25 Days of Christmas Goes Bigger than Ever—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

The popular holiday programming event expands, and learn how you can celebrate Mickey Mouse’s upcoming birthday… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

25 Days of Christmas Expands Across All Disney|ABC Channels

Okay, we know. We just finished Halloween. But the networks of Disney|ABC are doubling-down on holiday-themed TV—and honestly, we can’t wait!

We’ve been fans of Freeform’s beloved 25 Days of Christmas programming event for years… and in 2017, it’s growing by leaps and bounds! Beginning December 1, the event expands across all Disney|ABC Television Group networks to create the ultimate fan-favorite holiday celebration! ABC, Freeform, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, and Radio Disney will all be airing holiday-themed programming and entertainment for the whole family throughout December, leading up to Christmas Day.

Viewers can ring in the season with festive specials, including Freeform’s first original Christmas movie, Angry Angel, starring Brenda Song and Jason Biggs; classic holiday movies such as The Santa Clause and Mickey’s Christmas Carol; and returning favorites like ABC’s Prep and Landing, The Great Christmas Light Fight, and The Great American Baking Show. Plus, don’t miss holiday-themed episodes of black-ish, Modern Family, The Mayor, Speechless, Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Sofia the First, and more.

So hang up those stockings (go on, be the first on your block!) and take a look at the full schedule here.

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

October 29, 2017
D23’s Spooky Screening Series: Halloweentown on The Walt Disney Studios Lot
November 17, 2017
Lunch with a Disney Legend: Russi Taylor
November 18, 2017
D23’s Magical Screening Series: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in Florida
November 18, 2017
Mickey’s of Glendale—Orlando Shopping Event
November 18, 2017
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23
November 26, 2017
Join D23 at the Saks Holiday Breakfast with Snow White
December 6, 2017
D23’s Holidays in Hollywood
December 10, 2017
D23’s Light Up the Season
December 10, 2017
D23’s Holiday Shopping Day at Mickey’s of Glendale
February 2, 2018
D23 Member Night at Disney’s Aladdin at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre
Parks
August 31-November 13, 2017
Epcot Food & Wine Festival
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
December 16
Star Wars: Galactic Nights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
2019
Star Wars-Themed Lands Opening at Disneyland and Walt Disney World
Studios
November 3, 2017
Thor: Ragnarok opens in theaters
November 22, 2017
Coco opens in theaters
December 15, 2017
Star Wars: The Last Jedi opens in theaters
February 16, 2018
Marvel Studios’ Black Panther opens in U.S. theaters
Television
November 20, 2017
Big Hero 6 The Series launches with a one-hour movie on Disney XD and Disney Channel (8 p.m. ET)
December 1–25, 2017
Disney|ABC’s 25 Days of Christmas

#HappyBirthdayMickey button

Celebrate Mickey’s Birthday on November 18!

Who’s the leader of the club that’s made for you and me, and has a big birthday coming up in just a few weeks? Why, it’s Mickey Mouse, of course! If you’re looking for a way to celebrate this truly auspicious occasion, check out D23’s rundown of the special events and fun experiences in store leading up to November 18.

Meet the Stars of Broadway’s Frozen

From the moment in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2013 animated film Frozen when Arendelle’s princesses, Elsa and Anna, decided to build a snowman, Disney fans fell in love with the sisters. And now fans will find themselves equally enamored with the actresses who will be bringing the characters to life on the Broadway stage—Caissie Levy and Patti Murin, who play Elsa and Anna, respectively.

Meet Caissie and Patti in this new video from Disney On Broadway’s YouTube. “They really feel like sisters,” enthuses Jennifer Lee, director of the film, who has written the book for the Frozen musical. You can see the bond between the two actresses here now, and at the legendary St. James Theatre in New York beginning February 2018. Visit FrozenTheMusical.com for more details and ticketing information.

Pixar Fest

Coming Soon to Disneyland Resort: Pixar Fest, Pixar Pier, and New Hotel  

There were several big announcements, late last week, from our pals at Disneyland Resort—and all three are quite historic! Pixar Fest, a colorful celebration of all things Disney•Pixar, kicks off at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks in 2018, while a brand-new hotel is set to debut in 2021 right near Downtown Disney. Read more about Pixar Fest here, Pixar Pier here, and check out some early plans for the hotel right here.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line Expands San Diego Season and Returns to Tropical Faves

Great news for fans of “sailing the ocean blue”… In early 2019, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) will make its big return to favorite destinations on a variety of itineraries, including an expanded two-month season from San Diego; plus, guests can choose from a plethora of options to the Bahamas and Caribbean (from Florida ports), as well as cruises to the Caribbean from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Tropical locales and endless amounts of Disney magic—what more could you need in a “vacay”?

The Disney Wonder returns to San Diego for an extended season from March to May 2019, with a variety of cruises to Mexico—where DCL guests can enjoy all the colorful culture, pristine beaches, and exciting water activities the area is known for.

And in January 2019, three special Disney Wonder cruises from San Juan sail to the Southern Caribbean, visiting renowned tropical destinations. And with several Disney ships in port (and cruise lengths spanning three, four, and seven nights), vacationers looking for a getaway in early 2019 have a massive menu of options from Port Canaveral, near Orlando. And of course, each of these sailings include a day at DCL’s exclusive private island, Castaway Cay.

