Sneak Peak at The Walt Disney Studios’ Film Slate

For more than 90 years, Disney films have been exciting, enthralling, and entertaining moviegoers… And The Walt Disney Studios are gearing up to do exactly that for Disney fans at D23 EXPO 2015. The Studio has just announced its lineup for D23 EXPO 2015, taking place August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, and it’s packed with sneak peeks and exclusive presentations and experiences you won’t see anywhere else.

The Studio will unveil its animation and live-action film slates via two huge Hall D23 presentations featuring surprise guests and many unforgettable moments. Other not-to-be-missed events include a Frozen FANdemonium musical celebration with Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and the 20th anniversary celebration of Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story with John Lasseter and the original Pixar crew.

HALL D23 PRESENTATIONS:

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films, Hosted by John Lasseter

Friday, August 14, 3 p.m.—Hall D23

After meeting the Emotions inside the mind of an 11-year-old, taking a trip to San Fransokyo, where a boy genius and his robot save the world, and falling in love with a queen with icy powers who wants to “let it go,” come see where Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios plan to take you next. In what has become a D23 EXPO must-see, host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, presents this in-depth look at the animation studios’ slate. Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Disney Animation’s Zootopia and Moana. The event will include surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by the films’ star voice talent.

Worlds, Galaxies, and Universes: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios

Saturday, August 15, 10:30 a.m.—Hall D23

Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm are home to some of the planet’s best storytellers, immersing audiences fully in the world of each film from beginning to end and beyond. In this exclusive Hall D23 presentation, join Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn for a tour of upcoming live-action projects from these legendary film studios. A bevy of special guests will be on hand to offer a look at an unparalleled slate that includes Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Jungle Book, Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, Star Wars: The Force Awakens—and much, much more.

Frozen FANdemonium: A Musical Celebration!

Sunday, August 16, 3 p.m.—Hall D23

Join host Chris Montan, president, Walt Disney Music, and the Oscar^®-winning songwriting team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez as they take you on a once-in-a-lifetime musical journey through the world of Frozen. This one-day-only performance features your favorite friends from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film—including Anna and Elsa––with sing-along experiences and fascinating stories behind some of your favorite Frozen songs.

CALENDAR OF KEY EVENTS:

In Conversation with the Filmmakers and the Emotions Behind Inside Out

Friday, August 14, 11:30 a.m.—Stage 28

Get the inside story on the making of Pixar’s latest summer release, Inside Out. Hear from Academy Award^®-winning director Pete Docter (Up, Monsters, Inc.) and producer Jonas Rivera (Up) as they reminisce and share their personal stories of creating a world that everyone knows, but no one has ever seen.

**Welcome to Zootopia!**

Saturday, August 15, 1:30 p.m.—Stage 28

Welcome to Zootopia, a magnificent mammal metropolis, and home to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ next feature, the comedy-adventure Zootopia. Join directors Byron Howard (Tangled, Bolt) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph), producer Clark Spencer (Wreck-It Ralph, Bolt), and artists from the incredible production team as they introduce rookie rabbit-officer Judy Hopps, con-artist fox Nick Wilde and a host of dynamic animal characters, sharing footage and behind-the-scenes stories with D23 EXPO-goers.

Pixar Secrets Revealed! Hear the Stories They Didn’t Want You to Know!

Saturday, August 15, 3 p.m.—Stage 28

Ever wonder where your favorite Pixar stories began? Hear the stories you don’t know about the classic films that you love. Pixar senior development executive Mary Coleman hosts this experience, welcoming the storytellers behind some of Pixar’s most successful films, including Darla K. Anderson (A Bug’s Life, Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story 3), Mark Andrews (The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Brave), Ronnie del Carmen (Up, Inside Out), and Dan Scanlon (Cars, Toy Story 3, Monsters University), as they talk about the twists and turns of crafting a narrative and share some of the crazy story ideas that didn’t make the final cut.

***Toy Story*: 20 Years Later, the Original Crew Looks Back**

Saturday, August 15, 4:30 p.m.—Stage 23

From flipbooks to feature films, animation has taken audiences to fantastical new worlds, far beyond the limits of any real-world setting. Pixar Animation Studios has been at the forefront of this evolution, blurring the line between art and technology and bringing beloved characters to life with heart and humor. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of 1995’s Toy Story, the first computer-animated feature film, join members of the original crew, including filmmakers John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, Galyn Susman, Ralph Eggleston, Sharon Calahan, Eben Ostby, Bob Pauley, and Bill Reeves as they share their stories and the challenges they faced along the way.

***Aladdin*—The Making of a Classic**

Saturday, August 15, 6 p.m.—Stage 28

Join Walt Disney Animation Studios filmmakers, including legendary directors John Musker and Ron Clements, animators Eric Goldberg (Genie), and Mark Henn (Jasmine), as well as Jasmine herself, Linda Larkin, and the two actors who gave life to the character Aladdin: Scott Weinger and Brad Kane, as they unveil the stories behind one of the great Disney classics, Aladdin, a film that led to a “whole new world” for animation.

