Which Disney School Would You Rule?

By Courtney Potter

“School days, school days… dear old golden rule days.” Yes, it’s back-to-school for students across the country—who are already prepping for big projects, big tests, and big sports games a-plenty. But imagine, if you will, what it might be like to attend a Disney high school or college… y’know, the kind of place (from a favorite Disney film or TV series) where a cast of zany characters get into all manner of scholarly shenanigans—occasionally involving song and dance! Wonder which school you would rule? It’s time to find out! Take the quiz below to see the institution of Disney learning where you’re most likely to matriculate…

What do you typically wear to school?

What’s your favorite class?

Which class do you struggle with?

Where do you eat lunch?

Favorite after-school activity?

What’s your dream post-scholastic job?

Which “superlative” would you get in the yearbook??

Which Disney School Would You Rule?
You got East High School from High School Musical!

You’re a free spirit who doesn’t care what people think… so you belong at Albuquerque’s East High School from High School Musical—where it’s just as cool to be a theater geek as it is to be a basketball-playing jock. As Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) said in his graduation speech, “East High is a place where teachers encouraged us to break the status quo and define ourselves as we choose.” Don’t forget to “get’cha head in the game”!
You got Auradon Prep from Disney’s Descendants!

You’re a bit of a troublemaker, and know all the best ways to be wicked, but you’re willing to start fresh—so a new chapter at Auradon Prep is just the ticket! It’s not always easy; classes like “Remedial Goodness” and “Smiling” don’t come easy for Villain Kids like you. There are many hurdles to jump, in matters of learning and matters of the heart… But in the end, you realize that the heroes really might be onto something.
You got Middleton High School from Kim Possible!

“What’s the sitch?” While you might belong at “an average American high school” like Middleton, you’re anything but average! You’re the kind of student who gets good grades and has time for a few, shall we say, hobbies on the side. (Saving the world is a hobby, right?) You live to be depended upon by friends and family—using both brains and brawn to get any job done.
You got Monsters U from Monsters University!

You’re friendly and kind, and you’ve also got a super-specific set of skills—it’s no wonder you were accepted into such a prestigious institution. So, you might not make it into the “coolest” fraternity on campus… the one you do join is full of misfits who happen to be as caring and unique as you are! We think you have a bright future ahead at the local power company.
You got Medfield College from The Absent-Minded Professor!

“Proud are we of mighty Medfield, alma mater dear…” You’re a veritable brainiac—so you’ll fit right into one of the most well-known Disney schools ever, Medfield College of Technology. This college features in The Absent-Minded Professor and its sequel, Son of Flubber, as well as The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes. Your basketball team leaves a lot to be desired, but Professor Brainard’s physical chemistry class is a real hoot!

Enroll in Your Favorite Disney School with These School ID Photo Frames

By D23 Team

Are you in training to become the best scarer in all of Monstropolis? Was your parent a famous Disney hero? Are you the teenage girl who can save the world? Don’t worry, we’ve got your school ID ready for you! Go back to school the Disney way with these photo frames representing some of our favorite institutions of Disney education: Auradon Prep (Descendants and Descendants 2), East High School (High School Musical, High School Musical 2, High School Musical 3), Medfield College of Technology (The Absent-Minded Professor, The Computer wore Tennis Shoes, Flubber), Middleton High School (Kim Possible), and Monsters University (Monsters University).

Want an ID but not sure which school to call your alma mater? Take our quiz to find out where you should enroll!

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

Life Lessons From Schoolhouse Rock

By Jim Frye

To this day, when someone mentions the preamble to the Constitution, do you naturally begin to sing along to, “We the people….”? C’mon, admit it—you’re humming right now, aren’t you? For a generation of Saturday morning cartoon fans, Schoolhouse Rock on ABC was the place to learn all about grammar, science, history, and math. During the ’70s, Schoolhouse Rock produced a series of impossible-to-forget short educational interstitials that ran between the network’s animated programs on Saturday mornings. The combination of catchy tunes and whimsical animation proved to be a potent mix that is still remembered all these years later.

What are the lessons we learned from Schoolhouse Rock? So many, but here are five in particular that stand out.

