Celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day with this Swashbuckling Quiz!

September 19, 2017November 26, 2019

By Courtney Potter

We here at D23 take International Talk Like a Pirate Day pretty seriously—and that’s because Disney has such a long, appropriately swashbuckling history with charming scoundrels of the sea. From 1950’s Treasure Island, to the legendary Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disney parks (with its mega-popular film-franchise namesake), and everything in between… pirates are a shiny gold doubloon in the proverbial treasure box of Disney lore.

So how are we celebrating Talk Like a Pirate Day this year? Blimey, we’re goin’ big; weigh anchor, hoist the mizzen, and chart your own course with this “plunder”-ful new quiz! We picked five of our favorite Disney pirates… see which one you’re most like, and don’t forget to post your results on Facebook and Twitter. Avast, me hearties!

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

Listen to Three New Songs from Pixar’s Coco

September 15, 2017

By Jonathan McMullen

If you’re anything like us—and we know you are!—you probably become giddy at any chance to have a peek at Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film, Coco. Well, you’re in luck today, because we have snippets of three of the enchanting songs that you’ll hear in the film when it opens in U.S. theaters on November 22 (and on the soundtrack, available November 10).

Close your eyes, take a listen to these beautiful tracks, and immerse yourself in the world of Coco.

“Remember Me”—The signature song of Ernesto de la Cruz, Miguel’s late musical idol.

“Un Poco Loco”—Miguel and Hector find themselves performing on the fly at a talent show in the Land of the Dead.

“The World Es Mi Familia”—Miguel sings this song in a bid to capture the attention of Ernesto de la Cruz.

“13 Nights of Halloween” Movie Delights

September 15, 2017September 15, 2017

By Megan Deppe

As the weather cools off and the pumpkin-flavored everything hits the shelves, it’s time to consider how you want to spend the nights leading up to Halloween. Thankfully, Freeform has put out its “13 Nights of Halloween” schedule, just so you can curl up with a blanket and your favorite pumpkin drink to enjoy 13 days of Halloween film fun! So as you’re hanging up your bats, carving your pumpkins, and practicing your fake blood drips, tune in to Freeform and enjoy these hauntingly hilarious Halloween treats!

Thursday, October 19
7 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. CT: Last Man Standing
7:30 a.m. ET / 6:30 a.m. CT: Spooky Buddies
11 a.m. ET / 10 a.m. CT: The Middle
11:30 a.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. CT: The Middle
Noon ET / 11 a.m. CT: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn—Part 2
2:35 p.m. ET / 1:35 p.m. CT: The Haunted Mansion
4:40 p.m. ET / 3:40 p.m. CT: The Addams Family
6:45 p.m. ET / 5:45 p.m. CT: Addams Family Values
8:50 p.m. ET / 7:50 p.m. CT: Hocus Pocus
12 a.m. ET / 11 a.m. CT: ParaNorman

Friday, October 20
7 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. CT: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
11 a.m. ET / 10 a.m. CT:The Middle
11:30 a.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. CT: The Middle
12 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. CT: The Haunted Mansion
2:10 p.m. ET / 1:10 p.m. CT:The Addams Family
4:15 p.m. ET / 3:15 p.m. CT: Addams Family Values
6:20 p.m. ET / 5:20 p.m. CT: Hocus Pocus
8:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. CT: Sleepy Hollow
12 a.m. ET / 11 a.m. CT: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Saturday, October 21
7 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. CT: Edward Scissorhands
9:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. CT: Harry Potter and thde Deathly Hallows – Part 2
12:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. CT: Fun Size
2:35 p.m. ET / 1:35 p.m. CT: Matilda
4:40 p.m. ET / 3:40 p.m. CT: Sleepy Hollow
7:10 p.m. ET / 6:10 a.m. CT: The Addams Family
9:15 p.m. ET / 8:15 a.m. CT: Addams Family Values
11:25 p.m. ET / 10:25 p.m. CT: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Sunday, October 22
7 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. CT: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
10:05 a.m. ET / 9:05 CT: Matilda
12:10 p.m. ET/ 11:10 a.m. CT: Hocus Pocus
2:20 p.m. ET / 1:20 p.m. CT: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
5 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. CT: The Addams Family
7:05 p.m. ET / 6:05 p.m. CT: Addams Family Values
9:15 p.m. ET / 8:15 p.m. CT: Hocus Pocus
11:25 p.m. ET / 10:25 p.m. CT: Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Monday, October 23
7 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. CT: Last Man Standing
7:30 a.m. ET / 6:30 a.m. CT: Frankenweenie
11 a.m. ET / 10 a.m. CT: Edward Scissorhands
1:35 p.m. ET / 12:35 p.m. CT: Alice in Wonderland
4:10 p.m. ET / 3:10 p.m. CT: Dark Shadows
6:50 p.m. ET / 4:50 p.m. CT: Sleepy Hollow
9:20 p.m. ET / 8:20 p.m. CT: The Nightmare Before Christmas
12 a.m. ET / 11 p.m. CT: Frankenweenie

