Disney Parks Unveils Future Projects, Surprises at Destination D23

By Frank Pallotta

The presentation titled “A Celebration of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” at this year’s Destination D23 in Orlando, Florida, included some major announcements.

Here is a list of just some of the amazing things that guests can expect from Disney Parks and Resorts.

A New Zootopia Show at the Tree of Life Theater

Characters from Zootopia including Nick, Judy, Gazelle, Yax, Police Chief Bogo, Priscilla, the Sloth, and Clawhauser step into a cave with a mini audience in front of them.

The attraction—which is being created for the Tree of Life Theater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park—has guests joining Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other characters as they travel through the wild world of Zootopia.

Imagineers are currently finalizing the concept, and more details will be coming in the future.

A New Pirates of the Caribbean-Themed Lounge

A green parrot in a pirate’s hat pulls on a rope with his mouth. The rope is attached to a sail, behind which a bunch of pirates are having a party while hoisting bottles up in the air.

A first-of-its-kind experience will extend the story of Pirates of the Caribbean and is coming to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida.

Imagineers are in the design process now, and more details are coming in the future.

Country Bear Jamboree Is Getting a New Act

A tan, yellow and light blue poster has Grizzly Hall written at the top with Proudly Presents written under that and Country Bear Musical Jamboree written under that. Eight bears are on the poster with their names written in white on a red banner under their names. Henry is in the middle wearing a cowboy hat, blue jacket, green collared shirt, and purple scarf tie. Romeo McGrowl is on the left singing while looking to the side with his eyes closed. Trixie is below him, wearing hair and neck bows with her eyes closed. Terrence “Shaker” is below Henry and looks to the side while singing with a beige cowboy hat and black neck tie. Ernest the Dude is smiling at Terrence Shaker as he wears a red and white striped tank top with a blue neck tie and white hat. To the right of Henry is Wendell who is wearing a brown hat with a blue feather, and Teddi Barra who is wearing a pink hat with a blue feather. Above them is Big Al who has a confused look on his face while wearing a brown hat. Musical notes are scattered across the page and written in red at the bottom is: Featuring The Five Bear Rugs, Opening 2024.

The bears of Country Bear Jamboree will be performing a new act in 2024.

When the show debuts, the bears will be reinterpreting classic Disney songs in different genres of country music. Imagineers are envisioning the experience as a homage to Nashville’s classic musical revues.

Don’t worry, the Jamboree will still have the fun and friendly tone fans have come to love, with the same famous characters such as the lovable Trixie, Big Al, and others.

A New World-Jump Vehicle Is Coming to Avengers Campus

A spaceship emerges from another dimension that is full of orange and yellow colors and is hovering over a blue toned neighborhood that features a house with another spaceship on top of the roof.

A brand-new world-jumping vehicle is coming to the next attraction at Avengers Campus that will transport guests and heroes into the Multiverse.

The ride vehicle will incorporate some of the mightiest aspects of the Marvel universe, such as elements of Tony Stark’s time-suits, Xandarian jump points, and Wakandan technology.

More details on this high-tech vehicle are coming in the future.

Test Track Reimagined 

The Test Track ride features a track with a rounded vehicle that has 2 row of seats with 3 people in each row. Around them there is a lot of foliage and sunlight coming from behind.

Test Track—one of the most thrilling attractions at EPCOT—will be reimagined.

Imagineers and the team at Chevrolet are reaching back into history for inspiration—including the original World of Motion attraction from EPCOT’s early days—and bringing that spirit of optimism to the next evolution of Test Track.

From Dinoland U.S.A. to ‘Tropical Americas’

An aerial view concept painting of the possible new land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom features a rounded building with lights on the roof, red roofed buildings, a fountain surrounded by pink flowers, lots of foliage including palm trees that line the beige pathways, and an arched entrance.

Walt Disney Imagineering is planning to reimagine Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom into a new land, inspired by a region sometimes referred to as “tropical Americas.”

To create the new land, Imagineers are looking at some of the most biodiverse areas on the planet in the regions just north and south of the equator in the Western Hemisphere—the northern part of South America, stretching up into Central America.

New experiences inspired by Encanto—the award-winning Walt Disney Animation Studios film—and the beloved adventurer Indiana Jones are being considered for the reimagined land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Imagineering, added that “there’s a long way to go and a lot more to discover, but Imagineering teams in Florida are up for the challenge.”

D23 Exclusive Q&A: Proud Mouse Authors Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel

By Alison Stateman

To celebrate Tuesday’s publication of Proud Mouse from Disney Legend Idina Menzel (Frozen) and her sister, Cara Mentzel, an acclaimed writer and teacher, we sat down with the siblings for an exclusive chat about the sequel to their children’s picture book Loud Mouse. The new book, with illustrations by Jaclyn Sinquett, is a lyrical tale geared to readers ages 3 to 5 about a proud sister learning to find her own way in the world.

D23: What inspired you to write a sequel to Loud Mouse?
Cara Mentzel (CM): We always wanted it to have a companion [book]. It was a pair.
Idina Menzel (IM): It’s a story about sisters. The real spirit in it is the sibling relationship. Loud Mouse might have begun with the impetus to write about my own honest early childhood experience as a little girl, discovering her own voice, literally and figuratively, but because my sister is such an important part of my life, she would be in the book no matter what. And, of course, she’s the person I turn to for guidance, so it became evident that we wanted to explore their dynamic more. I actually wanted to take the spotlight and put it on her for a change.
CM: I really love the idea of two people who love each other being able to stand as individuals, but also being highly connected.

