How Did They Do That? Creating the Sounds For Porgs and Fathiers

December 26, 2017December 13, 2019

By Jim Frye

Mos Eisley spaceport, that “wretched hive of scum and villainy,” provided one of the most iconic scenes from the original Star Wars: A New Hope. Audiences were captivated by all the different creatures that had gathered there for cold drinks, socializing, and avoiding any “Imperial entanglements.” In the immortal words of Obi-Wan Kenobi, it was just our “first step into a larger world,” an entire galaxy of imaginative creatures just waiting to be discovered.

Of all the new characters and creatures introduced in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the latest chapter in the Skywalker saga, perhaps none are more memorable than those adorable little Porgs, the bird-like creatures who inhabit the islands on Ahch-To. With big, black eyes and fluffy feathery fur, the Porgs have been embraced by fans everywhere—even Chewie seems to like them.

Writer/director Rian Johnson tasked sound designer Ren Klyce with finding the perfect sounds for the Porgs. “That was one of the first sounds we were assigned to do,” says Klyce. “Rian gave us a bunch of adjectives as to what he didn’t want it to be. He didn’t want them to sound screechy, or irritating, or squawky. It was a matter of experimenting through four or five versions of the sound.”

He goes on: “At Skywalker Sound there’s a chicken coop with these little chickens, and Coya Elliott, our first assistant, went down and recorded those chickens. And then we took that sound and slowed it down and stretched it out and found little chirps.” They took those chirps and made subtle changes, then added in another sound.

“We found this man who releases doves at weddings,” says Klyce, “and we asked him to come down so we could record them.” Klyce and his team recorded the doves cooing, their wings flapping, and then added in an artificial turkey call from their intern. “So we have a little snippet of that [turkey call], a little bit of chicken, a little dove, and cut it all together.”

Another new species that required sound design were the Fathiers, the large furry animals that race around a track in the city of Canto Bight. “When we first got the artwork for them, I thought they kind of looked like goats,” says Klyce. “So we decided to go record some goats at a goat farm.”

He explains that the female goats are very docile and sweet, but the male goats can be very aggressive. “There’s a male goat in there that we recorded, then pitched the sound down and stretched it out—we call him Big Daddy,” Klyce says. “And then we added in the sound of bears—it’s a combination of different animal sounds.”

Re-Live These Ho-Ho-Home Video Classics from Disney Christmases Past

December 22, 2017January 8, 2018

By Beth Deitchman

Many Christmases ago—before the days of DisneyNOW… before the days of Movies Anywhere… even before the days of D23—Disney fans had a very different way of experiencing holiday specials on the small screen. Sure, we could watch them any time—after we sat through the rewinding process, if we were watching on VHS—but we couldn’t watch them just anywhere. We were “forced” to curl up on the couch, within remote control range of our DVD or VHS player, to watch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas for the umpteenth time (that year). Truly, there may have been no cozier tradition. We here at D23 took a gander at our collection of VHS tapes and DVDs and came up with this list of some of our favorites.

Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too (1991)
We first celebrated Christmas in the Hundred Acre Wood on December 14, 1991, when this Pooh-rific special debuted on ABC; it would be released on VHS in 1994. In the special, Winnie the Pooh and Piglet set out to retrieve Christopher Robin’s letter to Santa Claus, detailing all of the gang’s holiday wishes, because Pooh has forgotten to include what he wants most: hunny, naturally. When their plans don’t work out, Pooh decides to test out his own Santa skills… and Christmas chaos ensues.

A Goof Troop Christmas: Have Yourself a Goofy Little Christmas (1992)
Goofy wants to make the yuletide special for his son, Max, but his best-laid holiday plans—and decorations—always end rather goofily. As Max describes, “Every year we do the same thing—put up a ton of stuff and burn a turkey.” Max isn’t the only one who has had enough of Goofy’s merry mishaps: Pete is so determined to keep his neighbor from wrecking his Christmas that he packs up his family and heads to Asprin, Colorado. But when Max convinces his dad that father and son could use a break from tradition, a horrified Pete discovers that Goofy has followed him to Asprin. Goofy and Pete share some holiday cheer in the end, but along the way there are accidents galore, a blizzard, and a hungry bear. A Goof Troop Christmas reminds us that friendship, family, and a rousing reindeer dance can get us through any holiday challenge.

Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997)
Originally called Beauty and the Beast: Christmas Belle, this direct-to-video animated feature was released on November 11, 1997. The story is set in a Christmas past, when Belle is determined to bring a little holiday spirit and hope to Beast’s castle. She enlists the help of the household objects, including Angelique, a tree ornament that’s been stowed away in the attic—but they must first outmaneuver the evil pipe organ, Forte, who wants to prevent Beast from falling in love with Belle. Paige O’Hara (Belle), Robby Benson (Beast), Jerry Orbach (Lumiere), David Ogden Stiers (Cogsworth), and Angela Lansbury (Mrs. Potts) reprised their roles from the 1991 feature, and were joined by Bernadette Peters and Tim Curry, who voiced Angelique and Forte, respectively. At the time of the film’s premiere, Paige O’Hara told the Los Angeles Times, “Robby Benson and I are both so proud of these parts [we play]. We treated this one just as importantly as the first one. They took such care. Everyone had respect for the writing.”

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999)
This 70-minute film is comprised of three festive tales tied together by narration from actor Kelsey Grammer. In Donald Duck: Stuck on Christmas, Huey, Dewey, and Louie love the holiday so much that they wish upon a star for it to be Christmas every day, only to learn that it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Max questions Santa’s existence in A Very Goofy Christmas, and Goofy goes to great lengths—and heights—to prove to his son that St. Nick is really real. Mickey and Minnie’s Gift of the Magi brings a magical spin to an iconic holiday tale, as Mickey struggles to buy Minnie a chain for her watch as a Christmas gift, while she’s scrimping to put together enough money to give Mickey a case for his harmonica. The true gift they both give and receive proves to be the best gift of all: love.

Recess Christmas: Miracle on Third Street (2001)
This 2001 home video release is comprised of four episodes of the TV series Recess, which followed a quirky group of fourth graders navigating the school day. When Principal Prickly, Miss Grotke, and Finster are waylaid by a snowbank on their way home from school, their first instinct is to blame T.J. and the gang—which inspires them to share “favorite” memories of their nemeses, the Recess kids. But when T.J. and company end up coming to their rescue, the school administrators can’t help but acknowledge that they might have some warm feelings toward the group after all—good thing they don’t hear the kids in the grand finale, a rousing chorus that begins, “Jingle Bells, Prickly smells…”

Mickey’s Magical Christmas—Snowed in at the House of Mouse (2001)
Who wouldn’t want to spend Christmas at the House of Mouse, the amazing nightclub where characters from all around the worlds of Disney animation would gather to enjoy cartoon shorts, musical numbers, and emcee Mickey Mouse’s lively introductions? Gracious host that he is, Mickey invites his guests to enjoy a Christmas party at the House of Mouse while a snowstorm rages outside. To combat Donald Duck’s “Bah, Humbug!” spirit, Mickey decides to show the guests a series of classic cartoons: The Nutcracker, Donald on Ice, snippets from Mickey’s Christmas Crisis, Pluto’s Christmas Tree, and Mickey’s Christmas Carol. The direct-to-video film also included a brand-new song that details how being with family and friends makes for “The Best Christmas of All.”

Disney’s Sing Along Songs (Very Merry Christmas Songs) (2002)
The much-loved Sing Along Songs series received a holiday twist in this beloved video. With narration from actor Roscoe Lee Browne (Francis from Disney’s Oliver & Company), the 2002 release featured “The Best Christmas of All” from the aforementioned Mickey’s Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse, “As Long As There’s Christmas,” from Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas, as well as a song each from Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year and Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving—in addition to beloved carols. If you’ve never learned the full lyrics to “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” or “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth,” why not learn them with the help of Huey, Dewey, and Louie or Goofy and Max?

Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas (2004)
When this direct-to-video release debuted, it marked the first time that the Fab Five was presented in 3-D computer-generated animation. “Making the characters in 3-D is a challenge. Especially Mickey,” Matt O’Callaghan, director of Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas, told Disney Newsreel (a publication for employees of The Walt Disney Company) in 2004. “They are so beloved; everyone knows them and has expectations of what they should look like. Mickey’s been around for 75 years now, so we used the medium for what it could bring, such as lighting, camera angles, and textures, but we were careful to keep the classic sensibilities of the original cartoon characters.”