The Shorts of Walt Disney Animation Studios: from Paperman to Prep & Landing, Feast to Frozen Fever

Sunday, August 16, 11:30 a.m.—Stage 28

When Walt Disney and his brother Roy founded the Disney Brothers Studio in 1923, their first medium for storytelling was the animated short. More than 90 years later, Walt Disney Animation Studios continues this tradition, making groundbreaking and award-winning shorts including Feast, Paperman and this year’s hit Frozen Fever. Join the filmmakers behind these shorts and so many others, including Get A Horse!, John Henry, Lorenzo, and The Ballad of Nessie for a conversation about this truly animated art form.

The Tunes Behind the Toons: Screening/Q&A

Sunday, August 16, 6 p.m.—Stage 28

D23 EXPO invites you to a special screening and Q&A panel for The Tunes Behind the Toons, a short form documentary that celebrates the power of music in animation. From the silent film days when organists played live accompaniments, to the music within today’s animated features, this documentary traces the origins of cartoon music and its pioneers. Featuring interviews with Alan Menken, Randy Newman, Patrick Doyle, Mark Watters, Bruce Broughton, Richard Sherman, and many others. Producer/director Dave Bossert will lead a star-studded Q&A following the presentation.

ON THE EXPO SHOW FLOOR:

The Walt Disney Studios—Show Floor Exhibition

Step into the worlds of The Walt Disney Studios in this wide-ranging showcase of exciting projects from Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disneynature, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm. Among the many highlights:

For the first time at D23 EXPO, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios have created a joint experience no Disney fan should miss. With live demonstrations, presentations, and autograph signings with top filmmakers from each studio, plus free giveaways and interactive displays featuring the films Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur, Zootopia, Finding Dory, and Moana, this is a can’t-miss attraction for animation fans.
Explore costumes, props and photo ops from the Studios’ live-action films, including Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm.

Disney Movies Anywhere Tweet Suite

Take pics and share them in the Disney Movies Anywhere Tweet Suite. It’s also the perfect opportunity to learn more about Disney Movies Anywhere, Disney’s digital movie app that lets you watch your Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars movie collection across your favorite devices, anywhere you go.

Say Aloha to John Lasseter’s Film-Themed Hawaiian Shirts

Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter takes Disney and Pixar animation to heart—literally. For nearly every film—from Finding Nemo and Wreck-It Ralph to Frozen and Inside Out, Lasseter has commissioned an exclusive movie-themed Hawaiian shirt. And those who know the Oscar^®-winning storyteller know that he loves his Hawaiian shirts—and dons one for almost every occasion. Animation fans will see their favorite film characters “materialize” before their eyes in this colorful collection, which will be exhibited on the show floor.

An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg

D23 hosts the first public exhibition anywhere of “An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg.” Celebrate Goldberg, whose artistry at Walt Disney Animation Studios began with his groundbreaking work on Genie in Aladdin, and continues to this day on projects such as the upcoming Moana and the 2014 Oscar^®-nominated Mickey Mouse short Get A Horse! The exhibition features a collection of more than 100 of Goldberg’s caricatured creations of Disney characters, drawn in a style reminiscent of art seen on the famed walls of Sardi’s Restaurant and The Brown Derby. This incredible collection of art is from the newly released book An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg Draws the Disney Characters, and will be available for purchase in the Walt Disney Publishing pop-up shop on the EXPO show floor.

Frozen Album Signing

With the purchase of Frozen: The Songs or Frozen Picture Disc at the Disney Music Emporium, guests will be issued a wristband to secure a space for an album signing with Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, and Tom MacDougall (Co-Producer, Frozen Soundtrack) on Friday, August 14 at 10:30 a.m.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are $74 for a one-day adult admission and $54 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $65 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $112 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.

Announcing the 2015 Disney Legends

For 28 years, The Walt Disney Company has proudly honored those who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy by naming them Disney Legends. Today, Disney announced the talented people who will be celebrated in a special awards ceremony at D23 EXPO 2015.

Star Wars creator George Lucas, composer Danny Elfman, All My Children star Susan Lucci, and animator Andreas Deja are among the honorees for 2015. The Disney Legends Awards ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 14, in Hall D23 at the Anaheim Convention Center and will be hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger. The ceremony will also include special musical performances.

“The Disney Legend Award is our highest honor, and we are incredibly proud to recognize these eight talented individuals who have contributed so much to the world of entertainment and the Disney legacy,” Bob Iger said. “Their vision and dedication to their work have brought joy to audiences around the globe and earned them a place in Disney history.”

The 2015 Disney Legend Award honorees (listed alphabetically) are:

GEORGE BODENHEIMER, who retired from his role as Executive Chairman of ESPN in May 2014, enjoyed a remarkable 33-year career that began in the company’s mailroom in 1981. Working his way through the ranks, he became executive vice president of sales and marketing in 1996, before being named the network’s fifth president in 1998. He held that role until 2012, when he stepped down from day-to-day operations.

