once Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens in 2019. Mark those calendars and sit tight… we’re sure it’ll be worth the wait!

9 Disney Good Luck Charms to Keep in Mind on Saint Patrick’s Day

March 15, 2018November 30, 2022

By Megan Deppe

Even the most thrilling adventures benefit from a little good fortune, and Disney movies abound with good luck charms that have given our heroes an extra boost on their journeys. With Saint Patrick’s Day just around the corner, you may want to seek out one of these talismans (to pair with your green shirt) as you celebrate the festive day!

1. Cri-Kee (Mulan)
Crickets have been regarded as a symbol of luck throughout Chinese history, and Mulan’s grandmother thought the young heroine needed all the help she could get while she met with the matchmaker. Cri-Kee may have caused a bit of a mess in the matchmaker’s home, but he helped Mulan and Mushu as they traveled across China and took on the Huns, so clearly he’s got a little bit of a lucky streak in him!

2. Dumbo’s Magic Feather (Dumbo)
Have you ever seen an elephant fly? Of course you have – all thanks to the “magic” feather presented to Dumbo by Timothy Q. Mouse. The feather was originally meant just to boost Dumbo’s confidence and make him believe that he could fly, but the talisman inspired the pachyderm’s spirits to soar, as well.

3. Shoe, aka Experiment 113 (Lilo & Stitch, the Series)
With all of Jumba’s experiments running around, it was only a matter of time before we found one that influenced luck! Experiment 113’s powers mirror the superstitious qualities of a horsehoe. If “Shoe,” as Experiment 113 is also known, turns his horns down, bad luck is soon to follow. But when the adorable alien turns his horns right-side up, he brings good fortune to his o’hana instead!

4. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit
It was all started by a mouse, but let’s not underestimate the power of a rabbit. You can’t talk about a lucky token without mentioning Walt Disney’s first creation, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, and, of course, his four feet.

5. Han’s Dice (Star Wars: The Last Jedi)
Han Solo was a gambler, so it was only natural to see a pair of lucky dice hanging in his cockpit! They saw him through many scrapes and near-catastrophes, so we would say they were, indeed, a force of good fortune.

6. Scrooge McDuck’s Number One Dime (DuckTales)
For a billionaire duck, what’s a more kismet-inducing keepsake than the first dime you ever earned for yourself? That is exactly the case with Scrooge McDuck’s Number One dime, which he keeps under lock and key as a reminder of how far he has come. No wonder Magica De Spell wants to steal it—a lucky coin like that would be great to have around!

7. Kyle Johnson’s Gold Coin (Luck of the Irish)
Kyle Johnson was pretty lucky throughout his life—imagine his surprise when he found out that a charmed gold coin and his Irish roots were the cause! As it turns out, Kyle and his family are descended from leprechauns; the coin was imbued with magic, and as long as the youngest family member was holding it, the entire clan would have good luck. Um, any idea where we can find one of these?!

8. Lucky (One Hundred and One Dalmatians)
Fate was on the side of this little scrapper when Pongo and Perdita had their puppies. Nanny originally thought that Lucky hadn’t made it, but Roger and Pongo kept him warm and safe and soon Lucky was watching Thunderbolt cartoons just like the rest of his siblings.

9. Lucky Star Cab Door (Captain America: The First Avenger)
Before Captain America began slinging around a shield of Vibranium, Steve Rogers was using a car door from the Lucky Star Cab company. Right after Steve was injected with the Super Soldier Serum, he was chasing down a Hydra mole, and found himself with nothing to defend himself beyond a metal door with a very prophetic name.

Disney Junior Takes the Shows on the Road

March 14, 2018March 16, 2018

By Beth Deitchman

Some of the biggest names in entertainment are taking to the stage for a nationwide concert tour. Put on your dancing shoes and have those cell phones at the ready—the on-stage entertainment is spectacular, but the audience reactions will melt your heart. Mickey Mouse and other beloved Disney Junior characters are headlining Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour—an interactive concert experience that launches today in Thousand Oaks, California. Here is the scoop on what you need to know about the high-energy show now making its way around North America.

1. Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour is designed to be a first concert-going experience for kids.

Knowing that today’s parents have grown up enjoying a wide variety of concert venues and festivals, the Disney Junior team wanted to create a live performance that families could enjoy together. When Disney Channel launched tours inspired by High School Musical and Hannah Montana, it marked the start of something new for older kids, and now they’re bringing the best of both worlds—favorite television series and the concert experience—to the younger set. “In [live preschool entertainment], shows typically try and replicate a television episode on stage—and in our experience that just doesn’t work,” said Jennifer Rogers Doyle, senior vice president, Brand Development & Integrated Planning, Disney Channels Worldwide. Instead, the Disney team focused on allowing kids and parents to experience the full portfolio of Disney Junior characters in one show, rather than just one at a time.