Schoolhouse Rock

Schoolhouse Rock

What We Learned From “Conjunction Junction”
Who could ever have imagined that school kids would go around singing about conjunctions, phrases, and clauses? In the classic “Conjunction Junction,” we learn how conjunctions connect sentences together—but we also learn so much more. When the no-nonsense conductor connects the trains together he also teaches about properly joining two phrases using the following example: “Let’s go up to the mountains, or down to the seas. You should always say ‘thank you,’ or at least say ‘please.’” Not only did we learn proper punctuation, but we learned one of the most important life lessons of all: gratitude and kindness.

Schoolhouse Rock

What We Learned from “I’m Just A Bill”
The inner workings of Congress seems like an unlikely topic for childhood education, but this episode made it feel easy. In the episode, we see a forlorn roll of paper sitting on the steps of Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. awaiting his fate—he’s a bill waiting to be voted on by Congress. Although the complications of legislation can confuse the smartest among us, “I’m Just A Bill” laid it out in simple—and sing-able—ways. “I’m just a bill. Yes I’m only a bill, and I got as far as Capitol Hill. Well, now I’m stuck in committee…” and so it goes. But it’s the young boy in the episode who drives home a strong life lesson when he says, “Gee, Bill, you certainly have a lot of patience and courage.” To which Bill answers, “Well, I got this far.” It takes a lot of perseverance, patience, and even courage to achieve the important things in life. What a great lesson!

Schoolhouse Rock

What We Learned From “A Noun Is a Person, Place or Thing”
Okay, this should be pretty simple, right? According to “A Noun is a Person, Place or Thing,” “A noun’s a special kind of word. It’s any name you ever heard. I find it quite interesting, a noun’s a person, place or thing.” Simple, right? Well, you have to be paying attention to discover the deeper—and just as important—lesson to be learned. During the second verse, we find out that “Mrs. Jones is a lady on Hudson Street. She sent her dog to bark at my brother and me.” But instead of getting angry at the dog—or Mrs. Jones—the song tells us that, “We gave her dog a big fat bone.” In other words, we didn’t get even—we got nice! And then during the chorus, while we are singing, “Well, every person you can know—Mrs. Jones, a lady, or a brother,” we see the little brother handing a flower to Mrs. Jones, and a smile crosses her face. What did we learn? That Mrs. Jones is a noun—and that repaying hostility with kindness reaps kindness.

Schoolhouse Rock

What We Learned From “My Hero Zero”
Multiplication and math are a lot more fun when you have fun songs to help you through, such as “Ready or Not Here I Come,” “Three Is A Magic Number,” and one of our favorites, “My Hero Zero.” On its surface, “My Hero Zero” seems pretty straightforward: “Place a zero after 1 and you’ve got yourself a 10. See how important that is?” And then a few lines later, “That’s why with only 10 digits, including zero, you can count as high as you could ever go… forever, towards infinity.” The snazzy little ditty taught kids how adding zeroes changed numbers. But the not-so-hidden subtext dealt with how anyone can be a hero, and also, heroes come in all shapes and sizes. The beginning lyrics go like this: “There are all kinds of heroes, you know. A man can get to be a hero for a famous battle he fought… Or by studying very hard and becoming a weightless astronaut… But a hero doesn’t have to be a grown-up person… A hero can be a very big dog who comes to your rescue, or a very little boy who’s smart enough to know what to do.” Never, ever underestimate the zeroes!

Schoolhouse Rock

What We Learned From “Interplanet Janet”
Schoolhouse Rock even went galactic, teaching kids the ins and outs of science. The super-fun “Interplanet Janet” zoomed around the solar system, teaching about the sun and the (then) nine planets orbiting around it. About the sun, Janet taught us, “It’s a hot-spot, It’s a gas! Hydrogen and helium in a big, bright, glowing mass.” In the outer parts of the solar system we learn, “Mars is red and Jupiter’s big, and Saturn shows off its rings. Uranus is built on a funny tilt, and Neptune is its twin.” But what else did Janet teach us? “Interplanet Janet, she’s a galaxy girl, A solar system Ms. from a future world. She travels like a rocket with her comet team. And there’s never been a planet Janet hasn’t seen.” This one may be subtle—or not. But in the early 70s, Schoolhouse Rock was teaching young girls that they could go and do anything they set their minds to. Janet traveled as far as her curiosity would take her. A great lesson for girls—and boys—regardless what decade they live in. Go Janet!

