Emily Blunt Is Mary Poppins and She Looks Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

June 7, 2017June 7, 2017

By Jeffrey Epstein

Emily Blunt has landed—practically perfectly, of course—on the cover of the new issue of Entertainment Weekly, and we could not be more excited. In an exclusive first look, Emily shares her enthusiasm for playing the title role in Mary Poppins Returns, which hits theaters Christmas of 2018. The story provides many of the exciting details fans have been clamoring for. The new film takes place 25 years after the first, during the economic slump of the 1930s in the UK (think: The Great Depression). Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) now lives in the family home (a stunning recreation of the original 17 Cherry Tree Lane!) with his family, when tragedy hits: Michael’s wife passes away, leaving banker/artist Michael to raise their three children on his own. Jane (Emily Mortimer) tries to help lift the spirits—and the family’s finances, which are now tottering, as they face foreclosure on their home—but can only do so much. Enter Mary Poppins. Blunt got the blessing of Julie Andrews herself before production began, and Mary works magic on the children, the family, and everyone she encounters, including Lin-Manuel Miranda in the role of Jack, a lamplighter and former protégé of chimney sweep Bert (Dick Van Dyke). Christmas (2018!) can’t come soon enough!

For more details, check out the Entertainment Weekly story here.

Meet the Family of Disney•Pixar’s Coco

June 6, 2017June 6, 2017

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Disney•Pixar’s Coco follows a multi-generational tale of family and adventure, spanning not only across generations, but across worlds. Characters from both the Land of the Living and those who have moved on to the Land of the Dead join Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) on his journey. Directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist, Monsters University) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (Toy Story 3), Coco opens in U.S. theaters on November 22, 2017.

“These parallel worlds couldn’t be more different,” said Unkrich. “One is the Rivera family’s charming and hardworking hometown of Santa Cecilia, and the other is the vibrant, rich land where loved ones go when they’ve passed. Coco introduces characters from both worlds on the eve of Día de los Muertos—one extraordinary night when a living boy named Miguel gets a glimpse of the other side.”

Added Molina, “Our voice cast is incredibly talented, helping to shape our eclectic group of characters. Each actor has told us they find something relatable in this film, so they’re finding it easy to capture the heart of this story—it’s all about family, so we hope that these characters will resonate with everyone.”

Meet the family,both living and dead, who will be featured in the latest, colorful romp from the magic makers at Disney•Pixar:

FROM THE LAND OF THE LIVING

ANTHONY GONZALEZ (Ice Box, TNT’s The Last Ship) lends his voice to MIGUEL, a 12-year-old aspiring musician who struggles against his family’s generations-old ban on music. When a magical mishap lands him in the Land of the Dead, Miguel seeks out his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz, to help him return to the Land of the Living before it’s too late.
ANA OFELIA MURGUÍA (Amazon’s Mozart in the Jungle, Bandidas) voices Miguel’s cherished great-grandmother MAMÁ COCO. She is very old and fragile, but that doesn’t stop Miguel from sharing his daily adventures with her.
RENÉE VICTOR (Showtime’s Weeds, The Apostle) provides the authoritative voice of ABUELITA, Miguel’s grandmother and the ultimate enforcer of the Rivera family’s ban on music. She loves her family very much and will do anything to protect them. But when she gets angry, she wields a mean slipper.
JAIME CAMIL (CW’s Jane the Virgin, Disney Junior’s Elena of Avalor, Secret Lives of Pets) is the voice of PAPÁ, Miguel’s supportive father who hopes that someday Miguel will join him in the family shoemaking business.
SOFÍA ESPINOSA (Gloria) provides the voice of Miguel’s loving MAMÁ who gently encourages her son to embrace their family’s traditions.
LUIS VALDEZ (Which Way Is Up and director, La Bamba and Cisco Kid) is the voice of TÍO BERTO, Miguel’s uncle, a hard worker in the Rivera family shoemaking business.
LOMBARDO BOYAR (Happy Feet, TNT’s Murder in the First) lends his voice to a friendly MARIACHI who Miguel encounters in Santa Cecilia Plaza.

