Remembering Doreen Tracey

January 11, 2018January 11, 2018

By Lorraine Santoli

Doreen Tracey, one of the Mickey Mouse Club’s original Mouseketeers, died from pneumonia on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at age 74, at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, California, a result of complications from a two-year battle with cancer. Tracey, known for her a vivacious personality and all-around performance skills, appeared on Disney’s classic children’s television series throughout its four-year run (1955–59) on the ABC television network. The original Mickey Mouse Club lived on in syndication for decades thereafter, entertaining generations of children around the world.

Tracey was born in London, England, on April 3, 1943, to a theatrical family. Her parents, Bessie Hay and Sid Tracey, had a vaudeville dance act known as Tracey and Hay. When Doreen was four, her family returned to the United States where her father opened a dance studio in Hollywood. It was there that Tracey learned to sing and dance, and, at age 12, she auditioned for the Mickey Mouse Club. During her tenure as a Mouseketeer, Tracey was also cast in Walt Disney Productions’ 1956 feature film Westward Ho the Wagons!, starring Fess Parker. Additionally, she went on to appear on the Mickey Mouse Club’s “Annette” serial, and toured Australia with the Mouseketeers.

Following the Mickey Mouse Club years, in the 1960s Tracey continued her show business career, guest starring on several episodic television programs as well as touring American military bases in South Vietnam and Thailand with her own act. After returning to the U.S., she shifted gears to work behind the scenes and held positions that included publicist to musician and composer Frank Zappa, as well as a multi-decade career in administration at Warner Bros. And while Tracey’s career took many different paths, she always remained close to her Disney roots, maintaining longtime friendships with her fellow Mouseketeers. In the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, she co-starred with them in several Mickey Mouse Club reunion shows at Disneyland and at Disney conventions, last celebrating the show’s 60th Anniversary in 2015. “Our Dodo, as we lovingly nicknamed her, always had a smile on her face,” said fellow Mouseketeer Tommy Cole. “She never failed to make us all feel good, and we will miss her.”

Tracey is survived by her son, Bradley, and two grandchildren, Gavin, age 9, and Autumn, 12. Bradley said of his mother, “She was very brave, very independent, and very loved by her family.”

Minnie Mouse Receives the Ultimate Gift for her 90th Anniversary

January 11, 2018

By Beth Deitchman

She’s a movie legend, a fashion icon, and America’s sweetheart—and she’s celebrating her 90th anniversary in 2018. A milestone that magical demands a pretty spectacular celebration, and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is presenting Minnie Mouse with its greatest honor: a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star will be unveiled in a special ceremony on Monday, January 22, at 11:30 a.m. PT. Joining Minnie for her big day will be Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger and global pop icon (and new American Idol judge) Katy Perry.

“Minnie Mouse is a woman of the ages, and her iconic status makes her a great addition to our Walk of Fame!” stated Ana Martinez, producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies. “Generations of fans of all ages have been looking forward to her seeing her bright new star.”

The star, which is in the Motion Pictures category, will be dedicated in front of Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre. Among the names of the Hollywood luminaries Minnie is joining on the walk of fame are Donald Duck, Tinker Bell, Winnie the Pooh, Snow White, Kermit the Frog, and Mickey Mouse, who received his star in celebration of his 50th anniversary in 1978.

Minnie Mouse captured fans’ hearts in her first on-screen appearance in Steamboat Willie, and we’ve only grown to love her more through her continued appearances on screens big and small, her ability to inspire fashion designers and drive trends that have us rocking the dots all year long, and for her support for causes that affect so many communities in positive ways. The recent #ShareYourEars campaign (which resulted in $4 million in donations benefitting Make-A-Wish) featured countless tributes to Minnie, from the über-popular Rose Gold Minnie Mouse Ears sported by guests at Disney parks to DIY Minnie updos.

If you’re unable to be in Hollywood for the fabulous festivities, fear not. Fans around the world are invited to watch the event live on WalkOfFame.com. Minnie has always been a shining star in our eyes, and we couldn’t be happier that she’s receiving one of her own.

Epcot Food Roundup: Dishes Not to Miss at Epcot International Festival of the Arts

January 10, 2018January 11, 2018

By Megan Deppe

If you love food that looks too good to eat (but tastes too good not to eat), you’re in luck—it’s time for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts! For the second year in a row, you can celebrate the joy that only the combination of delicious food and beautiful art can bring, with some seriously artistic dishes that can be found in World Showcase. The festival runs from January 12 through February 19, so you have plenty of time to try these delicious eats. Here are some of the foods we are most excited to taste!

