Are You Ready to Be Shocked by ABC’s Season Finales?

May 3, 2016May 3, 2016

By D23 Team

The end of the TV season is always so bittersweet. It means saying goodbye to our favorite series and characters for the entire summer—but it also means some of the most memorable and eagerly awaited episodes! As the season comes to a close, here’s what we’re most excited about. Looks like we’re going to spend most of May literally glued to the edge of our seats!

Once Upon A Time: The story returns to Storybrooke as Emma, David, Regina, Robin and Henry finally reunite with Snow, but as we’ve learned, happily ever after isn’t that easy. Our heroes must figure out a way to stop Hades, who uses Zelena to make sure his plan to take over the town—using the all-powerful Olympian Crystal—doesn’t burn out. Hook heads to the Underworld to look for those mysterious missing storybook pages, while Regina and Robin take a more direct approach to stop the God of the Underworld (not the devil, mind you!), a risk that will leave our heroes forever changed…Watch as the story continues in the final few episodes leading into the epic season finale May 15.

Scandal: Lives are on the line as running mates are chosen and secrets are revealed on the season finale of Scandal. As the presidential candidates get ready to announce their running mates, Olivia finds herself in a potentially dire situation. Meanwhile, Cyrus is presented with damaging information that could alter the presidential race entirely. Who will Mellie, Hollis, Susan, Francisco, and Edison choose and what is the fate of America’s favorite gladiators? Find out May 12!

Quantico: It’s a culmination in the freshman season finale of Quantico on Sunday, May 15, at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. In the series’ most recent episode, Alex discovered that Drew is the Voice who has been playing her all along, even causing her to doubt Ryan—further complicating their romance by pulling her deeper into the terrorist’s scheme. Is Drew acting alone? And how much more is at risk? In the finale, the NATS get ready to graduate and head out into the real world. But has their time at Quantico prepared them for what they’ll face in their future?

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: The last few episodes have been leading up to a life-altering showdown—are you ready? Daisy (Chloe Bennet) has recently been having alarming visions of the future, and despite everyone’s best attempts—especially Coulson’s (Clark Gregg)—they’ve come to pass. Now, with Hive’s master plan finally revealed, the entire team is forced to spring into action… Only trouble is, as Daisy has seen, one member of the team might not make it out alive. (This possibility was recently teased with a special Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. comic book cover, paying homage to a classic Amazing Spider-Man storyline.) Who will be the #FallenAgent? Find out during a special two-hour season finale event on May 17.

Grey’s Anatomy: As the 12th season of Grey’s Anatomy draws to a close, friendships, relationships and marriages are on the line. April and Jackson have navigated a divorce, an unexpected pregnancy, and a crisis involving their unborn baby’s well-being and have made it to the other side as friends—but how will this newly established partnership fare as they journey ever closer to the ultimate partnership—parenthood? Meanwhile, following a devastating surgical crisis, Ben has infuriated Miranda—his chief of surgery as well as his wife—by returning to anesthesiology while he awaits the end of his suspension from practicing surgery. The tension between them at the hospital is taking a toll at home as well. And tensions between Callie and Arizona are hitting new heights as Arizona fights to stop Callie from taking their daughter, Sophia, with her when she moves to New York to follow her new love, Penny. Will Callie and Arizona ultimately find a way to agree on what’s best for Sophia? Find out in the season finale of Grey’s Anatomy, airing Thursday, May 19, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT.

Nashville: This season, the Music City finale culminates in perilous excitement as Rayna resorts to drastic measures when she learns that Maddie has crossed paths with a duplicitous figure from her past. Juliette must choose how to publicly reckon with the truth of Jeff Fordham’s death—a decision that directly affects Layla. Scarlett and Gunnar consider parting ways as bandmates, and Will finally decides to do what he should have done long ago—step up as the leader of a cause and a community. As fans have learned this season, “Moving On Never Felt So Good.” Tune in on May 25 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT.

Team Cap and Team Iron Man Draw Their Battle Lines

May 3, 2016May 3, 2016

The battle lines have been drawn, and this Friday, May 6, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes choose a side: Team Cap or Team Iron Man. It’s a grudge match for the ages as the Avengers wrestle with whether to submit to government oversight or go it alone. Captain America’s team sees danger in the government’s meddling, whereas Iron Man’s team is more agreeable to it. Avenger against Avenger. Friend against friend. Everyone has his or her reasons. Here’s a team roster to help you choose which side you’re on.

TEAM CAP

Captain America (Chris Evans): Perhaps the most loyal and patriotic of all the Avengers, Steve Rogers/Captain America is torn when his friend, Bucky Barnes, is hunted down by the United States government for heinous crimes that he may or may not have committed. Steve believes the best in people, especially Bucky, and he’s not going down without a fight.

Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan): As the Winter Soldier, Bucky did bad things. Real bad. But can he be held responsible for crimes committed while his mind was under the control of someone else? After decades as a brainwashed assassin, reclaiming his life is his No. 1 priority.

Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner): Last we saw Hawkeye, he retired to a wife, kids and a little house in the country. Ah, the good life! But he can’t stay out of this fight—his friends are about to go to war, and he must choose a side. He chooses Cap, even though his longtime friend Black Widow goes with Iron Man.

