Make Your Love a Fashion Statement with These Matching Disney Styles

February 7, 2018

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Valentine’s Day is full of fun traditions, from sharing candy with your sweetheart to dressing in your best to show you care. Need some fashion inspiration? We’re adding a little Disney magic to your day with these perfect matching Disney fashions that let the world know that you and your sweetie have a love that will always be in style.

For even more magical Disney merch, make sure to check out shopDisney.com. And don’t forget to use your D23 Gold Member discount and save 15 percent off your purchase of $60 or more!

For the Couple that Leads the Club:
If both of you are members of the Mickey Mouse Club and want the world to know it, show off your Mickey pride in these matching shirts.
Both shirts are available through shopDisney.com.
For Him
For Her

For the Couple that Needs to Spell it out:
Okay, so it’s already pretty obvious from the looks on your faces, but with these shirts you’ll let everyone know how in L-O-V-E you two are with each other. (Just make sure you stand next to each other in the right order!)
Both shirts are available through shopDisney.com.
For Him
For Her

For the Couple that Snacks Together:
When it comes to you and your sweetheart, there are two things you love most: each other, and delicious Disney parks snacks! Share your passion with the world by wearing these Mickey pretzel and turkey leg shirts.
Both shirts are available through shopDisney.com.
Mickey Mouse Pretzel Tee for Men
Disney Parks Turkey Leg T-Shirt for Men

For the Flyest Couple Around:
If your love for each other lifts you off of your feet, or if you’re just cooler than all the other couples, we have the perfect pair of shirts for you.
Both shirts are available through shopDisney.com.
Peter Pan ”Stay Fly” T-Shirt for Men
Peter Pan Tee for Men

For the Couple That’s out of this World:
Let’s face it: You and your sweetie are a little offbeat, almost a little… alien? Well, show off your silly, out-of-this-world style by representing the best pair from Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Whether you’re growling like Chewie or chirping like a porg, you and your sweetheart know that you’re on this journey through the stars together.
Both shirts are available through shopDisney.com.
For Him
For Her

For the Couple that has a Pizza Each Other’s Hearts:
Maybe you’re not so much out-of-this-world as you are living on another planet: the Pizza Planet! If you’ve given olive your heart to your other half and you don’t think it’s cheesy to share it, then take it slice and easy with these perfect shirts that let everyone know just where you’re from.
Both shirts are available through shopDisney.com.
For Him
For Her

For the Couple who Loves Disneyland Almost as Much as They Love Each Other:
Which is the better perfect pair: you and your honey, or you and a Disney park? Now, you don’t have to choose when you and your favorite Disney Parks buddy rock these T-shirts celebrating another perfect pair: the two spookiest attractions in New Orleans Square! Whether you’re grim, grinning ghosts or a salty old pirates, the two of you are as timeless as Disneyland’s beloved attractions.
Both shirts are available through shopDisney.com.
Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction T-Shirt – Adults
The Haunted Mansion Attraction T-Shirt – Adults

For the Spirited Couple:
When the two of you are together, you can’t help but keep your enthusiasm at 100 percent! No one is a bigger fan of your sweetheart than you—so if you’ve got spirit, we’ve got the shirts for you! Next time you’re at your favorite Disney park, be sure to pick up this matching set in the colors of another iconic couple: Mickey and Minnie!
Both shirts are available for purchase at Disneyland and Disney World.
For Him
For Her

What’s the Sitch? A New Kim Possible DCOM and More Disney News

February 7, 2018November 8, 2018

By Courtney Potter

Kim Possible going back into action, exciting news from “a galaxy far, far away,” and a Philadelphia Eagle lands at Walt Disney World… See more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

So the Drama! A Live Action Kim Possible DCOM Is on the Way

Try not to freak out too much, but the fan-favorite animated series about the girl who can do it all is getting a live-action treatment. Sixteen years after we first met Kim Possible—the high school cheerleader who spends her free time saving the world—casting for the Disney Channel Original Movie has officially begun. Throughout 87 episodes and two original animated movies, Kim Possible proved that the only thing harder than fighting bad guys was surviving high school.

