Gravity Falls Series Finale—Plus More in News Briefs

One Last Adventure for Disney XD’s Gravity Falls

Take note, Falls fans! Disney’s Emmy® Award-winning animated series Gravity Falls will chronicle its last amazing, hilarious adventure when the highly anticipated one-hour finale airs Monday, February 15 (at 7 p.m. ET/PT), on Disney XD. In the episode, “Weirdmageddon 3: Take Back The Falls,” Ford (voice of J.K. Simmons) discovers Bill’s (voice of Falls creator/executive producer Alex Hirsch) true motives; later, a final confrontation with Bill leads to the Pines family’s ultimate fate… and greatest sacrifice! The series also stars Jason Ritter (Parenthood) as Dipper, Kristen Schaal (The Last Man on Earth) as Mabel, and Linda Cardellini (Mad Men) as Wendy.

That’s not the only news from your favorite fictional Oregon hamlet; Disney Publishing will release “Gravity Falls: Journal 3”—a book that appears within the TV series and is an integral part of the Gravity Falls story—in July 2016. Additionally, Disney XD will air a half-hour special featuring exclusive facts about the series (with special commentary from Alex Hirsch and hosted by Gravity Falls character Time Baby) on Monday, February 8, at 8 p.m. ET/PT… and will kick off a huge 68-hour marathon of the series beginning Friday, February 12, at 11 p.m. ET/PT. Plus, make sure to look for the brand-new interactive game Gravity Falls: Take Back The Falls, launching on WATCH Disney XD in mid-February.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
January 29
D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience: Walt Disney’s Office Suite
February 20
D23’s Adventure in Wonderland
April 20
D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour in Portland, Oregon
June 8
D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour in Salt Lake City, Utah
Studios
January 29
The Finest Hours opens in theaters.
March 4
Zootopia opens in theaters.
April 15
The Jungle Book opens in theaters.
May 6
Captain America: Civil War opens in theaters.
May 27
Alice Through the Looking Glass opens in theaters.

Parks
January 16
Club Villain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
March 2—May 30, 2016
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Television
January 15
The Lion Guard series premieres on Disney Channel at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT
January 19
Marvel’s Agent Carter returns to ABC at 9 p.m. ET
February 15
Gravity Falls series finale airs on Disney XD at 7 p.m. ET/PT

Freeform and Drybar Celebrate Pretty Little Liars’ Winter Premiere

Ready to get glam? Freeform (the new name for ABC Family) is partnering with Drybar to celebrate the winter premiere of the returning hit original series Pretty Little Liars on Tuesday, January 12, at 8 p.m. EST. To get fans ready for the new season, Freeform will cover the tab for blowouts—including tax and tip—on the day of the big premiere, at all 50+ Drybar locations across the nation!

While catching up on the “6A” finale episode during their appointment, clients will receive tune-in cards and enjoy signature Drybar styles incorporating popular Pretty Little Liars character looks—including “The Aria Straight Up,” “The Hanna Dirty Martini,” and “The Spencer Mai Tai.” Appointments are limited (no walk-ins) and the offer is for January 12 only, so head over to thedrybar.com to book your PLL look!

“Try Everything” in Zootopia with Shakira

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia doesn’t come to the big screen ’til March 4, but here’s a taste to tide you over: an all-new trailer featuring the film’s catchy original song, “Try Everything”! Written by singer-songwriter Sia and songwriting duo Stargate, the track is performed by Grammy®-winning singer Shakira—who joins the voice cast of the film as Gazelle, Zootopia’s biggest (and most socially conscious) pop star.

Like what you hear? The single will be available from your favorite music download service on Friday, January 8!

See Some of Soccer’s Best at Walt Disney World Resort

Soccer is the world’s most popular sport—and now, it’s coming to another kind of “world,” for the second time. Several celebrated soccer stars from Latin America and Europe will be playing at the second annual Florida Cup soccer tournament, at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Elite players expected to take part include Chicharito Hernandez, the Mexican National team star playing for Bayer Leverkusen—as well as Brazilian soccer legends Ronaldinho (playing for Fluminense FC) and Renato Augusto (the reigning Brazil League MVP who leads SC Corinthians).