Tuesday, October 24
7 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. CT: Edwards Scissorhands
11 a.m. ET / 10 a.m. CT: Fun Size
1 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. CT: The Haunted Mansion
3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT: The Nightmare Before Christmas
4:40 p.m. ET / 3:40 p.m. CT: The Addams Family
6:45 p.m. ET / 5:45 p.m. CT: Addams Family Values
8:50 p.m. ET / 7:50 p.m. CT: Hocus Pocus
12 a.m. ET / 11 p.m. CT: Teen Witch

Wednesday, October 25
7:30 a.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. CT: Teen Witch
11:30 a.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. CT: Twilight: Sepcial Edition
2:25 p.m. ET / 1:25 p.m. CT: The Addams Family
4:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. CT: Addams Family Values
6:35 p.m. ET / 5:35 p.m. CT: Hocus Pocus
8:45 p.m. ET / 7:45 p.m. CT: Men in Black
12 a.m. ET / 11 p.m. CT: Bewitched

Thursday, October 26
7:30 a.m. ET / 6:30 a.m. PT: R.L. Stine’s Monsterville: Cabinet of Souls
11:30 a.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. CT: Bewitched
1:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. CT: The Haunted Mansion
3:35 p.m. ET / 2:35 p.m. CT: Sleepy Hollow
6:05 p.m. ET / 5:05 p.m. CT: Men in Black
8:20 p.m. ET / 7:20 p.m. CT: Dark Shadows
12 a.m. ET / 11 p.m. CT: The Haunted Mansion

Friday, October 27
7 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. CT: Dark Shadows
11 a.m. ET / 10 a.m. CT: The Middle
11:30 a.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. CT: The Middle
12 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. CT: Sleepy Hollow
2:25 p.m. ET/ 1:25 p.m. CT: Hocus Pocus
4:35 p.m. ET / 3:35 p.m. CT: Men in Black
6:50 p.m ET. / 5:50 p.m. CT: The Addams Family
8:55 p.m. ET / 7:55 p.m. CT: Addams Family Values
12 a.m. ET / 11 p.m. CT: Hocus Pocus

Saturday, October 28
7 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. CT: Spooky Buddies
9:05 a.m. ET / 8:05 a.m. CT: R.L. Stine’s Monsterville: Cabinet of Souls
11:10 a.m. ET / 10:10 a.m. CT: The Addams Family
1:20 p.m. ET / 12:20 p.m. CT: Addams Family Values
3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. CT: The Nightmare Before Christmas
5:10 p.m. ET / 4:10 p.m. CT: Hocus Pocus
7:20 p.m. ET / 6:20 p.m. CT: Disney•Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
9:25 p.m. ET / 8:25 p.m. CT: Disney•Pixar’s Monsters University
11:55 p.m. ET / 10:55 p.m. CT: ParaNorman

Sunday, October 29
7 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. CT: R.L. Stine’s Monsterville: Cabinet of Souls
9:10 a.m. ET / 8:10 a.m. CT: ParaNorman
11:20 a.m. ET / 10:20 a.m. CT: The Nightmare Before Christmas
1 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. CT: Hook
4:15 p.m. ET / 3:15 p.m. CT: Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story of TERROR!
4:45 p.m. ET / 3:45 p.m. CT: Hocus Pocus
6:55 p.m. ET / 5:55 p.m. CT: Disney•Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT: Disney•Pixar’s Monsters University
11:30 p.m. ET / 10:30 p.m. CT: Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story of TERROR!
12 a.m. ET / 11 p.m. C: Frankenweenie

Monday, October 30
7 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. CT: Sleepy Hollow
11:30 a.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. CT: Dark Shadows
2 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. CT: Sleepy Hollow
4:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. CT: The Addams Family
6:40 p.m. ET / 5:40 p.m. CT: Addams Family Values
8:50 p.m. ET / 7:50 p.m. CT: Hocus Pocus
12 a.m. ET / 11 p.m. CT: Hocus Pocus

Tuesday, Oct. 31
7:30 a.m. ET / 6:30 a.m. CT: Hocus Pocus
12 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. CT: Hocus Pocus
2:15 p.m. ET/ 1:15 p.m. CT: Hocus Pocus
4:30 p.m. ET/ 3:30 p.m. CT: Hocus Pocus
6:40 p.m. ET/ 5:40 p.m. CT: Hocus Pocus
8:50 p.m. ET/ 7:50 p.m. CT: Hocus Pocus
12 a.m. ET/ 11 p.m. CT: Hocus Pocus

Discover Spook-tacular Disney Halloween Events Around the World

September 14, 2017October 30, 2017

By Megan Deppe

It’s that time of year again, when all of our favorite Disney friends don their scariest (and not-so-scariest) costumes, and villains slink out of their lairs to celebrate the season at Disney parks around the world. That’s right—it’s Halloween time again! Keep an eye out for all of these amazing Halloween offerings, both at your go-to Disney park and at parks around the world––you might decide you simply have to visit for their fall festivities!

