This MINNIE VAN is Wheel-y Cute—See it For Yourself at D23 Expo!

July 13, 2017

By D23 Team

We’re days away from D23 Expo 2017 and we’re busy getting ready to open the doors for the tens of thousands of fans attending the ultimate Disney fan event. Before D23 Expo begins, we wanted to give you a sneak peek of something you’ll spot on the show floor––MINNIE VAN presented by Honda. Inspired by Minnie Mouse, this vibrant vehicle is outfitted with Minnie’s iconic dots and—of course––a big, beautiful bow. While the MINNIE VAN is not for sale, you can watch the video below to see how this magical minivan came to life, and see it for yourself at D23 Expo!

Was Your Favorite Show from Disney’s Media Networks Nominated for a 2017 Emmy?

July 13, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

This morning was a big morning for fans of Disney’s television series, not to mention the talented folks who bring them to your nearest screen. The Disney|ABC Television Group received a total of 45 primetime Emmy nominations. With ESPN’s seven nominations, Disney’s media networks combined for a whopping 52 Emmy nods for 2017.

Dancing with the Stars is hoping to add an entire shelf of Emmys to complement its own Mirror Ball statue. The series was the most-honored from ABC, with seven nominations in six categories—including two for Outstanding Choreography, which went to dancer extraordinaire Derek Hough and the series own choreographer, Mandy Moore.

ABC was well-represented in the talent categories, with black-ish’s Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, respectively. Both were also nominated last year (and this marks the third consecutive year that Anderson was recognized!). How to Get Away with Murder’s Viola Davis—who won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series—is also nominated for the third year in a row; and American Crime’s Felicity Huffman (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie) and Regina King (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie) are also repeat nominees.

The beloved Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts series garnered two of the eight nominations that went to Disney Channels—Outstanding Short Form Animated Program and Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for Duck the Halls: A Mickey Mouse Christmas Special. And Disney’s newest princess was honored with an Emmy nomination. Elena and the Secret of Avalor was recognized for Outstanding Animated Program.

O.J.: Made in America, ESPN’s critically acclaimed documentary received six nominations, including Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking.

You can view the entire list of Emmy nominees at Emmys.com, and find out who’ll take home the awards on Sunday, September 17. Here is the full list of Disney’s Emmy nominees for 2017:

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
Felicity Huffman, American Crime

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Anthony Anderson, black-ish

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Tracee Ellis Ross, black-ish

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Viola Davis, How to Get Away with Murder

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
Regina King, American Crime

Outstanding Children’s Program
Girl Meets World
Star Wars Rebels

Outstanding Choreography (3)
Dancing with the Stars—Routine: Kairos, choreographed by Derek Hough
Dancing with the Stars—Routines: On Top of the World and Carol of the Bells, choreographed by Mandy Moore
The Real O’Neals, choreographed by Fred Tallaksen

Outstanding Comedy Series (2)
black-ish
Modern Family

Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series
Jimmy Kimmel Live, “The (RED) Show,” directed by Andy Fisher

Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special
The Oscars, directed by Glenn Weiss

Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
30 for 30, ESPN

Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Series
Dancing with the Stars

Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score)
O.J.: Made in America, “Part 3”

Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics (2)
Duck the Halls: A Mickey Mouse Christmas Special, song title “Jing-A-Ling-A-Ling”
Jimmy Kimmel Live, “The Ballad of Claus Jorstad (Devil Stool)”: Jessica Chastain, Willie Nelson and Hunter Hayes

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Ty Burrell, Modern Family

Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking
O.J.: Made in America

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program
O.J.: Made in America, “Part 2”

Outstanding Costumes for Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Programming
Dancing with the Stars, “Halloween Night”

Outstanding Music Direction
Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories that Changed America

Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program
O.J.: Made in America, “Part 4”

Outstanding Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program
O.J.: Made in America

Outstanding Animated Program
Elena and the Secret of Avalor

Outstanding Short-Form Animated Program (2)
Disney Mickey Mouse (Disney Channel)
Marvel’s Rocket & Groot, “Space Walk” (Disney XD App)

Outstanding Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series
K.C. Undercover, “The Legend of Bad, Bad Cleo Brown,” Disney Channel

