Disney D23 Rewind—Week of May 8

By Courtney Potter

In a promotional image for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series at Walt Disney World Resort, a rock band is performing on a smoky stage, complete with a lead singer, a guitarist, and a drummer. Cool lighting is seen all around them. In the foreground, audience members are looking up at the stage.

Walt Disney World Resort Announces Eat to the Beat Concert Series Lineup

Yes, it’s true: The Eat to the Beat Concert Series will be bringing the heat to the 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival starting Thursday, July 27. Our pals at the Disney Parks Blog recently revealed a first look at the lineup of artists bringing sizzling sounds to the America Gardens Theatre!

Fan favorites including Sheila E. and Hanson are ready to serve up hits once again, while festival newcomers Orianthi, Phillip Phillips, The Bacon Brothers, We The Kings, and more bring new flavor to this year’s menu of talent. Speaking of talent, local bands will take the stage Tuesday through Thursday, so guests can enjoy delicious eats and fun beats all week long! Check out the full list of announced artists below:

July 28-29: Orianthi (NEW)
July 30-31: For King & Country (NEW)
August 4-5: Southern Avenue
August 6-7: Tiffany
August 11-12: Ruben Studdard with Haley Reinhart
August 13-14: The Bacon Brothers (NEW)
August 18-21: Joey Fatone & Friends
August 25-26: Ayron Jones (NEW)
August 27-28: Phillip Phillips (NEW)
September 1-2: Baha Men
September 3-4: MercyMe
September 8-9: Ray Parker Jr.
September 10-11: TobyMac
September 15: Celebrity Latin Talent
September 16: Celebrity Latin Talent
September 17-18: Raul Acosta and Oro Solido (NEW)
September 22-23: Los Amigos Invisibles
September 24-25: 98°
September 29–October 2: Boyz II Men
October 6-7: Mark Wills
October 8-9: Sugar Ray
October 13-14: Hoobastank
October 15-16: Air Supply
October 20-21: Taylor Dayne
October 22-23: Billy Ocean
October 27-30: Hanson
November 3-4: We The Kings (NEW)
November 5-6: Sheila E.
November 10-11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
November 12-13: 38 Special

Beginning Thursday, July 6, secure your spot for these performances with an Eat to the Beat Dining Package. Find out more by visiting TasteEPCOT.com. To experience the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, guests must have both valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date.

In a promo image for “Disney Night” on ABC’s American Idol, contestants Colin Stough, Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle, Wé Ani, and Zachariah Smith stand around host Ryan Seacrest. The contestants are all wearing Mickey or Minnie ears, and everyone is smiling.

American Idol Reveals the Top 5’s “Disney Night” Songs

It’s been an amazing season thus far… and now, we’re just about to celebrate one of our favorite American Idolevents: “Disney Night”!

This Sunday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC, celebrate the magic of Disney as the Top 5 perform Disney classics live—and America votes for the Top 3. Plus, Sara Bareilles will open the show with a special rendition of “When You Wish Upon a Star”; Hollywood Records recording artist Sofia Carson will mentor the contestants at Disneyland Resort; and Halle Bailey will perform “Part of Your World” from the upcoming film The Little Mermaid, in theaters May 26.

The “Disney Night” performers and songs are:

  • Colin Stough – “Real Gone” (Cars) / “Nobody Knows” (Pete’s Dragon)
  • Iam Tongi – “Lava” (Lava) / “Father and Son” (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2)
  • Megan Danielle – “Carried Me With You” (Onward) / “You Can’t Stop the Girl” (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil)
  • Wé Ani – “Into the Unknown” (Frozen 2) / “The Climb” (Hannah Montana: The Movie)
  • Zachariah Smith – “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” (The Lion King) / “Life Is a Highway” (Cars)

Watch episodes of American Idol on demand and on Hulu the day following their premieres.

Actor Ke Huy Quan and stands on a small stage at the White House, to the left of President Joe Biden, who is at a lectern holding a microphone; they are both smiling. Quan is clapping; to his left is a poster for Disney+’s American Born Chinese, and behind him is a golden curtain.

President Biden Hosts American Born Chinese Screening

With the premiere of American Born Chinese just over the horizon, President Joe Biden recently hosted a special screening of the Disney+ Original series as part of the largest Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month celebration at the White House, in partnership with The Asian American Foundation.