Fans were treated to five charming holiday stories, including Christmas Maximus, in which a college-age Max brings his girlfriend, Mona, home for the holidays to meet his dad. Max’s fears that Goofy will embarrass him shine through in the original song “Make Me Look Good,” which serves as a framing device for the vignette. The release also featured Christmas: Impossible, Donald’s Gift, Mickey’s Dog-Gone Christmas, and Belles on Ice, in which Minnie and Daisy go head to head in a figure skating competition. For the latter, world-renowned skater Michelle Kwan served as inspiration for the characters’ movements, but producer Pam Marsden said that inspiration for all of the stories in Twice Upon a Christmas was found closer to home. “People feel as if they know them, so you have to stay within certain characteristics. But they all have such unique personalities, so the characters actually drove the stories,” Marsden said.

If these classic DVDs aren’t already part of your library, you can find a number of them on shopDisney.com—and don’t forget to use your D23 Gold Member Discount. Do you have a holiday classic to add to our list? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter. And happy holidays from D23!

Snow White’s Seven Dwarfs… Which One Are You?

December 22, 2017November 26, 2019

By D23 Team

The holidays are the perfect time to enjoy the historic, heartwarming film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs… but this year, it’s truly special! The legendary animated feature—the first created by Walt Disney at his new studios—was released 80 years ago today, on December 21, 1937. Animation, and film in general, would never be the same.

The story unfolds like this: A beautiful young princess known as Snow White (the “fairest of them all”) seeks refuge in a nearby forest from the jealousy of her stepmother, the Wicked Queen. Thankfully, Snow comes upon a cozy home… and finds it belongs to seven delightfully quirky Dwarfs who pledge to do their best to keep her from harm. Drama and adventure ensue, and our heroine is felled by the queen—but ultimately, she’s saved by a handsome prince and “true love’s kiss,” and everyone lives happily ever after.

If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably wondered, “Magic mirror on the wall… which Dwarf am I most like?” We here at D23.com decided to find out once and for all… so “Heigh-Ho” your way into the quiz-mine, and then head over to Facebook and Twitter to let the world know!

This campaign has ended. Check out D23.com for more Disney fun!

Build Your Own Disney Holiday Sweater

December 22, 2017November 26, 2019

Is there anything better than putting on a cozy, quirky sweater during the holiday season? Upload one of your favorite photos below (this will work best with photos where you’re facing the camera straight-on) and create your own Disney holiday sweater using the stickers below!

This campaign has ended. Check out D23.com for more Disney fun!

The Chew’s Foolproof Gingerbread House

December 21, 2017March 26, 2018

Are you ready to create your own holiday masterpiece? Thanks to our friends at ABC’s The Chew for this easy-to-follow guide to building your own gingerbread house.

For more recipes and crafts, visit TheChew.com and tune in weekdays, 1 p.m. ET/12 p.m. CT/PT on ABC.

Servings: 4–6
15 to 30 minutes

Ingredients
Royal Icing:
1 pound confectioners’ sugar (plus additional for dusting)
3 tablespoons meringue powder
3/4 cups water

To Decorate:
1 store-bought gingerbread house
1–2 teaspoons blue food coloring
1–2 teaspoons red food coloring
1/2 cup store-bought chocolate frosting
1 1-pound bag chocolate nonpareils with white pearls
1 7-ounce bag jelly beans
1 13-ounce bag gumdrops
4 candy canes

Step-by-Step Directions

For the Royal Icing: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat together the sugar and meringue powder until combined. Add the water and beat at a medium speed until very glossy and stiff peaks form. Check for consistency of the icing; dip a spoon into the icing, the icing should fall off the spoon, forming ribbons, and settle into a flat surface again after 15 seconds. If the icing is too thick, add more water; if it’s too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar. Once you have found the correct consistency, divide the icing into thirds. Place two of the three thirds into medium bowls and remove the final third of the icing to a piping bag and snip the tip off.
In one of the bowls with icing, stir blue food coloring until combined. In the remaining bowl of icing stir in the red food coloring. Using a spatula, remove both icings to individual piping bags and snip the tips.
Place the chocolate icing in a piping bag and snip the tip.
Pipe the white royal icing onto the roof of the gingerbread house. Place the nonpareils on top of the icing in rows, creating shingles.
Pipe the blue icing all over the sides of the gingerbread house, leaving the door and windows bare. Even out the icing with a small offset spatula.
Pipe the red icing on the door of the gingerbread house and smooth out icing with small offset spatula.
Trace the outsides of the windows with the chocolate icing, leaving the insides bare. Pipe a cross pattern in the middle of each window frame.
Using the remaining white icing in the piping bag, on the edge of the roof pipe strands of white icing from the top of the roof downwards to create icicles.
Use the white icing to attach gumdrops and candy canes to decorate the house!