Disneyland Resort

September 15–October 31

The warm California nights are about to take on the chill of Halloween at the Disneyland Resort, where there are parties, parades, and holiday-enhanced attractions to fit the spooky mood. At Disney California Adventure, Cars Land have plenty of new themed decorations for “Haul-O-Ween.” Elsewhere in the park, Oogie Boogie’s influence will be quite noticeable along Buena Vista Street!

Haunted Mansion Holiday
From September 15 through mid-January, the Haunted Mansion gets its beloved Nightmare Before Christmas makeover, with Jack Skellington and friends settling in for a nice long visit. There’s frightful fun to be had all year in the Haunted Mansion, but the mash-up of Christmas and Halloween makes the attraction feel extra-festive all the way through the winter holiday season.

Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy
The fan-favorite Space Mountain also gets its own creepy tune-up for Halloween. The attraction seems darker and even more frightening when ghosts are following you through space and time.

Mickey’s Halloween Party
From September 20 through October 31, on select nights only, Mickey and the gang are throwing a Halloween party at Disneyland that you won’t want to miss! The frightful and delightful fun includes the Ride of the Headless Horseman down Main Street, U.S.A. during the Frightfully Fun Parade; Halloween Screams, a supernatural fireworks celebration; meet’n’greets with Disney Villains; and of course, lots and lots of treats!

Walt Disney World Resort

August 25–November 1

Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is already aglow with the orange light of pumpkins as the creepiest time of year grows closer. Be sure to pack your costume and grab your tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party so you can take in these awesome experiences:

Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular
Our favorite Disney Villains lend a helping hand to the Halloween festivities as the Sanderson Sisters make their triumphant return to the realm of mortals. Winifred, Mary, and Sarah have decided to use their magic to cast a spell over all of Magic Kingdom park for their few hours of fun—complete with dancers, projections, and effects that are truly out-of-this-world—as they dance the night away with their guests.

Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade
The Headless Horseman launches the Halloween festivities with a parade alongside the stars of Haunted Mansion, as well as Mickey and the gang decked out in their costumes. The collection of fun and frightening floats making its way through Magic Kingdom is the perfect family-friendly event, and a great way to get into the Halloween spirit!

Happy HalloWishes Fireworks
To finish out the festivities, the Ghost Host from Haunted Mansion invites all of his guests to Cinderella Castle for fireworks and sing-alongs with the villains. As Ursula, Maleficent, Oogie Boogie and more lead you in some of their most evil tunes including “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” “Grim Grinning Ghosts,” and “Oogie Boogie’s Song,” the Castle is bathed in creepy colors under fantastic fireworks.

Disneyland Paris

Oct. 1 – Nov. 5

Halloween in Disneyland Paris this year boasts two new events: Goofy’s Skeleton Street Party and Mickey’s Halloween Tricycle Gang. Their usual Meet ’n’ Greets will still take place – with the Evil Queen, Queen of Hearts, and Maleficent in the Castle Courtyard; Jafar and Captain Hook in Adventureland; and Cruella de Vil in Walt Disney Studios Park.

Goofy’s Skeleton Street Party
In this new parade, Goofy will take to the streets of Frontierland with a group of colorful skeletons to dance the day away, with Mickey and Minnie showing up occasionally for meet ’n’ greets. Goofy will also be joined by José Carioca and Panchito Pistoles, Donald’s buddies from The Three Caballeros, in a rare appearance in Disneyland Paris.

Mickey’s Halloween Tricycle Gang
Watch as your favorite villains cruise down Main Street, U.S.A. on tricycles during this new daily parade. After the parade, the villains will be available for photo opportunities throughout the park—if you dare!

Hong Kong Disneyland

Sept. 14 – Oct. 31

The annual Villains Night Out parade is back, featuring Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, Jack Skellington, Captain Hook, the Queen of Hearts, Cruella de Vil, and for the first time, that evil sea witch Ursula. Trick-or-treat booths will be available for your Halloween candy needs, and shops will be stocked with 150 themed costume items and 80 Halloween-themed gifts and souvenirs.

Mickey’s Halloween Street Party
In the spirit of a fun Halloween day, Mickey and his pals will take to Main Street, U.S.A. for a dance party, dressed in special Halloween costumes and riding atop giant pumpkins. Guests are encouraged to join in when the party starts!

Pirates of the Caribbean Ghost Trail
Down in Adventureland, Captain Jack Sparrow has angered many ghost pirates who are on the hunt. Any aspiring pirates may join the search to find the elusive Sparrow—catch him if you can!

Maze of Madness
Guests who want to test their nerves can enter the Maze of Madness, where a mad Professor will take you through the darkest parts of Disney tales, including Mad Hatter’s Shop, Stromboli’s Wagon, the Scare Floor from Monsters, Inc., and rooms based on the tales of Beauty and the Beast and Hercules.

