The Man Who Made Believe

Almost everyone above a certain age has heard the name Walt Disney. But who was he really? What drove him to such soaring artistic heights? And what about newer generations of people who don’t know much about Walt Disney at all—other than his name?

This fall PBS will air American Experience: Walt Disney, a two-part, four-hour documentary on the life of Walt Disney featuring a new and objective look at one of the world’s greatest-ever storytellers—one that will attempt to get to the core of this brilliant and complicated man. At The Making of American Experience: Walt Disney, a Stage 28 presentation held Saturday afternoon hosted by film producer Don Hahn and featuring Walt Disney producer and director, Sarah Colt, Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline, and Disney biographer Neal Gabler, audiences discovered the fascinating story of the making of this film about one of the world’s most fascinating men.

Hahn, who appears in the documentary, began the discussion by noting its complete objectivity in approach. “It’s a journalistic exercise, a third-person look at this man’s life.” Hahn adds that what makes the film so compelling is its reliance on eyewitnesses—men and women who worked directly with Walt. “We connected with [Disney Legend] Marty Sklar and other names you don’t hear from so much, including some of the artists who worked on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, who remember the long hours and the excitement of the project and the craziness of getting it all done on time,” Colt says about the film, which took two years to complete. “It was a long process and a really fun experience.”

“He had a stubborn optimism,” Cline adds. “He wanted so much to live in that perfect existence. He just kept driving everything toward it.”

Interspersed with the interesting discussion were excerpts from the upcoming film, which airs September 14–15 on PBS. During one sequence that included an extended sequence from Snow White, the audience marveled again at the deep emotions that movie engenders even today. As Gabler says in the film, “What did this guy understand about the human psyche?”

“He’s a complex man,” Colt adds. “An extremely complex man; beginning with his childhood, which was dark in many ways. He seemed to alternate between darkness and a certain kind of lightness.”

“He had a stubborn optimism,” Cline adds. “He wanted so much to live in that perfect existence. He just kept driving everything toward it.”

If there’s one word that recurs in this four-hour film it’s persistence, and this pervaded every endeavor Walt undertook. “Disneyland, unlike his films, was this ongoing project,” Colt said. “He could keep investing his time and energy into it.”

Welcome to Zootopia at D23 EXPO!

Like the song goes, it’s all happening at the zoo—although in this case, it’s all happening at Zootopia! In a special panel in Stage 28 at D23 EXPO 2015 today, hosted by animator Darrin Butters, a 19-year veteran of Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS), the filmmakers behind the upcoming feature, which opens March 4, 2016, took us through their research process and showed us an assortment of hilarious clips from the movie and from their creative process.

The idea for Zootopia originated with director Byron Howard (Bolt, Tangled), who brought the concept of a movie with talking animals that walk upright—and wear clothes—to John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios and WDAS.

“I loved the legacy of our great animal movies at Disney, like Bambi, The Jungle Book, Dumbo.”

Once Howard and his fellow filmmakers—director Rich Moore (The Simpsons, Wreck-It Ralph), producer Clark Spencer (Lilo & Stitch, Wreck-It Ralph, Bolt), writer/co-director Jared Bush (Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero), writer Phil Johnston (Wreck-It Ralph), production designer Dave Goetz (Tangled), and head of animation Renato dos Anjos (Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen)—started focusing on animals, they began the research process for the film. And as fans of Disney and Pixar Animation know, research is extremely important to John Lasseter.

Lasseter sent the team to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida, for a preliminary trip, and then to the Savanna of Africa. “It was life-changing,” Howard said. Bush concurred, saying, “Stepping out of that airplane, it really felt like you were in the animals’ world. Immediately we were seeing giant herds of giraffes. Once you get closer to these animals you get a different perspective on how they move, how they smell…”

The creative talents at WDAS innovate with each new film. They’ve gone from 2008’s Bolt, where, they joke, they had to be careful of including too many windows, which would cause Bolt’s hair to blow, to 2016’s Zootopia, where they are now able to create hundreds of thousands of strands of clear polar bear fur. Yes, we learned from the animators that polar bears’ fur isn’t really white, it’s clear.

