Biggest Little Heroes—D23 Presents the Buzz on Bugs

By Jonathan McMullen

In honor of Marvel’s Ant-Man, opening Friday, July 17, we thought it would be fun to highlight some other heroic Disney bugs. Big things do come in little packages!

**Ray (The Princess and the Frog)**

This romantic Cajun firefly is a little bugger with a big heart. Ray meets up with Tiana and Naveen and agrees to help them along on their journey to become human again. He shows his bravery in many ways, but the most heroic moment of all is when he puts his friends before himself and fights off the evil Dr. Facilier and his shadow minions—at the cost of his own life.

**Cri-Kee (Mulan)**

Even though he is given to Mulan as the good luck cricket for the Fa family, Cri-Kee believes he is not actually good luck. However, he goes on to help Mulan and Mushu survive through many perils, which proves that his luck does ring true. His true heroism is displayed when he helps Mushu defeat Shan Yu by firing a Chinese rocket to whisk away the villain.

**Evinrude (The Rescuers)**

Aside from having the fastest boat in the bayou, when Bernard and Miss Bianca need help rescuing Penny from the ruthless Madame Medusa, this courageous dragonfly rushes off through the dangerous swamp, avoiding a hungry swarm of bats! He gathers up the neighbors, then leads the charge to help successfully defeat Madame Medusa and rescue Penny.

**Zipper (Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers)**

Even though he’s the smallest member of the Rescue Rangers team, this spunky fly is never afraid to help out in any way possible—such as stopping bank robbers or even the felonious Fat Cat. His tiny size and ability to fly actually make him the perfect bug for the job in some cases. Though his temper sometimes gets the best of him, he is always there for his team and plays a vital role on the team’s cases.

**“Anty” (Honey, I Shrunk the Kids)**

This young, lovable ant meets Amy, Nick, Ron, and Russ after they are shrunk to bug size. He helps them traverse the backyard jungle by allowing them to ride him. When a scorpion suddenly attacks the kids, this loyal ant becomes a hero to the lost children and rushes to their rescue. In a tear-jerking scene, he sacrifices himself to allow the kids a moment to fight back and drive off the scorpion.

**Dot (A Bug’s Life)**

The younger, smaller princess of the Ant Colony, Dot struggles with the concept of growing from a seed into a tree. She wants to be brave and useful but is very afraid of the grasshoppers, especially the vicious Thumper. When she hears that Hopper is planning to squish her mother, Dot rushes to get help. During the rescue, Thumper confronts her, but she gathers up the courage to face her fear, slaps him, and then tells him to go home.

**Mrs. Ladybug (James and the Giant Peach)**

The kind and proper Mrs. Ladybug is one of the bugs from inside the peach that help James through his journey. Along the way to New York City, a robot shark attacks the peach with torpedoes. Mrs. Ladybug shows her feisty and brave side, risking life and wing by quickly flying up to fend off the torpedoes with her purse to save James and Mr. Grasshopper.

**Jiminy Cricket (Pinocchio)**

Probably the most time-honored Disney bug, Jiminy is the conscience and good friend to Pinocchio. He has shown himself to be a hero on many occasions. The most memorable may be when he rescues Pinocchio from Pleasure Island. After Jiminy leaves in a huff for feeling second fiddle to the corruptible Lampwick, he discovers that kids are turning into donkeys. Jiminy immediately puts his differences aside and rushes back to warn Pinocchio before it’s too late. With Jiminy leading the way, they are able to escape before Pinocchio completely turns into a donkey.

Big Adventure, Small Hero: Cast & Filmmakers Talk Marvel’s Ant-Man

The newest addition to the Marvel cinematic universe, Marvel’s Ant-Man, proves that heroes come in all sizes! Armed with the amazing ability to shrink in scale and yet increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is forced to embrace his inner “good guy” and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of threats. Against seemingly insurmountable odds, Pym and Lang plan to pull off a heist that just might save the world. While the countdown to Marvel’s Ant-Man’s July 17 release continues, here’s what the film’s cast and filmmakers had to say about what it took to bring Marvel’s latest luminary to life.