Mickey’s Magical Halloween Hunt
A treasure is missing and Mickey and his friends need your help! Guests at the Explorer’s Club Restaurant can enjoy a 3-course meal as they take part in an interactive Character dining experience to help Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy solve the mystery of the missing treasure.

Tokyo Disneyland

Sept. 8 – Oct. 31

To celebrate Tokyo Disneyland’s 20th Disney Halloween celebration, guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up for the ultimate Halloween fun! Make sure to check the costume guidelines ahead of time.

Halloween Pop’n LIVE
Mickey and his gang are back for the Halloween Pop’n LIVE parade, held twice daily. Each float in the parade hosts a different genre of music, and for the first time, an MC is going to lead the show. Ghosts and skeletons join the fun, dancing along with the Disney Friends who are dressed as jack-o-lanterns, witches and other Halloween characters.

Haunted Mansion Holiday Nightmare
The Haunted Mansion in Fantasyland has been overtaken by the Pumpkin King, and he has no intention of giving up his seat. The Haunted Mansion attraction has been reimagined to a Nightmare Before Christmas theme, and will stay for guests to enjoy until January 3, tying together Halloween and Christmas, just like in the film. This truly is Halloween.

Shanghai Disneyland

Sept. 25 – Oct. 31

Shanghai Disneyland launches its first-ever Halloween event this year, including resort-wide decorations, brand-new entertainment, spooky surprises and the chance to dress up in costumes. It’s shaping up to be an awesome Halloween extravaganza!

Halloween Decorations
The resort will be cloaked in its Halloween best, with spider webs in the shape of Mickey Mouse, character jack-o-lanterns, and colorful foliage that is reminiscent of scenes from around the world.

Entertainment Like Never Before
The night comes to life with an all-new Villains’ Cavalcade, staring Hades from Hercules, Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty, and Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog. Be on the lookout for phantom Ghost Pirates, inspired by Captain Salazar and his crew from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, roaming Treasure Cove. And get ready for a dance party at the Arena-E Stage, with music and moves inspired by the popular Guardians of the Galaxy films.

Tastes of the Halloween Season
Let’s not forget the tasty treats that Shanghai Disney Resort will have for all the good ghouls and boys this year. They include Baby Groot Breadmasks, glow-stick cotton candy, and Halloween classics with added Disney touches, such as the Black Magic Cheeseburger. Guests can also enjoy a Halloween-themed buffet at Lumiere’s Kitchen.

Disneytown Halloween Celebrations
Friday through Sunday from September 29 through October—and including October 30 and 31—guests can enjoy Character dances parties with a DJ, plus classic Halloween activities such as trick-or-treating at select stores in Disneytown.

Every Treat You Need to Try During the Spooky Season at Disney Parks

September 14, 2017

By Nicole Nalty

For a foodie, is there any better holiday than Halloween? Candy and sweets are the name of the game for this fall holiday, and Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts have pulled out all the stops to make this Halloween an absolute treat. See what we’re planning to try below, and make sure to map out your must-eats before your next visit to either resort. Happy Halloween!

Disneyland Resort

Sweet Eats in Cars Land
We’re so excited to see Cars Land decked out for Halloween Time and these treats are perfect for snacking on during a visit to Radiator Screams. Up your popcorn game with the Junkyard JamBOOree Mix: Choose a flavored popcorn (a Cozy Cone Motel favorite!) and opt to add nuts and bolts––think M&Ms, candy corn, chocolate covered pretzels. Or, switch gears (sorry) with a Radiator Springs twist on a French macaron, filled with marshmallow buttercream and candy corn.

Dressed-Up Donuts
Gourmet donuts are one of our new favorite Disneyland delicacies! The popular Main Street cappuccino cart will get their scare on in a most-delicious way, with donuts inspired by the holiday. Over at Disney California Adventure, keep an eye out for a donut inspired by one of our favorite monsters, filled with marshmallow cream.

Ice Scream
There’s a plethora of options for ice cream––A mummy or spider web-inspired macaron ice cream sandwich at Schmoozies and Clarabelle’s, respectively; a bat-wing sundae (also at Clarabelle’s); or grab a scoop of your favorite flavor in a Halloween sprinkled cone at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor.

Ghoul Candy
We love grabbing a take-home treat on our way out of the parks. This Halloween Time, snag an Oogie Boogie crisped rice treat, or munch on a mummy marshmallow wand or a spirited candied apple.

Walt Disney World Resort

Breakfast All-Day
Head to the Main Street Bakery at Magic Kingdom for a Mickey-shaped Cinnamon Roll, topped with orange icing and a chocolate spider web. If you’re attending Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, stop by Sleepy Hollow for a pumpkin Mickey waffle, served with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles, and caramel sauce.

Cupcakes and Cheesecakes
Grab a bright orange Mickey Halloween Cupcake at Main Street Bakery, where orange vanilla buttercream, sprinkles, and a white chocolate scarecrow Mickey top a purple marshmallow fluff-filled chocolate cake. During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, dig in to a Pumpkin cheesecake dome topped with an adorable white chocolate Mickey at Main Street Bakery or Gaston’s Tavern.

