Disney’s Presidential Past: Connections to Commanders-in-Chief

February 16, 2017

By Courtney Potter and the D23 Team

Few people have made as indelible a mark on American life as Walt Disney. From creating the first full-length animated feature, to the state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics® figures we continue enjoy at Disney theme parks, and the astonishing innovation that flows from all parts of the Company to this very day… Walt truly had an impact on this country’s history. So it should come as no surprise that Walt enjoyed professional relationships with many U.S. Presidents—men whose lives are equally as woven into the nation’s landscape.

With help from our good pals at the Walt Disney Archives, D23 celebrates President’s Day with a look back at the storied relationship between Walt, the company he created, and commanders-in-chief over the last eight decades. It’s more than just a visit to a theme park or a letter of congratulations; as you’ll see, the Disney association for some presidents goes much deeper—and is much more fascinating…

Franklin Delano Roosevelt
According to the Archives, one of Walt’s earliest presidential associations was with FDR. In a January 1934 letter addressed to Walt, first lady Eleanor Roosevelt admits that the entire first family enjoys the antics of Mickey Mouse—and she calls the president one of Mickey’s “devotees.” Walt would later appear on a May 1939 radio broadcast with FDR to celebrate the opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the first lady herself would visit the Walt Disney Studios in April 1941.

Harry Truman
Once Disneyland Park was open, then former President Harry Truman paid a visit in 1957, with his wife, Bess at his side.

Dwight D. Eisenhower
Disney’s relationship to Eisenhower runs deeper than most… Asked by Eisenhower supporter (and renowned female aviator) Jacqueline Cochran to help with the 1952 campaign, the Disneys authorized studio volunteers to make an animated short in support of Ike. Created on donated time by several famed Disney animators (including Disney Legends Eric Larson and John Lounsbery), the We’ll Take Ike political cartoon premiered in the fall of ’52 and would be lauded for its effect on the outcome of the election. Take a look at a couple of story sketches from the project’s development …

After leaving the White House, Eisenhower and family visited Disneyland in 1961—and in 1963, he presented Walt with the George Washington Honor Medal of the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, honoring patriotism and good citizenship, pictured above.

Richard Nixon
Then-Vice President Richard Nixon visited Disneyland for the first time in 1955; in the above photograph, Nixon is seen waving to the camera from atop the Mark Twain Riverboat. Once Nixon was himself president, in 1969, he presented the Walt Disney Commemorative Medal to Walt’s widow, Lillian, at a special White House ceremony—saying at the time, “[Walt] was a great artist. He was a perfectionist. He was a great human being.”

John F. Kennedy
Kennedy first visited Disneyland as a U.S. Senator in November 1959, after attending a meeting at the Disneyland Hotel. After his untimely assassination, he was honored with a moment of silence during the December 1963 Candlelight Processional at Disneyland, and would be featured many years later in the “Golden Dream” film montage near the finale of The American Adventure at Epcot.

Lyndon B. Johnson
The 36th President presented Walt Disney with his Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964. The award program said of Walt, “Artist and impresario, in the course of entertaining an age, he has created an American folklore.”

Gerald Ford
On September 22, 1978, Ford—who had just vacated the Oval Office—visited the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, where he participated in the filming of the Mickey’s 50 TV special celebrating Mickey Mouse’s golden birthday. And if you’d like a great piece of trivia for the next time you visit the Disney Studios in Burbank, his filming took place at around 10 a.m. inside the studio’s Stage 3.

Jimmy Carter
While Carter was in the White House, he spoke at the 26th World Congress of the International Chamber of Commerce, held at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 1978; in the picture above, Carter speaks from a flower-bedecked stage in front of Cinderella Castle. On February 19, 1980, Carter issued a presidential proclamation—requested by a joint resolution of the House of Representatives—honoring the memory of Walt Disney, and his creations that brought “laughter and love, joy and gladness” to the world.

Ronald Reagan
There’s much history between Reagan and Disney… so much so, a tribute was created for D23 Presents Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in 2012. In 1955, the then-actor was a co-host of ABC’s live coverage of the opening day festivities at Disneyland; starting a lifelong association between the future president and Disney parks. After Reagan was voted into the White House for a second term, Washington, D.C. was deemed too cold for traditional outdoor inaugural festivities—so in May 1985, the President’s Inaugural Bands Parade came to Epcot! It was a first for the Walt Disney World Resort, and one of the very few times an inaugural celebration was held outside of the nation’s capital. In the picture above, President Reagan presents Donald Duck voice actor Clarence Nash with an award for his years of volunteer service entertaining hospital patients. After leaving the Oval Office, one of Reagan’s first public events was a return to Disneyland—where he officiated its 35th anniversary celebration, proclaiming the park “one of America’s national treasures.”