ANDREAS DEJA is a link to Disney’s past and one of the greatest animators of its modern era. Deja is known for his rich portraits of villainy, having animated Gaston for Beauty and the Beast, Jafar for Aladdin, and Scar for The Lion King. He has also brought life to heroes such as mighty Hercules, the precocious Lilo (Lilo & Stitch), regal King Triton (The Little Mermaid), wise Mama Odie (The Princess and the Frog), and loveable Tigger (Winnie the Pooh). In 2007, he was awarded the prestigious Winsor McCay Award for his contributions to the art of animation.

EYVIND EARLE, one of the greatest of Disney artists, brought his unique style to a number of memorable projects but perhaps the purest realization of his vision remains the visual styling and backgrounds for the Disney classic Sleeping Beauty. Earle’s career with Disney began in 1951, working on background artwork for Peter Pan. He created the look of the 1953 animated short Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom, which won an Academy Award^® for Best Short Subject, Cartoons in 1954. His most noticeable contribution, however, remains his work on Sleeping Beauty. The film’s eye-catching look, in its design and backgrounds, are the perfect representation of his unique style.

DANNY ELFMAN provided the songs and score for Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, for which he also provided the singing voice of Jack Skellington. He also scored several Disney films including Alice in Wonderland, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Dick Tracy, Dead Presidents, Flubber, Good Will Hunting (Oscar^® Nomination: Best Score), A Civil Action, Instinct, Frankenweenie, and Oz the Great and Powerful. Elfman also wrote the theme for ABC’s Desperate Housewives and penned the music for the Mystic Manor attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland. His music is featured in Disneyland’s annual Haunted Mansion Holiday. His upcoming Disney projects include Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass.

GEORGE LUCAS, whose Star Wars films made him one of the most successful filmmakers of all time, is also a longtime Disney fan who has left an indelible impression on Disney parks. His first project with Disney was Captain EO, the 1986 3-D spectacular starring Michael Jackson and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Star Tours and Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland, as well as Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril in Disneyland Paris, and two blockbuster Indiana Jones Adventure attractions at Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, round out Lucas’ timeless work in conjunction with Disney.

SUSAN LUCCI portrayed Erica Kane on ABC’s fabled soap opera All My Children for 41 years, a role that TV Guide deemed unequivocally the most famous character in the history of daytime television, earning Lucci 21 Daytime Emmy^® nominations to which she won the prestigious Emmy for Best Actress to an industry-wide standing ovation on her 19th nomination. Shortly thereafter, she received her Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, presented to her by Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. The iconic actress has also appeared on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and Hope & Faith, as well as Disney Channel’s That’s So Raven. Lucci currently stars in the international hit Lifetime series, Devious Maids, produced by ABC Studios, as the wealthy and effervescent socialite, Genevieve Delatour.

JULIE REIHM CASALETTO, who began her Disney career as a tour guide, became Disneyland’s first Ambassador in 1965—a role created to help Walt, who found it increasingly difficult to attend all the events to which he was invited. As Disneyland’s first Ambassador, she was chosen “as a personification of Disneyland’s world-famous spirit of friendliness and happiness.” She became the template upon which decades of Ambassadors would pattern themselves.

CARSON VAN OSTEN helped bring Disney characters to life in a variety of media, all around the world, for three decades. During Van Osten’s tenure, he oversaw creative content for motion picture tie-in advertising, many Disney publications, and also established some of the first licensing style guides for Disney Consumer Products. The talented artist designed logos for Mickey Mouse’s 50th and 60th birthdays, the Walt Disney Studios logo and water tower design, and the Disneyland Hotel clock tower “Mickey” logo in Paris.

Each honoree receives a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity, and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients will also participate in a handprint ceremony at the end of the event, and their bronze prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.

Admission to the ceremony will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is included in the price of a ticket to D23 EXPO 2015.

The first Disney Legend was Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire), who was honored in 1987. Including this year’s honorees, a total of 257 Disney Legends have been named. Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Robin Williams, Julie Andrews, Howard Ashman, Regis Philbin, Annette Funicello, Peter Jennings, Angela Lansbury, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Sir Tim Rice, Dick Van Dyke and Barbara Walters. With the inaugural D23 EXPO in 2009, thousands of Disney fans were able to enjoy the Legends Awards ceremony for the first time. Honorees that year included Robin Williams, Beatrice Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, Betty White, Tony Anselmo, Bill Farmer, Harry Archinal, Don Iwerks, and Leota Toombs Thomas.

Sixty Years Ago Today…

Sixty years ago today, on a hot Sunday afternoon, Walt Disney unveiled “a new concept in entertainment.”

July 17, 1955 was the day the great showman unveiled his original theme park, Disneyland Park. This historic gallery of rare photos from the Walt Disney Archives captures fascinating glimpses of that unforgettable event. Since that groundbreaking day, more than 750 million guests from approximately 200 nations have headed to the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Celebrate this 60th anniversary of the dedication of Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom by getting a close-up view of Opening Day with these priceless pieces of Disney history.