For more information, visit disneycruise.com. Bon voyage!

SpectacuLAB

The SpectacuLAB Comes to Epcot This Month

There’s a cool new show coming to Walt Disney World this month… Epcot’s Innoventions will soon welcome The SpectacuLAB—an engaging new interactive show in which guests will join a group of real scientists (and their tech-savvy intern) for a series of cool experiments that put scientific principles like acceleration and ultrasonic pressure to the test.

Through this fascinating new presentation, Epcot guests of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in the demos—and to discover how each principle has inspired amazing technologies we enjoy today. To bring The SpectacuLAB to life, Walt Disney World is collaborating with sponsor Murata, a global leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of advanced electronic components, as well as with Science from Scientists, a nonprofit organization that aims to improve STEM literacy at schools.

Have your proverbial lab coats at the ready—The SpectacuLAB opens for science-y business soon.

5 Things We Love About Wreck-It Ralph

By Megan Deppe

Five years ago today, a video-game villain won his way into our hearts, as hardcore gamers and control-stick-novices fell in love with the bad guy who wanted to be good in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ vibrant feature set in the world of arcade gaming. The film’s sequel, Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2, hits theaters in November 2018. As we gear up to revisit Ralph and glitch-turned-princess Vanellope von Schweetz in their new adventure, we’re celebrating the film’s anniversary today with a list of everything we love about Wreck-It Ralph.

Wreck-It Ralph

1. Gamer Nerd Details
Even if you can’t tell your PAC-MAN from your Q*bert, you have to appreciate the attention to detail that went into making the movie a gamer’s paradise. From watching the characters from Fix-It Felix move in eight-bit formation and catching glimpses of your favorite childhood games, to cheat codes and power-ups as plot twists, even a gaming novice can feel at home in the video game world created for the film.

Wreck-It Ralph

2. Leveled-Up Characters
Ralph and his gang are more than the code that brings them to life in the game. Ralph was designed to be the bad guy, but he’s a good guy at heart—who isn’t beyond resorting to some villainous tactics to achieve his goal, such as stealing a medal and destroying the landscapes of games that aren’t his. You can’t help but root for the spirited underdog Vanellope, but she can be sassy and always does whatever it takes to be in the race. The characters aren’t perfect, but they work at becoming better versions of themselves, showing us that there’s no one we should rather be than “me.”

Wreck-It Ralph

3. Epic Musical Sequences
Music is such a part of Disney’s movie magic and this film is no exception, from the upbeat, pump-up music that energizes Vanellope as she learns how to drive, to the Skrillex montage in Hero’s Duty that nearly inspires us to fight the cy-bugs. And who among us had Owl City’s “When Can I See You Again?” on their playlist even before they first saw Paint the Night parade?

Wreck-It Ralph

4. Love Conquers All
One fixes things… one blasts everything that moves. Is there any couple more adorably mismatched than Fix-It Felix and Sergeant Calhoun? They’re able to see past their differences and find qualities to appreciate in each other, such as Felix’s determination and Calhoun’s no-nonsense attitude. It doesn’t matter whether they’re victorious in the gaming world—each has won the other’s heart.

Wreck-It Ralph

5. Cheat Codes
“I’m bad, and that’s good. I will never be good, and that’s not bad. There’s no one I’d rather be than me.” Ralph comes to learn that everyone has something to offer, and there may be no more powerful lesson than accepting who you are.

Getting to Know the Villains of Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok

By Jim Frye

Great movies need great villains. Marvel Studios’ original Thor film gave us one of our most memorable—and beloved—villains ever to terrorize the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Loki, God of Mischief, brother of Thor, and an über troublemaker. Played by Tom Hiddleston, Loki quickly became a fan favorite, helped, in large part, by his sympathetic and complex family history—adopted into a royal family but never equal to his older brother, Thor. Fueled by jealousy, rage, and hurt, Loki mounted an all-out assault on Earth in 2012’s Marvel Studios blockbuster Marvel’s The Avengers. Who can forget his unceremonious pounding by the Hulk, where he was swung and smashed around by his ankles? Ouch.

Fans rejoice, because Loki is back in Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, bringing with him all the wit, humor and mischief he’s known for, although, perhaps, not quite as much treachery this time. This third offering from the Thor franchise is a fresh, funny take on the classic Norse royal family, giving us new villains to fight and old family squabbles to settle. As Marvel Studios President and Producer Kevin Feige explains, “Thor’s supporting characters, his villain roster, and the family drama that comes between Loki and Odin really gives us some of the richest story lines with any of the Marvel characters. With a third Thor adventure, we wanted to do something very, very different from Thor: The Dark World, with new characters, new villains and new locations for this new adventure. We love surprising audiences with how the tone of a franchise can change.”

Loki

LOKI
The situation: Disguised as his father, Odin, Loki has taken over Asgard as its king. However, when Hela makes her terrifying grand entrance, Loki must use his silver tongue and skill with a blade to battle for his own survival.

