5 Magical Stories from Alan Menken’s Expo Performance

July 16, 2017

By Courtney Potter

“Under the Sea”… “Beauty and the Beast”… “A Whole New World”… Disney Legend Alan Menken’s work with The Walt Disney Company—with fellow Disney Legend Howard Ashman, as well as a host of incredible collaborators—has delighted audiences for almost 30 years. Today, inside a packed Hall D23, Alan celebrated that work with a special D23 Expo performance of his one-man show, A Whole New World of Alan Menken.

Introduced by Tangled star Zachary Levi (a passionate “Disnerd” and Menken fan), Alan took the stage for a 90-minute musical retrospective of his extraordinary body of work. Every story the multiple Oscar® winner told was memorable—but here are five of his best (and often hilarious) anecdotes.

Alan’s family is “lousy with dentists.”
The Disney Legend started the show with a look at his childhood… He grew up with a dentist father, whose office was above the garage in his childhood home. (Alan’s uncle, and several other family members, also made their careers in all things teeth!) In fact, the character Orin Scrivello, D.D.S., in Alan and Howard’s off-Broadway show Little Shop of Horrors is “very loosely” based on Alan’s dental family… (Another fun fact: Alan was actually a pre-med student at New York University before devoting his life to music.)

How Alan and Howard ended up at Disney
After attending the influential BMI Musical Theatre Workshop in New York, Alan met the guy who’d help change the trajectory of his life: theater director and lyricist Howard Ashman. Together, they worked on several off-Broadway projects (including a musical version of Kurt Vonnegut’s God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, which Alan sang a “taste of,” and the aforementioned Little Shop of Horrors)—and it was soon after that Alan received a fateful phone call. “We’ve been offered an animated musical for Disney,” he recalled Howard saying. “Interested?” The rest, as they say, is Disney history…

On winning AND losing…
One of Alan’s most hilarious anecdotes was about the night he and Howard (who had, sadly, passed away only months earlier) won their Oscars® for 1991’s Beauty and the Beast. Just after accepting the award for Best Original Song, Alan was speaking with the assembled press when someone asked him, “How does it feel to win the Razzie for worst song of the year?” Turns out? The song “High Times, Hard Times” (sung by Ann-Margret) in 1992’s Newsies had, the very same night, taken home that dubious distinction. Luckily for all Newsies fans, the film took on a (very successful, Tony® Award-winning) life of its own with its Broadway debut in 2012.

Keeping Stephen Schwartz from becoming a psychologist
Alan spoke of knowing Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Godspell) from “back in the day” in New York City, when the two were still cabaret performers. After Howard’s passing (and working with collaborator Sir Tim Rice on finishing Aladdin), Alan was approached to work on a Disney project with Stephen—but Stephen wasn’t sure he was interested. In fact, he’d recently decided to leave the world of Broadway and songwriting behind—hoping instead to go back to school and get a degree in psychology! Thankfully, that didn’t come to pass… and Alan and Stephen’s first joint Disney effort, the music for 1995’s Pocahontas, won Alan another Academy Award® for “Colors of the Wind.”

Honoring Howard’s legacy
After performing so many of his amazing songs (highlights included mega-hits “Friend Like Me” from Aladdin, “Gaston” from Beauty and the Beast, “Santa Fe” from Newsies, and “Go the Distance” from Hercules—as well as deeper cuts like the beautiful “Will the Sun Ever Shine Again” from Home on the Range and the title song from ABC’s recent fan-favorite musical series Galavant), Alan wrapped up his performance with “Proud of Your Boy.” This truly enchanting tune was cut from the final film version of Aladdin but now appears in the Broadway adaptation. The song has always been near and dear to his and Howard’s hearts—and, after Alan’s beautiful performance today, holds a special place in our hearts as well.

6 Things We Learned from the DuckTales Q&A

July 16, 2017July 16, 2017

By Jocelyn Buhlman

What TV show could cause a crowd to dress as their favorite characters, sing along to the theme song, and ask enthusiastic questions of the cast and crew? It’s not pony tales or cotton tales, it’s DuckTales! Did you just mentally say “woo-oo?” You’re not alone. D23 Expo’s Stage 28 was full to the brim with fans of Scrooge, Huey, Dewey, Louie, Launchpad, and more of the beloved Disney Afternoon classic receiving a reboot this fall.

Francisco Angones, show writer, told the audience his goal for the reboot. He explains, “We want to give the feeling that the fans feel when they hear DuckTales—“ but before Angones could finish, the audience cut him off with a collective “woo-oo!”

Angones laughed at the interruption. “That’s the feeling we are trying to create!” he said. And fans were feeling that feeling at the panel. Here’s why we were saying “woo-oo!” along with the fans:

The Cast and Crew Are Fans Just Like Us
Once news that a DuckTales reboot was in the works got out, it was only natural that fans of the original show would want to be involved in making the new one. Ben Schwartz, the voice of Dewey, told the audience that he used to make mac and cheese and watch the Disney Afternoon cartoon block as a kid. Beck Bennett, voice of Launchpad McQuack, echoed that sentiment. “For me, it was getting home from school and hearing that theme song. It was the first happy thing in my day, snacks and cartoons.” The crew explained that it wasn’t just the show that inspired them—they are all fans of the comics and video games as well.

The Inspiration Goes Way Back
A major inspiration for the comic book-inspired look of the new show comes from the original Carl Barks comic. Sean Jimenez, lead art director, explained, “The core idea was to go back to the comics we were excited about.” He cited Carl Barks as an inspiration along with Disney animator Milt Kahl. Jimenez said, “We always think of the way the old Disney artists did it.”

It’s Laugh-Out-Loud Funny
Toks Olagundoye, voice of Mrs. Beakley, describes her character as, “She has absolutely no sense of humor, and that’s funny!” But Olagundoye won’t take all the credit for the humor. “Everyone has some of the best lines!” she exclaims, and we have to agree. The audience was treated to a special viewing of the cold open for the series premiere episode, “Day Trip of Doom,” featuring antics of Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby, and left the crowd in stitches to the very last second.