George H.W. Bush
President George H.W. Bush celebrated the first gathering of his Daily Points of Light award recipients—outstanding community volunteers from across the nation—at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot on September 30, 1991 (pictured above). The event was part of the huge 20th-anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort. (Later, Bush’s son, President George W. Bush, would honor The Walt Disney Company itself as a Daily Point of Light in 2004.)

Bill Clinton
A few weeks before taking the oath of office, the 42nd president spoke (pictured above) at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the premiere of Disney Channel’s The Ernest Green Story, a TV movie chronicling the “Little Rock Nine” and their quest to integrate American schools, starring Morris Chestnut, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, and Brian Stokes Mitchell.

George W. Bush
The pardoning of the Thanksgiving turkey is a time-honored tradition in the White House. Once the second President Bush pardoned “Flyer” (pictured above) and his cohort “Fryer” on November 22, 2006, they were then flown to Disneyland park to serve as honorary grand marshals for that year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Barack Obama
In January 2012, during a notable speech held right in the middle of the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A, President Obama noted that Disney theme parks “represent that quintessentially American spirit.” Later that same year, Obama visited Walt Disney World once again for the annual conference of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.

Donald Trump
As for the newest Oval Office occupant, he once appeared on Disney Channel’s all-new Mickey Mouse Club in a “Guest Day” segment during the show’s first season in 1989. The segment was called “A Day with Donald Trump.”

Disney’s Newest Musical Freaky Friday Will Make Your Heart Sing

February 16, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

It’s the “grandmother of all body-switching stories,” declares director Christopher Ashley of Freaky Friday, the beloved novel that chronicles a chaotic and dramatic Friday in which a mother and daughter wake up magically trapped in each other’s body and have to spend the day literally walking in the other person’s shoes. But make no mistake—this new musical, which recently opened at the La Jolla Playhouse (following a Fall 2016 East Coast run at the Signature Theatre in Virginia), is a brand-new, contemporary take on the iconic tale.

Like the 1976 and 2003 feature adaptations (as well as the 1995 ABC television movie), the musical Freaky Friday is based on Mary Rodgers’ 1972 novel. The new production, which was developed by Disney Theatrical Productions for licensing, boasts a book by acclaimed TV writer Bridget Carpenter (Parenthood, Friday Night Lights) and music by Pulitzer Prize and Tony® Award-winning duo Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal, If/Then).

Freaky Friday has long been a passion project for Ashley, who also serves as Artistic Director for La Jolla Playhouse; he first directed an adaptation of Rodgers’ novel for children’s theater when he was 21. “It was the first show I ever directed,” he says. “I always loved how at the center of the original book, in this contentious relationship between mother and daughter, was that simultaneous wish, ‘I wish that you could understand what it is I go through every day.’” Ashley always felt the story was ripe for exploring on the stage. “I think this idea of being inside of someone’s head and understanding what it’s like inside their reality, musicals do really beautifully,” he opines.

The body-switching twist hinges upon magic, which in the new production happens by way of a pair of mystical hourglasses—a symbolic choice, Ashley explains. “We’re very playful with time. We’ll be in real time, and then the music will shift and some character will freeze and we’ll be in someone’s head and everything will go to half time,” Ashley says, “but the center of the magic is really in the acting.” There are two main characters in the story: mom Katherine and her daughter, Ellie, who are played by Heidi Blickenstaff and Emma Hunton, respectively—who also seamlessly play Ellie and Katherine following the switch. Sounds a little confusing, but according to Ashley, “Watching those two souls get swapped back and forth, you always know whose soul you’re looking at—even if the bodies are changing—because the acting is so specific and so bravura.”

Pulling off this theatrical feat requires incredible collaboration and incredible trust, Blickenstaff and Hunton tell D23… along with a little bit of dramatic larceny. “As actresses, we have done nothing but steal from each other. You can’t do this without doing that,” Blickenstaff laughs. From the earliest days of rehearsals, the two have leaned on each other; they’ve discussed how each character should walk, how they should move, how they should deliver lines. “Fundamentally I am very much like Katherine, the mother, and Emma is very much like Ellie, the daughter,” Blickenstaff says, “but we also have the other living inside us, which is interesting. For me, playing Ellie for 90 percent of the show is incredibly liberating, because Katherine [and I] are very Type-A, and Emma is incredibly the opposite. She’s a little bit like a lovable tornado—very much like Ellie.”

“In a show like this, where you have to live every day, all day, in such extraordinary circumstances, you have to have someone there to help bring you back down to reality,” Hunton explains. “There’s a gorgeous intro with all these horns and strings, and it’s very Disney and it’s very Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey,” she says, “and I have to go out there alone for, like, five seconds before Heidi joins me and that’s scary. [During previews] I looked at her and said, ‘You know when you get to the top of a roller coaster and you want to back out all of a sudden?’ and Heidi just said, ‘It’s OK—I’ve got you.’”