Academy AwardⓇ-winning actor and series co-star Ke Huy Quan joined President Biden to kick off the event. “This is a show about that very crossroads—between storybook fantasy and real-world struggle,” Quan said. “It tells the tale of an immigrant family, with an American son, finding their way, forging their own path, and dealing with all the highs and lows of that difficult journey. It’s about the blending of cultures, influences, and values into a new American identity. And most of all… it’s about family.”

Also in attendance were stars Ben Wang, Yeo Yann Yann, Chin Han, Daniel Wu, Jimmy Liu, and Sydney Taylor, as well as the series’ creative team: executive producer and author Gene Luen Yang, executive producer and director Destin Daniel Cretton, series creator and showrunner Kelvin Yu, and executive producers Melvin Mar, Jake Kasdan, and Erin O’Malley. Peyton Elizabeth Lee and Alex Aiono, stars of the Disney+ Original series Doogie Kamealoha, M.D., were also among the many distinguished guests.

Biden commented on the evening, saying, “Nights like these are a reminder of the power of stories.” To see footage of Quan and Biden’s remarks, click here.

Look for American Born Chinese on Disney+ beginning May 24!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend Presented by State Farm®

As per usual, there’s a ton of fun content to check out this weekend from around the worlds of Disney. Kick off this lovely mid-May sojourn with a new episode of The Ghost and Molly McGee on Disney Channel and Disney XD; a special presentation of Brave on Freeform; an all-new episode of BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes on Disney Channel; and more where that came from… 

An image, taken from below, of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, during the daytime.

Reservation and Other Updates from Walt Disney World Resort

Earlier this week, our friends at Walt Disney World Resort announced some big changes coming in 2024—including easing reservation requirements, bringing back dining plans, and simplifying the Genie+ experience.

Starting with park visits on January 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets. When purchasing a ticket, guests simply select a start date for January 9, 2024, or later, complete the purchase, and they’ll be all set! Date-based tickets are the standard ticket option offered to guests; for other admission types, including non-dated tickets, theme park reservations may be required to continue managing attendance. To check which admission types require park reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/ThemeParkReservations.

In addition, 2024 will bring select days on which Annual Passholders and Disney cast members may visit Walt Disney World theme parks without needing a park reservation. Once introduced, these “good-to-go” days will be rolled out by the resort on an ongoing basis. This will be in addition to the recent update that offers Passholders the opportunity to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Good-to-go days vary by park, and pass block-out dates and capacity limitations continue to apply as they do today.

But that’s not all: Two popular Disney dining plans will return as options for those staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package, starting with stays beginning January 9, 2024, which will open for bookings on May 31. And there will be new ways to plan with Disney Genie+ service (including individual Lightning Lane selections) before the day of a guest’s park visit.

To see more about these updates, check out the Disney Parks Blog—and stay tuned for more info!

Which “Musically Muppet” Member of The Electric Mayhem Are You?

By Peyton Liebler

Get ready to rock because Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem have gone from dreamin’ to streamin’, with their original series The Muppets Mayhem now available on Disney+! This sensational new show documents The Electric Mayhem as they set out to record their first album and change the course of music—FOREVER!

To commemorate the vivacious vibes The Electric Mayhem are putting out into the world (and our watchlists) we’re here to help you answer the most important question that has ever crossed your musically Muppet minds: Which member of the band are YOU?

We had a little help from the members of everyone’s favorite funky philharmonic, so bear with us if some of these questions contain just a dash of… mayhem.

It’s, like, totally magnificent outside. Where are you spending your splendiferous day?

Any great performer knows, you have look as good as you play. What’s the most important thing to keep in check when it comes to your exquisite appearance?

Time to get expeditiously existential: How would you describe the energy you exude when you hit that most ceremonious stage?

All eyes on you. What are you wearing to perform your prestidigitation at the first concert of your wildly wondrous world tour?

Since you’re an international sensation, you have an incredible fan base. What do you have to say to the adoring crowds of auditory afficionados that love your music?

What would you be doing if you weren’t playing those perfected pieces of rock and roll?