Characters We Can’t Wait to Meet Again
Angones told the crowd he had a specific vision for the characters: “It’s about treating them like a real, relatable family,” he said. “I was seven when DuckTales premiered and I identified with Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby, and now I have kids and I relate to Donald!” Schwartz broke down the personalities of the nephews and promised the audience that the team is “giving them sincere personalities so that if you have a favorite, it’s not just because you like blue or red.” He describes his character, Dewey, as “that middle child who wants to be seen.”

Kate Micucci, voice of Webigail Vanderquack, has a special attachment to her character. “I feel really lucky to be Webby Vanderquack,” she said. “She often wants to lead the way and has ideas, and she doesn’t often have the best ideas, but she believes in her ideas.”

Easter Eggs for Sharp-Eyed Fans
During the Q&A section of the panel, the fans were full of questions about their favorite characters and episodes. The cast and crew kept their answers vague, but what they did share should inspire fans to keep a sharp eye out. A fan asked about the character Duckworth, who has not been formally announced for the new series, but Angones revealed, “We have already premiered Duckworth and no one has found him yet!” They also hinted at more Easter eggs to watch out for, including possible references to a certain Terror that Flaps in the Night. While we aren’t exactly sure when or where Darkwing Duck could make an appearance, the crew did confirm one character who will be making his ducky debut: Ludwig Von Drake! The classic Disney duck will appear as an inventor from Scrooge’s past, who provides Scrooge with the pogo cane that fans know and love from the DuckTales video game!

DuckTales premieres in a two-part movie on August 12 on Disney XD, and will have its series premiere episode on September 23. We can barely wait for the derring-do bad and good luck tales to start, but while we count down the days, we’ll remember what the heart of the show is about. Angones explained, “We wanted to represent a world that kids see around them every day, even if the world is ducks.” We can’t wait to see what the world brings us!

Level Up! Disney’s Video Games Showcase Gives Us 5 Reasons to Hit Start

July 15, 2017

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Nothing evokes the spirit of Disney like the image of families gathered around the television, enjoying the thrills and wonders of a new story. Sure, we usually imagine the families enjoying movies or TV shows, but as technology brings more magic to our lives, Disney continues to move forward. As Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, explained, “Our mission is to bring the magic of Disney to the daily lives of families around the world.” With that noble mission in mind, the Level Up! The Walt Disney Company’s Video Games panel provided guests with worlds of magic for families everywhere to enjoy.

Star Wars Battlefront II Adds a New Side to the Star Wars Story

We’ve experienced Star Wars stories from the perspectives of scoundrels and farm boys and runaway Storm Troopers, but have you ever wondered what life is like for the Imperials? Star Wars Battlefront II tells that story, from the perspective of Iden Versio, a commander of the Imperial Special Forces during Return of the Jedi’s Battle of Endor. Sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the game, lead Janina Gavankar, who plays Iden, and Lucasfilm Story Group member Steve Blank shared new details of the game, such the brand-new single player campaign, an idea that was originally suggested by an eager fan… who made a guest appearance at the panel—John Boyega! A huge fan of the original Star Wars Battlefront game, Boyega stopped by to chat with Gavankar and Blank and share his excitement for the new game.

A New Star Wars reality

Not every Star Wars video game is a video game about the Star Wars movies. With new Virtual Reality technology, we can now enjoy experiences from the Star Wars movies! Disney and Lenovo teamed up to introduce Star Wars: Jedi Challenges, which will give players a chance to play Holochess as if they are on the Millennium Falcon or swing a lightsaber hilt and watch it ignite in front of the very eyes. The trailer for this new experience can be viewed here.

A New Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Bill Rosemann, Executive Creative Director, Marvel Games, introduced us to two different versions of our favorite web-head. For the Play Station 4 exclusive Marvel’s Spider-Man, we were introduced to an experienced Spider-Man who isn’t the teenaged superhero we know and love. Rosemann explained, “To say this game is epic would be an understatement.” If you want to play as a more familiar Spidey, the era- and dimension-hopping Lego Marvel Superheroes 2 (coming to the Nintendo Switch later this year) will feature a special Spider-Man Homecoming version of Spider-Man in Peter Parker’s homemade super suit. Other Spider-Man variations include fan-favorite Spider-Gwen and the Miles Morales version of the web-slinger.

Everyone Can Be a Hero

Everyone has dreamed of forming a super hero team with friends, but what if you could make that dream a reality? In a special worldwide announcement, amazing gameplay footage of Marvel Powers United VR premiered to a crowd of cheering fans. Marvel Powers United VR is a cooperative virtual reality game for the Oculus Rift where players can become Marvel heroes like Rocket Raccoon or the Incredible Hulk and team up to save the world.

Getting Our Hearts’ Desire

To a roar of applause and even tears from some fans, Kingdom Hearts director Tetsuya Nomura announced that the long-awaited Kingdom Hearts III will be released in 2018. Not only that, but fans were wowed by gameplay footage of a Toy Story-themed world, the first time Pixar has collaborated with Kingdom Hearts. This new adventure of Sora, Donald, Goofy and more of your favorite characters will feature a whole toybox of excitement, including teaming up with Woody and Buzz Lightyear to fight off the forces of evil in a new toy store setting.

To see all the excitement for yourself, watch the panel here.

12 Amazing Announcements from the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Presentation at D23 Expo

July 15, 2017July 16, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

“Making your dreams come true is who we are and what we do,” said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek this afternoon in Hall D23 at D23 Expo, as he kicked off Walt Disney Parks and Resort’s presentation for 6,800 Disney fans who had gathered to hear what’s new and what’s next at Disney parks and resorts around the world.

From new ways to experience Pixar at Disney California Adventure and new details about the Star Wars-themed lands under construction at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, to an incredible assortment of new attractions and experiences planned for Walt Disney Resort in time for its 50th anniversary in 2021, there’s so much to look forward to at Disney parks and resorts in the comings months and years. It’s the stuff that Disney dreams are made of!

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
New details were revealed about the immersive Star Wars-themed lands that will open in 2019 at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including their name—Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The lands are set in a remote trading port on the edge of wild space, a name that represents all the unknown adventure happening within.

