Guardians of the Galaxy to Breakout at Disney California Adventure

July 23, 2016July 27, 2016

By Jeffrey Epstein

Today at San Diego Comic-Con, Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, announced to a packed house of fans that the Guardians of the Galaxy are coming to Disney California Adventure park.

Beginning in summer 2017, the outrageous and irreverent gang will appear in Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!—a comically high-energy, rocking new adventure. Guests will be right in the mix with characters from the blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy films.

Deep inside his fortress-like collection, the mysterious Taneleer Tivan (aka The Collector) is displaying his newest acquisitions. “Now he has imprisoned the Guardians of the Galaxy and they’re hanging in display cases over a giant abyss,” reveals Joe Rohde, portfolio creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering. “The captor doesn’t know it but Rocket Raccoon has escaped and is enlisting our aid—all the guests—to help the Guardians in a breakout scheme. And the rest is comical chaos; a very funny, very irreverent story and a really wonderful addition to Disney California Adventure.”

Watch the video below to see Joe Rohde talk about Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

“It’s such a thrill to be working alongside a true visionary like Joe Rohde and the entire Walt Disney Imagineering team,” said Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada. “Like our stories and characters, projects led by Joe are the stuff of legend; so Marvel fans, rejoice! The universe couldn’t be in better hands! Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! is going to be an out-of-this-world experience, and what has me even more excited are Joe’s ‘secret’ plans for the future. We’re just getting warmed up.”

James Gunn, director of Guardians of the Galaxy and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, is equally excited. “My greatest memories in life are going to Disneyland,” he says. “So to be able to help create an attraction for Disneyland [Resort] with characters I brought to the big screen is a tremendous honor and just a lot of fun. And watching the Imagineers at work, and what they do and how they do it and how committed they are—it was a lot of fun to be able to do that.”

Michael Rooker, who plays the character Yondu in both films, can’t wait. “I’m definitely going to go ride it,” he says. “Right away, right away!”

The new attraction will anchor a broader universe of Super Heroes that will grow over time at Disney California Adventure park. This exciting new presence will transform the structure currently housing The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ into an epic new adventure, enhancing the breathtaking free fall sensation with all-new visual and audio effects to create a variety of ride experiences. (Fans of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror will want to experience the attraction from now until its final “drop day,” which will be celebrated in true Disney fashion in early January.) Guests will experience multiple random, unique ride profiles in which the rise and fall of the gantry lift will rock to the beat of music inspired by the film’s popular soundtrack.

Added Feige: “The incredibly talented Disney Imagineering team has found a way to harness the spirit which drove Guardians of the Galaxy’s success to create this immersive experience. With its debut timed to the release of the film’s sequel, we are eager to present the attraction to the millions who visit Disney California Adventure and place them in the center of the action as they join a mission alongside our audacious Guardians of the Galaxy team.”

For more information and updates on Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! visit the Disney Parks Blog.

The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc. and is used with permission pursuant to a license from CBS, Inc.

5 Fascinating Facts—Disney Legend Bill Sullivan

July 22, 2016July 22, 2016

By Steven Vagnini

As we near the 45th anniversary of “The Vacation Kingdom of the World”—Walt Disney World Resort—D23 pays tribute to one of its many celebrated founders: Disney Legend Bill “Sully” Sullivan. Here are five fascinating facts about Bill’s career at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts:

1. Tuning in to ABC on a Sunday afternoon changed Bill’s career—and life.
After studying architecture in the 1950s, Sully actually got his first job in the aircraft industry. But after tuning in to ABC’s live broadcast of Disneyland’s opening and dedication, he made a decision that would change his life forever. “The following Saturday, I went down and applied for a job [at the park],” he later recalled. “Monday I quit Northrop Aircraft, and Tuesday I reported to work as a ticket-taker at the Jungle Cruise.”

2. Being a “jungle bunny” helped kick-start Bill’s Disneyland career.
Having worked at the Jungle Cruise for nearly three years, Bill earned the title of “jungle bunny”—an unofficial name given to the attraction’s hosts in the ’50s. This experience gave him the opportunity to move around the park, rising through the ranks of park operations and supervising various attractions.

3. Bill helped pull off some of the most historic events in Disney history.
Bill soon earned a place on the opening team for the 1960 Winter Olympic Games in Squaw Valley, for which Walt Disney served as chairman of pageantry. A few years later, he became assistant manager for the groundbreaking Disney attractions at the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair and eventually helped execute several famous Disney film premieres—from Mary Poppins at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (1964) to The Happiest Millionaire at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre (1967).