The Deconstructed Dish (Showcase Plaza)

Deconstructed Strawberry Cheesecake: whipped New York-style cheesecake with fresh Florida strawberries, sugar cookies, and micro-basil (pictured above)
Deconstructed Reuben with shredded corn beef, Thousand Island dressing, pickled red cabbage, and a rye curl
Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings® Spiced Apple Chai Tea Shake with cream bourbon garnished with a waffle crisp and candied bacon

The Artist’s Table (The American Adventure)

Pan-Seared Scallop with chorizo, roasted red pepper coulis, and parmesan crisp (gluten-friendly, pictured above)
Callebaut Belgian Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, milk, and dark chocolate
Orange Cream Funnel Cake

Cuisine Classique (Germany)

Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip purée, broccolini, baby tomatoes, and aged balsamic
Saint-Honoré Tart: caramel cream tart with caramel glaze topped with cream puffs

Pop Eats (Showcase Plaza)

Almond Frangipane Cake layered with raspberry jam and chocolate (vegetarian, pictured above)
Sous Vide Poulet Rouge Chicken Roulade with apples and sage served with warm brie fondue, blueberry and beet gel and garnished with apple and beet chips

Masterpiece Kitchen (Near Canada)

Wild Mushroom risotto, aged parmesan, truffle shavings, and zinfandel reduction (vegetarian)
Triple chocolate mousse, chocolate crunch, dark chocolate sauce, and gold leaf
Classic Sidecar with a Chocolate Twist

The Painter’s Palate (Odyssey, Festival Center)

Pop’t Art: Abstract-designed sugar cookie with strawberry filling (vegetarian, pictured above, see the recipe here.)
Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts: Whipped Boursin® Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese with fresh herbs (vegetarian), Chicken Salad with shaved fennel and fresh herbs, and Spicy Tuna with Wasabi and Seaweed Salad

Decadent Delights (Showcase Plaza)

S’mores Tart: House-smoked buttermilk chocolate cake with chocolate mousse, toasted marshmallow meringue, graham cracker dust, and malted milk chocolate sauce (pictured above)
Chocolate Caramel Mousse Bar, flavored meringue kisses, and passion fruit sauce

L’Art de la Cuisine Française (France)

Rillettes du Mans, Cornichons, Carré du Boulanger: house-made pork rillettes, cornichons, and house-made bread (pictured above)
Le Coucher de Soleil: sunset mango and raspberry cake
Frosé: Frozen Côtes de Provence Rosé Wine with Grey Goose Vodka and Peach Purée

Mosaic Canteen (Morocco)

Hummus Trifle: Layered Hummus topped with spiced beef, pine nuts, and dry cherries, served with pita chips
Chebbakia: Hand-twisted strips of fried dough coated with honey, rosewater, and sesame seeds (pictured above)

El Artista Hambriento (Mexico)

Atole de Fresa and Mexican Concha Bread: A warm strawberry drink served with Mexican concha bread (pictured above)
Mixiote de Cordero: wrapped slow-braised lamb, marinated in tres chiles paste and spices

The Painted Panda (China)

Coconut Panda Rice Cake
Crystal Mooncake with fruit filing and garnished with toasted coconut

L’Arte di Mangiare (Italy)

Crema Fritta, Pesche e Rucola Pesto, Ciliege di Amarasca: cream fritters, peach and arugula pesto and amarena cherries (pictured above)
Sformato di Melanzane e Pomodori, Mozzarella Fior di Latte: tomato and eggplant terrine, fior di latte mozzarella

Takumi Table (Japan)

Taiyaki Dessert: Japanese stuffed pastry, sweet red bean filling, sesame cream, and raspberry sauce
Chirashi Sushi and Haupia Pearl: salmon, tuna and yuzu miso with coconut tapioca pudding (pictured above)
Calpico yogurt strawberry swirl sake

Wish Granted: Disney’s Aladdin at Hollywood Pantages Theatre

January 10, 2018

By Courtney Potter

Salam and hello to you, our worthy friends! Ready to visit the fabled city of Agrabah? Well, you’ve rubbed the right lamp—because the North American tour of Disney’s hit musical Aladdin is steering its magical flying carpet onto the Hollywood Pantages Theatre stage in Los Angeles!