Original image of a Disneyland Press Preview Pass

TV personality Art Linkletter emceeing the broadcast with visitors

Walt Disney standing with Fred Gurley, Goodwin J. Knight in front of the E.P. Ripley train

Governor Knight speaking in front of Disneyland Park Opening Day crowds

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces raise the American flag

Walt Disney giving a speech in front of the Opening Day crowd

Fess Parker as Davy Crockett leading the parade at Disneyland's Town Square

Native American performers in DIsneyland's Indian Village

Imagineer Bob Gurr and actor Don DeFore in an Autopia attraction

A man dressed as an astronaut in front of Bub Gurr in an Autopia car

Men dressed as knights leading the Fantasyland portion of the Opening Day parade down Main Street U.S.A.

Mouseketeers in the Disneyland Opening Day parade

Ronald Regan co-hosting the television viewing of Disneyland Opening Day parade

Frontierland dancers performing a number to "Old Betsy"

Mouseketeers in Fantasyland in the middle of their first television performance

Knights standing in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle

children running toward the Sleeping Beauty Castle

ABC Family Brings Stars of Hit Series and Exclusive Pin Sets to D23 EXPO 2015

Fans can meet their favorite ABC Family stars and collect exclusive pins sets at D23 EXPO 2015, the ultimate Disney fan event, August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

ABC Family will give away exclusive pin sets each day at the Disney | ABC TV Pavilion booth, from the much anticipated new series Shadowhunters on Friday, August 14; from the network’s hit series Pretty Little Liars on Saturday, August 15; and from the network’s annual event, “25 Days of Christmas,” on Sunday, August 16.

Fans can also meet some of their favorite network stars throughout the weekend in the Disney | ABC TV Pavilion booth, located on the show floor. Following is the appearance schedule (subject to change):

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14

11–11:50 a.m.
Young & Hungry stars Jonathan Sadowski and Aimee Carrero

1–1:50 p.m.
The Fosters stars Sherri Saum and Hayden Byerly

5–5:50 p.m.
Switched at Birth stars Constance Marie and Lea Thompson

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15

12–12:50 p.m.
Stitchers stars Emma Ishta, Kyle Harris, Ritesh Rajan, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, and Allison Scagliotti

6–6:50 p.m.
Baby Daddy stars Jean-Luc Bilodeau, Chelsea Kane, and Melissa Peterman

*Schedule is subject to change.

What are you most excited to see at D23 EXPO 2015?

D23 EXPO 2015 is coming up soon—August 14–16, to be exact—and everyone is brimming with anticipation! From attending presentations and experiencing live performances to spotting Disney stars and shopping at the Disney Dream Store, there will be so many delightful things to see and do.

We know it’s hard to decide, but let us know what you’re most excited to see!

This poll is closed.

ABC Brings Once Upon a Time & More to D23 EXPO

Be among the first to learn the secrets of what’s ahead on ABC’s most anticipated new and returning fall series; hear from some of the fairy-tale residents of Once Upon a Time and the very talented performers from the new series The Muppets; and meet some of your favorite ABC stars in person during special signing sessions at D23 EXPO: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, where all the worlds of Disney come together, August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Panels and Presentations

The Magic Behind The Muppets

Friday, August 14, 10 a.m., Stage 23

Calling all Muppet fans! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with the Muppets? Here’s your chance to find out firsthand when ABC presents a panel on the magic and art of being a Muppet Performer. Join these creative artists and some of your favorite characters, along with a few surprise guests, for a rare and unforgettable demonstration of what it takes to bring these iconic and enduring personalities to life.

Once Upon a Time: An Evening with Snow White & the Evil Queen

Saturday, August 15, 6 p.m., Stage 23

Once Upon a Time’s savior has gone dark! As Emma Swan transitions into her role as the Dark One, join the resident fairy-tale characters as they cope with Emma’s new role and begin the search for Merlin. This is a journey that will take our heroes from the Enchanted Forest to Camelot and along the way bring many surprises, including Merida from Brave, as Once Upon a Time introduces its first Pixar character. Join co-creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis (LOST) and Adam Horowitz (LOST) along with series stars Ginnifer Goodwin and Lana Parrilla as they discuss the upcoming season of unexpected twists, evolving characters, new adventures, and new rivalries. This panel is sure to bring some surprises you don’t want to miss and an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming season premiere! The Q&A with this fairy-tale team will be moderated by D23’s Jeffrey Epstein.

On The Show Floor

Autograph Signings

Meet and receive autographs from some of your favorite ABC stars at the Disney | ABC TV Pavilion booth, located on the show floor. Following is the appearance schedule (subject to change):

Friday, August 14

12–12:50 p.m.
Dancing with the Stars pro dancers Witney Carson (Season 19 champion) and Allison Holker (Season 20 runner-up)

Saturday, August 15

4–4:50 p.m.
black-ish stars Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown, and Marsai Martin

5–5:40 p.m.
Once Upon a Time stars to be announced

Sunday, August 16

10–10:50 a.m.
Fresh Off the Boat stars Randall Park, Constance Wu, Hudson Yang, Forrest Wheeler, and Ian Chen

5–5:50 p.m.
The Goldbergs stars Sean Giambrone and Hayley Orrantia

Once Upon a Time Snow White and Evil Queen Doll Collection

Limited Edition of 300, $129.95

Inspired by ABC Studios’ television series Once Upon a Time, this collection brings to life the beauty, magic, and charm of the iconic fairy tale characters from the show. Exclusively available at Disney Store at D23 EXPO.