4. Sully helped develop the world’s largest private construction project—twice.
Moving to Orlando in 1969, Sully spent several years assisting with the preparation and opening of Walt Disney World—the world’s largest private construction effort until the development of EPCOT Center a decade later. For Epcot, Sully coordinated operational design input and installation of owner-furnished equipment, and, after the park’s opening in 1982, served as director of park operations.

5. Sully’s contributions earned him two tributes on Main Street, U.S.A.
Two windows on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park pay tribute to Sully’s contributions: one lists him as a charter member of the “Windermere Fraternal Hall,” while another identifies him as Chief Guide of “Sully’s Safaris & Guide Service” (a reference to his first role at Disneyland.) Bill actually served as Vice President of the Magic Kingdom from 1987 until 1993, during which he oversaw the openings of experiences from Delta Dreamflight and Magic Journeys to Mickey’s Birthdayland and Splash Mountain. In 1993, Bill retired after 38 years with Disney, and he would be named a Disney Legend in 2005.

Find These 9 Disney Details Down in New Orleans Square

July 21, 2016March 17, 2017

By D23 Team

On July 24, 1966, Walt Disney opened the first major new land to Disneyland since its debut in 1955. Since then, New Orleans Square has become home to fan-favorite attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, delicious eats (Mickey beignets and a mint julep, anyone?), and an amazing atmosphere, from the Jambalaya Jazz band to the wonderful waterfront views.

Here at D23, we’re always looking for those special Disney details – the little nooks and crannies that add an extra touch of pixie dust to the already immersive experience that is visiting a Disney theme park. In celebration of New Orleans Square’s 50^th anniversary, read on for favorite Disney details from this magical corner of Disneyland.

There’s so much to see on the streets of New Orleans Square, but don’t forget to look up! You’ll see the Louisiana State flag flying over Royal Street.

If you ever get lost in the charming boutiques and quiet spaces of New Orleans, just look to this street sign! New Orleans Square is one of few places in a Disney theme park where streets are named. New Orleans Square is (appropriately) comprised of four streets: Royal Street, Orleans Street, Front Street, and Esplanade Street.

Even fewer than street names in New Orleans Square are street addresses! 21 Royal Street is one of just a few street addresses in the land, including, of course…

The famous 33 Royal Street (pictured left)! Previously home to the member-exclusive Club 33, a private restaurant inspired by the private suites and lounges Walt Disney visited during the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, the green door has been shrouded in mystery for many years. After an expansion in 2014, the club’s entrance has moved to 33 Orleans Street (pictured right). Dining at Club 33 is on many Disney fans’ bucket lists – check out our D23 Member-exclusive tour from 2012 HERE.

Another elusive area of New Orleans Square, tucked away above Pirates of the Caribbean, is the Disneyland Dream Suite. Originally intended to be a private apartment for Walt and Roy Disney and their families, the Disneyland Dream Suite was completed in 2008. The suite is absolutely stunning and chock-full of Disney details. But, for those just passing by, you’ll be able to see one of these fun details from outside! Take a close look at the railing on the suite’s balcony—you’ll see the initials “WD” and “RD” (for Walt Disney and Roy Disney, respectively) hidden in the wrought-iron. D23 Members were able to explore the Disneyland Dream Suite during an exclusive event in 2012 – click HERE to see images from inside the secluded suite.

This mysterious “1764” can be found along the walkway facing Rivers of America. The bricked up hole and engraved “1764″ have always kept guests wondering about the story behind it. It was built during a refurbishment to prepare the riverfront for viewing of the nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic! There have been many theories about its meaning, but it’s merely an atmospheric design saluting the heritage of New Orleans. The French ceded New Orleans to the Spanish in 1763 in the Treaty of Paris, with the Spanish taking over in 1764. The Spanish influence over the next 35 years redefined the look of New Orleans, introducing the Spanish-inspired archways, ornate balconies, grand public buildings and the now-familiar courtyards—all elements associated with the French Quarter. Also in 1764, the first four Acadian families (Canadians expelled from Canada who became known as “Cajuns”) arrived in New Orleans, beginning a major influence on the distinctive language and culture of the city.