FROM THE LAND OF THE DEAD

GAEL GARCÍA BERNAL (Amazon’s Mozart in the Jungle) helps bring to life HECTOR, a charming trickster in the Land of the Dead who is forced to enlist help from Miguel to visit the Land of the Living.
BENJAMIN BRATT (FOX’s Star, Doctor Strange) is the voice of Miguel’s idol ERNESTO DE LA CRUZ, the most famous musician in the history of Mexico. Revered by fans worldwide until his untimely death, the charming and charismatic musician is even more beloved in the Land of the Dead.
EDWARD JAMES OLMOS (Blade Runner, Stand and Deliver) lends his voice to CHICHARRÓN, a curmudgeonly friend of Hector’s who is sadly being forgotten—an unfortunate condition in the Land of the Dead.
ALANNA UBACH (Meet the Fockers, Bravo’s Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce) provides the voice of MAMÁ IMELDA, Miguel’s great-great-grandmother, the matriarch of the Rivera family and the founder of their successful shoemaking business. Miguel meets Mamá Imelda in the Land of the Dead and discovers she does not share his passion for music.
SELENE LUNA (My Bloody Valentine) voices TÍA ROSITA, Miguel’s late aunt who resides in the Land of the Dead.
ALFONSO ARAU (Three Amigos, director/producer Like Water for Chocolate, director A Walk in the Clouds) is the voice of PAPÁ JULIO, Miguel’s late great-grandfather who he meets in Land of the Dead.
HERBERT SIGUENZA (Larry Crowne, Cartoon Network’s Ben 10: Alien Swarm) lends his voice to both TÍO OSCAR and TÍO FELIPE, Miguel’s late identical twin uncles who he meets in the Land of the Dead.
OCTAVIO SOLIS (playwright Lydia, Santos & Santos) is the voice of an ARRIVAL AGENT in the Land of the Dead’s Grand Central Station.
GABRIEL IGLESIAS (Planes, The Nut Job, The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature) provides the voice of the HEAD CLERK in the Land of the Dead’s “Department of Family Reunions.”
CHEECH MARIN (Cars 3, Tin Cup) is the voice of a CORRECTIONS OFFICER in the Land of the Dead.
BLANCA ARACELI (The Bridge) voices the EMCEE for a colorful talent show in the Land of the Dead.

Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios Draw Up Some Serious Magic at D23 Expo

June 6, 2017June 14, 2017

By D23 Team

The creative minds behind your favorite animated films are back at D23 Expo for a weekend full of amazing announcements, presentations, displays, and giveaways.

You can find Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios on the show floor all weekend long in one amazingly animated booth, featuring artist demonstrations, autograph signings with top filmmakers, fan giveaways, and unbelievable interactive displays celebrating the latest films, including Cars 3, Coco, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, and Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2.

And of course, both studios will take the stage throughout the weekend in several can’t-miss panels:

Friday, July 14

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films, Hosted by John Lasseter (2:30 p.m., Hall D23) –– Join host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, as he presents Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films. Watch never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming feature Coco and Walt Disney Animation’s Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2, and be prepared for surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by star voice talent. Cell phones, cameras, and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.

Saturday, July 15

The Power of the Princess (10:30 a.m., Stage 28) –– Join hosts Walt Disney Animation Studios animators Amy Smeed and Kira Lehtomaki as the voice actresses behind some of your favorite Disney heroines––Jodi Benson (Ariel), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), and Auli‘i Cravalho (Moana)––take the stage to share stories from the sound booth and beyond.

Creating the Worlds in Pixar’s Universe (12:15 p.m., Stage 28) –– Pixar production designers and artists will literally take guests behind the scenes on a visual tour of the amazing worlds created in Pixar films––from oceans and outer space, to mountain tops and “monstropolises.”

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure: A Sneak Peek at the New Frozen Short Film (2:30 p.m., Stage 28) –– Be among the first to see exclusive and behind-the-scenes footage from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest Frozen holiday short film event, the highly anticipated Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. The film, which features the talents of the original Frozen cast, as well as brand-new songs, is directed by the Emmy^®-winning team Stevie Wermers-Skelton and Kevin Deters (Prep & Landing) and produced by Oscar^®-winning producer Roy Conli (Big Hero 6, Tangled).