Based on the 1992 Disney animated hit, Aladdin brings to bold new life the beloved story of a charming “street rat,” the Genie he befriends, the princess he falls for and the evil vizier he conquers. The show, originally directed and choreographed by Tony® winner Casey Nicholaw, features all the songs you know from Aladdin’s Academy Award®-winning score—written by Alan Menken, the late Howard Ashman, and Sir Tim Rice—as well as a few of the original film’s previously-unheard tunes… plus several more written especially for the stage by Menken and book writer Chad Beguelin. While the show is still thrilling audiences eight times a week on Broadway at New York City’s New Amsterdam Theatre, the Aladdin North American tour kicked off to standing ovations a-plenty at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre in spring 2017 before making stops in Minneapolis, Seattle, and San Francisco. Now, it’s ready to delight Los Angeles audiences during a three-month run at Hollywood Pantages Theatre, beginning January 10… And if that weren’t significant enough, original Broadway cast members Adam Jacobs (Aladdin), Courtney Reed (Jasmine) and Michael James Scott (Genie) are reuniting for five weeks of this limited, 12-week engagement!

D23 recently spoke with Jacobs—as well as SoCal native (and former Disneyland Resort performer) Reggie De Leon, who portrays villainous Jafar’s eccentric sidekick Iago—about what makes this show (and this North American tour) so in-“genie”-ous… “I did Aladdin for about three years on Broadway,” Jacobs explains. “I originated the role there—[but] then to be able to look at the show with new eyes, to revisit it and rediscover it with a new cast, it’s been pretty exciting. And it’s made me fall in love with the show all over again.” Jacobs is no stranger to touring in a Broadway production—Aladdin marks his fifth time seeing the country during the day and performing for audiences at night—but it’s his inaugural “first national tour,” which means a production is premiering in a given city for the very first time. “Each city welcomes you with open arms and throws a big party,” he says, “and they’re excited to have the show—and that just makes it even more fulfilling for all of us.” On a personal level, there’s something truly special about touring, this time ‘round: “I have my wife and kids with me [on tour],” explains Jacobs, whose wife, Kelly, is no stranger to the stage either; she appeared on Broadway in Disney’s Mary Poppins. “It’s the first time I’ve ever done something like that… It’s really been a great experience so far.”

For De Leon, performing in Aladdin is the end result of a years-long wish, materialized. “It was always a dream of mine to work at Disneyland, because I grew up about 15 minutes away from the park,” De Leon explains. “So when I finally got cast in a show there—and I pretty much stayed right up until leaving for the Aladdin tour—it was amazing training and preparation for what I’m doing now.” De Leon graced the stages of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks for almost 15 years—appearing in the opening casts of Snow White: An Enchanting Musical and Frozen – Live at the Hyperion. “Growing up with so many Disney movies, working at the park was a dream come true—and now, as a result of my being on this tour, I was even able to make my Broadway debut!” That’s right: After getting cast as Iago for the North American tour, De Leon was tasked with filling in for Broadway’s Iago, actor Don Darryl Rivera, when he joined the tour himself for its recent Seattle engagement. “The whole experience is beyond my wildest dreams, at this point,” he admits.

Both actors are excited to bring Aladdin to Los Angeles—a “home” of sorts for the show’s source material (having been created at Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank), as well as the literal home of De Leon and several other tour cast members. “I cannot wait,” De Leon declares. “The Hollywood Pantages is the theater I went to, growing up… To now be able to play there—I’m going to have my parents there on opening night, and my wife and all my family—I hope I’m going to be able to keep it together, because it will be such a cool moment to be able to share with the ones I love most in the world… I’m just really excited to bring this show ‘home’!” And Jacobs is convinced L.A. will delight in the show, just like earlier cities on the tour: “It’s been great to see the [public] receive it so warmly.”

All told, audiences—both in Los Angeles, from January 10 through March 31, and at the tour’s future stops (see AladdinTheMusical.com/tour for cities and ticket info)—should expect all the music, mirth and merriment the ’92 film is known for… plus a whole lot of Broadway magic! “It just works so well,” says De Leon, “because the animated feature itself is a musical—and then the show adds fun new characters and songs and all of the amazing scenic elements. I really believe this show captures the heart and spirit of the film beautifully.” Jacobs concurs: “There’s such joy—pure joy in this show, and I feel privileged to take part in it every night. It’s just such a classic tale—who wouldn’t want to get a lamp with a wish-granting genie inside?”