What advice would you give to someone trying to find their way to the spotlight?

What is your tool of tranquility? Your machine of magnetism? What inspired instrument are you playing?

Which “Musically Muppet” Member of The Electric Mayhem Are You?
Dr. Teeth

There’s truth in the TOOTH! You like to keep it shiny and surefire, tickling the ivories ’til they’re positively reeling with raucous laughter! You’re also a great friend and companion, approaching everything with love and—more importantly—the uncontainable power of rock ’n’ roll!
Sgt. Floyd Pepper

You’re a laid-back type, but you stick up for your bandmates at every opportunity. You like to be the one to form the foundation of a friendship, the same way your bass skills lay the foundation to any of your celebrated masterpieces.
Janice

You’re, like, a valuable treasure of a musician! You totally think that the world can be healed through music, and it’s, like, your destiny to solve any problem that comes your way. There’s no such thing as “too nice” to you, and total togetherness is the only way to go—fer sure.
Lips

Sometimes, you feel misunderstood. But your closest bandmates know that you’re the wisest of the bunch. You always speak the way you feel, and you are ready to trumpet your truth at the first opportunity!
Zoot

You aren’t the wordiest of the band, but when you say something, you speak from the soul. You’re connected to your music on every level, and just like the mighty saxophone, you’re smooth and spirited. It’s a match made in musical heaven.
Animal

Some say you’re a wildcard. Others might say a unit of pure chaos. But your band knows that’s what makes you the most special of the bunch! You’re a loyal friend, and you only know to dance to the beat of your own drum… DRUMS! DRUMS!

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge!

As a member of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, you know your magic! This week we’re putting your The Little Mermaid knowledge to the test to see if you are the ultimate Disney fan.

Besides voicing Ariel, what Pixar heroine does Jodi Benson voice?

Correct! Wrong!

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge!
You are the ultimate Disney fan!
Looks like you are a Disney expert! Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Challenge. We’ll see you next week for your chance to uphold your title as the ultimate Disney fan!
Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!
Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Challenge! These questions are tricky, so don’t stop swimming yet. We’ll see you next week for your chance to earn the title of the ultimate Disney fan!

Celebrate 35 Years of Willow with a Spellbinding Pin!

By Peyton Liebler

Seek the ways of the sorcerer with this magically inspired pin! Look back on 35 wondrous years of Willow with this D23-exclusive keepsake. A must-have accessory for any superfan of this hit film, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

Inspired by Willow (1988): When young Willow Ufgood finds an abandoned baby girl, he learns she is destined to end the reign of the wicked Queen Bavmorda. Willow must protect the child and find a way to uncover the secrets of his mystical landscape in order to ensure safety and security for the future of his home. Since debuting in 1988, Willow has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, inspiring a legacy that includes a special series of the same name on Disney+.

Willow 35th Pin
VIEW LATEST MERCH

D23-Exclusive Willow 35th Anniversary Limited Edition Pin
Venture into a mystical world unlike any other with this D23 Gold Member-exclusive pin! This pin is the most magical way to celebrate 35 years of Willow. Featuring the titular magician, Willow Ufgood, this pin is special for anyone looking to make a journey to discover what lies beneath the most mysterious of prophecies. Start your adventure and get this pin now!

Our D23-Exclusive Willow 35th Anniversary Limited Edition Pin,* offered in a limited edition of 750, is available to D23 Gold Members at 8 a.m. PST on shopDisney on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

Not a D23 Gold Member?
Sign up today to access limited edition merch
and year-round discounts and offers!

BECOME A MEMBER

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to a D23 Gold Membership. These pins are sold for $18.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pins of this style for purchase per D23 Gold Member for online orders. Shipping not available to P.O. boxes; shipping and handling fees may vary for all online orders. Other restrictions may apply. All information is subject to change, including, but not limited to, artwork, release dates, editions sizes, and retail prices.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend Presented by State Farm®

By Andie Hagemann

From Halloween hijinks to a daring princess—and everything in between—don’t miss all the spectacular content coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this weekend. On Friday, Venom launches on Disney+. A new episode of The Ghost and Molly McGee premieres Saturday on Disney Channel and Disney XD, while The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen airs that same night on FXM. And on Sunday, don’t miss a special presentation of Brave on Freeform and an all-new episode of BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes on Disney Channel. 