After riding the legendary Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, have you ever taken a close look at the Pieces of Eight shop window on the right while exiting to Royal Street? If you have, you may have noticed an eerily adorable voodoo doll that looks just like a certain pirate Captain we all know and love. Fans may recognize it as Captain Jack Sparrow styled with the face paint he wore when escaping the natives in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006). Maybe the voodoo doll is their way of getting back at Captain Jack.

Speaking of Pieces of Eight, this pirate shop is definitely worth an extensive visit. It is filled with fun knick knacks and wonderful theming that really make you feel the phrase, “a pirate’s life for me.” While “hanging” around Pieces of Eight, you might look up above the cash register and notice this classic chandelier with a white pirate monkey offering you some of his treasure. We love that there’s a striking resemblance to a certain monkey they call Jack from the Pirates of the Caribbean films.

New Orleans is a port city, and one of the thematic elements that helps tell that story at New Orleans Square are the intriguing sailing ship masts peeking out above the rooftops. Seeing those masts gives the feeling that there might be more to explore and draws you deeper into the area. However, this Disney detail was not always part of the New Orleans Square roofline. One of the defining concept renderings for New Orleans Square by Imagineering artist Herbert Ryman showed the masts of a tall sailing ship framed by the rooftops, appearing as if a tall ship was just entering the Port of New Orleans. In the 1990s, Imagineers added masts to the roofline of New Orleans Square, making the skyline appear just as Ryman had envisioned it years before.

5 Photos to Celebrate 50 Years of New Orleans Square

July 21, 2016July 21, 2016

By Steven Vagnini

After 11 years in the worlds of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy, Walt Disney decided to add a different kind of magic to Disneyland. On July 24, 1966, Walt Disney opened his newest land, New Orleans Square. “Disneyland has always had a big river and a Mississippi sternwheeler,” Walt Disney said in Disneyland Around the Seasons (1966), one of his last televised appearances. “It seemed appropriate to create a new attraction at the bend of the river. And so Disneyland’s New Orleans Square came into being: a New Orleans of a century ago when she was the ‘Gay Paree’ of the American frontier.”

In celebration of New Orleans Square’s 50th anniversary, take a look at some photos from the land’s opening day.

“It was a gala day when we officially opened New Orleans Square,” Walt said. “We had a real jubilee, Southern style.” Here, Walt delivers a speech during the official dedication ceremonies on July 24, 1966.

“Our special guest was the mayor of the first New Orleans—Louisiana, that is,” Walt said, referring to Mayor Victor H. Schiro (pictured at the microphone). “After the usual dedication speeches, we presented his honor with a key to Disneyland’s New Orleans.” Also taking part in the historic day was 1966 Disneyland Ambassador Connie Swanson Lane (pictured to the Mayor’s left).

Walt and Mayor Schiro sample fragrances from Mlle. Antoinette’s Parfumerie.

“Flower marts—a tradition of New Orleans—add color to the streets and courtyards,” Walt said of New Orleans Square. Here, he points out details from the new area to Mayor Schiro. (A keen eye will spot Disneyland marketing director—and future Disneyland president—Jack Lindquist, fourth from left).

This aerial shot shows the park’s expansion in the 1960s—including the massive show building for Pirates of the Caribbean in the bottom-right corner (adjacent to Adventureland’s Jungle Cruise).

7 Things to Know Before You Watch Elena of Avalor

July 21, 2016July 21, 2016

By Beth Deitchman

The reign of a brand-new princess kicks off tomorrow night on Disney Channel and Disney Junior with the premiere of Elena of Avalor at 7 p.m. ET/PT. The new series follows the story of Elena, a brave and adventurous 16-year-old who is ruling her kingdom as its crown princess—advised by a Grand Council made up of trusted friends and relatives—until she’s old enough to be queen. Avalor is a pretty magical place—and we mean that both literally and figuratively—but we think you’ll find that the kingdom is in good hands with this confident and compassionate princess on the throne. Each episode of Elena of Avalor incorporates Latin and Hispanic cultures and traditions, and these influences can be seen in Avalor’s architecture, music, and food. Before you tune in Friday night, here are just a few things to know about this spectacular new kingdom and its leader.

1. Elena’s story is universal.

Elena is a young princess who was trapped for 41 years by an evil sorceress—inside a magical amulet—while her grandparents and sister were protected within a magical painting. Now that she’s free, Elena must now learn to rule as crown princess. The lesson Elena is learning is universal—despite her royal status and a backstory that’s anything but universal!— creator and executive producer Craig Gerber says. “How do you learn to be a good leader while learning how to be a good sister and a good granddaughter and a good friend?”