Guests will find themselves in the middle of the action, whether they’re piloting the Millennium Falcon or aboard a Star Destroyer inside a hangar bay. “The scale of this attraction is unlike anything that we’ve ever done before,” Chapek said of the new lands, which raise the bar on everything that has come before.

Walt Disney Imagineer Scott Trowbridge told Disney fans, “This is a living place, a place where your choices matter.” Guests might see some “galactic credits” come their way, or they could end up on the list of a local bounty hunter.

There’ll, of course, be a cantina for unique drink concoctions (including blue milk!) with a familiar face playing DJ: the droid Rex—who’ll hopefully have more success as a DJ than he did as a star speeder pilot for Star Tours. “What could go wrong?” asked Trowbridge.

Both lands will open in 2019, but Chapek revealed today that guests of Disneyland park will be the first to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Stay tuned to D23.com for all the details as they’re announced.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
It was all started by a mouse, Chapek reminded us, before he pointed out that the most famous mouse of all has never had his own attraction—until now. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway will allow guests to step through the movie screen and find themselves inside a Mickey Mouse cartoon short in an exciting new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The attraction will have an all-new story and a catchy, lovable song, Imagineer Kevin Rafferty detailed; explaining that Walt Disney Imagineering is partnering with the team at Disney Television Animation to create the attraction, which he said, will be a “mousterpiece.” Rafferty said the Imagineers are calling the new experience “2½ D”—no glasses are required to turn the flat world of the Mickey cartoon shorts into a “dimensional display of amazingness.” Plus, he revealed one exciting secret that we’re going to take as a challenge: Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is going to have more hidden Mickeys than any other attraction anywhere in the universe. We can’t wait to start counting!

Big Plans for Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary
2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort, and for a milestone that big, it’s never too early to start planning… especially when you’re planning something huge!

The teams are thinking big when it comes to Epcot, Chapek said, as they continue to realize the original vision of the park while making it more timeless and relevant than ever before. Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald, who worked on the original plans for Epcot, stressed that Epcot will always be a place where “the real becomes fantastical and the fantastical becomes real.”

Two new attractions are planned for Epcot: a Ratatouille-inspired attraction will be coming to the France Pavilion, similar to the attraction that opened at Disneyland Paris in 2014; and a brand-new E-ticket attraction themed to Guardians of the Galaxy will also open in time for the big anniversary. If you’re wondering why Epcot seemed like the perfect place to set the Guardians, it was revealed today that Peter Quill (aka Star-Lord) actually paid a visit to the park when he was a young boy. This promises to be an “out-of-this world adventure” with roots in an Epcot story.

And in other Epcot news, guests can experience a new Green Mission at Mission: SPACE that allows them to soar over Earth, and they’ll also be able to dine at a brand-new restaurant that will be adjacent to the attraction. The restaurant will allow guests to travel high above the earth and enjoy “great meals and an even greater view.”

Tron Coming to Magic Kingdom

Of course, there’ll also be lots new to celebrate at Magic Kingdom park, beginning with the opening of a new Tron attraction in time for the big 5-0, as well. The highest-rated attraction at Shanghai Disneyland, TRON Lightcycle Power Run is a coaster-style attraction where riders board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for a thrilling adventure. When the attraction opens, in time for the 2021 festivities, it will be located in an area near Space Mountain.

Also coming to Magic Kingdom is a new live entertainment theater based on the iconic Willis Theater in 1920s Kansas City. “We aim big when it comes to celebrating milestones,” Chapek said.

Disney’s Hotel New York, The Art of Marvel
Disney’s Hotel New York, The Art of Marvel, planned for Disneyland Paris, would make Tony Stark proud, Chapek noted. The reimagination of Disney’s Hotel New York will transport guests into the action-packed world of Super Heroes, with comic art, Super Hero costumes, and more.

Star Wars-Themed Resort Announced

If you’ve ever dreamed of truly living your own Star Wars adventure, the Star Wars-themed resort announced today will bring your wildest dreams to life. “It’s unlike anything that exists today,” Chapek said. “From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100-percent immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day—and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits.”

New Transportation Offerings at Walt Disney World Resort

The Walt Disney World Resort is roughly the size of the city of San Francisco, Chapek noted, so having additional ways to get around is only going to make a guest’s visit more magical. But two new forms of transportation were announced today that come with their own unique versions of Disney magic. Vehicles themed to Minnie Mouse will soon take guests from point to point around Walt Disney World by land, while the new Disney Skyliner will get them where they’d like to go by air. With gondolas themed to beloved Disney characters, the Disney Skyliner will connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Caribbean Beach resorts and other locations with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot.

A 15^th DVC Property is Coming to Walt Disney World

Disney Riviera Resort, coming to Walt Disney World Resort, near Epcot, will follow Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, which opens Monday, and become the 15^th Disney Vacation Club Property. Bonus: Guests staying at Riviera Resort will be able to reach Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot via the brand-new Disney Skyliner.

Disney Cruise Line Fleet is Growing
Two new ships for Disney Cruise Line are currently under construction, and Chapek announced today that a third is planned as well, bringing the fleet’s total to seven ships! “We decided two ships wouldn’t be enough to hold all of the exciting new experiences we have been dreaming up to take family cruise vacations to a whole new level with immersive Disney storytelling, world-class family entertainment, and imaginative innovations that are fantastically fun and uniquely Disney,” Chapek said. “By the time all three new ships are sailing, we’ll have nearly doubled the size of our existing fleet.”

Toy Story Land to Open in Summer 2018

The highly anticipated land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open next summer, it was announced today.

New Ways to Enjoy Pixar at Disney California Adventure

Chapek introduced a special guest to help unveil all of the exciting plans to bring new Pixar experiences to Disney California Adventure. “We’re going to have a home at Disney California Adventure,” Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter said. The park’s pier will receive a new name and a new look as Pixar Pier allows Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to bring even more favorite characters to life. Starting next year, Pixar Fest will include a new fireworks spectacular, special characters, and entertainment moments. Also next year, the Pixar Play Parade will move to Disneyland park in order to make way for the fan-favorite Paint the Night parade, which will move to Disney California Adventure—with a brand-new float.