Doll Collection Autograph Signing Opportunity with Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White) and Lana Parrilla (The Evil Queen)

Ginnifer and Lana will sign the Once Upon a Time Doll Collection, available exclusively at Disney Store at D23 EXPO. This autograph session will take place on Saturday, August 15 from 4–4:45 p.m. at the ABC booth on the D23 EXPO show floor, and is exclusively for those guests who have purchased one of the dolls.

The Force Was Strong at Comic-Con—And More in News Briefs

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Premieres Behind-the-Scenes Footage

San Diego Comic-Con 2015 just wrapped up all its insanely awesome shenanigans… including a panel dedicated to all things Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Not only did director JJ Abrams and producer Kathleen Kennedy take questions from the floor (further whetting everyone’s appetite for the movie’s premiere in December), but they also welcomed nine actors from the film—including “legacy” folks Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, and Harrison Ford! That wasn’t all: Fans in Hall H were also treated to a very special look behind the scenes of The Force Awakens… which is now available online! Take a gander, above—and try not to fall out of your chair at its sheer epic-ness. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
July 18
D23 Celebrates Disneyland, U.S.A.
August 14-16
D23 Expo 2015 returns to Anaheim, California
Fall 2015
D23 Member VIP Nights at The Lion King
September 26
The Art of Disney—Featuring 75 Years of Pinocchio
October 3
D23’s Sip & Stroll
Studios
July 17
Ant Man opens in theaters.
November 25
The Good Dinosaur opens in theaters.
December 18
Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in theaters.
January 29
The Finest Hours opens in theaters.
March 4
Zootopia opens in theaters.

Parks
September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27; October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31; and November 1
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park
September 25-November 16
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
November 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29; and December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park
Television
July 31
Disney’s Descendants premieres at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
September 5
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy premieres at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on Disney XD

“Looking for Mickey Quest” Begins This Month at Disneyland Resort

Spending the day at the Disneyland Resort is already loads of fun… but what if you could add a cool scavenger hunt on top of that? Look no further than the new “Looking for Mickey Quest,” which begins July 16! While Quest Guides last, guests can search for hidden Mickeys throughout the Disneyland Resort. There are two ways to play: There’s a Quest themed to Disneyland Park, and one to Disney California Adventure Park (DCA)—which means the locations, clues, hidden Mickeys, and surprises for each Quest will vary. Double the fun! You purchase a Quest Guide from one of the parks to follow clues that’ll direct you to a location where a hidden Mickey can be found. Once you arrive at the location, scratch off the answer to reveal whether or not you’re correct. But no matter whether your answers are right or wrong, you can return with your Quest Guide to the redemption location to pick up a special surprise!The Disneyland Park “Looking for Mickey Quest” Guide has 20 questions, and is available for $19.95 (plus tax); the DCA version has 10 questions, and costs $12.95 (plus tax). And don’t forget: You must return your “Looking for Mickey Quest” Guide to the respective redemption location (depending on which Quest you did, natch) before July 31, 2015, to pick up your treat. Now get to questin’!

Future World Marketplace Expands at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Big doings for our friends down at Walt Disney World: Four new food and beverage marketplaces will open in Future World during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which runs September 25 through November 16. It’s the first time in the festival’s 20-year-history that global marketplace experiences—now numbering more than 30—have expanded from the park’s World Showcase into Future World!During the 53-day festival, the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese area featuring the Cheese Studio and Wine Studio marketplaces will evoke the ambiance of Napa Valley with grape vines and pergolas all along the walkway to Future World West. And the new Next Eats area (near the Epcot Character Spot) will include the Sustainable Chew and Chew Lab marketplaces, inspired by ABC’s daytime lifestyle series The Chew.The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is included in the price of Epcot admission—though you can make reservations or purchase separate admission for some of the Festival’s special events at epcotfoodfestival.com. See you foodies there!

Brave Merida Joins ABC’s Once Upon a Time

That Star Wars behind-the-scenes featurette wasn’t the only big news at this year’s Comic-Con: the producers of ABC’s hit series Once Upon a Time (OUAT) made an announcement of their own. Starting in the fall, the good (and occasionally evil) people of Storybrooke will be joined by none other than Merida, the heroine of the Disney•Pixar film Brave.

According to our pals over at Oh My Disney!, OUAT series creator and executive producer Adam Horowitz named Amy Manson (Atlantis, Not Another Happy Ending) as the actress who’ll take on the headstrong redhead. Let’s hope she brings Angus with her!