Black Panther’s New Trailer and Coco’s Big Win—Plus More in News Briefs

January 9, 2018

By Courtney Potter

See the new trailer for Marvel Studios’ latest, and celebrate Coco’s Golden Globe win with its filmmakers… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Another Thrilling Look at Marvel Studios’ Black Panther

We’re about a month out from the huge premiere of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther—and during this week’s 2018 National Championship Game on ESPN, fans got another super-exciting look at the film… take a gander at the new trailer, above.

Black Panther follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is put to the test. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally 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.

Directed by Ryan Coogler, and starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis, Black Panther roars into theaters on February 16.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
January 12, 2018
Lunch with a Disney Legend—Bob Gurr
January 13, 2018
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23
February 2, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Peter Pan on the Lot
February 3, 2018
D23 Member Night at Disney’s Aladdin at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre
February 10, 2018
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Peter Pan in Florida
February 20, 2018
D23 Member Night at Disney’s The Lion King in Orlando
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
Summer 2018
Star Wars: Pixar Pier opens at Disney California Adventure
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
June 15, 2018
Incredibles 2 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)

Coco Wins Big at Golden Globes

Great news, amigos! At this past weekend’s 75th Annual Golden Globe® Awards, Disney•Pixar’s Coco took home the coveted “Best Motion Picture, Animated” award from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Read up about the filmmakers’ reactions to winning right here at D23.com.

Latest A Wrinkle in Time Trailer Dazzles and Delights

Speaking of last Sunday’s big ceremony, Disney debuted a brand-new trailer for A Wrinkle in Time the same evening… and it’s made us even more excited to see this film in theaters this March. Check the trailer out for yourself, above.

Directed by visionary Emmy® winner and Oscar® and Golden Globe nominee Ava DuVernay, A Wrinkle in Time is an epic adventure based on Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless classic. Through one girl’s transformative journey led by three celestial guides, audiences will discover that strength comes from embracing one’s individuality—and that the best way to triumph over fear is to travel by one’s own light.

Starring Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michael Peňa, Zach Galifianakis, Chris Pine, and Storm Reid, Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time opens across the country on March 9.

Tons of Fun in Store This Year at Disneyland Resort

If you’re anything like us, you follow the goings-on at the Disneyland Resort with churro-scented bated breath… so when our pals over at the Disney Parks Blog posted an excellent rundown of all the new stuff to expect there in this new year, we made several notes (in red ink!) on our calendar.

From the brand-new adventure, inspired by Star Wars: The Last Jedi, at Star Tours—The Adventures Continue at Disneyland park to Disney California Adventure (DCA) park’s Lunar New Year celebrations and this spring’s Food & Wine Festival; and from the kick-off of Pixar Fest to the return of the Paint the Night parade (this time over at DCA); plus, let’s not forget the permanent transformation of DCA’s Paradise Pier into Pixar Pier… all told, there are mass quantities of fun on the horizon!

Keep your eyes peeled for more info on many of these exciting additions in the coming months.

Disney Launches Sixth Annual Magic of Storytelling Campaign

Book lovers, unite! Disney|ABC Television and Disney Publishing Worldwide recently announced they’ll donate up to 1 million books to First Book, a nonprofit that provides new books to educators and organizations serving children from low-income families, as part of Disney’s sixth annual Magic of Storytelling campaign—going on now through March 31, 2018. The Magic of Storytelling campaign aims to inspire families’ imaginations; cultivate a lifelong love of reading in kids; and bring books to underserved communities across the country…

Over the years, Disney has helped First Book provide more than 61 million books to children in need—and has encouraged millions to take action to help bring new books and resources to kids across the country. The books Disney donates are distributed by First Book to educators in schools and programs exclusively serving children from low-income families around the United States.

The campaign’s brand-new PSA, narrated by A Wrinkle in Time star Oprah Winfrey, debuted recently during ABC’s Good Morning America. Give it a looksee, above! And for more information about how you can donate—as well as your chance, through the Magic of Storytelling sweepstakes, to win a trip to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa—visit MagicofStorytelling.com.

Experience Star Wars Like Never Before—Now at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts

D23.com was lucky enough to chat with Cliff Plumer, CEO of The VOID, about his company’s brand-new hyper-reality experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire—created in collaboration with Lucasfilm’s ILMxLAB and now open at both Downtown Disney® District at Disneyland Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. See what he had to say about this thrilling new encounter here.

