5 Things to Know About Disney Animation’s Wish

By Zach Johnson

In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ original musical comedy Wish, 17-year-old Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose) lives in the kingdom of Rosas, where wishes really do come true. In fact, people come from all over to give their wishes to the charming and handsome King Magnifico (voiced by Chris Pine), who promises to grant their deepest desires… someday. But what if that day never comes? While interviewing to become the king’s apprentice, Asha grows disenchanted after realizing only he can decide which wishes can come true and when—and that, for Rosas’ supposed safety, he will nevergrant most of them. So, with the help of a cosmic force named Star, Asha sets out to return the wishes to her community.

Before Wish opens in theaters Wednesday, November 22, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club attended an intimate press conference at the Roy O. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California, where directors Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn—along with screenwriter Jennifer Lee, producers Peter del Vecho and Juan Pablo Reyes LancasterJones, and songwriter Julia Michaels—made wishes come true by sharing an inside look at the making of the magical feature film. Below are five highlights from the press conference.

In a scene from Walt Disney Animation Studios' Wish, King Magnifico performs "This Is the Thanks I Get?!" His arms are outstretched, and his eyes are closed. He is surrounded by 10 statues of knights; nine of them are kneeling, and one has fallen over.

1. Wish is Fawn Veerasunthorn’s directorial debut.

Veerasunthorn contributed to the films Frozen (2013), Zootopia (2016), Moana (2016), Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018), and Frozen 2 (2019), and most recently served as head of story for the Academy Award®-nominated film Raya and the Last Dragon (2021). Wish marks her first time helming a film—and she did it alongside Buck, who made his directorial debut with Tarzan (1999) after working on The Fox and the Hound (1981), The Little Mermaid (1989), The Rescuers Down Under (1990), Pocahontas (1995), and others. “This film talks about the importance of a person’s wish and the journey to make it come true. It offered us an opportunity to talk deeply about that,” Veerasunthorn said. “Our journeys might’ve been different, but our wish was the same: to work at Disney Animation.”

“I was lucky enough to train under Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men, and I definitely felt like they were handing the baton to the new generation,” Buck added. “We’re from different generations, so I felt like I was doing that for Fawn—maybe even subconsciously. It wasn’t just how we did the classic Disney animation, but it was also how they handed down Walt’s storytelling and his passion for animation and telling stories with joy, and magic, and hope.”

2. Wish pays homage to beloved, classic Disney films.

Inspired by the studio’s magical, musical legacy, Wish honors a century’s worth of characters and stories. “When we were figuring out the look of the film, we thought, ‘Let’s look back to the very beginning. What inspired Walt himself?'” Veerasunthorn recalled. “And that’s where we came upon the look of Snow White and Pinocchio, with their beautiful watercolor storybook illustrations. We thought, ‘How awesome it would be to walk right into that scene and be immersed in that world?’ We then decided to bring in CGI techniques. The combination of the nostalgic and the modern live onscreen together.”

“Our goal was to make an original story, with original characters and songs,” she added. “Once that was in place, we felt very confident. Then the fun really began. Everyone who works here grew up on Disney films; they were inspired by them and have a deep love for the characters. So, when scenarios presented themselves, we just couldn’t help ourselves!”

In a scene from Walt Disney Animation Studios' Wish, the goat Valentino is wearing a yellow outfit. He is in the forest. He has six birds on his back and one on his head.

3. Writing music for Wish was a dream come true for Julia Michaels.

Along with Benjamin Rice, Michaels wrote seven original songs for the film. Although she had contributed backing vocals to the pop version of “Let It Go” (Frozen) and performed “In This Place” (Ralph Breaks the Internet), Wish was a three-year endeavor that was the culmination of a lifetime of wanting to write songs for a Disney film. “I grew up watching Disney films and loving Disney music, so that was ingrained in me throughout this process,” the Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter said. “It’s obviously a huge weight, the legacy of Disney music; that does not go over my head. But I had a really beautiful support system through the collaborative process of making music with these beautiful people. And I’m grateful that this was my first deep dive into it. I’ve always wanted to make a Disney film.”

