These Disney Films are Real Page-Turners

January 19, 2017September 6, 2018

By Courtney Potter

There’s nothing quite like cracking open a book for the very first time. It’s like turning the page straight into the greatest adventure of your life! Books—and the magical stories contained therein—held the key for much of Walt Disney’s early feature-film success. The Walt Disney Company’s first full-length animated movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), was based on a 19th-century German fairy tale popularized by the Brothers Grimm in 1812. So it’s no surprise that Walt would begin the film with an image (and a live-action one, at that) of a storybook, opening to the title page…

Over the years, many Disney films begin with this same tantalizing motif—a storybook, either live-action or animated, slowly opening and inviting us in. D23 took a spin through some of the most famous of these openings, and uncovered a few interesting facts along the way!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
According to our friends over at the Walt Disney Archives, this prop book not only still exists—a feat, considering its age—but is also currently on tour in Japan as part of their Power of Princess exhibit. The English-language version of the book features a specially carved spine… while a second version of the book (presumably used for international releases of the film) features a Dutch cover!

Pinocchio
This beloved character, the “wooden puppet who dreamt of being a real boy,” first appeared in a children’s novel by Italian writer Carlo Collodi in 1883. In Disney’s 1940 feature, the book in the animated opening sequence is seen next to several other stories on a shelf, including Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland—titles that The Walt Disney Studios would later produce.

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
This two-part 1949 film—featuring animated retellings of Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, narrated by Basil Rathbone, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, narrated (and sung) by Bing Crosby—has two storybook openings, which pull us right into the wacky shenanigans.

Cinderella
Another prop currently on tour in the Walt Disney Archives’ Power of Princess exhibit, is used to open Cinderella (1950). This tome features a leather cover with a suitably fancy metal latch. Fans of the gal in the glass slipper may remember that a prop storybook was also featured in the 2015 live-action Cinderella; that book is titled Perrault Birds Tales (a reference to author Charles Perrault) and is also preserved in the Archives.

Sleeping Beauty
Seen in several Archives exhibits over the years, the prop book from the opening sequence of this 1959 film showcases beautifully intricate artwork—depicting the tale on which the film is based—and is attributed to Disney Legend Eyvind Earle. (Over hundreds of years, several famous authors told a “Sleeping Beauty” story, including Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm.)

The Sword and the Stone
The Sword and the Stone (released in 1963) is based on the Arthurian legend—which stated that only the rightful king of Britain could pull a sword (usually called “Excalibur,” but also known as “Gram” in some Norse versions of the tale) from a stone—as well as a 1938 novel by T.H. White.

The Jungle Book (1967)
A great example of a live-action storybook opening for an animated film, The Jungle Book (1967)—the last animated feature overseen by Walt Disney before his passing in 1966—was inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s novelized adventure of the same name.

Robin Hood
Another feature based more on legend than a lone tome, Robin Hood (released in 1973) tells the tale of the English hero who “robbed from the rich and gave to the poor.” Fun fact: The Walt Disney Studios put out their own live-action version of the tale in 1952, entitled The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men. It was Disney’s second fully live-action feature and was produced at Denham Studios in England.

The Prince and the Pauper
In this animated short that accompanied the film The Rescuers Down Under, Mickey Mouse takes on the classic story of silly switching, playing dual roles of the impoverished youth and the prince who discover they look exactly alike.

Enchanted
This 2007 film found Disney once again employing a unique mix of animation and live-action—so of course it warranted its very own storybook opening sequence! We especially love the “pop-up book” look of the castle as the book’s cover flies open…

Disney’s A Christmas Carol
Disney’s retelling of the legendary Charles Dickens tale (first adapted for the 1983 film Mickey’s Christmas Carol) was released in 2009, starring Jim Carrey—as multiple roles—and directed by Robert Zemeckis. The film employed amazing performance-capture technique, in which actors were filmed with digital cameras (in a full 360 degrees) and then “translated” into animated images.

Winnie the Pooh (2011)
Walt Disney Animation Studios revived the beloved Winnie the Pooh character for a new, traditionally animated film—inspired by two previously unadapted A.A. Milne stories and released in 2011. A large, open version of the Winnie the Pooh storybook was recreated for the Disney Winnie the Pooh exhibition that the Walt Disney Archives helped curate in Japan in 2014.