This fall, guests will see how their favorite Radiator Springs characters celebrate Halloween in Cars Land. For fans this means no trick—only a treat!

An Even More Super Disney California Adventure
“I am Groot,” announced Baby Groot during today’s presentation—revealing a big announcement that Chapek translated to share that the Guardians of the Galaxy will have super company at Disney’s California Adventure park. With Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! the highest-rated attraction at Disney California Adventure after just two months, Chapek announced that Spider-Man and the Avengers will be joining them for a new, immersive super hero universe at the park.

Celebrating Once Upon a Time’s New Chapter

July 15, 2017

By Courtney Potter

Hosted by D23’s very own Jeffrey Epstein, D23 Expo 2017 welcomed Once Upon a Time creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz—as well as Hook himself, actor Colin O’Donoghue, to the Expo Arena stage for a fairy tale of a discussion about all things Storybrooke… and what to expect when the show’s new season begins this fall.

As Once fans know, the series ended its recent sixth season by flashing forward—establishing Henry as an adult (played by Andrew West) and debuting a little girl named Lucy… who’s Henry’s daughter! Edward and Adam began the panel by chatting with Jeffrey about the show’s “new chapter,” which introduces fresh locations (Seattle, Washington, in the present day, and the Enchanted Forest in flashbacks) and exciting, brand-new characters. Case in point: D23 fans were the very first to see a photo of Henry’s wife, played by Dania Ramirez from Devious Maids. And if that weren’t exciting enough, she’s portraying a “different version” of Cinderella!

As Adam explained, “It was time to close [one] chapter and start a new one.” The plan has always been to keep moving these stories forward, explained Edward. But never fear: When Jeffrey asked whether fans would see some beloved Once Upon a Time “friends” in some future episodes, Edward admitted, “I’d be disappointed if we’d didn’t.” And both Edward and Adam urged fans to keep their eyes peeled for big happenings in the first half of the season… like whether or not Henry has a sibling (via mom Emma and step-father Hook), as well as tons of backstory on Hook’s current situation in Seattle.

Speaking of Hook, the assembled crowd went absolutely wild when Colin took the stage! Jeffrey spoke with all three gentlemen about last season’s fantastic musical episode (written by Disney company composers Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner)—and Colin clued fans into a secret: he’d broken his foot during that episode’s shoot. (In fact, it’s still broken!) But in the grand tradition of musical theatre, “the show must go on,” and Colin finished filming the show. Eventually, Jeffrey and the panelists played a game built for a serious Once fan—asking them some fantastic “deep-cut” trivia questions about Hook’s backstory.

As a surprise for the Expo Arena crowd, Edward and Adam debuted a sneak peek of a featurette about the making of the musical episode—one that’ll be available on the DVD of Once Upon a Time Season Six, available this August. But Colin had one more surprise up his sleeve. At Jeffrey’s behest, with microphone in hand, he delighted the crowd with an amazing live rendition of “Revenge is Gonna Be Mine,” his big song from the Once musical episode!

Stay tuned for Once Upon a Time’s “new beginning” when the show premieres its seventh season this fall.

7 Unforgettable Moments from The Walt Disney Studios’ Live-Action Presentation at D23 Expo

July 15, 2017July 16, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

Hollywood’s biggest names in acting and directing… Surprises at every turn… Compelling stories and sneak peeks that had us on the edge of our seats. The Hall D23 presentation from The Walt Disney Studios this morning at D23 Expo featured all of these and more!

Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn greeted the 6,800 fans who had just watched a sizzle video that spotlighted some of Disney’s recent hits and upcoming films. “I know those guys. They’re friends from work,” he joked, echoing Thor himself in the trailer for Marvel Studios’ upcoming film Thor: Ragnarok. And, he added to the crowd’s great delight, “We have a lot of them backstage.”

Always one of the most eagerly anticipated presentations at D23 Expo, there were indeed a lot of stars and filmmakers taking the stage in Hall D23—and announcements and unexpected treats galore. Here are just a few of the moments we’ll remember long after D23 Expo concludes:

“Everybody here gets a poster! Everybody here! You get a poster!”
Sure, fans were excited to learn they’d be going home with a teaser poster for The Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming film A Wrinkle in Time, which opens in theaters on March 9, 2018. But to be told that news by brand-new Disney Legend Oprah Winfrey only made the gift that much more exciting.

Winfrey (who plays Mrs. Which) joined director Ava DuVernay and co-stars Reese Witherspoon (Mrs. Whatsit), Mindy Kaling (Mrs. Who), Chris Pine (Mr. Murry), and newcomer Storm Reid (Meg Murry) in Hall D23. The epic adventure is based on Madeleine L’Engle’s classic novel, which takes audiences across dimensions of time and space, examining the nature of darkness versus light and ultimately, the triumph of love.

DuVernay described Disney as “the perfect place” for A Wrinkle in Time. Thrilled to attend her first D23 Expo, DuVernay told the audience, “I found my tribe—people who love movies as much as I do.” She also debuted the first trailer for the film:

A First Look at The Nutcracker and the Four Realms—with an Exclusive Live Dance Performance
Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, introduced us to The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, acclaimed director Lasse Hallström’s spin on a story that has been beloved for generations. The film, which will be in theaters on November 2, 2018, stars Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, Mackenzie Foy and Richard E. Grant, as well as Morgan Freeman in the iconic role of Drosselmeyer. Music and dance are essential to the film, Bailey stressed, and he revealed that the incredible stylings of Charles Riley, known as Lil Buck (picture below), are being used to create the film’s Mouse King. The character will be made up of thousands of mice, made possible through cutting-edge CG, Bailey said. Expo guests were treated to a special performance by Lil Buck that gave us a glimpse into the hypnotic, fluid dance style we’ll see from the Mouse King when the film opens next year.

A Practically Perfect Glimpse into Mary Poppins Returns
Mary Poppins Returns director Rob Marshall and actress Emily Blunt talked about the upcoming film, which flies into theaters on December 25, 2018. Speaking reverently about the original Mary Poppins film, Marshall said, “I think it was my first film. I think it was many of our first films. There’s something so amazing about it that lived with me my whole life.”

