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.

The Last Jedi is an Unstoppable Force Around the World

January 2, 2018

By D23 Team

How many times have you seen Star Wars: The Last Jedi so far? We simply can’t get enough of the blockbuster film and its stellar cast and creative team. They’ve gone nearly all around the galaxy in celebration of the film, so we’ve put together a collection of some of our favorite moments from their travels. These are The Last Jedi photos you’re looking for.

Europe: The cast and crew of The Last Jedi gathered in London on December 12 to celebrate the premiere of the highly anticipated next chapter in the Skywalker saga, and also attended a photo call on December 13.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi premieres around the world — *The Last Jedi* cast: (L-R) Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux), Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma), Benicio Del Toro (DJ), Laura Dern (Vice Admiral Holdo), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Daisy Ridley (Rey), John Boyega (Finn), Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico), Oscar Isaac (Poe), Andy Serkis (Supreme Leader Snoke) and writer/director Rian Johnson gather behind BB-8.

Los Angeles: In Los Angeles, California, the cast and crew gathered on December 3 for a press event in Los Angeles prior to the December 9 red-carpet World Premiere at the Shrine Auditorium.

Tokyo: The cast and filmmakers hosted a special red-carpet premiere and fan event at Roppongi Hills in Tokyo, Japan, on December 6, followed by a press conference on December 7.

China: Stars Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley, along with writer/director Rian Johnson and producer Ram Bergman, greeted fans at the China premiere of Star Wars: The Last Jedi in the Walt Disney Grand Theatre at the Shanghai Disney Resort. The film opens in China on January 5, 2018.

13 Disney Songs to Inspire Your Best Year Yet

December 29, 2017

By Megan Deppe

As the year draws to a close, you’re probably getting excited to make big changes for 2018. You’re compiling New Year’s resolutions, stocking up on healthy foods, and maybe even planning a huge life change, like moving to a new state or starting a new job. Sometimes going through major changes can be scary and you look for ways to keep up your spirits while you’re making them. What better way to inspire yourself and get a burst of confidence than by belting out one of these uplifting Disney songs?

“On My Way”—Brother Bear
There are very few Disney films that embody the spirit of change and moving forward the way that Brother Bear does, and the theme song for Kenai and Koda’s journey is a great tune to carry you through this year. “On My Way” provides an air of excitement for the journey you take and reminds you that holding your head high is always a good resolution!

Inspiring Lyric:
“Not the snow, not the rain can change my mind
The sun will come out, wait and see
And the feeling of the wind in your face can lift your heart
Oh there’s nowhere I would rather be”

“He Lives in You”—The Lion King (Broadway) / The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride
This is an excellent song to inspire you to lean on the people who “live in you” and stand behind you; or you can also think about the force within that will guide you through your biggest challenges. Either way, this song is perfect for a new year.

Inspiring Lyric:
“Wait, there’s no mountain too great
Hear these words and have faith
Have faith”

“Go the Distance”—Hercules
No list of inspiring songs would be complete without this number from a character who goes on quite a journey. When you make a change in your life, it’s easy to feel like you don’t quite belong at first, or that you’re still searching for something. “Go the Distance” is the perfect song to belt out in the car at moments like this, and remind yourself that you can—and will—do whatever it takes to achieve what you have set your mind to this year.

Inspiring Lyric:
“I am on my way
I can go the distance
I don’t care how far
Somehow I’ll be strong
I know every mile will be worth my while”

“Anything Can Happen”—Mary Poppins (Broadway)
“Anything Can Happen” to you this year, as long as you open yourself up to it. When you’re on the verge of making that big life change, it’s important to remember how many opportunities are available to you and how limitless your possibilities are. Always trust Mary Poppins—remember, she’s “practically perfect.”

Inspiring Lyric:
“Anything can happen if you let it
Life is out there waiting, so go and get it
Grab it by the collar
Seize it by the scruff
Once you’ve started living life you just can’t get enough”

“Home”—Beauty and the Beast (Broadway)
When you make your New Year’s resolution, you have to prepare for it to be hard—the best resolutions usually are. Belle sings “Home” when she recognizes that she can’t reverse time, she can only move forward—and that’s advice as old as time.

Inspiring Lyric:
What I’d give to return to the life that I knew lately
But I know that I can’t solve my problems going back”

“Circle of Life”—The Lion King
This awe-inspiring opening number reminds us that there is such a wide world out there, and everything we do in our lives is part of that circle. The lyrics to “Circle of Life” are perfect to sum up your new challenges, look to the future, and maybe even inspire you to add to your resolution by “doing more than can be done.”