Production designer Dave Goetz explained that since the different lands and worlds of Zootopia are designed by animals for animals, they had to accommodate a wide range of animal sizes. “For when they travel, we made different sized trains.” Acclaimed auto designer J Mays even designed different sized cars for the animals, which range in size from mice to elephants.

Visual development art shown at the presentation shows different neighborhoods, like Little Rodentia, and The Burrows, for bunnies… where the population is literally always multiplying. The land is divided mostly by habitat, and the climates range from the desert-like Sahara Square to chilly Tundra Town, which has coolers in the sidewalk. Another plus to Tundra Town, Moore jokes, “is that we get to reuse all of the snow we have left from Frozen.”

The story, according to the filmmakers, is about bias and stereotypes. “Judy is a real optimist and she lives by the mantra that in Zootopia, anybody can be anything,” Johnston said. Later in the presentation, Howard professed that animation is an amazing medium because you can address complicated issues without targeting them head-on. “You get to appreciate the message of the movie without it being in your face.”

All of the filmmakers are thrilled to be part of WDAS’ storied legacy. Howard admits that legendary animators Milt Kahl and Marc Davis were influences, and they know that the films that influenced Zootopia—The Jungle Book and Bambi—were shot on the same lot where they work now. “We walk through those halls all the time,” Howard said. Moore adds that the design sense for Zootopia “comes from that same DNA.”

The audience in Stage 28 was treated to sneak peeks of clips that demonstrated Zootopia’s humor—who knew sloths could be so funny?—and heart, and all were thrilled to get this early look at the film from the people who are making it. The feeling was mutual, Moore said. “We spend so much time at the studio, in a bubble, making these films. To have moments like this where we get to share what we’re working on is very special.” It was a special afternoon, indeed!

“THE ORIGINALS: Disney on Broadway”

Curtain up, light the lights… it’s time to celebrate the best and brightest of Disney on Broadway! James Monroe Iglehart, Tony winner for his performance as the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, welcomed theatre fans to “THE ORIGINALS,” a one-of-a-kind musical party inside Stage 23 at D23 EXPO 2015. Acting as host throughout the performance, Iglehart kicked things off by welcoming attendees to the famed “little town and quiet village” from Beauty and the Beast; a medley from Disney’s most successful Broadway musical ever followed, with Iglehart taking on Gaston’s infamous “Me,” followed by original Mary Poppins star Ashley Brown singing “A Change in Me” (written for the show four years after its Broadway debut), and Iglehart finishing up with the Beast’s emotional ballad “If I Can’t Love Her.”

After introducing their fellow “ORIGINAL,” Tarzan star Josh Strickland, a cavalcade of Disney on Broadway hits followed. The trio took on several songs from The Lion King (including a rousing rendition of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” complete with audience participation); later, Iglehart told the audience about Aida’s complex journey to the Broadway stage (it was originally intended as an animated film), and Josh provided a totally fun take on one of Elton John and Tim Rice’s more spirited numbers from the show, “My Strongest Suit.” (FYI: The song is usually sung by a woman!)

The trio sang through a melody of from The Little Mermaid (Iglehart makes a fantastic Sebastian the crab) before launching into the show that made Josh an “ORIGINAL,” Tarzan. After watching a behind-the-scenes video look at the making of the show in 2006, Josh and James sang the buddy duet “Who Better Than Me?”—followed by Strickland singing one of songwriter Phil Collins’ bigger hits from the musical (and the animated film), “Strangers Like Me.”

Iglehart revealed that Mary Poppins almost didn’t happen with Disney on Broadway; P.L. Travers had sold the stage rights to legendary stage producer Cameron Mackintosh. Luckily, Mackintosh knew the show wouldn’t happen with Disney’s involvement, and a stage version took London’s West End by storm in 2004. Transferring to Broadway two years later, it starred Ashley Brown as everyone’s favorite nanny. Ashley delighted the audience with duets with Iglehart (“Jolly Holiday”) and Strickland (“Chim Chim Cher-ee”) before bringing down the house with a beautiful rendition of Walt Disney’s favorite song, “Feed the Birds.”

After a few numbers from Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame (which just enjoyed a run at San Diego’s La Jolla Playhouse), it was time for Iglehart to shine with a medley of songs from Aladdin on Broadway. The crowd was already on its feet for a standing ovation when the trio of “ORIGINALS” made the biggest announcement of all: The next Disney on Broadway stage spectacular will be… Frozen! Ashley and Josh then presented a very special “duet” version of “Let It Go.”