When it came to stepping into Disney Legend Julie Andrews’ shoes, Blunt stressed, “No one is ever going to out-Julie Julie Andrews.” To make the character her own, she explained, “I needed to try to pay homage to Julie but carve out a new space for myself. And we were very loyal to the books.”

The film was shot on location in London—which Marshall characterized as a special experience—and he said that audiences will recognize Cherry Tree Lane immediately. They might also recognize a piece of furniture, Marshall noted, sharing a photo of a table that’s part of the set for Mary Poppins Returns that also appeared in the original film.

Leaving fans with “a little something”—an understatement—composer Marc Shaiman led an orchestra in a performance of a piece of the original score, which played over a series of images from the film. It was a supercalifragilistic-Expo-alidocious moment, if ever there were one.

Dumbo is Coming!
Director Tim Burton sent a greeting to Disney fans from the set of Dumbo, which is currently in production in London. Additionally, Bailey showed fans a maquette that was created to help bring the beloved baby elephant to life via state-of-the-art visual effects. The film stars Golden Globe® winner Colin Farrell (Saving Mr. Banks), Golden Globe winner Michael Keaton (Birdman, Beetlejuice), Emmy® and Golden Globe winner Danny DeVito (Batman Returns, Big Fish), BAFTA Award winner and Golden Globe nominee Eva Green (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, Dark Shadows), and introduces Nico Parker and Finley Hobbins in their first film roles. Dumbo is slated for release on March 29, 2019.

The Lion King Looks Amazing!
The Walt Disney Studios presentation at D23 Expo 2015 gave Disney fans a first look at The Jungle Book, directed by Jon Favreau, who was on hand again this year and received a standing ovation after showing footage from the upcoming live-action The Lion King. The photoreal interpretation of the film’s “Circle of Life” sequence featured beloved characters, including Rafiki, Mufasa, and an impossibly adorable baby Simba. Favreau, a lifelong Disney fan himself, told the excited crowd, “We like to check in with you.” His first question upon embarking on the film was, “When’s D23? We wanted to give you the first look.” The film is slated for release in 2019.

News from a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson took the stage at his first D23 Expo today, revealing that he began his career at Disney Channel, working in on-air promotions. As much as he loved that job, he says that making Star Wars: The Last Jedi has been the time of his life.

Johnson introduced stars Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Gwendolyn Christie, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern, Benicio del Toro, and, of course, new Disney Legend Mark Hamill. Johnson and his cast wouldn’t reveal much about the upcoming film—in fact, they wouldn’t really reveal anything, though Hamill confirmed that we will, indeed, hear Luke Skywalker speak in this film. He referred to the movie as a “game changer,” and noting, “When I read the script, there were so many unexpected elements.”

Johnson and the cast then offered up a behind-the-scenes look at Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which opens in theaters on December 15, 2017.

Avengers—and More—Assemble!
Kevin Feige is Marvel Studios President—and he’s also a massive Disney fan and a card-carrying D23 charter member who has been coming to D23 Expo since the first Expo in 2009. Feige explained that next year will be one of celebration—in honor of the 10th anniversary of Marvel Studios. It’s going to be a big year for the studio, and fans can look forward to what Feige calls “the biggest production in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—Avengers: Infinity War. The film is filming now, Feige said, but a slew of Super Heroes—and a fearsome villain—were able to take time away from the production to surprise Disney fans at Expo. In the most Marvel-ous gathering of stars ever, Feige welcomed Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Mackie, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Josh Brolin, Don Cheadle, Sebastian Stan, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, and Pom Klementieff to the stage, along with one of the film’s directors, Joe Russo.

“Even I find myself geeking out,” Feige joked, as the assemblage continued. The crowd was on their feet long before Robert Downey Jr. demanded, “Let’s see it”—“it” being an exclusive early look at footage from the movie.

Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War, an unprecedented cinematic journey 10 years in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, opens in theaters on May 4, 2018.

WATCH LIVE: Level Up! The Walt Disney Company’s Video Game Showcase

July 15, 2017July 15, 2017

Are you ready to hit start on a panel of epic proportions? Whether you are at D23 Expo or watching along from home, the livestream of Level Up! The Walt Disney Company’s Video Game Showcase gives you a first look at all the latest news in Disney’s digital world.

8 Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios Films We Can’t Wait to See

July 14, 2017July 15, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

“We are going to show you things that no one has seen outside the walls of our studio.”

That was the promise from John Lasseter—Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer, not to mention a onetime Jungle Cruise skipper—at the start of this afternoon’s presentation in Hall D23 at D23 Expo 2017. Wearing a signature Hawaiian shirt featuring characters from all of the films he’s worked on, John took to the stage accompanied by a “spirit squad” brandishing T-shirt shooters, which they used to lob tees to a crowd who couldn’t have been more eager to find out what’s next for Disney’s three animation studios.

In the coming months and years, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and Disneytoon Studios will roll out a slate of films that feature familiar faces (and voices) and new characters fans are sure to love. “I’m so excited about our upcoming movies; they are all hilarious, emotional, beautiful, and make you think,” Lasseter said. “It’s a great mix of incredibly creative and surprising new worlds and characters and stories we love returning to. Our filmmakers are putting so much heart into these films—I can’t wait for people to see them.”

Today’s presentation included surprise appearances from the filmmakers and voice talent behind the studios’ upcoming films, exclusive clips, and unforgettable moments that only happen at D23 Expo. If you’re a fan of Disney animation—and aren’t we all?—here are the films that are bound to exceed all Expo-tations!

Untitled Disneytoon Studios Film
According to Lasseter, the folks at Disneytoon Studios aim to elevate storytelling to new heights—literally—with their yet-to-be titled film that explores the future of aviation. Lasseter previewed a “speed test” for fans, and revealed that the film—which is directed by Klay Hall and Bobs Gannaway and produced by Ferrell Barron—opens in theaters on April 12, 2019.