The Jungle Book (2016)
While this novel is technically a storybook ending, we would be remiss if we didn’t include last year’s live-action/CGI retelling of The Jungle Book, directed by Jon Favreau. The storybook flies open, revealing King Louie’s temple as if it had been carved directly into its pages!

Getting Ready for the Main Street Electrical Parade’s Return to Disneyland

January 19, 2017January 20, 2017

By Nicole Nalty

Just shy of its debut 45 years ago, the Main Street Electrical Parade makes a triumphant return to Disneyland park. The parade’s lengthy run and cross-country travels have solidified its fan-favorite status for Disney fans young and young at heart, and we can’t wait to celebrate on the West Coast. If you’re planning a trip to see the Main Street Electrical Parade, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of the sparkling spectacular’s homecoming.

Time is Ticking
This family favorite won’t be around forever! The Main Street Electrical Parade makes its debut on January 20 and will run nightly at Disneyland park until June 18. If you live near the mouse house, you’ve got plenty of opportunities to catch this parade before it glows away, and if you’re deciding whether or not to make a trip this spring, we think this will tip the scale. (At least for us!)

Embrace the Nostalgia
The Main Street Electrical Parade evokes a feeling of nostalgia in many fans, and we’re sure magical memories will come rushing back the second we hear “Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls.” While we wait, we’ll just keep watching this enchanting commercial featuring more favorites of years gone-by… how many can you spot?

Drumming Right Down the Middle of Main Street, U.S.A.
Speaking of nostalgia, our friends at the Disney Parks Blog shared even more good news––the parade’s original opening float will return with the parade! Fans may remember Casey Jr. pulling a larger-than-life drum that read “Disneyland Presents… Main Street Electrical Parade” down Main Street during its original run, and now you can see it again in all its glowing glory.

Magical Mementos
Adorable––and illuminating!––items will hit the shelves of Disneyland park stores during the parade’s limited time run. We’re particularly fond of the animated glow headband…

Electrifying Eats
Secure the best spot on the street with a Main Street Electrical Parade Dining Package. Fans can enjoy a three-course meal at Blue Bayou Restaurant or an On-The-Go dining package at Aladdin’s Oasis. All dining packages come with reserved viewing for the parade, so choose what works best for you!

Jay Leno Shifts Gears for Mickey and the Roadster Racers

January 19, 2017January 20, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

When executive producer Rob LaDuca and co-executive producer/supervising story editor Mark Seidenberg began to imagine Hot Dog Hills—the mini-metropolis that the characters of Mickey and the Roadster Racers call home—they wanted to fill it with colorful personalities from the world of racing, along with cars that would be as unique as their drivers. They’ve gotten invaluable assistance in both areas from one person: comedy legend Jay Leno. The noted car collector invited the creative team to his garage for research, and he had such a good time he’s sticking around in Hot Dog Hills, lending his voice to the character of Billy Beagle, racetrack announcer and head of the Beagle Boys Camera Crew.

LaDuca, Seidenberg, and the team looked at a variety of extraordinary cars and car collections, including those of 1960s car designer Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and cars “kustomized” by George Barris—the man behind the original Batmobile and the Munster Koach, to name just two. But knowing that Jay Leno’s famed garage is just a Sunday drive from the Mickey and the Roadster Racers production office, the creative team arranged to take a field trip to meet Leno and view his vast collection.

Leno details that he pointed out the difference between modern cars and those from a bygone era—which, he explains, were quirkier. “Cars have to look a certain way now,” Leno tells D23, “but when you see cars of the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s with enormous headlights and big grilles in the front, they take on an anthropomorphic sort of tendency—they tend to look human. The grille looks like a smile or a frown. The headlights look like big eyes. Older cars look more friendly [than modern cars], like a big dog.”

The creative team was steeped in car history during their visits, as Leno showed them vehicles that included early electric cars, cars that run on steam, and European sports cars, among others. “When you see cars from the turn of the century and from the early 1920s, roads were not paved, so the wheels were huge and the cars tended to sit higher up off the ground,” Leno notes. “And because it’s animated, you can have a car from 1920 competing with a modern super car from today and doing equally well in the race.”