The action starts Sunday, January 10, with a doubleheader at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex between Santa Fe (Colombia) and Bayer (Germany), followed by Schalke (Germany) against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The tourney continues through January 20 with matches taking place at other Florida venues including Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, in addition to Walt Disney World Resort. Tickets start at just $35 and are available for all matches at all Ticketmaster outlets (including Ticketmaster.com). Head over to floridacup.com for the complete schedule!

The 7D Returns to Disney XD This Month

“Hi-ho, hi-ho, to Season Two we go!” The second season of The 7D, a hilarious take on the Seven Dwarfs, begins on Disney XD on Saturday, January 23, at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT! Set in the world of Jollywood, the series follows the adventures of our pint-sized heroes—Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, Grumpy, and Doc—as they work together to help the eccentric Queen Delightful keep her kingdom in order and fend off the Glooms, a novice warlock and witch couple who continually plot to overtake the throne.

Season Two will boast a cadre of fantastic voice guest stars, including Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne as Hildy Gloom’s (voice of Kelly Osbourne—perfect casting!) parents, the Duke and Duchess of Drear; Fran Drescher (The Nanny) as Encyclopedia Enchantica, a talking encyclopedia; comedian and author Amy Sedaris as Nocturna, the kooky keeper of nightmares; and George Takei (Star Trek, Broadway’s Allegiance) as Dr. Sweet Tooth, Jollywood’s happy-go-lucky dentist. The 7D also features the voice talents of Disney Legend Bill Farmer as Doc, Billy West (Ren & Stimpy) as Bashful, and Maurice LaMarche (Pinky and the Brain, Disney’s upcoming Zootopia) as Grumpy.

Have Oil, Will Travel: Disney Cruise Line Helps Power Trucks

As part of Disney Cruise Line’s—and The Walt Disney Company in general—commitment to minimizing waste wherever possible, their fleet of magical, memory-making ships have donated more than 60,000 gallons of used cooking oil to Bahamas Waste Management since 2011. And what does that cooking oil do? Amazingly, it helps power their fleet of vehicles in Nassau!

Check out this cool video from our pals at Disney Parks, above, to learn how recycling really can make a daily impact…

Hey Disney Villains! Try these New Year’s Resolutions

January 6, 2016December 8, 2017

January is upon us, which means resolutions are on everyone’s mind. Hoping to get back to the gym? Aiming to read a new book every month? We’ve all got goals for the new year, which got us to thinking: What if our favorite Disney Villains realized the error of their ways and made resolutions of their own? We decided to help a few of ‘em along with some ideas.

Maleficent—Find a new social circle. So she lost touch with Stefan, wasn’t invited to the christening of his newborn daughter, and then placed a curse on the baby… she was just misunderstood, right? Maybe a new group of friends would help her out of her social rut.

Ursula—Take voice lessons. Truly, everyone (even those with pitch problems) can learn to sing a tune or two well, if given the right tools. Ursula just needs a really good vocal coach and she might leave Ariel alone forever. (Bonus: It’s been recently proven that singing show tunes improves your health!)

Captain Hook—Find his inner “Pan.” Look, we get it; Peter is responsible for Hook’s fear of crocodiles, and it certainly seems like the good captain is allergic to any kind of fun. But we feel he might relax a bit if he found his inner child. Coloring, jumping in puddles, and decorating cookies might be a start.

Hades—Update your resume. Let’s face it, Hades needs a new gig. He despises the Underworld and is willing to overthrow Zeus to get out of his dark and depressing duties. So let’s make 2016 the year of the job hunt. (Might we also suggest some online classes in management and public relations?)

Scar—Spend more time with family. Mufasa’s brother is the veritable “black sheep” of the family, forever hurt that his older brother was chosen to be king. But blood is thicker than water, and maybe some quality time with his clan will help him see the error of his ways.

Queen of Hearts—Learn a new sport (Alternately: Take croquet lessons.) We could’ve gone for a “manage your anger”-style of New Year’s Resolution for our favorite lady in red, but we actually think she’d calm down if she only learned how to play a new—and possibly more calming—sport… like, say, swimming. Or long-distance running.