Outstanding Directing for a Nonfiction Program
O.J.: Made in America, “Part 3”

Outstanding Guest Actress in Comedy Series
Wanda Sykes, black-ish

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Cicely Tyson, How to Get Away with Murder

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Multi-Camera Series or Special
Dancing with the Stars, “A Night at the Movies”

Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
Alec Baldwin, Host, Match Game

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special
The Oscars

Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media Within Unscripted Program
The Oscars: All Access

Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Limited Series, Movie or Special
The Oscars

Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Series
Dancing with the Stars, “Cirque Du Soleil Night”

Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Special
The Oscars

Outstanding Makeup for a Multi-Camera Series or Special (Non-Prosthetic)
Dancing with the Stars, “Halloween Night”

Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series
Last Man Standing, “Trick or Treat”

Outstanding Special Class Program
The Oscars

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation
Modern Family

Outstanding Structured Reality Program
Shark Tank

Outstanding Variety Talk Series
Jimmy Kimmel Live

Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series
Ty Burrell, Boondoggle, ABCd/ABC.com

Outstanding Production Design for Variety, Nonfiction, Event, or Award
The Oscars

Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Slingshot, ABCd/ABC.com

Outstanding Picture Editing for a Structured or Competition Reality Program
Shark Tank, “Episode 801”

Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series or Movie
Marvel’s Luke Cage

Outstanding Original Interactive Program
Amigo to the Rescue (Disney Junior interactive show)

Everything You Need to Know about Shopping at D23 Expo

July 13, 2017July 14, 2017

By Jocelyn Buhlman

We’re just a day away from hitting the show floor at the biggest Disney fan event—D23 Expo 2017! Previously, we’ve told you all about the cool collectibles you can buy during D23 Expo, but do you know where you can load up on every Disney goodie and each piece of magical merchandise your Disney fanatic heart needs? Consider this your primer on all the exclusive shopping you need to check out at D23 Expo.

Disney Dream Store
This special store full of D23 Expo-exclusive collectibles returns to the show floor for D23 Expo 2017. We’ve given you the inside look at what you can expect at the store, from Pirates of the Caribbean 50th-anniversary merchandise to Ear Hats with an interchangeable bow. If you’re looking for that special something to commemorate your magical time at D23 Expo 2017, this is the store for you.

Disney Store
It wouldn’t be Disney shopping without the Disney Store on the show floor! Be sure to stop by to see the latest collections inspired by Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel. Every day will bring new magic, with special product launches occurring throughout the weekend.

MOG: Mickey’s of Glendale
D23 Expo is one of your only chances to visit this famous Walt Disney Imagineering store! Keep an eye out for exclusive merchandise designed by Imagineers, such as hats, T-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies, and more. There will also be limited-edition pins released throughout the weekend, so this is one shop you can’t miss!

Disney Music Emporium
If there’s a song in your heart and space in your shopping bag, then the Disney Music Emporium is the store for you! Besides selling unique and collectible music products, this is the place to be for special artist and composer signings throughout the weekend.

Friends of Disney
As you’re strolling the show floor, be sure to stop by American Tourister, Discovery Cube’s McStuffins Toy Hospital, Funko, Havaianas, Honda, Ozobot, Sunglass Hut, The Walt Disney Family Museum, and more.

Disney Partner Retailers
The show floor will be full of retailers bringing all the Disney magic a fan could need. Retailers such as ANOVOS; Disney Fine Arts and Cyclops Print Workshop; JAKKS Pacific, Inc.; Jelly Belly; LuLaRoe; Marvel Gaming Partners; Mattel Inc.; Random House Children’s Books; Sphero; Stance; Kinkade Studios; UNIQLO; and more!

If you’re looking to curate your own collection of Disney art, check out the pop-up art gallery from Collectors Editions, the official publishers of Disney Fine Art. Feast your eyes on limited-edition and original artwork featuring favorite characters like you’ve never seen them before, such as “Sullivan & Mike” (pictured above) from the Pixar Art Collection. Plus, you won’t want to miss new screen print poster art releases from Cyclops Print Works.