In a scene from Venom, actors Reid Scott and Michelle Williams stand in a medical laboratory and talk to actor Tom Hardy.

Venom—Friday, May 12, on Disney+
Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) is a broken man after he loses everything, from his reporting job to his fiancée, Anne (Michelle Williams). Just when his life is at its lowest, he becomes host to an alien symbiote which results in extraordinary superpowers—transforming him into Venom. Will these powers be enough for this new lethal protector to defeat great evil forces, especially against the far stronger and more weaponized symbiote rival, Riot (Riz Ahmed)? The action-packed film—intended only for mature audiences—also stars Reid Scott, Jenny Slate, and Woody Harrelson.

In a scene from The Ghost and Molly McGee, a teenager stands inside a large pumpkin and looks at Molly McGee, who is dressed as a judge in a Halloween-themed episode.

The Ghost and Molly McGee—Saturday, May 13, at 8 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and Disney XD
A spooky new episode debuts this weekend, just in time to continue those Halfway to Halloween festivities. It’s Halloween time for the McGees, and Scratch (voiced by Dana Snyder) decides to invite real ghosts to the haunted house to bolster the fun! However, things get a little out of control when the Chens—the ghost-hunting neighbors—and a horde of Frightmares show up. Eek! The voice cast includes Ashley Burch, Michaela Dietz, Jordan Klepper, Sumalee Montano, Lara Jill Miller, Alan Lee, Sue Ann Pien, Stephanie Sheh, and Leonard Wu.

In a scene from The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, actors Shane West as Sawyer and Sean Connery as Allan Quatermain stand side by side

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen—Saturday, May 13, at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on FXM
A team of extraordinary figures culled from great adventure literature—Allan Quatermain (Sean Connery), vampire Mina Harker from Dracula (Peta Wilson), the Invisible Man (Tony Curran), Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (Jason Flemyng), an American secret service agent named Sawyer (Shane West), Captain Nemo (Naseeruddin Shah), and Dorian Gray (Stuart Townsend)—all boast legendary powers. Helmed by Quatermain, the figures team up to thwart the devious plans of The Phantom (Richard Roxburgh) with the world on the brink of war. The adventure film is also available to stream on Hulu.

In a scene from Brave, Merida, a teenage girl with red curly hair aims a bow and arrow as a crowd of people watches behind her.

Brave—Sunday, May 14, at 1:10 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
Princess Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald) is determined to carve her own path in life. The aspiring archer and impetuous daughter of Queen Elinor (voiced by Emma Thompson) makes a reckless choice, defying an age-old custom sacred to uproarious lords of the lands. However, her actions have consequences and in turn unleash chaos in the kingdom. To remedy her mistake, Merida must harness all of her skills to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late… and in the process, discover the meaning of true bravery. The voice cast also includes Billy Connolly, Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane, Craig Ferguson, John Ratzenberger, and Kevin McKidd.

Actors Israel Johnson, Alfred Lewis, Mallory James Mahoney, Shiloh Verrico, and Luke Busey gather around a campfire at night in a scene from BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes

BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes—Sunday, May 14, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
The hilarity continues at Camp Kikiwaka in this all-new episode. Camp yearbook superlatives are out, but not everyone is happy with their moniker—including Bill (Alfred Lewis), who spirals after he’s named “Most Changed.” Elsewhere, Winnie (Shiloh Verrico) is accused of causing a stampede, and Noah (Israel Johnson) asks Parker (Trevor Tordjman) and Megan (Grace Lu) to help him select his next acting role. The series also stars Miranda May, Mallory James Mahoney, and Luke Busey.

6 Times Halle Bailey Joined the Worlds of Disney

By Jessica Benda

By the time Halle Bailey journeyed under the sea, she already made several adventures into the worlds of Disney.

Bailey stars in Disney’s upcoming The Little Mermaid as Ariel, a spirited young mermaid who longs to breach the ocean’s surface. The lavish reimagining opens in theaters on Friday, May 26, but Bailey has been seen for a decade in Disney media. In celebration of her newest appearance, we’re reminiscing about her past ones.