The live-action movie script is in good hands, as the writers are the creators of the animated series—Emmy® Award-winning creators/executive producers Mark McCorkle and Robert Schooley (Kim Possible, Big Hero 6: The Series)—and Josh Cagan (The DUFF, Bandslam). McCorkle and Schooley’s fellow executive producer is Zanne Devine, who produced or executive-produced more than a dozen feature films, including I, Tonya and Easy A.

The movie is co-directed and co-produced by Adam B. Stein and Zach Lipovsky, who are no strangers to Disney action and adventure, as each recently directed episodes of Disney XD’s sci-fi adventure series MECH X-4.

Adam Bonnett, executive vice president, Original Programming, Disney Channels Worldwide, said, “Mark and Bob created an enduring character and kids all over the world found a friend in her, an average girl who just happens to spend her off-school hours thwarting evil villains. Although Kim Possible ‘can do anything,’ kids and tweens found that this animated redhead was just like them. As we embark on the fun challenge of making Kim and Ron fully dimensional, I’m thrilled to be working again with Mark and Bob and to welcome the addition of a dynamic creative team—Josh, Zanne, Adam and Zach—into a world where anything is indeed possible.”

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
February 10, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Peter Pan in Florida
February 14, 2018
Tour Turner Studios in Partnership with TCM Backlot!
February 14, 2018
Enjoy Complimentary Tickets to a Special 3-D Advance Screening of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther
February 20, 2018
D23 Member Night at Disney’s The Lion King in Orlando
March 8, 2018
Be a Warrior During a Complimentary Advance Screening of A Wrinkle in Time
March 24, 2018
Celebrate the Opening Weekend of Frozen on Broadway in New York City
Parks
January 12–February 19, 2018
Epcot International Festival of the Arts
January 26–February 18, 2018
Lunar New Year Festival at Disney California Adventure
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
Summer 2018
Pixar Pier opens at Disney California Adventure
Summer 2018
Toy Story Land opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
2019
Star Wars-Themed Lands Opening at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Studios
February 16, 2018
Marvel Studios’ Black Panther opens in U.S. theaters
March 9, 2018
Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time opens in U.S. theaters
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 4, 2018
The Oscars air live on ABC (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)
March 11, 2018
American Idol premieres on ABC (8–10 p.m. ET)

Breaking: Huge Star Wars News!

Did you feel that disturbance in the Force? Did it feel like, perhaps … winter is coming? Breaking news from the world of Star Wars: David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, creators of HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones, will write and produce a new series of Star Wars films! Read more right here on D23.com.

Philadelphia Eagles Star Nick Foles Celebrates at Walt Disney World!

What do you do when your team wins their first “big game” championship after a 58-year drought? You go to Walt Disney World, of course! And that’s just what Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles of the Philadelphia Eagles did this past Monday morning… Hear from Nick, and check out some footage from his victory parade in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, in the clip above.

The Eagles quarterback—who only took on his starting role in late December—brought along his wife and young daughter for the festivities. After the parade, he and his fam spent some quality time enjoying attractions throughout Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Congratulations to Nick and the Eagles on their true “Cinderella story” this season!

First Exciting Look at Solo: A Star Wars Story

Besides the game itself, this past Sunday featured TV that was positively chockablock with brand-new and terrifically thrilling, audio-visual delights. Case in point: We got our very first glimpse at this summer’s much-anticipated Solo: A Star Wars Story. And on Monday morning, the full teaser trailer made its debut during ABC’s Good Morning America; in case you missed it, or just want another look (that’s us), take a gander at the trailer, above.

Beside the new trailer, Lucasfilm also debuted four brand-new character teaser posters for the film. Massively cool, right?

Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in Solo: A Star Wars Story, an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel this side of Tatooine. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) befriends his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and meets the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover), in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes.

Also starring Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Paul Bettany, Solo: A Star Wars Story opens in U.S. theaters this May 25!

Latest “Big Game” Trailer from Avengers: Infinity War

Another huge trailer to premiere during all the football shenanigans on Sunday was the latest from Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War! (Have a look at the clip, above.)

An unprecedented cinematic journey 10 years in the making—and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe—Marvel Studios’ 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.

Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and produced by Kevin Feige, Avengers: Infinity War rockets into theaters on May 4.