Falcon (Anthony Mackie): As one of the newest Avengers, Sam Wilson’s Falcon is loyal to Steve Rogers, having fought beside him in the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Being loyal to Bucky, though, might be another story altogether. Sam believes that Captain America has the best intentions, but he wants to make sure that Cap’s brotherly concern for Bucky isn’t clouding his decisions.

Scarlett Witch (Elizabeth Olsen): After the carnage of Avengers: Age of Ultron, Wanda is troubled by the blame that is falling on the heads of the Avengers. She’s even more troubled, though, by the collateral damage her emerging powers are having on innocent victims. But when an accident puts her in the crosshairs of the global superhero restrictions being championed by Iron Man, she joins Team Cap. What other options does she have?

Ant Man (Paul Rudd): Scott Lang is like a kid at Disneyland—meeting his favorite super-heroes is the coolest thing ever. He’s almost giddy at the idea of joining their team. But remember: He’s an outlaw at heart, so accepting government control is not his first instinct. He joins Captain America (his hero!) because he thinks it’s cool—he has no idea, though, how far this decision will ultimately push him, or his super abilities.

TEAM IRON MAN

Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr): As the founding member of the Avengers, Tony Stark has seen perhaps more damage and injury to innocent bystanders than most. His involvement and disillusionment with the weapons industry already affected his moral compass, but the battles of New York and Ultron—a villain he unwittingly unleashed on the world—have left him reeling with guilt. Something has to be done, and partnering with the governments of the world seems, to Tony, to be the best course of action.

Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson): It’s never good to be on the opposing side of the Black Widow. Raised as an assassin, then used by the KGB, Natasha Romanoff has definite trust issues, which is why joining Iron Man’s cause is such a struggle for her. It’s not all cut-and-dry for her, though, especially since it pits her against two people she loves and trusts deeply—Captain America and Hawkeye.

War Machine (Don Cheadle): “Rhodey” Rhodes isn’t just another team-member; he’s the oldest and best friend of Tony Stark. He’s also an officer in the Air Force, so “going rogue” against the government is just not in his makeup. But following Tony into this battle may be more than he bargained for. Rhodey is in this battle for the cause; he’s afraid Tony, though, may have more personal motivations.

Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman): T’challa is the Prince of Wakanda, and he’s out for revenge against the Winter Soldier. As the Black Panther, he’s fearsome, lethal and relentless in his quest to deliver vengeance on the person who committed a terrible crime against his family. He blames Bucky, which puts him at odds with Team Cap. This doesn’t necessarily make him loyal to the cause of Team Iron Man, but you know what they say, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” At least for now.

Vision (Paul Bettany): The Vision isn’t encumbered with revenge and emotion the same way the others are. He considers all the options and his logical synthesized mind decides that Tony is right—the best way to prevent out-of-control super-heroes is to make them answerable to a multi-government authority. To him, it’s not personal—it just makes sense.

Spider-Man (Tom Holland): Is he really old enough to make adult decisions on this matter? Maybe not, but a visit from Tony Stark convinces the web-slinger to take up arms against Captain America. The problem, though, is that Peter Parker idolizes Captain America and all the Avengers, which means he’s fighting to take down those people he most wants to be like.

What Makes the RDMAs “Music’s Biggest Event for [Disney] Families”

May 2, 2016

By Beth Deitchman

My oldest daughter discovered Disney when she was about 2 years old—and by “discovered,” I mean that I took her to see Finding Nemo and I “suggested” that she sit with me on the couch when I popped in my Little Mermaid DVD and invited Ariel to become part of our world. One little sister, three High School Musical movies, and about 60 trips to Disneyland later, we are undeniably a Disney family—and Radio Disney has provided the soundtrack to so much of our life.

Last week marked this year’s Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day, but I celebrated (a few days late) by making the RDMAs a family event and brought my young teen and tween daughters with me to the show. My kids will watch the Oscars^®. They’re old enough to care who wins an Emmy^®. But the Radio Disney Music Awards? This is their award show of choice.

Much effort went in to choosing the right outfits for the RDMAs, and it seemed like we weren’t the only family making multiple trips to the mall in the days leading up to the awards. We encountered little boys in sports jackets and bowties, younger girls in chiffon-y dresses accessorized with sparkling mouse ear headbands, and on-trend teens dressed in the kind of casual cool that only comes with a tremendous amount of effort (or so I’ve heard…).

The tables turn for a parent at the RDMAs. When we watch the Oscars as a family, I’m the one who explains who celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Tom Hanks are—Maleficent and the voice of Woody, of course! But my girls had an encyclopedic knowledge of almost every star that came down the red carpet this weekend. Disney Channel has presented Lab Rats, Lab Rats: Bionic Island, and Lab Rats: Elite Force—and my 11-year-old effortlessly told me which actor belonged to which show. She was thrilled to meet one of her favorite actresses, Alyson Stoner of Camp Rock (and Camp Rock 2: Final Jam), who also voiced Isabella on Phineas and Ferb. Stoner graciously answered the 11-year-old reporter’s questions, sharing that her fondest family memory that involves Disney is having had her entire family with her when she competed in the Disney Channel Games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex; and when asked whether she prefers to work in live-action or animation, Stoner said that while she loves voice acting, “It still takes the cake to be able to perform for the world and let them see your face.”

Of course, the RDMAs are also about music—and teens are, too. My older daughter and her friends are huge fans of artists like Daya, a rising star nominated this year for “The Freshest—Best New Artist,” and she loved hearing that Daya’s favorite family Disney memory is “watching Hannah Montana reruns—all day, every day.” Thanks to WatchDisneyChannel.com, we still have days like that in our house!