D23 Expo Emporium
Let your Disney fanatic flag fly free and stop by stores from vendors such as Animation Ink Archives, Collectible Toys, Crafty Geek Girls, Disneyana Fan Club, Heritage auctions, SoCal Disney Pinporium, Walt Disney Birthplace, and the Walt Disney Hometown Museum.

7 Tips for an Epic D23 Expo

July 12, 2017

By D23 Team

It’s almost time for D23 Expo 2017! You’ve scanned the schedule, figured out what to pack, and you’re almost ready to go. But whether this is your first time at the ultimate Disney fan event or you’re a seasoned pro, make sure to follow these few tips for an unforgettable weekend.

1. Wear comfy shoes––Now is not the time to pull an Anastasia (or Drizella!) and try to make uncomfortable shoes work. Pack your comfiest shoes for happy soles.

2. Stay hydrated––Remember to take breaks to grab a bite and drink some water.

3. Bring a charger––A portable charger is a must-have for D23 Expo. With so much tweeting, texting, and photo-snapping, you need your phone to have as much energy as you do.

4. Stay mobile––The D23 Expo app (for iOS and Google Play) is your one-stop shop for all things D23 Expo. Search the full schedule, navigate through the show floor with the D23 Expo map, and answer pretty much every question you could ever ask, all in one place. Ta-da!

5. Strategic shopping––While you’re exploring the app, figure out which shops are on your must-do list. Mickey’s of Glendale, Disney Dream Store, and Disney Store have lots of Expo-exclusive products and there’s so much more in store (see what we did there?) on the D23 Expo show floor.

6. StorePass and StagePass––Maximize your time by utilizing StorePass and StagePass. Both systems provide complimentary tickets––StorePass grants you priority entry to one of the three stores mentioned above, and StagePass guarantees seating at select sessions at D23 Expo Arena, Stage 28, and the Walt Disney Archives Stage. Click here for more info on both offerings.

7. Follow along on social––With so much to see and do, it’s impossible to do it all! Follow along on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat for updates throughout D23 Expo.

Send Disney Magic with the New Disney Stickers: Decades for iMessage

July 11, 2017

By Jocelyn Buhlman

D23 Expo 2017 is just around the corner and, to celebrate, why not add some Disney magic to your iMessages with Disney Stickers: Decades, available on the App Store for iMessage now. The pack features stickers celebrating every decade of Disney films, but that’s not all… As a special surprise for D23 Members, there are secret unlockable D23 stickers! How do you release the magic? Tap these stickers in the following order:

Click Oswald the Lucky Rabbit (1st sticker)
Click Jiminy Cricket (9th sticker)
Click Steamboat Willie (2nd sticker)
Click Minnie Mouse (3rd sticker)

Did you notice what code you create when you tap the stickers? 1923, the year that inspired our fan club name! Be sure to download these stickers so you can share your Disney love with all of your friends.

Arrrrrr You Ready for the Winner of the D23 Expo Design Challenge?

July 10, 2017

By Jocelyn Buhlman

This year’s D23 Expo Design Challenge celebrates 50 years of Pirates of the Caribbean. Arrrrrrtists were encouraged to base their work on the beloved theme park attraction or any of the Pirates of the Caribbean films, as well as other marauders from Disney’s treasure trove of cads including those from Peter Pan, Treasure Island, and Jake and the Never Land Pirates. The winner was selected from 23 pieces of finalist artwork, and all 23 works of art will be on display throughout the D23 Expo weekend on the show floor.

We congratulate Matthew Maldonado, who was recently named winner for his piece “Retired Pirate Ear Hat.” Matthew’s work features a Mickey Mouse Pirate Ear Hat placed on top of a skull. On top of the hat is a scene from the attraction Pirates of the Caribbean, complete with tiny guests in boats.

Two runners-up also received trophies along with Matthew. Runner-up Kristin Mouri submitted her piece, “Nine Stitches of Eight,” a quilted portrait of Captain Jack Sparrow.

Runner-up Lauren Knipper’s painting, “Caribbean Pirate Cruise,” depicts famous scenes from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction as performed by the Muppets.