Jenny Slate Joins Cast of Disney Junior’s Muppet Babies

Disney Junior’s new animated series Muppet Babies premieres on Disney Channel next month, and we’re so ready to meet the adorable toddler version of our fave Muppets once again. As an added bonus, Disney Junior just announced that actress Jenny Slate (Zootopia) has joined the cast as Miss Nanny, the babies’ loving and playful caregiver—originally voiced by legendary actress Barbara Billingsley (Leave it to Beaver).

As in the original Emmy® Award-winning series, Miss Nanny will only be visible from the torso down. But as a new touch for this reimagined show, the pattern of Miss Nanny’s tights will change in each episode to reveal the story’s theme. As always, Miss Nanny gently and cheerfully encourages the Muppet Babies to use their imaginations to explore the farthest corners of the universe—and to utilize their creative thinking to solve most any problem…

Other voice cast members include Melanie Harrison (Fish Hooks) as Piggy; Dee Bradley Baker (Milo Murphy’s Law) as Animal; Ben Diskin (The Spectacular Spider-Man) as Gonzo; Eric Bauza (The Adventures of Puss in Boots) as Fozzie Bear; Jessica DiCicco (Puppy Dog Pals) as new character Summer Penguin; and Matt Danner (Gravity Falls) as Kermit. Danner also serves as the series’ supervising director. “Muppet Babies, we make our dreams come true!”

Disney•Pixar’s Coco Wins Big at Recent Annie Awards

The best in animation was feted on Saturday, February 3, at the 45th Annual Annie Awards, held at UCLA’s Royce Hall in Los Angeles. And guess what? Disney•Pixar’s colorful celebration of all things family, Coco, went home a big winner—with a whopping 11 Annies; the film’s director, Lee Unkrich, and co-director, Adrian Molina, took home the Outstanding Achievement in Directing for an Animated Feature Production award, and Molina and Matthew Aldrich were honored with the award for Outstanding Achievement in Writing in an Animated Feature Production. The film also won for music (including recent Oscar® nominees Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez); production design; editing; storyboarding; and more. Additionally, Anthony Gonzalez—who voices the role of Miguel—took home the Annie for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production.

On the TV side of things, the Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts series from Disney Television Animation was a big winner, too—with three Annie Awards for direction, music, and storyboards.

Congratulations to all!

An Incredible Summer is Coming to Walt Disney World Resort

It’s never too late to start thinking about summer vacation plans, and may we suggest a trip to Walt Disney World Resort? There are a ton of fun new things coming soon, and D23.com has a rundown of what to expect. (We’re especially excited about Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!)

D23’s Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

February 7, 2018

By Megan Deppe

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which means that time is running out to find the perfect Disney-themed gift for that special someone. Whether you’re shopping for him, for her, or even in search of a present that the two of you can share, shopDisney has got you covered. And don’t forget to use your D23 Gold Member discount and save 15 percent off your purchase of $60 or more!

For Him:

1. Yoda Pin—Star Wars
No Jedi mind trick necessary—use the force of this adorable pin to show your affection this Valentine’s Day.

2. Porg Silk Tie
Do your Valentine’s Day plans include formal dinner reservations? This tie, emblazoned with the newest creatures from the galaxy far, far away, is a great gift for someone who likes to add a little dash of cuteness—and a whole lot of love for Star Wars—to any special event.

3. Black Panther T-Shirt for Men—Black
He will truly feel like a king when he’s decked out in gear that’s inspired by the powerful Black Panther.

For Her:

4. Beauty and the Beast Choker Necklace
Looking for a gift that combines the a tale as old as time with one of the latest trends? This rose gold choker inspired by Beauty and the Beast will add a touch of magic to any outfit, even if it’s not a yellow ball gown.

5. Star Wars “Let’s Get Lost” Tank Top for Women
If you are planning a romantic couple’s getaway to a Disney park, why not give this top to your date this Valentine’s Day? It’s a fun invitation and the perfect shirt to wear for the day, as she celebrates her love for Star Wars and stays cool in this vintage-style tank top.

