12 Magical Memories from Shanghai Disney Resort’s Phenomenal First Year

June 15, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

On June 16, 2016, Shanghai Disneyland first opened its gates, welcoming guests from mainland China and all around the world to a theme park that’s authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese. From its centerpiece, the majestic Enchanted Storybook Castle—the largest Disney castle ever built—and innovative attractions like TRON Lightcycle Power Run and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, to the unbelievable detail you’ll find throughout Shanghai Disney Resort, this is an extraordinary destination like no other.

It’s no wonder that Shanghai Disney Resort has had an extraordinary inaugural year, a year filled with spectacular celebrations, monumental milestones, and, of course, Disney magic. D23 looks back on a year of memories from Shanghai Disney Resort’s phenomenal first year, as we anticipate the magic still to come in the resort’s boundless future.

1. A Grand Opening
“To all who come to this happy place, welcome.” These iconic words, first spoken by Walt Disney when he opened Disneyland in 1955, are inscribed on Shanghai Disneyland’s dedication plaque, as well. It was drizzling when the unforgettable grand opening ceremony began—a sign of good luck, joked Vice Premier of China Wang Yang—but guests’ spirits couldn’t have been brighter. After greeting the crowd in both Mandarin and English, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger said, “Together we have created an extraordinary destination, a magical place unique in all the world, where East meets West, the past meets the future, and anything is possible for those who believe. It is our sincere hope that this spectacular place will inspire wonder and create joy for the people of China for generations to come.” The ceremony ended in spectacular Disney fashion, featuring a ribbon-cutting, fireworks, and a festive performance that included dancers dressed in the colors of the Chinese flag—red and gold—and beloved Disney characters such as Mickey and Minnie, Baymax, and Duffy the Disney bear. It was a fantastic start to a fan-tastic first day.

2. Toy Story Land Announced
The first post-opening expansion for Shanghai Disneyland was announced just a few months after the park opened. In November 2016, Bob Iger joined (above, L-R) Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek and Shanghai Shendi Group Chairman Fan Xiping to celebrate breaking ground on Toy Story Land, which will feature three attractions and a themed character greeting area when it opens in 2018.

3. A Special Birthday Visit
Disney fans love celebrating their birthdays with a trip to a Disney park, and Mickey Mouse is no different. Mickey’s birthday festivities included a visit to Shanghai Disney Resort, where Disney characters, cast members, and guests helped the big cheese enjoy the happiest birthday on Earth.

4. Shanghai Disney Resort’s First Holiday Season
The resort was a holiday wonderland last winter, with dazzling décor, holiday treats and eats, and a nightly tree-lighting ceremony at the resort’s Gardens of Imagination.

5. Shanghai Disney Resort’s Innovative Attractions and Entertainment Recognized
A pirate’s life has never quite felt like it does at Shanghai Disneyland’s Treasure Cove, where guests can experience Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure—an innovative iteration of the classic Disney attraction. The groundbreaking attraction has been honored by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and the Visual Effects Society; and industry organizations have also singled out Soaring Over the Horizon, the Mickey’s Storybook Express parade, and Ignite the Dream—A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light.

6. A Milestone Performance
In December, the cast and creative team of The Lion King celebrated the Mandarin production’s 200th performance at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre in Disneytown. Actors posed for a post-curtain-call selfie—including the entire audience for posterity—in honor of the milestone. The musical is now one of the most popular and longest-running Broadway shows in China.

7. The Resort Marks its First Chinese New Year
Shanghai Disney Resort ushered in the Year of the Rooster in grand style, celebrating its first Chinese New Year with a variety of special events and offerings, as well as festive decorations, holiday-themed merchandise, and special menus. Each morning throughout the holiday, Mickey Mouse led a special drum ceremony, for luck and good fortune, while in the evenings guests enjoyed a special New Year blessing projected onto Enchanted Storybook Castle.

8. All Aboard!
Spring was sprung in a new and magical way on the Shanghai Metro Line 11, which featured four trains that were customized with seasonal and classic Disney elements, both inside and out.

9. Shanghai Disney Resort Invites the Stars of Beauty and the Beast to “Be Our Guest”
Emma Watson (Belle), Dan Stevens (Beast), Luke Evans (Gaston), Josh Gad (Lefou), and director Bill Condon brought the tale as old as time to Disney’s newest resort in February, when the resort’s Walt Disney Grand Theatre hosted the Chinese premiere of Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast.

10. A Tradition Continues…
On April 23, guests of Shanghai Disney Resort participated in a beloved Disney parks tradition as the resort hosted its first-ever Pin Trading Fun Day. Eight limited-edition pins and 12 new Hidden Mickey pins debuted in honor of the occasion that dates back to the Millennium Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort in 1999.