Nothing prepares you for the screaming inside the Microsoft Theater as the RDMAs kick off. The fans in the audience are beyond excited to be there, and they love the nominees and performers with an immeasurable passion. There’s so much positivity on display—from the moment the show opened with Flo Rida singing “My House” to the grand finale from DNCE performing “Cake By the Ocean” while giant beach balls bounced through the audience and confetti rained down over the crowd—the fans in the audience kept the energy high. It helped that we were all wearing glow bands that changed color throughout each performance and let everyone feel like they were part of the show.

During breaks from the screaming, though, there were moments that truly inspired my kids. Gwen Stefani—honored with Radio Disney’s ‘Hero’ award—established her Disney fan creds quickly, pointing out that she grew up “next to Disneyland” and never imagined one day being recognized for her efforts to inspire others to do good. “Everyone can make a difference,” she stressed to fans. And the young winners of the Heroes for Change awards, who both had their moment in the spotlight, are proof of that.

The RDMAs may also have inspired a few more fans to become “Beliebers” with a video of pop star Justin Bieber’s surprise visit to a Tulsa, Oklahoma, high school. All of us were moved as we watched an Oklahoma high school student get to sing alongside her idol, who announced that he and Radio Disney were making a donation to the school through the Give a Note Foundation’s Music In Our Schools program.

More than 238 million votes were cast for this year’s Radio Disney Music Awards, and a fair number of those were cast in our house. My 11-year-old started out tallying up her “wins” but it didn’t take long for it to sink in for all of us that at the RDMAs it’s not about the Ardy—it’s all about the party. “Music’s biggest event for families” was, for us, a perfect instance of work-life balance. We can’t wait until next year!

5 Reasons to Watch Invictus Games 2016 on ESPN

May 2, 2016

By Courtney Potter

There are superheroes among us. No, really! They may not be as gigantic as Marvel’s Incredible Hulk or as otherworldly as Thor, but they’ve similarly dedicated their lives to protecting humanity. They are the Armed Forces of the world… and unfortunately, they often come home baring the scars of their service—physically, and mentally.

These “wounded warriors” will be celebrated in just a few weeks’ time at the Invictus Games 2016: an international Paralympic-style event in which injured, wounded, or ill Service members (both active-duty and veterans) harness the power of sport to help inspire recovery; support rehabilitation; and foster a wider understanding—and respect—of those who serve their country.

Britain’s Prince Harry, himself a veteran, was motivated to bring this style of sporting event to an international audience after visiting the Warrior Games (held by the U.S. Paralympic Team) in Colorado in 2013. The inaugural Invictus Games were held in London in September 2014; more than 400 competitors, from 13 different countries, competed in nine sports. And now, the Invictus Games is coming to America! From May 8 through 12, hundreds of players from 15 different nations will descend upon ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando for several life-affirming days.

Need incentive to watch ESPN’s comprehensive coverage of the Games, both on broadcast TV and online? Here are five reasons we’ll be tuning in:

1. Amazing Celebrity Ambassadors

Who wouldn’t want to be involved with such a fantastic event? From Dancing with the Stars’ Derek Hough and Olympic gold medal winner Shawn Johnson (herself a DWTS champion), to country music’s Tim McGraw and TV and film veterans like Mike Myers and Allison Janney, there’s a ton of “star power” behind the Invictus Games. (Many of them will be making appearances throughout the Games, so keep a sharp eye.)

2. The Opening Ceremony on May 8, from 8–10 p.m. on ESPN2

Walt Disney World’s Champion Stadium will come alive on Sunday as the Invictus Games are kicked off in high style. Much like the Olympics, there’s been an international relay of the Invictus Games Flag; it arrived in New York City (by way of London’s Buckingham Palace) on Tuesday, April 12, and will arrive in Orlando just prior to the Opening Ceremony. Additionally, look for fantastic performances from music stars James Blunt and Laura Wright; a host of amazing armed services marching bands; and appearances by Prince Harry, legendary actor Morgan Freeman, and First Lady Michelle Obama!

3. Mega-Exciting Sports Action!!

Track and field, volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball… the Invictus Games has got it all—and it’s made even more impressive by the obstacles these players have faced. Check out the Broadcast Schedule on InvictusGames2016.org to find out when your favorite sports will air. Remember: There’s both daily coverage on ESPN2 and the WatchESPN app, as well as more than 35 hours of live action on ESPN3. (That includes coverage for U.S. Service personnel via Armed Services Network.)

4. The Invictus Games Symposium on Invisible Wounds on Sunday, May 8

On Sunday, May 8, President George W. Bush and the Bush Institute will host an international symposium on the invisible wounds of war. The former President, along with a lineup of experts and Invictus Games competitors, will discuss how better to help returning servicemen and women overcome these wounds—including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury… all in hopes of creating a successful transition back to civilian life. Interested in learning more? You’re in luck, because they’re “livestreaming” several hours of the symposium; sign up at BushCenter.org.