D23: For Loud Mouse, one of the themes was about embracing the light inside of ourselves. How does Proud Mouse build on that theme?
CM: In Loud Mouse, you’ve got Dee, who takes this part of herself, this talent, out into the world and then has this unique experience of it. There is some discomfort in that for her, and then she has her journey to figure that out. And in Proud Mouse, Cara Lee is so excited to take herself out to school for the first time and introduce herself to the world. Then she has this uncomfortable experience she’s not sure what to make of, and she has her own self-discovery experience.
IM: Cara likes to say that it’s a little misleading when we say to kids “just be yourself” all the time, as if that’s the easiest thing in the world. We’re all trying to figure that out as grownups. It’s something we’ll continue doing forever, always trying to assess who we are and how we take up space in the world and what we want to say in the world. So asking little kids, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is essentially putting the cart before the horse. I think it’s actually rare for someone like me, at 7 years old, to say, “I want to be a singer and that’s it.” Most people in the world are exploring and asking questions and trying different things. I love that in this followup book, it’s about Cara’s curiosity and the questions she asks, the desire to understand herself—whether it be in her own reflection or standing beside other people and in connection to the world around her, but that it’s okay to have questions.
CM: She so values this idea of being a student of the world and being a student at school, and what she realizes is one of the things she has to learn about is herself. And, of course, we encourage kids to learn about the world and to learn about others too, but in this instance, it’s her sense of self that she’s not sure about, because she’s sort of sister-adjacent all the time and doesn’t know the world without her sister in it.
IM: What’s really nice about this project for the two of us as adults is that obviously art really does imitate life in so many ways. It’s this beautiful lens that we’re seeing our own relationship through.

D23: Cara, how did your experience as a teacher lend itself to writing Proud Mouse? What lessons from teaching have you applied to this story and storytelling in general?
CM: I started out teaching third grade, but have since taught second, fourth, and fifth grade—and then I taught as a literacy specialist for kindergarten through fifth. It informed the book in so many [ways]. Everything from what words I chose—the fact that it’s Dee and Cara Lee, so there’s a rhyme there—to wanting to make sure the storyline is explicit and clear. But there’s also all of these sophisticated semantic levels, so if you’re an older sibling or a parent or just someone who’s read the book 100 times, there’s something new that you’re getting out of it. And the humor, knowing what’s going to make a kid laugh.
IM: I don’t think I would have done it without her, honestly, because she gives it the integrity that it has because of her understanding of language and it being age-appropriate for children’s development. And the idea that, knowing that I would want to have a musical aspect to it, knowing how refrains are such wonderful ways to encourage and help with literacy—
CM: To give kids access to the text. Even if they can’t read the book yet, they memorize the refrain. They feel like they’re part of the experience.

The cover of the new children’s book Proud Mouse is depicted. It reads at top: “By acclaimed writer and teacher Cara Mentzel and Frozen’s Elsa and Tony Award Winner Idina Menzel.” The title, Proud Mouse, appears in large red bubble-shaped letters above the subhead: “How a little sister found her own way.” At the bottom of cover, it reads “Illustrated by Jacklyn Sinquett.” One mouse character dressed in a pink dress with knee-length socks and sneakers is lying on the ground in a forest staring up at her sister, also a mouse who holds an open book with an excited look on her face. She wears a green shirt with daisy on it, wide-leg jeans, and green sneakers. An open blue knapsack with papers and pink swim-goggles is visible, with crayons and a tennis ball spilled out.

D23: The illustrations in the book are really sweet and funny. Do you have a favorite page or moment?
CM: It changes every time, because Jaclyn Sinquett is just so talented and she’s captured so many beautiful things. Part of what makes it hard is that sometimes there are these frames that are just so gorgeous, and other times there’s some that are just so detailed and funny.
IM: It was important that we had both in the illustrations, when we were looking to choose who would illustrate the book. So when you go back and read these books over and over, as you normally do with your kids, you discover new things. But I think the ponytail…
CM: Ah, the ponytail…
IM: But there’s also this beautiful pool and she dives into it.
CM: Yeah, when she dives into her own reflection.

D23: What made you want to pick mice as your main characters?
IM: We had a bunch of classic books that we love that were mice—
CM: Stuart Little, or [The Tale of] Despereaux, or the Kevin Henkes books.
IM: And then we also felt when we were talking about a being needing to grow really big—when they’re full of their passion and their love for what they do—it would make the best juxtaposition for it to come from something that’s not normally seen as being very boisterous.
CM: We thought it was really fun, and animals are very universal in terms of access.
IM: They make it less specific to us, so kids can see themselves in an animal more than perhaps a little Cara.

D23: You have created a book focusing on each one of you. Can we look forward to more adventures between the two siblings?
IM: We’re working on it being out in different mediums and we have other stories and characters, little Easter eggs in both books that we’ve put there so the other characters can come to life perhaps a bit more—[particularly] the Deaf and hard-of-hearing character, and Val, who is a they. What we like writing about are complicated emotions for kids. We as moms prided ourselves on giving our kids a verbal way of expressing their emotions, being able to put words to the way they feel, which I think gives them more power in their life.
CM: [Kids need to know] that you can feel more than one emotion at a time. From a teacher perspective, the social and emotional learning piece is something that’s important to us. We wanted there to be a lot of access points for conversation.