Pop’t Art Recipe from Epcot International Festival of the Arts

January 9, 2018

Bake your own masterpiece with this Pop’t Art recipe straight from the Epcot International Festival of the Arts.

Makes 6

SUGAR COOKIE
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup butter
1 egg white
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1/8 teaspoon salt

TOPPING
6 tablespoons chocolate-hazelnut spread

GLAZE
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3–4 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Food coloring

FOR SUGAR COOKIE:

Cream the sugar and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until fluffy. Add egg white and beat for 1 minute.
Slowly add sifted flour and salt and beat at medium speed until a soft dough forms.
Cover bowl and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or silicone baking mat.
Roll dough into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Cut into six, 3×5-inch rectangles.
Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown.
Cool for 30 minutes.

FOR TOPPING:

Spread 1 tablespoon of chocolate-hazelnut spread on each cookie, leaving a border of about 1/8 inch around the edges of each cookie.
Set aside.

FOR GLAZE:

Whisk powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of the milk, and the vanilla extract in a pie plate until smooth. Add additional milk if the glaze is too thick.
Set aside 2 tablespoons of glaze in a small bowl.
Dip each cookie, chocolate-hazelnut side down, in the glaze to cover the chocolate.
Set on a wire rack to dry.
Mix remaining glaze with desired color or colors of food coloring. Use a fork to drizzle colored glaze on top of the cookies.

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.

Coco Seized its Moment at the Golden Globes

January 8, 2018

By D23 Team

Like all of us, the members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association couldn’t forget Disney•Pixar’s Coco. The stunning film was named Best Motion Picture, Animated during the 75th Golden Globe® Awards, which took place last night in Beverly Hills, California.

Director Lee Unkrich, co-director Adrian Molina, and producer Darla K. Anderson accepted the award on behalf of the film. Coco, which boasts dazzling animation and universal themes surrounding family and following your dreams, “would not exist without the incredible people of Mexico and their beautiful traditions of Día de Muertos,” noted Unkrich, who also expressed the filmmakers’ gratitude to “the loved ones that are no longer with us, who in ways great and small paved the way for us to be the people that we are today. We love you, we honor you, you inspire us.”

Disney•Pixar’s Coco has also received 13 Annie Award nominations.

Disney Legend Oprah Winfrey was also honored during last night’s Golden Globe Awards. Winfrey, who stars in the upcoming live-action feature adaptation Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time, which opens on March 9, received the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Cecil B. DeMille Award.

Visit GoldenGlobes.com to view the complete list of this year’s honorees.

Go Inside The VOID With the New Star Wars™: Secrets of the Empire Experience

January 5, 2018

By Jim Frye

Cue composer John Williams’ most-famous fanfare, because there’s never been a better time to be a Star Wars fan. A wealth of new and future films, TV shows, fan events, and theme park attractions based on their favorite far-away galaxy is enough to make a Gundark giddy. These include the recently released blockbuster film Star Wars: The Last Jedi and the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lands, scheduled to open in 2019 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.

But now, fans can step directly into the Star Wars universe with Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, a brand-new hyper-reality experience from ILMxLAB and The VOID, open now at Downtown Disney® District at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim and Disney Springs in Orlando. This groundbreaking, immersive hyper-reality experience pushes the boundaries of virtual reality further than it’s ever been.

“It’s like being in the movie,” says Cliff Plumer, CEO of The VOID, a recent participant in Disney’s Accelerator program. Specializing in hyper-reality environments, The VOID’s partnership with Lucasfilm’s ILMXLAB seemed like a natural fit. “When you enter Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, you’re in a scene you’ve only seen on the big screen, and you not only have a presence in this world, but you’re able to touch things and you’re able to smell things.” Guests might feel heat, they might feel cold, or they may smell burnt ashes—it’s all part of what The VOID calls hyper-reality, a multi-sensory approach to virtual reality technology.

Here’s how it works: In groups of four, guests enter the experience and are outfitted with the appropriate backpack and goggles before “stepping into” the world of Star Wars. They then move, roam, and interact with this new virtual world, while at the same time touching, feeling, and smelling the virtual environments.