2. Elena is a true leader.

“Elena is the type of princess who’s going to save her own kingdom—she’s not going to order anyone to do it for her,” Gerber stresses. But at 16, Elena is still figuring out who she is while she’s figuring out how to lead. Friends and family always come first for Elena, but over the course of the series, she will sometimes struggle with balancing the needs of her loved ones while also considering what’s best for Avalor.

3. The port city of Avalor is influenced by diverse Latin cultures and folklore.

The Mesoamerican pyramids of Teotihuacan inspired Avalor’s Mooncliff Mountain and Suncliff Temple, and the wrought iron and tile found in Elena’s palace evokes Caribbean, Spanish colonial, and Mexican architecture. Avalor even has its own detailed history, including its own Mesoamerican-influenced ancient civilization, “Maru.”

4. The music you’ll hear in Elena of Avalor also reflects a wide range of diverse Latin styles.

Mariachi, Latin Pop, Salsa, Banda, and Chilean Hip Hop are just a few of the musical styles you’ll hear over the course of the season. Emmy^® winner John Kavanaugh, the series’ songwriter/music director, says, “We always want the songs to be integral to the storytelling. The song starts at a certain place, and by the time it finishes we want the story to be further along. So we’ve learned something, the character has learned something, and hopefully the audience has been entertained in the meantime!” Each episode features at least one new original song, and Latin Grammy^® winner Gaby Moreno performs the series’ theme song.

5. Inspiration for many of Elena’s adventures can be found in the mythology and folklore of Latin and Hispanic cultures around the world.

Elena has a spirit guide named Zuzo, which is based on the Mayan belief that every person has an animal double in the animal world. In the premiere episode, viewers will meet Noblins—shapeshifting creatures based on a Chilean peuchen myth. “As I began developing Elena, I started reading all the myths and folklore I could find from all these different regions—from Mayan creation myths to Chilean folklore,” Gerber explains. “We researched all these different cultures and all these different places, and read up on the history and tried to create a magical place that felt very authentic but was also unique.”

Elena's sister Isabel — Elena’s sister Isabel

6. Disney fans are going to love Elena, but they’ll find a world full of characters they’ll surely embrace.

Story editor Silvia Cardenas Olivas admits that she enjoys writing Elena’s grandparents—Francisco and Luisa—because they remind her of her own family. “I really wanted Elena’s grandparents to be just as feisty and funny and full of life as my grandparents were. I always knew they were speaking from wisdom and experience and so I always listened,” she says warmly. That, Olivas explains, is in part why Elena values her grandparents’ opinion so much that she puts them on her Grand Council. Elena’s sister, Isabel, is a budding inventor; best friend Mateo is a wizard-in-training; and new friend Naomi provides the perspective of the “non-royal”—she’s anything but average!—Avalorian. Gerber also suspects that Elena’s scheming older cousin, Esteban, will be a fan-favorite. “He’s on Elena’s Grand Council and he thinks he knows better than anyone and isn’t afraid to let anyone know it,” Gerber observes.

7. Elena has style!

The breathtaking ball gown that Elena wears in the series—and which is also inspiring the gown Elena will wear at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and at Disney California Adventure in the coming months—was designed by Project Runway All Stars designer Layana Aguilar. Aguilar turned to a memory of her own grandmother’s embroidery as she conceived a design for Elena. “The feeling to it is very Peruvian, Inca-like,” Aguilar says. “When they first showed me Princess Elena and I read a little bit about that story, it took me back to that memory.”

Tune in Friday night for this special television event—which includes sneak peeks at upcoming Disney films Pete’s Dragon, Beauty and the Beast, and the short-form animated series LEGO Frozen Northern Lights. Elena of Avalor airs immediately following Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen (beginning at 5:15 p.m.) at 7 p.m. ET.

Remembering Garry Marshall

July 20, 2016

By Beth Deitchman

Today movie and TV fans are mourning the loss of iconic director, writer, and producer Garry Marshall, whose credits for Disney include Pretty Woman, The Princess Diaries, and Beaches. Marshall passed away yesterday, July 19, in Burbank, California, at the age of 81.

“Garry Marshall was an original, with an incredible knack for finding and telling stories that resonate in the moment and also stand the test of time. He was also a beloved part of the family at ABC and Disney, creating an incredible string of iconic hits from Happy Days to Princess Diaries,” Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger said today. “We consider it a great personal privilege to have known him and will miss his great talent and wonderful humor.”

Before he became a household name in film, Marshall created such iconic ABC series as Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, and Mork & Mindy, for which he earned an Emmy® Award in 1979.

Fans also enjoyed seeing Marshall appear on screens both big and small. His effusive personality shone through in roles in Hocus Pocus (where he portrayed the Devil, husband to The Master’s Wife, who was played by Marshall’s real-life sister, actress and director Penny Marshall), as a tour guide in Pretty Woman, as the Traffic MP in Renaissance Man, in Race to Witch Mountain as Dr. Donald Harlan, as the voice of Buck Cluck in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Chicken Little, and even on Disney Channel in an episode of Liv and Maddie.

Garry Marshall and Julia Roberts on the set of *Pretty Woman*

In 1997, Marshall founded the Falcon Theatre in Burbank, California. The 130-seat venue presents a full season of plays annually, mainly comedies, and in 2006 featured Happy Days: A Family Musical!, based upon his classic 1970s TV show.

Marshall is survived by Barbara, his wife of 53 years, sisters Penny and Ronny Hallin (a noted casting director), and his children, Lori, Kathleen, and Scott, along with six grandchildren.

Members of Marshall’s family were frequently involved in his productions, both behind the scenes and as members of the cast. “I made nepotism an art form, so I get to work with a lot of relatives and they’re part of it,” Marshall once said.

A simple tribute to Marshall sits on the grounds of The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California. “The Garry Marshall Bench” was dedicated to the filmmaker after the release of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement in 2004.

Anne Hathaway, Garry Marshall, and Julie Andrews on the set of *The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement*

Marshall’s other films for Disney include The Other Sister and Raising Helen.

“There is more to life than show business,” Marshall is quoted as saying. But at D23, we’re appreciative that he spent so many years creating movies and TV shows that will remain forever in our memories and in the Disney canon.

Star Wars Celebration Europe Went Rogue—Plus More in News Briefs

July 20, 2016July 20, 2016

By Courtney Potter

Star Wars Celebration Europe Teases Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Just this past weekend, Star Wars fans from literally all over the globe descended upon London for several days of fantastic, force-full fun… and thankfully, for those of us who were unable to attend in person, the Internet is now chock-full of brand-new Star Wars-related goodies. Exciting announcements included the casting of actor Alden Ehrenreich as young Han Solo in Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s upcoming Star Wars spinoff, as well as an illuminating panel with Episode VIII director Rian Johnson. But perhaps most notably, Star Wars Celebration Europe presented us with our first in-depth look at Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the latest Star Wars film—set shortly before the events of Episode IV: A New Hope—coming to theaters this winter. First off, there’s the film’s brand-new teaser poster, above. There’s just so much to take in from the image… the palm trees; the Stormtroopers walking through knee-deep water; the cool new droid on the far left; the massive Death Star in the background… what does it all mean? We cannot wait to find out!

While it may not answer all those burning questions, there’s also a new “Celebration Reel” featurette (above), which takes an amazing behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. You’ll hear from director Gareth Edwards, as well as star Felicity Jones and perennial Star Wars favorite Warwick Davis. Looks like they’re taking a page from Star Wars: The Force Awakens with all kinds of practical (i.e. non-“green screen”) effects…

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story—also featuring Diego Luna, Forest Whitaker, and Alan Tudyk—takes your local cineplex by storm on December 16.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
August 20
The Reluctant Dragon 75th Anniversary on the Lot
August 22
D23 Presents Aloha Aulani!
October 5
D23’s Sip & Scream
October 5
D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience: A Midnight Soirée at the Tower of Terror
November 19–20
D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures
July 14-16, 2017
D23 Expo 2017
Studios
August 12, 2016
Pete’s Dragon opens in theaters
September 23, 2016
Queen of Katwe opens in theaters
November 4, 2016
Moana opens in theaters
November 23, 2016
Doctor Strange opens in theaters
December 16, 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opens in theaters

Parks
September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30; October 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort
November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29; December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World Resort
September 2–October 29 (Friday and Saturday Nights, plus October 31)
Club Villain, special ticketed event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
September 14–November 14, 2016
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Television
July 22
Elena of Avalor premieres on Disney Channel at 7 p.m. ET/PT

New Trailer for Star Wars Rebels Season Three

You didn’t think the news out of Star Wars Celebration Europe would stop with nifty Rogue One fun, did you? Au contraire! A brand-new trailer for Season Three of Disney XD’s Star Wars Rebels also debuted, and with it came some really big hints of what’s to come!

The new season will introduce characters Grand Admiral Thrawn—a fan-favorite from Star Wars Legends, voiced by House of Cards co-star Lars Mikkelsen—and Bendu, an ancient and powerful new character voiced by classic Doctor Who actor Tom Baker. Additionally, the trailer also signals a much larger leadership role for the series’ rebel firebrand, Sabine Wren (voiced by Tiya Sircar), whose Mandalorian roots will also be further explored.

Look for Star Wars Rebels Season Three this fall on Disney XD.

Elena of Avalor Adds More Disney Dazzle to Friday’s Premiere!

As if this Friday’s premiere of Disney Channel’s latest animated series, Elena of Avalor, wasn’t enough, they’ve gone and added a heapin’ spoonful of special Disney previews to the mix!

Two consecutive episodes will debut, simultaneously on both Disney Channel and Disney Junior, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. EDT—with limited interruption. Additionally, the night’s special content will include a first look at the upcoming animated short-form series LEGO Frozen Northern Lights; an exclusive scene from Disney’s Pete’s Dragon (opening in theaters August 12); and the TV premiere of the live-action Beauty and the Beast teaser trailer. Yowza! Truly an embarrassment of riches…

Set in the enchanted fairytale land of Avalor, Elena of Avalor tells the story of a brave and adventurous teenager who has saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress—and must now learn to rule as crown princess until she’s old enough to be queen. Elena’s journey will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience, and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders.

Dining Gets Muppet-y at Disney’s Hollywood Studios This Fall

The Muppets Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios gets a makeover this fall as PizzeRizzo—a new casual Italian-American dining experience—opens in the former Toy Story Pizza Planet location. Owned by Rizzo The Rat—the wisecracking Muppet and best friend to Gonzo the Great, last seen as a writer on ABC’s The Muppets)—PizzeRizzo will allow guests to grab a cold drink and a slice o’ pepperoni while reveling in some Rizzo family history.

The good folks at Walt Disney Imagineering have added all kinds of hints of Mr. The Rat, his extended family, and his friends throughout the two-story establishment; in addition to indoor and outdoor seating areas, there’s also a “cheesy” banquet room and a special booth designated just for Rizzo’s VIP pals.

Hungry for more details and a grand-opening date? Stay tuned…

First Look at Disney’s Descendants 2

We first met the offspring of favorite Disney villains in last year’s Descendants, featuring Sofia Carson (Adventures in Babysitting) and directed and choreographed by Kenny Ortega (Hocus Pocus). Luckily, the Disney Channel movie proved so popular, we’re getting another installment! And judging by the new teaser trailer, above, things are about to get a little fishy…

Here’s what we know about Descendants 2, so far: The children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Cruella de Vil, and Jafar will meet their most powerful adversary yet… who just happens to be the daughter of The Little Mermaid’s fabulously evil Ursula. The film is set to go into production later this year, for a 2017 Disney Channel premiere.

Zelda Williams to Narrate Freeform’s The Letter

Robin Williams’ daughter, actress Zelda Williams, is currently starring on Freeform’s Dead of Summer—but she’s already got another Freeform series up her sleeve! Zelda will be the voice behind The Letter, a one-hour unscripted relationship show that focuses on friends challenging each other to better themselves through anonymous letters written to each other; she’ll also serve as a producer on the series.

In each stand-alone episode of The Letter, four friends for life draw names and anonymously write to the selected person a thoughtful, yet totally honest letter outlining their opinion of what needs to be changed in order to improve and transform their friend’s life for the better. For one week, each “reader” must follow all the rules and instructions outlined in the letter—culminating in a dramatic (and emotionally charged) meeting where the authors of each letter reveal themselves to their best friends. Look for The Letter later this year on Freeform.

Disneyland Resort’s Halloween Time Kicks Off September 9

Sure, we’re still in the throws of summer… but we’ve got exciting Halloween-related news that we can’t wait to share. Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort—when Mickey Mouse and pals create spooky fun throughout the park—is kicking off on September 9, bringing with it a full 17 nights of Mickey’s Halloween Party plus the return of seasonal faves like Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday!

Mickey’s Halloween Party is a separately ticketed event that features fantastic trick-or-treating (yes, you can come in costume!), spectacular “Halloween Scream” fireworks, and—new this year—the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow (from Disney’s animated The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad), who will make a ghostly ride through the heart of Disneyland Park each night of the party.

To see what nights Mickey’s Halloween Party comes to life—and for more info on tickets—visit the event’s page on Disneyland.com.

Zootopia Gets Emoji-fied

Our friends at Disney Interactive have released the next installment in their super-cute As Told By Emoji series and this one is especially “zoo-riffic”! Zootopia As Told By Emoji launched on Sunday, July 17—which just happens to have been World Emoji Day—as part of an As Told By Emoji marathon airing on Disney Channel. See emoji-fied versions of Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and “every bunny else” as they re-tell the story of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ blockbuster film, now available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital.

Dressing Disney: 7 Shanghai Disneyland Costumes

July 20, 2016July 18, 2016

By Nicole Nalty

One of our favorite things about visiting a Disney theme park is how immersed we feel in each land. Disneyland’s Frontierland takes us back to the Wild West, but just a few feet away, you’re in the wilds of the jungle in Adventureland! Themed horticulture, area music, and décor deeper develop the story behind each land—not to mention the cast members and their costumes! These Disney details make all the difference in bringing different lands to life.

We’ve shared some of our favorite Disney details from Shanghai Disneyland, but after our recent visit, we thought we’d share some of these awesome new costumes with you.

Toy Story Hotel
Step on in to Sunnyside Market for a closer look at these cute costumes. It’d be hard to forget that you’ve got a friend in Buzz and Woody when the dynamic duo is embroidered on your outfit!

Whistle Stop Shop
We would be remiss if we didn’t include Whistle Stop Shop in this roundup, (see the not-so-hidden 23?) but we love the look and feel of these Main Street-esque costumes. And, Mickey (and Duffy!) ears are always the perfect accessory to any outfit.

Disneyland Hotel
Checking in at the Disneyland Hotel? The cast’s formal costumes and the stunning lobby will make you feel like royalty.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Sunken Treasure
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me! You might be inclined to jump ship and join the scallywag side with this themed garb.

Minnie’s Confectionary
Minnie’s Confectionary costumes are almost as sweet as the treats inside!

TRON—Power Supplies Shop
These Shanghai Disneyland cast members are ready to go off the grid in their futuristic gear.

Mickey and Minnie
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DuckTales News That Makes You Say “Woo-oo!”

July 20, 2016July 20, 2016

By Beth Deitchman

We’ve got our eyes on San Diego, California, this week as we eagerly await the start to Comic-Con International: San Diego 2016. But this morning, our hearts and minds are firmly rooted in Duckburg! Feast your eyes on this quackingly awesome new teaser art from Disney Television Animation’s upcoming DuckTales series.

Scrooge McDuck, grandnephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and Donald Duck will, of course, star in the new series, which will be executive-produced by Annie Award nominee Matt Youngberg (Ben 10: Omniverse). Rounding out the creative team are story editor and co-producer Francisco Angones (Disney XD’s Emmy®-nominated Wander Over Yonder) and art director Sean Jimenez (Disney XD’s Annie Award-winning Gravity Falls).

The image was created by the production’s art team, led by Youngberg and Jimenez, and will appear on the back of DuckTales Cinestory Volume 1 comic—a collectible edition featuring a retelling of the first five episodes of the original DuckTales television show. The comic is being released first at Comic-Con today, July 20, and it becomes available in comic book stores nationwide beginning Tuesday, September 27.

DuckTales is set to debut on Disney XD in 2017. We’re hoping the time passes in a duck-blur. Woo-oo, indeed!

Hushpuppies from New Orleans Square

July 20, 2016July 14, 2016

Enjoy this recipe for Hushpuppies from Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square at Disneyland. They’re so delicious, you’ll savor these crispy little bites in exquisite silence.

Makes 2 1/2 dozen

1 cup flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon finely diced shallot
1 heaping tablespoon cooked and finely chopped bacon
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley
3 heaping tablespoons white sweet corn
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
4 cups corn oil or shortening

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except the egg, milk, and oil.
In a separate bowl, mix together egg and milk. Heat the oil.
Add the dry ingredients to the egg-and-milk mixture. Do not let the batter sit longer than 15 minutes.
Use two teaspoons and carefully spoon a ball about the size of a large olive into the hot oil. Fry 3 to 4 minutes.

This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. All recipes are the property of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., and may not be reproduced without express permission.

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