**On Taking Marvel’s Ant-Man From Comic Book to Big Screen:**

Director Peyton Reed: “Ant-Man is interesting because he was one of the original Avengers, which I think a lot of people don’t know or forget. I also like the fact that there is a passing of the mantle from Hank Pym to Scott Lang that sets up a great mentor-pupil dynamic between the characters. That’s a classic Marvel Comics dynamic and something that we really haven’t seen in the Marvel cinematic universe so far.”

On Creating a Hesitant Hero:

Actor Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man): “In the beginning of the film, my character Scott Lang has just gotten out of prison. He doesn’t know anything about Ant-Man and has nothing to do with Hank Pym. On the other hand, Pym singled him out and, quite aware of his notoriety, has been watching him with ulterior motives. He sets up a scenario where Scott has to resort to his old ways. He breaks into Hank’s house to steal some money to help pay child support for his daughter, the only person he really cares about. Unbeknownst to Scott, Hank has orchestrated the entire scenario. This brings Scott into Pym’s world where he can potentially teach Scott how to use the suit properly and steal something Pym really needs.”

Reed: “One of the things that excited me most about Ant-Man was having Paul Rudd in the lead role. There’s nobody more likeable than Paul, but this role re contextualizes him a little bit as an ex-con and a master thief, which was really fun to me. If you know Paul’s work, he’s done plenty of comedy work, but he’s also done a lot of dramatic work in both film and stage and he’s an amazing actor.”

On Casting an Oscar^® Winner:

Reed: “Michael Douglas’ career has spanned decades with so many different types of amazing roles… In this film, his character has a rich amount of amazing baggage from his past that we wanted to play on. It’s a great reveal when you find out that there’s somebody watching and guiding Scott Lang towards this thing that turns out to be his destiny. The fact that Michael Douglas is the guy in control really takes it to another level and gives it the gravitas that we wanted.”

Actor Michael Douglas (Dr. Hank Pym): “Before Ant-Man, I had no career in my kids’ eyes. I’ve never done a picture as far as they were concerned. Two Academy Awards^® meant nothing. Now I’m cool. I am cool to my son and to his friends, too. This is the first time I’ve ever heard my kids say, ‘Can we go to the premiere?’ So they’re going to come.”

Rudd: “I was elated that Michael wanted to do the movie. When he signed, it was a great day for the film and comic book fans everywhere. When I was doing the rewrite with Adam McKay, I knew how great he was going to be in the film and I started imagining him in the part. I’ve been able in my career, which hasn’t really been all that long, to work with some legendary actors and he is one of those who are in that rarified-air category.”

On Being a Marvel “Newbie”:

Actress Evangeline Lilly (Hope van Dyne): “I was not familiar with Marvel Comics or Ant-Man when I was first approached about the part, so I had to do some homework. I watched some Marvel films because I was completely ignorant of the incredible things that they were doing. I discovered that they are very talented with story and character and they know how to put on a spectacle. Then, when I was doing screen tests, they started showing me ‘pre-visual’ material of Ant-Man and the ants in action. Once I saw it with my own eyes, I suddenly realized how cool this movie was going to be.”

On Choosing Locations and Creating Sets:

Producer Kevin Feige: “Ant-Man is a very different kind of a Marvel film. This is very much a Marvel film set within the heist genre. San Francisco is an amazing city visually and when you think of the great films that have taken place here in the past, it just felt like a great convergence of a new idea for a genre, a new city, and all the new characters in the world of Scott Lang and Hank Pym.”

Production Designer Shepherd Frankel: “In our story, Hank Pym—a scientist, a physicist, an engineer—has lived without his wife for about 20 years and he raised his daughter here, so the detail of this beautiful home has been taken over by [his] study and scholarship… Some of the classic furniture from the Victorian era has been mixed with mid-century furniture. Some of the house has been taken over by Pym’s interests, and some of the things that we’ve integrated into the house are miniatures to suggest that [he’s] tested out the Pym Particles, which are responsible for shrinking our character into Ant-Man. Now Pym Particles have been developed over years and taken a lot of time, so we’ve seen some of these pieces being shrunk and integrated into his day-to-day activity.”