11. Ye Come Seeking Adventure and Salty Old Pirates?
A special band of pirates sailed into Shanghai Disney Resort on May 11 for the world premiere of Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre in Disneytown. Cast members Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Geoffrey Rush, Javier Bardem, and Brenton Thwaites; directors Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg; and producer Jerry Bruckheimer traveled to Shanghai for the red-carpet event.

12. A Magical Milestone
Shanghai Disney Resort celebrated China’s National Tourism Day on May 19 with the announcement that Shanghai Disneyland had recently welcomed its 10 millionth guest—reaching that historic threshold in less than 11 months. A month-long first anniversary celebration kicked off that same day, and culminates tomorrow with an unforgettable magical moment at Enchanted Storybook Castle.

It’s been a year to remember for the resort that, as its dedication plaque reads, “was created for everyone, bringing to life timeless characters and stories in a magical place that will be a source of joy, inspiration and memories for generations to come.”

5 Last-Minute Gift Ideas for a Disney Dad

June 15, 2017March 26, 2018

By D23 Team

Dads are notoriously tricky to shop for, but having a Disney fan as a dad makes it a little easier to find the perfect present. Shop these awesome gifts from Disney Store for Father’s Day (and don’t forget your D23 Discount!):

Darth Vader “I am your father” Tee
Dad jokes are a particular breed of comedy and Darth Vader dad jokes are in a league of their own. Grab this tee for dad and you’re totally allowed to let out a dramatic “nooooo” every time he wears it. Win-win.

Twenty Eight & Main Jungle Cruise Socks
Is there an attraction more suited for dads than the Jungle Cruise? Remind your dad of this punny attraction every time he puts on these scenic socks, inspired by the Jungle Cruise’s classic poster.

“Donald Duck the Original” Giclée by Darren Wilson
If your dad is a collector, a fan of Disney art, or just has a ducky disposition, give him this sweet and simple giclée featuring everyone’s favorite quack-up.

Disney Trivia from the Vault
Whether your dad is a Disney expert himself, or he’s trying to keep up with you, there’s sure to be some secrets he hasn’t heard in this book by Disney Legend Dave Smith.

Grumpy Mug
Isn’t everyone a little Grumpy before their morning coffee? Celebrate your grumpy dad with a heart of gold with this cheeky mug.

Find Out When You Can Enjoy Fantasmic!, Rivers of America, and Disneyland Railroad this Summer

June 15, 2017

By D23 Team

We’ve been eagerly awaiting the return of a few classic Disneyland experiences, and the wait is almost over. Our friends at the Disney Parks Blog just shared the reopening dates for these iconic attractions––mark your calendars!

Fantasmic!––Fantasmic! will return on July 17, in celebration of Disneyland’s 62nd anniversary, in a truly spectacular fashion with new scenes and mist screens—and, of course, its beloved theme song.

Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island––Heading to Disneyland park tomorrow? You’re in luck! Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island will be ready for explorin’ starting this Friday, June 16.

Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes––Cruise along the Rivers of America, inspired by four of America’s majestic rivers, in one (or all!) of these historic Disneyland vessels when they return on July 29. There’s even more to explore just around the river bend, thanks to the new Columbia Gorge section, featuring five stunning waterfalls.

Disneyland Railroad––All aboard! The Disneyland Railroad returns on July 29, and while the legendary locomotive will still take guests on a grand circle tour of Disneyland park, there are new and enhanced adventures in store! For the first time, the Disneyland Railroad will make a left-hand turn. Fans of Walt Disney’s dioramas of the Grand Canyon and Primeval World will be happy to know that these scenes have been carefully restored, and even have a bit of new magic!

5 Things You Need to Know Before You See Cars 3

June 15, 2017

By Ingrid Meilan

Ready to take another lap around the racetrack? D23 had the chance to spend some time with the cast and crew of Cars 3 this past weekend and they shared a few things that you need to know before you go see the movie, which cruises into theaters this Friday. Ka-chow!

1. Lightning McQueen is back! But will he still be a champion?
Everyone’s favorite Piston Cup winner, Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson), is back. But after a decade on top, the once-unstoppable racer faces some challenges when “next generation” cars threaten to steal his thunder. “They’re faster, they’re smarter, and they’re better looking,” explains Armie Hammer, who voices McQueen’s new nemesis Jackson Storm. “But at the same time, there’s not that same heart in it. There’s a big paradigm shift in a world where so much of it is the love of the game.”

