May The Fourth (For Change) Be With You!

Happy Star Wars Day!

Sometimes our love of all things Star Wars means long afternoons on the couch watching a marathon of all six films (and, of course, a little Star Wars Rebels). But at Star Wars Celebration last month, Star Wars: Force for Change and UNICEF proved that being a fan can get you up and moving. Watch the video to see how ducking under asteroids and dodging TIE fighters can help feed kids in need around the world!

Star Wars: Force for Change and UNICEF will be announcing other ways Star Wars fans can get involved throughout the year, leading up to the premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in December. To start, fans can visit StarWars.com/ForceforChange and unicefkidpower.org, to make a donation and receive updates on activities and ways to join us and become a #ForceforChange.

Girl Meets World Returns to Disney Channel May 11—And More in News Briefs

Taking on the World Again—New Season Begins May 11

Calling all Girl Meets World fans! You’ve been waiting patiently for the second season to start, and now it’s just around the corner… The continuing adventures of Riley Matthews (Rowan Blanchard) and all her John Quincy Adams Middle School cohorts kick off with five crazy new episodes over five days—starting on Monday, May 11, at 8:30 p.m. on Disney Channel!

The spinoff to the popular ’90s sitcom Boy Meets World stars Blanchard as the tween daughter of original lovebirds Corey (Ben Savage) and Topanga (Danielle Fishel) and finds her attending the very middle school where her father now teaches. Season 2 will not only catch back up with Riley, best friend Maya (Sabrina Carpenter) and perpetually smitten Farkle (Corey Fogelmanis)… but it’ll also feature some much-anticipated BMW reunions! Girl Meets World has already featured an appearance by Corey’s best friend Shawn (Rider Strong)—and, as seen in the show’s brand-new trailer above, he’ll be back for more fun and frolic alongside Mr. Feeney (William Daniels) himself! Also keep an eye out for Will Friedle as Corey’s big brother Eric, and the return of Corey and Topanga’s former English teacher Mr. Turner (Anthony Tyler Quinn).

Don’t miss the big “What in the World is Happening” Season Premiere on Monday, May 11—and then stay tuned for four more brand-new episodes each night through May 15! It’s truly an embarrassment of Girl Meets World riches…

Save the Date!

Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
Fall 2014-2015
D23 Member Nights at Newsies—On Tour
May 9
The Parent Trap Party at Camp Inch
May 29
VIP Studio Tour with Disney Legend Dave Smith
June 20
D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives
August 14-16
D23 Expo 2015 returns to Anaheim, California
Studios
May 1
Avengers: Age of Ultron opens in theaters.
May 22
Tomorrowland opens in theaters.
June 19
Inside Out opens in theaters (along with the short Lava).
July 17
Ant Man opens in theaters.
December 18
Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in theaters.

Parks
March 4–May 17
22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.
May 15–June 14
Star Wars Weekends Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
May 22–23
24-hour event kicking off Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration at Disneyland Resort
May 22–23
24-hour event kicking off “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort
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
TV
April 28
Dancing with the Stars 10th Anniversary Special airs on ABC (8–9 p.m. ET/PT)
May 9
Doctor Who Debuts on Disney XD (9 p.m. ET/PT)

The Legacy Continues with Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection Disneyland

Sure, Disneyland is filled to the brim with iconic images: the Matterhorn, Space Mountain, walking down Main Street, U.S.A. towards Sleeping Beauty Castle… but let’s not forget the music. It’s the evocative musical themes of the Disneyland Resort that make up the eighth release from Walt Disney Records’ “The Legacy Collection”—and just in time for Disneyland’s 60^th anniversary!

The three-disc The Legacy Collection Disneyland will be available exclusively at Disneyland Resort beginning on May 20, with a wider release set for August 21. The compilation explores the rich history behind songs and attractions past and present. Beginning with the recordings from the opening day of Disneyland in 1955, it guides the listener down Main Street, U.S.A. and through the greatest attractions, shows, and lands that exist today and those that are now only a “happy memory.” Discs One and Two cover lands including Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland, plus five songs from Disney California Adventure Park (DCA). Disc Three features an additional 12 songs from DCA, plus music from the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade and Fantasmic! And fans will love the extensive liner notes provided by Stacia Martin, a 37-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company and Disney historian. Don’t miss your chance to hear Disneyland’s musical history!