On the Incredible Ant-Man Suit:

Reed: “When Paul first walked on set in the Ant-Man suit, I said to myself, and I’m biased, but I think it’s the most badass suit in the Marvel cinematic universe. The great thing about it is you feel the history of that suit. It’s got battle damage on the helmet and you look at that suit and think of all the stuff Hank Pym probably went through in that suit. It’s so detailed and you look at it and it really makes sense. You feel like you can figure out how that would work and how this spreads the Pym Particles around. It’s very plausible… Ant-Man becomes very dense when he’s small, so I could be a bad guy sitting here holding the gun on somebody and suddenly ‘Wham!,’ something flies in and knocks my tooth out. It’s Ant-Man flying through the air and launching into my tooth with the full power of a guy actually punching me. So that’s something new and interesting. He’s like a bullet and you don’t see him coming.”

Rudd: “I went through many fittings for this suit, which is very deceptive in its complexity… Not just the number of parts but how certain things work. How the pieces of the shoulders can move when I lift up my arm, for example. It’s really exceptional craftsmanship, and when I put it on for the first time I stood differently and I couldn’t get over the fact that I was in the Ant-Man suit. The first thing I thought of was, ‘Wow, I know there are a lot of people right now that would like to see what this thing looks like,’ and that was really cool. I felt like I was trespassing a little bit. Seeing something I wasn’t supposed to.”

On Strong Female Characters:

Lilly: “It’s a huge motivating factor for the choices I make as an actress and the things I do publicly as an actress. I do feel very strongly that the reason why you need female characters in movies like this is because you have females going to watch the film, whether they are children, teenagers, adults, or seniors. They need to be represented, and the best compliment I ever get about any of the roles I’ve done is to have a parent come to me and say, ‘My little girl just idolized that character.’ I know in my heart that I gave her a character to idolize and that I didn’t somehow let her down or misrepresent women.”

Reed: “I’ve always been a fan of Evangeline’s, and I think in this film with her as this dynamic, multidimensional character, audiences are going to get to see a really different version of her. She’s been kind of rough and tough in her previous films, but in Ant-Man she really gets to be a badass. Hope van Dyne is someone you don’t want to mess with. She knows martial arts, she’s incredibly smart… The character also has a big arc in the film and there is a whole other side of the character that women will be able to relate to as well.”

On What Audiences Can Expect:

Lilly: “Ant-Man is really fresh and new and is something that we’ve not seen at all in the Marvel Cinematic Universe before. It’s going to have its own life and its own fan base. Even if there were no Marvel films that existed today and this film came into the movie theaters, it would still be a smash hit. It has it all—great characters, great action, fun adventure… and who just doesn’t love all those amazing ants?”

Rudd: “One of the things I like about this movie is that it’s not an easy one to put into a box; it’s not a straight up comedy, it’s not a straight action movie, but there are plenty of both. The characters are also going through what I think are very relatable and familial struggles. There’s poignancy to the story. I think audiences will really connect with the characters in the film. On top of that, there’s amazing action in both the physical world and the macro world that people just haven’t seen before. It’s really exciting, very cool and unique.”

D23 Grants Three Wishes with Never Had a Friend Like D23

We started with 25 magical realms.

You voted and six fantastical lands emerged. And finally — after an epic social media battle worthy of Jafar — we have our three winning kingdoms. Congratulations to:

Phoenix
Sacramento
Seattle

This fall, for the first time ever, a whole new world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Aladdin is revealed in a whole new way on Blu-ray and Digital HD—with never-before-seen bonus materials. To celebrate the occasion, we’re hosting special Aladdin events for local D23 Members in cities you, the fans, voted for! Look for details later this summer on how you can attend these free member events. NOTE: D23 Gold and Gold Family Members will get first, and in some cases exclusive, access to these events, depending on market and venue. If you’re not a Gold Member, it’s easy to upgrade.

Thanks to everyone who voted and we’ll see you faster than you can say “Abracadabra!”

D23 reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to change, modify, add, or remove cities.