Disney Infinity Gets North American Release Date

If you’re anything like us, you’ve been counting down the days ’til the release of Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition. Thankfully, the wait is almost over; the first Starter Packs, Play Sets, and figurines will be available in stores on August 30!

Fans can expect to see the Star Wars Twilight of the Republic Play Set (featured in the Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Starter Pack), the Star Wars Saga Play Set, the Inside Out Play Set, and the Tomorrowland Power Disc Pack on store shelves as August comes to a close. Additional Play Sets and figures will become available throughout the fall… just in time for the holidays.

Bonus: Fans who pre-order a Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Starter Pack at participating retail stores will receive an early copy of the Toy Box Expansion Game, Toy Box Takeover, an action-adventure valued at $19.99! It features multiplayer gameplay that allows players to use all of their favorite Disney Infinity characters across Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, and Disney•Pixar.

Prince Harry to Bring Invictus Games to Walt Disney World in 2016

Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is set to get the royal treatment next year, when England’s Prince Harry brings his Invictus Games to the United States for the very first time!

The event, celebrating wounded servicemen and women from around the world as they compete in a variety of sports events, will take place May 8–12, 2016. The inaugural Games in 2014 drew more than 400 athletes from 13 different countries—plus some 65,000 spectators—to London, and it was seen by more than 10 million fans on TV. The Invictus Games at Disney is expected to involve a similar number of athletes from up to 14 nations competing in 10 sports including archery, swimming, track and field, triathlon, and wheelchair basketball.

Keep an eye out for more news about the Invictus Games at Disney in the coming months!

New Details for Shanghai Disneyland Revealed

Today The Walt Disney Company revealed exciting new details about Shanghai Disneyland, Disney’s first theme park in Mainland China—scheduled to open in spring 2016. The park will feature six themed lands, innovative attractions, and immersive entertainment designed especially for Chinese guests.

At a presentation held today at the Shanghai Expo Centre, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger revealed a scale model of the world-class theme park and displays showcasing key highlights of unique attractions, entertainment, dining, and hotels.

“We are building something truly special here in Shanghai that not only showcases the best of Disney’s storytelling but also celebrates and incorporates China’s incredibly rich heritage to create a one-of-a-kind destination that will delight and entertain the people of China for generations to come,” Iger said. “We are taking everything we’ve learned from our six decades of exceeding expectations—along with our relentless innovation and famous creativity to create a truly magical place that is both authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese.”

Shanghai Disneyland, a joint venture between Disney and its partner, Shanghai Shendi Group, will feature six themed lands:

Adventure Isle will immerse guests in a newly discovered lost world, filled with hidden treasures. The mighty Roaring Mountain will tower over guests and they may blaze their own trails at Camp Discovery, travel around the world on Soaring over the Horizon, or embark on the thrilling rafting adventure through the heart of Adventure Isle on Roaring Rapids.

Gardens of Imagination celebrates the wonders of nature and the joy of imagination. Guests will take a spin on the Fantasia Carousel, soar on the back of Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and enjoy the area’s iconic Disney entertainment, including Castle stage shows and Ignite the Dream, a Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light. From several places in this land, guests will enjoy Mickey’s Storybook Express, a parade with its own musical soundtrack and colorful performers on the longest parade route in a Disney park.

Mickey Avenue is the first main entry at a Disney park inspired by the colorful personalities of Mickey Mouse and his pals. In the neighborhoods of this whimsical avenue, guests will share a hug and get a photo with some all-time favorite Disney characters. Avenue M Arcade, one of the many shops along the avenue, will feature the largest selection of gifts and collectibles inside the theme park.

Tomorrowland celebrates the limitless possibilities and optimism of the future in Shanghai. Disney’s innovative use of technology has produced a land where guests will go to infinity and beyond on Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue, a new space ranger adventure, or break the bonds of gravity on Jet Packs. A massive, color-shifting canopy will lure guests to TRON Lightcycle Power Run, a coaster-style attraction where guests board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for one of the most thrilling adventures at any Disney park.

Treasure Cove will be the first pirate-themed land in a Disney park, a place to join the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones. As guests explore this pirate world, they will enter Pirates of the Caribbean—Battle for the Sunken Treasure, an attraction that transforms a boat ride into a journey with cutting-edge innovations in robotics, animation, set design, and multimedia. Guests will board a pirate ship, paddle through the scenic cove on Explorer Canoes, and dine at Barbossa’s Bounty.

Fantasyland, inspired by Disney’s animated films, will be the largest land and home to the Enchanted Storybook Castle. Guests will experience familiar Disney stories as they ride Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, go in and out of tunnels glowing with dazzling diamonds on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and take flight over the skies of London on Peter Pan’s Flight. They may also explore the Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh or follow Alice through a Wonderland maze.

Two experiences created especially for Shanghai Disneyland will be located near Tomorrowland: Star Wars Launch Bay will be a celebration of the Star Wars Galaxy that will immerse guests in a state-of-the-art cinematic experience; and Marvel Universe brings guests up-close-and-personal with Marvel Super Heroes and takes them inside the world of Marvel.