The story and the music are so emotional that not only do both actresses feel like they’ve been on a roller coaster throughout each performance, director Chris Ashley has picked up on it as well, they confess. “We get notes all the time not to cry as much as we do,” Hunton shares, and Blickenstaff states unequivocally that is impossible. “I want [Chris] to get up there and try to get through it! It’s a cry-fest—it’s a love/cry-fest,” she laughs.

The heartfelt emotion is due in no small part to the music. “Tom is so tuneful and Brian writes lyrics with such wit and heart. They created a score that comfortably lives in the very contemporary teenage high school world and can also capture the world of the mother on the day before her wedding—her whole work life and emotional life,” Ashley says.

Blickenstaff and Hunton have both appeared in productions of Next to Normal, and love the challenges and opportunities that come with singing the female roles Kitt and Yorkey are so adept at writing for. Blickenstaff is amused by friends who thought it was “cute” that she was cast in Freaky Friday. “This is the hardest role I’ve ever played in my life, and I’ve played Diana in Next to Normal!” she tells them, and adds, “It’s vocally a feat, but emotionally it’s something, too. It’s a journey.”

Veteran TV writer Bridget Carpenter, who wrote the musical’s book, is best known for the series Parenthood and Friday Night Lights. “She just has a monster skill set and talent for telling contemporary stories about parents and their kids, and what’s funny and what’s true,” Ashley stresses.

Freaky Friday marks the third Disney Theatrical production to be staged at La Jolla Playhouse, which hosted the U.S. premiere of The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 2014, as well as a “Page to Stage” workshop of Peter and the Starcatcher before its Tony-winning Broadway run. Ashley says, “Disney is the Cadillac of producing partners, and [Disney Theatrical Productions President] Tom Schumacher is one of the very few people who, when you go into a meeting about a play, you walk out with a whole new understanding about your story and how to tell it.”

The stars are also longtime fans of Disney storytelling. “Disney has always been part of my life,” Hunton says, from watching her VHS copy of Beauty and the Beast four times back to back, to crying at the opening score of Hunchback during its La Jolla engagement. Blickenstaff has played Ursula on Broadway in The Little Mermaid—and performed at D23 Expo in 2013—and recalls, “When I was a kid I was obsessed with two things: all things Broadway and all things Disney. And when I was lucky enough to marry my Disney love with my Broadway love, I really felt like I had won the lottery.”

Freaky Friday’s engagement at La Jolla Playhouse has been extended through March 19, 2017. Give a listen now to the song “No More Fear” to hear Emma Hunton (singing as Ellie… singing as Katherine!), and join us this Sunday, February 19, for D23 Member Night at Freaky Friday.

Guess Who’s Coming to Star Wars Celebration?—Plus More in News Briefs

February 15, 2017

By Courtney Potter

Star Wars Celebration to Welcome Kathleen Kennedy and Rian Johnson

Huge news from a galaxy far, far away! Some very special guests will be appearing onstage at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, coming up this April… namely, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson! We’ve been told there’ll be a ton of big surprises—and other special guests on that can’t-miss Last Jedi panel on Friday, April 14—to keep the excitement (not to mention speculation!) bubbling throughout the weekend.

Kathleen and Rian join the already-announced Felicity Jones (Jyn Erso in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine), and Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett)—who’ll all be signing in the Star Wars Celebration Autograph Hall.

Heading down to Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center for all the Star Wars fun? Visit StarWarsCelebration.com for tickets—and check back as we get closer to the event for guest updates, queuing info, and wristband details.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
February 19, 2017
D23 Member Night at Freaky Friday at La Jolla Playhouse
March 8, 2017
Exclusive D23 Beauty and the Beast Advanced Screening and Luncheon
April 10, 2017
D23 Members Invited to “Eat Like Walt” at the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
July 14-16, 2017
D23 Expo 2017
Studios
February 16, 18 and 22, 2017
Newsies in select movie theaters
March 17, 2017
Beauty and the Beast opens in theaters
April 21, 2017
Born in China opens in theaters
May 5, 2017
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 opens in theaters
May 26, 2017
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
opens in theaters
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

Parks
January 13–February 20, 2017
Epcot International Festival of the Arts
March 10–April 16, 2017
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
May 27
Pandora—The World of Avatar opening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
August 31-November 13, 2017
Epcot Food & Wine Festival
2019
Star Wars-Themed Lands Opening at Disneyland and Walt Disney World
Television
February 26, 2017
The Oscars® are broadcast on ABC
March 10, 2017
Tangled Before Ever After premieres on Disney Channel at 8 p.m. ET
March 24, 2017
Tangled: The Series premieres on Disney Channel at 7:30 p.m. ET