Next Star Wars Anthology Directors Announced—And More in News Briefs

Christopher Miller & Phil Lord to Bring Han Solo to the Big Screen

Big news, Star Wars fans! The sought-after directors of last year’s The LEGO Movie, Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, have just been announced as the directors for the next installment in the Star Wars Anthology of films—a look at the backstory of everyone’s favorite scoundrel, Han Solo. And if that wasn’t cool enough, the screenplay is written by Star Wars veteran Lawrence Kasdan (The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Force Awakens) and his son Jon Kasdan (Freaks and Geeks).

“This is the first film we’ve worked on that seems like a good idea to begin with,” said Miller and Lord. “We promise to take risks, to give the audience a fresh experience, and we pledge ourselves to be faithful stewards of these characters who mean so much to us. This is a dream come true for us. And not the kind of dream where you’re late for work and all your clothes are made of pudding, but the kind of dream where you get to make a film with some of the greatest characters ever, in a film franchise you’ve loved since before you can remember having dreams at all.”

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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
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.

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

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Rockets onto Disney XD This Fall

While we may have to wait until 2017 to see the return of Star Lord, Gamorra, Rocket Raccoon, Groot, and Drax on the big screen, we get to see them on the small(er) screen much sooner! Marvel’s highly anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy animated series just announced its Disney XD premiere date: Saturday, September 26 (9:30 p.m. ET/PT), to be exact . . .

The epic, action-packed space adventure follows our favorite ragtag band of misfits as they band together to save the Universe, and it debuts with a one-hour special featuring back-to-back episodes. Fans can get a sneak peek at the first episode on Saturday, September 5 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. But that’s not all: Disney XD will whet your Guardians whistle with 10 two-minute shorts that dive into the backstory of each of the five main characters every Saturday in August. We’re breaking out our mix tapes in anticipation!

**Disney’s The Finest Hours: First Trailer Debuts**

On February 18, 1952, a massive “Nor’easter” barreled its way onto the New England coast, wreaking havoc on several ships, including the oil tanker SS Pendleton. Despite the ridiculous odds against them, a small group of brave men from a local Coast Guard station set out to save the crew of the tanker. This incredible true story is the basis for Disney’s epic The Finest Hours, which stars Chris Pine (Star Trek), Casey Affleck (Interstellar), and Eric Bana (Hulk).

Check out the brand-new trailer for the film, which storms into U.S. theaters on January 29, 2016 in Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D.

**New Star Wars App Brings A Galaxy Far, Far Away to the Palm of Your Hand**

Want a lightspeed connection to Star Wars news, special features, and more? The brand-new Star Wars app is completely customizable and makes it possible for you to theme your app to the Light Side or the Dark Side, take and share Star Wars “selfies,” share animated GIFs of memorable scenes from all of your favorite Star Wars movies and TV shows, and count down to massively important events, like the opening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with a timer that is always running! The app is now available for iOS and Android devices, and will continue to evolve and offer new features. The Force just got a little stronger in your smartphone or tablet!

ABC.com Wants Kids to “Be Inspired”

Attention kids between the ages of 5 and 18 (and their awesome parents)! Disney|ABC Television Group is teaming up with Youth Service America to offer “Summer of Creativity” Grants, and they’re taking applications now through August 10. Young change-makers can now apply for a Grant to help make their community greener, safer, smarter, healthier, cleaner, or fairer! Winners will receive $500 to help make a lasting, positive change in the world.

The “Summer of Creativity” Grant Program, part of Disney|ABC TV’s “Be Inspired” campaign, is searching for kids and teens who want to create change through volunteer and community service projects. They’re especially interested in youth-led projects that highlight the creativity and commitment of young people working to meet the needs of others.

Interested? Head over to http://www.ysa.org/beinspired to read up on eligibility, browse free Youth Service America resources, and download the application!

**Eat Delicious Pizza and Take Ant-Man Home!**

Where else can you enjoy a delightful meal and get the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition Marvel print? Why, the Disneyland Resort, of course!

Created exclusively for Disneyland Resort Food and Beverage, a very cool “keepsake” art print to celebrate the release of Marvel’s Ant-Man will be available at Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port (inside Tomorrowland) starting July 17! The limited-edition print is only $5.99, and it features a comic book-style look at Ant-Man himself by artist Todd Nauck.