Episodes of School House Rock, as well as the soundtrack, can be found on iTunes.

Schoolhouse Rock

7 New Things to Know About Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

By Nicole Nalty

The 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival kicks off today! Whether this is your first time taking a culinary tour around the world or you’re a seasoned traveler, here are a few things you need to know before you take part in this year’s festival.

1. Plenty of Time to Celebrate
If you haven’t made plans to visit the Walt Disney World Resort during the festival, first of all, why not? And most importantly, there’s still time! The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will run for 75 days, from today through November 13, so there’s lots of time to try everything.

2. 35 Marketplaces for 35 Years
To celebrate Epcot’s 35th anniversary, Epcot will host a record 35 food and wine marketplaces during this year’s festivities. See what they did there?

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

3. New Marketplaces
Speaking of marketplaces, five new locations are making their debut this year: Active Eats (Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese, please!), The Almond Orchard (Five words: Banana Almond soft-serve sundae), Coastal Eats (seafood central), Flavors from Fire (Roasted Pork Wings with Korean BBQ sauce!), and the Light Lab, full of bubbly drafts and creative cocktails. Take a peek at their mouth-watering menus here.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

4. Returning Favorites
New and classic favorites will be returning to the festival this year (we can’t wait for the Vegan Greek Nachos!), in addition to three marketplaces that we haven’t seen in a while… Spain will return for the first time since 2010, and India and Thailand will return for the first time since 2009.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

5. Figment Everything
No, it’s not a Figment of your imagination, this lovable little dragon is everywhere during this year’s festival, especially when it comes to take-home souvenirs. See a sampling here.

6. Remember the Handwich?
Visit the Odyssey Pavilion, where you can re-discover favorites of Epcot days past in the Epcot Legacy Showplace, including the beloved Zesty Cheeseburger and Cheddar Cheese Macaroni Handwich.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

7. 11 New Acts are Ready to Eat to the Beat
The Eat to the Beat concert series continues, with 11 new artists ready to take the stage: The Hooters, Baha Men, Lauren Alaina, American Authors, The Devon Allman Band, Postmodern Jukebox, 10,000 Maniacs, Mark Wills, Kenny G, Blue October, and Squeeze join a fun line-up of artists every night of the festival––see the full schedule here.

Actor Iwan Rheon Humanizes A Villain in Marvel’s Inhumans

By Ingrid Meilan

This Friday, September 1, Marvel’s Inhumans—a royal family like you’ve never seen before—make their debut in IMAX theatres for a two-week period in advance of the September 29 premiere of the new series on ABC (8–10 p.m. ET/PT). Based on a legendary comic book series, Marvel’s Inhumans follows Black Bolt, the commanding King of the Inhumans, and his family as they start a new life in Hawaii after a military coup. Black Bolt’s brother, Maximus, is a charismatic villain you’re going to love to hate—especially since he’s played by Iwan Rheon, known to fans of Game of Thrones as Ramsay Bolton, one of the most evil men to ever roam the Seven Kingdoms. D23 recently caught up with Rheon, who chatted about his marvel-ous new role.

Marvel's Inumans

D23: What is the best part of joining the Marvel Universe?
IR: I think every young boy wants to be in the superhero show, so it’s lovely to join it. Even though I don’t actually have a super power in the show. It’s cool just to be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They make such amazing stuff.

D23: You went from one rabid fan base to another, what’s it like to do shows when people are that invested?
IR: I approach every character as an individual. I don’t really think about what it is, or what it’s in. It’s more about who’s the person I’m supposed to be portraying, so to me it’s the same—I’m just trying to do the best job I can in playing a character.