Launchpad Carries the Theme of Connection into Season 2

By Emily Hewitt

Season 2 of Launchpad, the Disney+ short film collection, continues to address human connection through compelling stories that address the integral union of people and ideas. The season’s six episodes premiere September 29 on Disney+.

“The theme of connection just seemed very truthful to the moment,” said Phillip Domfeh, producer of Disney’s Launchpad. “We started in 2021, and at that time people were starting to reconnect with people that they had been distanced from during the pandemic.”

Each episode has something special in store for audiences. One episode, titled “Black Belts,” explores the connections between the African American and Asian American communities through the world of martial arts.

Family is at the heart of most of the short films as well, as in the episode “Project CC,” which tells the story of a child scientist who joins forces with her sister when a cloning experiment goes awry. Another episode, titled “The Ghost,” features two sisters working together to stop a powerful spirit from tearing apart their family. (A ghost story is also featured in “The Roof.”)

“Family is more important than ever before, as we are continuing in the pandemic,” said executive producer Mahin Ibrahim.

The series is the product of experienced writers and directors from underrepresented backgrounds who submitted material to the Launchpad program. This year, there were 2,000 script submissions—double the number for Season 1.

“There’s a hunger and an excitement around Disney and the opportunity to get to learn how to make stories in our world,” Domfeh said. “The ethos is really to match the Disney kind of storytelling world with younger storytellers. We really try to let the application process illuminate to us things that start to feel really true to that idea. I’m always pleasantly surprised by the incredible filmmakers that we discover.”

The selected writers and directors are paired up with creative executives who mentor them throughout the filmmaking process. The program tries to align the writers and directors with mentors who share a common vision with them.

“It takes everyone—it takes the writers, it takes the directors, it takes the mentors. They really help to shape where the story goes. As we like to say, [the goal is to] ‘take it from good to great,’” Domfeh said.

Also vital to the films are the experienced actors—such as this season’s Margaret Cho, Wes Studi, and Wendi McLendon-Covey—who contribute their talents. “These are really, really special actors who have really big hearts and who are anxious to find the next exciting story, to take risks, and to work with young filmmakers,” Domfeh said.

Up-and-coming actors are also vital to the shorts, providing a spotlight that may open up new paths to success. Launchpad Season 1 fostered breakout star Keyla Monterroso Mejia, who went on to appear in Curb Your Enthusiasm and Abbott Elementary.

With the pool of talent in Season 2, one can only imagine what opportunities will come to the talented filmmakers involved in these six new episodes.

“These guys are really incredible filmmakers,” Domfeh said. “They’re the real deal, and it’s really our honor to be able to showcase their talent and to be able to have them put their fingerprints on Disney’s storytelling canon.”

Disney100: The Exhibition to Open November 18 in Chicago—Birthplace of Walt Disney

The Walt Disney Archives and Semmel Exhibitions, a worldwide exhibit presenter and producer, announced today that Disney100: The Exhibition will open at the 35,000-square-foot Exhibition Hub Art Center (formerly known as the Windy City Fieldhouse) in Chicago on November 18, 2023. The facade of the building will be transformed and rebranded through Disney magic to include stunning visuals that are sure to catch the attention of fans and tourists alike. This date is also special because it’s Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse’s birthday. The pair made their first on-screen appearance in Steamboat Willie, which premiered in New York City on November 18, 1928.

The show is presented in partnership with Exhibition Hub and Fever, both leaders in global live-entertainment operations. Guests can experience ten immersive galleries with visual, audio, and interactive elements, as well as more than 250 unique and rarely seen works of art, artifacts, memorabilia, costumes, and props from the historical collections across the many realms of Disney, all on display as The Walt Disney Company celebrates its centennial anniversary on October 16, 2023.

“It took several years to plan and assemble the artifacts for Disney100: The Exhibition, and many of them will be on display for Disney fans for the first time,” said Christoph Scholz, Director, Semmel Exhibitions. “Most of the artifacts are presented from the Walt Disney Archives collection with some additional treasures from Marvel Studios, the Pixar Living Archives, the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, and Walt Disney Imagineering, including some that will be displayed for the first time in Chicago.”

The city of Chicago plays an important role in the Disney story: Walter Elias Disney was born in Chicago’s Hermosa neighborhood; Walt purchased his first motion picture camera in Chicago; he attended McKinley High School where he divided his attention between drawing and photography; and attended night classes at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. The Windy City provided inspiration for the project that eventually became known as Disneyland® Park, including by way of the Chicago Railroad Fair.

“We are incredibly excited to bring this fantastic exhibition to Chicago,” said Rebecca Cline, Director, Walt Disney Archives. “We can’t wait for guests to experience some of their favorite Disney stories, characters, and attractions in new and immersive ways as we celebrate all the wonderful worlds of Disney.”