4. Wish tells a universal story about the power of wishes.

“Your wish is yours to fulfill, and that journey is important,” Lee said. “It isn’t just, ‘Wish upon star and maybe great things will happen.’ It’s, ‘Wish and make great things happen.'” As illustrated in the song “I’m a Star,” everyone has the power to make their wishes come true—but that doesn’t mean they have to do it alone. “I hope Asha shows them that it’s a journey,” Lee said. “It’ll be hard, and that’s OK. There will be little helpers along the way.”

“We’re all connected,” she added. “We’re all made of stardust. We’re all the same.”

5. Wish boasts more than 100 Easter eggs—and counting!

Lancaster Jones has been keeping a “secret list” of nods and references to Disney characters in Wish, Lee revealed: “We’re finding new ones every time we watch the movie!” Without spoiling when it appears in the film, Buck said the animators even snuck in a reference to Grandmother Willow—a particularly touching addition, given that he and Dave Burgess had animated the character in Pocahontas. “One of the beautiful things is that every time a different department touched the movie, they brought in their own Disney references,” Lancaster Jones said. “It wasn’t just us deciding. So many people added those.”

That’s why Veerasunthorn called Wish “a collective love letter” to Walt and the artists who came before them: “I hope when people see the movie, it’s like a dose of delight for them.”

Happy Birthday to Mickey—the Mouse Who Started It All

To celebrate Mickey Mouse’s birthday after 95 years of magic, The Walt Disney Company is sharing a commemorative look at the “True Original” in a brand spot that showcases his iconic roles, enduring legacy, and connection to fans around the world. The brand spot features rare footage of Walt Disney voicing the beloved character; a clip from Steamboat Willie, the classic theatrical short from 1928 that introduced the world to both Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse; and a voiceover from Walt reflecting on what Mickey means to him.

Disney debuted the spot on Thursday, November 16, on Good Morning America ahead of Mickey’s birthday. The spot will also play in front of early screenings of Wish later today.

It’s a fitting celebration for Mickey, given his universal appeal and his ability to emotionally connect with generations all over the world.

On Disney+, fans can celebrate Mickey’s birthday by watching a collection films and series starring the mouse who started it all—including recently remastered Archive Shorts, Mickey Mouse Funhouse episodes, and Me & Mickey shortsnewly released to the platform.

Disney Parks and Resorts around the world will mark the special occasion with birthday-themed parades, photo ops, collectibles, and social media filters, among other surprises. What’s more, at Disney Parks and Resorts, as well as BoxLunch retail locations across North America, fans can get a specially designed birthday button featuring both characters. For those wanting to get outfitted further, look to the 2023 Mickey & Co collection, inspired by the classic look of 1980s line. The next installment of this collection launches this December and is inspired by the beloved short Mickey’s Garden.

Because Disney is the soundtrack to many people’s lives, Mickey and Minnie are guest starring on the Disney Hits SiriusXM channel, introducing some of their favorite songs across The Walt Disney Company’s iconic library, all in celebration of its 100th anniversary.

Earlier this week, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD kicked off the festivities with “Mickey’s Mouse-a-riffic Birthday Week” programming. The weeklong event included the premiere of the Mickey Mouse Funhouse episode “Mickey’s Sky-High Birthday/The What About Me Birthday,” and will continue through today.

Indeed, for nearly a century, Mickey and Minnie have made their way into the homes and hearts of fans around the world through films, series, merchandise, and more. Today, fans of all ages are able to not only meet the characters at Disney Parks and Resorts, but at special events around the world.

And so, as part of their birthday celebration, Mickey and Minnie visited Chicago on Thursday to attend a special preview of Disney100: The Exhibition, the second stop in the domestic tour presented by the Walt Disney Archives, opening to the public today. Mickey and Minnie will also serve as Grand Marshals in the Magnificent Mile Tree-Lighting Parade today, helping to kick off the holiday season.

As Walt once said, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing—that it was all started by a mouse.” So, join us in wishing a very special happy birthday to our favorite pal, the one and only Mickey Mouse!

Disney100: The Exhibition Opens in Chicago on Mickey Mouse’s Birthday

By the D23 Team

The acclaimed Disney100: The Exhibition opens Saturday, November 18, at the 35,000-square-foot Exhibition Hub Art Center in Chicago, bringing new original Disney artwork and artifacts and other exciting updates, after its premiere run at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. The opening day is also Mickey Mouse’s and Minnie Mouse’s 95th birthday.