Familiar Faces
Love the Pumpkin King? Try his brand-new dessert––vanilla panna cotta, chocolate cake, vanilla buttercream, and a white chocolate Jack Skellington––at Sleepy Hollow. Or, if you dream of becoming the 1,000th happy haunt, try one of these tarts inspired by the Haunted Mansion, found at four different locations throughout Magic Kingdom. These tasty treats are available only during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

How to Celebrate Halloween Time at Disney California Adventure Park

September 14, 2017September 14, 2017

By Nicole Nalty

Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort is one of our favorite seasons––there’s truly nothing like passing by the smiling Mickey pumpkin in Town Square, pumpkin beverage of choice in hand, on our way to visit Jack Skellington at Haunted Mansion Holiday. In years past, Disneyland has added even more must-dos during the spooky season, from speeding through a ghostly galaxy over at Space Mountain to catching the Frightfully Fun Parade during Mickey’s Halloween Party. If you’re visiting the Disneyland Resort during Halloween Time (September 15 through October 31!), you’ll want to make time for some ominous (and sometimes adorable!) offerings over at Disney California Adventure, as the park unveils its first Halloween takeover this year. Here are a few things to look out for:

The Boogie Man Takes on Buena Vista Street
Oogie Boogie, enemy of Jack Skellington, star of nightmares everywhere, has taken over the entry of Disney California Adventure in a display you won’t be able to miss. As you head into the park, be on alert for dastardly décor inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas along Buena Vista Street. And don’t miss the haunting Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow in Carthay Circle!

Celebrate Haul-O-Ween
The cutest little town in Carburetor County is creepy yet charming this season, with automotive accents that you just have to cruise on by and see for yourself. Take a spin on Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween or Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, both rethemed for the spooky celebration, or chow down on themed eats at the Cozy Cone Motel (we’re eyeing the Junkyard JamBOOree Mix). Take some time to explore all the nooks and crannies of this already adorable land as it transforms from Radiator Springs into Radiator Screams for the holiday.

Meet Monsters After Dark
You didn’t think the park’s newest attraction was going to make it through the season without a Halloween overhaul, did you? If you haven’t had a chance to experience Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, you’ll still be able to rock out on this epic attraction during the day. But, when night falls, a brand-new experience begins as the attraction becomes Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark. The Guardians are safe, thanks to your help earlier in the day, but they realized they’ve left Groot behind––oops! Read more about this limited-time experience here.

Amazing New Photos from the Frozen Stage Show to Warm Your Hearts

September 14, 2017January 29, 2018

By Beth Deitchman

What do Frozen things do in summer? Well, right now they’re in Denver, appearing in Disney Theatrical’s new Broadway musical, which tonight officially begins its out-of-town tryout ahead of its Broadway opening next year.

Disney Theatrical is giving fans a first look at the production with these just-released photos of the cast on stage—and they’re worth melting for!

Frozen’s pre-Broadway engagement at the Buell Theatre in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts opens tonight and continues through October 1. Performances begin at Broadway’s St. James Theatre on Februrary 22, 2018, and the show opens on March 22, 2018. Tickets (for shows through August 12, 2018) are on sale now—visit FrozenTheMusical.com for all of the details.

New Coco Trailer and J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars Return—Plus More in News Briefs

September 13, 2017

By Courtney Potter

Another peek into the world of Coco, and The Force Awakens director will revisit the Star Wars universe… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Brand-New Coco Trailer, Poster, & Fun at Disney California Adventure

Disney•Pixar’s Coco will dazzle moviegoers beginning this Thanksgiving—but if you’re looking for an early peek at all that colorful, musical fun, you’re in luck: A brand-new trailer was just released! Check it out, above, and then double-check your calendar to make sure November 22 is circled in red…

The Coco fun continues this fall at the Disneyland Resort: Beginning September 15, guests at Disney California Adventure can enjoy Plaza de la Familia at the park’s Paradise Gardens—celebrating both Coco and the everlasting bonds of family. It’s all inspired by the traditional Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), when families come together to remember their loved ones. Plaza de la Familia features “A Musical Celebration of Coco,” a performance of dance and music with storytellers. A singing host, Mateo, and an ensemble of Folklórico dancers—plus the Grammy®-winning Mariachi Divas—will bring three songs from the film to life.

Guests will also enjoy authentic Mariachi music on the Paradise Gardens Bandstand; a new “The World of Coco” exhibit; a Tree of Life interactive photo location; and a delicious new menu of Mexican dishes. Plaza de la Familia is a limited-time offering that runs from September 15 through November 2.

J.J. Abrams Returns to Star Wars Universe for Episode IX

Mega-huge news from the Star Wars universe: J.J. Abrams, who helmed the worldwide blockbuster Star Wars: The Force Awakens, will return to complete the sequel trilogy as writer and director of Star Wars: Episode IX!