Visitors will be taken on a visual journey where they can explore seldom viewed works of art including visual development drawings for Sleeping Beauty (1959), created by artist and Disney Legend Marc Davis. A very special piece of art from Mary Poppins (1964), which can also be seen in the opening titles of Mary Poppins Returns (2018), created by artist and Disney Legend Peter Ellenshaw will also be on display. Also included in the experience are some of the iconic props from various films such as the Mad Hatter’s teapot from Alice in Wonderland (2010); the poisoned caramel apple from Enchanted (2007) used by Timothy Spall and Amy Adams; and the dinglehopper from The Little Mermaid (2023) used by Halle Bailey. Fans won’t want to miss seeing Disneyland® Park Employee Badge #1, issued to Walt Disney in 1955, and early photography of Walt Disney’s birthplace in Chicago. Disney enthusiasts will have the chance to leave with both memories and memorabilia, as the exhibition will include several extraordinary backdrops and photo opportunities along with exclusive merchandise offered inside the Disney100: The Exhibition gift shop.

“Chicago is proud to host Disney100: The Exhibition, returning to the very city where the Walt Disney legend first began,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “We welcome Disney fans from all corners of the world to enjoy this immersive exhibition and spend time in the city that inspired the imagination of a young Walt Disney, one of the 20th century’s most influential Americans.”

The waitlist for tickets opens today, September 6, 2023, and ticket sales will begin on September 12, 2023, at 10 a.m. CDT. For images, please visit the press kit here. Disney100: The Exhibition is scheduled to be open throughout the holiday season and into 2024.

The Exhibition Hub Art Center in Chicago is located inside the Lincoln Park neighborhood at 2367 W. Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647 and is easily accessible from Chicago’s public transit system. For more information, please visit https://disney100exhibit.com/chicago

Your Watch Guide to All Things The Little Mermaid

By Emily Hewitt

After much anticipation, this year’s The Little Mermaid finally dove onto Disney+ on Wednesday. To celebrate this magical occasion, we’ve put together a watch guide of the best The Little Mermaid-themed content, ready to make a splash onto your television or other viewing devices. All titles are available on Disney+.

The Little Mermaid (2023)
Of course, you have to start with The Little Mermaid (2023)—even if you’ve already seen it once… or twice… or more. The classic plot remains: Upon falling for the charming Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King), who lives on land, Ariel (Halle Bailey) goes to the wicked sea witch, Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), and reluctantly agrees to trade her voice temporarily for legs. As Ariel experiences land for the first time, Ursula plots a way to keep Ariel’s voice forever.

The Little Mermaid (1989)
After seeing the new live-action film, you can throw it back to the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic, inspired by the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Relive the cascade of songs and thingamabobs and remember why this Ariel was instrumental in making her voice, Jodi Benson, a Disney Legend. After your pipes are warmed up, you can watch The Little Mermaid Sing-Along next.

The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000)
A second generation of mermaids graces the screen in The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, as Ariel and Eric’s daughter, Melody, voiced by Tara Strong, explores the place her mother once called home—the sea. Once there, however, Melody finds herself entangled with a plan by another evil sea witch, Morgana (Pat Carroll), to bring down King Triton (Kenneth Mars). Ariel (Jodi Benson) must return to Atlantica to find her daughter and save her family.

The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning (2008)
Before Ariel and Eric met, she was just a young mermaid under the sea, swimming along with her sisters. A prequel to the original film, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning takes place just after the death of Athena, Ariel’s mother, which leads King Triton (Jim Cummings) to ban music from the kingdom of Atlantica. Watch Ariel (Jodi Benson) rebel against her father’s law while Sebastian (Samuel E. Wright) does his best to keep the rhythm going.

The Little Mermaid (1992–1994)
Set between The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning and the original film, this 31-episode series follows the adventures of Ariel (Jodi Benson), her six sisters, and her trusty companions, Flounder (Edan Gross) and Sebastian (Samuel E. Wright). Watch the mighty mermaid fight off threats to her family and build relationships with her loved ones.

The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live! (2019)
Ariel’s story becomes part of our world in The Little Mermaid Live!, a stage retelling of the film that aired on The Wonderful World of Disney. Although Ariel (Auliʻi Cravalho) doesn’t get too far flipping her fin in this version, you will definitely get to see her dance under the stage lights. The cast includes Queen Latifah as Ursula, Graham Phillips as Prince Eric, Shaggy as Sebastian, and John Stamos as Chef Louis.

The Art of Restoring 27 Classic Walt Disney Animation Studios Shorts

By Zach Johnson

This past summer, Disney+ began debuting a collection of 27 newly restored Walt Disney Animation Studios shorts, ranging from classics to lesser known titles. A new batch will roll out this week—including Trolley Troubles (1927); All Wet (1927); The Barn Dance (1929); Playful Pluto (1934); Mickey’s Kangaroo (1935); Merbabies (1938); Bone Trouble (1940); and Pluto, Junior (1942)—before the final installment of shorts arrives on Friday, October 6. It’s an important passion project, as this year marks the centennial of the Walt Disney Animation Studios, which is being honored as part of the ongoing Disney100 celebrations.

The restorations were spearheaded by Walt Disney Studios Restoration and Preservation team, led by director Kevin Schaeffer. Creative advisors from Walt Disney Animation Studios included special projects and 2D animation producer Dorothy McKim, production designer Mike Giaimo, and animator/director Eric Goldberg. Below, Karen Weissman, Restoration and Preservation Manager at The Walt Disney Studios, details the team’s creative process.