Tangled: The Series Renewed for Season 2

Fabulous news for our favorite flaxen-haired heroine: Disney Channel’s Tangled: The Series—which doesn’t premiere ‘til March 24 (at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT)—has just been renewed for a second season! (Yep, already. Cool, right?!) A production of Disney Television Animation, Tangled: The Series is based on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit feature film Tangled, and its premiere will be preceded by the tune-filled Tangled Before Ever After, a Disney Channel Original Movie premiering Friday, March 10, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

For the uninitiated, Tangled: The Series reunites Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, who reprise their roles as Rapunzel and Eugene (formerly known as Flynn Rider), as well as the music team of Disney Legend and Academy Award®-winning composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. The story takes place between the events of the 2010 feature film and the start of the 2012 short film Tangled Ever After.

As if the series’ early renewal wasn’t exciting enough, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media will premiere a line of role-play products, dolls, and playsets inspired by the show at New York Toy Fair this Saturday, February 18; look for those, and all sorts of other Tangled: The Series goodies (including print and e-book titles), in stores soon.

The Muppets Take On the Hollywood Bowl—This Fall!

If you’ve been reading our D23 News Briefs for a while, you know that we are huge, mega, die-hard fans of all things Muppet. And folks, we have a doozy of an announcement today, courtesy of one Miss Piggy—fashionista extraordinaire and purveyor of all things “moi”… The Muppets will be performing, for three big nights, this September at the legendary Hollywood Bowl!

Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo the Great, Piggy, Pepe the King Prawn, Rizzo the Rat, Beaker and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, and Uncle Deadly, all live and in person? A set from the phantasmagorical Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem? Plus a massive fireworks finale each night? Sign us up post haste!

Check out the brand-new clip, featuring Piggy and Deadly breaking the big news, above. And mark those calendars! Season subscriber tickets for 2017 at the Bowl are now on sale, with single-show tickets to come soon… look for more information in the months ahead.

Mary Poppins Returns—Now in Production Across the Pond!

Late last week, we received some terrifically exciting news from merry ol’ England: Production has officially begun on Mary Poppins Returns, the all-new sequel to Disney’s 1964 classic! The film, directed and produced by Rob Marshall (Chicago) with songs by Hairspray’s Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, stars Emily Blunt (Into the Woods) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (Broadway’s Hamilton, Moana)—and it’s scheduled for release on December 25, 2018.

With a screenplay by David Magee (Life of Pi) based on the Mary Poppins stories by P.L. Travers—and set in 1930s Depression-era London (the time period of Travers’ original novels)—Mary Poppins Returns reintroduces us to the now-adult Jane (Emily Mortimer, Hugo) and Michael Banks (Ben Winshaw, Spectre). Michael, his three young children (Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh, and Joel Dawson), and their housekeeper, Ellen (Julie Walters, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix), are living on Cherry Tree Lane. After Michael suffers a personal loss, the enigmatic Mary Poppins (Blunt) reenters the lives of the Banks family, and—along with a cheerful streetlamp lighter named Jack (Miranda)—uses her truly unique skills to help the family find wonder and joy once again.

Plus, look for appearances by Colin Firth (The King’s Speech) as bank manager William Weatherall Wilkins; Meryl Streep (Florence Foster Jenkins) as eccentric cousin Topsy; and everyone’s favorite chimney sweep, Dick Van Dyke, as Mr. Dawes Jr.—the chairman of Fidelity Fiduciary Bank.

Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available… it may just fly in on the “winds from the east”!

Moana Performance Set for the Academy Awards

As you know, Disney is nominated for several Oscars® at the upcoming Academy Awards®—hosted by the imitable Jimmy Kimmel and airing later this month on ABC. And speaking of Lin-Manuel Miranda, we have some more great news: he and Auli’i Cravalho will be performing “How Far I’ll Go” from their animated hit Moana, nominated for Best Original Song, during the telecast!

Lin and Auli’i will join a star-studded performance roster that includes Justin Timberlake, Sting, and John Legend.

The 89th Annual Academy Awards will air live on Oscar Sunday, February 26, from the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland in the heart of Tinseltown. The fun begins at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST… don’t miss it!

Disney Channel’s Elena of Avalor Renewed for Third Season

Hark, fans of Disney’s über-popular new princess, and take heed! Disney Channel has ordered a third season of its hit series Elena of Avalor, about an awesomely brave and adventurous teenager who rules her kingdom as crown princess. The beloved series also inspired a line of fabulous dolls from Disney Store and Hasbro that recently reached a very cool milestone: 1 million sold! And to that end, several new toys—including a Palace of Avalor playset from Hasbro, and dolls and role-play items from Jakks Pacific—will make their big debut at New York Toy Fair this coming weekend.