J.J. and Chris Terrio will co-write the film, which will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Abrams, Bad Robot, and Lucasfilm. “With The Force Awakens, J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy.

Keep your eyes peeled here, and with our pals over at StarWars.com, for more updates in the coming months…

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
October 1, 2017
D23’s Fanniversary Celebrates 35 Years of Epcot
October 1, 2017
A Progressive Dinner Celebrating 35 Years of Epcot
October 3, 2017
D23’s Sip and Stroll
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
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23
February 2 2018
D23 Member Night at Disney’s Aladdin at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre
Parks
August 25 and 29, September 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, and 29; October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, and 31; November 1
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park
August 31-November 13, 2017
Epcot Food & Wine Festival
September 15–October 31, 2017
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort
September 15–November 2, 2017
Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure
September 20, 22, 25, 27, 29, October 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31
Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park
November 10–January 7
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
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
Television
September 23, 2017
DuckTales Series debuts with two new episodes (7 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. ET/PT)

Amazing Thor: Ragnarok Character Posters… and Tickets on Sale Now!

The opening of Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok is tantalizingly close (we can now count in weeks and not months)… and to celebrate, Marvel Studios just released some amazing new character posters. The colorful images depict the movie’s awesome heavy-hitters—including Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hela (the newest Marvel villain, played by Cate Blanchett), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and Asgardian warrior Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson).

Additionally: Are you the kind of moviegoer who likes to plan in advance? (If so, we’re kindred spirits.) You’ll be happy to know tickets for Thor: Ragnarok are now officially on sale wherever movie tix are sold!

In this go-round of Thor’s adventures, our Asgardian hero is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer… and he finds himself in a race against time to stop Ragnarok—the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization—at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger: the Incredible Hulk. Thor: Ragnarok opens November 3.

Disney Channel’s Andi Mack Returns on October 27

It was one of the biggest Disney Channel debuts in recent history, and it’s coming back soon for its big second season! Andi Mack, the series that has captivated kids and families, makes its season premiere with a one-hour episode on Friday, October 27 (8 p.m. EDT), on Disney Channel and the Disney Channel app (9 p.m. EDT). Created and executive produced by writer Terri Minsky (Lizzie McGuire) and filmed in Salt Lake City, Utah, the series has been lauded for its skillful handling of realistic stories about a girl and her circle of friends and family.

Andi Mack stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Lilan Bowden, Lauren Tom, Joshua Rush, Sofia Wylie, and Asher Angel. Make sure to look for the cast in the new music video for the show’s popular theme song “Tomorrow Starts Today,” premiering Friday, October 20, on Disney Channel and DisneyMusicVEVO. The song is performed by Hollywood Records artist Sabrina Carpenter and will also be released as a single the same day.

Fun New Marvel Super Hero Adventures for Younger Fans

If you’ve got some young Marvel fans in your life, listen up: There’s a brand-new way for them to enjoy their favorite characters! Marvel Entertainment recently announced an amazing multi-platform program called Marvel Super Hero Adventures—featuring stories that touch on themes of friendship, helping others and, of course, heroism.

Beginning this fall, Marvel Animation is set to launch a season of 10 short-form episodes across several platforms; the preschool-audience-focused production will include exciting three-and-a-half-minute animated episodes with Spider-Man in an epic team-up with other Marvel heroes. Plus, Marvel Super Hero Adventures toys and apparel from Hasbro, Jakks Pacific, and more will debut throughout the next few months—as will new early-reader chapter books, which will join the existing line of popular Marvel Super Hero Adventures activity books and storybooks.

Look for more info on exact launch dates—and where you’ll be able to watch the new short-form episodes—soon!

These Olaf’s Frozen Adventure Songs Will Get You Right in the “Feels”

Okay, so we haven’t even gotten to Halloween yet… but we can still enjoy a little early holiday fun, right? Of course! D23 recently got a sneak peek a few brand-new songs from Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, the featurette set to debut ahead of Disney•Pixar’s Coco this Thanksgiving—and we bet they’ll get you into the holiday spirit in no time. Listen to snippets of “Ring in the Season,” “That Time of Year,” and “When We’re Together” right here.

It’s Almost Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort!

Speaking of Halloween… On September 15, the Disneyland Resort becomes the Spookiest Place on Earth! Oogie Boogie from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas will welcome visitors to Disney California Adventure, and Cars Land gets a complete All Hallow’s Eve makeover for the very first time. And don’t forget all your favorite Halloween tricks and treats at Disneyland Park—including Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy.

Take a quick gander at what you can expect from Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort this year in the new video, above. It’s sure to be frightfully good fun!