Paint us a picture of how some of these shorts looked and sounded before they were restored. What did you all find as you as you revisited each one of these classic shorts?
Karen Weissman (KW): It’s definitely a mixed bag, that’s for sure. They all are very different as far as what we were able to work with. For a lot of the shorts from the late ’20s and early ’30s, we didn’t always have the original elements [at our disposal]. Some of them didn’t make it over time, but some of them did. It made it a little more challenging, so we had to try to find the best source in order to get the best image quality and audio possible.

Were you familiar with all of these shorts prior to the restoration project?
KW: Definitely not all of them! Disney has hundreds of classic shorts. But once you start working on them, you get very familiar with every frame. Now I have a little more expertise.

Mickey Mouse stands with both arms outstretched. Mickey faces a smiling kangaroo, who is wearing boxing gloves and is standing at the bottom of a short staircase.

Which of these shorts would you consider the most valuable restoration?
KW: It’s tough, because so many of them have different significance. To see Pluto in his early stages and then to see how much he’s changed is, for me, super interesting. Working on the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit shorts felt important, because for a long time, the rights didn’t belong to Disney; they belonged to Universal. [Walt Disney Company CEO] Bob Iger did some deals and got some of them back, so it’s really neat to have them available. We also got to work on Bone Trouble [1940]; a long time ago, they had replaced the original title cards, so we didn’t have them. But we were able to track them down and we put them back in, so when everybody gets to see it now, they’re going to see the original main titles.

During the restoration process, how do you honor the different versions of certain characters? For example, Minnie Mouse is animated much differently in Building a Building (1933) than in Bath Day (1946). How do you account for that kind of evolution?
KW: We would use whatever references we could find from the times. We also sometimes consulted with the animators; a few of them have been around for a while, and they know how the characters should look in the shorts. We’re usually just fixing issues of consistency.

With 100 years of Disney animated shorts, do you have a favorite?
KW: That’s always tough. We love all our children! [Laughs] I’ve always been a big Chip and Dale fan, so working on Chips Ahoy [1956] was really neat; it was also an early example of Cinemascope. We have a small handful of shorts filmed in Cinemascope, so that was really cool. Although… you work on these shorts and you learn to love them all, of course!

How does it feel to bring these restored shorts to a platform such as Disney+?
KW: It’s really great to have them there. So many people—even within the Studio—have reached out to say, “I watched the shorts with my family, and some of my kids had never seen them. We had never seen them!” It’s really great that it’s so accessible. It’s fantastic that Disney+ made it a priority to restore all of these shorts this year for 100th anniversary.

Listen to the complete D23 Inside Disney podcast interview with Karen Weissman on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube, Stitcher, and TuneIn.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Watch the Trailer for the New Video Game Gargoyles Remastered

Gargoyles Remastered is now available for pre-order on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Steam and GOG!

 

Launching October 19th, Gargoyles Remastered is an artfully crafted revival of the ‘90s classic 16-bit side-scrolling platform adventure. Relive the epic journey of Goliath and the Gargoyles featuring enhanced visuals, animations, and SFX, all inspired by the acclaimed animated series. The world of Gargoyles comes to life with a level of detail that will thrill fans of the animated series and retro gaming enthusiasts alike. Experience classic gameplay that stays authentic to its predecessor while including new features such as achievements, gameplay rewind, and more!

Click here to learn more about Gargoyles Remastered.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend Presented by State Farm®

By Courtney Potter

It’s a veritable smorgasbord of entertainment from around the worlds of Disney this weekend—everything from classic animation to Jedi adventures and live-action situation comedy… with a certain mermaid’s debut on Disney+ thrown in for good measure! So kick back and relax with a cavalcade of fantastic things to watch. But don’t forget to tune into the most fantastic thing of all: the Destination D23 livestream on Saturday, September 9! Check it out on D23’s YouTube or Facebook pages (@DisneyD23)—or right here at D23.com/DestinationD23.

In an image from Disney’s live action The Little Mermaid, Ariel (Halle Bailey) and Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) are sitting in a rowboat, surrounded by branches thick with swamp-like leaves; these branches and leaves are hanging down all around them, and are filled with fireflies, lending a romantic atmosphere.

The Little Mermaid—now streaming on Disney+
The live-action reimagining of the 1989 Walt Disney Animation Studios classic is now on the streaming service—so get ready to go under the sea all weekend long. Disney+ subscribers will even have access to special bonus content! If you need a refresher: The film follows Ariel (Halle Bailey), a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest and most defiant of the daughters of King Triton (Javier Bardem), Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea. After visiting the surface and falling for the dashing Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King), she makes a deal with evil sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), which gives her a chance to experience life on land… but ultimately places her life, and her father’s crown, in jeopardy.

In an image from the second season of Disney+’s I Am Groot, Baby Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) is sitting in his small white flowerpot, which has a crack in its side, and is looking up at something off camera. There are some bits of dirt surrounding the pot, and the pot itself is sitting on a table—seemingly inside one of the Guardians’ spaceships.