The panel of judges for the D23 Expo Design Challenge includes Michael Singer, author of Disney Pirates: The Definitive Collector’s Anthology (above right); Mike Gabriel, animator and art director (above middle); and Luc Mayrand (above left), Imagineer and Portfolio Creative Executive for Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Matthew received a prize of $2,300 and complimentary tickets to D23 Expo 2017.

Get a close look at the judges, the winners, and all the beautiful pieces below.

7 Real-Life Locations that Inspired Disney Attractions

July 10, 2017October 19, 2017

By Courtney Potter

We all have our favorite attractions and locations inside a Disney Park… whether it’s the grandeur of Sleeping Beauty Castle or the majesty (and excitement) of Expedition Everest, they often hold memories we return to again and again. And many of them are inspired by real-life locations around the globe!

Come with us on a (virtual) tour to some of the farthest-flung spots on planet Earth, and see how some of your Disney Parks faves were informed by real—and really amazing—locales. They’re our very own “seven wonders of the world”… the kind of places we’d put on our ultimate vacation bucket list.

Have you ever been to a real-life location that inspired a Disney Park fave? Let us know over at Facebook and Twitter!

The Matterhorn / Matterhorn Bobsleds (Disneyland Park)
The Matterhorn Bobsleds opened at Disneyland on June 14, 1959—and you might be surprised it’s not just based on the breathtaking mountain that sits on the border between Switzerland and Italy in the Swiss Alps. (It’s also inspired by a Disney film called Third Man on the Mountain, released in 1959.) While the real-life Matterhorn towers over all that surrounds it at 14,692 feet, the Disneyland version comes in at 147 feet—about 1/100th the size of its counterpart!

Neuschwanstein Castle / Sleeping Beauty Castle (Disneyland Park)
It’s been said that the palace served as Walt Disney’s inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle—a park landmark since it opened in 1955—and there are many similarities between the candy-colored castle and Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany. Commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869, as both a haven and an homage to composer Richard Wagner, Neuschwanstein Castle is built in the Romanesque Revival style.

Carthay Circle Theatre / Carthay Circle Restaurant and Buena Vista Street (Disney California Adventure)
Walt Disney’s first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, premiered at Hollywood’s famed Carthay Circle Theatre on December 21, 1937. The theater, with its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, was demolished in 1969… but we’re lucky that a recreation of the theater’s edifice now stands sentry at the end of Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure. Inside is the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Carthay Circle Lounge, featuring some of the best dining the Disneyland Resort has to offer.

Himalayas / Expedition Everest (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
Most of us won’t get to visit the Himalayan range or attempt a journey to Mount Everest in our lifetimes, but the opportunity to visit the Forbidden Mountain at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is much more achievable. At just under 200 feet tall, the attraction is actually the tallest mountain in Florida! By contrast, Mount Everest in Nepal is Earth’s highest peak—towering at an unbelievable 29,029 feet above sea level. Around 640 people summited Everest in 2016… Ever wanted to be one of them?

Cadillac Ranch / Cars Land and Radiator Springs Racers (Disney California Adventure)

If you’ve been to Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, you’ll recognize the distinctive “car-shaped” range of hills just behind the fabulous Radiator Springs Racers. But did you know they’re based on a real-life public art installation in Amarillo, Texas? Created in 1974 by artists Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez, and Doug Michels (part of Bay Area-based group known as Ant Farm), Cadillac Ranch is a line of Cadillac cars half-buried nose-first in the ground. Take a trip down Amarillo’s Interstate 40 and you can see it for yourself!

St. Mark’s Campanile / Italy Pavilion (Epcot)
The Campanile di San Marco is the bell tower at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy. Standing at 323 feet tall, with a belfry housing five bells and a golden weathervane in the shape of archangel Gabriel, the tower has (in its current form) stood watch in St. Mark’s Square since 1912… but the original tower was built back in 1512. No doubt it’s seen its fair share of history! Epcot’s Italy pavilion houses its very own St. Mark’s Campanile re-creation, just outside its replica of the Doge’s Palace.