Created and executive produced by Emmy® Award winner Craig Gerber, Elena of Avalor features the voice talents of Aimee Carrero, Jenna Ortega, Chris Parnell, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Carlos Alazraqui—and tons of guest stars including Justina Machado, Constance Marie, and Lou Diamond Phillips.

Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War Begins Production

Looking for a totally tantalizing peek into what’s to come from the Marvel Universe? Take a gander at this new behind-the-scenes teaser for Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War, the next Avengers film and the culmination of a decade of Marvel adventure!

For the first time, we’ve got concrete confirmation that our fave antiheroes, the Guardians of the Galaxy, will be joining the Avengers in their quest to vanquish Thanos—the biggest and baddest Marvel villain on the scene! Hear from executive producer Kevin Feige and directors Anthony and Joe Russo—as well as cast members Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Chris Pratt (Peter Quill/Star-Lord), and Tom Holland (Peter Parker/Spider-Man). The war will wage on Summer 2018…

ABC’s Newest Bachelorette Announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live

The cat’s outta the proverbial bag: Rachel Lindsay, a fan-favorite contestant on this season of ABC’s juggernaut The Bachelor, will be the new Bachelorette! The surprise announcement was made this past Monday night on Jimmy Kimmel Live by Jimmy and The Bachelorette host Chris Harrison.

Just weeks ago, Rachel’s laid-back southern charm (and her smile!) landed her Bachelor Nick Viall’s first impression rose. From then on, the jury’s been “in”—and Bachelor Nation (i.e. devoted Bachelor fans) has been fully unanimous in its support of the 31-year-old attorney from Dallas, Texas.

Rachel’s quest for love begins in just a few months’ time, when the newest season of The Bachelorette debuts on Monday, May 22, at 9 p.m. EST, only on ABC.

Freeform to Debut Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Special

Disney weddings come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: magic! And now, Freeform cordially invites you to a brand-new 90-minute special celebrating that Disney nuptial wizardry.

Airing this spring, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the enchanted weddings and one-of-a-kind engagements that take place at Disney Destinations across the world, including Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts and onboard Disney Cruise Lines. From fashion and products to world-class entertainment and décor, viewers will get a glimpse of the modern-day fairy tale that the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings brand has been creating for a whopping 25 years.

Make sure to “RSVP” once a premiere date is announced!

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! opens on May 27! Celebrate with a Summer of Heroes

February 15, 2017

By Nicole Nalty

Ready for some brand-new adventures at the Disneyland Resort? Our friends at the Disney Parks Blog just announced that Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will open at Disney California Adventure park on May 27. This thrilling attraction will take you right into the middle of the action as you help Rocket bust his friends out of the Collector’s Fortress. With music inspired by the film’s popular soundtrack, randomized ride experiences, and all-new visual and audio effects, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! is sure to be a rocking ride.

In more super news, Disney California Adventure will be celebrating the arrival of the Guardians of the Galaxy with Summer of Heroes, a limited-time celebration of even more Super Hero stories. Taking place starting May 27 to September 10, Summer of Heroes will be an epic adventure, featuring five brand-new experiences:

1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!
Star-Lord gets the party started by firing up his old-school boom box for this new, year-round rock ‘n’ roll bash at Disney California Adventure park. While Gamora may just stand back and observe, everyone else is sure to join this awesome dance off.

2. A Meet and Greet Treet
This news has us saying, well, “I am Groot” (which here means, “we’re so excited!”). For the first time, guests will come face-to-face with Groot, one of the Guardians of the Galaxy. In this new, year-round encounter, guests can also meet favorite heroes Captain America and Spider-Man.

3. Heroic Encounter: Black Widow
In this limited-time experience, Black Widow will arrive in an armored Avengers vehicle several times throughout the day for a heroic encounter with Disney California Adventure guests.

4. Avengers Training Initiative
Think you have what it takes to be an Avenger? For a limited time, Black Widow and Hawkeye are looking for new young recruits. Watch as aspiring young Avengers face a series of tests to see if they have skills to join the ranks of the Avengers.

5. Special Sweets, Eats, and Souvenirs
Continue this epic adventure with some hero-worthy eats and special themed merchandise, available throughout Hollywood Land during the Summer of Heroes.

Are you ready to #HeroUp at Disney California Adventure? Stay tuned for more Disney news, including reopening dates of the Disneyland Railroad, Rivers of America attractions, and Fantasmic!

5 Enchanting Ways to Celebrate Beauty and the Beast at Disneyland Park

February 14, 2017February 14, 2017

By Nicole Nalty

With the debut of the live-action retelling of Beauty and the Beast just around the corner, we’re finding more and more ways to celebrate this tale as old as time. Just now, our friends at the Disney Parks Blog shared five ways to be their guest at Disneyland park. These experiences are only available for a limited time, so be sure to explore Disneyland before the last petal falls (and stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details, including opening dates)!