I Am Groot—now streaming on Disney+
All five new shorts in season 2 of this adorable series—written and directed by Kirsten Lepore—have crash-landed on Disney+! The troublemaking twig returns to mischief… and this time ’round, Baby Groot finds himself exploring the universe and beyond aboard the Guardians’ spaceships, coming face-to-face—or nose-to-nose—with new and colorful creatures and environments. Vin Diesel returns to the galaxy as the voice of Baby Groot. Read all about the series via a D23-exclusive chat with Lepore herself!

In an image from the 1940 classic Walt Disney animated short Bone Trouble, Pluto is walking by a tall mirror while holding a large bone between his teeth. He lifts one front paw and one back paw high in the air as he walks. The mirror distorts his image, making him look taller than he really is.

Walt Disney Animation Studios classic shorts (next batch)—now streaming on Disney+
The third batch of hilarious classic animated shorts, from the early days of The Walt Disney Company, will hit the streaming service from Tuesday, September 5, through Friday, September 8. Look for gorgeously restored versions of Trolley Troubles (1927), All Wet (1927), The Barn Dance (1929), Playful Pluto (1934), Mickey’s Kangaroo (1935), Merbabies (1938), Bone Trouble (1940), and Pluto, Junior (1942). Hear more about how these restored shorts came to be, thanks to a recent episode of the D23 Inside Disney podcast.

In an image from Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, Master Yoda (voiced by Piotr Michael) with Jedi Younglings, Kai Brightstar (voiced by Jamaal Avery Jr.), Lys Solay (voiced by Juliet Donenfeld) and Nubs (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker), and their friends Nash Durango (voiced by Emma Berman) and RJ-83 (voiced by Jonathan Lipow) are seen standing together on the planet Tenoo. It is nighttime, and lit-up dwellings can be seen behind them. Hills can be seen in the distance.

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures—Friday, September 8, at 9 a.m. ET on Disney Channel and Disney XD and 7:35 p.m. ET on Disney Junior
The episode’s two stories include: “Tree Troubles,” in which Nubs (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker) and the Jedi protect his favorite tree; and “Big Brother’s Bounty,” where the Jedi help a young bounty hunter find her brother.

In a promo image for Disney Branded Television’s BUNK’D, Miranda May as Lou (at center), Trevor Tordjman as Parker, Mallory James Mahoney as Destiny, Israel Johnson as Noah, Shiloh Verrico as Winnie, Luke Busey as Jake, and Alfred Lewis as Bill are standing or seated on the porch of a rustic-looking cabin; above the doorway is a sign reading “Kikiwaka Ranch.”

BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes—Sunday, September 10, at 8:30 p.m. ET on Disney Channel
Who says summer’s over! Camp’s still in session on Disney Channel’s BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes… In an episode titled “Don’t Hate the Mayor, Hate the Game,” Jake (Luke Busey) and Parker (Trevor Tordjman) compete to be mayor; meanwhile, Lou (Miranda May) creates a fake treasure hunt to spend time with Bill (Alfred Lewis) and Destiny (Mallory James Mahoney).

New Goosebumps Series Coming to Disney+ and Hulu This October

By Zach Johnson

On Friday the 13th, Disney+ and Hulu are giving audiences goosebumps in more ways than one! Goosebumps, the chilling new series inspired by R.L. Stine's worldwide bestselling Scholastic book series of the same name, will debut on both streaming platforms on Friday, October 13. From Disney Branded Television and Sony Pictures Television, the 10-part series will launch with a five-episode drop as part of Disney+'s "Hallowstream" and Hulu's "Huluween" celebrations, with subsequent new episodes streaming weekly. The first two episodes will also air October 13 on Freeform as part of its "31 Nights of Halloween" event.

"R.L. Stine's Goosebumps franchise is a pop culture phenomenon that holds a special place in the hearts of people of all ages," says Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. "We are delighted to bring this spooky new series to audiences everywhere in a big way on Disney+ and Hulu, which we hope will not only captivate new audiences with its elevated thrills and chills, but also lifelong fans nostalgic for the stories that are a staple of their generation."

Plunging viewers into a world of mystery and suspense, the series follows a group of five high school students as they embark on a shadowy and twisted journey to investigate the tragic passing three decades earlier of a teen named Harold Biddle—while also unearthing dark secrets from their parents' past. Goosebumps stars Justin Long and Rachael Harris, as well as newcomers Zack Morris, Isa Briones, Miles McKenna, Ana Yi Puig, and Will Price.

Published by Scholastic, Goosebumps is one of the bestselling book series of all time, with more than 400 million books in print in 32 languages. The new television series draws on elements from five of the most popular middle grade books: Say Cheese and Die!, The Haunted Mask, The Cuckoo Clock of Doom, Go Eat Worms!, and Night of the Living Dummy.

Nicholas Stoller and Rob Letterman developed the Goosebumps series and serve as executive producers alongside Hilary Winston, Neal H. Moritz, Scholastic Entertainment's Iole Lucchese, Pavun Shetty, Conor Welch, Scholastic Entertainment's Caitlin Friedman, Erin O'Malley, and Kevin Murphy. James Eagan and Nick Adams are the co-executive producers.

Can't wait to watch? Through Wednesday, September 20, new and returning customers can subscribe to Disney+ Basic (with ads) for $1.99/month for three months by visiting Disney+.