“The fun thing about having people who are not ‘car people’ [creating the show] is that car people tend to take things literally,” Leno observes. “[They’d say] ‘The car could never do that.’ But you can do whatever you want, it’s a cartoon—you can make it fly if you want! So they would come and see the different types of vehicles and utilize elements from one and put it on the other,” he adds. Leno pointed out details and made suggestions and, he says, “That was the fun part—showing them steam engines that blow huge clouds of steam, which another character could use to block the guy behind him, things that like. You want to have a little basis in reality.”

When it comes to voicing the very verbose and loquacious Billy Beagle, Leno enjoys being a little larger than life. “The character has a bit of an ego and he likes to make himself sound more important than he is,” Leno explains. The team has taken full advantage of having, in Jay Leno, a voice actor with quick comedic wit and impressive automotive acumen. “Jay loves to ad lib and make jokes, so we record everything and then go back in and see how many ad libs we have time for within the animation,” LaDuca says, adding, “A lot of his ad libs have to do with cars, so he brings a lot of knowledge to the recording session.”

“It’s fun to throw in kid jokes and things that will be silly and fun, and I enjoy pitching ideas,” Leno tells D23, and he wants Billy Beagle to amuse all members of the family. “The trick is to try and find contemporary references that parents will think are funny and kids will think are silly—that’s the tricky part, but that makes it fun to do,” he says.

But the lifelong car enthusiast hopes that kids don’t just find Mickey and the Roadster Racers funny, but that they take inspiration from it. “I hope it makes them curious about mechanical things. Video games and that kind of stuff are OK, but you’re not learning how things go together or how things work,” he states. “I like to see kids come away with a little something that makes them understand how things move and makes them curious about how a car would go down the road and what propels it.”

Tim Gunn Talks Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Disney Magic and his Disney Fashion “Fab Five”

January 18, 2017January 20, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy are off and running in the brand-new animated series Mickey and the Roadster Racers, which debuted on Disney Junior and Disney Channel this weekend. The old friends are in new roles, racing their unique transforming vehicles in competitions all around the globe; and Tim Gunn has taken on a new role for the series, as well. Gunn, beloved as the voice of Baileywick on Sofia the First and as mentor to aspiring designers on Project Runway, is lending his voice to Robbie Roberts, a world-famous—and maybe even a little world-weary—travel writer reporting on Mickey and the gang’s high-speed adventures. D23 chatted with Gunn recently about his favorite Disney memories, and asked him to reveal his “Fab Five” Disney fashions…

D23: What can you tell me about your character, renowned travel writer Robbie Roberts?
Tim Gunn (TG): He’s a curmudgeon; an extremely seasoned traveler who has seen everything, so for him, basically everything is guilty until proven innocent—but I will say that Mickey and company completely win him over and he ends up being a die-hard fan.

D23: On Project Runway, you’re so supportive and protective of the designers, and Baileywick (on Sofia the First) has that same quality with Sofia. How is it different voicing this character?
TG: In a manner of speaking, Robbie Roberts is a more inclusive version of who I actually am—because I can be rather jaded and cynical about things—but I have an open mind and if circumstances present themselves in a way that my viewpoint can be altered, it happens. And that’s exactly what happens with Robbie Roberts, which I think makes the impact even more joyous and, in some ways, more believable.

D23: When you were growing up, did you ever in your wildest dreams imagine that you would lend your voice to an animated Disney project—let alone two?
TG: I never, ever dreamed it. It’s totally and completely surreal. I grew up with Mickey Mouse and Minnie and Pluto and Goofy. The first time I went to Walt Disney World in Florida, my mother took our very small family for our first trip. My niece and nephew were 4 and 7 at the time and—this is the Robbie Roberts in me—I thought, “What is this experience going to be like?” But I have to tell you, we were there for less than 24 hours and I was bitten by the entire Walt Disney World bug! I went down into the lobby of our hotel and Goofy was there, and I went running back to the rooms, saying to my niece and nephew, “Get up! Get up! Goofy’s in the lobby—you’ve got to run!” It was very contagious!