Marvel's Inumans

D23: What was it you hooked onto with this one?
IR: Initially I was a bit unsure whether I wanted to do it, because it seemed like maybe I was going to do the same thing again—which I’m not interested in at all. But Jeph Loeb and Scott Buck spoke to me, and said, “Listen. This guy is different. He’s not vicious. He’s not a psychopath. He wants to change things. He’s a revolutionary, he is a politician who has a really strong idea of how to change the world. I guess those were the right things to say to me.

Marvel's Inumans

D23: And he has the love triangle. What was fun about seeing that side of him?
IR: He is vulnerable. He has empathy for people. Ramsay doesn’t—or didn’t, I should say. I think it’s quite a touching story, the fact that Maximus and Medusa were best friends and then as soon as Genesis happened—and it rendered him a human without anything—she kind of ditched him and went off with his brother. Which is kind of harsh, really. I think everyone could empathize with that. And that’s why he’s saying that to her in the scene, “Don’t you remember how much fun we had? And how is your life now, where everything has to be so serious and everything?” It’s quite a touching side to him and it shows his humanity. Not inhumanity.

D23: Was there anything in the source material you wanted to bring to the performance?
IR: The source material gave me more of an idea of who these Inhumans are, what it means to be in this society. How they view everything. How they’ve just tried to ostracize themselves away from society, from the world, really—from humanity. So I think that’s what it gave me, the idea. And it was quite difficult to comprehend and to believe, but that’s kind of what it was.

Marvel's Inumans

D23: How would you describe his arc over the first eight episodes?
IR: I think he has to make some very big decisions and he starts to feel the weight of those decisions. And that affects him.

Remembering Ginni Mack

By D23 Team

We are sorry to report that Ginni Mack, who brought her expert eye for color to The Walt Disney Studios’ Ink & Paint Department for many years, and who served as the original model for Tinker Bell, has passed away. She was 90.

The Oklahoma-born Helen Virginia Gilliland moved to California with her family at age 10. She grew up just a few miles from the Disney studio, in Glendale, where she honed her artistic talent and excelled academically, earning the highest SAT score in her class for mechanical aptitude—higher than any of her male classmates.

Ginni came to work at The Walt Disney Studios in 1946. The 18 year old began as a painter in the Ink & Paint Department, and her keen color sense soon landed her an assignment in the Paint Lab—otherwise known as the “Rainbow Room.” Ginni specialized in Mix & Match and lent her artistry to many Disney animated films of the post-war era and early 1950s.

Ginni Mack

During development of the characters for the animated feature Peter Pan, legendary animator Marc Davis called upon Ginni for a special assignment: With her signature blonde bun and side-swept bangs, Ginni served as inspiration for the film’s iconic pixie, Tinker Bell. She would not be officially identified as the original model for the character until many years after the production of the film.

In 1958, Ginni married Brice Mack, who also worked for the Disney studio as a background painter and story artist. After leaving Disney in 1952, Ginni worked for several other animation studios and dedicated herself to her family.

When production for Pete’s Dragon got underway, Ginni joined a select group of talented Ink & Paint artists and returned to the Company in the late 1970s. As Paint Supervisor, Ginni oversaw the color and artistry of many Disney animated films of this era, and also took part in the early development and testing of CAPS, Disney’s Computer Animation Production System for digital Ink & Paint. She retired in 1991.

Women of the Ink & Paint Dept

Ginni continued to be part of the Disney family; she shared fond memories of her Ink & Paint days at a wide range of events, including D23’s Destination D in 2012 and The Art of Animation Featuring Pinocchio in 2015 (pictured above, center), when Ginni revealed that of all the animated classics she worked on, Cinderella—and its adorable mice—was her personal favorite.

Ginni is survived by her son, Kevin, and his wife Martha; grandsons Jonathan and Ray; stepsons Brice and Greg; and step-grandson Dan Mack.

Force Friday II is Almost Here—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Get ready to Find the Force, and read about The Walt Disney Company’s contribution to Hurricane Harvey relief… See more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Find the Force

Get Ready… Force Friday II is Only Days Away!