Mother Gothel—Research (and implement) a new skincare regimen. Aging happens to everyone, it’s true—but if Mama G. had only taken better care of her skin as she was growing older (and not just relied on that special sunshine-infused flower), all that kidnapping nonsense might’ve never happened.

Hans—Marry for love, not sovereignty. Prince Hans Westergaard sure seemed like marriage material… until he revealed his true power-hungry motives and broke Anna’s heart. He may want to check out a few self-help books from the Southern Isles library before he goes back out on the singles’ market.

Dr. Doofenshmirtz—Take over the entire Tri-State Area. Poor Heinz… he maniacally tried to conquer New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and was thwarted at every turn by Perry the Platypus. He may have moved on to other hobbies (like bowling), but we think 2016 could be the year he finally accomplishes his goal. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!”

Kylo Ren—Relax; enjoy the occasional spa day. This one is kind of a no-brainer as far as 2016 Resolutions go. Kylo Ren is wound up tighter than a watch bought at a Mandalorian marketplace! We think a spa visit—every couple of months—might bring him some much needed, calming “me time.”

Magical Miles—They’re A Walk in the (Disney) Park!

You’ve resolved to be more active this year. You could hop on a treadmill… or you could walk somewhere truly wonderful—a Disney Park! We’ve gone ahead and measured “magical miles” at Disney Parks and Resorts around the globe so that you can squeeze in a workout between attractions, or attempt to guesstimate how much distance you really do cover in a full day of Disney fun.

Disney California Adventure Park:
Round trip from Buena Vista Street to Mickey’s Fun Wheel (passing by Jumping Jelly Fish and the Silly Symphony Swings) = one mile. Make a pit stop for an “i-cone-ic” treat at Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land!

Disneyland Paris:
Round trip from the entrance of the Disneyland Hotel to Alice’s Curious Labyrinth = one mile. Be sure to venture beneath the enchanting Sleeping Beauty Castle for a meeting with a mythical dragon.

Tokyo Disney Resort:
Round trip from the Disney Ambassador Hotel to the Tokyo DisneySea entrance = one mile. Snap a photo in front of the DisneySea Aquasphere at the halfway point!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
Round trip from the outpost at the Disney’s Animal Kingdom entrance to Expedition Everest = one mile. If you’re looking to go the distance, embark on a tour of the Maharajah Jungle Trek on your way back to civilization!

EPCOT:
A full lap around World Showcase = 1.2 miles. Take the walk once during the day and then at night to see the world in a different light!

D23 Member Gift for 2016 Highlights Disney’s Rich Legacy

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club didn’t have to look far for inspiration for its 2016 Gold Member gift, “From the Office of Walt Disney.” To celebrate the restoration of Walt Disney’s office suite on the Studios’ Burbank lot, the Walt Disney Archives worked with D23 to meticulously reproduce 23 unique pieces from Walt’s career that trace his path from America’s heartland to the world stage.

Included in the assortment are items from Walt’s early years in business such as his 1923 Laugh-O-gram Films Inc. business card and the famous 1928 “Everything OK” telegram, which Walt cryptically wired his brother Roy when he lost the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Also in the collection are the 1955 Disneyland invitational press preview pass and Walt’s notes on pages from the “EPCOT Film” script from 1966. Pieces representing animation, live action, television, and theme parks—as well as Walt’s own personal life—make up this one-of-a-kind set.

The gift comes in a “book” designed specifically to hold all the items and will be sent to all D23 Gold and Gold Family Members who join or renew from January 1 through December 31, 2016. Guests can see images from the gift—and learn more about the 23 rare items—at D23.com/OfficeOfWaltDisney. As previously announced, D23 Gold Members will have the opportunity to tour Walt Disney’s restored office during tours and select special events throughout 2016.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. D23 Members save when renewing their membership and may renew up to 90 days prior to their membership expiration.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 2016 MEMBER GIFT.

D23’s Top 15 of 2015

2015 was truly amazing in so many ways… a phenomenal D23 EXPO 2015 (chock full of thrilling announcements); the launch of Disneyland Resort’s dazzling Diamond Celebration; and, of course, the mega-huge premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Join us for a look back at 15 moments that captivated D23 Members and fans, in the order they occurred.