Disney100: The Exhibition is presented by the Walt Disney Archives and Semmel Exhibitions, a worldwide exhibit presenter and producer. In Chicago, the show is presented in partnership with Exhibition Hub and Fever, both leaders in global live-entertainment operations.

Guests will find new artwork throughout many of the 10 immersive galleries, plus an updated prologue experience titled “Into the Wonder,” which introduces Walt Disney and how the exhibition is guided and organized by his creative philosophies. Also new is the experience of the final gallery, “We Are Just Getting Started,” which immerses visitors in iconic moments spanning 100 years of Disney storytelling and includes a unique platinum version of the beloved Partners statue of Walt and Mickey, with which guests can pose for photos. The full exhibition, which is traveling the world in two editions for five years, celebrates the recent centennial anniversary of The Walt Disney Company on October 16, 2023.

Each gallery features visual, audio, and interactive elements, with more than 250 unique and rarely seen works of art, artifacts, memorabilia, costumes, and props from the historical collections across the many realms of Disney. New artwork and artifacts include visual development art from Bambi (1942), original attraction posters from Disneyland Park, original props from 101 Dalmatians (1996), Alice in Wonderland (2010) and The Little Mermaid (2023), and a Disneyland guidebook from 1955, the year the park opened—and much, much more.

The city of Chicago plays an important role in the Disney story: Walter Elias Disney was born in Chicago’s Hermosa neighborhood; Walt purchased his first motion picture camera in Chicago and attended both McKinley High School and night classes at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.

“We are incredibly excited to bring this fantastic exhibition to Chicago,” said Becky Cline, director of the Walt Disney Archives. “We can’t wait for guests to experience some of their favorite Disney stories, characters, and attractions in new and immersive ways as we celebrate all the wonderful worlds of Disney.”

Disney100: The Exhibition is scheduled to be open throughout the holiday season and into 2024. The Exhibition Hub Art Center in Chicago is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood at 2367 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago, IL 60647, and is easily accessible via Chicago’s public transit system. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit disney100exhibit.com/chicago.

Dashing Through the Snow Brings Holiday Cheer to Disney+

By Emily Hewitt

Disney+ is decking its platform this season with a new original Christmas comedy, Dashing Through the Snow, which premieres today on the streamer. The film follows Eddie Garrick (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges), an Atlanta social worker who goes on a Christmas Eve journey that will restore his faith in the yuletide season. At the request of his wife Allison (Teyonah Parris), he takes his estranged 9-year-old daughter, Charlotte (Madison Skye Validum) to work with him, when they meet a mysterious man in a red suit named Nick (Lil Rel Howery).

“[Eddie] is the lovable curmudgeon who doesn’t believe in Christmas and wants nothing to do with it and [Nick] is the exact opposite. He’s all about Christmas,” Will Packer, a producer of the Disney+ Original film, tells D23.com. “So it’s a fun dynamic to play with.”

Although Packer has worked on several comedies, this is his first Christmas film.

“There’s nothing that is quite more stressful, high pressure, high stakes yet amazing than the holidays, especially for families,” Packer says. “There is no time that is more magical. There’s no time that more things could go wrong, and also not a time where you hope [more] for all these things to go right. So it creates a great backdrop upon which to create content.”

Congressman Harf (Oscar Nuñez) is the antagonist of the film and of course makes everything go awry. Packer says that he adores when a bad guy plays their part differently than what is typically expected of an antagonist. “He’s our congressman that is immoral,” Packer says. “That is on the take. That is greedy. That is all those things that you want in a good movie villain, but he’s also goofy… He’s not just over there twirling his mustache. He’s also the guy that missed out on his own childhood… He didn’t get this one particular toy that he wanted. He’s always been kind of mad and angry about it.”

Packer said it was important to portray Santa, aka Nick, as a Black man. “[Santa] looks different all around the world,” Packer says. “We should be making movies that are reflective of what the world looks like… It gives us an opportunity to project images out there for our next generation of kids who hopefully can enjoy seeing themselves on screen [which is] something that I didn’t have growing up.”