5. The Closing Ceremony on May 12, from 7–10 p.m. on ESPN2

Back at Champion Stadium, the athletes and their families will celebrate the end of the Games with an unforgettable evening of music and pageantry. Look for performances from international pop star Rachel Platten—who will sing the “song of the Games” and her No. 1 single, “Fight Song”; best-selling country group Rascal Flatts; former American Idol winner Phillip Phillips; Grammy-nominated hip-hop superstar Flo Rida; The Voice Season 9 winner Jordan Smith; and the first nationally recognized wounded warrior band, Vetted. Plus, you’ll hear firsthand the inspiring story of several competitors, including the U.S. Invictus Games Team Captain, retired Army Captain Will Reynolds.

7 Things We Can’t Wait to See in Captain America: Civil War

May 2, 2016May 3, 2016

By Jim Frye

This week, Marvel’s latest adventure, Captain America: Civil War, storms into theaters, re-teaming our favorite Marvel heroes to fight their most dangerous foes yet—each other. Staring Chris Evans as the title character Captain America, aka Steve Rogers, and Robert Downey Jr. as the never-at-a-loss-for-words Tony Stark, aka, Iron Man, this latest outing brings back directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who helmed Captain America: Winter Soldier, and who are also on board to direct Marvel’s climactic double-feature Infinity War story. And even though we just have a few days until the film opens, there are seven things we just can’t wait to see:

7. The Avengers back together. Fans love the Avengers. And not just a little bit. Together, the two Avengers films earned nearly $3 billion worldwide, proving they really are Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Civil War might be Captain America’s story, but the entire lineup is along for the ride: Black Widow, Hawkeye, Scarlett Witch, Falcon—they’re all back, plus some new heroes, including…

6. Ant-Man joins the Avengers. Paul Rudd’s Ant Man is thrown into the mix this time, providing some of the funniest moments of the film, not to mention some of the most visually spectacular. Following up on his head-to-head faceoff with Falcon in last year’s Ant-Man film, Rudd’s hero is eager to join the team and show that he’s more than just a one-trick pony.

5. Iron Man fights Captain America. This is the main event, the big draw, the match-up we’re all here to see—after some tense exchanges in previous films, and a heartfelt disagreement in this one, the two de facto leaders of the Avengers clash ideals—and fists—in the battle of the year. They’re close friends and trusted allies, so they know each others’ weaknesses. Throw in Winter Soldier, Vision, and a certain web-slinger, and this battle escalates fast.

4. Brand-new villains—Crossbones and Zemo. It’s not a Super Hero showdown without super villains, and, in addition to their own internal fighting, this time our heroes face off against two of Marvel Comics’ most dangerous characters. Frank Grillo terrorizes as Crossbones, an assassin who holds a particularly deadly spot in the Captain America comics. And then there’s Daniel Bruhl’s mysterious Zemo, a villain who manages to cause untold damage to the team.

3. Some of the best action sequences of any Marvel film. The dynamic duo Russo brothers upped the action in Captain America: Winter Soldier by making it seem real, giving audiences the feeling of being in the room during the fights. When Cap threw a punch, the audience ducked. The brothers bring that same level of intensity to Civil War, infusing each action sequence with a visceral severity that keeps audiences nearly gasping for breath, such as the high-speed car chase in the tunnel, where we see the full fearsome abilities of one of the newest members of the team….

2. Black Panther. Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa, the King of Wakanda, owns each scene he’s in, demanding respect—and earning every bit of it. Seeking justice for a very personal and heinous attack, T’Challa’s alter ego, Black Panther, explodes on screen with claws that leave deep scratches on Captain America’s unbreakable shield. The ultimate hunter, whoever goes up against Black Panther is in for quite a fight.

1. Spider-Man! It’s the trailer that shattered the Internet, due in large part to the last-second appearance of the boy that Iron Man calls “Underoos.” When the Captain America: Civil War trailer hit—and racked up nearly 100 million views in its first 24 hours—it was Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland, who got many of the headlines. Appearing for the first time in a Marvel Studios production, everyone’s favorite web-head is shaping up to be one of the biggest draws of the film—and something we can’t wait to see!

And a bonus—Stan Lee! What’s a Marvel Studios film without the “Elder Statesman” himself? Stan “the Man” Lee has popped up in every one of the Studio’s films since Iron Man, and we can’t wait to see where he’s at this time.

We’ll see each of these things May 6 when Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War opens nationwide. What are you most excited about?

5 Reasons Why You Need to Watch the RDMAs This Weekend

April 28, 2016

By Beth Deitchman

From the very beginning, music has been an intrinsic part of why we love Disney—from Mickey Mouse whistling in Steamboat Willie, to the 2015 We Love Disney album, which featured top musicians performing some of our favorite Disney songs in new ways. The Radio Disney Music Awards represent another way Disney fans can celebrate music—with their families—enjoying performances from some of the biggest names in music today, along with tomorrow’s rising stars.

The awards will be presented live this Saturday, April 30, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. But fans around the country will be able to see all the action in a special two-hour telecast, Disney Channel Presents the Radio Disney Music Awards, airing Sunday, May 1 (7–9 p.m. ET) on Disney Channel. The show is guaranteed to be full of surprises and moments you won’t want to miss. Here are the five reasons we’re excited for music’s biggest event for families:

The chance to root for fellow Disney fans

Ariana Grande isn’t just one of the biggest names in pop music—she loves Disney so much that she celebrated her 21^st birthday at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park with her friends, family, and Cinderella! Ariana is already a four-time winner of the ARDY, and she’s nominated this year for her song “Focus”—recognized in the “Move!—Best Song to Dance To” category.