Tips

Crush up the candy canes and add the crumbles to give your gingerbread house a frosted, textured look!

Click here to see our entire recipe collection.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms Sneak Peek—Plus More in News Briefs

December 21, 2017December 26, 2017

By Courtney Potter

A special look at Disney’s Christmas 2018 film, and news about the new Cirque du Soleil show coming soon to Disney Springs … See more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Next Christmas, Visit The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

It’s a film that’ll debut in theaters Christmas 2018… we know—it’s a little ways off, but that just adds to the anticipation, right? And after you see this sumptuous trailer, above, we think you’ll agree.

Directed by Lasse Hallström, Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms takes you into E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic story like never before. All young Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key—a one-of-a-kind key that unlocks a box holding 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 item… 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. Also starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy and featuring a special performance by ballet star Misty Copeland, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms will pirouette onto a screen near you on November 2, 2018.

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 Member Night at Disney’s Aladdin at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre
February 20, 2018
D23 Member Night at Disney’s The Lion King in Orlando
Parks
November 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26 and 28. December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 22
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World Resort
November 10–January 7
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
January 12-February 19
Epcot International Festival of the Arts
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
December 1–25, 2017
Disney|ABC’s 25 Days of Christmas

Disney to Collaborate with Cirque du Soleil on New Show for Disney Springs

There’s probably no one better to create a mesmerizing show all about Disney animation than Cirque du Soleil. And, while we’re sad to see La Nouba (the current Cirque show at Disney Springs) take its final bow on New Year’s Eve, we’re extremely excited for what’s to come…

Nearly two decades after teaming up to bring La Nouba to the stage, Disney and Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group are now working together on a new collaboration! According to our pals over at Disney Parks Blog, this original show will pay homage to Disney’s rich history of animated films, with a vivid story told in a way that only Cirque du Soleil can deliver. “We are incredibly inspired by Disney’s immense creative universe,” explains Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. “We are convinced that bringing Disney’s magic to life on stage will touch audiences and bring them back to their childhood.”

Keep your eyes peeled for more information about this new show as it develops…

The Walt Disney Company to Acquire Certain Businesses of Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.

There was a big announcement from The Walt Disney Company last week… and in case you haven’t read too much about it, D23.com has the complete details.

Learn About Pixar Pier’s New Incredicoaster

Fans of The Incredibles, listen up! This summer, Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure (DCA) park will introduce the Incredicoaster—a new experience featuring characters from the 2004 animated film.

A super(hero) combination of character figures, lighting, and cool special effects will bring the action to life as the Parr family races alongside you in an attempt to catch baby Jack-Jack! In the video above, Imagineers working on the project give us a behind-the-scenes look at the Incredicoaster, and how they approach storytelling on a high-speed attraction.

Don’t miss your chance to race along with the Parrs at DCA in Summer 2018!

Ron Clements and John Musker Honored by Art Directors Guild

Amazing news for the directors of Disney favorites like Aladdin, The Princess and the Frog, and Moana… Just this week, the Art Directors Guild (ADG) announced it will present its prestigious William Cameron Menzies Award to the legendary, Oscar®-nominated filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker. The award—which recognizes the duo’s innovative artistic work on numerous beloved Disney animated features—will be presented at the ADG’s 22nd Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards on January 27, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland.

The ADG’s spotlight of Ron and John’s animation achievements is especially meaningful this year, as the guild will debut its new award category, Excellence in Production Design for an Animated Feature Film, in recognition of the growing importance of animated features. Additionally, Kathleen Kennedy, Oscar-nominated producer and president of Lucasfilm, will be honored with the 2018 Cinematic Imagery Award.

Congratulations all around!

Marvel Rising: The Next Generation of Marvel Heroes is Here!

We received a Marvel-related gift under the tree this week, with the recent announcement of a brand-new animation franchise. Marvel Rising is a multi-platform franchise starring the next generation of Marvel heroes—and it’s set to launch in 2018! The program will begin with six, four-minute digital shorts that spotlight Spider-Gwen with her new secret moniker, Ghost-Spider, and introduce audiences to the world of Marvel Rising.

Following the shorts, a feature-length animated film, Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors, will premiere later in 2018. Meet the characters—and all-star voice actors behind the all-new franchise, including Dove Cameron and BooBoo Stewart from Disney’s Descendants, as well as Chloe Bennet, Tyler Posey, and Kim Raver—in the video above.