The audience sang along to every song… and thankfully, those that missed this morning’s presentation can catch a special “reprise” this afternoon! “Disney musicals touch the core of human emotion,” Iglehart said—and it’s all in honor of Disney’s impact on the musical theatre stage, both on Broadway and all around the world.

Where the Live Action Is!

This morning at D23 EXPO 2015, The Walt Disney Studios transported us to “worlds” through the looking glass, to “galaxies” far, far away, and to “universes” filled with Marvel Super Heroes—and a huge announcement at the end to top it off. There was no more exciting place to be than Hall D23 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Alan Horn, president of Walt Disney Studios, first brought up president of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige, himself a huge Disney fan and D23 member, who declared this is “the best D23 EXPO yet.” Feige kicked off the Marvel portion of the presentation with Doctor Strange, followed by a sneak peek of Captain America: Civil War.

“This is the culmination of everything that has come before in the Marvel Cinematic Universe,” he said, then brought up the film’s stars Anthony Mackie, who plays The Falcon, and Captain America himself—Chris Evans. “I grew up loving Disney. That’s my idea of heaven,” Evans said, before introducing footage from the film—footage that included Iron Man, Ant Man, and an Easter egg—a hidden D23!

The first movie Bailey introduced was The Finest Hours, based on the true story of a 1952 Coast Guard rescue, starring Chris Pine—who was thrilled to come onstage before almost 8,000 fans. “Shouldn’t you all be on rides right now?”

In April of 2016, Disney will present The Jungle Book. Bailey said, “We strive to honor what’s come before while saying something new” when they reimagine a story from Disney’s rich canon. “One of the most technologically advanced movies ever made,” he said. Because the bar was set so high, Jon Favreau was a perfect choice to direct, and an eagerly welcomed guest at the presentation!

Favreau was a fan of the animated film, while Alan Horn had a strong connection to the Rudyard Kipling novel. Favreau has spent time with Richard Sherman, who wrote the music for the film, and they’ve talked at length about Walt Disney. “He loved technology,” Favreau said about Walt, and he says Audio-Animatronics were cutting edge for their time. “We tried to extend that legacy.” And Favreau believes that the best CG technology is the kind that disappears. Cast members Ben Kingsley, Lupita Nyong’o and Neel Sethi, the 11-year-old playing Mowgli. “It was so fun and so awesome,” he told the crowd.

Favreau screened very early footage of The Jungle Book for the appreciative crowd—a crowd that only grew louder when Bill Murray, the voice of Baloo, was heard singing a few bars of “The Bare Necessities.” The breathtaking footage brought the crowd to its feet.

Continuing the tradition of what Bailey refers to as “the empowered heroine,” Alice Through the Looking Glass was introduced. The film is to be released in May 2016. Many favorites are returning for the film, and a new character, Time, will be played by Sacha Baron-Cohen. Alice, aka Mia Wasikowska, says she grew up watching so many of her fellow cast members, and had a fantastic time shooting the film. A sizzle of the film was shown… and sizzle it did! We can’t wait to go back to Wonderland.

Pete’s Dragon is a beloved classic to so many Disney fans, and the upcoming film will likely become a favorite as well when it debuts in summer 2016. A Mickey Mouse T-shirt-clad Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World) told Hall D23 that she was obsessed with Pete’s Dragon as a child, and loved the idea of being able to revisit the story. “There’s a power in this story, and there’s something very universal that gets told in this. It’s about what it takes to find a family,” Howard said, adding that she can’t wait to share this with her family.

In the tradition of McFarland, U.S.A. is The Queen of Katwe, about a young Ugandan girl who becomes a chess master. This film stars Lupita Nyong’o, who said it was great to go home to make this movie for Disney and share this story on a world stage. “Uganda is such a vibrant country,” she stressed, and that vibe is a big part of the film.

When Bailey said the words, “the tale as old as time,” it was clear we were about to hear about the live-action Beauty and the Beast—which Bailey confirmed is a musical. The film has an all-star cast—“It’s like a fairy tale,” Bailey said—before introducing a video message from Belle, Emma Watson, who, in turn, introduced her co-stars, Luke Evans (Gaston) and Josh Gad (Le Fou). They thrilled the crowd with an a capella rendition of “Gaston,” before Gad urged everyone to make sure to have fun at Disneyland!

For Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Bailey made the announcement that Orlando Bloom is reprising his role as Will Turner, followed by Disney Legend Johnny Depp onstage, in full Captain Jack Sparrow regalia, tossing grapes into the crowd!

When Horn returned to the stage, he said, quite rightly, “There’s only one place left to go from here,” and that is, of course, a galaxy far, far away. Horn confirmed that Star Wars Episode IX, to be released in 2019, will be directed by Colin Trevorrow. He discussed the Star Wars Anthology film that will be directed by Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, and is being written by Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jon. Horn showed us the first cast photo from the set of Rogue One, before returning to the most immediate film in the Star Wars saga, The Force Awakens.

The film’s director, J.J. Abrams, received a hero’s welcome, and thanked Horn and the fans. “We’re so grateful to you for your unbelievable enthusiasm and patience,” he said. “It’s more exciting than I can put into words,” Abrams said of the process, talking about the experience of hearing John Williams play pieces of score on his piano. When pressed to share some secrets, Abrams offered “epic Star Wars news.”

But first he brought out the cast: John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, and Lupita Nyong’o. and fan-favorite Harrison Ford, who emerged to a thunderous round of applause! “You guys have made my life,” Ford told the overjoyed fans. “It’s a great thrill to be here with you who made this whole thing happen.”

And when it seemed like things couldn’t get more exciting, chairman and CEO Bob Iger came to the stage to make a huge announcement: a brand-new 14-acre Star Wars land addition to Disney theme parks in both Anaheim and Orlando. Each land will include new stories from the films, a full-size cantina with roaming beasts and alien creatures, and a chance to “fly” the Millennium Falcon.

What a morning! Super heroes, intergalactic space adventures, and live-action adaptations of beloved Disney animated classics. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Walt Disney TV Animation Defying Gravity

Have you ever wondered where the ideas for Disney’s zany, crazy TV animated shows come from? Alex Hirsch, creator of the hugely popular (with kids and adults alike) Gravity Falls has a very personal answer: “I wasn’t the most normal kid in school,” said Hirsch. “When the other kids were playing dodgeball, I would lie on the circle in the middle of the blacktop, face-up, waiting for a UFO to arrive and pick me up, because the circle looked like a landing spot. I was obsessed with books on the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot, so Gravity Falls came from me wishing that everything could happened.”

Gravity Falls is the story of Dipper and Mabel Pines, who spend the summer at their great uncle’s tourist trap, The Mystery Shack. Mysterious things begin occurring all over town. Its deep mythology and outlandish stories have earned the show a very committed fanbase. Joining Hirsch onstage were Craig McCracken (Wander Over Yonder), Jared Bush and Sam Levine (Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero), Noah Z. Jones and Joel Trussell (new series Pickle & Peanut), and Daron Nefcy (Star vs. The Forces of Evil).

Nefcy’s oddball childhood mirrors Hirsch’s. “Much like Alex’s [Hirsch] story, I was a weird kid and spent time drawing and thinking about how life was boring,” Nefcy said. “I was obsessed with Sailor Moon and magical girls. I wanted magic powers, and I wanted my cat to talk… so this character was wish fulfillment, and her powers are real and she gets to go on all these amazing adventures.”

The offbeat sensibilities of Hirsch, Nefcy, and the rest of the panelists have delivered a new wave of fun, oddball comedies for Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior. But Nefcy is quick to point out they don’t do it alone. “There are so many people involved,” she said. “The only way these shows are this great is because of all the amazing people working on them. All these people are holding these shows together.” For a taste of all the fun and wackiness, check out new episodes on all Disney channels this fall.

Walt Disney Archives Exhibit Celebrates Disneyland

The Disneyland Diamond Celebration calls for something truly dazzling, and the extraordinary D23 EXPO exhibit of artifacts from Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom—from an Autopia car to the Abominable Snowman—is exactly that. Displayed across 12,000 square feet of the D23 EXPO show floor, “Walt Disney Archives Presents—Disneyland: The Exhibit” is the largest display the Walt Disney Archives has ever presented. “Our D23 EXPO guests have really been responding to the spaciousness of the exhibit,” noted Becky Cline, director of the Walt Disney Archives. “They’re enjoying taking their time and getting close-up views of the rare pieces we are sharing from the Archives.”