Join the Jamboree: A Brief History of Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club

September 12, 2017September 12, 2017

By Courtney Potter

“Who’s the leader of the club that’s made for you and me? M-I-C-K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E!” Mickey Mouse Club, Disney’s legendary television series, has delighted children (and adults!) around the world since it first premiered on ABC in 1955—just a few months after Walt Disney’s biggest project to date, Disneyland park, opened to the public. But what you might not realize is the TV version was the club’s second iteration…
Back in 1929, the Fox Dome Theater in Ocean Park, California, started a Mickey Mouse Club—a real club that kids could join. Soon, hundreds of other Mickey Mouse Clubs (associated with various movie theaters) sprang up across America. Members attended Saturday meetings where Mickey Mouse cartoons were screened; Mickey-themed bands entertained; Mickey Mouse “credos” were recited; and even a Chief Mickey and Chief Minnie were elected. By 1932, these clubs boasted more than 1 million members! So it’s no wonder Walt Disney would eventually continue that “club” tradition…

With Disney’s all-new, always-on-digital Club Mickey Mouse now airing on Facebook and Instagram, we here at D23 thought it was the perfect time to take a look at the club’s celebrated TV history. Come along and sing a song!

Mickey Mouse Club (ABC, 1955–59)
The original, and still beloved to this day! Mickey Mouse Club debuted on ABC on October 3, 1955, as an hour-long show—every weekday afternoon!—featuring a cast of kids (called Mouseketeers) presenting skits and musical numbers, as well as introducing special guest stars, serials, Disney Newsreel segments from around the world, and plenty of Disney cartoons. There were a grand total of 39 Mouseketeers throughout the show’s four seasons; the original 24 included notable performers like Annette Funicello (pictured below right, later made a Disney Legend in 1992), Bobby Burgess, and Cubby O’Brien… along with songwriter Jimmie Dodd (pictured below left) as host/”Head Mouseketeer” (he wrote the show’s eternally catchy theme song) and Disney staff artist/entertainer Roy Williams as the “Big Mouseketeer.” (Both would also be named Disney Legends in 1992). Later Mouseketeers included Mickey Rooney’s children Tim and Mickey, Jr.; The Donna Reed Show’s Paul Petersen; and Don Grady of My Three Sons (later a composer for film and TV).

Each weekday of Mickey Mouse Club had a different theme—Monday was “Fun With Music Day”; Tuesday was “Guest Star Day”; Wednesday was “Anything Can Happen Day”; Thursday was “Circus Day”; and Friday was “Talent Roundup Day.” The serials featured often took on a life of their own. Perhaps most popular was The Adventures of Spin and Marty (pictured below), starring David Stollery and Tim Considine as feuding teenagers at a boys’ summer camp. Other serials included The Hardy Boys (another favorite), Clint and Mac, The Secret of Mystery Lake, Border Collie, Corky and White Shadow, and Annette.

By the time the series ended—on September 25, 1959—an amazing 260 one-hour and 130 half-hour episodes were produced. And Disneyland fans, you truly have Mickey Mouse Club to thank; Walt Disney’s contract with ABC provided him the money needed to finish building his first park!

The New Mickey Mouse Club (syndication, 1977–78)
The original show was syndicated again in 1975—and proved so popular that Disney created The New Mickey Mouse Club. Running in syndication from January 17, 1977, to December 1, 1978, this contemporary version of the series featured 12 Mouseketeers, a lot of fun musical numbers, and a slightly different “theme day” structure… Monday was “Who, What, Why, Where, When and How Day”; Tuesday was “Let’s Go” Day; Wednesday was “Surprise Day”; Thursday was “Discovery Day”; and Friday was “Showtime Day.” There was only one original serial produced, The Mystery of Rustler’s Cave, though several Disney films were shown in serialized form. Among the notable Mousketeers for this go ‘round were Mindy Feldman (sister of The Goonies star Corey Feldman) and Lisa Whechel—who’d go on to star as Blair on The Facts of Life.

The All New Mickey Mouse Club / MMC (Disney Channel, 1989–94)
When The Disney Channel debuted in 1983, they’d air episodes of the original Mickey Mouse Club daily—which, once again, renewed interest in another updated version of the series. Debuting on April 24, 1989, The All New Mickey Mouse Club was aimed at a slightly older age group… and unlike the first two incarnations, the Mickey Mouse-ear hats were no longer in sight, with the Mousketeers instead donning cool Mouseketeer letterman’s jackets. The show was hosted by actor/voiceover artist Fred Newman (Seasons 1 through 6), Mowava Pryor (Seasons 1 through 3), and Terri Misner (Seasons 4 through 6), and “theme days” included “Music Day,” “Guest Day,” “Anything Can Happen Day,” “Party Day,” and “Hall of Fame Day.” Unlike their ‘70s counterpart, this series included several new serials—notably Emerald Cove and Teen Angel (starring Jason Priestley, later of Beverly Hills, 90210). Shot on location at Disney MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) at the Walt Disney World Resort, this was the first Mickey Mouse Club to feature a live studio audience.

The All New Mickey Mouse Club (or MMC, as it was called later in its seven seasons) is especially known for launching the careers of a seriously huge number of big-name stars: actors Keri Russell and Ryan Gosling (pictured above right); pop stars Britney Spears (pictured above center), Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake (pictured above left), JC Chasez, and Tony Lucca; and The Party, a popular ‘90s pop group featuring DeeDee Magno, Damon Pampolina, Chase Hampton, Tiffini Hale, and Albert Fields.