“It creates more of a sense of presence than simply watching a movie or playing a video game,” Plumer says. “You’re ‘physically’ in this world. And then you can interact with iconic Star Wars characters.” Those characters include Alan Tudyk as K-2S0 and Diego Luna as Cassian Andor, from the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Both actors returned to voice the parts.

“For those of us at ILMxLAB, it was important to bring an authentic Star Wars story to life on the incredible technology platform The VOID is bringing to locations around the world,” says Mark Miller, ILMxLAB Executive Creative Producer. “Through this collaboration, our teams have been able not to just bring the galaxy to fans, but put them right inside of it, letting them truly be a part of the universe.”

Guests are part of a mission delivered by Captain Cassian Andor. Under orders of the budding rebellion, you and your friends will travel to the molten planet of Mustafar to recover Imperial intelligence vital to the rebellion’s survival. Alongside pragmatic droid K-2S0, your team must navigate through an enemy facility, walking into danger at every turn. Disguised as Stormtroopers, you’ll have a blaster, solve puzzles, and fight giant lava monsters.

“You’ll be able to smell Mustafar, and you’ll feel the heat coming off the lava fields,” Plumer says. “That’s what hyper-reality is like. You’ll freely move around these scenes, working as a team to accomplish your mission.”

“I’m not embarrassed to say that I’ve been a Star Wars geek since seeing the first film in 1977, and when I did, it changed my life,” says Plumer. “I went to film school and then got to work on Star Wars movies at Lucasfilm. I was an even an extra in one of the films. And I can say that when you’re in a Star Wars movie, there are lots of green screens and blue screens, but when you’re in Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, you’re in Star Wars—you’re in the world. For me, as a fan, it’s a dream come true.”

Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire opens at Downtown Disney in Anaheim on January 5. It opened in Florida at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort in December. Find ticket information and more for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire now at www.thevoid.com.

Watch the trailer here:

Mark Your 2018 Calendars with These Important Disney Dates!

January 4, 2018March 26, 2018

By D23 Team

The new year has arrived and, chances are, you’ve got a brand-spanking-new calendar that’s just waiting to be filled up. Well, we here at D23 have some can’t-miss events and openings that you’re going to want to plan your 2018 around. Here are some of the dates that we’re marking on our calendars and circling in red!

February 16: Marvel Studios’ Black Panther
We are so ready to journey to Wakanda and meet Marvel Studios’ latest Super Hero, Black Panther. Following the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Check out the trailer here, and we think you’ll be as excited as we are!

March 9: Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time
How exactly does one tesser, you might ask? Meg Murry (played by newcomer Storm Reid) provides the basics in this trailer, but A Wrinkle in Time, The Walt Disney Studios’ feature adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s classic novel, will take audiences through space and time in this new epic-adventure directed by Ava DuVernay. The film also stars Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey, and Mindy Kaling as Mrs. Whatist, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Who, respectively, as three spectacular celestial beings who guide Meg on a transformative journey through which we discover that strength comes from embracing one’s individuality and that the best way to triumph over fear is to travel by one’s own light.

April 13: Pixar Fest Begins at Disneyland Resort
It’s an Incredible year to be a Disney•Pixar fan (see below), and the fun begins on April 13, when Pixar Fest comes to the Disneyland Resort. The limited-time offering features the debut of an all-new fireworks spectacular, Together Forever—A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular, which celebrates friendship through an emotional journey through our favorite Pixar pairings. The Pixar Play Parade will also make its way to Disneyland park with new parade elements that include the iconic Pixar lamp, as well as characters from Up and Inside Out. Over in Disney California Adventure, take a “short” break at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land, which hosts the Pixar Shorts film festival, featuring rotating favorites such as For the Birds and Lava. Fans can also stop by Paradise Gardens to enjoy a new Pixar-themed musical troupe and Pixar character greeting opportunities.

May 4: Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War
Ten years after Nick Fury first recruited Iron Man into the Avengers Initiative, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes face off against the biggest foe they’ve ever fought in Avengers: Infinity War, hitting theaters May 4. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the heroic team behind Captain America: Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War, Infinity War presents a new danger that has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos, a despot of intergalactic infamy. First seen at the end of 2012’s Avengers, Thanos has been collecting the Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, that will enable him to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. It’s the biggest Super Hero film ever, and we can’t think of a better way to kick off a blockbuster summer. Hold on tight, because this is going to be big! See the trailer here.