2. Brand-new cars
Cars 3 has McQueen getting the sidekick he never knew he needed in the form of a spunky younger racecar named Cruz Ramirez, who’s given the unenviably tough assignment of getting McQueen back to No. 1 after he endures a devastating accident. “[She’s] a great little character,” says Cristela Alonzo, who provides the voice of the sunny trainer. “What I like about her is that she’s very good at what she does, but at the same time, she still has doubts about herself regarding the same skill that she uses to coach cars to become the best they can be.”

3. Girl power at the races
Cruz Ramirez isn’t the only female car on the road. Cars 3 introduces audiences to several other new girls in town, like savvy racing analyst Natalie Certain (Kerry Washington). “I do think it’s fun to see women in the film who are brave and smart and courageous,” says Washington. “[They are] women who balance having extraordinary talent and intellect, but also who are humble enough to learn the lessons they have to learn by the end of the film.” Adds Alonzo, “We don’t reference that [Cruz is] a female, we actually talk about how good she is, and we see it in the story. It’s not about a boy or a girl doing something, it’s about the best person doing the best that they can. I think that’s such a great way to get a story about female empowerment, by reminding everybody that we’re all pretty much alike and we’re all the same! If you work hard and you have the skill, whoever is the best will win.”

4. The late, great Hudson Hornet is still our hero (pack some tissues!)
Lightning McQueen’s mentor, Doc Hudson, voiced by Paul Newman, plays a very important role in Cars 3, even though the legendary actor passed away in 2008. So how did the filmmakers pull that off? “We were really lucky John Lasseter [while recording the original Cars] had kept the mic open [while Newman recorded his role] and we had all this wonderful stuff,” explains producer Kevin Reher. “We had hours of his voice on tape to kind of comb through and mine and decide what would be helpful to us to tell the story,” says director Brian Fee. “I feel extremely fortunate. We got exactly what we needed—we’re just lucky.”

5. Easter eggs!
It wouldn’t be a Pixar movie if the filmmakers didn’t sneak in a handful of fun moments for sharp-eyed fans to catch. (If you don’t blink you might catch the Pizza Planet truck in a couple of scenes). Lea DeLaria, whose school bus-gone-wild character, Miss Fritter, terrorizes our heroes in a demolition derby, says that the animators included a special Easter egg just for her. “[The animators] called me and asked me my birthday and what high school I went to, and the next thing I knew, they used the name of my school on the side of the bus, and the license plate is my birthday! I think that’s great.”

7 Favorite Disney Cars to Fuel Your Motormania

June 15, 2017April 9, 2018

Brought to you by Alamo Rent A Car a proud sponsor of

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Rev up your engines, Disney fans! We’re ready to hit the highway with these magical motorcars from our favorite Disney movies and TV shows. Which awesome automobile would you like to take for a spin?

Lightning McQueen—Cars 3 (2017)
Ka-chow! This hotshot racing machine used to think only of himself, but a wrong turn in Radiator Springs had Lightning racing on a new road. Now, he understands the importance of friendship, loyalty, and helping others. Can he keep up that attitude in the cutthroat world of racing? We’ll have to wait for Cars 3 on June 16 to see if number 95 will cross the finish line.

Susie—Susie, the Little Blue Coupe (1952)
Susie is the star of the animated short, Susie, the Little Blue Coupe. This cute cartoon illustrates the life of Susie, introduced as the car of a rich man, living a life of luxury; but who ends up on the scrap pile before she is saved by a young man who restores her into a shiny, new hotrod. Besides being an adorable automobile, Susie was also partially the design inspiration behind the vehicles in the Disney•Pixar Cars universe!

Herbie, the Love Bug—The Love Bug (1969)
Decorated with the number 53 and classic racing stripes, Herbie, the Love Bug, is one of Disney’s most iconic characters (or should we say car-actor?). This bubbly Beetle stole the hearts of viewers everywhere with his wacky racing antics. Brought to life by the magic of love, this bug has adventured across the world and uses his wacky antics to always save the day!

Lola—Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013–present)
She’s a high-tech, hover-capable convertible, but you’d better not touch her. Owned by S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Phil Coulson, this fully restored car once belonged to his father. Now, Stark Industries has upgraded Lola to be high-tech, cutting-edge, and ready to fight the forces of Hydra.

Pizza Planet Truck—Toy Story (1995)
To Disney•Pixar fans, this truck is familiar… it’s very familiar, possibly because it’s appeared in almost every single Pixar film! The truck, which first appeared in Toy Story, is a faded yellow delivery truck known for its iconic rocket decoration. Besides appearing in the majority of Pixar films, this truck has also appeared in real life, at D23 Expo in 2015, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Toy Story.