Inspiring Lyric:
“There is more to see than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done…
There’s far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found”

“Out There”—The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Quasimodo’s ballad might inspire you to be ready to explore and take in all of the beauty of a whole new world (sorry, wrong song)—and it also reminds us of what a privilege it is to be exploring all.

Inspiring Lyric:
“And out there living in the sun
Give me one day out there, all I ask is one
To hold forever
Out there where they all live unaware
What I’d give, what I’d dare
Just to live one day out there”

“A World Without Fences”—Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure
“A World Without Fences” focuses on Lady and Tramp’s son, Scamp, who dreams of being free to explore and be himself. It’s the perfect song to inspire you to break through any walls that you feel might be holding you back.

Inspiring Lyric:
“No walls and no boundaries
Where I can be free
A world without walls and fences
That’s exactly where I want to be”

“Always There”—Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure
“Always There” is the perfect reminder that sometimes making a large change can be scary and lonely, and there’s nothing wrong with needing to call your Mom and Dad. They may be able to provide just the push you need to make your New Year’s resolution a reality.

Inspiring Lyric:
“Always there to catch you when you’re falling
Always there to stand you up again…
With endless love to share
Love that will follow you everywhere”

“How Far I’ll Go”—Moana
As one of Disney’s newest shout-from-rooftops musical numbers, “How Far I’ll Go” is a great song to kick off a drive to a new school or a cross-country road trip. It fully encompasses the idea of adventure, of not knowing what lies in store—and the excitement to meet that challenge anyway.

Inspiring Lyric:
“If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me
One day, I’ll know
If I go, there’s just no telling how far I’ll go”

“When Will My Life Begin (Reprise 2)–Tangled
This beloved song’s reprise comes at the moment when Rapunzel chooses to leave her tower—a big life change, if ever there were one, and one that is both frightening and wonderful.

Inspiring Lyric:
“Look at the world
So close, and I’m halfway to it
Look at it all, so big
Do I even dare?
Look at me, there at last
I just have to do it”

“Try Everything”—Zootopia
In Zootopia, “Try Everything” serves as Judy Hopps’ soundtrack while she watches everything she has ever known change right before her eyes. Doesn’t everyone wish that all big life changes could transpire like a stirring musical montage?

Inspiring Lyric:
“I won’t give up, no, I won’t give in
Til I reach the end
And then I’ll start again…
I want to try everything
I want to try even though I could fail”

“Let It Go”—Frozen
You may not be able to create an ice palace, but if you listen to the words of “Let It Go,” you just might gain the courage to do what you once told yourself was impossible. What better way to start off the New Year than by “letting go” of the past?

Inspiring Lyric:
“It’s time to see what I can do
To test the limits and break through
No right, no wrong, no rules for me
I’m free”

5 Amazing Easter Eggs in Olaf’s Frozen Adventure

December 29, 2017

By Courtney Potter

The holly-jolly featurette Olaf’s Frozen Adventure found the merriest snowman on the planet (voice of Josh Gad) searching high and low in Arendelle for the perfect holiday tradition to pass along to his best friends, Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) and Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel).

Besides the gorgeous visuals, the nifty songs, and the chance to revisit such beloved characters, the featurette also contains some very fun surprises you might have missed! Our pals over at Walt Disney Animation Studios recently clued us in to several Disney-related “Easter eggs” you may not have caught the first time ‘round… and now that the featurette is available on digital HD platforms like Movies Anywhere and iTunes, it’s the ideal opportunity to take another look!

Here are our five favorites:

Prep & Landing’s Lanny and Wayne
As you may know, the directors of Olaf’s Frozen Adventure—Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton—also directed the adorable 2009 holiday TV special Prep & Landing (and its sequel, Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice). So of course the special’s stars, Lanny and Wayne, had to end up in their most recent project! Here they are as wood carvings on the mantel of a family Olaf is visiting to get some “holiday tradition” tips.

Nessie from The Ballad of Nessie
Deters and Wermers-Skelton also directed the 2011 Walt Disney Animation Studios short film The Ballad of Nessie, which tells the origin story of the Loch Ness Monster. Here, you can see the film’s lead character, the adorable Nessie, as a toy in Olaf’s sleigh.

Moana’s Canoe… in a Bottle!
You’ve heard of ships in a bottle… but what about canoes? (How do they get them in there, anyway?) During the song “That Time of Year,” Olaf can be seen rollicking with a boat-bound family whose mantel features a very special “canoe in a bottle”… namely, the one belonging to Moana in Disney’s 2016 animated hit of the same name.