With the help of Nick and Madison, Eddie comes to believe in Christmas again, which Packer hopes inspires others to remember the true meaning of the season. “The spirit of the season has nothing to do with gifts, has nothing to do with clothes, outfits, commercial things,” Packer says. “It’s all about those loved ones that you’re closest with. [Eddie] finds it within himself. Each of us have that. You just got to unlock it. You got to let go of some of the negativity, some of the challenges that you’ve had in the past.”

New Episode of Mickey Mouse Funhouse Highlights Korean Culture

By Emily Hewitt

This year, Disney Junior’s Mickey Mouse Funhouse is celebrating Mickey’s birthday in a truly memorable way—with an all-new episode entitled “The What About Me Birthday”, written by half-Korean staff writer Hanah Lee Cook. The episode premieres Friday, November 17, the day before Mickey’s actual birthday on November 18.

“I knew we wanted to do some birthday-related episodes,” Cook recently told D23. “Mickey’s birthday is a huge thing. And even though this episode is not [exactly] about Mickey’s birthday, I know personally from going to the Parks that Mickey Mouse loves celebrating birthdays!”

In this episode, Mickey, Minnie Mouse, and the whole gang are invited to tiger Ae-Che’s first birthday party, which includes a Korean Doljabi ceremony—in which a child picks an object from a table that suggests what the child might be when they grow up.

“The traditional items are generally an apple or some kind of fruit to represent health; coins represent good fortune; a paintbrush to represent an artist; and a pencil to represent being a writer or a scholar,” Cook continues. “I have been to a couple of Doljabi ceremonies for my younger cousins, where they have included a stuffed animal, which could represent that they'll be a veterinarian, or a stethoscope, [so] maybe they'll be a doctor.”

A toddler leans up against a table with objects in front of her and a striped couch behind her. She is wearing a red dress with colorful stripes and a black head dressing.

Cook was inspired to write the episode by her little brother's Doljabi ceremony. At the time, she was jealous of her brother for getting all the attention; similarly, in this episode, Ae-Che’s brother Kyung Won is jealous that his sister is the ceremony’s focus.

Two toddlers sit on some grass crying. One is wearing a red dress with a black headdress and the other is wearing light pink pants with a hot pink jacket.

“There's actually a photo of my family gathered around,” explains Cook, chuckling, “Everyone's really happy, and my dad is holding a little four-year-old Hanah having a meltdown; really upset!”

Cook hopes this episode shows siblings—or even friends—that they need to allow their loved ones to have their special day, just as they once had their own special day too.

Something else Cook vividly remembers from Doljabi ceremonies past is taking photos; in the episode that’s represented by the birthday girl posing for a portrait.

“I thought including the portrait aspect would be a fun way to reference that part of it, because I remember that took up a significant amount of time,” Cook admits.

All told, the episode mirrors her experience with Doljabi ceremonies quite directly. Ae-Che picks a paintbrush, meaning she will be an artist—and there is a photo showing that her brother picked an apple at his ceremony, meaning he will have good health. In real life, Cook picked the paint brush, and her brother picked the apple.

“[My family] was surprised that I ended up not being able to draw,” says the writer.

Many aspects of the episode are based on Cook’s real life. Each of Cook’s parents is half Korean, so she has two Korean grandparents, one on each side; the brother tiger, Kyung Won, is named after her maternal grandfather; and Ae-Che, which means “loving daughter,” is her grandmother's nickname. These characters also act like the people they are inspired by.

“It was almost a happy coincidence that I needed an older sibling character that really thrived on that attention and was a little confused when the attention was not on him,” Cook said. “Because that is exactly my grandpa's personality... My grandmother is very sweet, very demure… [but] she was also a very strong, fierce Korean woman. And she was absolutely a devoted daughter, a devoted sister, which I hope comes across in the show.”

The most challenging part of the process was deciding what mythological creature to make the characters since Korean mythology is vast—hence why the tigers live in The Land of Myths and Legends.

“Luckily our wonderful designers and artists made our versions of those tigers much cuter than they were in the illustrated books that I grew up with,” Cook said.

Korean goblins or Dokkaebi were also included in the episode, as another ode to Korean mythology. In the episode, they pull Korean radishes (which hold a special place on Cook’s pallet) from the ground.

“I was a super picky eater, and most kimchi is made with cabbage,” Cook explains. “I was very not into eating cabbage… So the first kimchi I ever tried was radish kimchi... and that was the first type of kimchi I actually learned how to make.”