Disney Wins Big at 2015 Oscars®

From the splashy opening number created by Frozen songwriters Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, to Big Hero 6’s win for Best Animated Feature, there was a lot for Disney fans to love about the 2015 telecast.

Cinderella Goes to the Ball

Disney’s live-action Cinderella took theaters by storm in March, introducing the classic fairy tale to a modern audience.

Frozen 2 is on the Horizon

The cold never bothered us anyway—especially after we heard Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger’s announcement that Frozen 2 is officially in development at Walt Disney Animation Studios!

Disneyland Resort Shines Bright

Our friends at the Disneyland Resort kicked off their shimmering 60th anniversary Diamond Celebration back in May; the party continues, and includes the new Paint the Night parade and the Disneyland Forever fireworks spectacular.

Emotional Escapades with Inside Out

Disney•Pixar’s heartfelt and hilarious look at what goes on inside the head of an 11-year-old girl became both a critical and commercial success.

Ant-Man Was Marvel-ous

Ant-Man, starring Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, made a huge summer splash—proving big heroes can indeed come in small packages.

Good vs. Evil in Disney’s Descendants

Ever wondered what happened after the “happily ever after” of your favorite fairy tale? The Disney Channel movie musical, directed by Kenny Ortega, aimed to answer that very question. (Bonus ’15 Moment: A sequel has already been announced.)

Shanghai Disney Resort Announcements

We learned a lot more about Shanghai Disneyland and its surrounding hotels and attractions this year; we’re particularly excited about the new Tomorrowland attraction TRON Lightcycle Power Run, and Treasure Cove—the first pirate-themed land in a Disney park!

D23 EXPO Surprises

D23 EXPO 2015 unleashed some of this year’s biggest pop culture news—including the Star Wars Lands coming to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts; Johnny Depp’s induction as a Disney Legend; and the announcement of Gigantic, an animated retelling of the “Jack and the Beanstalk” fable.

Force Friday Goes Galactic

On Friday, September 4, millions of fans watched online as brand-new Star Wars: The Force Awakens merchandise debuted at striking sites around the globe—and then headed out to retail stores to purchase some themselves. Star Wars mania hasn’t waned since!

The Muppets Got Things Started

All our favorite Jim Henson creatures—Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Fozzie Bear, among others—returned to primetime with ABC’s The Muppets. This time around, the “sensational, inspirational, celebrational” crew is producing Piggy’s late night talk show.

Play Evolves with Playmation

Disney’s Playmation is a groundbreaking system of toys and other “wearables” that use smart technology to spark kids’ imaginations. The Playmation Marvel’s Avengers Starter Pack hit store shelves this past October.

The Lion Guard Roars to Life

Disney Junior’s latest animated adventure—which began with a TV movie in November—takes us back to the world of The Lion King as young Kion (Simba and Nala’s second-born cub) leads a team of his bravest friends as they keep watch over the Pride Lands. The series premieres next month.

Walt’s Office Returns

Walt Disney’s newly restored office suite on the Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California, made its historic debut in early December. D23 Gold and Gold Family Members can be among the first to tour the permanent exhibit this January!

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

You didn’t think we’d forget this little film’s debut, did you?! The world practically stopped on December 18, as it collectively reconnected with Han Solo, Princess (now General) Leia, and Luke Skywalker—and was finally introduced to Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, and Kylo Ren.

Disney Details: Perfect Holiday Surprise

December 24, 2015January 11, 2017

Discover a suitable-for-holiday-card scene of a gorgeous Christmas tree embroidered with ornaments and powdered with snow. Passersby seem genuinely amused by the appearance of all this white stuff—which is only natural. After all, it’s rare that a snowfall of this magnitude occurs at Disneyland Paris, where the picture was taken in December 2010. More than four inches of snow fell that day, blanketing the entire region and even closing the Eiffel Tower. But for these holiday revelers, the blanket of snow—like an unexpected gift—was a perfect holiday surprise.