For inspiration, the creative team looked to the Disney Junior Dance Party! at Disney California Adventure. “We decided that it was such a fun concept that we wanted to figure out a way that we could blow it out and make it bigger,” said Joe D’Ambrosia, senior vice president, Original Programming, for Disney Junior.

3. The biggest challenge was narrowing down which of Disney Junior’s greatest hits would be performed.
“We took great care in selecting songs that were vibrant, fun, and energetic, and that kids were really familiar with,” said Jay Stutler, vice president, Music, Disney Television Animation. Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour also features two brand-new original songs. Stutler shared, “We had Beau Black (Mickey and the Roadster Racers, The Lion Guard) write the song “Disney Junior Party.” “It’s a great opening number that will get kids out of their seats and ready for a dance party.” The other original song—“The Power of All of Us,” written by John Kavanaugh (Elena of Avalor, Sofia the First)—brings together all of the Disney Junior characters for a musical finale—and marks the first time ever that audiences have heard a song featuring Mickey and Minnie, Sofia, Elena, Doc McStuffins, and newest hit character, Vampirina.

4. You and your kids will learn some new moves.
What’s a dance party without a mirror ball?! Over the course of the concert, Mickey Mouse is on a mission to locate the magic disco ball and return it to the theater in time for the party. “This is not a show where kids are going to sit down and passively watch,” Rogers Doyle says. Two DJ hosts—the aptly named Dee and Jay—interact with the crowd even before she show begins, inspiring them to get up and dance and learn a few signature moves, including the “Disney Junior Power” and the “Mickey Magic.”

5. The show features so much Disney magic.
The creative team has captured all of the characters and the qualities that make them so magical, and each enjoys a special, unique introduction with the help of a huge screen shaped like the ears of a certain mouse. “I think it’s going to be really exciting for kids to see their favorite characters come to life before their eyes—and they do come to life magically on stage,” says D’Ambrosia.

6. The Muppet Babies are part of the fun… and other new characters may join the party, as well.
Muppet Babies debuts on Disney Channel on March 23, but you can catch a glimpse of them ahead of that in Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour. “We love the songs and the characters from that series so much that we definitely wanted to include them,” says D’Ambrosia, who explains that the show has been designed to be flexible, allowing for new segments or new songs to be added down the line. As upcoming series begin airing on Disney Junior, their characters could conceivably join the tour, as well.

7. The tour begins today and it’s coming to a city near you.
Performances begin tonight at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, California, and the tour will stop at such noteworthy venues as the Fox Theatre in Detroit, the Peabody Opera House in St. Louis, and the Grand Old Opry in Nashville. You can see the full schedule and purchase tickets at DisneyJuniorTour.com.

8. It’s an unforgettable experience for the entire family.

With 22 musical numbers and a host of Disney Junior characters, there’s lots to take in on stage—but parents may spend more time watching the watchers. “I think parents will love seeing this show through their kids’ eyes as their favorite characters come to life. It’s really special,” shares Stutler, a dad himself. Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour brings the magic directly to kids and the feeling that comes with seeing the Disney Junior gang up-close is infectious. “You see the show and you just feel happy,” says Rogers Doyle. “You can bring your older kids, you can bring your younger kids. It’s designed to be for the preschool audience, but it’s really just a lot of fun.”

Chocolate Mud Pie-O-Rama from Flo’s V8 Café at Disney California Adventure Park

March 14, 2018May 28, 2020

Craving some delicious diner comfort food? Whether you’re making this pie to celebrate a holiday or just as a special treat for yourself, the Chocolate Mud Pie-O-Rama is sure to fill your tank with home-style deliciousness.

Makes 9-inch pie or eight 4-inch pies

Ingredients

CHOCOLATE MUD FILLING
2 cups unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
10 eggs
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar

CHOCOLATE PIE DOUGH
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

COFFEE GANACHE
1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon coffee extract

FOR CHOCOLATE MUD FILLING:

Melt butter and chocolate in a heavy saucepan over low heat, mixing until smooth; take off heat and set aside.
Whisk together eggs and vanilla in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, sift together flour and sugar.
Add flour and sugar mixture to egg and vanilla mixture, whisking to combine. Use an immersion blender to thoroughly combine until completely smooth.
Add chocolate and butter mixture; using immersion blender, mix until smooth and completely incorporated.
Refrigerate, covered, for 24 hours.

FOR CHOCOLATE PIE DOUGH:

Mix sugar and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture.
Slowly add eggs and vanilla extract until dough holds together and is no longer sticky.
Dump dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap on the counter; press dough into a rough circle and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

FOR COFFEE GANACHE:

Place chocolate chips in a medium heatproof bowl.
Bring cream to a simmer in a small saucepan; pour hot cream over chocolate and stir until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in coffee extract.