Anna and Elsa’s Dolls from Frozen
Remember, in the original Frozen, how cute it was that little Anna and little Elsa had dolls that looked like them? Well those dolls also appear in Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, on a shelf in a young girl’s room. (Also, can we talk about how many gifts this kid is hiding? Hilarious!)

Baymax’s Rocket Fist from Big Hero 6
“On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your holiday traditions?” Disney’s Oscar®-winning Big Hero 6 was produced by longtime Disney animator Roy Conli… who also happened to produce Olaf’s Frozen Adventure! Naturally, Baymax had to make an appearance—in the form of his rocket fist, seen on Olaf’s sleigh.

Every Epic Disney Thing that Happened in 2017

December 28, 2017March 26, 2018

By D23 Team

As 2017 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to look back at some of the most magical Disney memories from this past year. We experienced brand-new immersive attractions at Disney parks around the world, and we were thrilled by blockbuster feature debuts at multiplexes close to home. The last 12 months were marked by milestone anniversaries, and a three-day fan event that went above and beyond all Expo-tations. With a year such as this, we can’t wait to see what 2018 has in store! Here are some of our favorite moments from 2017:

January 11: Iron Man Experience
Disney kicked off 2017 by opening its first Marvel-themed attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland. Guests can explore Tony Stark’s innovations up close and take flight in an Iron Wing, enjoy a personal encounter with Iron Man himself, and get the chance to channel their inner Avenger through the interactive game Become Iron Man.

February 26: Academy Award® Winners
Zootopia, the 2016 film about a mammal metropolis where “anyone can be anything,” became an Oscar® winner when the film was honored for best Animated Feature. The little bird who stole our hearts also won the hearts of Academy members, who voted Piper best Short Film (animated); and The Jungle Book took home an award for its innovative Visual Effects, after the film made us believe that we were really in a jungle, surrounded by wild animals.

March 17: Beauty and the Beast Opens in Theaters
There were new twists on the tale as old as time when Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast graced our screens. Starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Josh Gad, and Luke Evans, we traveled deep into the “mysterious heart of France” as we returned to the beloved story of a beauty who learned to love a beast.

May 5: Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Opens in Theaters
Our favorite gang of meteoric misfits flew back into our lives in May, ready to save the Galaxy once more. Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, and Vin Diesel all reprised their roles from the original film, with Kurt Russell and Pom Klementieff rounding out the cast of this action-packed adventure through space.

May: A Magical Month at Disney Parks
The Happily Ever After fireworks spectacular at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park debuted on May 12, combining the most innovative projection mapping technology with scenes from Moana, Big Hero 6, and Zootopia to take guests on an emotional journey with favorite characters as they pursue of their dreams.

On May 24, Pandora – The World of Avatar was dedicated in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, ahead of its official opening on May 27. The brand-new land immerses guests in the alien planet of Pandora, which features a bioluminescent forest that comes alive after sunset, and breathtaking, wondrous floating mountains. Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT! also opened on May 27 at Disney California Adventure, giving guests the opportunity to help the Guardians of the Galaxy break free from the hold of The Collector.

June 16: Shanghai Disney Resort Celebrates its First Anniversary
From the largest Disney castle ever built to innovative attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Shanghai Disney Resort had much to celebrate this June when the resort marked its one-year anniversary. Shanghai Disneyland attractions were honored by the Themed Entertainment Association and Visual Effects Society, the park welcomed more than 11 million guests in its first year, and its first post-opening expansion, Disney Toy Story Land, is set to open on April 26, 2018.

July 14: Disney Legends 30th Anniversary
The Disney Legends Awards honor the remarkable people who’ve helped form Disney into the magical company it is today, from actors and animators to Imagineers. 2017 marked the Disney Legends program’s 30th anniversary, and a new class of Legends that included Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Julie Wayne Jackson, Stan Lee, and Oprah Winfrey joined the prestigious group. In addition to the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, which kicked off D23 Expo 2017, D23 also celebrated the spectacular milestone with a special issue of Disney twenty-three.

July 14–16: D23 Expo 2017
The bi-annual D23 Expo treated Disney’s biggest fans to showcases, sneak peeks, and presentations from all corners of The Walt Disney Company, highlighting Disney’s past, present, and future. Eleven new Disney Legends were inducted, audiences got a first look at Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War, and Josh Gad crashed a party of Disney princesses as he joined the actresses who have lent their voices to some of Disney’s most iconic royal roles for a fabulous photo-op following the debut of a scene from the upcoming Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2.

July 21: Descendants 2 Premieres
Audiences returned to Auradon and the Isle of the Lost when the sequel to Disney Channel’s Original Movie Descendants debuted in an unprecedented six-network simulcast on Disney Channel, ABC, Disney XD, Freeform, Lifetime, and Lifetime Movies. The TV-film reached 13 million total viewers, becoming the No. 1 cable TV telecast since the original film aired in 2015.