Hiddleston describes Loki as a mercurial character. “I’ve spent six or seven years of my life trying to get to the bottom of what exactly it is that he wants,” he says. “When he seems to get close to what he wants—power, acceptance, belonging—he changes direction. I think that is the thing that keeps him interesting in a way. He’s cunning and transformative and changeable, and will do everything he can to survive. He’s the trickster. He’s the God of Mischief.”

He adds, “When I put on the costume, the makeup, and wig for the first time for this film and looked in the mirror, I thought to myself, ‘Wow, there he is.’ It was like seeing an old friend. It was good to see him, in a way. I feel like I know him.”

Of course, it all comes back to the rivalry and strained relationship between Thor and Loki, a Shakespearean struggle of epic proportions. “For Thor and Loki, the stakes are so high in this story,” says Hiddleston. “All of the things that have anchored them to their own reality are gone. They are completely out of their depth, out of their element. I like the idea that Thor and Loki, the protagonist and the antagonist, these eternally warring brothers, are thrown into hot water together and have to somehow overcome their differences, or at least acknowledge their differences, to try to save Asgard.”

Hela

HELA
The situation: Hela’s power is unlike anything else in the Nine Realms. Armed with the ability to unleash unlimited weapons in astounding and deadly ways, Hela is now back to seek vengeance on those who cast her out. With a mysterious and savage army at her side, Hela intends to usher in a new era of cold brutality for Asgard and the universe at large.

Portrayed by Oscar®-winning actress Cate Blanchett, Hela is the first lead female villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and casts a large and fearsome shadow across Asgard. She even manages to destroy Thor’s beloved hammer. “I got a call from my agent who said that Kevin Feige wanted to send me a package,” says Blanchett. “I was trying to play cool, but I was so excited because you don’t get offered these things very often. Then after doing a little bit of research, I realized that there hadn’t yet been a female villainess in one of the Marvel movies before. I felt the role could be really exciting.”

Bringing Hela to life on screen was a collaboration between Blanchett and the director, Taika Waititi. “I liked that Taika was really open to all the possibilities of her,” says Blanchett. “We agreed that we didn’t want her to be predictable, and we were open to the random sides of her. She’s not simply sinister. She also sometimes doesn’t want to kill people. There’s a bit of mischief in there and playfulness.”

“She’s destroyed the idea of your typical villain,” says Waititi. “She’s not only strong and all of that and beautiful but she’s also funny. And she’s also flawed. She has layers; she’s tormented. She’s got a lot more going on than some of the more typical villains that you see in these kinds of films. She’s not just about taking over the world or owning the universe; she wants something that I think a lot of people can relate to—recognition.”

Grandmaster

GRANDMASTER
The situation: The Grandmaster controls an incredible gladiatorial contest in which Thor and other powerful beings from throughout the cosmos face off in spectacular and deadly combat. There is no contender the Grandmaster covets more than the champion of the arena, the Incredible Hulk.

Jeff Goldblum’s trademark humor is on full display as the Grandmaster, the egomaniacal overseer of the games matching Thor against the Hulk. And in a movie full of enjoyable characters and equally enjoyable villains, Goldblum still manages to stand out. “Taika had the vision for Jeff Goldblum, and it was just perfect,” says executive producer Brad Winderbaum. “He’s musical; he’s whimsical. He’s got a strong presence while still being hilariously funny. He plays in this alien world really well.”

Goldblum, who has had bigger-than-life roles in films such as Jurassic Park and Independence Day, relished the chance to tackle such a complex character. “The Grandmaster has a storied journey that has gone on for decades,” says Goldblum. “He has been involved in pitting people against each other in games of life or death. He is the ruler of the planet Sakaar. What seems to interest him most is having fun.”

When asked to describe his character in three words, Goldblum said, “That’s good. I like any kind of game,” he says. “Let’s see, the Grandmaster in three words—spontaneous, playful, mercurial.”

All the foes and friends–both old and new—engage the battle of Thor: Ragnarok November 3.

Here’s What’s Coming to Pixar Pier at Disneyland Resort

By Nicole Nalty

Pixar Pier was announced at D23 Expo this summer, and next year the transformed land will make its debut at Disney California Adventure park with newly themed attractions, entertainment, foods, and merchandise. Our friends at the Disney Parks Blog have just shared more information about the upcoming enhancements (and you can read even more in the latest issue of Disney twenty-three!). Here’s what you can expect to see when Pixar Pier opens in summer 2018.

Pixar Pier

New Neighborhoods
The permanent area will include four new neighborhoods inspired by favorite Disney•Pixar stories: The Incredibles take on the first new neighborhood with the thrilling Incredicoaster, a permanent transformation of California Screamin’, with a mid-century-modern-style loading area, new character moments, and a new look for ride vehicles. California Screamin’ will close on January 8 to make its Incredible transformation. Then, head over to the Toy Story-inspired neighborhood, where you’ll find the fan-favorite Toy Story Mania!. On the western side of the boardwalk, an Inside Out-inspired neighborhood will come to life with a new family-friendly attraction, scheduled to open at a later date. The final neighborhood will be a celebration of many favorite Pixar stories––Mickey’s Fun Wheel will keep its iconic face on the Paradise Bay side and the gondolas will feature different Pixar characters. All of the midway games will be inspired by Pixar characters and join the existing Bullseye Stallion Stampede game at Games of the Boardwalk. Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Games of the Boardwalk, and Sideshow Shirts will close on January 8.