TO ASSEMBLE:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Roll chocolate pie dough to ¼-inch thickness; if making mini pies, cut into eight 6-inch circles.
Press dough into 9-inch pie tin or eight 4-inch pie tins; sides should reach the outermost part of the lip on the tin.
Fill large shell ¾ full with filling or scoop ½ cup chocolate mud batter into each mini shell.
Bake approximately 40 to 45 minutes for a large pie or 15 minutes for mini pies.
Cool to room temperature. Add about 1 tablespoon coffee ganache into centers of pie slices (or mini pies) before serving.

This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens.
The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.
All recipes are the property of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc.,
and may not be reproduced without express permission.

Celebrate Friendship with Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular

March 12, 2018March 16, 2018

By Courtney Potter

It’s the biggest celebration of Pixar to ever come to Disney Parks, and it buzzes to life this spring! Pixar Fest, bringing together guests for a celebration of friendship and beyond, begins April 13 at the Disneyland Resort—and with it comes a brand-new fireworks spectacular; Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular will light up the skies over Disneyland park, connecting folks like never before to all the iconic adventures and characters they’ve come to love…

The stories of Together Forever will come to life through dazzling pyrotechnics, memorable music, and amazing projections on several legendary park locations: Sleeping Beauty Castle, the water screens of the Rivers of America, the façade of it’s a small world, and even the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A. And in the grand tradition of everyone’s favorite resident of Pixie Hollow, Tinker Bell, flying over the castle, Together Forever will feature a flyover by Buzz Lightyear himself… and—incredibly—the house from Up!

Just last week, D23 had the infinitely amazing opportunity to not only catch a sneak peek of Together Forever, but to also hear from the spectacular’s creative director, Susana Tubert. A theater veteran with multiple Off-Broadway credits, Susana was tasked with helping create an emotional journey told with light, music, and magic—one that begins with the meeting of unlikely pals and follows along as they overcome obstacles and form lasting relationships.

“Together Forever is the crown jewel of Pixar Fest,” says Susana. “In creating the show, the team and I decided on a format that reflects this idea of a ‘visual symphony’ or journey through the five stages of friendship. We have the first movement, called ‘Chance Encounters’; the second movement [is where] the characters fall ‘in like’ and go on adventures; they overcome adversity together; they forge everlasting bonds; and then we have the finale, which is a celebration of all the Pixar friendships.”

The idea of beginning the show with a true Pixar icon was a no-brainer for Susana and her team. “We’ve started so many of our fireworks with Tinker Bell, and then we’ve had Dumbo before. It just seemed appropriate that we should find an icon that was very Pixar… Buzz Lightyear, and also Sheriff Woody, represent so much of what Pixar Fest is about… and then the house from Up just [illustrates] the emotion of so many Pixar films, right? It was very important for us to provide an emotional experience… The little house became emblematic of that everlasting relationship between two characters.”

Several recent Disney Parks fireworks spectaculars have utilized state-of-the-art projection mapping technology to make locations like Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street, U.S.A., come alive—and Together Forever is no exception… but this time, there’s an exciting new twist. “We’re taking Main Street and doing something slightly different,” Susana explains. “We’re showcasing the ‘sweet spots’—where things look great—with what’s happening at the castle… [The characters from] Cars are going to be racing around you on Main Street; Wall•E and Eve will be flying around you.” And don’t worry, Disney•Pixar’s latest Oscar® winner gets special Together Forever treatment too: “We’re going to take [both] Miguel and our guests from the Land of the Living to the Land of the Dead,” admits Susana. Yes, the rooftops of Main Street, U.S.A., will become the colorful, skeleton-filled bridge from the film! “It’s really quite lovely to be able to feel like you are inside the story with this new approach,” she explains.

“This show is about emotion,” she continues. “We finish with a big bang… using the metaphor of the Inside Out memory orbs to of bring it all together. These are memories we all hold dear in our hearts. It’s not just friendships among themselves, but also our friendships with these memories—with these films.”

Don’t miss Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular, debuting at Disneyland park on April 13!

Jessie’s Critter Carousel Joins a Roundup of New Transformations at Pixar Pier

March 12, 2018August 6, 2018

By Jocelyn Buhlman

We’ve already learned about the thrilling Incredicoaster and the charming new Lamplight Lounge coming to Pixar Pier this June, and now we’re excited to share news about even more experiences that will join the newly reimagined Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure.

A Rootin’ Tootin’ Spin
In 2019, Jessie the yodeling cowgirl invites you to take a spin on the Jessie’s Critter Carousel, inspired by her wilderness friends from the Woody’s Roundup television show from Toy Story 2. With a whirlwind of wilderness critters like turtles, snakes, armadillos, bunnies, rams, and even a silly skunk, the attraction is a classic boardwalk carousel play set with a special spin. Are you ready to saddle up with one of the 56 adorable critters?