Todd himself will be on hand from 2–4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, to sign the new Marvel’s Ant-Man print. As our friends over at the Disney Parks Blog so astutely said, don’t miss out on this “f-ANT-astic” opportunity!

**See ABC’s The Chew at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival**

For the first time in the show’s history, the hilarious and informative hosts of ABC’s The Chew—Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Clinton Kelly, Carla Hall, and Daphne Oz—are leaving the comfy confines of their Manhattan studio to tape several shows at the 20th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! The shows will tape on October 7, 8, and 9, and the five resulting episodes will air the week of October 12.

Wanna chance to sit in the show’s live audience? Visit thechew.com for information on how to obtain tickets. However, we’re guessing you’ll manage to get a glimpse of the hosts all over Walt Disney World Resort as they discover all the innovative dining the Resort has to offer . . .

Along with the taping of their show, The Chew will be featured in two marketplaces throughout the festival’s 53-day celebration from September 25 through November 16. Marketplaces will expand into Future World—for the very first time—in their new “Next Eats” festival area, offering three delicious dishes from The Chew in their Sustainable Chew Marketplace. (Fun fact: Herbs and veggies from The Land pavilion at Epcot will flavor the marketplace dishes when harvested!) Also in “Next Eats,” Disney chefs are collaborating with The Chew for the Chew Lab, a cutting-edge Marketplace inspired by food-science labs and the latest culinary technology trends.

Keep an eye on epcotfoodfestival.com for more info as the event approaches!

Star-Spangled Skies: Fireworks at Disneyland

July 1, 2015May 8, 2017

By Courtney Potter

The Fourth of July is upon us—that most American of holidays, celebrating the bravery of our Founding Fathers and the generations after who fought for our continued freedom. And nothing says “Fourth of July” quite like a magnificent display of fireworks! Disneyland Park has cornered the market for decades on firework displays, culminating with Disneyland Forever, their newest spectacular in honor of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration.

It all started in 1956 (just one year after the Park’s opening) when Walt Disney first dazzled nighttime guests with a fireworks display, entitled Fantasy In the Sky. Back then, firework fuses were lit by very steady hand. But by the 1960s, an electronic system was created to launch the shells into the air… and shortly thereafter, the increasingly popular shows were synchronized to music. Tinker Bell’s iconic “flight” over Sleeping Beauty Castle was first added in 1961, and other characters (including Dumbo and Mary Poppins) followed.

Quintessential displays over the years have included Believe … There’s Magic in the Stars, which fused storytelling with innovative pyrotechnic effects; the breathtaking Christmas-themed Believe… In Holiday Magic; the 50th anniversary Remember… Dreams Come True; the enchanting production Magical (which brought Dumbo back to the skies above the Castle); and last year’s re-invented Fantasy In The Sky. And it all leads up to the new Disneyland Forever, which surrounds audiences with magic like never before!

Whether watching from Main Street, U.S.A., it’s a small world, the Rivers of America, or even within sight of the Matterhorn, each guest has a different experience of Disneyland Forever—as every location comes to life with unique combinations of color and light. The show features sequences themed after timeless films like Mary Poppins, Frozen, and The Lion King, and the pyrotechnics join with amazing projection mapping technology to immerse guests into the Disney tales that surround them. Other special effects include dozens of inflatable units and moving window “actuators” that make Main Street, U.S.A. truly come alive. And don’t forget the show’s brand-new musical score! It includes a very special closing theme, “A Kiss Goodnight,” written by Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman and performed by Broadway’s original Mary Poppins, Ashley Brown.

Disneyland Forever is the latest (and greatest!) in a long line of memorable fireworks spectaculars at Disneyland Park—and if you’re visiting this coming Fourth of July, take note: Following that evening’s performance, for one night only, guests will enjoy a patriotic pyrotechnic grand finale to celebrate America’s birthday!

Which Patriotic Attraction is Your Favorite?

Independence Day is just around the corner, and one of our favorite parts of visiting Disney Parks is experiencing the attractions that offer a glimpse into American history. We’ve all enjoyed them again and again, but does one stand out above the rest?