The return of favorite Disney stars

So many Disney fans remember Joe Jonas from one of our favorite Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs) —Camp Rock (and Camp Rock 2: Final Jam, of course!)—and from the Disney Channel series JONAS, in which he starred alongside his brothers, Kevin and Nick. Now Joe will be performing at the RDMAs with his new band, DNCE—of the insanely catchy hit “Cake By the Ocean,” which is nominated, naturally, in the category “Stuck In Our Heads—Best Song to Lip Sync To.”

You’ve Determined the Winners

When a performer accepts an RDMA, they don’t thank an academy—they thank you, the fans, who have voted for them. And that fan-tastic support increases exponentially when the nominee is someone like acclaimed country music singer/songwriter Kelsea Ballerini (nominated in three categories, including “Radio Disney Country Favorite Artist”)—Radio Disney’s current “NBT” (Next Big Thing), a title also determined by voting fans.

(left to right) Emeraude Toubia, Katherine McNamara, Laura Marano, Sabrina Carpenter, Sofia Carson.

Presenters and Performers from Some of Our Favorite Series and Movies

Austin & Ally… Decendants… Girl Meets World… Shadowhunters… These are just a few of the series and DCOMs that will be represented on the Radio Disney Music Awards stage this weekend. Sofia Carson (Evie from Descendants) is performing her debut single, “Love is the Name” for the first time on TV at the 2016 RDMA. Laura Marano (Austin & Ally) marks the first broadcast of her debut single “Boombox.” Girl Meets World star Sabrina Carpenter (who also stars in the upcoming DCOM Adventures in Babysitting) is scheduled to perform her latest single, “Smoke and Fire,” while Shadowhunters stars Katherine McNamara (Clary) and Emeraude Toubia (Isabelle) are among the presenters for the stellar evening.

The RDMAs Also Celebrate Heroes

The awards that will be presented on Saturday aren’t just for music—Grammy®-winning singer/songwriter Gwen Stefani will be on hand to receive the 2016 RDMA ‘Hero’ Award for the positive impact she has on fans, inspiring them to do good. And two Radio Disney fans will have a well-earned moment in the spotlight when they receive the RDMA Heroes for Change Award, for their efforts to create a brighter tomorrow in their communities. Whitney Stewart, a 19-year-old Sarasota, Florida, native is a founder of SEED to SOIL, a high school group that educates students and parents about healthy lifestyles and sustainable agriculture. Braeden Mannering, 12, from Bear, Delaware, started his own nonprofit, Brae’s Brown Bags, which provides healthy food to homeless and low-income individuals in his community. He’s inspired thousands of volunteers and provided more than 6,000 “brown bags” of healthy food. We love that the RDMAs don’t just honor musical achievement, they recognize real-life heroes who are making a difference in other ways!

“April Showers Bring May Flowers”

April 28, 2016April 28, 2016

By Steven Vagnini

This spring, D23 invites fans to take an inside look at a few beloved rain-and-flower sequences for insight into these memorable moments in Disney animation. From feature films like Bambi and Alice in Wonderland to shorts like Ferdinand the Bull and Disney•Pixar’s The Blue Umbrella, the fan in all of us will learn a lot from the flowers… and the rain!

“Little April Shower”—Bambi (1942)

The origins of this memorable Disney rainstorm, brought to life musically by lyricist Larry Morey and composer Frank Churchill, can be traced to an early proposed forest sequence in which Bambi and his mother encounter the mysterious sound of wind humming through the leaves. The Studio staff evolved the idea, giving a voice to a gurgling brook and later to falling raindrops. Ultimately, to bring more entertainment and drama to the film, the story team decided to depict a powerful thunderstorm.
In their book Walt Disney’s Bambi: The Story and the Film (1990), Disney Legends Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston described how the the music of the sequence “mimicked falling raindrops that at first keep Bambi from his sleep and then provide a lullaby.”
To help inspire the look and feel of the April shower, the Disney staff studied snapshots taken by photographer and artist Maurice “Jake” Day, who was enlisted to shoot scenes of his Maine woods in a variety of weather conditions and seasons.

“The Rain, Rain, Rain Came Down, Down, Down”—Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day (1968)

Another particularly rainy scene—this one from Disney’s 1968 Winnie the Pooh featurette and, later, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)—would feature a memorable tune by songwriters Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman: “The Rain, Rain, Rain Came Down, Down, Down.”
The storyline for Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day (1968) was derived from chapter 9 of Winnie-the-Pooh, “In Which Piglet Is Entirely Surrounded by Water,” and other chapters of the Winnie the Pooh books by A. A. Milne.
Buddy Baker, who composed more than 200 pieces for Disney films, TV shows, and theme parks, scored the rainy sequence. Although he retired from the Studio in 1983, Buddy returned in the late 1990s to score the soundtrack to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction for Walt Disney World. As part of the attraction, guests hear the classic song in “The Floody Place,” where their Hunny Pot vehicles tilt and bob along rushing currents. To re-create the film’s music for the ride-through experience, Buddy referenced original music lead sheets from the 1960s. And here’s another fun musical fact: more than half of the players in the attraction’s 35-piece orchestra had performed for the original Winnie the Pooh films three decades earlier!