The Evolution of Pixar’s Characters (6 p.m., Stage 28) –– Pixar characters are full of personality––from the waves in their hair to the shoes on their feet. Join some of the legendary Pixar artists behind its most memorable characters as they share what it’s like to draw these loveable characters to life.

Sunday, July 16

Bambi’s 75th Anniversary (11:30 a.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage) –– Celebrate the 75th anniversary and Walt Disney Signature Collection release of Bambi with personal stories from the voice cast, anecdotes behind the making of this film and its exquisite hand-drawn artwork, and much, much more.

5 Ways to Celebrate National Doughnut Day at Disney Parks and Resorts

June 2, 2017

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Today’s the day we celebrate a treat guaranteed to sweeten up your morning (or afternoon… or evening…)—the doughnut! If you’re spending today at a Disney Park and want to celebrate this essential holiday, or if you just want to turn your summer days at Disney Parks into summer glaze at Disney Parks, we’ve rounded up all of the places you can go to get that special treat. So, sweet-seekers, head to the parks, grab a napkin, and doughnut worry: Here’s everywhere you can go at Disney Parks to add a sprinkle of celebration to your day:

The Main Street Coffee Cart Disneyland
This is where it all started… Back in the fall, you may have heard the rumors of delicious doughnuts decorated with delectable delights like gummy bears, bacon, and more. These secret treats were quietly premiered at Disneyland and quickly sold out in the mornings, gaining popularity as lovers of Disney sweets discovered Disney’s fantastical take on doughnuts, such as the “Avalanche” doughnut (picture above)—the popular Matterhorn Macaroon combined with a doughnut, covered in toasted coconut and caramel drizzle. To learn the behind-the-scenes-secrets of this sweet treat, read the full story of these doughnuts here.

Shmoozies Disney California Adventure
To kick off Disney California Adventure’s super-powered “Summer of Heroes” campaign, Shmoozies is offering doughnuts that are sure to save your day from intergalactic mayhem (or at least from a snack craving). These special doughnuts come in some marvel-ous flavors:

Gamma-Sized Doughnut—filled with blackberry and black currant
The All-American Doughnut—filled with apple and streusel topping
Spider Bite—a cinnamon-spiced doughnut
Local Favorite—a maple-bacon-filled doughnut with maple cream (picture above)

The Coffee House Disneyland Hotel
Just announced today by Disney Parks blog, The Coffee House at the Disneyland Hotel will be making a special rotating lineup of doughnuts that go on sale every morning at 8 a.m. Check out the magical flavors you need to snag to start off your perfect Disneyland morning:

Pineapple Coconut Delight—a green tea frosting-glazed doughnut with pineapple filling, topped with a drizzle of chocolate icing, shredded coconut flakes, and a raspberry (pictured above right)
Royal Strawberry—a strawberry-glazed doughnut filled with Bavarian chocolate, topped with butter streusel, chocolate icing, vanilla-bean Chantilly cream, and strawberry (pictured above left)
Blueberry Candy—blueberry-glazed doughnut filed with blueberry jam, topped with white icing, blueberries, vanilla-bean Chantilly cream, and crushed caramel almond

Refreshment Port Epcot
If you feel like adding a fancy twist to your breakfast treat, why not try out a cronut? This delightful blend of doughnut and croissant is the perfect snack for a day of exploring World Showcase at Epcot. Stop by the Refreshment Port on the right side of World Showcase and enjoy this unique take on the classic treat we celebrate today!

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Magic Kingdom
Take your breakfast to the next level with this recently added offering from the Magic Kingdom: The Doughnut Sundae (pictured above). Adorn your doughnut with your favorite flavor of ice cream, a generous drizzle of hot fudge, a mountain of whipped cream, a sprinkling of peanut butter and chocolate chips, and a cherry on top. This unique treat is the perfect way to celebrate doughnut day in an extra-special (and extra-sweet!) way that’s certain to make you want to celebrate National Doughnut Day every day!