Holiday High Notes

On Friday, September 18, 2015, a volunteer group of 75 dedicated members of the Disney Employee Choir had the chance to partake in a unique (and rare) opportunity—to record new show music for the annual Disneyland Candlelight Processional and Ceremony (the event that they perform in annually).

After trekking to the 20^th Century Fox Studio lot in Century City, the choir convened at the the historic Newman Scoring Stage (named, in part, after legendary film composer, Alfred Newman), where under the direction of Candlelight conductor Nancy Sulahian, and longtime Disney Entertainment music director and producer Bruce Healey, they recorded new renditions of classic carols for the show’s opening processional.

The choir can now say they have the distinction of having professionally recorded where such recent Disney classics as Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Bolt (2008), WALL•E (2008) and Saving Mr. Banks (2013) also laid down their scores. Historic company, indeed!

The newly recorded music debuted with this year’s installment of the Candlelight show. Choir members and their colleagues are honored to know that their collaborative spirit, in the form of beautiful holiday carols, will continue to live on in Walt’s original Magic Kingdom, hopefully for years to come.

Happy D23 Days of Christmas!

December 23, 2015November 27, 2017

In appreciation of all our D23 Members and fans, we have one last video to share with you! From all of us to all of you, thank you for spending this special time of year with us. Happy D23 Days of Christmas!

Christmas Candy Cane Heart Pops

This year, instead of thanking Santa with milk and cookies, why not make him some peppermint candy cane pops? Be sure to make a few extra batches for the reindeer—all are sure to love this easy, no-bake treat!

Ingredients

1 ¼ cup crushed mini candy canes, divided
2 pounds white chocolate chips
Optional: peppermint extract

Special Materials

4-inch lollipop sticks

Directions

Place candy canes in a re-sealable sandwich bag, and crush into quarter-inch chunks. Set aside.
Lay wax paper on a cookie sheet then arrange on the wax paper two mini candy canes in the shape of a heart. Position lollipop stick between the two halves of the heart so that the stick runs through the entire heart right down the middle. Lay out as many hearts as you’d like. Set aside.
Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler. Once chocolate is melted, pour 1 cup of the candy cane chunks into the chocolate. Optional: add a few drops of peppermint extract if desired.
With a teaspoon, slowly spoon melted chocolate between the two halves of the candy cane hearts, making sure to completely cover the lollipop stick within the heart. Even out the surface as much as possible.
Top each lollipop with the remaining crushed candy canes.

Place cookie sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until lollipops firm up. Remove from cookie sheet, wrap each pop in cellophane, and leave a few out for Santa and his reindeer!

Create Santa Cookie Placemat, Cup, and Coaster Decorations

Can you believe it’s our last D23 Days of Christmas day? Thank you so much for spending some time with us this holiday season. As our final craft, we’re helping get you ready for the yearly visit from the big guy himself: Santa Claus!

With this vintage-inspired Santa Cookie Placemat, Cup, and Coaster—designed by D23 and featuring Tinker Bell, Mickey Mouse, and Pluto—Santa will feel right at home… before he has to dash off to his next stop, of course.

Happy Holidays from all of us at D23: The Official Disney Fan Club!

Supplies:
8.5 x 11-inch white cardstock (printable)
Scissors
Tape or glue stick
Medium-size cup or glass

Download and print out your Santa Cookie Placemat, Cup, and Coaster sheets (Pages 1 and 2) onto your cardstock.

Using scissors, cut along each image’s black outline.

Display your placemat where you’re planning to leave out Santa’s milk and cookies (and some carrots for the reindeer, if you’re feeling especially festive).

Wrap the cup decoration (from Page 2) around your cup or glass. If it’s not too big, apply glue to the shorter tab (marked by a dotted line) on the left-hand side, and close the two ends at the back of the cup—affixing them together to form a sleeve. (If the decoration is a little too long, feel free to trim to size.)

When the big night comes, set your tray of cookies on top of the placemat (you could even use the Mad Hatter Top Hat Cookie Tray from Day 22!) and set the cup of milk, with its sleeve, on top of the round coaster from Page 2.

Lie in bed and listen for the clatter of reindeer hooves…