The more than 300 items on display include artifacts from the short-lived Mickey Mouse Club Circus (November 24, 1955, to January 8, 1956), featuring the bizarre costume for Bob-O the Clown. The Mouseketeers themselves performed at this circus and the iconic costumes of beloved Mickey Mouse Club stars Annette Funicello and Cubby O’Brien are lovingly showcased.

When asked which displays guests were most appreciating, Nick Vega, manager, Collections and Exhibits, said, “My own personal favorite is “Constructing the Dream,” because I’m fascinated by the Archives’ recently acquired surveying equipment used in Disneyland’s construction. Guests really seem to love the Star Tours display—really, anything that explores the anatomy of an attraction.” One of the most detailed displays is dedicated to the Fantasyland dark ride Alice in Wonderland, which opened in 1958. The highlight: a wheel-less prototype of the caterpillar-shaped vehicles, a plywood mock-up that has never before been seen by the public. Another display features a virtual recreation of Adventure Thru Inner Space, a well-loved Tomorrowland attraction that closed in 1985.

Surprises abound, and the unexpected are around every corner. There’s a so-called big-head Ben Franklin costume from the America on Parade pageant that seems to evoke warm memories and shivery fears in equal measure. There’s a Matterhorn Bobsleds vehicle, a pirate galleon from Peter Pan’s Flight, and a remarkable number of Audio-Animatronics® figures. Vibrant color 3-D photos taken during Disneyland Park’s first few months by silent-film star Harold Lloyd are on view in all their stereoscopic glory. A gleaming red popcorn cart is parked near an elaborate Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs scene from a 1970s Emporium window display featuring the evil queen. From the mammoth head of the original dragon from Fantasmic! and a glow bug from the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade to Disneyland Ticket No. 1 purchased by Roy O. Disney in 1955, this once in a lifetime experience of six decades of Disneyland treasure can only be experienced at the 2015 D23 EXPO.

What’s Coming from Pixar and Walt Disney Animation!

Think about it—how many of your most cherished Disney memories can be traced to films from Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios? This afternoon, at D23 EXPO 2015, Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter led us on amazing journey through the films you’ll be seeing in the coming months and years. We were overjoyed to see some old animated friends—we’re talking to you, Dory!—and happy to meet some exciting new ones. We were left with a true memory of a lifetime for having witnessed one of those special events that only happen at D23 EXPO.

Alan Horn, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios, told the audience, “This is D23. This is your get-together,” before turning things over to John Lasseter, Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ chief creative officer. Lasseter showed off one of his signature Hawaiian shirts—one of more than 500, according to Horn—and even fired a few off into the audience.

Before presenting the Studios’ slates to a thrilled audience of Disney fans, Lasseter heralded both studios for their incredible stories: Walt Disney Animation Studios, “a studio that Walt Disney himself started 92 years ago,” and Pixar, “the studio of pioneers who invented much of computer animation.” The two came together for a spectacular afternoon.

First up was Zootopia, which opens March 4, 2016. Lasseter revealed, “One of the things I’ve always loved about Disney animation is talking animal movies. Especially the ones where they walk upright and wear clothes.” Directors Byron Howard (Tangled) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph), and producer Clark Spencer (Wreck-It Ralph) welcomed Ginnifer Goodwin to Hall D23. Goodwin, who plays Zootopia’s “bunny cop” Judy Hopps is a self-described “Disneyholic” who was thrilled to learn that the house she now lives in was once owned by the voice of Winnie the Pooh, Disney Legend Sterling Holloway. The filmmakers gave all in Hall D23 a sneak peek of Zootopia, and revealed one special surprise—international superstar Shakira is lending her Grammy^®-winning voice to Gazelle, the biggest pop star in Zootopia. Via taped message, Shakira played “a snippet” of an original song from the film, “Try Everything.”