Club Mickey Mouse (Facebook and Instagram, 2017)
An all-new class of Mouseketeers made its debut on September 8, 2017. Club Mickey Mouse reimagines the beloved franchise for a new generation of fans, who are able to watch the new variety program on a whole new platform: social media. Created entirely for social feeds, Club Mickey Mouse lives on Facebook and Instagram and follows the eight new Mouseketeers as they create new music and choreography—and, of course, friendships—with one another. These amazingly talented teens will document their Club Mickey Mouse journey through Instagram stories, Boomerangs, and Facebook Live videos on the @ClubMickeyMouse accounts on Facebook and Instagram. The team behind Oh My Disney developed this new program that’s literally always-on. Be sure to check it out today, and come back every day for new videos and content that’s made for you and me!

Legendary Disney Animator and Imagineer Francis Xavier “X” Atencio Passes Away at Age 98

September 11, 2017September 12, 2017

Disney Legend Xavier “X” Atencio, a former Imagineer and Disney animator, passed away on September 10 at the age of 98. X was responsible for helping bring to life a number of beloved Disney parks attractions including Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, as well as such animated classics as Pinocchio and Fantasia.

Born on September 4, 1919, in Walsenburg, Colorado, X—whose friends shortened his name from Francis Xavier to simply “X”—moved to Los Angeles in 1937 to attend the Chouinard Art Institute. X thought a job at Disney was out of his reach, but the then-18-year-old artist’s instructors prodded him to submit his portfolio. In 1938, when he got the good news from Disney, X ran from the original Hyperion Avenue studio to his aunt’s house shouting, “I got a job at Disney! I got a job at Disney!”

X first saw his work on screen at the 1940 premiere of Pinocchio, and as he watched, he was incredibly moved by seeing the audience’s reaction. That year, he was promoted to assistant animator for Fantasia but left temporarily to join the Army Air Corps in the war effort.

Upon his return in 1945, he picked up where he left off, returning to the studio and working for the next eight years on animated short subjects. His first on-screen credit was for Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom in 1953, an Oscar®-winning film that took audiences through the history of music. Other films X contributed to during this time included Noah’s Ark (1959) and A Symposium on Popular Songs (1962), both Academy Award® nominees, as well as Jack and Old Mac (1956). He worked on the “I’m No Fool” series for the original Mickey Mouse Club, and in the 1960s, X provided memorable stop-motion sequences for Disney feature films The Parent Trap (1961), Babes in Toyland (1961), and Mary Poppins (1964).

At the request of Walt Disney, X transferred to WED Enterprises (later Walt Disney Imagineering) in 1965 to work on the Primeval World diorama for Disneyland. At first, X was unsure of the move to WED: “I went over there reluctantly because I didn’t know what I was getting into, and nobody there knew what I was supposed to do either,” he recalled. “About a month later I got a phone call from Walt. He told me ‘I want you to do the script for the Pirates of the Caribbean.’” From that point on, X cemented his legacy at WED, playing a key role in the development of music and dialogue for the attraction, including co-writing the iconic song, “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me).” For the Haunted Mansion, he wrote the attraction’s dialogue and co-wrote the song “Grim Grinning Ghosts.” For Walt Disney World, he contributed to If You Had Wings and Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom, as well as Spaceship Earth, World of Motion, and the Mexico pavilion at Epcot. Throughout his career, X always said that his reward, as it was in the days of Pinocchio, “is still the audience’s reactions.”

“X was an enormous talent who helped define so many of our best experiences around the world,” said Bob Weis, president of Walt Disney Imagineering. “Some may not know that when he wrote the lyrics for ‘Yo Ho’ he had never actually written a song before. He simply proposed the idea of a tune for Pirates of the Caribbean, and Walt told him to go and do it. That was how X worked—with an enthusiastic, collaborative attitude, along with a great sense of humor. His brilliant work continues to inspire Imagineers and bring joy to millions of guests every year.”

X retired from Disney in 1984, but continued working as a consultant to Walt Disney Imagineering for many years, and was inducted as a Disney Legend in 1996. He is survived by his wife, Maureen; his children Tori McCullough, Judianne, and Joe; his stepchildren Brian Sheedy, Kevin Sheedy, and Eileen Haubeil; sons-in-law Mike McCullough and Chris Haubeil; daughters-in-law Kathy Atencio, Trish Sheedy, and Beth Sheedy; and nine grandchildren.

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Brand-New Coco Trailer, Poster, & Fun at Disney California Adventure

J.J. Abrams Returns to Star Wars Universe for Episode IX

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

Amazing Thor: Ragnarok Character Posters… and Tickets on Sale Now!

Disney Channel’s Andi Mack Returns on October 27

Fun New Marvel Super Hero Adventures for Younger Fans

These Olaf’s Frozen Adventure Songs Will Get You Right in the “Feels”

It’s Almost Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort!

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