1. Enchanting Eats at Red Rose Taverne
Village Haus Restaurant will transform into Red Rose Taverne, a lively French eatery filled with delicious quick-service meals for hungry beauties and beasts of all ages. Travel through each room of Red Rose Taverne to see the story of the animated classic Beauty and the Beast come to life through stunning murals. A feast for the eyes and the stomach, Red Rose Taverne will feature favorite tastes with a French taverne-inspired twist alongside new signature beverages. Plus, guests can get a taste of the infamous Grey Stuff—bon appétit!

2. Special Souvenirs at Royal Reception
After feeding the beast within, stop by Royal Reception (just next to Red Rose Taverne) to explore a treasure trove of collectibles inspired by the animated film and the upcoming live-action retelling.

3. Bonjour, Gaston!
Keep your eyes peeled—you just might find Gaston strutting about near Red Rose Taverne. That’s right! Everyone’s favorite guy (at least LeFou thinks so…) will be gracing guests with his pristine presence.

4. Treats with a Twist
Maurice’s Treats in Fantasy Faire will get even sweeter with new dipping sauces—marinara, strawberry, and yep, Grey Stuff!

5. A Royal Retelling
After grabbing a twist at Maurice’s Treats, stop by the Royal Theatre to see the royal players Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones perform their dramatic (and comedic) adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.

Celebrate a Friendship-Filled Gal-Palentine’s Day Like These BFFs

February 13, 2017

By Jocelyn Buhlman

This season of love and affection isn’t just for romantic couples. Sometimes, the heroine isn’t longing for true love’s kiss–she just wants a nice night out with her girlfriends. To celebrate the love of friendship between a gal and her pals, we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite friends who are ready to celebrate their Gal-Palentine’s Day, Disney-style!

Tiana and Charlotte, The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Charlotte is a pampered heiress-turned-Mardi Gras-princess; Tiana is a hardworking entrepreneur who falls into love and into royalty. But despite their differences, these two couldn’t be closer. In their times of need, they’re there for each other to save the day, kiss any frogs, and support each other in their friendship.

Amelia and Abigail Gabble, The Aristocats (1970)
These silly twin Brits traveling abroad are memorable for their matching, colorful bonnets and the antics of crazy Uncle Waldo. While they’re on their tour of France, perhaps they might take a day to celebrate their friendship… and maybe even hang out with some cool cats.

Pocahontas and Nakoma, Pocahontas (1995)
When it comes to great friendships, sometimes opposites attract. Playful Pocahontas and practical Nakoma may have different approaches to life, but in the face of trouble these best friends always have each other’s backs.

Honey Lemon and Gogo Tomago, Big Hero 6 (2014)
It may seem like these two engineers come from different worlds—Honey studies chemicals and colors, while Gogo loves all things fast—but they make a great team, whether they’re saving the world or enjoying a meal at the Lucky Cat Café.

Maggie, Mrs. Caloway, and Grace, Home on the Range (2004)
These daring dairy cows just want to have some girl time at the Little Patch of Heaven Ranch, but when faced with dastardly forces, these bold bovines will stop at nothing to save the day!

Maid Marian and Lady Kluck, Robin Hood (1973)
This lady/lady-in-waiting duo know how to have a good time—whether they’re fighting Prince John’s evil regime or playing a rousing game of badminton. Today’s a day for them to get away from all the Merry Men and celebrate a very royal friendship, indeed.

Dory and Destiny, Finding Dory (2016)
Their friendship was forged during their time in the Marine Life Institute, and Dory and Destiny were delighted to be reunited years later during Dory’s adventures. The near-sighted whale shark, Destiny, provided friendship that had a lasting impact on Dory’s life. Even if Dory couldn’t always remember her past, she could still remember the lessons Destiny taught her. What’s whale for “Friends forever?”

Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck, Minnie’s Bow-Toons (2013)
Of course, how can we celebrate a day of female friendships without remembering the original gal pals, Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck? If anyone deserve a night out on the town to celebrate their friendship, it’s these two trendsetting best pals.

How to Have a Magical Valentine’s Day Date at a Disney Theme Park

February 13, 2017February 13, 2017

By Jocelyn Buhlman

There’s no better way to spend Valentine’s Day than at a Disney theme park—and there are so many ways to enjoy that Disney magic. To help you plan that perfect day with your sweetheart, our love experts at D23 suggest these date ideas to take your Valentine to a whole new world!

Disney Foodie Feast

If you both have an appetite for more than just romance, head over to your favorite Disney theme park for a day full of dining and deliciousness. No matter whether you’re “eating around the world” at Epcot or dining all day on turkey legs, churros, and Dole Whips—you know you’ll be in for a delicious Disney date!

Must-See Attraction: Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy a Dole Whip float together.