When Lasseter returned to the stage, he referenced the lasting legacy of Disney animated films and said, “If we’ve done our job right, these stories can live forever in people’s homes.” So many of these eternal stories come from fairy tales, and Lasseter thrilled the 7,500-member audience by announcing that Walt Disney Animation Studios is in production on their version of “Jack and the Beanstalk,” a film that is called Gigantic. Set in Spain during the Age of Exploration, Gigantic follows adventure-seeker Jack as he discovers a world of giants hidden within the clouds. He hatches a grand plan with Inma, a 60-foot-tall, 11-year-old girl, and agrees to help her find her way home.

And as director Nathan Greno (Tangled) and producer Dorothy McKim (Get A Horse!) said, if you make a movie that has gigantic comedy and gigantic emotion, you’re going to need music. And music in the film—and today at D23 EXPO—is provided by the award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the team behind Frozen. They previewed a demo of a song from Gigantic, which is slated to hit theaters in 2018.

Beloved animators Ron Clements and John Musker (Aladdin, The Little Mermaid), along with producer Osnat Shurer (Boundin’), unveiled Moana, the tale of a spirited teenager who sets out to prove herself a master wayfinder. Moana is inspired by stories of a legendary demigod, Maui. In casting Maui, Musker said, “We wanted to find someone who was mighty. We needed someone strong. And, of course, we needed someone extremely… ”

“Handsome!” a bold offstage voice boomed. And on to the stage walked the actor lending his voice to Moana—the mighty, strong, and yes, handsome, Dwayne Johnson. Johnson was clearly thrilled to be at D23 EXPO, and moved to be part of a Walt Disney Animation Studios film. “I had a goal, and the goal was to be in the Disney family. The goal was to be part of a Disney animated movie. For me to be standing here today with these brilliant filmmakers and storytellers… Thank you so much!” he said.

The filmmakers from Pixar’s current blockbuster Inside Out, Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera, begged John Lasseter to allow them to screen Riley’s First Date?, the short that will be included on the Blu-ray, DVD, and digital release of Inside Out in the fall. We’re so glad that they were so persuasive—the short is awesome!

In previewing The Good Dinosaur, the film’s director, Peter Sohn, explained that his love of movies came from his mother, who would take him to see American movies—even though she didn’t understand English. He would translate as best he could. But there were movies he didn’t have to explain, and those were Disney animated movies. The iconic scene between Dumbo and his mother just “got her,” Sohn said. “She didn’t need to understand English. We just felt everything.” That experience made him want to learn animation. Sohn and and producer Denise Ream also showed off never-before-seen footage of a trio of T-Rexes, voiced by AJ Buckley, Anna Paquin, and Sam Elliott.

There was a veritable school of surprise guests for the Finding Dory portion of the presentation! After Lasseter revealed that no one lobbied harder than Ellen DeGeneres for a sequel to Finding Nemo, DeGeneres herself appeared on the Hall D23 stage. She was joined onstage by her co-stars Ed O’Neill (Modern Family), who lends his voice to Hank, a cantankerous octopus; Ty Burrell (Modern Family), the voice of Bailey, a misguided beluga whale; and Kaitlin Olson (Always Sunny in Philadelphia), who voices Destiny, a kind-hearted whale shark. The filmmakers also revealed that we’ll meet Dory’s parents in the film, whose voices will be provided by Diane Keaton and Eugene Levy. Finding Nemo’s director Andrew Stanton has returned for the sequel (co-directed by Angus MacLane and produced by Lindsey Collins, the co-producer of WALL•E), and he admits that he never planned on revisiting the story. But over time Andrew realized, “One issue remained unaddressed—Dory’s family.” “I wanted to know that if this charming, forgetful fish ever got lost again, that she could find her way home.” Finding Dory swims into theaters June 17, 2016.

There were more old friends to visit—but first we were introduced to new ones. Director Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3) and producer Darla K. Anderson (Toy Story 3) revealed the title of their upcoming film today at D23 Expo 2015. Disney·Pixar’s Coco is the celebration of a lifetime, where the discovery of a generations-old mystery leads to a most extraordinary and surprising family reunion. The film was inspired by Lee Unkrich’s thoughts about his ancestors. “What if I could meet them? What would I ask them?” he wondered. Unkrich and Anderson visited Mexico to research the film and Dia de los Muertos, which, Anderson explains, “is like a big family reunion that spans the divide between the living and the dead.”