In just a few days’ time, you’ll be able to visit “a galaxy far, far away” in a whole new way! Beginning this Friday, September 1—at the stroke of midnight—the new product line for Star Wars: The Last Jedi will be unleashed… and a big part of the celebration is an insanely cool augmented-reality event called Find the Force. Read all about how to play, and what kind of fun you can expect, in our D23 Force Friday II rundown here!

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
August 31, 2017
Stand Out During A Goofy Movie at the El Capitan Theatre
September 8, 2017
D23 Member Mixer in Providence
September 9, 2017
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23
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 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 20, 22, 25, 27, 29, October 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31
Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park
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)

Day of giving

The Walt Disney Company and Houston’s KTRK Donate to American Red Cross

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, The Walt Disney Company and its owned ABC television station KTRK in Houston have jointly announced a $1 million cash commitment to the American Red Cross in support of recovery efforts for communities affected by the hurricane.

In addition, this Thursday, August 31, Disney|ABC Television Group (DATG) will host a “Day of Giving” to benefit those impacted by the hurricane. Starting in the morning with ABC local affiliates and Good Morning America, and throughout the day on ABC, Freeform, Radio Disney, and across all DATG social platforms, look for ways you, too, can donate to the American Red Cross—with that money going to benefit those most in need.

“Our hearts go out to everyone in the devastating path of this historic storm,” said Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. “It’s hard to fully appreciate the impact, in part because it isn’t over yet. But we know thousands of people have lost everything and now face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities back together, and we’re using our unique resources and reach to help those in need.”

Property Brothers’ Drew Scott Joins Season 25 of Dancing with the Stars

It’s official! On Wednesday morning, ABC’s Good Morning America helped Dancing with the Stars announce the very first celebrity joining Season 25: Property Brothers star Drew Scott! He’ll be teamed with DWTS pro (and winner of Season 24) Emma Slater.

Check out the video of the big reveal, above. And stay tuned for the huge announcement of the rest of Season 25’s celebrity cast—next Wednesday, September 6, only on GMA!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark

This Halloween, #SaveGroot with Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark

Yes, it’s true: The Guardians of the Galaxy are getting in on all the Halloween fun this fall at Disney’s California Adventure! As the sun sets each evening, beginning September 15, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will transform into a spooky new adventure subtitled Monsters After Dark, which features a rockin’ new song by Guardians composer Tyler Bates. Find out more here.

Disney Junior’s Vampirina Sets Premiere Date and Special Nationwide Screenings

Halloween is just a few months away, and Disney Junior is getting ready to kick off all the spooky celebrations with a big premiere! Their new animated series Vampirina—starring Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls), James Van Der Beek (Dawson’s Creek), and Isabella Crovetti—will debut with back-to-back episodes simulcast on Disney Junior and Disney Channel on Sunday, October 1, at 11 a.m. EDT. The episodes will also be available on Disney Junior VOD, Disney Junior YouTube, and in the new DisneyNOW app—which will also debut two additional episodes the same day. New episodes will then be presented every Monday and Friday in October on Disney Channel and Disney Junior. Check out the show’s main title theme in the video, above.

But that’s not all: Special screenings of Vampirina will take place at movie theaters across the country on Saturday, October 21; Thursday, October 26; and Saturday, October 28, as part of “Disney Junior at the Movies—HalloVeen Party!,” presented by Fathom Events. The screening events will include a never-before-seen episode of Vampirina, a fantastic costume party for kids and families, and much more! Tickets go on sale Friday, September 22, at FathomEvents.com/DisneyJunior.

Based on Disney Publishing’s popular children’s book series Vampirina Ballerina, the show follows the Hauntley family—friendly vampires who have recently moved from their home in Transylvania to a quaint Pennsylvania neighborhood. The stories follow Vampirina (aka Vee) as she faces the highs and lows of being the new kid in town including making friends and attending a new school in the human world. Along the way, Vee learns that it may be easier to blend in with her peers, but it’s more valuable to celebrate the qualities that make each person unique.

Marvel Day At Sea

Disney Cruise Line’s Marvel Day at Sea Finds its Super Heroes!

What could be better than sailing the beautiful open seas, on a fantastic Disney Cruise Line (DCL) ship, and having the opportunity to meet your favorite Super Hero in person? Not much, honestly. So if you want to create some vacation memories that’ll last a lifetime, look no further than DCL’s upcoming Marvel Day at Sea cruises—select 7- and 8-night Bahamian and Canada cruises from New York this fall, and select 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami in early 2018!

DCL recently announced the full Super Hero roster for each Marvel Day at Sea, and it reads like the next big Avengers blockbuster! Fans will be able to mingle with the likes of Black Widow, Hawkeye, Black Panther, Loki, Iron Man, Star-Lord, Gamora, Groot, Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor, and Doctor Strange. Is that an epic assemblage or what?

Look for more information about DCL’s Marvel Day at Sea voyages as it becomes available.

Candlelight Processional

Narrators Announced for Epcot’s 2017 Candlelight Processional

The weather is still warm and school’s only just started… but that doesn’t mean we’re not thinking about the upcoming holidays. (It’s never too early to start planning, y’know?) So color us holly-jolly with this latest announcement from our friends down at Walt Disney World Resort: A slew of amazing narrators are coming to Epcot’s annual Candlelight Processional!

Several brand-new narrators are being added to the 2017 narrator roster: White Collar and The Last Tycoon star Matt Bomer, fan-favorite Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok from Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi), Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak, and Avatar star CCH Pounder. Bomer, Davis, Sajak, and Pounder will join returning narrators Chandra Wilson (ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy), newly minted Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, multi-hyphenate (and mega Disney fan) Neil Patrick Harris, country star Trace Adkins, and Contemporary Christian recording artist Jaci Velasquez.

Several other narrators will be announced in the weeks and months to come… so stay tuned, and check out the Candlelight Processional website for info on 2017 show times and available dining packages.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Has the Best Way to Celebrate National Slinky Day

By Nicole Nalty

Ever since we found out that Toy Story Land was coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at D23 Expo 2015, we’ve dreamed of what Andy’s backyard might look like when this brand-new 11-acre land opens in Summer 2018. In honor of National Slinky Day––every day’s a holiday, right?––our friends at the Disney Parks Blog gave us a sneak peek at the arrival of one very special dog. The first Slinky Dog ride vehicle, part of the Slinky Dog Dash attraction coming to the new land, has made its way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and some familiar friends are on hand to celebrate its arrival.

One of two attractions coming to Toy Story Land, Slinky Dog Dash is a family coaster themed as if Andy built it himself in his backyard. Guests will dip, dodge, and dash around turns and drops Andy has created to really stretch out Slinky’s coils.

Take a look at the video below and stay tuned for more updates on this exciting expansion!

These 7 Disney Beaches Offer Magical Fun in the Sun

By Courtney Potter

Ah, yes—the “dog days of summer.” When temperatures are still warm, but school bells start to ring across the country. It’s time to put away the swimsuits and pick up the textbooks… or is it? We’re all for extending summer fun for as long as possible—and thanks to several Disney Parks and Resorts, sun and sand is never out of reach.

There’s nothing better than experiencing Disney magic beachside… so D23 chose a few of our favorite water-adjacent resorts and park attractions that keep the “dog days of summer” going all year long. Start planning those vacations now—and don’t forget to invite us!

Aulani

Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa
We couldn’t start our list of Disney beaches without putting this one in the very top spot. Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, is truly one of the most beautiful places on planet Earth! Located in Ko Olina—on the leeward coast of O’ahu, Hawaii—Aulani is inspired by the traditions and natural wonders that thrive all around it. Guests at the resort have access to a gorgeous stretch of sand that offers snorkel gear and paddleboard rentals; an amazing sailing canoe experience; tons of beach games for kids and kids-at-heart; and even a “North Shore”-style surfing experience.

Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay
One of the highest-rated private island destinations in the world, Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Line’s very own “oasis” in the middle of beautiful blue Bahamian waters. Once you disembark (your ship literally pulls up right next to the island!), everything you need for an amazing day of sun and fun as right at your fingertips—from lounge chairs to delicious food to all manner of family-friendly entertainment. At any given point, around 60 Disney crew members live full-time on the island… helping to not only take care of DCL guests, but also preserve the surrounding coral reefs and indigenous wildlife.