Ideal Souvenir: Stop by your favorite candy shop in the park and pick up a treat to bring the Disney delights home with you!

The Perfect Picture: Once you’ve loaded up on your tasty treats from all over the park, make sure to take a picture of your deliciously-packed table for two.

Picture-Perfect Date

Make some memories together by planning a date of photo fun through your favorite Disney theme park. Try getting pictures with all your favorite characters, pulling silly poses on in-ride photos, and taking photos wearing matching mouse ears. At the end of the day, you’ll have a perfect collection of memories from a magical date!

Must-See Attraction: It’s not a photo date without a picture in front of a landmark attraction, so grab your cutie and stop by the castle, Tree of Life, or Spaceship Earth, and get ready to say “Cheese!”

Ideal Souvenir: A photo frame from your theme park of choice will be perfect for displaying that sweet picture of your day.

The Perfect Picture: No matter which park you visit, you can always find time to take a selfie with Mickey. Nothing is more appropriate for a photo date than saying “Cheese!” with the Big Cheese himself.

A Thrilling Date

Your sweetheart already makes your heart race, so why not plan a whole date around that thrilling feeling and seek out your favorite fast-paced Disney attractions? Spend the day gripping tight to your date’s arm while you scream with excitement on your favorite Disney attractions.

Must-See Attraction: No Disney thrill-seeker’s day is complete without scaling a mountain or two. Whether you’re bobsledding through the Matterhorn, expeditioning through the Forbidden Mountain of Expedition Everest, or riding the rapids down Roarin’ Mountain at Shanghai Disneyland, you’ll be sure to experience heart-racing thrills!

The Perfect Picture: To remember exactly just how much of a scream your ride was, many attraction offer in-ride photos, like Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, or California Screamin’. Keep your eyes out for the flash of a camera and strike a pose!

Ideal Souvenir: Love the way one of your in-ride photos came out? Why not purchase it to commemorate your day of thrills and adventure?

Character Celebration

Go on an adventure through the world of Disney and meet all your favorite characters. Stop by meet and greets, enjoy a meal with character guests, and enjoy a day full of making new Disney friends!

Must-See Attraction: Whether you book a princess breakfast at Ariel’s Grotto in Disney California Adventure or enjoy a royal meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table at the Magic Kingdom, no character day is complete without a meal with the princesses.

Ideal Souvenir: An autograph book is an easy way to commemorate the cast of beloved characters you visit with throughout the day.

The Perfect Picture: Have you been practicing your royal posing? Clasp your hands over your heart and point your toe, and you’ll be looking as regal as the Disney princesses you meet!

A Glowing & Glittering Night

If you take the term “Date Night” seriously, why not make the most of the glowing ambiance of a Disney theme park? Watch a nighttime spectacular, enjoy the lights of Main Street, U.S.A., or experience some of your favorite outdoor attractions at night!

Must-See Attraction: Now that the Main Street Electrical Parade is shining its way down the streets of Disneyland again, find your favorite parade-viewing seat and get ready to enjoy the spectacular festival pageant of nighttime magic and imagination with your sweetheart.

The Perfect Picture: Capture the essence of your magical night with a picture in front of the lit-up castle!

Ideal Souvenir: If you want to be able to “glow with the show,” grab a pair Made With Magic Mickey Ears, so that no matter where you walk in the park, you’ll be enjoying magical glowing lights.

The Classic Disneyland Date

You’ve seen it so many times: The cute couple posing in front of the castle, grinning on the carousel, and sharing matching Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars. There’s a nothing more charming than taking a Disney parks date the classic way.

Must-See Attraction: Make sure to ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant and enjoy the view. A peaceful ride over Fantasyland lets you soak in the sights of the park and enjoy some quality time with your sweetheart.

The Perfect Picture: If you’re at Disneyland, take the time to throw a penny in Snow White’s Wishing Well and then snap a picture of the two of you in front of the well to remember your wishes that have already come true! If you’re at Magic Kingdom Park, you can do the same at Cinderella’s Wishing Well.

Ideal Souvenir: The perfect way to commemorate a classic day of Disneyland fun is, of course, with matching Mickey and Minnie Mouse Ear Hats.

5 New Disney Parks and Resorts Announcements You Need to Know

February 9, 2017April 27, 2017

By Nicole Nalty

In our opinion, it’s always a good time to visit a Disney park or sail on a Disney Cruise. But this week gave us five new reasons we can’t wait for our next Disney trip! Read on for exciting announcements from Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Cruise Line.