And then it was time to go back to the film that started it all—Toy Story—by looking forward to the next adventure for the toy box gang. “Each of the stories [in the trilogy] is a different genre. Toy Story 4 is a genre we’ve never done in the Toy Story world, and it is a love story. We’re proud to announce that it’s a love story between Woody and Bo Peep.” Lasseter stressed how thrilled he is to be directing the film—along with co-director Josh Cooley—and the story is very personal to him, inspired by his wife, Nancy.

When Lasseter introduced Toy Story 4, he acknowledged disbelief that the first film is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. “I’m sorry to make a lot of you feel old all of a sudden,” Lasseter apologized. But there was no better way to celebrate that milestone than with a live performance of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Disney Legend Randy Newman, evoking that same feeling we had upon watching Toy Story in 1995.

The celebration culminated when Green Army Men rappelled from the ceiling, spirited cheerleaders shot T-shirts from cannons into the crowd, and the whole Toy Story gang took the stage—dancing in the grandest finale, making us very glad that we have a friend in Pixar and in Walt Disney Animation, and always will.

“Stand Out” with A Goofy Movie’s 20th Anniversary

A Goofy Movie debuted in theatres in 1995, and since then, it’s become a bona fide “fan favorite.” To celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, key members of the voice cast—Disney Legend Bill Farmer (Goofy), Jason Marsden (Max), Jim Cummings (Pete), Rob Paulsen (P.J. Pete), and Jenna von Oy (Stacey)—joined screenwriter Jymn Magon for a jubilant panel in Stage 28 at D23 EXPO 2015. Hosted by famed Disney producer Don Hahn, the panel also featured special video messages from several other members of the cast—including Wallace Shawn (Principal Mazur) and Pauley Shore (Bobby)—and the film’s director, Kevin Lima (who later went on to direct Tarzan and Enchanted). Judging by the reaction of the capacity crowd over the entire hour, this particular panel might be a “fan favorite” of D23 EXPO 2015 itself!

Despite his charges’ attempts to thwart the discussion with hilarious asides and impressions (including a short but memorable “Christopher Walken”-off between Bill, Jim, and Rob), Don managed to uncover what makes the film so special: its heart. As Jenna explained, “You don’t expect the movie to be so emotional, to have that undercurrent of love coming through.” “So many people come up to me and say the movie changed their relationship with their dad, that they play the songs on a road trip,” Bill said. He recalled taking his then-5-year-old son to see a screening of the film—and as they left, he noticed his son crying. “He told me, ‘When Goofy went over the waterfall, I thought that was you!’ That’s when I knew the movie had great heart.”

Several other rare behind-the-scenes tidbits were shared during the panel. Bill revealed he spent 43 days over two and a half years recording his lines for the film—some of which were done alone, and others with Jason and Jim. Rob admitted that the best stuff comes from more collaborative recording sessions; “A high tide raises all boats; you just get better.”

“I didn’t know the depth of love for this film. It’s absolutely astonishing. It really did change my life.”

Perhaps the most memorable moments came towards the panel’s end, when Don told the fan-filled crowd that they were going to “right a wrong.” Despite the fact that Jason can, indeed, sing, another actor named Aaron Lohr provided Max’s singing voice for the movie (which featured many great songs by writers Jack Feldman and Tom Snow). However, for the assembled crowd at D23 EXPO 2015, Jason took the mic alongside Bill and performed a song from the film, “On the Open Road.” But that wasn’t all; as the finale to an already memorable panel, Don welcomed R&B singer Tevin Campbell (the singing voice of the film’s resident pop star, Powerline) to perform A Goofy Movie anthem “I 2 I”!

Judging by the final two-minute-long standing ovation, A Goofy Movie will enjoy many more decades of popularity. As Rob admitted, “I didn’t know the depth of love for this film. It’s absolutely astonishing. It really did change my life.”

Celebrating Fashion and Fandom at Mousequerade

Since March, talented Disney fans have designed, stitched, and hot-glued their hearts out—all to create their very own Disney-inspired costumes for a chance at D23 EXPO glory! The 2015 Mousequerade, hosted by Disney’s Jim Babcock, was a five-category contest judged by luminaries including Disney Channel star Zendaya (KC Undercover); recent Dancing with the Stars winner Alfonso Ribeiro; Once Upon a Time costume designer Eduardo Castro; and Global Entertainment Costume Design Lead for Disney Parks, Leigh Slaughter. The winner of each category competed for the ultimate grand prize: a 4-day, 3-night trip for two to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa! Check out some of the “best of the best” from each category, and the eventual grand-prize winner, below!