Pixar Pier

New Eats
Ariel’s Grotto restaurant and the Cove Bar will be transformed into a new lounge and grill, with both locations closing January 8––Cove Bar will reopen briefly in April before closing again for its permanent transformation.

New Land
On the other side of the lagoon, Paradise Gardens, Silly Symphony Swings, Jumpin’ Jellyfish, Goofy’s Sky School, Golden Zephyr and The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will be part of a new land called Paradise Park.

Pixar Pier will open during Pixar Fest, a limited-time celebration beginning April 13.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from Pixar Pier!

Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas Lineup is Here!

By D23 Team

Goodbye Halloween, hello holidays! There’s no better present to celebrate the pre-pre-holiday season than the full lineup of Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas. Check out the schedule below, and get ready for December 1!

Friday, December 1
7:30–9:30 a.m. ET: Eloise at Christmastime
11 a.m.–1 p.m. ET: Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish
1–2 p.m. ET: Jack Frost
2–3:35 p.m. ET: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
3:35–4:35 p.m.ET: The Year Without a Santa Claus
4:35–7:05 p.m. ET: Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
7:05–9:15 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
9:15–11:25 p.m. ET: Elf
11:25 p.m.–1:30 a.m. ET: Disney’s A Christmas Carol
1:30–2 a.m. ET: Frosty’s Winter Wonderland

Saturday, December 2
7–9 a.m. ET: Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish
9–9:30 a.m. ET: Mickey’s Christmas Carol
9:30–11 a.m. ET: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
1:05–3:10 p.m. ET: Disney’s A Christmas Carol
3:10–4:50 p.m. ET: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
4:50–7 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
7–9:10 p.m. ET: Elf
9:10–11:50 p.m. ET: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
11:50 p.m.–2 a.m. ET: The Polar Express

Sunday, December 3
7–7:30 a.m. ET: Mickey’s Christmas Carol
7:30–9 a.m. ET: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
9–11:05 a.m. ET: A Dennis the Menace Christmas
11:05 a.m.–1:10 p.m. ET: Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups
1:10–2:15 p.m. ET: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
2:15–3:55 p.m. ET: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
3:55–6:05 p.m. ET: The Polar Express
6:05–8:45 p.m. ET: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
8:45–10:50 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause
10:50–12:55 a.m. ET: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Monday, December 4
7:30–9:30 a.m. ET: Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups
12:30–2:30 p.m. ET: Arthur Christmas
2:30–4:35 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause
4:35–6:40 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
6:40–8:50 p.m. ET: Elf
8:50–11 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
12–2 a.m. ET: Four Christmases

Tuesday, December 5
7:30–9:30 a.m. ET: The Mistle-Tones
12:30–2:30 p.m. ET: Four Christmases
2:30–4:35 p.m. ET: Angry Angel
4:35–6:45 p.m. ET: Elf
6:45–8:55 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
8:55–11 p.m. ET: The Polar Express
12–2 a.m.ET: Eloise at Christmastime

Wednesday, December 6
7:30–9:30 a.m. ET: Snowglobe
12–2:05 p.m. ET: Angry Angel
2:05–4:15 p.m. ET: Eloise at Christmastime
4:15–6:45 p.m. ET: Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
6:45–8:50 p.m. ET: The Polar Express
8:50–11 p.m. ET: Elf
12–2:00 a.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Thursday, December 7
7–9:30 a.m. ET: Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
11 a.m.–1 p.m. ET: Snow Day
1–2:35 p.m. ET: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
2:30–4:45 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
4:45–6:50 p.m. ET: Disney’s A Christmas Carol
6:50–9 p.m. ET: Elf
9–11 p.m. ET: Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story
12–2:05 a.m. ET: A Dennis the Menace Christmas

Friday, December 8
7–7:30 a.m. ET: The Little Drummer Boy
7:30–9:30 a.m. ET: A Dennis the Menace Christmas
11 a.m.–12:40 p.m. ET: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
12:40–2:45 p.m. ET: Eloise at Christmastime
4:50–6:50 p.m. ET: Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story
6:50–9 p.m. ET: Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 2
9–11:30 p.m. ET: Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3
11:30–12 a.m. ET: Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story That Time Forgot
12–2 a.m. ET: Arthur Christmas

Saturday, December 9
7–9:05 a.m. ET: Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July
9:05–11:10 a.m. ET: Eloise at Christmastime
11:10 a.m.–1:15 a.m. ET: Arthur Christmas
1:15–3:25 p.m. ET: Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 2
3:25–5:55 p.m. ET: Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3
5:55–6:25 p.m. ET: Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story That Time Forgot
6:25–8:35 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause
8:35–10:45 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
10:45–12:55 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
12:55–2 a.m. ET: Jack Frost

Sunday, December 10
7–8 a.m. ET: Jack Frost
8–10:05 a.m. ET: Snow Day
10:05 a.m.–12:10 p.m. ET: Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish
12:10–2:15 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
2:15–4:20 p.m. ET: Disney’s A Christmas Carol
4:20–6:30 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause
6:30–8:40 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
8:40–10:50 p.m. ET: Elf
10:50 p.m.–1 a.m. ET: Four Christmases
1–2 a.m. ET: The Year Without a Santa Claus