6. Minnie Mouse Short Sleep Set for Women—Pink
If your date is a fashionista like Minnie Mouse, a great present may be one that lets her sleep in style. This pink sleep set, featuring Minnie’s signature bows, lets the wearer lounge in complete comfort while she rocks the dots. It’s perfect for a night of snuggling on the couch.

For You Both:

7. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Heart Gloves Pin Sets
You can show your partner the depths of your “glove” with these companion pin sets. Mickey and Minnie’s love for each other is truly timeless, and these pins tell the world that your love will be just as sweet.

8. Lady and the Tramp Plush Set
Kick off a “Bella Notte” with this adorable plush set. Let Lady and Tramp serve as the inspiration for your own al fresco dinner, and the skies won’t be the only ones with stars in their eyes.

9. Mickey and Minnie “Sunset Stroll” Giclée on Canvas by Tim Rogerson—Limited Edition
We can all take a lesson in love from our favorite Disney couple, the one that started it all. This painting of their sunset stroll on the beach will not only remind you what love looks like, but maybe give you an idea for something fun to do at the start of your romantic Valentine’s Day evening.

Pounce on This Magnificent Black Panther Merchandise

February 6, 2018February 8, 2018

By Courtney Potter

Get ready for the latest adventure from Marvel Studios with these cool, coveted items available now at shopDisney.com.

We are mere days away from the thrilling debut of Marvel Studios’ latest adventure, Black Panther, and the excitement is truly palpable! Need a little refresher on what you can expect at your local cineplex on February 16? Directed by Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station), Black Panther follows T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), who—after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda—returns home to his isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when an old (and still powerful) enemy reappears, T’Challa’s fortitude as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a colossal conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the world at risk. Faced with duplicity and danger, the young king must assemble his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life. The film also stars Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, and Andy Serkis. (Don’t forget: D23 Gold and Gold Family Members are invited to a special 3-D advance screening of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther in a city near you; for more info, click here.)

Get the jump on all things Black Panther—and be the envy of your fellow Super Heroes—by checking out some of the cool movie-related merchandise currently available on shopDisney.com. Remember, D23 Gold Members get a special discount, good for 15 percent off purchases of $60 or more, now through March 31.

Nakia Action Figure—Black Panther Legends Series
Nakia (played in the film by Lupita Nyong’o) is a fierce member of the Dora Milaje, the personal bodyguards of Black Panther. She has strength, she has poise, and—in plastic, movie-authentic form—she’d be a supremely cool member of your Marvel action-figure cache. (And remember, if you collect all the figures from the Black Panther Legends Series Build-a-Figure Collection, you can assemble another whole action figure—depicting Okoye, the head of the Dora Milaje.)

Black Panther Vibranium Strike Gauntlet
Here’s a rip-roarin’ toy for the younger Black Panther fans in your life, and it’s “made” from a special material only found in Wakanda. The Vibranium Strike Gauntlet will (once the movie has premiered) let kids re-create all their favorite scenes; it looks like the head of a panther, but it sends Nerf darts flying through the air! (This could also be an interesting addition to your office cubicle, adult Black Panther fans. Just sayin’.)

Black Panther Cufflinks
Here’s a nice idea for a Father’s Day gift (or honestly, a gift for anyone who likes to rock interesting wrist adornments): These Black Panther cufflinks are made with polished metal and depict the Warrior King, with the Marvel logo as the back button. Even the box is Marvel-ous, with comic panel sketches in black and grey and a striking red interior.

Black Panther Headband Set for Kids by Our Universe
Part of Ashley Eckstein’s Her Universe clothing line, Our Universe aims to motivate kids with character-inspired active gear—and right now, it’s only available at Disney Stores and shopDisney.com. These brand-new kids’ headbands, influenced by the Warrior King of Wakanda himself, are part of the Our Universe collection; each headband (three total) is fashionably stretchy with a glittery non-slip grip.

Black Panther Pop! Vinyl Bobble-Head Figure by Funko / Chase
No list of Black Panther merch is complete without a Pop! Funko figure, and this particular Pop! is pretty unique… You won’t know which figure you’re getting until you’ve opened the package! You’ll either get Black Panther in his unmasked form, or in a rare, limited-edition masked “Chase” form. Both are quite nifty, so you will not be disappointed. Good luck!