“Heroes Unmasked” – Terrance Thompson as Spider-Man

“Once Upon a Costume” – Judith Grivich as Ursula

“The Wonderful Worlds of Disney” – Elizabeth Oldak as Matterhorn Yeti

“Weird, Wild, and Goofy!” – Marty Brooks as SuperDiamondDisney60TextMeAdliocious

“Best of Star Wars” – Alexander Ford as Chewbacca Beast

Mousequerade Grand Prize – Elizabeth Oldak as Matterhorn Yeti

Mousequerade Photo Gallery

Costume Winners from D23 EXPO Mousequerade Contest

Snow White, The Magic Mirror and Edna Mode

JUDITH GRIVICH as Ursula from The Little Mermaid

Connor Breen as Captain Hook in D23 EXPO 2015

RYAN GARCIA as The Magic Mirror from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Matterhorn Yeti D23 EXPO 2015 Costume Winner

JENNIFER WILLIAMS as The Ghost That Follows You Home

LEIGH SLAUGHTER, EDUARDO CASTRO, ZENDAYA, ALFONSO RIBEIRO

ROBERTA NICHOLS as Lady Tremaine and Lucifer

Yeti Costume Winner from D23 EXPO 2015 Mousequerade Contest

A Whole New Muppets Show

Kermit, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo showed up at Stage 23 at D23 EXPO to tell us all about their new show The Muppets, premiering this September on ABC. Oh… and they brought along their personal “Muppeteers” to help (the humans whose hands and voices give life to the Muppets).

“We’re always learning,” said Dave Goelz, voice and Muppeteer for Gonzo. “Everyday we like to surprise each other with new aspects of the characters.” Other Muppeteers joining Goelz onstage were Steve Whitmire, Bill Barretta, Eric Jacobson, and Matt Vogel.

Bill Barretta, Muppeteer for Pepe the King Prawn and Rowlf the Dog, agreed, saying, “Every day we’re pushing them a little bit and have fun with them. The characters, even after we cut, tend to stay alive. This new show is about what happens to them after we call cut, which is fun. People don’t usually get to see the backstage stuff.”

Fans fell in love with Kermit, Miss Piggy, and their whole oddball cast during the initial run of The Muppet Show back in the ‘70s, a comical look at what it takes to put on a weekly variety show. Since variety shows aren’t as well known today, The Muppets is now a behind-the-scenes look at a late-night talk show—Miss Piggy’s late-night show, of course. “It’s two shows—a show within a show,” Whitmire said. “But you probably can’t find that late-night show, although Kermit says he’s trying to find a place on the air.”

Kermit, as always, is in charge, but with a twist—he and Miss Piggy are no longer seeing each other (many blogs and entertainment sights reported the breakup as closely as other Hollywood split).

During the Q&A portion, a D23 EXPO attendee asked about the tone of the new show, to which Steve Whitmire, Muppeteer for Kermit and Rizzo the Rat, answered, “It’ll be real life. A little edgy by nothing that parents can’t let their kids watch.”

I’m really excited. I don’t know if I’ve ever worked on a project like this before.

Goelz added, “You want to do something you’re interested in. We’ve always done things that amused us, that worked on an adult level but safe for kids.”

Perhaps the best part of the panel was when the Muppeteers, along with Kermit, Fozzy, Gonzo, and few other famous fuzzy stars, invited some lucky D23 EXPO fans up onstage to learn how to work with Muppets. They ended up dancing, kind of like an oddball Muppet-and-fan congo line. It showed the enthusiasm and love fans are now lavishing on the Muppets, eager to see them return to TV after such a long absence. “We couldn’t have done this show five years ago,” said Whitmire.

“The time feels right now,” Jacobson added. “After the viral videos [a series of Muppet-themed viral videos tore up social media the past couple years] primed the pump, followed by the movies that we did. There’s now a real appetite for the Muppets. And we’ve got this amazing team, the creatives, the writers, this material—it’s so incredible. I’m really excited. I don’t know if I’ve ever worked on a project like this before.”