Monday, December 11
7–7:30 a.m. ET: The Bells of Fraggle Rock
7:30–9:30 a.m. ET: Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish
11–11:30 a.m. ET: The Little Drummer Boy
11:30 a.m.–1:35 p.m. ET: Disney’s A Christmas Carol
1:35–2:40 p.m. ET: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
2:40–3:40 p.m. ET: The Year Without a Santa Claus
3:40–5:50 p.m. ET: Four Christmases
5:50–8 p.m. ET: Elf
8–9 p.m. ET: Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Holiday Magic
9–11 p.m. ET: The Polar Express
12–2 a.m. ET: Eloise at Christmastime

Tuesday, December 12
7–7:30 a.m. ET: Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey
7:30–9:30 a.m. ET: Eloise at Christmastime
11 a.m.–12:10 p.m. ET: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
12:10–2:20 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
2:20–4 p.m. ET: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
4–6:40 p.m. ET: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
6:40–8:50 p.m. ET: The Polar Express
8:50–11 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause
12–2:00 a.m. ET: Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July

Wednesday, December 13
7–7:30 a.m. ET: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
7:30–9:30 a.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
11–12:10 p.m. ET: Rudolph’s Shiny New Year
12:10–1:50 p.m. ET: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
1:50–4:30 p.m. ET: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
4:30–6:40 p.m. ET: Elf
6:40–8:50 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause
8:50–11 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
12–1 a.m. ET: The Year Without a Santa Claus
1–2 a.m. ET: Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Holiday Magic

Thursday, December 14
7–8:30 a.m. ET: Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
8:30–9:30 a.m. ET: Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Holiday Magic
11–11:30 a.m. ET: Mickey’s Christmas Carol
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. ET: Christmas Cupid
1:30–3:40 p.m. ET: Elf
3:40–4:40 p.m. ET: The Year Without a Santa Claus
4:40–6:45 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
6:45–8:50 p.m. ET: Four Christmases
8:50–11 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
12–2 a.m. ET: Angry Angel

Friday, December 15
7–9 a.m. ET: Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups
9–9:30 a.m. ET: The Little Drummer Boy
11 a.m.–1 p.m. ET: Eloise at Christmastime
1–3 p.m. ET: Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish
3–5 p.m. ET: Angry Angel
5 –7:10 p.m. ET: Four Christmases
7:10–9:20 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
9:20–11:30 p.m. ET: Elf
11:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m. ET: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
1:30–2 a.m. ET: Mickey’s Christmas Carol

Saturday, December 16
7–7:30 a.m. ET: The Little Drummer Boy
7:30–9:35 a.m. ET: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
9:35–10:05 a.m. ET: Mickey’s Christmas Carol
10:05–11:35 a.m. ET: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
11:35 a.m.–1:05 p.m. ET: Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
1:05–2:45 p.m. ET: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
2:45–4:55 p.m. ET: The Polar Express
4:55–7:05 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause
7:05–9:15 p.m. ET: Elf
9:15–11:55 p.m. ET: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
11:55 p.m.–2 a.m. ET: Christmas With the Kranks

Sunday, December 17
7–8:30 a.m. ET: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
8:30–10:40 a.m. ET: Christmas With the Kranks
10:40 a.m.–12:20 p.m. ET: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
12:20–2:30 p.m. ET: The Polar Express
2:30–3 p.m. ET: Disney’s Prep & Landing
3–3:30 p.m. ET: Disney’s Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice
3:30–5:35 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause
5:35–8:15 p.m. ET: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
8:15–10:45 p.m. ET: Disney’s Frozen
10:45 p.m.–12:55 a.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
12:55–2 a.m. ET: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town

Monday, December 18
7–7:30 a.m. ET: The Little Drummer Boy
7:30–8:35 a.m. ET: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
8:35–10:40 a.m. ET: Four Christmases
10:40–12:50 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
12:50–3:25 p.m. ET: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
3:25–5:30 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
5:30–8 p.m. ET: Disney’s Frozen
8–9 p.m. ET: Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic
9–11 p.m. ET: Elf
12–2 a.m. ET: Arthur Christmas

Tuesday, December 19
7–7:30 a.m. ET: Frosty’s Winter Wonderland
7:30–9:40 a.m. ET: Arthur Christmas
9:40 a.m.–12:20 p.m. ET: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
12:20–1:20 p.m. ET: Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic
1:20–3:30 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
3:30–4:30 p.m. ET: The Year Without a Santa Claus
4:30–6:40 p.m. ET: Elf
6:40–8:50 p.m. ET: Christmas with the Kranks
8:50–11 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
12–2 a.m. ET: Angry Angel

Wednesday, December 20
7–7:30 a.m. ET: Mickey’s Christmas Carol
7:30–9:30 a.m. ET: The Mistle-Tones
9:30–10:30 a.m. ET: Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. ET: Angry Angel
12:30–2:30 p.m. ET: Eloise at Christmastime
2:30–3:30 p.m. ET: The Year Without a Santa Claus
3:30–4:35 p.m. ET: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
4:35–6:40 p.m. ET: Christmas with the Kranks
6:40–8:50 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
8:50–11:00 p.m. ET: Elf
12–2 a.m. ET: Four Christmases