August 12: A Brand-New DuckTales Movie—Woo-oo!
Woo-oo! That’s not just a Duckburg superlative, it’s also the name of the one-hour television movie that heralded the return of everyone’s favorite family of ducks. The fan-favorite series DuckTales celebrated its return to television with the TV movie’s premiere in August, followed by the debut of the series’ first two episodes in September.

October 1: Epcot’s 35th Anniversary
Epcot park celebrated its 35th anniversary with a special ceremony featuring Disney characters, performances by musical acts Voice of Liberty and the Mariachi Cobre—who debuted when the theme park opened on October 1, 1982—and, fittingly, a look to the future. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has announced a new restaurant for the Mission: SPACE pavilion, two new attractions inspired by the Ratatouille and the Guardians of the Galaxy films, and an updated Circle-Vision film for the China pavilion in World Showcase. D23 couldn’t help but join in the fun through our monthlong Fanniversary, which celebrated Epcot’s 35th anniversary with exclusive content and special events throughout October.

November 3: Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok Opens in Theaters
We returned to the magic of Gods and wonders of other worlds when Marvel Studios released the third film for the God of Thunder. Directed by Taika Waititi, Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok followed the title character and his “friends from work” through a comedic space adventure to stop Hela, the goddess of death, from completely destroying Thor’s home planet of Asgard. Thor was reunited with his Avengers buddy Bruce Banner, AKA the Hulk, bringing the big green giant back to the screen after his disappearance in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

November 8: Grey’s Anatomy Broadcasts its 300th Episode
After 12 years, the doctors of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital celebrated an impressive milestone that few broadcast dramas reach: 300 episodes. Characters have come and gone, but Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) remains a relatable character who has guided the series’ fans through the ups and downs of love and heartbreak.

November 13: The Lion King Celebrates 20 Years on Broadway
The “Circle of Life” continues onstage as the cast of The Lion King celebrated 20 years on the Broadway stage on November 13. To mark the anniversary, Tony®-nominated composer Elton John took to the stage for a surprise performance of the iconic song “Circle of Life” during a special event held at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City on November 5.

November 14: Mark Hamill Surprises Star Tours
The Force was strong for a group of fans on the Star Tours attraction at Disneyland park when they were surprised by a visit from actor Mark Hamill—none other than Luke Skywalker himself. Hamill recounted for them how he dreamed as a little kid about one day working at Disneyland. He then joined the thrilled guests for a Star Tours journey, giving them the dream-come-true moment of flying alongside the Jedi master.

November 21: Jordan Fisher Wins Dancing with the Stars
Singer and huge Disney fan, Jordan Fisher (who you definitely heard on the Moana soundtrack as well as the theme song for Happily Ever After) was named Season 25 champion on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Fisher took home the Mirrorball trophy with his pro partner, Lindsay Arnold, after the pair received perfect scores on their final two dances.

November 22: Coco Opens in Theaters
Disney•Pixar’s newest film Coco opened in November, telling the story of Miguel’s musical dreams and his journey through the Land of the Dead on Día de los Muertos. The stunningly vibrant film not only explored the rich culture of Mexico, it also celebrated family in the most heartwarming ways possible. Coco has been nominated for two Golden Globe awards: Best Motion Picture, Animated and Best Original Song, Motion Picture for “Remember Me.”

November 29: Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War Trailer Debuts
The culmination of a decade of Marvel Studios’ films arrived in the form of the Avengers: Infinity War trailer that debuted on November 29. We lost count of the super heroes who are featured in the two-and-a-half-minute trailer, but the list includes Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Falcon (Anthony Mackie), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), and more. Avengers: Infinity War opens in U.S. theaters on May 4, 2018.

December 15: Star Wars: The Last Jedi Opens in Theaters
The latest installment of the Star Wars franchise flew into theaters at lightspeed on December 15, continuing the adventures of scavenger Rey, ex-Stormtrooper Finn, and Resistance pilot Poe Dameron, alongside fan-favorites Luke Skywalker and General Leia Organa—and introducing fans to new faces from a galaxy far, far away, such as Rose Tico, Vice Admiral Holdo, and Ahch-To’s adorable avians, the Porgs.

Another Thrilling Look at Marvel Studios’ Black Panther

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

Coco Wins Big at Golden Globes

Latest A Wrinkle in Time Trailer Dazzles and Delights

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Disney Launches Sixth Annual Magic of Storytelling Campaign

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

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