D23: Do you have a favorite attraction?
TG: I love Peter Pan’s Flight, when you’re suddenly suspended over London. I found the whole thing so beautiful, I think I rode on it a dozen times.

D23: You really are a member of the Disney family now—what does that mean to you?
TG: It’s a huge, wonderful honor. I get chills when I think about it and I pinch myself every day. Whenever anyone asks me if there’s something that I haven’t done that I want to do, I say, “Absolutely not.” If nothing ever, ever happened to me again I couldn’t feel more fulfilled and fortunate than I am.

We couldn’t help but ask Tim Gunn to tell us his “Fab Five” fashions from all of the worlds of Disney. He, of course, didn’t hesitate to “make it work.”

1. Cinderella in Cinderella: For me, I love all of the iconic looks, starting with Cinderella in the gown that she fled the ball in.

2. Alice in Alice in Wonderland: I grew up with Disney movies, and Alice in Wonderland, the animated film, is a favorite. Alice’s pinafore is definitely on my list.

3. Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty: She totally terrified me, but I was fascinated by her outfit. The Disney characters [created] for me, my first real awareness of the power of what I now call the semiotics of clothes—that the clothes we wear send a message about how the world perceives us.

4. Darth Vader in Star Wars: Talk about allegory! Another villain, Darth Vader, [is an example of how] you can tell many things about the quality of character—or lack thereof—by what he or she is wearing.

5. The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland: Red is such a color of power, and that character is in such high command of the circumstances surrounding her and what’s happening. I just remember being totally captivated.

Fabulous Minnie-Inspired Photos—Plus More in News Briefs

January 18, 2017

By Courtney Potter

Celebrate National Polka Dot Day with Minnie-Inspired Photography

Get ready to rock your dots with Minnie Mouse fans around the world on Sunday, January 22: National Polka Dot Day! To celebrate the big day—and to kick off this year’s #RockTheDots, the annual worldwide party for fashion muse Minnie and her super-cute polka-dot style—fine art photographer Gray Malin has released a new series inspired by the style icon set against Hollywood’s most iconic landscape… the red carpet.

Malin recently released a new video art piece, and “Leading Lady” image, celebrating Minnie Mouse via his Instagram account, ahead of revealing the full series on Tuesday night, January 17. Malin—known for his unique aerial compositions—took inspiration from Minnie’s long Hollywood history to stage a photograph using white parasols to illustrate his muse’s trademark polka-dotted dress… and to give a hearty nod to Hollywood glamour at the same time.

Wanna own a piece of this year’s #RockTheDots? Prints are available via Malin’s website, here.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
January 19, 2017
D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience: The Magic of Disney Park Maps
February 4, 2017
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Tangled On the Lot
February 11, 2017
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Tangled in FloridaFebruary 19, 2017
D23 Member Night at Freaky Friday at La Jolla Playhouse
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

Parks
January 13–February 20, 2017
Epcot International Festival of the Arts
January 20, 2017
Main Street Electrical Parade returns to Disneyland park
January 20–February 5, 2017
Lunar New Year Celebration at Disney California Adventure park
March 10–April 16, 2017
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
August 31-November 13, 2017
Epcot Food & Wine Festival
Television
February 26, 2017
The Oscars® are broadcast on ABC

New Descendants 2 Teaser Trailer Premieres on Oh My Disney

Disney Channel movie enthusiasts, listen up! Our pals over at Oh My Disney just revealed a brand-new teaser trailer for Descendants 2, the wickedly cool upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie sequel that premieres this summer. The film will once again feature Dove Cameron as Mal, Sofia Carson as Evie, Booboo Stewart as Jay, Cameron Boyce as Carlos, and Mitchell Hope as King Ben—as well as new addition China Anne McClain as Uma, daughter of fave The Little Mermaid baddie Ursula. Take a gander at the clip, above.

Descendants 2 (which also just revealed its new poster on their Twitter feed) will premiere later this year… so keep your eyes peeled for an official debut date soon!

Star Wars Day at Sea Returns to Disney Cruise Line in 2018

Ready to “go rogue” on the high seas? (We sure are!) Well, pack your bags—because Disney Cruise Line (DCL) has just announced that their über-popular Star Wars Day at Sea events are coming back in early 2018. The totally epic day will be part of 15 special Disney Fantasy sailings to the Caribbean from January through April next year.