At the park’s center, Enchanted Storybook Castle will be the tallest, largest, and most interactive castle at any Disney park—it’s also the first castle in a Disney park to represent all of the Disney princesses.

The Resort will feature two unique hotels when it opens: the Art Nouveau-inspired Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and the Toy Story Hotel, inspired by the beloved Disney•Pixar films. The Disneytown shopping, dining, and entertainment district will be home to the Walt Disney Grand Theatre, which will be the separate-ticket venue for the global premiere in Mandarin of Disney’s theatrical event, The Lion King. And the nearby Wishing Star Park offers natural wonders that include lovely gardens and a glittering lake.

For 60 years, Disney parks have been creating lifelong memories for their guests, and Shanghai Disneyland will extend this legacy. Our passports are ready… we’ll see you in Shanghai!

Disney Interactive Is Bringing “Infinite” Gaming Possibilities to D23 EXPO 2015

Whether you like video games that take you to that Galaxy Far, Far Away or entertain you via the mobile device that’s closest at hand, Disney Interactive will be showcasing a game for you at D23 EXPO 2015. The possibilities are, shall we say, infinite!

D23 EXPO 2015 will feature the biggest Star Wars™ and Disney video games in a special presentation in the signature 7,500-seat Hall D23 theater and in Disney Interactive’s pavilion on the show floor.

In the Hall D23 presentation on Sunday, August 16, at 11 a.m., fans won’t want to miss never-before-seen gameplay, trailers, new reveals, and surprises from Disney Interactive’s most anticipated games. Among the games participating in the presentation are: Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition, Star Wars™ Battlefront™ from Electronic Arts, and KINGDOM HEARTS III from Square Enix. Disney Interactive will showcase more Star Wars characters and Play Sets new to Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition and provide the entire audience with limited-edition giveaways exclusively for Hall D23. Electronic Arts will give guests an in-depth look at Star Wars Battlefront, the authentic Star Wars gaming experience coming November 17. Square Enix will also bring special guests and surprises to Hall D23 to reveal new information from KINGDOM HEARTS III.

In the Disney Interactive pavilion on the show floor, players can experience the latest and upcoming titles through hands-on demos, innovative interactive experiences, and premium giveaways for all guests.

Players will join forces with Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, and Disney•Pixar characters in Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition, the next chapter in the best-selling “hybrid toy/video game” series. Guests will have the chance to play some of the new Disney Infinity Play Sets, Star Wars™ Twilight of the Republic, Star Wars™ Rise Against the Empire and Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out, and the fully enhanced Toy Box mode. Pavilion guests will also be able to visit the “Only in the Toy Box” Experience. Using a new augmented reality technology, fans can step into a virtual Toy Box environment and interact alongside their favorite Disney, Disney•Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars characters found inside Disney Infinity. Disney Infinity will also be giving away thousands of pre-release Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition figures featuring popular characters from across The Walt Disney Company (while supplies last).

Pavilion guests will also be able to live out some of their Star Wars battle fantasies by going hands-on with Star Wars

Fans can experience the latest arcade sensation from Disney Interactive, Lucasfilm and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, Star Wars™:Battle Pod™. Featuring cutting-edge, arcade-style video gameplay, Star Wars: Battle Pod brings players right into the action with a totally unique experience featuring a dome-shaped screen, air jets, and rumble seat.

In the pavilion’s game lounge, fans can take a break from the show floor and try out the hottest mobile games including Star Wars: Commander, Frozen Free Fall and LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum.

Walt Disney Archives Stage to Premiere at D23 EXPO 2015

With just a little more than a month to go until D23 EXPO 2015, the Walt Disney Archives and D23 are excited to announce a new presentation space that will debut alongside an already-rich EXPO programming slate—the Walt Disney Archives Stage.

Through presentations and panel discussions that represent nearly every facet of Disney history, this intimate 275-seat theater will give fans “a peek behind the magic” with presentations and panels featuring the Disney Legends, luminaries, and historians who help make the Disney universe, well… magical!

Several engaging presentations for fans are planned throughout the weekend. These include:

Before Ever After

Friday, August 14, 11:00 a.m.—Walt Disney Archives Stage

Based on his new book, Before Ever After, Disney author and producer Don Hahn offers a glimpse into the incredible true story of the Disney Studio’s early artist training program that Walt held in the build-up to his first feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Pixar Living Archives

Friday, August 14, 12:30 p.m.—Walt Disney Archives Stage

Lead Archivist and Pixar historian Christine Freeman gives a behind-the-scenes look at what lives in Pixar’s archives—describing their collections, the work of their archivists, and the history of the collection starting with The Adventures of André & Wally B.

In Conversation: Julie Reihm Casaletto

Friday, August 14, 2:30 p.m.—Walt Disney Archives Stage

Join an informal conversation with the first Disneyland Ambassador, Julie Reihm Casaletto, about her Disney career—from working with Walt to her appointment as “Miss Disneyland Tencennial” (1965), the post that would ultimately set the stage for today’s Disneyland Ambassador Program.