Thursday, December 21
7–8 a.m. ET: Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer
8–8:30 a.m. ET: Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey
8:30–9:30 a.m. ET: Jack Frost
9:30–10:35 a.m. ET: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
10:35–12:35 p.m. ET: Eloise at Christmastime
12:35–2:35 p.m. ET: Holiday in Handcuffs
2:35–4:35 p.m. ET: Christmas with the Kranks
4:35–6:40 p.m. ET: Four Christmases
6:40–8:50 p.m. ET: Elf
8:50–10:55 p.m. ET: The Polar Express
10:55 p.m.–12 a.m. ET: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
12–2 a.m. ET: Home Alone: The Holiday Heist

Friday, December 22
7–8 a.m. ET: Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer
8–10:05 a.m. ET: Christmas with the Kranks
10:05–11:05 a.m. ET: Decorting Disney: Holiday Magic
11:05 a.m.–1:15 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
1:15–2:20 p.m. ET: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
2:20–3:20 p.m. ET: The Year Without a Santa Claus
3:20–5:25 p.m. ET: Arthur Christmas
5:25–7:30 p.m. ET: The Polar Express
7:30–9:40 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause
9:40–11:50 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
11:50 p.m.–2 a.m. ET: Elf

Saturday, December 23
7–9:10 a.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
9:10–11:15 a.m. ET: Four Christmases
11:15 a.m.–12:50 p.m. ET: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
12:50–3 p.m. ET: Elf
3–5:05 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause
5:05–7:10 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
7:10–9:20 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
9:20–12 a.m. ET: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
12–2 a.m. ET: Disney’s A Christmas Carol

Sunday, December 24
7–9:05 a.m. ET: A Dennis the Menace Christmas
9:05–11:05 a.m. ET: Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish
11:05 a.m.–12:10 p.m. ET: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
12:10–2:15 p.m. ET: Disney’s A Christmas Carol
2:15–4:25 p.m. ET: The Polar Express
4:25–6:35 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
6:35–9:15 p.m. ET: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
9:15–11:25 p.m. ET: Elf
11:25 p.m.–1:30 a.m. ET: The Santa Clause
1:30–2 a.m. ET: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

Monday, December 25
7–7:30 a.m. ET: Frosty’s Winter Wonderland
7:30–8 a.m. ET: Disney’s Prep & Landing
8–8:30 a.m. ET: Disney’s Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice
8:30–9:30 a.m. ET: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
11 a.m.–12:34 p.m. ET: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
12:35–2:35 p.m. ET: The Polar Express
2:35–4:45 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
4:45–6:45 p.m. ET: The Santa Clause
6:45–8:50 p.m. ET: Elf
8:50–11 p.m. ET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
12–2 a.m. ET: Four Christmases

Get an Inside Look at Coco, The Last Jedi, and More in the Latest Issue of Disney twenty-three

By D23 Team

Can’t wait to visit the Land of the Dead in Disney•Pixar’s Coco? Or travel out of this galaxy in Star Wars: The Last Jedi? What about making your first visit to Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure? Explore all of these exciting Disney projects and more in the latest issue of Disney twenty-three, coming to D23 Gold Members this November.

Disney twenty-three Winter 2017 cover image

Hear from the creative team behind Disney•Pixar’s latest adventure, Coco, as Disney twenty-three takes readers behind the scenes of this vibrant, lively depiction of the afterlife, rooted in the Mexican holiday Día de Los Muertos. Meet the young man behind our loveable hero Miguel, Anthony Gonzalez, and hear from Disney composer Michael Giacchino, who helped bring to life the film’s beautiful music.

Olaf's Frozen Adventure

Accompanying Coco—both in theaters and in Disney twenty-three—is the next chapter in the Frozen story: Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. The new featurette shines a spotlight on the importance of family and family traditions, something that Josh Gad, interviewed exclusively for Disney twenty-three, holds near and dear to his heart. “A movie like this taps into more than just the holiday spirit—it explores the meaning behind that spirit, the traditions that bring us all together as family,” Josh Gad (Olaf) says. “It’s very powerful.”

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is less than 50 days away! Get a sneak peek at the newest addition to the Skywalker saga with an exclusive interview with director and Star Wars super-fan Rian Johnson, and meet newcomer Kelly Marie Tran, who plays Rose Tico in the upcoming film.

Plus, Pixar is making its mark in Disney Parks with epic additions around the globe, including Pixar Pier at Disneyland Resort and Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort. Find out more about the exciting new experiences coming soon (some as soon as summer 2018!).

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Step into San Fransokyo once more as Disney twenty-three explores Big Hero 6’s big move to the small screen on Disney XD, film critic and historian Leonard Maltin celebrates 80 years of the film that started it all, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and remember Disney Legend Marty Sklar with a touching tribute from Disney twenty-three’s editor-in-chief.

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

  • A look back at 23 magical moments from D23 Expo 2017
  • The heroic women of Star Wars
  • 25 years of The Muppets Christmas Carol with Sir Michael Caine and Brian Henson
  • A droid-filled edition of “From the Desk of” with Star Wars Creature and Droid FX Creative Supervisor Neal Scanlan
  • Regular features including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave

Learn more about D23 Gold Membership here.