May 25: Solo: A Star Wars Story
We haven’t yet heard much about the newest Star Wars standalone tale, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t circling our calendars for May 25, 2018… because we’re fairly certain it’s going to be seriously epic. Here’s what we do know: Alden Ehrenreich (Hail, Caesar!) stars as the lovable, fast-shooting scoundrel—and the film covers his early life, including shenanigans with soon-to-be close friend Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover). Directed by Ron Howard, Solo: A Star Wars Story also stars Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, Thandie Newton, and Paul Bettany. (And don’t worry: Chewbacca’s there, too!) Keep your eyes peeled on D23.com for more info about the film as it becomes available…

Summer: Pixar Pier
Coming this summer to Disney California Adventure Park, Pixar Pier will transform the southern shore of Paradise Bay at Disney California Adventure park with whimsical neighborhoods filled with characters from some of your favorite Pixar stories. The neighborhood inspired by The Incredibles will be anchored by the Incredicoaster, which will feature a new mid-century-modern-style loading area inspired by the Parr family home as seen in the upcoming Incredibles 2. In another neighborhood, each of the 24 gondolas on what is now Mickey’s Fun Wheel will feature different pairs of Pixar pals. And at the Games of the Boardwalk, all of the midway games will be inspired by characters from films such as a bug’s life, WALL·E, and the Pixar short La Luna.

Summer: Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort, Woody, Buzz, and all their friends from the Toy Story films are welcoming guests to Toy Story Land this summer. Guests will be “shrunk” to the size of a toy and invited into Andy’s backyard, where all Andy’s toy characters have been scattered. All ages will love the new Slinky Dog Dash family coaster, which dips, dashes, and dodges all around Toy Story Land, where you’ll see friends like Rex, Jessie, Sarge, and others. In addition to the coaster, you’ll be able to ride the Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania via a brand new entrance. Finish your trip to Andy’s backyard by grabbing a snack at Woody’s Lunch Box.

June 15: The Incredibles 2
The Incredibles are back–Mr. and Mrs. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter) with their daughter Violet (Sarah Vowell), son Dash (Huck Milner), and baby Jack-Jack—are picking up right where they left off in 2004. With Jack-Jack showing signs of even more new powers and with new villains springing up, the Parr family needs to pull out their masks and meet some new allies in order to save the world once again. Director Brad Bird returns to helm the film.

July 6: Ant-Man and the Wasp
Marvel’s smallest hero is ready for his biggest adventure yet as Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) returns for Ant-Man and the Wasp. After the events of Captain America: Civil War, Scott Lang is struggling with his responsibilities as both a Super Hero and a father when his old allies, Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), approach him with an urgent mission. And this time, Ant-Man won’t be going it alone—Hope is ready to don a suit of her own as The Wasp. Peyton Reed directs the film, which features familiar faces and several newcomers, including Michelle Pfeiffer and Laurence Fishburne.

November 2: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
E.T.A. Hoffman’s classic tale is a holiday favorite for so many, and director Lasse Hallström is bringing the story to the big screen this November 2. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms follows Clara (Mackenzie Foy), who is searching for a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box containing a priceless gift from her late mother. A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key—which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice, and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers, and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world. The film also stars Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy and features a special performance from dancer extraordinaire Misty Copeland.

November 21 (Thanksgiving): Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2
The filmmakers and star of 2012’s Wreck-It Ralph—director Rich Moore (Zootopia), producer Clark Spencer (Zootopia, Bolt), director/writer Phil Johnston (writer, Wreck-It Ralph, Zootopia), and actor John C. Reilly—are back for the further adventures of everyone’s favorite online hero. Reilly, who again lends his voice to the bad-guy-turned-good Ralph, will reunite with Sarah Silverman (as she reprises the role of Vanellope von Schweetz, the girl with the game-winning glitch) and Jack McBrayer (back as Fix-It Felix). And they’ll be joined by an all-new character, Yesss, voiced by Golden Globe® winner Taraji P. Henson (Hidden Figures, Empire). But that’s not all… as first announced at last year’s D23 Expo 2017, an incredible group of Disney Princesses will also lend their dulcet tones to a very special sequence in the film—including Auli‘i Cravalho (Moana), Kristen Bell (Anna in Frozen), Mandy Moore (Rapunzel in Tangled), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana in The Princess and the Frog), Irene Bedard (Pocahontas), Paige O’Hara (Belle in Beauty and the Beast), Jodi Benson (Ariel in The Little Mermaid), and more!