Make Disney Magic at Home (and at Disney Parks) with 3.0 Connected Ear Hats

We’re officially in the future, y’all! Disney Parks now offers Bluetooth-enabled “Made with Magic: 3.0 Connected Ear Hats”—and they’re able to glimmer and shine both inside your favorite Disney park, as well as in your very own home… Isn’t technology grand?

The ears are the latest in a cool, colorful collection of accessories that light up (and flash to the beat) during popular nighttime shows at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. But this new hat interacts at home in an amazing never-before-seen way: By using the in-app Color Remote on the Shop Disney Parks app, guests can change the color and speed of the strobe effect on the hat’s ears. Plus, the app can also sync the hat with special TV broadcasts, including Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration, airing on ABC this Christmas morning, December 25.

You can find this new ear hat right now at select merchandise locations through Disney Parks, or by visiting ShopDisneyParks.com.

Most Impressive Star Wars Holiday Cards

December 21, 2017November 25, 2019

A 40-year-old tradition, the first Lucasfilm holiday card was sent the same year the world first met Luke, Leia, and Han. Over time, the cards have featured fan favorites from throughout the saga, including R2-D2, C-3PO, and even Jabba the Hutt! In the spirit of the season, our friends from a galaxy not so far, far away shared some of their favorites with us below… You can find even more intergalactic cheer over at StarWars.com.

lucasfilm christmas card — 1979 Lucasfilm: R2-D2 and C-3PO shed the musical instruments of 1978 to don more holiday appropriate garb for the 1979 Lucasfilm holiday card, illustrated by Ralph McQuarrie

8 Gifts to Give Yourself to Celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

December 21, 2017

By Megan Deppe

Eighty years ago today, Walt Disney presented his first animated feature to the world: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The film endures as a testament to the innovation and creativity that Disney represents, and what better way to celebrate such a milestone anniversary than with some special items inspired by the fairest of them all? As we continue to ring in this holiday season with a celebration of our first princess, we’ve selected 8 items that we think are perfect for the occasion.

This is also the perfect time to take advantage of the D23 Gold Member discount—up to 15 percent off of purchases of $65 or more!

1. Snow White Emily Tote by Dooney & Bourke
You can whistle on your way to work as you carry this special Snow White tote, especially when each purse features its own unique details!

2. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Tank
If a trip to a Disney park is in your near future, this is the perfect tank to wear during your visit. Created especially for Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, the tank will ensure that everyone knows exactly how you feel about being there! The stylish tank, part of the Disney Boutique collection, features a soft jersey knit and a vintage poster art design.

3. Snow White Apple Necklace—Cherry Quartz
Celebrate Snow White’s milestone anniversary in a subtle and beautiful way with this apple pendant with cherry quartz. Snow White’s signature red color and apple are delicately crafted to highlight your own royal qualities and elegance.

4. Art of Snow White Lithograph Set—Limited Edition
Celebrate one of the fairest stories in the land with a look at an assortment of artistic visions of Snow White, the Evil Queen, and other story characters. Part of a limited-edition set, 22 different pieces of artwork illustrate the many different sides of our first princess, allowing her magic to inspire you in new ways.

5. Snow White Apple Dress
Want to take some adorable, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs-themed photos on your next Disney trip? Wear this cute apple-patterned dress with blue accents and pockets—pockets!—both to send a fashion statement and to show your love for Disney’s first princess. The dress also features a special surprise—some apples include the profiles of the Seven Dwarfs!

6. Snow White “Once There Was a Princess” Giclée on Canvas by Alex Ross
Add some magical art to your home with a limited-edition canvas created by Alex Ross. The sinister and hopeful sides of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are both featured in the beautiful print that includes Snow White, all seven dwarfs, the Evil Queen and the Queen in her Witch disguise.

7. Snow White “Heart” Top for Tweens
You know that your tween is the fairest of them all, and this shirt tells the world that she has the “Heart of a Princess”! The stylish tee sparkles with rhinestone accents and features cold shoulder cut-outs and a handkerchief hem.

8. Art of Snow White Snowglobe
If you’re wishing for a gift any Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs fan will love, look no further than this intricate snow globe. This shimmering addition to any Snow White collection includes models of Snow White, the seven dwarfs, and their woodland friends atop the Evil Queen’s Heart Box, showcasing all our favorite parts of this beautiful fairy tale.