“Snow” Much New Fun
Don’t worry—it’s lemon! That’s right, starting June 23, when Pixar Pier opens at Disney California Adventure park, guests will be able to enjoy new frozen treats at Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats, located just beyond the Lamplight Lounge. Inspired by the not-at-all-abominable monster from Monsters, Inc., guests can enjoy frozen treats while exploring all the new transformations around every corner of Pixar Pier.

Tasty Toy Story Treats
In Pixar Pier’s Toy Story neighborhood, guests can find new food experiences inspired by the Toy Story movies and shorts. Big appetites and small fries alike can enjoy the Poultry Palace, inspired by the Pixar short Toy Story Toon: Small Fry. Guests will love this giant fun meal, which even comes with a Fun Meal Zurg!

“¿Quieres un churro?” You might ask yourself that while stopping by Señor Buzz Churros, inspired by the fan-favorite moment from Toy Story 3 when Buzz switched into Spanish mode. Now, Señor Buzz is back, offering this quintessential Disneyland Resort treat to delighted guests.

Delicious Snacks Both Inside and Out
Fans of Pixar’s Inside Out will feel joy when they encounter this food stand inspired by the character Anger! Angry Dogs will be serving up some hot items — fueled by Anger himself. The more he burns with rage, the hotter the dogs get!

Are you ready to enjoy all the new transformations coming to Disney California Adventure? You can explore the new experiences coming to Pixar Pier starting June 23 and continuing to transform into 2019. And the Pixar fun begins at Disney California Adventure during Pixar Fest, starting April 13.

All the Eats and Treats Coming to Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort

March 9, 2018March 13, 2018

By Beth Deitchman

Your plans for Pixar Fest, coming to the Disneyland Resort April 13–September 3, just got tastier—the celebration of friendship will feature the most charming food and beverages sure to take your taste buds all the way to infinity and beyond. You’re going to want to partake in his special event with your own pals so that you can ensure that not a single delicious dish goes untasted!

Here is a sneak peek at the limited-time foods and beverages that are inspired by some of our favorite Pixar stories:

Fried-ricksen Bologna Sandwich—Carnation Café, Disneyland park
Fredrickson TV Diner—Carnation Café, Disneyland park
Up Merit Badge Éclair—Jolly Holiday Bakery Café, Disneyland park
Up-Tart: Nutella Pop Tart Chocolate Fredrickson House & Balloons—Capuccino Cart, Disneyland park

Toy Story

Boot Beer Root Beer Float served in a Souvenir Woody’s Boot—Golden Horseshoe, Disneyland park (pictured above left)
Jessie’s Berry Jubilee Funnel Cake (House-made funnel cake topped with blueberries, strawberries, chocolate cookie crumbles, crème anglaise, white chocolate, and gold-dusted whipped cream)—Golden Horseshoe, Disneyland park (pictured above right)
Lots-o’-Straw-“Bear”-y Funnel Cake (Strawberry-cherry topping, strawberry butter, and streusel, with spiced syrup drizzle)—Hungry Bear Restaurant, Disneyland park
Lots-o’-Straw-“Bear”-y Churro—Tomorrowland, Disneyland park

Coco

Coco Churro (Chocolate and vanilla bean dust and salted cinnamon sugar served with a spiced Mexican chocolate dipping sauce)—Frontierland, Disneyland park

Monsters, Inc.

Mike Wazowski Bread—Pacific Wharf Café, Disney California Adventure park
Sully Premium Popcorn Bucket—All Disneyland Resort popcorn carts
Mike Wazowski Sipper—Disney California Adventure park quick-service restaurants

There will also be special merchandise offerings throughout Pixar Fest, so that you can continue the celebration of friendship long after you return home. Look for some of your favorite Pixar pals, such as Woody, Buzz, Mike, and Sulley, on apparel for adults and kids, as well as a special leather tote created by Loungefly, a limited-release pin featuring the Pixar Fest logo, and a claw-some tumbler featuring an excited little green alien.

Stay tuned to D23.com for more info about Pixar Fest—including the brand-new Together Forever—A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular and the return of the Paint the Night parade and Pixar Play Parade—as the April 13 debut approaches.

The Avengers: Infinity War Pics You’ve Been Waiting For!

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

All the Pixar Fest and Pixar Pier News That’s Fit to “Print”…

Jedi Alert: Mark Hamill Receives Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Beauty and the Beast Comes to the Hollywood Bowl This Summer

Production Begins on Disney’s Artemis Fowl

Nifty New Look at Disney Cruise Line’s Next Ships

Catch a Look at Construction at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Ingredients

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