Black Panther Head Typography Graphic T-Shirt
This T-shirt not only features a cool typography graphic of the film’s title (shaped like a panther), but it’s also available with a host of options—with sleeves or without; in sizes up to 5X; as a sweatshirt or even a ringer tee; in many different colors; and they’re a part of shopDisney’s customizable line. Truly, you could outfit your entire family for a trip to the movie theater. (And if you do, post a pic on D23’s Facebook or Twitter because we’d love to see y’all in action!)

Wakandan Warriors Graffiti T-Shirt
Wear your Wakanda pride on your sleeve with this shirt; our favorite style for women is the Bella+Canvas Flowy Off Shoulder shirt, with its drapey silhouette, wide neckline, and soft poly-viscose blend. Every version, though, features a graffiti-inspired depiction of T’Challa, Nakia, and Okoye. And once again, as with many of these shirt options, you can customize it to your liking.

Wakandan Black Panther Panel Tote Bag
It’s a tote bag fit for a king, and it’ll even help you be a little more earth-friendly when you make a run to the local grocery store. This classic tote features an all-over print with edge-to-edge designs, and is even laminated for extra support. Available in two sizes, it can be “tailor-made”; the bag itself comes in several colors, and you can even add text.

Black Panther Action Figure—Legends Series—12″
Now this is an action figure… The movie-inspired Legends Series Black Panther figure is a full 12 inches tall and features a super-detailed design and an incredible 30 points of articulation! It also comes with an alternate head, two alternate hands, and spear accessory—so it’s almost like you’re getting two toys in one. You’ll be able to reenact the movie in no time!

David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are Going from Winterfell to a Galaxy Far, Far Away

February 6, 2018March 26, 2018

It was announced today that Benioff and Weiss, creators of the smash-hit, Emmy® Award-winning television series Game of Thrones, will write and produce a new series of Star Wars films.

These new films will be separate from both the episodic Skywalker saga and the recently-announced trilogy being developed by Rian Johnson, writer-director of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

“David and Dan are some of the best storytellers working today,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “Their command of complex characters, depth of story and richness of mythology will break new ground and boldly push Star Wars in ways I find incredibly exciting.”

“In the summer of 1977 we traveled to a galaxy far, far away, and we’ve been dreaming of it ever since,” Benioff and Weiss said in a joint statement. “We are honored by the opportunity, a little terrified by the responsibility, and so excited to get started as soon as the final season of Game of Thrones is complete.”

No release dates have been set for the new films, and there have (thankfully) been no sightings of White Walkers around Lucasfilm.

The Spring Issue of Disney twenty-three is Worth Melting For

February 6, 2018March 9, 2018

By D23 Team

Journey behind the scenes of Disney’s newest, coolest Broadway musical as the spring issue of Disney twenty-three takes fans into the world of Frozen on Broadway! The magazine, exclusive to D23 Gold Members, gives readers an inside look at the company bringing this magnificent musical to the stage, including the Tony^® Award-winning creative team of Michael Grandage, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Rob Ashford, and Christopher Oram and its stars Caissie Levy (Elsa) and Patti Murin (Anna). The group spoke about their excitement for expanding the show’s story, score, and characters—including a dazzling, all-new opening number.

Readers will be whisked off to Wakanda to get the inside story behind the making of Black Panther, hitting theaters later this month, with director Ryan Coogler and executive producer Nate Moore. Disney twenty-three also visited the set of A Wrinkle in Time, speaking with director Ava DuVernay about her dazzling adaptation of the exhilarating adventure which opens this March.

Plus, in honor of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 20th anniversary, legendary Imagineer Joe Rohde shares 20 ways this innovative theme park—which he has worked on since its inception—broke the mold.

Also included in the spring issue of Disney twenty-three:

A look inside D23’s 2018 Gold Member Gift, Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse
The imagination and origination of Tokyo Disney Resort
The inside-the-nursery story of Disney Junior’s all-new Muppet Babies
Spectacular artwork that inspired Peter Pan, which celebrates its 65th anniversary this year
A visit to the office of Disney’s Animal Kingdom vice president Djuan Rivers
Regular features including Character Analysis, D Society, and Ask Dave

The spring issue of Disney twenty-three will be arriving mid-February! Learn more about D23 Gold Membership here.