Let It Shine (2012)
Bailey makes up half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle, with her older sister, Chloe Bailey. Halle’s first Disney role was alongside Chloe in Disney Channel’s Let It Shine, a movie musical about a teenage rapper who hides his music from his family. Halle and Chloe didn’t have the same dilemma, as they took to the screen as two choir members.

Next Big Thing (2012)
In 2012, Halle and Chloe became reality competition royalty after being crowned on Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing. The singing contest brought 5–10 unsigned artists on for each season to perform and deliver interviews, and online polling determined the winner. In the fifth and final season before the show switched to a new format, the Bailey sisters’ stellar vocals won them victory and a performance on a Disney Channel series.

Austin & Ally (2013)
Said Disney Channel series was Austin & Ally, where Halle and Chloe performed “Unstoppable” in Season 2. In the episode “Moon Week & Mentors,” Austin and Ally are asked to be celebrity judges on America’s Top Talent, where they watch some stellar singers. Paralleling their real-life experience on Next Big Thing, Halle and Chloe took the stage for another top-notch performance.

A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
Disney’s whimsical take on Madeleine L’Engle’s 1962 novel wouldn’t have been complete without a dazzling soundtrack. Chloe x Halle penned and performed “Warrior” specifically for the film, delivering an ethereal song that has endured throughout their careers. They later went on to perform the piece at the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards!

In the series Grown-ish, Halle Bailey plays college student Sky. Sky sits at an outdoor table with some chips and smiles brightly. She wears a yellow T-shirt, hoop earrings, and a necklace.

grown-ish (2018-2022)
Halle and Chloe took their sisterhood to a new level when they played twins on ABC’s grown-ish. Halle played ambitious college student Sky Forster, a dedicated track athlete and even more dedicated sister. Halle spent three seasons as a main cast member before her character departed as a series regular at the end of Season 3. She continued as a recurring character for Season 4 before departing the series.

Ariel (Halle Bailey) emerges from the sea, propping herself up on a large rock formation as she sings about her longing to be part of the human world through the famed ballad “Part of Your World” in a scene from the live-action The Little Mermaid.

The Little Mermaid (2023)
Of all the Disney Princesses, it’s no surprise that Halle was chosen for the one known for her voice. She takes on a tail as Ariel in Disney’s reimagining of The Little Mermaid, which follows a mermaid who dreams of exploring the world above. When Ariel bargains her voice for human legs, she finally gets her chance. Halle captures the vivacious and playful spirit of Ariel—and she has no trouble with the soaring vocals either!

Be part of Halle’s world when The Little Mermaid lands in theaters on Friday, May 26.

DOWNLOADABLE: Celebrate the Dark Side of the Force

By Analise Warner

Do you know the power of the Dark Side? Be persuaded to join the Empire alongside a Sith Lord legend, Darth Vader! Use all the shades of the Force, whether that be the Light Side like Anakin Skywalker or the Dark Side like Darth Vader, with an exclusive coloring page from Art of Coloring: Star Wars: 100 Images to Inspire Creativity and Relaxation. Fans of all ages will enjoy these stunning pen-and-ink illustrations of beautiful landscapes, elaborate patterns, and memorable characters from the Star Wars universe. Don’t let Darth Vader find your lack of creativity disturbing! Download the powerful coloring page below and remember: “We would be honored if you would join us.”

DOWNLOAD

These stylized pen-and-ink illustrations mix art nouveau and the world of Star Wars. From Art of Coloring: Star Wars: 100 Images to Inspire Creativity and Relaxation (Disney Editions, 2015).
© & TM Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Hollywood Goes Under the Sea for the World Premiere of The Little Mermaid

By Jocelyn Buhlman

The Little Mermaid took to the human world on Monday when the blue carpet unrolled down Hollywood Boulevard to celebrate the film’s world premiere. The cast of the film, including Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, and Melissa McCarthy, were up where they walk, run, and play all day in the sun—although, in this instance, mostly walk. D23 had the chance to be part of their world for the evening, chatting with the cast and crew about the highly anticipated film.

Melissa McCarthy waves to the audience onstage at the Dolby Theater prior to the world premiere screening of The Little Mermaid. She is wearing a deep blue dress embellished with fringe, along with matching blue gloves.