New York City Harbor / American Waterfront (Tokyo DisneySea)
Taking a trip to Japan but itching to see a harbor that resembles an Industrial Age-era Northeastern seaboard of our own United States? On first blush, it’s a rather interesting request, but it can be fulfilled—by visiting the quaint and cool American Waterfront inside Tokyo DisneySea! With an elevated railway, a theater, and a harbor containing all manner of ships (including the S.S. Columbia), the American Waterfront is home to several beloved Disney Park attractions—including Tower of Terror and Toy Story Mania!

Ready for Mousequerade? Get Excited with These Costumes from D23 EXPO 2015!

July 10, 2017July 10, 2017

By Jocelyn Buhlman

D23 Expo 2017 is less than a week away, and Friday is going to be a big day for all the fans in attendance. There’s so much magic in store—Disney Legends, animation, music, and, of course, Mousequerade! We can’t wait to see all the clever, creative, and just plain crazy cosplays that fans will be showing off at Stage 28 and all over the D23 Expo show floor. Need to get your cosplay fill before Friday? Enjoy this gallery of some of our favorite cosplays from around the D23 EXPO 2015 show floor. We’ll see you on Friday for Mousequerade—where you’ll surely be the Belle (or Cinderella, or Tiana, or Elsa…) of the ball!

Don’t Miss These Seriously Sweet Disney Funko Collectibles at D23 Expo 2017

July 6, 2017July 6, 2017

By D23 Team

Our day gets a sprinkling of pixie dust every time we find something Disney waiting for us on our doorstep, and Disney Treasures by Funko are no exception. The new subscription box features the most memorable moments from classic Disney films and even theme parks, with super-cute Funko collectibles in every box. In fact, each box you receive will be filled with 100-percent-exclusive Disney collectibles and accessories created by Funko just for Disney fans.

Get an inside look below and make sure to stop by the Disney Treasures by Funko booth at D23 Expo to see some of the boxes in person—and even pick up one to take home!

The Disney Treasures subscription boxes are built around a treasure map to a fictional Funko Disney world. Each box features a new location on the map—if you collect them all, the map will show the complete Disney Treasures journey by the end of the year. The boxes, designed as old-fashioned travel chests, will come with a new sticker added to the top of each box, showing your journey through the Disney Treasures world—think of a vintage suitcase with stickers for each destination you’ve traveled to, and then add some Disney Funko magic!

The first two boxes, Pirates Cove––filled with your favorite Disney swashbucklers, and Festival of Friends––featuring the lovable Dumbo and Timothy, will be available to explore at D23 Expo. Be sure to sign up by August 1 (you can sign up at the Funko booth at D23 Expo!) to receive the next Disney Treasures box, Tiny Town, featuring a flying Tinker Bell Pop!

Celebrate 30 Years of Disney Legends in the Newest Issue of Disney twenty-three

July 6, 2017July 8, 2017

By D23 Team

Walt Disney once said, “You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world… but it requires people to make the dream a reality,” and The Walt Disney Company has been honoring these dream makers in a very special way since 1987. The Disney Legends award was first introduced 30 years ago, and to celebrate, Disney twenty-three has created a unique stand-alone issue featuring all 267 current honorees, as well as the 10 new Legends, who will be inducted next week at D23 Expo 2017.

For the issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, Disney twenty-three Photo Editor Ty Popko photographed 40 Legends in Disney settings: from Walt Disney’s Office Suite and the Walt Disney Archives to Walt Disney World Resort and the Good Morning America studios. Featured Legends include Tim Allen, Hayley Mills, Paige O’Hara, Regis Philbin, Anika Noni Rose, Lea Salonga, Richard Sherman, and Dick Van Dyke.

What else can you expect from this one-of-a-kind issue? Kurt Russell gives a first-person account of his time working for Walt himself and the many Disney adventures he has had over the years, Richard Sherman pens a touching tribute to Annette Funicello, Dave Smith answers your Disney Legends Qs, and, of course, tons of photos from Disney Legends Awards ceremonies throughout the years.

Plus, Disney animator Eric Goldberg crafted a piece of artwork exclusively for this issue featuring more than 30 Disney Legends, including Julie Andrews, Steve Martin, Angela Lansbury, and Robin Williams. As a bonus, D23 Gold Members attending D23 Expo 2017 will receive a complimentary print of the artwork at the event.

Click here to find out how to become a D23 Gold Member!