The Blue Umbrella (2013)

In this 2013 Disney•Pixar short, as the rain starts to fall, a city comes alive with the sounds of “dripping rain pipes, whistling awnings, and gurgling gutters.” Amid this bustling setting, audiences’ hearts melt as a pair of umbrellas falls in love.
The innovative short film originated in Pixar’s camera and staging department, as opposed to the animation or story departments. The storyline popped into the mind of director Saschka Unseld while spotting a broken umbrella on the side of a San Francisco street during a rainy day walk.
At one point, the production team envisioned the city serving the role of a “Greek Chorus,” initially signing to celebrate the rain and later performing songs of love and mourning.

And now, our discussion of showers gives way to some beautiful Disney flowers…

“All in the Golden Afternoon”—Alice in Wonderland (1951)

Some of the most memorable (and talkative) flowers in the Disney film canon come from the “Garden of Live Flowers” in the 1951 animated feature. There, dizzy daffodils, lazy daisies, and other beautiful blooms perform “All in the Golden Afternoon”—a song whose title was derived from the Lewis Carroll poem featured in his 1865 classic, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Studio artist Mary Blair used her unique color stylings to create a variety of concept pieces that would strongly influence the final look of the film and its characters. Among her many depictions of personified flowers was one that never made it into the final picture—crabgrass!
A variety of talented actors gave their voices to the flowers. English stage and film actress Doris Lloyd—who performed roles in more than 125 films, including a cameo part in Mary Poppins (1964)—provided the voice of the Rose. Other adult flowers were voiced by Lucille Bliss, legendary voice actress for countless animated roles (starting with Anastasia in 1950’s Cinderella). And ever wonder who voiced the adorable pansies? They were the children of Alice in Wonderland director Ham Luske. (One of his children—Tommy—would go on to give Michael Darling his voice in 1953’s Peter Pan.)

“The Nutcracker Suite”—Fantasia (1940)

To keep from getting too far into the weeds, let’s just say we see no nutcrackers in Fantasia’s “Nutcracker Suite.” Instead, the segment featuring Tchaikovsky’s music was envisioned by Walt and his staff as a ballet of nature in six scenes, including dances by troupes of blossoms, thistles, orchids, and milkweed.
In a 1939 story meeting, Walt expressed his abstract vision for the dancing plants and flowers: “It’s like something you see with your eyes half-closed. You almost imagine them. The leaves begin to look like they’re dancing, and the blossoms floating on the water begin to look like ballet girls in skirts.”
According to artist and historian John Culhane in Walt Disney’s Fantasia (1983), models for the dancing thistles were found in a parking lot near the Disney Studio and were evidently helpful during the film’s production!

Ferdinand the Bull (1938)

In this special cartoon, originally planned as a Silly Symphony, Ferdinand prefers to sit around and smell the flowers. The short was based on The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf—a best seller shortly after its release in 1936.
Besides enjoying the flowers, keep an eye (and ear) out for several cameos in the short. In the bullfight scene, several Disney Studio staff members are caricatured on-screen, including Walt Disney as the matador and Ward Kimball as the mozo de espadas. And listen closely: Animator Milt Kahl provided the voice of Ferdinand’s mother, while Ferdinand’s few lines were performed by Walt himself!
The song “Ferdinand the Bull” was composed by Albert Hay Malotte, with lyrics by Larry Morey. Malotte, who scored several popular Disney films of the era, is perhaps best known for writing “The Lord’s Prayer.” Meanwhile, Larry Morey is regarded in the Disney community for the classic songs he wrote for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), So Dear to My Heart (1949), and Bambi (1942)—including that “Little April Shower.”

D23’s Ultimate Countdown to Shanghai Disney Resort: Treasure Cove

April 28, 2016June 9, 2016

By Tyler Slater

“Ye come seeking adventure and salty old pirates, aye? Sure ye’ve come to the proper place.” Guests who venture into Treasure Cove at the Shanghai Disney Resort will discover the first pirate-themed land at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts! Created especially for Shanghai Disneyland, this land is home to a colorful crew of scoundrels always on the hunt for fun, action, adventure, and, of course, danger. D23’s Ultimate Countdown to Shanghai Disney Resort continues with a detailed look inside Treasure Cove—a land that features pirate frivolity, mayhem, and charming personality.

The story of Treasure Cove dates back to the 17th century, when piracy was a thriving enterprise in the Caribbean. In Disney lore, this Age of Piracy featured a band of seafaring rogues who chased after legendary treasure, fought monsters, and battled each other—always with a humorous outlook.

One of the most anticipated attractions at Shanghai Disneyland is Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure—a daring boat ride that will take guests on a spirited adventure with Captain Jack Sparrow to steal priceless treasure from Davy Jones. Using state-of-the-art technology, each vessel twists, turns, and steers in every direction – including backwards while navigating the treacherous waters in search of Davy Jones’ sunken plunder. As guests travel on, over and under the deep blue sea, they will cross paths with pirates, mermaids, and even the savage Kraken! Fans of the beloved Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at other Disney parks around the world will surely not want to miss the brand-new experience.

After abandoning their Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure Cove ship, guests can chart a course towards the elaborate and exciting stage production, Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular at the El Teatro Fandango. This show will make its global premiere at Shanghai Disneyland and will feature fantastic stunts and swordfights, spectacular scenery, and unforgettable visual effects. The action culminates in truly a one-of-a-kind sword fight that takes place suspended in the eye of a hurricane!