D23 Fab Five: Ashley Eckstein’s Favorite Hidden Gems of the Walt Disney World Resort

February 5, 2018

By Jim Frye

D23 favorite Ashley Eckstein has wowed fans for years as the voice of Ahsoka Tano in the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and the new Star Wars Forces of Destiny shorts. But before that, her parents were cast members in Florida, and she played the part of Muffy on the Disney Channel show That’s So Raven. “I joke that Disney is in my DNA,” says Eckstein. “I feel like I was born Disney—I was raised on Main Street, U.S.A.”

She’s not exaggerating. Her parents went to Walt Disney World on their honeymoon and made a wish that they’d be able to return one day to work for the Company. That wish came true as her parents moved the family to Orlando to work for Disney when Ashley was only two. Years later, Eckstein joined her parents as a cast member the day she turned 16. Her Disney DNA is still strong today—Eckstein’s clothing brand, HerUniverse, recently released an activewear line in partnership with shopDisney called Our Universe and she will be releasing a book with Disney Publishing. Available May 8, It’s Your Universe: You Have the Power to Make It Happen is part autobiography, part inspirational guide, and it gives readers a glimpse into how Disney inspired her to follow her dreams.

There’s no doubt about it—Ashley is a true fan. “I love D23,” she says, “and I actually got to be a fan at one of the D23 excursions this past summer at Pandora. It was one of the coolest experiences I’d had in a long time.”

With a lifetime of behind-the-scenes insight, D23 asked Eckstein to give us her Fab Five favorite hidden gems at Walt Disney World.

1. Afternoon Tea at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: “This is hard, because I love so much about Walt Disney World, but I love going for afternoon tea at [Disney’s] Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. That’s one of my favorite things to do. It’s definitely a hidden gem that a lot of people don’t know about. My husband proposed to me at the Grand Floridian Resort and then we had tea right afterward.”

2. Snow Cones in the Japan Pavilion: “A lot of people don’t know about the snow cones, or kakigori, in Japan at Kabuki Cafe. They have a honeydew snow cone that is just out of this world.”

3. Fort Wilderness: “I love Fort Wilderness. I actually had my 15th birthday there. It was my dad and eight girls—bless his heart for putting up with us!—he pitched us two tents and we had a sleepover by the campfire. My favorite thing to do there is the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Review! They have the best fried chicken ever and amazing strawberry shortcake.”

4. Turkey Legs: “My dad was part of the team that brought turkey legs to Disney. I love getting turkey legs in the parks.”

5. Disney Weddings. “I had my wedding reception at Disney—it was always my dream, since I was a little girl, to have my wedding at Disney. We had the ceremony at the church I grew up in, and then the Disney Magical Express bussed us to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. I had an Alice in Wonderland bridal party the day before with a tea party at the Boardwalk. It was the most magical experience. And just this past year, my sister was featured on Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings on Freeform. She had her ceremony at the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot and her reception at the Atlantic Dance Hall. Disney puts on some of the most amazing weddings out there. They are truly fairy godmothers there at Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons. They make magic happen.”

Await the Return of Spring with These Favorite Disney Movies

February 2, 2018

By Megan Deppe

No matter what the groundhog says, we’re all ready for winter to be over, and our minds are wandering to thoughts of flowers, rain, warm weather, and cute baby animals. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite springtime classics to warm your heart as you wait for the sun to peek out and warm the ground.

1. Silly Symphony (1929–39)
Several of Disney’s Silly Symphony cartoons were set in the springtime, and the colors and light of the season dazzled audiences who previously had been accustomed to black-and-white animation. Moviegoers watched nature wake up in Flowers and Trees, heard birds chirp their beautiful melodies in Birds in the Springtime, and learned why winter gives way to spring every year in Goddess of Spring.

2. Bambi (1942)
If we had to spend springtime in any fictional forest, you can bet that we’d pick Bambi’s forest, in a heartbeat. There is color around every corner, baby animals everywhere you turn, and even an enchanting “Little April Shower” song to amuse us in advance of May flowers. Bambi also makes for a great film to watch with someone who makes you feel twitterpated.