Cast of The Lion King Revealed

By Nicole Nalty

The live-action take on Disney’s The Lion King, coming to theatres in 2019, definitely has the lion’s share of amazing voice talent ready to bring these classic characters to life. James Earl Jones previously announced he would be reprising his role as Mufasa, and Donald Glover shared that he “just can’t wait to be king” as Simba in the upcoming film. Ready for even more star power? Beyoncé Knowles Carter––yep, Beyoncé!––will voice Nala, Simba’s lifelong friend and eventual love interest. Taking on the voices of the dynamic duo Timon and Pumbaa are funny guys Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen. Alfre Woodard will voice Sarabi, Chiwetel Ejiofor will lend his voice to the mischievous Scar, and John Oliver will take on the sensible Zazu. See the full cast below!

The Lion King cast

We just can’t WAIT to see The Lion King! Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting film.

Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok Director Taika Waititi Hammers Home Inventive New Vision

By Tim Lammers

When considering directors for their latest Marvel Cinematic Universe Super Hero adventure, Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, Marvel Studios had to have sensed something special with Taika Waititi. Having already displayed his unique set of filmmaking sensibilities with the indie sensations What We Do in the Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, the New Zealand filmmaker proceeded to blow fans’ minds when he came thundering out of the gate in April with the neon-infused teaser trailer for the film. In less than two minutes time, Waititi made it known that the third adventure for the God of Thunder would be like nothing fans had ever seen before.

“I wanted to do something that felt fresh and new for the character and the franchise, but also for me as a filmmaker as well,” Waititi says. “I don’t want to fall into a trap of repeating myself, and just getting comfortable and doing the same thing again and again. So, getting to do this film was a great opportunity for me to test and challenge myself, and say, ‘You know what? You can make a Super Hero movie if you want, as long as you make it your Super Hero movie and do the film in your own voice.’”

Taika Waititi

Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, which opens in 2-D and 3-D in theaters and on IMAX screens on Friday, November 3, brings back Thor (Chris Hemsworth) as you’ve never seen him before: in an action-comedy-style adventure where he reunites with fellow Avenger Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and recruits his very untrustworthy brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), to battle the Goddess of Death, Hela (Cate Blanchett)—who threatens to destroy the brothers’ home planet of Asgard. Joining the trio for the fight is Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), but first they must escape the planet of Sakaar, whose savvy ruler Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum) features Hulk in gladiator-style battles to entertain the planet’s denizens.

Waititi recently chatted with D23 about the making of the film.

Chris Hemsworth, Taika Waititi, and Tessa Thompson

D23: You’ve taken a more lighthearted route on Thor: Ragnarok that’s quite different from Thor and Thor: The Dark World.
Taika Waititi (TW): That’s exactly right. I’m so grateful to [directors] Kenneth Branagh and Alan Taylor for laying the groundwork, and establishing the world and establishing the characters so well that for me the job was a lot easier, so I could come in and add these colorful elements without having to establish or explain anything to the audience. That was a huge thing for me. Also, you can’t forget that these stories come from comic books, especially Marvel’s comic books, including Thor, which are very colorful. They’re very irreverent and have great humor in them, and great art. They have a vibrancy and life to them that we tried to capture in the film. Other people have obsessed with making their comic book movies dark and brooding and more depressing than life itself, but for me, I want people to go to the movies and smile again. I want them to enjoy the escape from the real world. We tried our very hardest to make it a film that made people happy, and made them laugh and smile.

Thor

D23: I really see Thor: Ragnarok as an opportunity to play up some of Chris Hemsworth’s previously untapped strengths—at least in a Thor film—by playing up his charm. He has a naturally fun and jovial demeanor about him, and Thor: Ragnarok gives him the perfect opportunity to showcase that.
TW:  Oh, yeah. We really made an effort with the character of Thor to make him more like Chris, because Chris is a very charming and funny guy, and someone you want to follow on an adventure. He was almost our secret weapon in deciding who Thor should be. So, we got Chris to be a slightly larger version of himself.

Taika Waititi and Cate Blanchett

D23: Whose comedic abilities most surprised you? My guess is that it’s Cate Blanchett, who is so incredibly talented and so deliciously evil as Hela. She’s so fun to watch.
TW:  She really is. The comedy really wasn’t a surprise because I knew she could do anything, but there’s a certain nonchalance about her in the film, which I think mirrors how Cate is in what she’s done. She’s won a bunch of awards, she doesn’t have anything to prove and she knows her stuff. There’s something really cool about seeing somebody at the top of their game who is so relaxed and just comes in and turns it on. I feel that’s the way it was watching her playing Hela. Hela’s won all these battles in her past, yet waltzed in in a casual way, and it allowed her to be funny and irreverent. It allowed her to make wisecracks before annihilating Asgard’s army

D23: And certainly you found with Anthony Hopkins—especially playing Loki disguised as Odin—that he can be quite funny, too.
TW: We had a huge amount of fun with Tony. Really, he can just come in and turn it on when he wants. He hardly has to do anything. There’s a relaxed thing going on there where you feel like you’re in safe hands. It’s confidence that gives you confidence. You feel like, “Man, I don’t know if he’s dialing it in” [laughs] or “He’s just so fabulous and useable.” Maybe that’s what acting is.