THE SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED

Disney Gif Adds Magic to Your Mobile Device—And More in News Briefs

Deliver a Dose of Disney Magic with Disney Gif

Sometimes you just need a little The Little Mermaid action to get your point across on Facebook, right? (Ariel really gets us.) Well, adding a touch of Disney magic to your messaging is now easier than ever with Disney Gif, a new mobile keyboard extension from Disney Interactive! Disney Gif lets users easily send gifs and emojis of their favorite stories and characters via text, email, and social media/messaging platforms. It features awesome characters from Frozen, Star Wars, ABC’s Scandal, Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out, classic Disney films, and so much more.

Whether you’re feeling happy, bold, or villainous, you can find the perfect gif in the keyboard’s curated galleries—which are categorized by emotions and Disney films and shows. More than 200 gifs are now live and more will be coming soon, so keep an eye out for new additions in the app’s Featured, Recently Added, and Trending sections.

You can download Disney Gif now from the Apple App Store!

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
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.

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 1Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park
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

Tailoring Tangled: The Musical—Behind the Scenes

The newest show aboard Disney Cruise Lines, Tangled: The Musical, premieres on the Disney Magic this November… which means the talented production team is crazy-hard at work! We recently shared a look at the cool technology behind the show’s life-sized Maximus puppet. Now, in this new behind-the-scenes video, we meet Tony^® Award-winning costume designer Paloma Young as she talks about her creative process, and where she finds inspiration for Rapunzel and Flynn Rider’s amazing outfits.

**All New Adventures with the Palace Pets in Whisker Haven App**

Palace Pets fans, rejoice! Those cute and quirky pets of your favorite Disney Princesses are back for more fun and frolic in Palace Pets in Whisker Haven, an all-new app that’s now available for free at the Apple App Store. The app features six of the fan-favorite Palace Pets, and provides children with all-new ways to play along as they nurture, groom, feed, and play interactive games with the pets. Kids can also earn happiness hearts and level up to unlock even more fun. The app also includes some all-new Whisker Haven with the Palace Pets animated shorts, which just made their TV debut on Disney Junior on Saturday, June 20… and new shorts will be added to the app each week!

A Dash More Pixie Dust for Peter Pan’s Flight

“Second star to the right, and straight on ’til morning!” Just days ago, our friends at the Disney Parks Blog were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the new magic inside the classic Peter Pan’s Flight attraction at Disneyland Park. Peter, Wendy, and the whole gang are preparing to meet all manner of guests when the refreshed ride reopens to the public on Wednesday, July 1. Make sure to look for a reimagined nursery scene, and several new special effects, when you next take flight!

**Crewing Up for the Heist: New Ant-Man Trailer**

The countdown is on! Marvel’s newest action adventure, Marvel’s Ant-Man, hits theaters July 17… but to tide us over, they’ve released another hilarious trailer. This time ’round, we meet up with Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) as he fills in the rest of his team on their roles for the heist of the century. Trouble is, Luis (Michael Pena) can’t pay much attention to Scott’s plans when Hope (Evangeline Lilly) is nearby.

**Relive Star Wars Rebels on Blu-ray and DVD**

The first season of Disney XD’s Star Wars Rebels found a potential Jedi named Ezra Bridger joining the daring crew of the starship Ghost as they fought against the Empire. Soon, you’ll be able to watch this new chapter of the Star Wars saga unfold any time you want; Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season One on Blu-ray and DVD hits shelves this fall! With 15 action-packed episodes (featuring appearances by iconic characters like Lando Calrissian and Jedi Master Yoda), amazing never-before-seen bonus material, and interviews with cast and crew, the only thing missing is your very own Lightsaber.

Look for Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season One in stores (both tangible and virtual) this September.

Made For You and Me! D23 EXPO 2015 Celebrates Mickey Mouse Club’s 60th Anniversary and More!