She might be the exact opposite of a poor, unfortunate soul, she did get to sing about them! McCarthy was practically floating down the carpet—much like the character she brought to life in the film. We had a chance to ask her about the special effects behind the tentacled sea witch, Ursula, to which McCarthy illuminated us about the supportive talent behind the scenes: “I worked with a team of amazing dancers and stunt people, so really at any given time no matter what we were doing, there were nine or ten of us beautifully working in unison. Which is such a fun feeling. You’re not in it alone… The motion and the world Rob built is still unbelievable to me. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, and like, I was there!”

Awkwafina stands in front of the step and repeat for The Little Mermaid (2023), wearing a gold, sparkly dress and holding a small, black purse in her right hand.

We got the scuttlebutt from Scuttle herself on a new ability for the often-flummoxed fowl. “It’s nice when you can go under the sea and really talk it out,” Awkwafina, the voice of Scuttle, explained. I think it allows for more interaction. Also, I love to see a bird underwater! I think it’s a cool image.”

Javier Bardem stands in front of the blue step and repeat for the 2023 live action reimagining of The Little Mermaid

No matter if you’re under the sea or walking on land, parenting can be tough—just ask Javier Bardem, who plays Ariel’s sometimes-overprotective father, King Triton. Bardem, a father of daughters in real life as well, told D23, “You bring what you are as a human into the role. It creates a spark of something you know about your relationship with your daughters.” As much as he can relate to Triton, however, Ariel was right—on land they don’t reprimand their daughters! When it comes to Bardem’s own bright young women sick of swimming, he had this to say: “I’m far from being like Triton, because I think he’s embracing too tightly to his daughter. I’m okay with loving her [Bardem’s own daughter] in the way that I want her to be free.”

Halle Bailey stands on the blue carpet for The Little Mermaid (2023) world premiere. She is wearing a shiny, blue dress that features two shell-shaped panels at the top of the dress, mimicking Ariel’s classic outfit. Bailey is smiling broadly, standing in front of the step and repeat featuring the film’s logo.

Since flipping her fins won’t get her too far on the blue carpet, star Halle Bailey traded her glittery green tail for a gorgeous gown, looking every bit the Disney princess that she was born to be. She was bubbling with anticipation for watching the film that night—but not because it was her first time seeing it. “This will be my third time seeing the film, and I’m so excited to see everyone’s reactions,” she explained.

If that wasn’t splashy enough for you, don’t swim away! We’ve got a gallery of celebrities and creatives aplenty from The Little Mermaid premiere that you can check out below.

RECIPE: Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Perkins Thai Noodles

A Recipe from the Delicious Disney Vault
Plant-based Perkins Thai Noodles at Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen

This plant-based dish from Magic Kingdom Park will delight. The Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen, carrying the theme of the Jungle Cruise, adventures along the Amazon, Congo, Nile, and Mekong rivers for menu inspiration. Ask for the “secret” room, an homage to the meeting place of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.), or consider perusing the library for an aptly named book to gain your own entrance. While you plan your next expedition, try this scrumptious meal featured in Delicious Disney: Walt Disney World—Recipes & Stories from The Most Magical Place on Earth by Pam Brandon, Marcy Carriker Smothers & the Disney Chefs.

SERVES 6

Ingredients:

MARINATED TOFU
½ cup sambal oelek
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ cup red wine vinegar
¼ cup lime juice
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons canola oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces firm tofu, drained

PAD THAI SAUCE
¾ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons sambal oelek
1½ teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
1 tablespoon sriracha, or to taste
¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons mirin
¼ cup diced scallions
4 teaspoons sesame oil

PERKINS THAI NOODLES
1 pound Thai rice noodles
¼ cup canola oil
1 cup thinly sliced yellow onion
2 tablespoons minced garlic
marinated tofu, drained
1 cup spinach
1 cup diced yellow squash
1 cup diced zucchini
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup sliced red pepper
1 cup snap peas
¼ cup chopped green onions
Pad Thai sauce

Steps:

FOR MARINATED TOFU

  1. Combine sambal oelek, garlic, vinegar, lime juice, cilantro, canola oil, salt, and pepper in large bowl.
  2. Cut tofu into 1-inch squares and place in bowl with marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.