Benny the Cab—Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
If you need a ride, remember to stick out your thumb and this chatty cabby can give you a lift! Benny is a cartoon cab on the run after being arrested by the Toon Patrol for driving on the sidewalk. He acts as a getaway car (and sometimes a getaway driver!) for Roger and friends as they try to foil the villainous plans of Judge Doom!

Vanellope’s Candy Kart—Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
Vanellope used to own the Likkity-Split, a go-kart made from junkyard scraps as she could not create a kart in the Bakery. However, the other racers destroyed the kart when she tried to enter the Random Roster Race. Luckily for Vanellope, Wreck-It Ralph has the skill set to help her bake up a brand-new buggy, which she names the Candy Kart! This neon, sugary concoction is the first real kart Vanellope has ever owned!

“313” (Donald’s car)—Donald Duck shorts (1937–present)
Named for its famous license plate, this roadster is the source of a lot of fun (and frustration) for Donald Duck. The poor little car frequently breaks down, much to Donald’s displeasure. The distinctive design for this car and its penchant for “quacking up” Donald fans with its breakdowns makes this car a fan favorite.

Mr. Toad’s Motorcar—The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
The car that jumpstarted a world of trouble doesn’t look too fancy to us, but for J. Thaddeus Toad, it represented a world of adventure. Being able to travel to nowhere in particular was worth a lot to Mr. Toad—in fact, he traded the deed to his home, Toad Hall, in exchange for the car. Fortunately, Toad and his friends are able to get the deed back—but they can’t stop Mr. Toad from seeking adventure!

Kingdom Hearts III, Gravity Falls, and More Coming to D23 Expo

June 15, 2017November 30, 2022

By D23 Team

Gamers, bookworms, and digital Disney fans unite! Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI) has an awesome lineup of panels, presentations, and more throughout D23 Expo. Take a look at the schedule below!

Friday, July 14

The Walt Disney Company’s Celebrated Product Legacy and the Exciting Future Ahead (10 a.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage)––Get an inside look at the history of Disney’s beloved products and collectibles throughout the years, and a sneak peek at the product development process and some new products coming soon!

From Screen to Page: Gravity Falls and Star vs. The Forces of Evil (10:30 a.m., D23 Expo Arena)––Gravity Falls creator Alex Hirsch and Star vs. The Forces of Evil creator Daron Nefcy will join forces to share the unique process of taking a show from screen to page with bestselling titles Gravity Falls: Journal 3 and Star vs. The Forces of Evil: Star and Marco’s Guide to Mastering Every Dimension.

Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation (4:30 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage)—Mindy Johnson, author of Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation, will interview a panel of female animators past and present who will share their remarkable contributions to the historic animation studio.

Saturday, July 15

Level Up! The Walt Disney Company’s Video Game Showcase (1 p.m., D23 Expo Arena)—Experience never-before-seen gameplay, trailers, special guests, and other unforgettable surprises from across the Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel games portfolios in this must-see showcase. Jimmy Pitaro, chairman, DCPI, will kick off the presentation, which will feature many show-stopping moments including announcements from Marvel, and more information about highly anticipated games, Star Wars Battlefront II™ from Electronic Arts, KINGDOM HEARTS III from Disney and Square Enix, and more.

A Kiss Goodnight with Disney Legends Richard Sherman and Floyd Norman (6 p.m., D23 Expo Arena)––Join Disney Legend and music master Richard Sherman and Disney Legend and iconic animator Floyd Norman as they discuss their upcoming book, A Kiss Goodnight.

Sunday, July 16

Writing with Walt: Researching in the Magic Kingdom of Good Eating (10 a.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage)––Join Marcy Smothers, author of the upcoming book, Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food, as she shows how Walt Disney infused fun into his food—from his family’s kitchen table to the Happiest Place on Earth.

Maps of Disney Parks (4:15 p.m., Stage 28)––Disney historian and author Jeff Kurtti, Disney Legend Marty Sklar, and fellow Imagineers will take the stage to explore the history of Disney Parks through Maps of Disney Parks: Charting 60 Years from California to Shanghai.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Disney Cartoons (6 p.m., Stage 28)—Celebrating the 90th anniversary of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, David Bossert, author of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Disney Cartoons, will showcase the definitive history of the iconic character in his latest book that includes rare and never-before-seen images.

While you’re on the show floor, don’t miss the DCPI pavilion, where guests will be able to preview and experience all-new cross-category offerings from Disney’s licensees, authors, and artists, including playing the latest games from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars, immersing themselves in the pavilion’s park environment of outdoor play and creativity, or watching cooking demos in the kitchen environment featuring influencers from Disney Family and Disney Publishing Worldwide. Plus, you can check out the Oh My Disney Stage, where you can find celebrity guests, panels, performances, game shows, toy unboxings, and first looks, all weekend long.