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
We were already shivering in anticipation of this new 21-minute Frozen holiday featurette, opening on the big screen in front of Disney•Pixar’s Coco on November 22, 2017. Kristen Bell returned to the Hall D23 stage for 2017 with an animated clip from the film that audiences would be seeing “for the first time in forever.” The 6,800 fans in Hall D23 let out a collective “Awww” when they saw their frosty friend Olaf once again, followed by a collective gasp when “audio problems” threatened to cut the clip short. Help was close at hand, however, as Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, was waiting in the wings to surprise the crowd with a live performance of a new song from the featurette, “That Time of Year,” from Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson (who have provided four new songs for the featurette). The full cast is back for Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, including Idina Menzel as the voice of Elsa and Jonathan Groff as the voice of Kristoff. Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton (Prep & Landing) direct, and Oscar® winner Roy Conli (Big Hero 6) produces.

Frozen 2
We have to wait a big longer to learn the final title for the sequel to the 2013 blockbuster Frozen, but the creative team is hard at work on the film, which opens on November 27, 2019. In addition to the returning cast, Frozen directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee and producer Peter Del Vecho are also headed back to Arendelle. Fans were treated to a behind-the-scenes video from a recent research trip the filmmakers took to Norway, Finland, and Iceland.

Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2
Director Rich Moore told D23 fans that the Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 filmmakers knew they had to go “somewhere big” in the follow-up to the film that he described as “a love letter to video game arcades.” That turned out to be the Internet. John C. Reilly is returning to voice Ralph, and Jack McBrayer will again lend his vocal talents to the role of Fix-It Felix. Sarah Silverman—Vanellope von Schweetz—joined Moore and director Phil Johnston on the Hall D23 Stage, and they introduced a new character, Yesss (all those esses are meant to be there). You’ll be hearing Golden Globe winner Taraji P. Henson (Hidden Figures, Empire) as the character. According to Moore, “If it’s cool, if it’s trendy, if it’s now, Yesss has discovered it and shared it with the world.”

Fans were treated to a “break the Internet” moment in Hall D23, with the debut of a scene from the film that pays homage to the Disney Princesses like never before. After revealing that the original voice actresses behind the Princesses were asked to reprise their roles for the sequence, in an historic, only-at-Expo experience, Auli‘i Cravalho (Moana), Kristen Bell (Anna in Frozen), Kelly MacDonald (Merida in Brave), Mandy Moore (Rapunzel in Tangled), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana in The Princess and the Frog), Irene Bedard (Pocahontas), Linda Larkin (Jasmine in Aladdin), Paige O’Hara (Belle in Beauty and the Beast) and Jodi Benson (Ariel in The Little Mermaid) came together for the largest gathering of Disney Princesses ever.

With Oscar® winner Clark Spencer producing, Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 opens in theaters on November 21, 2018.

Incredibles 2
Lasseter has been waiting for this film “since before there was a D23,” he said, prior to showing a look at the character people have been talking about since the film’s release: Edna Mode. Featuring fashion luminaries such as Zac Posen, Rachel Zoe, Heidi Klum, Kendall Jenner, the video takes a fun look at what the fashion world thinks of the diminutive designer:

Director Brad Bird (who voices Edna Mode) joined Lasseter on stage, and presented clips that showed off the new animation technology filmmakers are using to bring the super-family to life in the sequel. Actors Craig T. Nelson (Mr. Incredible), Holly Hunter (Mrs. Incredible), Sarah Vowell (Violet), and Samuel L. Jackson (Frozone) were reunited on the Expo stage, joined by newcomer Huck Milner (the voice of Dash). Incredibles 2 is slated to open on June 15, 2018.

Toy Story 4
Josh Cooley, who joined Pixar in 2003 as an intern in the story department on Cars, joined Lasseter on the stage, who revealed that Cooley (who directed the Riley’s First Date? short) has assumed full director responsibilities for Toy Story 4. D23 Expo attendees were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at a day in Cooley’s life at the Pixar headquarters in Northern California and at the making of Toy Story 4, which is slated to open in theaters on June 21, 2019.

Untitled Dan Scanlon Movie
“D23 has become the place to announce new films—which we’re going to do right now,” Lasseter said. Monsters University director Dan Scanlon revealed a few details about a new, original feature in production at Pixar Animation Studios. The untitled film is based on a personal story for Scanlon, who lost his father when he was very young. The director has always wondered, “Who was my father?” The story is set in a world with no humans—only elves, trolls, and sprites—“anything that would be on the side of a van in the ’70s,” said the director. “In the film, we’re going to tell the story of two teenage elf brothers whose father died when they were too young to remember him. But thanks to the little magic still left in the world, the boys embark on a quest that will allow them a chance to spend one last magical day with their father.” Kori Rae (Monsters University) will produce.

Coco
The last film of today’s presentation, but, happily, the next animated film to be released by Disney, Coco opens in theaters on November 22, 2017. Director Lee Unkrich, co-director and screenwriter Adrian Molina, and producer Darla K. Anderson gave the audience a first look at a clip from the film, which introduces Miguel, who dreams of becoming a musician like his hero, Ernesto de la Cruz, but whose family long ago banned music. A fateful decision leads Miguel to the Land of the Dead. Molina said, “In the end it’s a story about the importance of family, honoring your ancestors, and following your dreams.”

Music is an important part of Coco, and Unkrich promised that the film will feature both traditional Mexican music and new songs created just for the film, as well as a score from Oscar®-winning composer Michael Giacchino (Up, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story). The song “Remember Me” was written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, with additional songs co-written by Germaine Franco (Dope, Shovel Buddies) and Molina. Also part of the team is musical consultant Camilo Lara of the music project Mexican Institute of Sound.

The presentation ended with a grand finale, the first-ever public performance of “Remember Me,” performed by Anthony Gonzalez, (who voices Miguel in the film) and Benjamin Bratt, who lends his voice to Ernesto de la Cruz. They were joined by more than 160 performers, including Grammy®-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea and Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles under the direction of Kareli Montoya, and the Grammy-winning Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band. Orange confetti that filled the air suggested the film’s stunning bridge of marigold petals, making a magical, memorable finish to an unforgettable afternoon.