FOR PAD THAI SAUCE

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Set aside until ready to use.

FOR PERKINS THAI NOODLES

  1. Cook rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat oil in large sauté pan or wok over medium heat for 5 minutes or until shimmering. Add onions and cook 5 to 8 minutes, until soft and beginning to brown. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add drained tofu and cook for 2 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and cook 2 more minutes.
  4. Pour sauce over vegetables and cook for 3 minutes.
  5. Turn off heat and add noodles, tossing well. Serve hot.

Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents.
Please supervise children who are helping or nearby.
This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens.
The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

This week, prepare for mayhem! The champs are here and ready to battle as Jeopardy! Masters premieres Monday on ABC. All episodes of The Muppets Mayhem debut Wednesday, exclusively on Disney+. An all-new episode of Good Trouble airs Thursday on Freeform. And on Friday, Crater and Spider-Man: Homecoming both launch on Disney+.

Contestants Amy Schneider, Matt Amodio, and Andrew He compete in an episode of Jeopardy! Masters.

Jeopardy! Masters—Monday, May 8, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
The top six highest-ranked current Jeopardy! contestants—Amy Schneider, Matt Amodio, Mattea Roach, Andrew He, Sam Buttrey, and James Holzhauer—go head-to-head in an all-new iteration of America’s Favorite Quiz Show®️. Each hourlong episode, hosted by the “G.O.A.T.” Ken Jennings, will showcase two action-packed and high-stakes games. Who will take home the title of Jeopardy! Masters Champion? Tune in to find out! Episodes are available to stream the next day on Hulu.

The Electric Mayhem Band perform in an episode of the Muppets Mayhem.

The Muppets Mayhem—Wednesday, May 10, on Disney+
Are you ready to rock? The new comedy series follows The Electric Mayhem Band—Dr. Teeth on vocals and keyboards, Animal on drums, Floyd Pepper on vocals and bass, Janice on vocals and lead guitar, Zoot on saxophone, and Lips on trumpet—as they prepare to record their first-ever studio album. As the iconic band embarks on their epic musical journey, Nora (Lilly Singh)—an ambitious music executive—attempts to manage the mayhem along the way. The series also stars Tahj Mowry as Gary and Saara Chaudry as Hannah, who will be joined by a star-studded crew of guest stars. All 10 episodes are available to binge at launch.

Actor Cierra Ramirez plays Mariana in an episode of Good Trouble.

Good Trouble—Thursday, May 11, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
The Coterie crew is under immense pressure in this all-new episode. With the clock ticking at Speckulate, Mariana (Cierra Ramirez) and Evan (T.J. Linnard) work together to stop a takeover. Elsewhere, Malika (Zuri Adele) hustles to secure the votes for her women’s center proposal. Meanwhile, Davia (Emma Hunton) invites Dennis (Josh Pence) for a night out with her fellow cast members. Watch episodes the next day on Hulu.

In a scene from Crater, Isaiah Russell-Bailey, Mckenna Grace, Billy Barratt, Orson Hong, and Thomas Boyce explore a mysterious room.

Crater—Friday, May 12, on Disney+
The Disney+ Original Movie follows Caleb Channing (Isaiah Russell-Bailey), who was raised on a lunar mining colony. After the death of his father (Scott Mescudi), Caleb is about to be permanently relocated to an idyllic faraway planet. But before his departure, Caleb and his three best friends—Dylan (Billy Barratt), Borney (Orson Hong), and Marcus (Thomas Boyce)—embark on one final adventure to fulfill his late father’s final wish. The group of friends—alongside a new arrival from Earth, Addison (McKenna Grace)—hijack a rover to explore a mysterious crater.

Actor Tom Holland plays Peter Parker aka Spider-Man and stands on top of a subway car in a scene from Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Spider-Man: Homecoming—Friday, May 12, at Disney+
A young Peter Parker aka Spider-Man (Tom Holland) begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging Super Hero. After the events of Captain America: Civil War, Peter returns home to Queens, New York, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr.) aka Iron Man. As Peter balances being a high school student and undercover hero, the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain. The action-packed film also stars Disney Legend Jon Favreau, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tony Revolori, and Donald Glover.