How Doughnuts Became Disneyland’s Latest Must-Have Treat

June 2, 2017June 2, 2017

By Adam Earnhart

Amid the delicious array of breakfast choices that help guests start their Disneyland Park day right, Executive Chef Jason Martin felt something was missing. “I always thought, why aren’t there doughnuts on Main Street? We have a coffee shop. Why not doughnuts?”

Opportunity sat next to Sleeping Beauty Castle at the Main Street Coffee Cart, where the pastry case offerings were going mostly overlooked. But not any doughnut would suffice in this picture-perfect setting. “We have to make these so eye-appealing and colorful [that] when you walk by that cart, your head spins,” said Jason. He envisioned big, hand-crafted doughnuts, smothered in decadent frosting and covered in creative toppings like bacon, toasted marshmallows and Pop Rocks.

Senior Food and Beverage Production Manager Mark Taul said adding doughnuts “sounded like a great idea, but we had to figure out how to execute it.” Typically, food locations avoid running out of items by keeping lots of them on hand—not possible for doughnuts with a short display life.

That challenge became an advantage. Jason pitched making doughnuts in small batches that would sell out within hours, available first thing in the morning with fresh batches before evening parades. They would be prepared in the Jolly Holiday Bakery kitchen, then transported via a special handcart to the coffee cart. However, since the cart’s cooling system couldn’t be used (nobody likes a refrigerated doughnut!), an umbrella was added to shade the display case and keep the toppings from melting.

“By the second day, we had lines of people waiting,” Jason said of the successful pilot, which started last fall. The lineup of doughnuts changes each week, and new doughnut ideas can go from drawing board to guests’ mouths within days. Doughnut holes recently joined the mix of offerings, and fruit- and jelly-filled doughnuts are on the way.

The exclusivity factor continues to garner buzz, particularly among Annual Passholders. Said Mark, “Guests are always asking what the next doughnut is going to be!”

Due to the instant popularity of the Main Street Coffee Cart doughnuts, Disney parks have added doughnuts for purchase both at Disney California Adventure and the Disneyland Hotel. To find out where you can find these sweet treats at the Disneyland Resort (and to learn about the special doughnuts Walt Disney World has to offer), check out our handy guide to doughnuts at Disney Parks.

This story originally ran in the February 2017 edition of Disneyland Line, a newsletter for Disneyland Cast Members. To read more of Adam Earnhart’s Disneyland coverage, check out his writing for the Disney Parks Blog.

Have the Summer of Your Dreams in These Disney Destinations

June 1, 2017

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

By Jocelyn Buhlman

The weather’s getting warmer, school is almost out, which leaves us wondering: What do we do over summer vacation? Whether you have a grand adventure planned or are spending the summer at home, you can wish upon a star and go anywhere your dreams take you. These dream Disney destinations would make any summer unforgettable. Where would you want to go?

The Wild West
With Woody and the Roundup Gang
Are you looking for rootin’, tootin’ good time? Well, hop on your horse, and ride like the wind with Sheriff Woody, Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl, Bullseye, and Stinky Pete the Prospector! Whether you are exploring the beautiful desert landscape or exploring the west at its wildest best, you can have adventures just like your favorite cowboy crew.

Central and South America
With Three Caballeros (and the Aracuan Bird)
Why not spend your summer exploring Central and South America? With the Three Caballeros as your tour guides, fun is always on the itinerary. Samba the night away with José Carioca or tap your toes with Panchito Pistoles or watch as Donald tries to win the hearts of the ladies! While you’re traveling with these Saludos Amigos, keep an eye out for the mischievous Aracuan Bird—he’s always looking to cause trouble!

Virginian Forests
With Pocahontas
How high does the sycamore grow? You can find out if you take a trip to the forests with Pocahontas, where you’ll see a magnificent variety of trees, such as pines, oaks, hickories, and maples. You might not be able to paint with all the colors of the wind, but you’ll have a greater appreciation for the earth.

The Mountains of Northern Canada
With Koda and Kenai
While the Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis) can be viewed from many places in the world, we suggest traveling to Northern Canada. Explore the magic of nature in this stunning space, frequented by Brother Bear’s Koda and Kenai.

The Caribbean Islands
With Jack Sparrow
The Caribbean Islands are the dream summer destination, but if ye be seekin’ more than just surf and sun, call upon Captain Jack Sparrow! But be warned—if you go searching for pirates, keep a weather eye open. After all, you know what they say: Dead men tell no tales.

Danville
With Phineas and Ferb
There’s 104 days of summer vacation, and so many ways to spend them when you’re with Phineas and Ferb! Take a trip to the tri-state area for some fun with the masters of summer. Whether you are planning an ambitious staycation (like building a roller coaster across town) or maybe taking a trip (like travelling around the entire world in one day), these two troublemakers are the ones to make it happen!

Brownstone National Park
With Humphrey the Bear
This New England-based park is known for its beautiful lakes, sprawling greenery, and its… mischievous bears? Humphrey the Bear can be your guide during a relaxing forest vacation, and is happy to teach you all his tricks–– like stealing food, getting free food, and tricking tourists into giving you even more food. Make sure to watch out for Ranger J. Audobon Woodlore—he doesn’t have a lot of patience for silly bears.

Atlantica
With the Little Mermaid
Sure, Ariel got herself some legs so she could visit the land, but what if you were able to swim to where the merpeople are? See the glory of King Triton’s magnificent castle in person, explore a shipwreck with Ariel, and let Sebastian show you why life is so much better under the sea.

Hawai’i
With Lilo and Stitch
Why not spend your summer with the best intergalactic ‘ohana around? Lilo and Stitch’s unique view of the world will give you an out-of-this-world Hawaiian vacation. Whether you are snapping pictures of tourists with Lilo, imitating Elvis with Stitch, or teaming up with the whole family to face off against the latest visiting alien, you’re sure to have a vacation that you won’t forget.

Marvel-ous Experiences Coming to D23 Expo

June 1, 2017June 1, 2017

By D23 Team

Get ready for a super weekend! Marvel will make its way to D23 Expo with awesome presentations and an epic pavilion, celebrating the upcoming film titles from Marvel Studios and all-new console and mobile games coming from Marvel Games.

Presentations
If you’re a Marvel fan, make sure to add these two panels to your must-do list! On Friday, July 14 at 1:15 p.m., Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer of Marvel, will take the stage in the D23 Expo Arena for Cup o’ Joe, a no-holds-barred panel on everything Marvel. Later that day, Marvel Animation will hold a surprise-filled panel of sneak peeks, special guests, exclusive footage, and big announcements about the future of Marvel Animation on Stage 28 at 6 p.m.

Pavilion
Get a closer look at some of the costumes from two highly anticipated Marvel Studios films: Thor: Ragnarok, debuting this November, and Black Panther, in theaters 2018. Plus, explore some of the props from the upcoming Thor film and don’t miss photo opps with exclusive set pieces from the movie. Throughout the weekend, Marvel Studios will host multiple giveaways and events, and even give fans a chance to meet with Marvel Studios’ filmmakers, development team, and talent. Details on talent appearances and special signings will be made available in the D23 Expo App (available soon!).

For the first time at D23 Expo, play as the world-famous Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Spider-Man, and more on new console and mobile games at the Marvel Games Pavilion. Read on to see what games you can experience during D23 Expo:

LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes 2 is an all-new, original adventure and sequel to the smash hit LEGO^® Marvel Super Heroes. Bringing together iconic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from different eras and realities, along with signature LEGO humor, the latest epic adventure from TT Games transports players into a cosmic battle across myriad Marvel locations ripped from time and space into the incredible open hub world of Chronopolis.
Adding to the infinitely exciting D23 Expo activities at the Marvel booth, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite will offer attendees hands-on opportunities with the next era of the highly revered action-fighting game series. Marvel and Capcom universes collide like never before as iconic characters team up for action-packed player-versus-player combat.
Gazillion will offer a chance to play Marvel Heroes Omega and win fantastic prizes. Marvel Heroes Omega combines the core gameplay style of Action-RPGs (Role-Playing Games) and MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online games) with an expansive library of heroes from the Marvel Universe.
Netmarble is bringing all the best to D23 Expo with MARVEL: Future Fight. Featuring 120 Marvel Super Heroes to choose from, players create teams of their favorites to fight for their future. D23 Expo attendees can drop by the Netmarble booth and try their hand at saving the universe.
Marvel Puzzle Quest is where the best in match-3 puzzle gameplay meets Marvel’s biggest Super Heroes and Super Villains in the most epic puzzle adventure game out on your phone, tablet, and PC. Marvel Puzzle Quest combines favorite Marvel characters with deep RPG leveling, player-vs-player tournaments, Alliances, and much more.

Brand-New Music from Descendants 2—Plus More in News Briefs

June 1, 2017June 2, 2017

By Courtney Potter

Ursula’s daughter asks “What’s My Name,” and ABC’s Battle of the Network Stars announces its hosts … Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Ursula’s Daughter Asks “What’s My Name” in New Song from Descendants 2

A brand-new tune from the mega-huge, sure-to-thrill upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie Descendants 2 descends on the world this Thursday, June 1! “What’s My Name,” sung by China Anne McClain as Ursula’s powerful daughter Uma, will premiere on Radio Disney at 5 p.m. EDT—and will be available for download on iTunes at midnight! “What’s My Name” is one of six original songs featured on the Descendants 2 soundtrack, which also includes McClain’s renditions of “Kiss the Girl” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from Disney’s animated classic The Little Mermaid.

Got a hankerin’ to see the song in visual action, even before the movie itself premieres on Friday, July 21 (on Disney Channel, ABC, Disney XD, Freeform, and Lifetime)? Here’s your chance: The music video for the single, with never-before-seen footage from the movie, will premiere on DisneyMusicVEVO, Wednesday, June 14. So mark those calendars … you don’t wanna miss any of the wicked fun!

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
June 3, 2017
D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experience: A Return to Walt’s Birthplace in Florida
June 14, 2017
Enjoy Complementary Tickets to a Special 3-D Advance Screening of Disney•Pixar’s Cars 3
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)

ABC’s Battle of the Network Stars Announces Hosts and Team Captains

If you’re of a certain age—or just happen to enjoy throwback TV—there’s a show debuting on ABC this summer that you’ve just got to watch. We’re talking about Battle of the Network Stars, a pop-culture classic that aired on ABC throughout the ’70s and ’80s, and now, it’s back and better than ever! The 10-episode Summer ’17 event will pit teams of current and classic TV stars (from multiple eras and different genres) against one another in a variety of athletic games. Viewers can look forward to seeing a fun new take on some of the classic show’s sporting events, including Tug of War, Archery, Kayak Relay, the Obstacle Course, and the Dunk Tank.

Just this week, ABC announced the show’s hosts, sideline reporters, and team captains—and, as you’d expect, they bring some serious sports savvy with them. ESPN’s own Mike Greenberg and Joe Tessitore will take over for the late legendary sportscaster Howard Cosell as hosts, while their network-mates Cassidy Hubbarth and Cari Champion will report on all the shenanigans from the sidelines. And the show’s two permanent coaches are just about as amazing as you can get: Super Bowl 50 winner DeMarcus Ware and MMA fighter/Olympian/movie star Ronda Rousey!

The 100 TV stars who are taking part—from 14 different network and cable companies—will be announced at a later date, and they’ll join teams like “White House vs. Lawyers” and “Cops vs. TV Sitcoms.” Will your favorites get “drafted”? Find out when Battle of the Network Stars premieres Thursday, June, 29, at 9 p.m. EDT on ABC.

Adventures by Disney Teams Up with Turner Classic Movies for New Trip

Still looking to plan your summer vacation? We’ve got some simply bellissimo news… This August, Adventures by Disney is offering a very special departure of its Italy vacation in tandem with the good folks at Turner Classic Movies (TCM). You’ll visit Rome, Florence, Tuscany, and Venice, all while learning about the classic films that were shot in those locations! This unique, adult-exclusive, eight-day and seven-night trip runs August 11–18, 2017.

Exclusive to this TCM departure are several activities any film buff would plotz over, including a private tour of Cinecittà Studios—where you’ll walk through the Ancient Rome sets featured in classics like Ben-Hur, Roman Holiday, and even The Godfather: Part III.
For more info, visit TCMDestinations.com, or check out all the amazing vacations available at AdventuresByDisney.com.

Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts Guests on Doc McStuffins

Disney Junior’s critically acclaimed animated series Doc McStuffins is set to welcome a very special guest in a very special episode on Sunday, June 4, which happens to be National Cancer Survivors Day. Robin Roberts, anchor for ABC’s Good Morning America and a cancer survivor herself, supplies the voice for “Audrey’s Mom” in an episode titled “Hannah the Brave.” In this truly heartwarming story, Audrey is a four-year-old chemotherapy patient whose doll Hannah has an issue that leads to her hair loss, too. The episode includes a beautiful new original song, “Brave Like You.”

“Since Doc McStuffins premiered, we’ve been contacted by numerous families of children who have been dealing with very serious illnesses,” Chris Nee, the show’s creator and executive producer, recently said. “With this episode, we set out to tell a story for those kids whose illnesses can’t be cured by just a kiss and a cuddle. It was important to me to let them know that we see them and they matter. Having Robin Roberts portray Audrey’s mom in the episode is so special because she has experienced what many of these kids are going through—and she’s exactly who you would want cheerleading them through the tough times in their lives.”

Tune in to this inspiring episode this Sunday, June 4, at 8 a.m. EDT—only on Disney Channel.

Disney Springs Welcomes Delicious New Restaurants

Ready those knives and forks, y’all: Three new dining concepts are set to open soon at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, and our tummies are already rumbling at the thought.

Before the end of 2017, Chicago-based Levy Restaurants will introduce a brand-new Italian restaurant featuring cuisine from James Beard Award winner (and Top Chef Master chef) Tony Mantuano, while Wine Bar George, with expertise from master sommelier George Miliotes, will start offering guests shareable plates and a ridiculously fantastic wine list (natch!) along with wine education classes and other special events. Plus, The Edison—a sumptuous “Industrial Gothic” restaurant, bar, and event space inspired by its sister location in Downtown Los Angeles—will recall the heyday of the 1920s with imaginative entertainment, classic American food, and craft cocktails.

Should you be taking a Walt Disney World Resort vacation later this year, make sure a jaunt to Disney Springs is on your itinerary… your taste buds will thank you!

The Visual Effects that Tell the Tales

May 31, 2017

By Courtney Potter

A cadaverous corps of ghostly sailors, led by an unearthly El Matador Del Mar (“the Killer of the Sea”)… miles and miles of churning ocean… undead sharks, ready for a feast. These are just a few of the amazing visual effects awaiting you in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Me Tell No Tales, the fifth film in Disney’s iconic Pirates franchise—and they were shepherded to the screen by Gary Brozenich, the film’s Visual Effects Supervisor. Gary, an Academy Award® nominee for 2013’s The Lone Ranger, tasked his incredible team with creating upwards of 2,000 visual effects shots… speeding Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) along on a brand-new, high-seas adventure of an after-lifetime.

D23 spoke with Gary as the film readied for its Memorial Day weekend debut. “What I love about [the Pirates world] is it’s always a combination of absolute, unforgiving realism,” says Brozenich. “There’s a demand for realism because there are practical reasons for some of the visual effects… [and] that’s always coupled with fantasy, which is composed completely of a Pirates vocabulary… I find that the combination of those two things—almost like the ‘sweet and sour’ of both together—is compelling.”

With the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, bewitching stories—as well as the extraordinary characters who tell them—are paramount… and visual effects enable both the filmmakers behind the scenes, and the actors in front of the camera, to tell their tales in the most captivating way possible. Case in point: The newest Pirates villain, the aforementioned “Killer of the Sea,” Captain Salazar (portrayed by Javier Bardem). “From a creative standpoint, I think [creating Salazar’s look] was probably one of our biggest challenges,” Brozenich explains, “and also probably one of the more interesting and fun parts of the work that we got to do for the film. Essentially, Salazar is trapped in an underwater world, along with his crew, for eternity… [Javier] would come onto the set with significant amounts of synthetic makeup on his face and hands, and a partial costume, and then [we’d add] the remaining parts… If you imagine anything that could float on a person if we threw them into a pool, that was something that we had to add back on to them in visual effects… ”

Brozenich and team also managed to seamlessly blend real footage of ocean water—shot on location in both Australia and Key West, Florida—with CG water environments, “something that had to be pretty meticulously planned from the start,” he admits. And let’s not forget the phantom animals found in that deep… a trio of ghost sharks, “one hammerhead and two great whites,” Brozenich says, “that play a very specific role in the film to get us from one part of the story to another… [They were] designed by Nigel Phelps, and they’re quite mangled, withered, eaten away, with whole sections missing where you can see through to the skeleton. There are practical versions of these dead sharks—but when they’re dropped into the ocean, the camera follows them down, they come to life, and that’s where our work begins.”

All told, Brozenich’s work on Dead Men Tell No Tales employed his treasure trove of experience to forge a film he can’t wait for audiences to enjoy. “The beauty of filmmaking is there are things that happen on the day that you can never plan for, and it’s figuring out the best way to [deal] with them,” he admits. “I think you always want to go in as heavily armed with information as you can be, especially for things that just ‘aren’t there.’ A giant blue screen, or somebody with half of their head missing, or a partial costume you’re going to be adding onto… you need to go into that with all the rules established, and with a real strong knowledge of what the final effect is intended to look like… There’s a huge amount of work that I think will slip right by and go unnoticed by audiences—and for all the right reasons.”

Everything We Saw, Touched, and Tasted at Summer of Heroes

May 31, 2017June 1, 2017

By Jim Frye

It’s time to Hero Up! Star-Lord. Gamora. Captain America. Black Widow. Marvel’s Super-Hero heavyweights have arrived for Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure.

After you experience the thrills of the brand-new Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! (at least two or three times—remember, there are six different songs and six different adventures), then take a little time to see, touch, feel, and—best yet—taste the incredible offerings available for Summer of Heroes, a celebration of some of your favorite Marvel characters. We got an early preview, and this is what we found.

Start in the gift shop as you exit your Mission: BREAKOUT! trip. You’ll find cool merchandise and collectibles created exclusively for the attraction.

This striking sweatshirt features the entire Guardians team standing in front of The Collectors’ Fortress.

Baby Groot is the standout character in the film and on the Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction (Wait until you see him chase “fireflies” while Star-Lord fights that giant monster!), and he looks ready to steal the show here, too.

As Rocket says, “There ain’t nothin’ like me,” and now he can boast he’s got his very own T-shirt.

With an ego like Rocket’s, of course he has another tee. This groovy shirt looks like it came straight from the late ’70s.

Ah, yes, the all-important portable music player with headphones—this shirt sums up Marvel Studios’ Guardians films as well as any shirt could.

It’s the old-school Electronic Basketball game that young Peter Quill had when he was younger.

Guardians of the Galaxy has brought back cult favorite Howard the Duck and canine explorer Cosmo. You can pick up your plush of either one.

How can you resist that face? And how can you resist this delicious sourdough bread that looks just like like Baby Groot?

Mmmm, whoever thought of mixing bacon with maple cream should be given a medal. This Maple Bacon Cream-Filled pastry is available at Schmoozies.

Apparently, Bruce Banner isn’t the only awesome product of those gamma rays. Just look at this giant Gamma-Sized Donut (real name), covered in green frosting and filled with blackberry-black currant. The Hulk would be proud.

A Layered Chocolate Multiverse Parfait. As Stan Lee would frequently write in his comic books: “Nuff said.”

These ain’t your momma’s tacos—unless your momma happens to live on another planet. These are called The Most Dangerous Tacos In The Galaxy, named after Gamora, who is known as the most dangerous woman in the galaxy. You’ll enjoy the barbacoa beef, green onions, and habanero salsa.

Check out these “fitted” shirts from Spider-Man and Captain America—and don’t forget to pick up your very own Marvel-themed Mickey Mouse hats.

Friday, July 14

Saturday, July 15

Sunday, July 16

Ursula’s Daughter Asks “What’s My Name” in New Song from Descendants 2

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

ABC’s Battle of the Network Stars Announces Hosts and Team Captains

Adventures by Disney Teams Up with Turner Classic Movies for New Trip

Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts Guests on Doc McStuffins

Disney Springs Welcomes Delicious New Restaurants

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