In true pirate fashion, guests can grab a paddle and explore shipwrecks, treasure caves, plantations, and forbidding jungles aboard Explorer Canoes. With the only propulsion coming from guests and their paddles, the ride is quiet and stealthy… but beware of onshore pirates shooting water cannons! There is no better way to discover not only Treasure Cove, but also its neighboring Disney land, Adventure Isle. Canoeing has been a popular tradition at Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland for decades and will continue to delight guests of all ages at Shanghai Disneyland.

Guests can also explore Siren’s Revenge—an authentic pirate ship that has a boatload of rowdy pirate fun and some raucous pirate activities. While roaming the decks, guests will discover hands-on (or hooks-on) pirating activities, experiences and games. Younger pirates can make a splash at Shipwreck Shore—a water play area onboard the remains of a shipwrecked French galleon and the surrounding beach.

All pirates need a hearty meal and fortunately, Barbossa’s Bounty is one of the largest restaurants in all of Shanghai Disneyland. Run by Captain Barbossa himself, this quick service grog shop offers BBQ, seafood and vegetarian fare all prepared in a spectacular live show kitchen. Guests may choose the extraordinary experience of dining inside Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure!

With so much to loot to discover, guests will not want to miss a single detail at Treasure Cove. Is it June 16 yet?

To continue D23’s Ultimate Countdown to Shanghai Disney Resort, take a look at these articles:

5 New Experiences We Can’t Wait for at Tokyo Disney Resort

April 27, 2016April 27, 2016

By Nicole Nalty

For the ultimate Disney fan, visiting every Disney park around the globe is at the top of most Disney bucket lists—and a trip to Tokyo Disney Resort is definitely a highlight. With their unique, thrilling attractions and charming, enchanting details, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea have a lot to offer—with much more on the way! Check out five new enhancements coming to the resort in the next four years:

Beauty and the Beast Area (tentative name)

Belle and Beast invite you to be their guest in this new area opening in Fantasyland, featuring Beast’s castle, Belle’s village, and a brand-new attraction exclusive to Tokyo Disneyland. Guests will board enchanted serving dishes and explore the mysterious castle with Belle and Beast on a romantic, musical journey to break the fateful spell—and fall in love, of course!
Spring 2020 (tentative)

Live Entertainment Theater (Theater name TBD)

Also opening in Fantasyland, Tokyo Disneyland will open its first full-scale indoor theater. The theater will seat about 1,500 guests and will host unique entertainment featuring some of our favorite Disney characters.
Spring 2020 (tentative)

Big Hero 6 Attraction (Attraction name TBD)

Speaking of some of our favorite Disney characters, a Big Hero 6-themed attraction will be landing in Tomorrowland at Tokyo Disneyland, making this musical ‘whip ride’ the first Disney Parks attraction based on the hit film. We’re sure we’ll be satisfied with our care!
Spring 2020 (tentative)

Meet Minnie (Facility name TBD)

Spotted: A seriously chic meet-and-greet! Guests will meet Minnie Mouse as a fashion designer in her brand-new design studio located in Tokyo Disneyland’s Toontown. Talk about a picture-perfect moment!
Spring 2020 (tentative)

Soarin’ (tentative name)

Soarin’, a Disney Parks favorite, is flying into Mediterranean Harbor at Tokyo DisneySea. Guests will journey over famous landscapes of the world through original scenes and the newest visual images.
Fiscal year 2019 (tentative)

Which experience are you most excited for? Stay tuned for more updates from Disney Parks and Resorts around the globe!

Eat and Shop Your Way Around Disney Springs Like a Pro

April 27, 2016

By Beth Deitchman

There are at least three essentials every Disney fan knows are “must-brings” for a day at one of Disney’s parks and resorts: comfortable shoes, for navigating as much ground as possible over the course of the day, curiosity, and a game plan. The same holds true for Disney Springs.

Disney Springs—Walt Disney World Resort’s one-of-a-kind retail, dining, and entertainment experience—is designed to feel like a historic waterfront town with a rich, detailed backstory. Going by the date of the town’s 1950 Centennial—noted on a plaque in West Side’s Exposition Park—Disney Springs was originally established in 1850. The town is now divided into four distinct neighborhoods: Town Center—which will be open beginning May 15—boasts Mediterranean-inspired architecture influenced by the explorers who landed in Florida centuries ago. The Landing served as the town’s transportation hub on the waterfront and was the site of the town’s marina, bottling company, and train station. The Craftsman-style Marketplace dates back to the 1930s and 1940s in the Disney Springs backstory; and West Side is the most contemporary neighborhood in Disney Springs. Though Disney Springs is filled with an astounding number of places to eat, shop, or experience entertainment that ranges from a cineplex to Cirque du Soleil, it’s not a theme park, and it’s not a mall. Disney Springs is distinctly Disney—and completely unique!

But when Disney Springs offers so many options, where do you start? With a spring in our step, we started at the western end of Disney Springs, where La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil is based, and ate, drank, and shopped our way through the sunny Florida town until we reached the Rainforest—the Rainforest Café, that is. There’s so much to see and do at Disney Springs, please consider our crawl a mere jumping off point for your own Disney Springs adventure:

West Side

Bongo’s Cuban Café: Designed to be a recreation of a 1950s Havana nightclub, you can kick off your day with a mojito while sitting atop a barstool that’s a repurposed bongo drum. Fill up for your day with house specialties like Vaca Frita (seared shredded beef) or the award-winning Lechon (roasted pork). Owned by musicians Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Bongo’s offers live music and entertainment on weekend evenings if you feel like getting your salsa on.