In Conversation: Carson Van Osten

Friday, August 14, 4 p.m.—Walt Disney Archives Stage

Settle in for a fun conversation moderated by Disney Legend Floyd Norman with Disney artist Carson Van Osten about his long-time career with The Walt Disney Company. From comics to character merchandising and video game concepts, Carson has done it all!

Disney Did That?: 4 Artists Paint 1 Tree—A Celebration of an Inspirational Masterpiece

Friday, August 14, 5:30 p.m.—Walt Disney Archives Stage

“4 Artists Paint 1 Tree,” originally part of the Disneyland anthology series program An Adventure in Art, profiles how artists use their own perceptions and techniques to capture the way they view the world. Though the program was made in the context of informing the audience about the making of Sleeping Beauty, the approach and the care put into this film elevated it beyond the mundane, creating something extraordinary, a visual and inspirational document of the creative process. Hosted by Fox Carney, Manager of Research for Walt Disney Animation Studio’s Animation Research Library.

Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue—Frontierland: 1957–1961

Saturday, August 15, 10 a.m.—Walt Disney Archives Stage

Ron and David DeFore recollect their exciting adventures growing up in Disneyland when their father, actor Don DeFore, owned a restaurant in Frontierland. A unique part of early Disneyland history will be rediscovered via vintage park imagery paired with humorous tales and cherished family memories.

Disney University and Its Professor Emeritus, Van France

Saturday, August 15, 11:30 a.m.—Walt Disney Archives Stage

Join host Doug Lipp, former head of the training team at the Disney Studios and author of Disney U, for an engaging fireside chat with former Disney University Executives about Disney Legend Van France. Learn rarely told stories about how Van, Disney Legend Jim Cora and other visionaries created the Disney University. As a team, they helped shape The Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland.

Disney Animation: Preservation-Restoration-Reconstruction

Saturday, August 15, 3 p.m.—Walt Disney Archives Stage

Theo Gluck, The Walt Disney Studios’ Director of Library Restoration and Preservation, will discuss and demonstrate the techniques and technologies used to digitally preserve the fragile original negatives of classic and iconic Disney films from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Mary Poppins.

Bringing the Past Back to Life: Recreating Disney’s History in a Virtual Setting

Saturday, August 15, 4:30 p.m.—Walt Disney Archives Stage

Join Jeremy Marx, of the Disney History Institute, as he explains how technology of today is giving us access to Disney’s wonders of the past. Using 3D technology, Jeremy has developed detailed simulations, including Monsanto’s House of the Future, Adventure Thru Inner Space, the Tower of the Four Winds, and Walt’s personal backyard railroad, the Carolwood Pacific. In this presentation, he’ll showcase those projects already completed, layout the process that makes this possible, and preview retired attractions he will soon bring back to life.

In Conversation: Council of Disney Archivists

Saturday, August 15, 6 p.m.—Walt Disney Archives Stage

The Walt Disney Company has a long and storied past. Such history is currently saved by several groups across the company, all of which work toward the same goal of preserving and sharing the very best of Disney’s history with the world. Fans have the chance to sit in on this informal panel discussion with some of the archivists, librarians, and researchers who oversee several of The Walt Disney Company’s amazing historical collections.

Sounds Delightful: Disneyland Edition

Sunday, August 16, 10 a.m.—Walt Disney Archives Stage

Disney artist and historian Stacia Martin hosts Sounds Delightful: Disneyland Edition, an “Illustrated Audio Adventure” across the Disney decades via vintage vinyl recordings from her extensive personal collection. Enjoy forgotten favorites from the turntables of yesteryear, rare promotional and production tracks… and a special 60th anniversary salute to Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom of Disneyland!

Everyone Loves the Circus…Including the Mouseketeers!

Sunday, August 16, 11:30 a.m.—Walt Disney Archives Stage

Thursday was “Circus Day” on the Mickey Mouse Club television show, but for the 1955–1956 holiday season at Disneyland every day was a circus: the “Mickey Mouse Club Circus”! Join Disney historian Paula Sigman Lowery as she explores Walt Disney’s love of this famed American tradition, and celebrates this unique event with rare stills, film footage, and Mouseka-memories from Disneyland’s past.

Disneyland: Fond Memories of the Past

Sunday, August 16, 1 p.m.—Walt Disney Archives Stage

Didn’t get a chance to experience D23’s Destination D: Attraction Rewind? Well, let’s turn back the clocks! Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline and Disney artist and historian Stacia Martin revisit their popular 2014 event presentation taking fans on a journey through some of Disneyland’s most beloved attractions of yesteryear.

In Conversation: Wilma Baker and Ginny Mack

Sunday, August 16, 4:30 p.m.—Walt Disney Archives Stage

Hand-inked and painted cels helped bring the magic of Disney animation to the silver screen. Join host Mindy Johnson, author of the forthcoming book Ink & Paint—The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation, for a sneak-peek—and lively conversation—with Ink & Paint artists Wilma Baker and Ginni Mack, who worked on Disney’s animated feature films from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to The Little Mermaid!