Come along and sing the song and join the jamboree! What jamboree, you might be asking? Why, the just-announced presentation at D23 EXPO 2015 commemorating Mickey Mouse Club’s 60th anniversary! Celebrating Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club—60 Magical YEARS, hosted by author Lorraine Santoli (The Official Mickey Mouse Club Book), will take place Sunday, August 16, at 5 p.m. in Stage 23. The panel, featuring original Mouseketeers Sherry Alberoni, Sharon Baird, Bobby Burgess, Tommy Cole, Darlene Gillespie, Cubby O’Brien, and Doreen Tracey, along with actors Tim Considine (Spin Evans) and David Stollery (Marty Markham), will include a one-of-a-kind performance filled with memories, music, and magic. D23 EXPO 2015 will take place August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

In addition to the panel, the Disney Dream Store will offer a small collection of 60th anniversary Mickey Mouse Club items to mark the occasion. Also, several of the Mouseketeers will be available for a signing opportunity at D23 EXPO Autograph Central on the show floor on Sunday from 2:30–3:30 p.m. Plus, guests will be able to see Mouseketeer Annette Funicello’s original Disney Legend handprints on display for the first time outside the Walt Disney Studios lot. The handprints, taken on October 21, 1992, when Funicello was inducted as a Disney Legend, will be presented in one of the show floor’s “photo spots.” There will also be a collection of props and costumes from Mickey Mouse Club Circus in “Walt Disney Archives Presents—Disneyland: The Exhibit.”

D23 will also present several other engaging presentations for guests throughout the weekend including:

Charles Phoenix: Big Retro Disneyland Slide Show!

Friday, August 14, 10 a.m., Stage 28

Be prepared for your Disneyland-loving spirit to soar when the Ambassador of Americana takes you to the granddaddy of all theme parks when it opened. With his spectacular collection of “found” mid-century-era Kodachrome images, unbridled enthusiasm, and keen eye for detail, Charles shares the early days of Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland. See long-gone attractions, including the Phantom Boats, Flying Saucers, the Indian Village, PeopleMover, House of the Future, Carousel of Progress, and the original Tomorrowland—promoted as “The World of 1986”—and the all-new Tomorrowland in 1967. Your imagination will be inspired!

Disneyland Home Movies

Friday, August 14, 4:30 p.m., Stage 28

While Disneyland is one of the most photographed places on earth, this collection of one-of-a-kind footage and photography offers a unique viewpoint from another time. From the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, Randy Haberkamp, Managing Director of Preservation and Foundation Programs; Lynne Kirste, Special Collections Curator; and surprise special guests will take guests on a journey from Walt’s inspirations for Disneyland to the park’s opening and evolution, as captured on film. Suzanne Lloyd joins the presentation to showcase her grandfather Harold Lloyd’s stunning photography of Disneyland taken the week before the opening and on opening day.

A Goofy Movie 20th Anniversary Reunion!

Friday, August 14, 6 p.m., Stage 28

Fans of A Goofy Movie won’t want to miss this special commemoration of the beloved Disney animated feature, which turns 20 in 2015. Film producer Don Hahn hosts a panel of A Goofy Movie talent––including Disney Legend Bill Farmer (Goofy), Jason Marsden (Max), Jim Cummings (Pete), Rob Paulsen (P.J.), and writer Jymn Magon––who will share behind-the-scenes stories and surprising anecdotes from the fan-favorite musical.

The Making of American Experience: Walt Disney

Saturday, August 15, 4:30 p.m., Stage 28

This fall, PBS will premiere a new two-part, four-hour film exploring the life and legacy of Walt Disney as part of the American Experience series. Go behind the scenes with the team who brought the project together for a special sneak peek of the film: moderator Don Hahn (film producer, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King), Sarah Colt (director/producer, American Experience: Walt Disney), Neal Gabler (biographer, Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination), and Becky Cline, the Director of the Walt Disney Archives.

Best of Destination D

Sunday, August 16, 4:30 p.m., Stage 28

Since 2010, D23 Destination D events have offered D23 Members the chance to celebrate their favorite Disney subjects with unique and in-depth presentations from Disney Legends, Imagineers, animators, and others who have made magic on film, at Disney theme parks, and beyond. At D23 EXPO 2015, D23 is bringing two popular presentations from prior Destination D events together for a celebration of Walt Disney World^® Resort—including a look back to its construction, early development, and favorite attractions of the past with Disney Legend and Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith. Then, Imagineer Jason Grandt will provide a modern look at Disney Parks and offer a designer’s point of view of details and “Easter Eggs” found throughout different attractions.