Cook appreciates Disney for giving her free range to add in these special, personal odes to her life and culture.

“I did not grow up with too many representations of Korean culture,” she acknowledges. “So, it's my own little way of ‘paying it forward’ to the next generation. It's also an amazing opportunity for kids who are not Asian, or do not come from Korean culture, to learn about other traditions.”

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend Presented by State Farm®

By Courtney Potter

Sure, we’re still early in the holiday season—but that doesn’t mean we can’t start peppering in some real holly-jolly fun. Cases in point: last week’s premiere of The Santa Clauses’ second season, and this week’s debut of a brand-new holiday adventure starring Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and Lil Rey Howery, both on Disney+. There’s also a new mystery series from Hulu; a sure-to-be-thrilling season finale; a birthday celebration for a certain beloved mouse; and the utterly magical 2021 animated feature (Oscar® nominated, to boot!) from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Here’s more on what to expect:

In an image from FX’s A Murder at the End of the World, Darby (Emma Corrin) is standing at a lectern in a library room, surrounded by tall bookshelves full of books—from floor to ceiling. She is wearing a red hoodie and jacket, and has headphones around her neck, and there is an open book in front of her on the lectern.

FX’s A Murder at the End of the World—now streaming on Hulu
This fresh mystery series has a new kind of detective at the helm: a Gen Z amateur sleuth and tech-savvy hacker named Darby Hart (Emma Corrin). Darby and eight other guests are invited by a reclusive billionaire (Clive Owen) to participate in a retreat at a remote and dazzling location. When one of the other guests is found dead, Darby must use all her skills to prove it was murder against a tide of competing interests—and before the killer takes another life. Harris Dickinson, Brit Marling, Alice Braga, Joan Chen, Raúl Esparza, Jermaine Fowler, and Ryan J. Haddad also star.

In an image from Disney+’s Dashing Through the Snow, from left to right, Eddie (Chris "Ludacris" Bridges) and Nick (Lil Rel Howery) are standing in a living room; there is a fireplace, with stockings hung on the mantel, and a Christmas tree. Nick is wearing a Santa Claus-type suit and holding a red velvet sack. He’s smiling at Eddie, who’s looking quizzically back at him.

Dashing Through the Snow—Friday, November 17, on Disney+
This brand-new Disney+ holiday movie is sure to put jingle-jangle pep in your step in this weekend before the first feast of the holiday season… Eddie Garrick (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) is a good-hearted man who’s turned his back on Christmas due to a traumatic childhood experience. At the request of his wife Allison (Teyonah Parris)—from whom he’s separated—Eddie takes his 9-year-old daughter Charlotte (Madison Skye Validum) to work with him on Christmas Eve, where they meet a mysterious man in a red suit named Nick (Lil Rel Howery). Eddie, who is a social worker, thinks the man is delusional and needs professional help—but when he invokes the wrath of a local politician (Oscar Nuñez), he and Charlotte are taken on a magical adventure that just might restore his faith in Christmas.

In an image from the first episode of season 1 of Disney+’s Goosebumps, Isaiah (Zack Morris) is standing in a dark room holding a flashlight. He is wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt with a zipper. 

Goosebumps—Season 1 finale Friday, November 17, on Disney+
The last episode of the season is here! Inspired by R.L. Stine’s worldwide bestselling book series, Goosebumps has definitely helped keep a bit of that Halloween spirit alive in these first few weeks of November… When last we saw our intrepid friends, it was months after the major incident of episode 8 (we won’t spoil it!)—and Mr. Bratt (Justin Long) was busy writing a book about his experiences. But a little writer’s block brought about some Slappy (Chris Geere) shenanigans that are sure to come to a head in Friday’s finale. Tune in!

In an image from Disney Branded Television’s Mickey Mouse Funhouse, Funny the funhouse (voiced by Harvey Guillén) is seen at the end of a stone path, surrounded by trees. He has a red thatched roof and door and big expressive eyes. To his left, standing near the stone path, is Mickey Mouse (voiced by Brett Iwan).

Mickey Mouse Funhouse—Friday, November 17, at 10 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
This episode’s stories include: “Mickey’s Sky-High Birthday!,” in which Mickey Mouse (voiced by Brent Iwan) celebrates his big day—and his pals want to make his birthday wish come true; and “The What About Me Birthday,” which finds Kyung Won (guest voice Alan Kim) having trouble when everyone pays attention to his sister on her first birthday.

In an image from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Raya and the Last Dragon, Raya (voiced by Kelly Marie Tran) is standing with her back to the camera, wearing a hat and holding a sword up on her right shoulder. A red cape flows out from her shoulders and down her back. Standing to her left is Tuk Tuk (voiced by Alan Tudyk), a large animal that looks like a combination of a pill bug and an armadillo. In front of the pair, to the right, is a river and a stone archway, through which the sun is shining.

Raya and the Last Dragon—Sunday, November 19, on ABC (check local listings)
In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Raya and the Last Dragon, magic has been drained from the magnificent, fantastical world of Kumandra—where, long ago, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when an evil force called the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned—and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya (voiced by Kelly Marie Tran), to track down the legendary last dragon, Sisu (voiced by Awkwafina), to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along the journey, Raya will learn that it takes more than a dragon to save the world… it also takes that mystical mixture of faith, teamwork, and trust.

World of Frozen Unveiled in Majestic Grand Opening Ceremony at Hong Kong Disneyland

Hoo hoo, big opening blowout!

In anticipation of the official opening of the world's first Frozen-themed land, World of Frozen, guests from around the world attended "A Spectacular Celebration of World of Frozen" on Thursday, November 16, where they were immersed in the kingdom of Arendelle.

The celebration took place in the center of Arendelle, with Oaken and Kristoff kicking off the event alongside the Hong Kong Disneyland Ambassadors. Special guests included Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company; Josh D'Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences; Jill Estorino, President and Managing Director of Disney Parks International; Michael Moriarty, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort; Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman, Disney Entertainment; and Jennifer Lee, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Academy Award®-winning writer/director of Frozen and Frozen 2.

Josh D'Amaro, Anna, Bob Iger, Elsa, and Jennifer Lee smile onstage during "A Spectacular Celebration of World of Frozen" at Hong Kong Disneyland. Olaf is jumping to their left, and dazzling pyrotechnics and Arendellian flags are behind them.

"The Frozen franchise is one of the most successful in Disney history and it's a testament to the power of great storytelling, which is the foundation of The Walt Disney Company," Iger said. "It's been this way for 100 years, and our commitment to storytelling and creativity will continue to define our next 100."

D'Amaro shared his enthusiasm for the immersive experience, saying, "This land is now part of the legacy stretching back to Walt's original dream for Disneyland. World of Frozen transports you to another world, where you can have fun with your loved ones and make some incredible memories together."

"Our Imagineers worked with Jenn's team at Disney Animation to ensure every detail is just right," D'Amaro added. "World of Frozen transports you to another world, where you can have fun with your loved ones and make some incredible memories together."

The key creative force behind the hit Frozen franchise, Lee was delighted to witness World of Frozen come to life firsthand. "We could not have dreamt that one day we would have the opportunity to walk through and truly experience the kingdom of Arendelle as we all are today," she said. "I stand here—representing all of our artists who have worked together to create the Frozen films—inspired and amazed."

The celebration unfolded along the Bay of Arendelle in World of Frozen. The air was filled with anticipation as the Royal Arendellian Troubadours took the stage to perform a beautiful medley of Frozen songs. Joining the celebration, Iger, D'Amaro, and Lee extended a heartfelt welcome to guests. As Elsa cast her Ice Magic, summoning the appearance of Olaf and creating an enchanting atmosphere, Queen Anna proclaimed that the gates of Arendelle are opening, and all guests enjoyed a beautiful evening beneath the stars.

A spectacular lighting show created a climactic, celebratory moment as a fleet of drones ascended into the sky, forming iconic imagery inspired by the beloved Frozen films. These formations mirrored the intricate patterns of Elsa's Ice Magic, painting the sky with awe-inspiring displays, leaving an indelible imprint of wonder for all in attendance.

World of Frozen will open its gates Monday, November 20*, when guests will be fully immersed in this living land and create memories that will last a lifetime. World of Frozen features two attractions, Frozen Ever After and Wandering Oaken's Sliding Sleighs, in addition to dining, shopping, and a first-of-its-kind theatrical experience with Anna and Elsa.

Prior to today's historic grand opening, the incredible cast members at Hong Kong Disneyland had a chance to experience the land. With a total of 11 #DisneyCastLife previews, cast members explored the land, enjoying a boat ride to the North Mountain on Frozen Ever After, traversing through the forest on Wandering Oaken's Sliding Sleighs, and even trying the new eats over at Golden Crocus Inn.

For a complete guide to World of Frozen, visit the Disney Parks Blog.

*World of Frozen will open its gate at 11:30 a.m. on the first day of the opening.

QUIZ: Which of The Marvels are you most Like?

The D23 Team

Teaming up changes everything and everyone. To mark the historic debut of the latest super team in The Marvels, D23 is here to help you answer a very important question. Which member of this powered-up posse are you most like? Take this marvelous quiz to find out!

When faced with a challenge, what are you most inclined to do?

What best describes you as an individual?

You’ve just entered the Westview Anomaly, caught in the hex of the Scarlet Witch. What is the first thing you’re going to do?

Which of these colors speak to you the most?

You just discovered the person you have a crush on turns out to be a descendant of an interdimensional being. How do you confront this person?

Who are the most important people in your life?

An intergalactic warship has just entered earth’s atmosphere. How are you going to stop it?

If you weren’t a superhero, what would your day job be?

Where do you believe your super abilities are most likely to originate from?

You want to go…

QUIZ: Which of The Marvels are you most Like?
Captain Monica Rambeau
From Westview to Earth’s Orbit, your power expands tremendously. Like Monica, you approach things with curiosity – sometimes putting you in dangerous situations. But, like those who inspired you to be curious, you’re always prepared to be an invaluable asset in whatever situation you find yourself in. Just don’t go around touching any mysterious energy field you might come across…
Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers)
The galaxy is your domain. Like Carol, your power is without a doubt, incomprehensible. Though to many you may seem intimidating, those who know you understand that you would do anything to protect those around you from harm. You know exactly who you are, and your leadership takes everything higher, further, and faster.
Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan)
Like Kamala, you’re a passionate individual with a mind for your community. You are a fan first and inspire others with your kindness and optimism. Family means everything to you, and you have a knack for helping others discover their own found family. Plus, you know that any super suit can be perfectly accessorized with the right footwear.

Play These Disney Games at Friendsgiving!

By the D23 Team

Friendsgiving is almost here… that time when we gather our nearest and dearest for good food and good fun. We’re once again having our own (virtual) Friendsgiving here at D23 this year, and we can’t think of anyone better to invite than some of the best “nearest and dearest” around: D23 Members!

So, why not give thanks for your circle of besties and hold your own Friendsgiving? Once the sure-to-be-tasty meal is over (and those pesky dishes are washed), here are five incredibly entertaining, not to mention Disney-filled, ways to keep the party going—courtesy of our pals at Op Games! Read on for their top game picks for 2023. Prepare for battle between your favorite heroes and villains; test your Disney knowledge; and so much more:

  An image of the box for the Disney Sorcerer’s Arena Epic Alliances Core Set game box. It’s purple, with the logo for the game seen at the center; several Disney characters are around said logo, including Sully from Monsters Inc, Gaston from Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin.

Disney Sorcerer’s Arena: Epic Alliances Core Set

Become the next Master Summoner in this Disney-themed strategic battle arena game, where every choice you make determines your legacy! Recruit a fantastical battle-ready roster of Disney and Pixar heroes and villains, creating incredible combinations that provide endless replayability. Once you’ve summoned your characters to battle in the Sorcerer’s Arena, strategize their every move using their unique abilities to earn the most victory points. Learn as you go in this expandable tabletop game inspired by the popular mobile game, overpowering your foes to win the ultimate Disney and Pixar battle royale! And the best news? There are four expansions available, so you can broaden the game for even more amazing play!

 

An image of the Geek Out! Disney game box, with its board and several question cards seen to the right of it. Several Disney characters are seen on the box, including Mickey Mouse, Woody and Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story franchise, and Stitch from Lilo and Stitch.

Geek Out! Disney

The social interaction and bluffing party game takes on a new twist that levels the playing field for all Disney fans. Players outbid each other across decades of Disney magic to find out once and for all who is the biggest Disney fan… we have a feeling D23 Members will be particularly good at this game!

The box for the Taboo Disney game against a white background. On the box itself, against a purple background, Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse (l-r) are seen covering their mouths with their hands; above the pair is both the Taboo logo and the Disney logo.

 

TABOO: Disney is an exciting new version of the classic party game, where teams compete to figure out “Guess” words without the use of “taboo” clues. Race against a timer to describe Disney-related answers while challenging your creativity and communication skills. Guess right and earn a point, or get the buzzer if you slip up! Rack your brain for all the best Disney memories and be the team with more points at the end of the round to win. Whether you’re a dedicated Disney fan or a casual player, this twist on the classic Taboo guarantees endless laughter and fun… perfect for your Friendsgiving party!

An image of the Smash Up: Disney Edition game box. The logo is in the upper center of the box, and many Disney characters are seen below said logo, including Elsa and Olaf from Frozen, Ralph and Vanellope from Wreck-It Ralph, Scar from The Lion King, Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Mulan, and Baymax from Big Hero 6.

In Smash Up: Disney Edition, players will choose two decks of fan-favorite Disney factions and combine their powers to take over Bases, earn the most Victory Points, and win! Choose from Frozen, Big Hero 6, Wreck-It Ralph, The Lion King, Mulan, Aladdin, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Beauty and the Beastto create the most exciting team-ups imaginable! Smash Up, designed by Paul Peterson, is the ultimate “shuffle-building” game from AEG that lets players draft two faction decks and combine them into a force to be reckoned with. The game features 28 deck combinations, plus compatibility with previous expansions—providing endless replay-ability.

An image of Operation: Disney The Nightmare Before Christmas—both the box of the game and the game itself, with Oogie Boogie as the patient and the custom “Funatomy” parts that players will remove from the patient during gameplay. The cover of the box depicts Oogie Boogie on an operating table surrounded by Lock, Stock, and Barrel, as well as Jack Skellington and Doctor Finkelstein.

 

The Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Collector’s Edition of Operation is a hilarious game version of a movie classic—one that happens to be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year!—that allows players the opportunity to be the surgeon and remove custom “Funatomy” parts from Oogie Boogie, the patient.

Your Ultimate Marvel Studios Watchlist: Celebrating Veterans and Military Families Month

By Emily Hewitt

In honor of Veterans and Military Families Month, D23 has compiled a watchlist of all the Marvel Studios films that feature veteran and military stories. From Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) being an Air Force fighter pilot in Captain Marvel to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), a military veteran who runs a veteran support group in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the following films and series feature a variety of experiences related to serving in the military as an active service member and a being veteran, making them perfect to view this November.

Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans, in Captain America: The First Avengeris wearing a brown jacket, blue shirt, blue army helmet, and goggles around the helmet. Bucky Barnes, played by Sebastian Stan, stands next to him wearing a green shirt, silver dog tags, and has a cut on his face. Several soldiers surround them.

Captain America: The First Avenger
In this 2011 film, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is deemed unfit for military service in World War II and volunteers for a top-secret research project that transforms him into Captain America.

Steve Rogers aka Captain America, played by Chris Evans, in Captain America: The Winter Soldier is wearing a blue suit with a silver star on the front of and a blue helmet on his head. His head is turned to the right and he has a serious look on his face.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier
In this film, set in present-day Washington, D.C., Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), aka Captain America, teams up with Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), aka the Falcon, to battle a powerful yet shadowy enemy. Sam, a military veteran, also runs a veteran support group in the film.

Carol Danvers, played by Brie Larson, in Captain Marvel is wearing a green Air Force uniform with black sunglasses while holding a bag over her shoulder. She is standing in an overhang where a plane is parked behind her.

Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel takes viewers on a spectacular adventure from the 1990s, tracing the path of Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), an Air Force fighter pilot, as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes. When a galactic war reaches Earth, she meets young agent Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) at the center of a maelstrom, leading to her ultimate destiny as an Avenger.

Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, and Bucky Barnes, played by Sebastian Stan, from The Falcon and The Winter Soldier stand in a long white hallway with a concerned look on their faces. Sam is wearing a light brown jacket with black pants and Bucky is wearing a black jacket, black gloves, and blue jeans.

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier follows Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), aka The Falcon, and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), aka The Winter Soldier, as they team up on a global adventure to stop an anti-patriotism organization—a mission that will test their abilities and their patience.