Each event will feature a full day of Star Wars celebrations—including a spectacular deck party (complete with fireworks display), encounters with all your favorite galactic pals, Star Wars-themed family- and kid-friendly activities, special food and drink offerings, and cool themed merchandise.

The western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, and Castaway Cay; while the eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Tortola, St. Thomas, and Castaway Cay. For more info on all of DCL’s 2018 itineraries (as well as cruises throughout 2017), lightspeed to DisneyCruiseLine.com.

Epcot International Festival of the Arts—Now through February 20!

There’s a fabulous event happening at Walt Disney World Resort right this very minute… and if you haven’t heard about it yet, we’re here to clue you in (especially those of you heading there for vacation over these next few weeks). You do not want to miss your chance to visit the very first Epcot International Festival of the Arts—a showcase of visual, culinary, and performing arts from around the world. The fest is held each weekend (Friday through Monday) from now through February 20, and features new art every week—showcasing work by Disney legends Mary Blair and Herb Ryman, and live demonstrations by the likes of Costa Alvezos and Joe Kaminski.

But that’s not all: Disney Theatrical Productions is getting into the mix, providing an amazing showcase of Broadway talent—singing songs from shows like The Lion King, Aladdin, and Newsies—at the America Gardens Theatre. For a complete rundown on the entire festival from D23.com, click here.

Mobile Gaming Fun with Star Wars: Force Arena

If you’re craving more Star Wars action in your day-to-day (and seriously, who isn’t?), look no further than the latest mobile game from Netmarble Games Corp.—one of the fastest-growing mobile game companies in Asia—and Lucasfilm. Star Wars: Force Arena allows players to build a powerful team of iconic Star Wars characters to lead into real-time battles against other players, fighting with (or against) friends… and it’s now available in a whopping 154 countries around the globe!

Star Wars: Force Arena includes more than 80 playable in-game cards, 60 of which are beloved Star Wars characters that match with their own unique units to create powerful duo combinations. And don’t worry—the roster also includes new faces from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Available now on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, and on Google Play for Android devices, Star Wars: Force Arena might be a great way to scratch that Star Wars itch as we head towards Episode VIII’s debut this December!

7 Wonderful Winnie the Pooh Quotes

January 18, 2017

Happy Winds-day—and Happy Winnie the Pooh Day! In celebration of author A.A. Milne’s birthday and our favorite silly willy nilly ol’ bear, we’ve gathered some of the sweetest (and silliest) quotes to share with friends and family that you love more than honey––okay… maybe just as much as honey.

Click here to download.

7 Technological Wonders Predicted by Disney Theme Park Attractions

January 18, 2017January 2, 2018

By Jocelyn Buhlman

The famous theme song for Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress declares “There’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day,” but sometimes the promise of tomorrow has already come true today! Walt Disney tasked his Imagineers to envision ways to make our future bright, and the stories they told with classic theme park attractions like Spaceship Earth, Horizons, and the House of the Future promised us a future where robots helped us around the house, humans lived in space, and cars were crafted on the cutting edge. Does that sound like a fantastical future, or marvelous modern day? You may be surprised to learn just what kind of innovations Walt and the Imagineers predicted that are in use today!

1. Video Chat—WorldKey Information (1982), Spaceship Earth (1994) and Horizons (1983)
You just finished a video call on your laptop with your best friend, who happens to be working in China right now. You pick up your phone and see you have a Snapchat from your sister—another cat video! You send back a video of your dog, snoring on your couch, and don’t even think twice about what kind of futuristic wonders you just participated in. But back in 1982, everyday use of video chat was an amazing technological wonder of the future. On opening day, Epcot introduced WorldKey Information, in which guests could actually see a Cast Member while booking reservations. A year later, the fondly-remembered Epcot attraction Horizons opened and imagined what the world would be like in the 21st century. While not everything in “tomorrow’s windows”—i.e. achievable visions of the future—has yet been reached (we haven’t started building underwater cities yet!), the attraction envisioned the use of video chatting as a modern form of communication. Additionally, the 1994 version of Epcot’s iconic Spaceship Earth featured a future scene of an boy in America talking to a girl in Japan through video. At the time, the concept was still uncommon, but now the ability to talk with an international friend over video is as easy as picking up your phone!