Quack Attack: DuckTales Gets a Premiere Date—Plus More in News Briefs

June 14, 2017March 26, 2018

By Courtney Potter

DuckTales joins the Disney XD family this August, and T’Challa returns home in the new Black Panther teaser trailer… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Solve a Mystery and Rewrite History with DuckTales—This August on Disney XD!

Huge news for fans of Huey, Dewey, and Louie and their great-uncle Scrooge McDuck: Disney XD’s new DuckTales will premiere with an hour-long movie on Saturday, August 12—and it’ll play for 24 consecutive hours! But wait, there’s more: Read up on all the DuckTales shenanigans to come over these next few weeks in our D23 rundown, here.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
July 14-16, 2017
D23 Expo 2017
August 19, 2017
D23’s Disney Afternoon on the Lot
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
Parks
August 31-November 13, 2017
Epcot Food & Wine Festival
2019
Star Wars-Themed Lands Opening at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Studios
June 16, 2017
Cars 3 opens in theaters
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
July 21, 2017
Disney’s Descendants 2 debuts on Disney Channel, Disney XD, Freeform, Lifetime and ABC (8 p.m. ET)
July 21, 2017
Raven’s Home debuts on Disney Channel (10 p.m. ET)
August 12, 2017
“Woo-oo!” DuckTales Movie premieres at 12 a.m. and airs for 24 consecutive hours
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)

Thrilling New Black Panther Teaser Trailer

The latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Panther, growls into theaters next spring—which, for huge Marvel enthusiasts like ourselves, seems like forever to wait. Ever so thankfully, we just got a gift to tide us over… the brand-new teaser trailer! Check out the electrifying clip for the Marvel Studios film, featuring stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Andy Serkis, and Martin Freeman, above.

Black Panther follows T’Challa (Boseman), who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s fortitude as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life. Look for Black Panther in theaters on February 16, 2018.

TV Fans, Rejoice! Teams Announced for ABC’s Battle of the Network Stars

Here at D23 News Briefs, we’re massive, unabashed, lifelong fans of television—so when we found out who’ll be appearing on ABC’s reboot of the fan-favorite series from the 1970s and ’80s, Battle of the Network Stars, we went a little nuts (in the best way possible)…

A whopping 100 stars, from 14 different network and cable companies (!!!), will feel—as ABC’s Wide World of Sports used to say—“the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” whilst playing a variety of athletic games on the campus of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California (the location of the original show). And just who are these stars, you ask? Celebs from shows as diverse as current ABC hits like Modern Family, Scandal, The Goldbergs, and How to Get Away with Murder; awesome ’90s series including Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, 90210, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer; and true ’70s and ’80s classics including The Incredible Hulk, Dallas, CHiPs, Perfect Strangers, The Facts of Life, The Partridge Family, Eight is Enough (and many more) will be taking part. Look for appearances by Barry Williams from The Brady Bunch, Jimmie “J.J.” Walker from Good Times, Todd Bridges from Diff’rent Strokes, and even Jenna von Oy from Blossom. And that’s just the tip of the TV-rific iceberg.

Don’t miss Battle of the Network Stars, premiering Thursday, June 29, only on ABC!

The Land of the Dead Comes Alive in Latest Coco Trailer

Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) and his dog Dante are set to take an incredible adventure to the Land of the Dead this fall, when Disney•Pixar’s Coco debuts in theaters. Want to get a taste for the film’s colorful, spirited world? Check out the new trailer here.

More Adventures with Frozen’s Olaf the Snowman

Speaking of Coco, a new animated featurette is set to premiere with Disney•Pixar’s latest. Check out the new trailer for Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, a holiday romp with all your Frozen favorites, above. It’s the very first collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and the folks at Pixar!

Featuring four new original songs, the 21-minute featurette welcomes the original cast and characters back to the big screen, including Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), who is on a mission to harness the best holiday traditions for Anna (voice of Kristen Bell), Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), and Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff). Directed by Emmy®-winning filmmakers Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton (Prep & Landing) and produced by Oscar® winner Roy Conli (Big Hero 6)—with original songs by Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson (the upcoming musical Between the Lines)—Olaf’s Frozen Adventure will be in theaters in front of Coco for a limited time, beginning November 22.

Excelsior! Stan Lee Assembles a Gaggle of Super Heroes for Disney Cruise Line

Looking for some awesome adventure out on the open water? Disney Cruise Line is kicking off its inaugural Marvel Day at Sea this October, on select seven- and eight-night cruises from New York City (and later on select five-night voyages from Miami). And in case you’re wondering which super heroes you can expect to mix and mingle with—during fantastic deck parties, immersive new shows, photo opportunities, and all kinds of new games and activities—take a gander at the video, above…

See the man himself, Stan Lee, contact some of your very favorite Avengers (Peter Quill, anyone?), and give them the scoop on what to prepare for their Disney cruise. For more information on Marvel Day at Sea, visit DisneyCruiseLine.com/Marvel.

Rev Into Action with Cars 3: Driven to Win

Bring a little Cars 3 magic into your very own home! Just this week, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, along with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, announced that a brand-new competitive racing game for PlayStation® 3 and 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, and Wii U—all based on Lightning McQueen’s latest exploits—is now available.

Developed by Avalanche Software and inspired by the upcoming film, Cars 3: Driven to Win allows players to take the driver’s seat and set out in action-packed adventures as they join Lightning McQueen and Cruz Ramirez in preparation to take on rival racer Jackson Storm. With more than 20 customizable playable characters to choose from, including popular heroes from the Cars franchise and next-generation racers, and more than 20 unique tracks across 13 iconic race environments from the film, Cars 3: Driven to Win also allows you to customize your racing adventure and uncover a wide variety of possible experiences through its fun re-playability. You can even use its local split-screen cooperative play to race friends and family.

And don’t forget: Cars 3 zooms into a cineplex near you on Friday, June 16.

Pixar’s Pete Docter Visits The Music of Pixar LIVE at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Our pals at the Disney Parks Blog recently met up with Pixar filmmaker Pete Docter (Inside Out, Monsters, Inc., Up) as he took in a performance of the very cool new show The Music of Pixar LIVE! A Symphony of Characters at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Playing three times nightly at the Theater of the Stars, following the regular daily performances of Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage, the show features a live orchestra (cool, right?!) playing highlights from the scores of favorite Pixar films, including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Up, and even Cars 3… all while giant screens show clips, outtakes, and interview excerpts with some of the folks behind the music.

See what Pete finds so amazing about The Music of Pixar LIVE! in the clip, above. If you’re making a trip to Walt Disney World Resort this summer, don’t miss the tune-filled fun!

Are You the Next American Idol? Audition This Summer and Find Out!

It’s been 15 years since the debut of American Idol—and in celebration of the show’s big anniversary (as well as marking the birth year of this new season’s youngest eligible performer), ABC and Idol producers have announced the start of auditions for the show!

The nationwide search for the next superstar kicks off on Thursday, August 17, as the Idol Busses (one on each coast) jump into gear across the U.S. of A.—offering hopefuls the chance to audition for a shot at superstardom.

From Portland, Oregon, to Orlando, Florida… from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, American Idol will search every corner of the nation in its pursuit for talent. Auditioning has never been easier, with the series also taking to the Internet; performers can submit audition videos online (starting now!) at www.AmericanIdol.com, or by showing off their talent via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or the Musical.ly app using the hashtag #TheNextIdol.

Think you have what it takes? (And are you at least 15 years old?) Find out more—including the full list of audition cities—at AmericanIdol.com.

DuckTales Returns with a TV Movie August 12 and Series Premiere September 23

June 14, 2017June 14, 2017

By D23 Team

This just in from Duckburg! The new DuckTales series will make its ducky debut on Disney XD on September 23 (and you can get a first look at the new opening title below!). But there’s even more to “woo-oo” about: An all-new television movie will kick off the DuckTales gang’s reign on Disney XD on August 12. The movie—appropriately titled Woo-oo!—will premiere at midnight, August 12, and will run for 24 consecutive hours! You can also find the TV movie and series premiere on the Disney XD app and Disney XD VOD.

There’s even more feathered fun in store, from new DuckTales comics and books to games! DuckTales: All Ducked Out! avatar creator is set to launch in July on the Disney XD app and on Disney LOL, with games rolling out thereafter; and Donald Duck, the “original angry bird” will be featured in Angry Birds beginning Thursday, August 3.

If you’re coming to D23 Expo, you can jump in Scrooge McDuck’s Money Bin––click here for details! Plus, celebrate DuckTales and more classic Disney Channel shows with us at D23’s Disney Afternoon on the Walt Disney Studios lot.

A Dream Becomes Reality on Pandora – The World of Avatar

June 13, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

When day gives way to night on Pandora – The World of Avatar, the magical transformation is like nothing you’ve ever seen before—in a Disney park or anywhere on Earth, for that matter. That’s not surprising, according to Avatar producer Jon Landau, given that James Cameron—who wrote and directed the film that inspired the new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom—first dreamed of the bioluminescence when he was 17 years old.