Korg

D23: We have to talk about Taika, the actor, because fans are going to love your role as Korg. He’s this big, looming character made of rocks, but instead of giving him this gruff demeanor, you went with a lighter, almost whimsical take on his voice. He’s very much a gentle giant and mild-mannered—I love that you gave him that read.
TW: Doing things like that—it was about not making the obvious choice. That was our M.O. throughout the entire film. Every time we felt like, “Have we seen this before? What can we do to change what’s expected of us?” We wanted to do whatever it took to make something really different. We had a good team that was really supportive of that approach, and that team was Marvel Studios.

Here’s How Mickey Mouse is Celebrating his Birthday

By Nicole Nalty

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E! The big cheese’s birthday is November 18, and to celebrate he’s surprising some of his biggest fans in eight destinations around the globe––including Japan, Chile, Canada, China, England and the United States! You’ll be able to see these magical moments on Disney’s Mickey Mouse Facebook and Instagram. Plus, Mickey will stop by Good Morning America on Wednesday, November 15, for even more surprises. Want to join in the fun? Read on to see how you can help celebrate Mickey’s big day.

Disney Store and shopDisney.com
Oh boy! From November 16–23, you can shop special Mickey birthday items on shopDisney.com. On November 18, visit a Disney Store near you for celebrations throughout the day!

#HappyBirthdayMickey

Disney Parks & Resorts Around the World
Visiting Disneyland or Walt Disney World Resorts on November 18? Look out for “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” buttons, special merchandise, treats and photo locations—and don’t miss a special cavalcade at Disneyland park, as well as a special birthday-themed song during Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! at Magic Kingdom. The celebrations continue at all of Disney’s theme parks around the world: Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort, and Shanghai Disney Resort.

#HappyBirthdayMickey

Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Put on your Mickey Mouse pjs and settle in for a Mickey Mouse marathon on Disney Channel and Disney Junior! Episodes of Mickey and the Roadsters Racers and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse will air throughout the weekend of November 17, and on November 18, Disney Channel will air Mickey Mouse shorts every half hour throughout the day, starting with the premiere of “The Birthday Song,” a new short in which Minnie Mouse loses the notes to Mickey’s birthday song and needs to recover them to save the festivities. Also don’t miss a new Mickey Mouse-themed Disney Junior Music Nursery Rhymes short entitled “Happy Birthday,” debuting on Disney Junior YouTube on November 17.

#HappyBirthdayMickey

Stay tuned for Mickey-centric stories, videos, and more as D23, Oh My Disney, Babble, and more Disney sites celebrate the big cheese leading up to and on Mickey’s birthday. Don’t forget to use #HappyBirthdayMickey when sharing your favorite Mickey photos!

Epcot by the Numbers

By Greg Ehrbar

“By far the most important part of our Florida Project, in fact the heart of everything we’re doing at Disney World, will be our Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow—we call it EPCOT,” said Walt Disney in the “EPCOT Film,” in which he shared the Company’s vision for Walt Disney World and EPCOT—a visionary and ambitious plan, the likes of which the world had never seen. Today, although it has evolved from Walt’s original framework, Epcot is a shining example of his vision, fueled with the best new technology and imagination available, always changing, always looking ahead. As Walt said, “It will be a community of tomorrow that will never be completed.” Any way you look at it, Epcot is an impressive accomplishment.

Epcot’s opening day was 10-1-1982.

Spaceship Earth

The park is 305 total acres.

11,391 paved parking spaces for cars are available over 141 acres.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Epcot hosts 4 festivals per year:

  1. Epcot Festival of the Arts
  2. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
  3. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
  4. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth…

  • is comprised of 2 separate spheres (one inside the other).
  • stands 15 feet above the ground.
  • is 165 feet in diameter.
  • has a 2,200,000-cubic-foot
  • has a 150,000-square-foot
  • has had 4 narrators: Vic Perrin (1982­–86), Walter Cronkite (1986–94), Jeremy Irons (1994–2007), Dame Judi Dench (2008–present)

The Seas with Nemo and Friends

The tank at The Seas with Nemo and Friends…

  • contains 5.7 million gallons of water.
  • is 200 feet in diameter.
  • is 24 feet

2 attractions have referenced Georges Méliès’ classic 1902 film A Trip to the Moon: Horizons and Journey Into Imagination With Figment.

2 Circle-Vision theaters in World Showcase (China and Canada)

Test Track

There are 5,246 feet of Test Track track.

The maximum speed of Test Track vehicles is 65 MPH.

World Showcase

It is a 1.3-mile walk around World Showcase.

1 attraction references Joe Flynn (Dean Higgins in the Kurt Russell “Dexter Riley” movies): Journey Into Imagination With Figment

Barbie visited 3 countries in her 1994 Epcot stage show, The Magical World of Barbie (Australia, Africa, France).

Illuminations

More than 26,000 feet of lights outline World Showcase pavilions for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, creating a string long enough to stretch the Golden Gate Bridge more than six times!