Unlocking the Disney Treasure, Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship

By Courtney Potter

Adventure awaits… so come aboard the newest ship in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet and unlock treasures untold! Scheduled to set sail in December 2024, the Disney Treasure will feature both brand-new venues and reimagined fan-favorite spaces, bringing captivating stories from beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar and Disney Parks adventures to life like never before. Spaces onboard will invite guests to step into colorful plazas in Mexico; travel below the ocean’s surface; and so much more.

From bow to stern, the Disney Treasure—inspired by Walt Disney’s own love of exploration, and the sister ship to the Disney Wish—will delight guests with memorable Disney storytelling around every corner as they encounter themed spaces, delicious eats and treats, and live entertainment inspired by terrific tales such as Aladdin, Coco, and Zootopia. If you’re anything like us and already packing your bags, you’ll be thrilled to learn that Disney Treasurebookings will begin in just a few weeks’ time!

“The Disney Treasure will bring brand-new stories to life, blending one-of-a-kind experiences with the extraordinary entertainment, world-class dining, and unparalleled hospitality that make every sailing so memorable,” says Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line. “As we chart a course for adventure, we’re so excited for families to discover the excitement and exploration that awaits onboard the sixth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.”

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves: Like any good adventurer, we’ve got to follow a map… and in this case, thanks to Disney Cruise Line’s rollicking Disney Treasure virtual reveal on Tuesday, September 5, D23 was given a magical chart… err, well, at least a notable peek into what guests can expect from this astonishing ship:

In an artist’s rendering of Plaza de Coco onboard Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure, a family of four—a grandmother, a father, and two young children—sits at a table and enjoys a meal while a performer dressed as Miguel from Disney and Pixar’s Coco is on stage, playing a white guitar and singing. The room is full of colorful lanterns and flags, and other families and waitstaff are watching the performer as well. The performer is dressed in a red hoodie and jeans.

Dining and Entertainment Inspired by the Worlds of Disney and Pixar
Adventures from the colorful, heartfelt worlds of Disney and Pixar will lend inspiration for two venues onboard the Disney Treasure. Plaza de Coco (pictured above) will be the first theatrical dining experience themed to the Disney and Pixar film Coco. This theater-in-the-round entertainment venue will feature dining tables that surround a central stage, with performances and show effects that spread throughout the room.

Guests will enjoy two different nights of unique dining experiences at Plaza de Coco during their voyage. On the first night, the story of Miguel and his familia will continue where it left off onscreen as they gather in Mariachi Plaza to take guests on a colorful, music-filled journey that celebrates family memories and togetherness. On the second night, Miguel will reunite with his great-great grandparents, Hector and Mama Imelda, by transporting them to Santa Cecilia with the help of his magic guitar for a Día de los Muertos celebration. Both nights will feature a dinner menu of modern twists on traditional Mexican fare and a lineup of live entertainment.

Additionally, Jumbeaux’s Sweets will be reminiscent of Jumbeaux Café, the adorable ice cream parlor from the bustling mammal metropolis featured in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia. Surrounded by playful pink interiors, Victorian-style architecture and an endearing sculpture of Officer Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, guests will be served humor and heart by the cone full. From bunnies and elephants to sloths and foxes, all are welcome to indulge in more than 35 flavors of handmade gelato, ice cream and sorbets, along with specialty treats, candies, and more.

In an artist’s rendering of the Skipper Society lounge, onboard Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure, a server brings a plate of food to a woman seated towards the left of the frame. The room has a jungle-like feel, with vines and plants peeking through draped clothes on the ceiling. There is a bar towards the back of the image, as well as several booths—other patrons are located at each, enjoying drinks. A jungle-themed pattern adorns the space’s rug. The colors of the room are muted browns and greens, adding to the jungle feel.

Travel the High Seas with Disney Parks
For the first time, the nostalgia and lore from several beloved theme park attractions will come to Disney Cruise Line, with a unique lineup of Disney Parks-inspired venues aboard the Disney Treasure.

Skipper Society (pictured above), a themed lounge near the Grand Hall, will bring the iconic Jungle Cruise attraction to the sea; the venue’s natural colorways and camp-style furnishings, paired with sly tributes to those trusty, dry-witted skippers we know and love, will offer an elevated, playful atmosphere. Guests will discover references to the famous attraction throughout the space—from a whimsical monkey-shaped chandelier to postcards and luggage tags brought back from travels abroad. Beneath a canopy of jungle foliage, guests will indulge in themed cocktails and light snacks and enjoy live entertainment.

Periscope Pub will become Disney Cruise Line’s first venue inspired by the spellbinding exploits from Disney’s 1954 film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and the Walt Disney World attraction that delighted guests from 1971 to 1994. The design of the submarine-style interiors will call upon 19th century steampunk influences with polished metals and industrial touches. A mysterious window into the depths of the uncharted oceans along the ceiling will make guests feel like Captain Nemo on the Nautilus, while a decorative statement rug in the center of the space will honor Captain Nemo’s fabled nemesis, the giant squid! This casual venue will be the ideal onboard locale for guests to unwind and watch live sports and news, while ordering from a menu of craft brews and light bites.

In an artist’s rendering of the living room area from the Tomorrow Tower Suite on board Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure, a dining table can be seen on the left, with a couch and chairs to the right. A large, geodesic sculpture is hanging from the ceiling over the seating area. Towards the back of the image, part of a staircase can be seen. To the far right, part of a large two-story window overlooking the horizon. The upper level of the suite can partially be seen at the top of the image. The feel of the room is futuristic, with a lot of blues, silvers, and browns.