Pandora has been in Landau’s dreams, and his heart, for quite some time, as well. He was first introduced to Cameron’s vision for the planet in 1995, and he could have never imagined that he would one day journey down a sacred jungle river, soar in flight on the back of a banshee, or experience a bioluminescent forest firsthand. “You’re looking at someone who, when my kids were growing up, the tree that their presents went under at Christmas was decorated with Disney ornaments. The idea that I am now a small part of something that is here at Walt Disney World… I get chills even saying that,” he told D23 during our recent visit to Pandora, which Landau emphasizes is a land that’s about “exploration and discovery.”

Disney was the natural partner to bring to life this special land, Landau explained, because of their willingness to “dream big”—and Disney’s Animal Kingdom was the natural place for it to exist. “Avatar is a franchise that has an ethos that is in line with the mission statements of Disney’s Animal Kingdom,“ he said, adding, “Thanks to [Walt Disney Imagineering Portfolio Creative Executive] Joe Rohde and the philosophy of putting it in Animal Kingdom, we were able to make [Pandora] about story and not make it about technology.”

Cutting-edge technology went into the creation of Pandora’s two attractions, Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey, but the question members of the creative team posed to themselves was, “What experiences do we want guests to have?” They wanted Pandora to provide the ultimate wish fulfillment, and decided to create somewhere where people can truly fly. “The banshee flight [in Avatar Flight of Passage] was the answer to that,” Landau explained.

Bioluminescence is a vital part of the guest experience on Na’vi River Journey. “Bioluminescence and the whole quality of night are such key parts of the appeal of the original film and of the planet Pandora,” Rohde noted, and Na’vi River Journey is set in a part of the jungle that’s so dense, it is bioluminescent whether it’s night or day. In the interactive moment with the Na’vi Shaman of Songs that comes at the culmination of the attraction, guests will not only see the most complex Audio-Animatronics® figure Imagineers have ever created, but they’ll take away the message that the rainforest is a sacred place.

But there was another key experience that the team kept in mind in the early days of the creative process. “We looked at the land as a third attraction,” Landau said, adding that they wanted it to engage people throughout their visits to Pandora. “It’s one thing to allow people to explore, but exploration without discovery is meaningless,” he stressed.

Some of the discoveries for guests will be bold ones that take their breath away. Though Rohde has been immersed in Pandora from the very beginning, even he can’t help but feel a sense of wonder as he gazes upon the Floating Mountains that look as if they’ve always stood there in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. “It’s hard not to sit here when the cliffs are lit and look back up and just [marvel at] that scale. I really feel like it feels like a national park. And it’s so odd, because there used to be nothing there,” he mused. “We did it and you still can’t overcome that feeling. I was crawling around in there, taking photographs like I was in Nepal, thinking ‘What am I doing?’ But you’re doing it—and it’s just really interesting.”

Rohde hopes there will be subtle discoveries for guests, as well. They might notice a hint of music soon after they cross the bridge to Pandora, as they have their first chance to study the Floating Mountains. Rohde revealed that the music is derived from the film Avatar, as well as Pandora’s two attractions. But if you don’t take immediate notice of the music, Rohde shared, that’s by design. “We really want it to be almost like you think you hear it, but you’re remembering it,” he shared.

For Landau, the breathtaking moments have come when he’s welcomed guests to Pandora, and he’s seen their astonishment as they walk through the land. “We’re not making this for ourselves—we’re making it for guests to come to be in awe and to be inspired,” he said. “It’s so exciting that people will be able to come to Pandora for years to come and experience it. You watch a movie. You listen to music. This becomes an experience, I believe, only on Pandora.”

Celebrate 20 years of Hercules, 80 years of Snow White, and more at D23 Expo

June 13, 2017July 6, 2017

By D23 Team

Can you believe we’re just five weeks away from D23 Expo 2017? We’ve already shared some of the exciting panels, presentations, and performances coming to the three-day event, but as D23 Expo veterans know, there’s so much more to explore!

From Mousequerade to the making of Hercules, there’s a lot in store during the three-day ultimate Disney fan event.

Friday, July 14

Mousequerade (11 a.m., Stage 28) –– Join judges Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars Rebels), Kara Saun (costume designer for Descendants 2), Yvette Nicole Brown (ABC’s The Mayor), and the contest’s host, Disney’s Jim Babcock, to watch dozens of finalists take the stage in this fan-favorite costume competition for the $2,300 grand prize!