3. Monsters University (2013)
Have you ever noticed that the Scare Games take place in the spring semester? It makes perfect sense, actually, since spring is a time of new beginnings, and Mike and Sulley are embarking upon their lifelong friendship! The movie is bursting with color and life, which makes it a perfect way to herald the coming season.

4. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
Spending spring in the Hundred Acre Wood sounds like a perfectly lovely way to while away the season! Winnie the Pooh and his friends’ wonderful adventures—appropriating honey from bees, sailing an umbrella through the rain, and getting stuck (and unstuck) from Rabbit’s front door—are cherished childhood movie memories that feel just as warm and lovely as spring.

5. Enchanted (2007)
A run through Central Park singing “That’s How You Know” makes for a quintessentially New York springtime moment. Of course, you can also sing it in your living room as you watch Enchanted, as well. Giselle’s trip to New York, a city perfect for new beginnings, perfectly captures the spirit of the season.

6. Fantasia (1940) / Fantasia/2000 (2000)
The two Fantasia films feature musical montages that include some of the best moments of spring. The Firebird Suite tells a tale of rebirth as a young sprite awakens a ravaged forest, forest fairies (and mushrooms) dance merrily in The Nutcracker Suite, and Pomp and Circumstance brings spring (and Donald Duck) back to dry land after 40 days of rain.

7. Tangled (2010)
Talk about new beginnings—as Rapunzel comes out of her tower, her entire world is turned upside down and she brings positive changes to everyone she meets. Watching Rapunzel experience the outside world for the first time is exactly how we feel every year when the snow melts.

8. Mary Poppins (1964)
“Ain’t it a glorious day? Right as a mornin’ in May…” The song “Jolly Holiday” and its singer, Bert, capture the joy and wonder of spring in the film’s iconic animated sequence. And even at the onset of spring, there are still some days when you want to carry an umbrella, like Mary Poppins—you may be preparing for an April shower, or you might simply feel the winds in the east. Remember: The season can be a bit blustery, which makes it a great time to head out to the park and “Fly a Kite.”

See the Amazing Concepts that Won Imagineering’s Imaginations Design Competition!

February 2, 2018February 2, 2018

By Beth Deitchman

Have you ever dreamed of being an Imagineer? For more than 25 years, Walt Disney Imagineering has given college students the opportunity to design innovative and entertaining projects, present them to Imagineering executives, and enjoy a look behind the magic at Imagineering headquarters in Glendale, California. The late Disney Legend and Imagineering executive Marty Sklar started Walt Disney Imagineering’s Imaginations Design Competition in 1991 to seek out and nurture the next generation of diverse Imagineers. Hundreds of students from universities across the United States have participated over the last 27 years, and in 2011 the program expanded to include a version for students in Hong Kong, sponsored by Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

For this year’s competition, teams in the U.S. were challenged to select an actual abandoned “ghost town” from anywhere in the world and revitalize it. Their project could represent a working town, a historical landmark, a living museum, a themed experience, or anything else the contestants dreamed up, taking into account the location’s historic value and the traditions and communities of the local area.

Savannah College of Art and Design students Carlos Ginatta, Michael Howell, Maria Mondloch, and Maya Vyas took top honors with their project, Caguaya. They designed an exploration center that is built around the sunken ruins of the 17th century city of Port Royal. Guests visiting Caguaya explore the city through state-of-the-art tunnels never before used in open water, see undersea wonders up-close via augmented reality-enhanced helmet dives, and even grow their own scientifically enhanced super coral. A fully submersible theater transcends land and sea to present a live performance that is truly like no other.

WDI Imaginations Design Competition — The winning project, *Caguaya*, from a team of students from Savannah College of Art and Design.

Also from Savannah College of Art and Design, Cameron Hoss, Corrie Pickering, Claire Puginier, and Emily Sasaki placed second for Spaceport Hashima. The team’s concept renovates existing buildings of a former Japanese ghost town and reimagines Hashima as a thriving interplanetary terminal surrounded by a world-class luxury destination resort. With nods to both traditional and Japanese culture, Spaceport Hashima includes museums, gardens, an amphitheater, and a thriving downtown area.