2. Aero 2000—World of Motion (1982):
It’s fun to be free! The classic Epcot attraction World of Motion humorously showcased the history of human transportation through the years, from the wonders of “foot power” all the way to the not-too-distant future city. After riding the beloved attraction, guests could explore the Transcenter, an elaborate display showing off futuristic car designs, such as the Aero 2000. The sleek Aero 2000 was shiny, silver, and designed for minimal wind resistance, but it also featured an exciting array of special features: handle-less doors, voice commands, satellite display, a rear view camera… are these features sounding futuristic to you, or did you use one of those functions in your car today? Yes, World of Motion featured wacky scenes of an explorer coming face-to-face with a whimsical sea serpent, or an Audio-Animatronics® used-chariot salesman selling his wares to fellow Romans, but it also took the proposition of future transportation seriously, and gave us a peek into a very real future for us!

3. The PeopleMover — PeopleMover (1967)
Serenely travelling across the skies of Tomorrowland, the PeopleMover was Walt Disney’s idea for an intra-city transportation system. Within Tomorrowland at Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom, the PeopleMover has provided guests with a peek inside different attractions while safely and efficiently transporting them around the park using environmentally-friendly linear induction motors. This technology actually became functional transportation just as Walt predicted when, in 1981, WED Transportation Systems (a division of what is now Walt Disney Imagineering) created a version of the WEDway PeopleMover for the Houston Intercontinental Airport. This version of the technology is currently simply called The Subway, but it is currently in operation at the airport and making Walt’s dream of future transportation come true today!

4. Voice Activation—Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress (1993) and Communicore (1982)
Who can forget the current ending of Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, updated in 1993, where Father promises that his newfangled voice-activated oven will finally not burn the turkey, only for Father to accidentally give voice commands to turn the temperature up to 975 degrees! Epcot’s interactive Communicore pavilion (1982–1994) featured a less-silly example of voice command, with a friendly robot named SMRT-1 who could interact with talkative guests. Talking to a robot may still seemed far-fetched for us futuristic fellas, but in the palm of our hand is a device that already obeys our spoken commands. Many smartphones have a personal assistant software that is voice-activated and voice-controlled—our very own talking robots! And many companies offer a bigger home assistant, which can play music for you, set up timers and alarms, and so much more. There is even a voice-activated oven on the market today, so you can be like the family in Carousel of Progress! But if you play video games to kill time while your turkey is cooking, try not to yell out your score…

5. Space Station—Horizons (1983)
The space station Brava Centauri, with its zero-gravity exercise rooms, space wheel, and hologram screens, appeared as an out-of-this world fantasy to riders who explored the different future worlds of Horizons. While we may not have a full city floating in space today, the concept of a space station has still transformed from Disney magic to world reality. The International Space Station began construction in 1998 and is currently used internationally for research and has been occupied for 16 years since 2000. Prior to that, both Russia and the United States have built smaller, shorter-lived space stations to orbit the earth as well. We may not be harvesting space crystals up there like the citizens of Brava Centauri once did, but the fantastic future of humans living in space is now a fantastic reality!

6. Shower Sound Systems—House of the Future (1957)
Exploring the classic Monsanto House of the Future attraction in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland opened up guests to a wide world of technological marvels: plastic furniture! Flat screen TVs! Even a microwave oven! Back in 1957, these revelations seemed like truly futuristic propositions, but now they are everyday items in our home. But the House of the Future also predicted more fun futuristic technology, like a sound system for your shower! Today, you want to get your groove on while getting clean; you don’t need to live in a giant, white modular house in the middle of Tomorrowland. You can use anything from a full, in-shower sound system, to waterproof speakers, to speakerphone attachments so you can waltz while you wash.