Amazing Costumes from D23 Expo’s Mousequerade

July 14, 2017July 21, 2017

By Courtney Potter

They’ve stitched, sewn, and hot-glued for months… and now, they’re ready to show their creations to the world! We challenged D23 fans to create their very own Disney-inspired costumes and showcase them at this year’s Mousequerade competition. The five-category contest covers a wide and wonderful spectrum of Disney fun—and the winner of each category gets a chance at true Expo glory… the Grand Prize title, as well as a cool $2,300 in cash! The 2017 Mousequerade, hosted by Disney’s Jim Babcock, was judged by a three-member panel of enthusiastic, costume-loving celebrities: Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars Rebels and the creator of the super-cool Her Universe clothing line; Descendants 2 costume designer (and Project Runway alum) Kara Saun; and actress Yvette Nicole Brown (host of Cosplay Melee and costar of ABC’s upcoming series The Mayor).

Fifteen entrants participated and were judged on quality and craftsmanship, overall concept and design, and showmanship and stage presence. Check out some of the most amazing looks from each category, and the eventual grand-prize winner, below!

“Once Upon a Costume”: Disney Make-Believe & Fantasy

Maryna Matlock graced the stage as Queen Elsa of Arendelle in all her Frozen coronation finery. The detail work of her cape and dress was truly stunning!

Katherine Damherst’s beautiful ball gown perfectly evoked Belle from Beauty and the Beast. The design included a gigantic hoop skirt and layers of lace.

The category’s winner, Heather Pike, looked like she stepped right out of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas as Sally, Jack Skellington’s lady love. Both makeup and costume were very “screen accurate!”

“World of Adventure”: Adventurous Looks from the World of Disney

Kaytie Metcalf’s entry, “This is Not the Dwarf You’re Looking For,” was an amazing mashup of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Star Wars… complete with a little BB-8 dressed as Dopey.

Speaking of Star Wars-based mashups, another favorite was Pixie Pilot Tinker Bell—as portrayed by Carla Robertson. We were particularly impressed by her fashion-forward boots and themed helmet.

Joseph Queen was this category’s big winner… and we could understand why! He channeled Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy with a costume made of hand-painted pool “noodle” floaties. He also entertained the audience with some appropriately adorable dance steps.

“Heroes and Villains”: Fashionable Versions of Good vs. Evil

Davidson Sim wowed the crowd as Emperor Zurg, the sworn enemy of the Galactic Alliance and the arch nemesis of Buzz Lightyear, from Toy Story 2.

An audience favorite, Garret Engle took the stage by storm as a male version of Winnie Sanderson from Hocus Pocus.

“This was a particularly hard category to judge,” said Kara… but the eventual winner was Summer Allen and friend as Moana’s Te Fiti and Te Kā. Both costumes were unbelievably intricate and impressive. The volcano was made of hand-sculpted foam—and even emitted smoke!

“Inspired by Disney”: Bringing the Unique Creativity of Disney to Life

Ever wanted to see a centaur from Fantasia in person? Here’s Claudia Stelmach as a beautiful version of the film’s azure-hued mythical creature.

Milana Tucker took incredible inspiration from all the delicious candy available at Disney Parks and Resorts with her “Queen of Disneyland Candy Palace” gown. The detail work looked good enough to eat!

“Hold on to your hats and glasses!” This category’s winner? Tina Elliott in “The Wildest Gown in the Wilderness,” an almost-too-good-to-be-true wearable version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The little train actually spiraled around her entire body.

“Cast of Characters”: Disney Character Groups (Two or More Participants)

Pia Samuels and friends dressed as the cast of The Princess and the Frog—including Tiana (in her waitress garb), Mama Odie, and the evil Dr. Facilier.

Katie Dwyer and her pals took to the stage as the “Cast of Delicious Disney,” featuring a human-sized pretzel, ice cream sandwich, and Dole whip! And believe it or not, according all the judges, the costumes smelled as delicious as they looked.

The “Cast of Characters” category winner was Leah D’Andrea-Lee and friends as Mary Poppins, Bert the Chimney Sweep, and Mr. and Mrs. Banks from Mary Poppins. Their presentation included a jaunty dance to “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”!

“Best of the Best” Grand Prize Winner

… And the winner of the big $2,300 grand prize? Yvette, Ashley, and Kara chose (drum roll, please) Summer Allen and friend as Moana’s Te Fiti and Te Kā! A well-deserved win for some gorgeous, creative costumes.

Congrats to all of this year’s Mousequerade participants!

The Disney Legends Award Ceremony was Full of Disney Magic—and Surprises

July 14, 2017July 15, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

For a Disney fan, it’s hard to think of a more magical place than Hall D23 at the Anaheim Convention Center on this, the first day of D23 Expo 2017. The ultimate Disney fan event kicked off this morning with a spectacular D23 Expo tradition: the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, where a small group of very special individuals were honored for their extraordinary contributions to the Disney legacy.

Taking the stage as host of this eagerly anticipated event, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger said, “With Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, ESPN, and ABC under one roof, we’ve got a lot to celebrate, but there’s even more to look forward to.”

But the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony is a perfect time to look back on Disney’s past and spotlight talented creators and beloved Disney characters. Iger gave special mention to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit—the character that came before Mickey Mouse—and assured the packed house that Disney has big plans for Oswald’s future, revealing some of the “interesting ideas” being floated around. Disney fans laughed heartily to see Oswald the Lucky Rabbit alongside the Avengers, on Jakku with Rey and BB-8, and joining the 999 Happy Haunts of the Haunted Mansion.

Of the Disney Legends Awards, Iger said, “It’s the highest honor our company can bestow on anyone—presented as a celebration of talent, a recognition of achievement, and, above all, a sincere expression of our deep gratitude.”

Before the new honorees were recognized, Disney Legend Anika Noni Rose paid tribute to the first 267 Disney Legends in song, performing “Go the Distance” while Disney fans enjoyed a montage of these Disney luminaries. And the 6,800 people in Hall D23 rose to their feet to give a standing ovation to animator Ruthie Thompson—inducted in 2000—who, just days away from her 107th birthday, is the oldest living Disney Legend.