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.

Remembering James Horner

June 25, 2015July 30, 2015

Award-winning film composer James Horner, whose stirring musical scores were an unforgettable part of films like Titanic, Field of Dreams, Glory, and Walt Disney Studios’ The Rocketeer, passed away on June 22. He was 61.

Horner may be best known for his work in James Cameron’s Titanic, for which he composed the Academy Award^®-winning score, along with the music for the film’s iconic ballad, “My Heart Will Go On,” which was sung by Celine Dion. Over the course of Horner’s prolific career, which began in 1979 with The Lady in Red, the celebrated composer won two Oscars^® for Titanic, and was nominated eight other times for his work in films that included Apollo 13, Braveheart, and Avatar.

Born in Los Angeles but raised in London, where he attended the Royal College of Music, Horner attended the University of Southern California, where he received a B.A. in music. After earning a master’s degree, he started his doctorate at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Horner’s list of credits is more than 100 titles long, and there are so many that Disney fans will remember that feature his unparalleled talent. Horner’s work is heard in The Journey of Natty Gann and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, in Swing Kids and Mighty Joe Young, and in Bicentennial Man and, of course, The Rocketeer. For many years, James Horner also had a presence in Disney parks with his score for Michael Jackson’s Captain EO.

Composer Michael Giacchino (Up, Ratatouille, Inside Out) said, via Twitter, “You were one of my childhood heroes, James. Thank you for the inspiration, you will be greatly missed.”

In an interview with a fan site, James Horner Film Music, Horner spoke about the role of music in film, saying, “The music’s job is to get the audience so involved that they forget how the movie turns out.”

Pixar Takes D23 EXPO 2015 to Infinity and Beyond!

Disney fans already know that the Anaheim Convention Center is the place to be from August 14–16. But when guests arrive at D23 EXPO 2015 on August 14, a larger-than-life Buzz Lightyear helium balloon will make it clear they’re in the right place. Our friends at Pixar have just announced their lineup of presentations, panels, and events taking place over the weekend and it has us feeling even more joyful than Joy in Inside Out. The wide variety of events pays homage to Pixar’s past, while looking ahead to its roster of exciting new films.

Buzz Lightyear will welcome visitors to D23 EXPO 2015 as Pixar Animation Studios celebrates the 20-year anniversary of Toy Story. Buzz has taken flight in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^®six times as a giant character helium balloon, measuring 67.7 feet long, 39.9 feet wide, and 34.3 feet tall. Buzz’s appearance at Expo marks his first trip ever to the West Coast. Disney fans can see Buzz on Friday, but they can celebrate all things Pixar the whole weekend long. Here’s the lineup:

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 Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, presents Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films. Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia and Moana. The event will include surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by the films’ star voice talent. Cell phones, cameras and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.

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.

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, 2015, 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.

ON THE EXPO SHOW FLOOR:

Animation – Show Floor Exhibition

For the first time ever, Pixar Animation Studios is creating a Show-Floor experience at D23 EXPO. Pixar teams up with Walt Disney Animation Studios for an unforgettable adventure that showcases magic from both animation studios, featuring live demonstrations, presentations, and autograph signings with top filmmakers, free giveaways, and interactive displays. With highlights from films like Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur, Zootopia, Finding Dory, and Moana, animation fans will get the inside scoop on their favorite films and characters.

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.

Fans can take home their own shirt, thanks to Disney Store at D23 EXPO. This D23-exclusive Reyn Spooner-design features characters from all the feature films produced under the creative guidance of Lasseter. The simple, appealing collage joins many of Disney’s and Pixar’s most beloved recent characters on one wearable canvas. The shirt will retail for $99.95.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are available at a discounted price for a limited time. Through June 30, 2015, tickets are $67 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $58 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $188 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.

Ray (The Princess and the Frog)

Cri-Kee (Mulan)

Evinrude (The Rescuers)

Zipper (Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers)

“Anty” (Honey, I Shrunk the Kids)

Dot (A Bug’s Life)

Mrs. Ladybug (James and the Giant Peach)

Jiminy Cricket (Pinocchio)

On Taking Marvel’s Ant-Man From Comic Book to Big Screen: