Splash Around with 9 Spectacular Disney Resort Pools

July 26, 2016

By Courtney Potter

There is nothing better than a lazy summer day spent by the pool—soaking in some rays (safely covered in sunscreen, of course!)… splashing in the water… maybe even enjoying some tasty food or an icy beverage. And that extends to a Disney vacation! You’ll find some of the most spectacular pools ever created at Disney resorts (and onboard Disney Cruise Line) around the world, and they’re waiting for your arrival.

Sticking close to home this summer? No sweat! It almost doesn’t matter when you take your trip; you’ll want to visit these pools all year ’round. Wondering which ones we wish we were lounging by right this very minute? Read on for a rundown of D23’s favorite ways to have some fun in the summer sun!

Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
Sitting on a whopping three acres, Stormalong Bay is really a mini-water park, boasting almost 800,000 gallons! A sand-bottomed pool welcomes swimmers of all ages, while a lazy river and an elevated tanning deck invite true relaxation. Those of a more adventurous persuasion can fly down an amazing 230-foot-long waterslide that starts at the mast of a life-sized replica shipwreck. You’ll feel positively pirate-y when you’re through!

Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch Pool at Disneyland Paris
Guests can paddle around (or enjoy some real-deal length swimming) in between trips to Disneyland Paris Resort’s parks at this indoor pool. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the western-themed surroundings (based on Disney’s Davy Crockett 1950s TV miniseries) that include a wooden bridge and a slide. And don’t forget to check out the nearby Crockett-themed ropes course!

Uzima Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
This pool comes in at 11,000 square feet and is surrounded by beautiful Floridian palms and canopy trees. It boasts a very cool zero-depth entry point—similar to that of a natural beach (and much easier for little ones to enter the water)—along with a 67-foot-long waterslide, and a nearby lounge offers up delicious food and drinks. Perfect for relaxing after a long day out on the Animal Kingdom savanna…

The Dig Site at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
The Dig Site pool complex is particularly fabulous, as far as Disney pools go. Never been? Here’s why we love it: It boasts the largest hot tub on Walt Disney World Resort property; the centerpiece of the Lost City of Cibola pool is a gigantic pyramid; there’s a 123-foot-long waterslide that features a spitting jaguar “spirit animal”; and it’s got a white sand volleyball court, a kiddie pool, and an arcade. You could seriously spend the whole day there!

Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Befitting its tropical locale, this pool features an amazing “volcano,” a waterfall, and even a 142-foot-long waterslide. There’s food and drinks available at a lounge nearby—but if you want an ultra-cool way to acclimate to the indoors once your time at the pool is done, why not go for a Krakatoa Punch at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto?

King Triton Pool at Shanghai Disneyland Hotel
One of Disney Parks and Resorts’ newest watering holes, the King Triton Pool is inspired by Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Perhaps most notably, this pool is indoors—so you can enjoy a dip before heading to Shanghai Disneyland for the day, or before heading out to Disneytown for the night, even when it’s raining! Murals and mosaics around the pool area beautifully depict several characters from The Little Mermaid.

E-Ticket Pool at Disneyland Hotel
After a refurbishment in 2011, Disneyland Hotel’s pool complex now features two places to take a dip—including a pool themed after the park’s early days, with lots of decorative signs resembling the theme park “E-tickets” of the past. Bonus: For the adults in your group, take a post-pool trip over to the legendary Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar for some tasty tropical beverages.

Waikolohe Pool at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Sure, this 8,200-square-foot pool (named after the Hawaiian word for “mischievous water”) is near some world-class beaches… but it offers so many cool amenities, you just have to take a dip! Look for poolside parties featuring all your favorite Disney characters, as well as the “Volcanic Vertical” slide and interactive fun and games for kids, tweens, and teens.

AquaLab Pool on the Disney Magic (Disney Cruise Line)
Onboard the Disney Magic cruise ship, you’ll find the AquaLab—a pool devised by Huey, Dewey, and Louie (Donald Duck’s three mischievous nephews) that’s especially “ducky” for the little ones in your vacationing clan. Upon entering the Lab, you’ll be met with three sets of still-wet duck prints, indicating that the boys have stepped away… Who’s in charge now? Why, you of course! There are plenty of cool interactive elements, including leaky pipes, pouring paint cans, and “Donald’s Boiler”, where pushing buttons may cause Donald to blow his top, drenching everyone in his path!

5 Rare Photos Reveal Secrets from Walt Disney’s Alice in Wonderland

July 26, 2016July 26, 2016

By Steven Vagnini

Sixty-five years ago, on July 26, 1951, Walt Disney’s long-awaited animated fantasy Alice in Wonderland was unveiled to audiences with a premiere at the Leicester Square Theatre in London. A film adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic stories had been on Walt’s mind for nearly 20 years—after silent film star Mary Pickford (a United Artists founder) proposed a live-action version to him in 1933. Walt was hesitant about the idea, and Paramount quickly secured the film rights. Ultimately, production on an animated feature would kick-start after World War II, with three years of steady production requiring more than a half million separate drawings.

But—curiouser and curiouser—few realize that a live-action version of Alice in Wonderland (1951) was actually shot on camera. Described by writer Louis Berg as “a phantom picture which will never be released,” the film represented the live-action reference process, in which actors were filmed on a Disney Studio soundstage using pre-recorded dialogue tracks. The resulting footage profoundly helped guide and inspire animators who studied the actors’ movements—from broad, unusual poses to small nuances—in their effort to imbue a sense of believability among the animated cast of more than 30 whimsical Wonderland characters.

Berg was right: The “phantom picture” would never be released to the public. In fact, most of it was sadly destroyed. But thanks to the foresight of Studio photographers—as well as the preservation efforts of the Walt Disney Archives—Alice aficionados can still explore this legendary process through photo documentation. In honor of the 65th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland, D23 hopes you enjoy this exclusive gallery, revealing the live-action reference alongside final film frame.

What history lesson? Alice, played by Disney Legend Kathy Beaumont (who also provided the voice of the character), creates a crown of flowers while she should be paying attention to her history lesson. In the live-action shot, notice that the sister’s book presents no history lesson at all; it’s actually a copy of Alice in Wonderland!

One good turn deserves another… Alice attempts to peer through the Door Knob—who, incidentally, was the only major character created especially for the Disney version of Alice in Wonderland.

Would ya like to play hide-and-seek? After crawling through a log, Alice is about to meet two of the strangest characters she’ll encounter in Wonderland: Tweedledum and Tweedledee. (If you’re curious to know the difference between the two, Tweedledum has the lisp.)

Calloo, callay, come run away… The Walrus (from “The Walrus and the Carpenter” sequence) lures the Baby Oysters to their fate. Footage of the live-action filming was captured for the 1951 promotional film Operation Wonderland.

Do you play croquet? The Queen of Hearts prepares to take a swing during her croquet game. On the left, a mallet plays the part of the flamingo… but is that a ball of yarn representing the hedgehog?

Images courtesy of the Walt Disney Archives.

D23 Fab Five: Aimee Carrero’s Favorite Disney Princess Moments

July 26, 2016

As actress Aimee Carrero was growing up in Miami, Florida, Disney was a part of her life for as long as she can remember. “We’ve had Disney in the Carrero family for a very long time because my uncle is an Imagineer at the Orlando theme parks,” she explains, adding that Splash Mountain is a personal favorite attraction. “I think that when you’re a kid it’s absolutely terrifying, and when you’re an adult… it’s absolutely terrifying!” she laughs.

Carrero’s latest thrill comes from providing the voice to Disney’s newest princess, Elena of Avalor, on the series of the same name that debuted just last Friday on Disney Channel. Elena is Disney’s first princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore, and Carrero—the daughter of a Puerto Rican father and a Dominican mother—is honored to be part of Elena of Avalor. “I feel like we are really doing some great work and the stories are something that we’re just so proud of,” she says. Carrero sees her 16-year-old character as a role model for girls and boys—and maybe even grownups. “I think she’s definitely more courageous than I ever was as a teenager and probably ever will be as an adult.”

While Carrero (who also stars on Freeform’s Young & Hungry as Sofia) is making new Disney memories on Elena of Avalor, we asked her to share her “Fab 5” Disney princess moments. She had a hard time picking just five, but here’s what she had to say:

1. “Once Upon a Dream” (from Sleeping Beauty)
“That song… ” she enthuses. “The lyrics alone just may be my wedding vow. Even as a kid I found that so moving, that idea of recognizing your true match just because you recognized their soul. You might have never before met them, but you recognized who they are at the core. I think that’s such a beautiful, beautiful idea.”

2. The cake scene from Sleeping Beauty
“My second princess-related memory is also Sleeping Beauty-related—that’s my favorite movie. I love when Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather were trying to make [Aurora’s birthday] cake—that was so funny to me. I remember watching that scene over and over again, as the three fairies were trying to put the party together, because I found it so funny.”

3. Cinderella serving breakfast to Lady Tremaine (Cinderella)
“In Cinderella, there’s a scene where Cinderella drops off her stepmother’s breakfast. She opens the door slightly and the light from outside of the room just shines in Lady Tremaine’s eyes and she looks so imposing. I remember just thinking, ‘Wow—what a strong image. It tells a story and she doesn’t even have to open her mouth.’”

4. Mulan’s transformation (Mulan)
“I loved, in Mulan, that whole sequence of Mulan putting on the uniform and cutting her hair off. It was so emotional, and it really stuck with me. I was a little older when Mulan came out, but I thought that it was a beautiful moment.”

5. The “Gaston” sequence in Beauty and the Beast
“The scene in Beauty and the Beast where Gaston and LeFou are at the tavern, singing ‘Gaston,’ was one of the first examples of comedy that I really enjoyed. I remember watching that scene over and over again because I thought, ‘How silly they were!’”

5 Thingamabobs We Love About Ariel

July 25, 2016July 26, 2016

By Nicole Nalty

When The Little Mermaid splashed into theaters in 1989, we were all blown away by the amazing animation, mesmerizing music, and, of course, the unforgettable characters that have earned a permanent place in our hearts. There’s lots to admire about Ariel, but we’ve narrowed it down to five thingamabobs that make us flip our fins for the marvelous mermaid:

Ariel is curious about the world around her, and more importantly, the world above her! The little mermaid collects treasures from the land and seeks to learn more about their purpose above the surface—albeit from Scuttle, a somewhat unreliable source. From dinglehoppers to snarfblatts, Ariel is eager to learn everything she can about the human world.

Ariel’s curiosity wouldn’t lead to much without her adventurous spirit. From exploring the wonders under the sea, to swimming up to the surface, Ariel is never one to turn down a new adventure!

Saving Flounder from a shark, standing up to her father, rescuing Eric from drowning—Ariel’s bravery shines at any scale. Most importantly, all of her moments of bravery come out of love for her family and friends, which is something we can all relate to.

Like many of the Disney Princesses, Ariel is determined to make her dream come true. Sometimes her determination can get her into trouble—signing your voice away to a sea witch probably wasn’t the wisest choice—but ultimately, Ariel’s determination helps her reach her dreams.

Perhaps most importantly, Ariel is kind. She treats mermaids, mermen, and even the smallest sea creatures with respect and love, a universal trait we can all try to emulate.

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.