The inimitable Oprah Winfrey was the first new Disney Legend to take the stage. She received a welcome befitting an icon who came into fans’ homes for 25 years as the host of The Oprah Winfrey Show. The award-winning producer, actress, talk show host, and philanthropist reflected back on her long relationship with Disney, which began in 1984, when she first appearing on ABC’s station in Chicago. Winfrey said, “Every day, Disney, ABC7, let me be me,” and she treasures having been allowed to tell our ‘common story.’”

A legend in TV and Film, the late Garry Marshall brought joy to Disney fans through ABC series such as The Odd Couple and Happy Days, and feature films that include Pretty Woman and The Princess Diaries. His son, Scott, and daughter, Kathleen, accepted the Disney Legends Award on behalf of their father, who passed away last year. Scott Marshall shared that their father, like Walt Disney himself, had a love for benches. Garry Marshall appreciated the oft-told tale that Walt Disney first conceived of Disneyland while sitting on a bench, and he took great pleasure in having “the Garry Marshall Bench” stand in his honor on the Burbank Studio lot. Scott said, “Walt and Garry would want you to sit on a bench and daydream, because you might change the world.”

Pioneering comic creator Jack Kirby, known as “the King,” created new characters who leapt from the page and defined the Marvel comic style. His son, Neal, represented his late father, and said he “didn’t create super heroes or super humans. He created super people.”

Stan Lee was honored for his remarkable accomplishments over his enduring career, which began when, as a teenager, he joined a comic book publisher called Timely Comics—a forerunner to Marvel—and continues through his fan-favorite cameos in Marvel Studios’ recent films and his voice work on the upcoming animated Disney XD series Big Hero 6. A visibly moved Stan Lee shared with the crowd how much it meant to him to save up to buy the book The Art of Walt Disney. He explained, “I loved Walt Disney. He was more than a man, he was an inspiration. He was something to reach for, to be like him. To think that today I’m standing here in the house that Disney built, that paid tribute to Jack [Kirby] and all things Disney—it is so thrilling, I can’t tell you.”

Animator Clyde Geronimi, whose extensive body of work for Disney includes work on The Silly Symphonies, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, and segments of the original Mickey Mouse Club, was remembered as a gifted director. His son Gary (who, along with his brother Lyn, accepted the award on his father’s behalf) told Hall D23 attendees, “He loved animation, and he loved working for Walt Disney. It is my strong belief that this love shows in the quality of the many films he helped make for the studio.”

Mickey Mouse comics artist Manuel Gonzales’ son, Dan Gonzales, recounted how his father and Walt Disney shared a love for cars. In fact, Gonzales’ 1939 Packard was nearly identical—but a year newer—than Walt’s own beloved 1938 Packard. The two cars looked so similar that Manuel was once directed to park in Walt’s space—only to have to move when the boss arrived at the Studio lot. The moment inspired a warm relationship between Gonzales and Walt, who would occasionally ask the artist which car they should buy next.

As a Walt Disney Imagineer, Wayne Jackson was instrumental in rebuilding the shows from the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair that were slated for installation at Disneyland, and he also helped create Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion at the park, as well. After walking on to the stage, accompanied by “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me),” Jackson said, “In my 37 years of working with MAPO and Walt Disney Imagineering, I had the honor of working with many talented creative personnel, architects, engineers, and technicians who made and created these attractions that have been enjoyed by millions of people over the world, and will continue to enjoy them in the future.”

Carrie Fisher, beloved by Disney fans as Princess Leia from the Star Wars saga, but also an accomplished author, playwright, screenwriter, and outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, was honored as a Disney Legend. Iger read a letter from Fisher’s daughter, actress Billie Lourd, who was unable to attend. “She secretly always wanted to be a Disney princess so getting to be a Disney princess and a Disney Legend would have been her ultimate dream,” Lourd wrote.

Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill—who, in addition to his portrayal of the iconic Jedi and hero of the Star Wars saga, has lent his voice to Disney animated TV series such as Miles from Tomorrowland and Milo Murphy’s Law—spoke about his vast collection of Disney memorabilia and mentioned that he is such a devotee of all things Disney that his son’s middle name is Elias, in honor of Walt. He said it is impossible to truly express his gratitude, confessing that he feels like Lou Gehrig, referencing the baseball player’s famous quote, “Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”

Of course, it wouldn’t be a D23 Expo—or a Disney Legends Awards Ceremony—without moments of surprise, delight, and unparalleled fan-demonium. Disney fans who entered Hall D23 expecting to see 10 new Disney Legends take their rightful places alongside such names as Dick Van Dyke, Richard Sherman, and Angela Lansbury were thrilled to learn that an 11th Disney Legend would be honored today, as well. Whoopi Goldberg, who has a long list of Disney credits that include films like Sister Act, roles in the voice cast of animated blockbusters such as The Lion King and Toy Story 3, and who serves as one of the hosts of ABC’s The View, can now add Disney Legend to her impressive list of accolades. Goldberg, already an “EGOT,”—a winner of an Emmy®, Grammy,® Oscar,® and Tony®—is now the first-ever “LEGOT” with today’s honor.

Wearing spectacular shoes that would make Minnie Mouse ooh and ahh, Goldberg recalled watching The Wonderful World of Disney throughout her childhood, and shares that she was born the same year that Disneyland opened. “My mother always said, ‘One day I’m going to take you kids [to Disney].’ Instead, I got to take her,” Goldberg shared, adding, “Disney made you feel that no matter where you came from, you were welcome.”

The final Legend to be honored, Tony®-, Emmy®-, and Grammy®-winning and Oscar®-nominated theatrical director and filmmaker Julie Taymor, made her mark on Broadway—and the Disney legacy—with her breathtaking direction of The Lion King. Taymor was honored for the lasting impact she has had on Disney’s theatrical legacy, but she shared stories of how the story has resonated with fans and brought people together over the world.

A spectacular morning came to an equally spectacular close with the final surprise: a performance by the cast of The Lion King of the song, “He Lives in You.” It was a fitting send-off for all of the Disney Legends, whose impact on The Walt Disney Company will live on for generations to come.