December 25: Mary Poppins Returns
Winds in the east, mist coming in… like something is brewing about to begin… Twenty-five years after she first arrived on the doorstep of the Banks family home, Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) returns to 17 Cherry Tree Lane. Michael Banks’ (Ben Whishaw) and his sister Jane (Emily Mortimer) try to raise his three children and keep their spirits up—as well as fix their finances as they face foreclosure on their home—but it’s nothing that a spoonful of sugar can’t help! With director Rob Marshall at the helm and the blessing of Disney Legend Julie Andrews, Mary Poppins Returns promises a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious adventure where anything can happen.

9 Must-Sees at Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts

January 4, 2018January 5, 2018

By Megan Deppe

Travel around the world in only five weeks to experience the ultimate celebration of food, art, and cultural entertainment! Between January 12 and February 19, Walt Disney World’s Epcot park is hosting the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, a perfect blend of art and culture from all around the world. And what better way to start off 2018 than by celebrating everything you love about the arts?

1. World-class Seminars and Workshops
Each week is jam-packed with unique opportunities to learn from the masters—festival guests can attend seminars and interactive workshops on everything from drawing animation, photography and the art of making topiaries to handcrafted calligraphy and storytelling drawings. Join esteemed professionals—each proficient in various disciplines—as they explain the basics behind their art.

2. Disney on Broadway Dining
You’re already singing Disney songs in your head, so why not enjoy them live after a delicious meal? Select Epcot restaurants will serve beautifully prepared meal options after which guests can attend star-studded concerts at the America Gardens Theatre with performers such as Alton Fitzgerald White, Ashley Brown, and Kara Lindsay. They’ll be belting out some of Disney’s greatest tunes, so be prepared to sing along. It’s show-stopping cuisine with a side of sizzlin’ Disney Broadway hits.

3. Figment’s Brush Scavenger Hunt
You can help Figment, our favorite purple dragon, learn all about art as you tour the World Showcase, and maybe you’ll pick up some cool facts yourself! You can get a map and stickers at Pin Central, Disney Traders, or World Traveler, and then search for Figment hiding inside famous works of art all over the World Showcase. Every time you find Figment, you can add a sticker to your map, and when you’ve finished, you may find a surprise waiting for you at Disney Traders.

4. Exciting Art Exhibits
Some of Disney’s most iconic artists will have pieces available at the The Art of Disney shop, where you can also take home original artwork from your favorite Disney films. Each Epcot pavilion will also feature exhibits of their own, including the Stave Church Gallery in Norway that represents the culture that influenced Disney’s Frozen, and the Mexico Folk Art Gallery that celebrates the traditions and artwork of Día de Muertos.

5. Culinary Artistry
If you’re feeling a bit peckish, you’ll discover an edible adventure with sessions such as The Deconstructed Dish, The Artist’s Table, and The Masterpiece Kitchen. You can even get tips on watermelon carving. Enjoy Festival-exclusive “food studios” all over the park alongside signature dining options, as well as workshops with professional kitchen artists. From pop-inspired art treats to Old World culinary delights, everyone will find something delicious to sink their teeth into while walking around the world.

6. Kidcot Stops for the Kids
Get your smallest traveler involved in the International Festival of the Arts with the Kidcot Fun Stops located all over Epcot. They can travel the world with Duffy, Mickey Mouse’s teddy bear made by Minnie—who loves to take pictures at all of the big landmarks. You can color your own cardboard Duffy at each Kidcot station, and also collect stamps from the international pavilions.

7. Community Arts Showcases
Stop by the America Gardens Theatre to catch some of the finest up-and-coming talent, including the Encore Cast Performing Arts, the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, and the Orlando REP Power Chords. It’s a showcase of professional virtuosity.

8. DestiNations Discovered Tour
Thanks to the DestiNations Discovered tour, you can take in 11 countries and 4,000 years of history in just five hours! Take a peek behind the scenes of several pavilions and become immersed in the architecture, landscapes and attractions of each country. The tour includes lunch at the Rose & Crown Dining Room for a delicious end to your international experience.

9. Art in Performance
Prepare for a visual treat as artists dream outside the box. All across Epcot, you can find renowned Disney artists creating their art live and in person. You’ll discover art on sidewalks, in common spaces, and in surprising spaces as well. And watch as statues inspired by Epcot come whimsically to life. Art leaps off the canvas and into the streets as you explore the fascinating artistic process.