A team from Otis College of Art and Design created Oniba, the third-ranked project. Students Kaho Horiuchi, Kentaro Yajima, and Yumi Yamazaki started with an elaborate vacation spot located in a remote corner of the Kinugawa River in Tochigi, Japan, and reconceived it as a park. When guests arrive in Oniba, they’re able to create a personalized companion and guide, called Mabu, before they embark on their visit—which might just include an encounter or two with some spirits.

Joining the U.S.-based finalists for an exclusive visit to the Imagineering headquarters last week were Gloria Ha and Ruth Lun, students from Chinese University of Hong Kong and the champions of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s ImagiNations competition. Contestants in Hong Kong were asked to think about a city, anywhere in the world, that may be far from a Disney park or other vacation destination and design an entertainment or recreational experience for its citizens and tourists. Ha and Lun’s project, Daydreamers, conceptualized a massive mobile robot that would escort guests to different destinations around the world. Their imaginative concept and elements of surprise impressed the judges, along with how they incorporated Oswald the Lucky Rabbit into their design.

Many participants in the Imaginations Design Competition have gone on to internships at WDI, and some have even become full-time Imagineers. Visit DisneyImaginations.com for more information about this year’s competition, to see past projects, and to learn more about this truly unique, life-changing program.

Note: The projects and concepts presented are not necessarily intended to be built by Disney – they are a way for the entrants to demonstrate their skills and creative abilities.

Get Ready for an Incredible Summer at Walt Disney World Resort!

February 2, 2018

By Beth Deitchman

A visit to the Walt Disney World Resort is a highlight of any summer, but this year is going to be positively incredible! The Disney Parks Blog just revealed a super lineup of new attractions and experiences that are coming to all four parks, plus Disney Springs, beginning Memorial Day weekend, May 25–27.

Magic Kingdom: Dash over to Tomorrowland for a celebration of all things super. Party with Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone, and, for the first time ever, meet iconic superhero fashion designer Edna Mode… so you may want to leave your cape at home. End your day with a “SUPER” dance party every night on the Rocket Tower Stage.

Epcot: Want to challenge a friend to a dance off? Guardians of the Galaxy’s Star-Lord and Gamora are joining an alien band and taking guests on a journey through the cosmos. Featured in the fun at Epcot’s America Gardens Theatre will be songs from Awesome Mix Tapes 1 and 2. We can think of no better way to celebrate these favorite characters while we await a new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction at the park.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: It’s the park’s 20th anniversary in 2018, and this milestone year brings two new experiences. Donald Duck is taking over Dinoland U.S.A. with prehistoric elements in a new character celebration; and Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and lovable dog Dug from Disney•Pixar’s Up will discover species of birds from around the world at Explorer’s Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure.

Disney Springs: The incredible summer fun continues at Disney Springs, where guests can join the rebellion and enjoy the hyper-reality experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire. And there are several new culinary offerings to tempt your taste buds, from the lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant and bar The Edison; the Sicilian-inspired cuisine of Maria & Enzo’s; Terralina Crafted Italian, from celebrity chef Tony Mantuano (James Beard award winner and Top Chef Master); and Jaleo, a Spanish concept from Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: We’ve saved the biggest for last: The eagerly awaited Toy Story Land will open later in the summer, to take guests to infinity and beyond via two new attractions: the family coaster Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers, which will have our favorite gang of green guys pulling along rocket ships full of guests. After experiencing everything that the 11-acre land has to offer, stop by the new quick-service restaurant Woody’s Lunch Box for delicious eats and old-fashioned soda floats.

We may have more winter headed our way, according to the groundhog, but fear not, there’s an Incredible Summer not far behind!

So the Drama! A Live Action Kim Possible DCOM Is on the Way

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

Breaking: Huge Star Wars News!

Philadelphia Eagles Star Nick Foles Celebrates at Walt Disney World!

First Exciting Look at Solo: A Star Wars Story

Latest “Big Game” Trailer from Avengers: Infinity War

Jenny Slate Joins Cast of Disney Junior’s Muppet Babies

Disney•Pixar’s Coco Wins Big at Recent Annie Awards

An Incredible Summer is Coming to Walt Disney World Resort

For Him:

For Her:

For You Both:

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