Fantastical Accommodations
Embracing the adventures of the future, the Tomorrow Tower Suite (pictured above) will capture the same forward-thinking mindset that inspired EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort. Throughout the suite, dynamic art pieces, molten metal accents, and futuristic, colorful glass accents will evoke the distinct atmosphere of EPCOT’s World Discovery neighborhood. Set high in the ship’s forward funnel, this one-of-a-kind suite will overlook the top deck of the Disney Treasure and glimpse the open horizon through an expansive two-story window. With nearly 2,000 square feet of living space, the Tomorrow Tower Suite will comfortably sleep eight guests and feature areas for eating, sleeping, and playing—as well as other perks like a full kitchen and private ensuite elevator.

The other artful accommodations aboard the Disney Treasure will, of course, be inspired by classic Disney tales of adventure. The 1,240-plus staterooms onboard will feature custom artwork and design elements that evoke the exploratory spirit of beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney and Pixar films including Aladdin, Pocahontas, Up, and Encanto, while the concierge and royal suites will bring to life the incredible character journeys—and a few cherished feline sidekicks—from The Lion King, The Jungle Book, and more.

In an artist’s rendering of the Grand Hall from inside Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure, the three-story atrium can be seen, evoking the golden splendor of the palace of Agrabah from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Aladdin. A statue of Jasmine and Aladdin riding the magic carpet can be seen towards the middle of the image, at the bottom of the staircase, which wraps around most of the room and up to the third floor. Many doorways and corridors can be seen; the color scheme is mostly blue and gold.

Classic Adventures in Familiar Spaces
As with every Disney Cruise Line Ship, the Grand Hall, above, will embody the ship’s theme—in this case, evoking adventure—with statues and decor that call on the gilded palace and wonder of Agrabah from the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic Aladdin. The space will serve as the ship’s most prominent gathering space and will offer its own dedicated entertainment moments and surprises.

Just off the Grand Hall, two casual walk-up cafés will serve a selection of coffee, tea, specialty beverages, and snacks, with new themes that draw inspiration from two beloved Disney Princesses: Moana and Mulan. Heihei Café, named for Moana’s hilarious sidekick, will echo the scalloped seashells and reflective blue waters of the Southern Pacific Isle of Motunui as its portrayed in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana. The venue will feature furniture stylings that pay homage to a traditional construction technique used by the Polynesian people to craft seafaring vessels. Meanwhile, Jade Cricket Café, inspired by the Disney classic Mulan, will honor the Fa family’s lucky cricket Cri-Kee—who will be represented by a jade sculpture on the bar top. From the central moon gate to the plum blossom flowers adorning the walls, symbols of Mulan’s strength, beauty, and heritage will fill the café, while the striking blue walls and metallic counters will be reminiscent of her armor.

Plus, Sarabi—a central hub for all sorts of daytime activities and adult-exclusive evening entertainment—will evoke the natural beauty and openness of the savanna where its namesake, the lioness matriarch from Disney’s The Lion King, lived.

AquaMouse, Disney Cruise Line’s very own attraction at sea, will plunge guests into the world of Mickey Mouse animated shorts. Suspended high above the upper decks, the attraction’s powerful jets will propel two-person ride vehicles through 760 feet of winding tubes—offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the ship below. Onboard the Disney Treasure, AquaMouse will introduce a brand-new storyline, Curse of the Golden Egg, that follows Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on a zany misadventure into an ancient temple for a glimpse of the legendary treasure within.

In a promotional image from Disney Cruise Line, the cast of Disney Seas the Adventure is seen on stage at the Walt Disney Theatre. Among the characters are Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Minnie Mouse, and Donald Duck in their nautical best, as well as Princess Tiana, Hercules, Merida, Cinderella, Belle, Aladdin, Moana, Mulan, and Elsa. Behind the cast, projected, is the Disney Cruise Line logo surrounded by virtual fireworks. Audience members can be seen in silhouette, applauding the show.

But that is, of course, not all: So many Disney Cruise Line favorites will be returning to the Disney Treasure! In addition to an all-new, yet-to-be-announced stage production (!) coming to the Walt Disney Theatre, Beauty and the Beast and Disney Seas the Adventure (pictured above) will thrill audiences with tales as old as time, while the upper decks will come to life with music and fireworks during the swashbuckling Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party. In terms of delicious food, Worlds of Marvel—which will include a new, second dining experience with more details to come—and 1923 will round out the family dining rotation, while The Rose, Palo Steakhouse, and Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallament will continue to wow adults with exceptional views, gourmet meals, and delicious beverages.

For kids of all ages, Disney’s Oceaneer Club, Edge, Vibe, and It’s a Small World Nursery return provide designated space to let their imaginations run free under the guide of Disney-trained counselors.

The Disney Treasure will embark on its maiden voyage, a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, on December 21, 2024, followed by an inaugural season of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral. Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club members can book a Disney Treasure cruise as early as Tuesday, September 12, 2023—while bookings will open to all guests on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a cruise on the Disney Treasure, visit www.disneycruise.com/treasure; call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500; or contact your travel agent.