Rivers of Light Debuts This Month
We’ve had so much fun exploring Disney’s Animal Kingdom at night—seeing the animals of Kilimanjaro Safaris in a whole new light, dancing the night away at Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale, and marveling over the Tree of Life awakening. Now, a brand-new nighttime experience, Rivers of Light, will join this lively lineup when it premieres on Discovery River February 17. Blending together live performers, floating sets, fountains, and more, Rivers of Light honors the magic of animals and nature. You can reserve your viewing for the brand-new show (and even make dining reservations) by visiting MyDisneyExperience.com or the My Disney Experience app.

Pandora – The World of Avatar Gets an Opening Date
Speaking of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora – The World of Avatar will debut on May 27—that’s just a few short months away! Click here for more details.

All-New Fireworks Spectacular Coming to Magic Kingdom
Get ready to celebrate the end of an amazing day at Magic Kingdom in a whole new way—an all-new fireworks spectacular, Happily Ever After, will making a sparkling debut on May 12. The show will feature some favorite Disney films (including Moana, Brave, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, The Princess and the Frog, and Aladdin) and iconic adventures Disney characters have taken to achieve their dreams and find their “happily ever afters.” The spectacular uses the latest fireworks and pyrotechnics, accompanied by original animation, state-of-the-art projection-mapping technology, and an original score.

In even more sweet news, the Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace will continue with the debut of Happily Ever After––the cherry on top of a perfect night!

Beauty and the Beast Show Enchants on Disney Dream
From spectaculars above the skies at Magic Kingdom to spectaculars across the sea, a brand-new stage production, Beauty and the Beast, will delight audiences on the Disney Dream starting November 6. Click here for more details.

Star Wars-Themed Lands to Open in 2019
The eagerly anticipated Star Wars-themed lands will open in 2019 at Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Click here for more details.

6 Valentine’s Cards for Every Disney Fan in Your Life

February 9, 2017

By D23 Team

Whether your Valentine lives in a galaxy far, far away or coasts the E.A.C., we have a valentine for every Disney fan you hold near and dear to your heart. Click the link underneath each card to download your favorite ones!

Click here to download.

Beauty and the Beast Stage Spectacular Coming to Disney Dream

February 9, 2017March 26, 2018

By Nicole Nalty

Disney Cruise Line invites you to be their guest with Beauty and the Beast, a brand-new musical production inspired by Disney’s live-action adaptation of the animated classic. Starting November 6, guests aboard the Disney Dream can experience the enchanting fairytale like never before, as the new production seamlessly weaves the romance, adventure, and magic of the live-action film with the powerful nostalgia of the beloved animated feature.

Something there that wasn’t there before
Taking the stage in the Walt Disney Theatre, Beauty and the Beast will tell the classic story through a new lens, with the help of a music box. Created by set designer Jason Sherwood (Paint Your Wagon, Frozen, A Musical Spectacular) and video designer Aaron Rhyne (Frozen, A Musical Spectacular, Broadway’s Anastasia), this scenic motif will flawlessly guide audiences through the tale as old as time, from Belle’s little town to Beast’s castle.

They can sing, they can dance
The musical production will feature two new songs created for the live-action film by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice: “How Does a Moment Last Forever” and “Days in the Sun.” The two songs will stand alone from the film versions with brand-new arrangements and orchestrations by Matt Castle and Frank Galgano (Into the Woods). And, of course, iconic songs that first appeared in the animated film, including “Belle,” “Something There,” and “Beauty and the Beast” will be revamped to fit the new show, and showstoppers “Gaston” and “Be Our Guest” will continue to do just that in production numbers. In fact, “Be Our Guest” has been completely re-imagined for the stage show––we can’t wait to feast our eyes on this new adaptation!

Charming characters
What would Beauty and the Beast be without its enchanted (and enchanting!) objects? Favorite characters like Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Potts will take the stage in an all-new way, thanks to a special blend of costuming and puppetry from costume designer Sarah Cubbage (Broadway’s Skylight) and puppet designer Lake Simon (Etiquette Unraveled).

Beauty and the Beast is led by director and choreographer Connor Gallagher (Tangled: The Musical, Found), who collaborated with writer Sara Wodsworth (Frozen, A Musical Spectacular, Broadway’s In Transit) and an amazing team, including four-time Tony® Award-nominated Japhy Weideman to amaze audiences aboard the Disney Dream.

You can find out more about this spectacular new show or book your vacation at disneycruise.com.

Star Wars Celebration to Welcome Kathleen Kennedy and Rian Johnson

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

Tangled: The Series Renewed for Season 2

The Muppets Take On the Hollywood Bowl—This Fall!

Mary Poppins Returns—Now in Production Across the Pond!

Moana Performance Set for the Academy Awards

Disney Channel’s Elena of Avalor Renewed for Third Season

Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War Begins Production

ABC’s Newest Bachelorette Announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Freeform to Debut Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Special

Disney Foodie Feast

Picture-Perfect Date

A Thrilling Date

Character Celebration

A Glowing & Glittering Night

The Classic Disneyland Date

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