7. Robot Helpers—Horizons (1983)
Horizons created a future world of new ideas—“If we can dream it, we can do it,” the attraction famously declared. Some ideas, like video chatting, were exciting and cutting-edge promises of a better future. In the “Looking Back at Tomorrow” sequence, the attraction also showcased yesterday’s visions of the future, including some ideas that were a bit on the… sillier side. Who could forget the overworked robot chef, trying his hardest to multitask in the kitchen, or the robot butler dusting and vacuuming in his fancy suit? Well, we did dream it, so guess what? It may not be able to sweep your floors, cook a full meal, and (accidentally) feed your cat all at once, like Horizons’ robot chef, but you can find a robotic kitchen that can make a mean meal in 30 minutes—proof that even the silliest dreams of the future can come true! And we may not have a humanoid robotic butler to clean our house like Horizons suggested, but nowadays you can get a robotic vacuum that roams your house freely and takes care of at least one chore for you! It’s amazing what kind of inventions can be conceived when someone puts their imagination to work.

Gear Up for the Brand-New Mickey and the Roadster Racers!

January 13, 2017

By Beth Deitchman

Mickey and his friends are racing into all-new adventures in Disney Junior’s new animated series, Mickey and the Roadster Racers, which features Disney details that fans of all ages are sure to appreciate. The series premieres this Sunday, January 15, in a special simulcast on Disney Junior and Disney Channel at 9 a.m. EST.

Executive producer Rob LaDuca and co-executive producer and supervising story editor Mark Seidenberg are lifelong Disney fans who can trace their own Disney roots back to Adventures of the Gummi Bears, the first-ever animated TV series from Disney Television Animation. D23 spoke with the pair about Mickey and the Roadster Racers, which takes the gang and their unique transforming cars on humorous high-spirited races around the globe and back home in Hot Dog Hills. LaDuca and Seidenberg led the creative team for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and for the new series they’ve created a bustling mini-metropolis for the gang. Hot Dog Hills boasts a racetrack, a busy downtown area, and a freeway system—the Big Ears Freeway—that’s a not-so-hidden Mickey when seen from above. “We started out by designing the garage, and then took a little bit from Toontown, took a little bit from classic Mickey shorts and kind of put it all together,” LaDuca says.

To create vehicles that are as unique as their drivers, the creative team looked at famed car collections, including those of legendary car “Kustomizer” George Barris, the man behind the original Batmobile, the Munster Koach, and KITT from the series Knight Rider; and legendary car collector (and comic) Jay Leno, who also voices the loquacious racing announcer, Billy Beagle, in the series. “We gave Mickey the classic hot rod, made from a Model T, like in Walt’s day,” LaDuca explains. Goofy’s car, not surprisingly, is an offbeat one in the form of a bathtub (with a working showerhead!); sailor Donald drives a boat on wheels; Daisy’s purple car coordinates perfectly with her style; and Minnie’s elegant car was inspired by a bow. “The design comes from a French car from the 1930s, the Delahaye,” LaDuca explains.

Like all the best racecars, the Fab Five (plus Pete) drive cars with significant numbers, some of which have a little Disney history behind them:

Mickey Mouse: No. 28
This is an easy one for Disney fans, who all remember that Mickey made his on-screen debut in Steamboat Willie on November 18, 1928.

Minnie Mouse: No. 89
Art Director Sy Thomas chose this number to represent that it’s been 89 years since we first met Minnie in Steamboat Willie, as well.

Donald Duck: No. 3
Donald may be one of the “Fab Five” but he’s also a proud member of the Three Caballeros.

Daisy Duck: No. 4
A number chosen for Daisy in honor of her four best friends, Minnnie, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy.

Goofy: No. 8
You’ve heard the phrase “crazy eights”—that’s kind of goofy, but Goofy drives the No. 8 roadster racer because he’s always behind the eight-ball.

Pete: No. 9
Mickey’s nemesis since Steamboat Willie, Pete keeps coming back around to try to best our hero, Mickey. The No. 9 represents the nine lives of a cat.

Legendary NASCAR drivers Jimmie Johnson, Danica Patrick, and Jeff Gordon have zoomed into the recording studio to lend their voices to new characters; and Tim Gunn—beloved by kids and families as the voice of Baileywick on Sofia the First and as the supportive mentor to aspiring designers on Project Runway—goes against character to play the curmudgeonly world-famous travel writer Robbie Roberts.