11 Stunning Snowfalls at Disney Parks Around the World

December 21, 2017January 8, 2018

By Nicole Nalty

Dreaming of a White Christmas? While it’s unlikely that snow will ever fall on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland or Magic Kingdom (besides the magic Disney snow, of course), some of the Disney Parks around the world are in chillier climates where snowfalls have made the merry season even more magical! Take a peek at these stunning images from Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, and even a special shot from the construction of Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream in Bremerhaven, Germany.

Disneyland Paris, December 2010

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Disneyland park — *Big Thunder Mountain Railroad*, Disneyland park

<em>Pirate Galleon</em>, Disneyland park — *Pirate Galleon*, Disneyland park

Tokyo Disney Resort, 2014

it’s a small world, Tokyo Disneyland — *it’s a small world*, Tokyo Disneyland

Castle Carrousel, Tokyo Disneyland — *Castle Carrousel*, Tokyo Disneyland

AquaSphere, Tokyo DisneySea — *AquaSphere*, Tokyo DisneySea

Journey to the Center of the Earth, Tokyo DisneySea — *Journey to the Center of the Earth*, Tokyo DisneySea

Toy Story Mania!, Tokyo DisneySea — *Toy Story Mania!,* Tokyo DisneySea

Disney Dream, 2010

Construction of Disney Dream, Bremerhaven, Germany, 2010 — Construction of *Disney Dream*, Bremerhaven, Germany, 2010

7 Movies to Watch at Christmastime that Aren’t About Christmas (Or Are They?)

December 20, 2017January 8, 2018

By Megan Deppe

It’s that time of year again: The snow is piling up outside, and all you want to do is snuggle under a blanket with some hot chocolate and watch some movies to get into the Christmas spirit. While holiday-themed movies such as The Santa Clause or A Christmas Carol may come to mind first, sometimes there are less traditional film options that feature just as much festive fun! This year, consider popping in one of these more unconventional holiday films!

1. Toy Story (1995)
While most of the film takes place during the summertime, there’s enough Christmas magic at the end of Toy Story to make it a perfect movie to watch during the holiday season. Before Andy’s birthday comes around again, the toys have to wait through another anxious time of unwrapping gifts, and Christmas marks the first time Buzz has ever faced the suspense. But, as Woody puts it, “What could Andy possibly get that is worse than you?” (Answer: a puppy.) The story revolves around themes of acceptance and friendship, and those are great to keep in mind throughout the holidays.

2. Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Lady and the Tramp is bookended by Christmas! Jim Dear presented Lady as a Christmas gift to Darling, wrapping the pup in a cute little bow and making us all wish there was a Lady under our Christmas tree. Then, at the end of the film, Lady and Tramp proudly present their adorable little puppies at another Christmas celebration, filling us with with an abundance of holiday happiness.

3. The Mighty Ducks (1992)
Now, just because a movie has ice sports in it does not mean that it takes place at Christmas. One exception to this rule is The Mighty Ducks, so no one will question you for watching it alongside your other Christmas movies! A highlight from the film is a sweet moment when coach Gordon takes Charlie’s mom on a date to the winter festival, which could serve as the perfect inspiration for you to bundle up and go look at Christmas lights yourself!

4. Iron Man 3 (2013)
Maybe a gigantic bunny isn’t the best Christmas present—but watching Iron Man 3 could be the best Christmas pastime. The film takes place at Christmastime, prompting said giant rabbit, snowfalls, and a very special fireworks show for Pepper. Though there’s really no need for an excuse to watch a Super Hero film at any time of year, it is nice to know that there’s an excellent reason to put it on your Christmas must-watch list.

5. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)
Narnia seems like a world made for a Christmas story: snow everywhere, magical creatures, and even a visit from Father Christmas. That’s right, Santa even visits Narnia for Christmas! Sure, all of the snow eventually melts away, but the magical side of Narnia is more than enough to make it an enjoyable Christmas film, even after everything turns green.

6. One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
Christmas really seems to be a wonderful time to get in the mood for puppies and happily-ever-afters. For an ample supply of both, we suggest that you re-watch One Hundred and One Dalmatians this holiday season! When Pongo and Perdita finally return home with the 99 puppies (all covered in soot), they come upon Roger, Anita, and Nanny decorating for Christmas. What a great present it must be to find 84 extra puppies in your living room!

7. Frozen (2013)
Considering the powers that the queen of Arendelle possesses, it’s easy to forget that this movie actually takes place during the summer. But if you want to watch a movie this holiday season that gets you ready to build a snowman and find someone worth melting for, Frozen is a great choice. Then, if you want to feel really festive, you can check out Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, where the story actually DOES take place during “that time of year.”