Hilton Head resort

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
Did you know Disney has a gorgeous hotel right on the coast of South Carolina? Located on 12 miles of pristine beach, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort was conceived to evoke the spirit of a 1940s hunting and fishing lodge. Families can rent a beach buggy to tour the grounds; swim in the Big Dipper pool; partake in a good, ol’-fashioned campfire sing-along; and (depending on the season) enjoy some tasty seafood “vittles” during Edmund’s Family Low-Country Boil. Golf enthusiasts can revel in several award-winning courses right nearby. And true Disney fans will be pleased to know Hilton Head Island is only a five-hour drive from Walt Disney World Resort.

Polynesian Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
The original Polynesian Village Resort was one of the first two on-site hotels when Walt Disney World opened in 1971. After a refresh in 2014, the resort now boasts some truly incredible Disney Vacation Club villas and bungalows that sit right atop the water! White-sand beaches welcome all guests to a tropical retreat that brings the South Pacific to life… and the best part? Everything’s only steps away from the Magic Kingdom!

Vero Beach Resort

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Located along Florida’s “Treasure Coast,” about two hours southeast of Walt Disney World, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort literally puts the beach at your doorstep… but that’s not all. The resort sits next to a state park, a botanical garden, and an incredible river preserve that’s home to 36 rare and endangered species and a whopping one-third of America’s manatee population! With barbecue grills and grocery delivery available, this resort is a summertime (or, really, anytime) “home away from home.”

Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon’s Surf Pool
Ever wanted to see North America’s largest wave pool? Then hang-10 over to Walt Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon! At the park’s Surf Pool, visitors experience swells up to six feet tall—waves so big they create their own watery “sonic boom.” Make sure you check out the chalkboard near the edge of the beach for each day’s wave schedule… and don’t worry, if you’re not a “big kahuna,” you can while away the hours lounging on the beautiful white-sand beach.

Blizzard Beach

Blizzard Beach’s Melt-Away Bay
Our pals down at Walt Disney World have not one, but two water parks available for all manner of year ’round summer-y fun! Float your cares away at Blizzard Beach’s one-acre Melt-Away Bay; waves here are shorter than Typhoon Lagoon’s Surf Pool—all the better for grabbing an inner tube, bobbing along the water, and catching some rays. But families who’d rather stay dry can watch the action from the nearby sandbar.

Are You Ready to Find the Force for Force Friday II?

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Beginning at midnight on September 1, the new product line for Star Wars: The Last Jedi will blast off globally, along with a special new augmented reality (AR) experience available in more than 20,000 retail locations worldwide. From September 1–3, aspiring Rebel pilots and Jedi padawans alike can participate in Find the Force, a global augmented reality (AR) event that brings a galaxy far, far away to our little home planet.

Find the Force

Together we can fight against the Dark Side and discover fan-favorite and brand-new Star Wars characters. All you need to do to join in is download the Star Wars App and visit one of the participating locations any time from September 1–3. Find a graphic that contains the Find the Force logo and scan it to reveal a character that will appear in the room with you through the power of AR technology! Every day you can reveal new characters, including a new Star Wars: The Last Jedi character that has never been seen before!

Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy explains, “Star Wars has always championed new technology, and we are excited that augmented reality will allow fans to experience the universe in a whole new way.”

If you can’t wait until next week’s intergalactic celebration, you can experience some of the Star Wars AR magic now. Starting today, downloading the latest version of the Star Wars App gives you an early look at the adorable Porg characters in AR. While you’re waiting to Find the Force, why not spend some time with the Porgs? We’re already obsessed with these intergalactic cuties!

Force Friday

Join in the international adventure by sharing your photos and videos of the AR characters on Twitter or Instagram by using #FindtheForce and #Sweepstakes throughout the Force Friday II weekend, and if you are in select global markets, you can participate in a sweepstakes for the chance to win the ultimate fan experience: tickets to the Star Wars: The Last Jedi premiere in December.

For more information on this out-of-this-world experience, visit www.starwars.com/findtheforce.
Click here to see a list of all participating locations.