The characters may be racing around exotic locales like Paris and Hawai’i, but wherever Mickey and friends find themselves in Mickey and the Roadster Racers, the themes of sportsmanship, teamwork, loyalty, and friendship are always strong. “We really want to continue the heritage of Mickey being the most positive, optimistic character,” Seidenburg says. “He’s everybody’s best friend. Kids and their families really respond to that, and we can put him in any situation and Mickey’s going to find the solution—he’s going to find the rainbow under every cloud.”

Are You Celebrating National Hat Day with One of These Disney Hats?

January 12, 2017November 30, 2022

By Jocelyn Buhlman

January 15, 2017 is National Hat Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a Disney flair! There are so many hats to try on, but don’t worry, because D23 has picked out our favorites in honor of the special day!

Chewbacca Cap
If you want to show off your intergalactic swagger, this baseball cap featuring a fuzzy Chewbacca will show everyone that your fashion sense is out of this world!

Spidey Beanie
Hide your secret identity with the help of this beanie featuring everyone’s favorite webhead. Just remember that with great hats comes great responsibility!

Ewok Hood
If it’s a little cold out and you need to keep yourself warm and cuddly, say “Yub nub!” to this Ewok Hood that keeps your face warm and toasty while keeping you looking like everyone’s favorite fuzzy warrior aliens.

Sequin Mickey Baseball Cap
To subtly let the world know you have style, try on this white baseball cap for size. The sequined Mickey Mouse decal will show off your fashion sense and your love of the classics.

Pixar Baseball Cap
Sometimes you want to support your favorite sports team, but sometimes you want to support your favorite animation team instead! Let everyone see your Pixar pride with this baseball cap that shows off all your favorite characters!

Oswald Ears
If you’re a fan of classic fashion but like to let your unique style shine, put on this set of ears. Styled like everyone’s favorite Mickey Mouse ear hat, these Oswald ears will make sure you stand out from the crowd!

Monsters University Baseball Cap
When you want look so good that it’s scary, put on this hat for your favorite alma matter. No matter if your degree was in Scream Can Design or Scaring, everyone will be impressed that you graduated from Monstropolis’ best university.

Alice in Wonderland Ears
Are you late for a very important date? Then quick, put on these ears and get out the door and don’t forget to make a left at Tulgey Wood! No matter what your watch says, there’s always time for tea—especially when the Mad Hatter and March Hare are right there on your hat!

Pooh Bear Ears
Are you looking at this list, thinking “Oh, bother…” and wondering if you’ll ever find a hat for you? Do you have a rumbly in your tummy and need the perfect accessory before you go out to eat? Perhaps a pair of Pooh bear ears will express your true self! Just make sure to avoid any blustery days…

Classic Ear Hat
Celebrate National Hat Day like a member of the Mickey Mouse Club by rocking this pair of iconic ears! Whether you’re at a Disney theme park or watching your favorite films at home with friends, this hat is the perfect accessory for celebration!

9 Easy Ways to Have a Cozy Disney Day

January 12, 2017

By Nicole Nalty

While we’re all for exploring the great outdoors, during the chillier months it’s nice to stay snuggled up and enjoy a relaxing day indoors. Here are some tips to ensure that you have the ultimate cozy Disney day:

1. Find your coziest Disney sweater, socks, or pajamas.

2. Grab your pillow pet, favorite plush, or softest blanket.

3. Whip up an awesome entrée––like Steakhouse 55’s Eggs Benedict.

4. Get started on a movie marathon––maybe you’ll watch all of the Star Wars films, or every Disney Princess film, or every Toy Story film (don’t forget the tissues!).

5. Make yourself a cup of hot cocoa (or create your own hot chocolate bar!).

6. Snuggle up with a good book (or two…).

7. Binge watch favorite shows on the ABC app.

8. De-stress with a little coloring.

9. Treat yourself to a facial sugar scrub inspired by Wreck-It Ralph––so sweet!

Celebrate National Polka Dot Day with Minnie-Inspired Photography

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

New Descendants 2 Teaser Trailer Premieres on Oh My Disney

Star Wars Day at Sea Returns to Disney Cruise Line in 2018

Epcot International Festival of the Arts—Now through February 20!

Mobile Gaming Fun with Star Wars: Force Arena

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