Star Wars Galactic Outpost and Super Hero Headquarters: Right next to each other in West Side, these neighboring stores offer Super Hero must-haves and can’t-pass-up items from a galaxy far, far away.

Food Trucks at Exposition Park: For a taste of Disney Parks at Disney Springs, there are four food trucks—each themed to one of the Resort’s parks. Fantasy Fare presents chicken and waffles inspired by Magic Kingdom park (along with hand-dipped corn dogs from Disneyland Park). Superstar Catering lets you dine like a celebrity, Disney’s Hollywood Studios-style, with dishes like lobster mac and cheese. World Showcase of Flavors transports your taste buds to Epcot by way of pierogis, kielbasa, and gyros. And your appetite roars to life at the Namaste Café food truck, where you can order naan and samosas, butter chicken, or lamb kefta.

The Landing

STK: This modern steakhouse isn’t open yet, but when it does it will be one of the largest STK locations in the world, and the building is one example of how retailers and restaurants have embraced Disney Springs’ fascinating backstory. You might note that right outside the restaurant entrance are train tracks and part of a train turntable, which would once have been used to turn the trains around as they came and went from Disney Springs.

The Ganachery: Once the Disney Springs apothecary, the Ganachery is more than just a chocolate shop. It’s an experience for all of the senses, from the chandelier that’s made out of authentic copper pots and kettles used to make chocolate, to the chocolatier who greets you as you enter (and will tell you what to look for when you taste the chocolate), to the indescribably wonderful smell of the chocolate that’s being mixed and decorated in the store’s kitchen. The Ganachery’s slogan, “the cure for the common chocolate,” couldn’t be more apt.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar: Movie buffs might remember that Jock Lindsey was once Indiana Jones’ sidekick and pilot. And apparently, when Jock came upon Disney Springs, he couldn’t help but make the town his home—and he welcomed world travelers and locals alike to his new home base. Weary travelers will love sitting a spell in this exquisitely appointed watering hole eating snacks with names like, “Squid! Why’d It Have to Be Squid?” and Lao Che’s Revenge; and signature libations of both the alcoholic and the nonalcoholic varieties.

Morimoto: The fine dining restaurant blends Disney Springs history with modern Pan-Asian cuisine. Located in the former space of the Springs Bottling Company—their chandelier is made out of a former bottle conveyance system—Morimoto presents a dining experience courtesy of Iron Chef America’s Japanese master chef Masaharu Morimoto. Watch Peking Duck being carved, share sushi and sashimi with friends, and indulge in the Oreo Tempura dessert within this stunning space.

Tea Traders Café by Joffreys: For a tea-drinking experience that’s far from a simple spot of tea, visit Tea Traders Café, where you can find a beverage to suit whatever mood you’re in. Looking for refreshment? Try a Green Blackberry Jasmine Iced Tea or a Frozen Matcha. Something calming? Order from Tea Traders’ extensive collection of loose-leaf teas, or their Tea Smith Reserve menu for something more elegant. And if you’re feeling a little spirited, try one of Tea Traders’ Spirited Beverages, like the Tea Breeze or the Tea Toddy, which turns your anything-but-average cuppa into an adult drink.

The BOATHOUSE: This only-at-Disney Springs dining experience doesn’t just offer an unforgettable dining experience by the water with a stellar raw bar, premium steaks, and a family-sized S’mores Baked Alaska. Located at what once served as the Disney Springs marina, the BOATHOUSE presents a truly unforgettable experience on the water with features like Italian Water Taxi Tours and Amphicar excursions in vintage cars equipped to drive on land before entering the water with a splash before taking guests on a 20-minue tour of Disney Springs.

The Marketplace

Basin: Visit this all-natural bath, body, and hair care emporium and prepare to be wowed by Basin’s collection of bath salts, bath bombs, and body butters. But for a Disney-themed souvenir that’s truly different, pick up Basin’s “Mickey” fresh-sliced soap and remember your trip to Disney Springs long after you’ve returned home from the resort.

Dockside Margaritas: After stocking up on bath salts, it seems only fitting to enjoy a different (but just as wonderful!) kind of salt around the rim of a refreshing margarita. Dockside Margaritas serves up fresh margaritas, frozen beverages, wine, and beer right along the water and is the perfect place to relax while you plan the next leg of your adventure.

Marketplace Co-Op: The Co-op—which traces its history back to the earliest days of Disney Springs, when it served as an open-air structure where local citrus and produce farmers would sell their goods—brings together six unique boutiques under one roof. It’s a testing space for new Disney retail concepts so there’s always something new to see and buy, whether it’s art at the WonderGround Gallery, funky pillows and household items at Disney Centerpiece, or brand-new jewelry designs at Cherry Tree Lane.

Happy Hound: Why should human Disney fans have all the fun? Though your dog may be waiting for you at home, let your pampered pooch know you were thinking of him or her with a gift from this store that’s just for dogs, where their inventory ranges from custom collars to printed bandanas to squeaky toys that will make your own Pluto’s tail wag.

The Art of Disney: If you’re looking for a signature piece to display in your home, whether it’s a Disney painting, print, sketch, or figurine, you might want to consider capping your Disney Springs day with a stop at The Art of Disney to pick up an item that you’ll treasure for years to come. It’s also fun to watch artists draw sketches right before your eyes in the stop. This is, of course, how the Disney story began and makes for a perfect ending to your Disney Springs experience.