The Golden Girls: A Celebration of Friendship, Laughter, and Cheesecake (2:30 p.m., Stage 28) –– Join the show’s creators and other special guests—including author Jim Colucci; Golden Girls writers Barry Fanaro and Stan Zimmerman; and art director John Shaffner—for an unforgettable celebration of the enduring fan favorite, 25 years after the final episode. Hosted by Imagineer and Golden Girls fan Morgan Richardson.

Disney Legends 30th Anniversary (4:15 p.m., Stage 28) –– After the newest inductees are honored during the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, join historian Leonard Maltin to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the coveted award with a legendary lineup, including Bill Farmer (the voice of Goofy and Pluto), Karen Dotrice (Jane Banks in Mary Poppins), animator Andreas Deja, Imagineering legend Bob Gurr, Kathryn Beaumont (the voice of Alice and Wendy), Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith, and 2017 inductee and Star Wars star Mark Hamill.

Melodies in Walt’s Time: The Music of Disney Live-Action Films (6 p.m., D23 Expo Arena) –– Celebrate the magical music of Walt’s live-action films with live performances of songs from Summer Magic, Mary Poppins, The Happiest Millionaire, The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band, and more. Hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, the extravaganza will feature Lesley Ann Warren, Karen Dotrice, and other renowned guest stars, live musical performers, and a 20-voice chorus.

Sunday, July 16

Zero to Hero: The Making of Hercules (12:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena) –– Join directors John Musker and Ron Clements, animators Eric Goldberg (“Phil”) and Ken Duncan (“Megara”), and Megara and Hercules themselves––Susan Egan and Tate Donovan––as they share stories from the making of the 1997 fan-favorite film.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: 80th Anniversary Screening (3:15 p.m., D23 Expo Arena) — Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs made its grand debut in 1937, and D23 Expo attendees can enjoy a special screening of the film that started it all.

Legends of Walt Disney Imagineering (6 p.m., D23 Expo Arena) –– Disney fan John Stamos leads this legendary conversation between Imagineers Marty Sklar, Tony Baxter, and 2017 Disney Legend inductee Wayne Jackson, who will share stories from the amazing Disney experiences they’ve had a hand in creating around the globe.

And, don’t miss these exciting events throughout the weekend:

Center Stage –– Located at the center of the D23 Expo show floor, get ready for live performances from Aimee Carrero and Lou Diamond Phillips (Elena of Avalor), Temecula Road, Tomasina, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies, and Susan Egan, singing favorites from Beauty and the Beast, drawing with Disney animators Eric Goldberg and Mark Henn and Marvel’s Brian Crosby, and the voice of Disneyland, Bill Rogers, will be on hand each day to record fans’ outgoing voicemail messages.

D23 Expo’s Ultimate Fan Street Party –– For the first time at D23 Expo, take in a one-of-a-kind street party, right on the D23 Expo show floor! Making its way down Mickey Avenue twice daily, the street party will feature a live band, beloved Disney characters, and celebrity grand marshals. Newly inducted Disney Legends Stan Lee and Mark Hamill will grand marshal the first cavalcade (2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 14), followed by the Descendants 2 cast at 4:00 p.m. that day. On Saturday, July 15, actor Colin O’Donoghue (Once Upon a Time) will grand marshal the 1:00 pm. street party. Then, on Sunday, July 16, actor and Hollywood Records recording artist Jordan Fisher will be featured as grand marshal in the 11:00 a.m. cavalcade, followed by actors Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi (Tangled: The Series) at 3:00 p.m.

Walt Disney Archives Stage –– This popular stage returns to D23 Expo with 17 panels and presentations featuring special guests like director Pete Docter, Disney Legend Jim Cora, producer Don Hahn, Bret Iwan (the voice of Mickey Mouse), Imagineers Diana Brost, Jason Grandt, and Chris Merritt, and many more. See the full schedule here.

Friday, July 14

Saturday, July 15

Sunday, July 16

Solve a Mystery and Rewrite History with DuckTales—This August on Disney XD!

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

Thrilling New Black Panther Teaser Trailer

TV Fans, Rejoice! Teams Announced for ABC’s Battle of the Network Stars

The Land of the Dead Comes Alive in Latest Coco Trailer

More Adventures with Frozen’s Olaf the Snowman

Excelsior! Stan Lee Assembles a Gaggle of Super Heroes for Disney Cruise Line

Rev Into Action with Cars 3: Driven to Win

Pixar’s Pete Docter Visits The Music of Pixar LIVE at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Are You the Next American Idol? Audition This Summer and Find Out!

Friday, July 14

Sunday, July 16

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