Meet the Next Generation of Villains in Disney Descendants

Ever found yourself wondering what happened to your favorite Disney villains once the heroes got their “happily ever after”? Well you’re in luck: Disney Channel is set to answer that very question with their original movie Disney Descendants, directed by Emmy^® winner Kenny Ortega (High School Musical, Newsies).

Wanna see what all the evil-esque fuss is about? Then take a gander at this brand-new trailer. Seems that all those villains we love to hate—including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ Evil Queen and Sleeping Beauty’s Maleficent—have been relegated to a present-day, prison-like island, where they’ve raised their children without magic… but with plenty of mischief. In a nearby peaceful kingdom, the son of the King and Queen (Beast and Belle from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, natch) shocks his folks with his first proclamation: a chance at redemption for Carlos (Cruella De Vil’s son), Mal (Maleficent’s daughter), Evvie (the Evil Queen’s daughter), and Jay (Jafar’s son). They’re allowed into the kingdom to attend prep school with the kids of iconic Disney heroes like Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Mulan. But now they face a big dilemma. Should they go into the “family business” and help their diabolical parentals regain power? Or is time to embrace their—dare we say—inner goodness?

Find out when Disney Descendants premieres this summer on Disney Channel!

Avengers Assemble at New York Stock Exchange

Don’t worry, investors of the world: There are Super Heroes looking after your money! Well, at least for one morning… On Friday, April 24, Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron stars Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) ventured to Wall Street to ring the famous “opening bell” at the New York Stock Exchange! Joining them were Marvel executives George Beliard, David Booinger, Irving de la Concha, Blake Garris, Nancy Lee, Michael Jerchower, Kate Hayes, Mark Plotkin, Doris Hernandez-Colon and Alex Gomez. You can watch the pair in action over at Marvel.com. (Thankfully, the real New York is still standing after their visit. The fictional one from the first Avengers? Not so much… )

Dress Like a Stylish Super Hero with New Avengers Fashion Collection

Fangirls, this one’s for you: In celebration of the release of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, Her Universe—the popular “geek girl” apparel company—and Disney Consumer Products recently announced a new fashion line inspired by all your favorite heroes from the Avengers films! The “Marvel by Her Universe” collection will be available mid-May exclusively at select Hot Topic stores and hottopic.com, with an online pre-sale going on right now! The collection features designs by winners from the first-ever Her Universe “Geek Couture” Fashion Show held at last year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego, where attendees Amy Beth Christenson and Andrew MacLaine took top honors with their amazing original creations. As part of their grand prize, Amy and Andrew were rewarded the opportunity to design an exclusive fashion collection with Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein. The six-piece line includes fashion-forward dresses and jackets, available in both regular and extended sizes. And that’s not all: From now through May 5, fans can post a photo of what they’ll be wearing to see Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron (tagging their pics #HTAvengersSweeps) to Instagram for a chance to win the entire collection! More info (and official rules) can be found at HotTopic.com. Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters on May 1!

Newsies on Tour: Exclusive Song from the “Refuge”

Our friends over at Disney Playlist premiered a very cool video last week as part of their “Playlist Sessions”… Did you know there’s a song from Newsies that you haven’t heard in the film, or even in the Broadway version of the show? This song, called “Letter From the Refuge,” was written by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman just for the touring production, and is sung by Crutchie, Jack Kelly’s lovable sidekick. At this point in the show, Crutchie has just been captured and is writing to Jack to detail his escape plan, and to remind the fellas to look out for each other. “Crutchie as a character would never be self-pitying, and he’s not used to writing letters, so that defined the pace and the tone of the song,” said Alan in a recent interview for Variety. “It’s tentative, emotional but guarded, with a sense of false bravado and a tenderness underneath.” Check out the clip above to see Zachary Sayle, who plays Crutchie in the touring cast of Newsies, sing “Letter From the Refuge” for Disney Playlist.

Get Your Tiki On at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto—Now Officially Open!

“Drink up, me hearties, yo ho!” The doors to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World officially opened on Monday, April 27, and not a moment too soon for tiki-heads across the nation! Sail on in for one of their famous drinks (like the Shrunken Zombie Head) available in fun collectible mugs. And don’t worry, the already-popular lounge is worth the wait; look for over 1,200 pieces of tiki-related memorabilia once inside, and get ready to have a tropically terrific time with the staff. The lounge is open daily from 4:30 p.m. until midnight (it’s “all ages” until 8 p.m.), and is located right off the main lobby of the hotel.

Surf’s Up with Teen Beach 2: Beach Party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Grab your surfboards and your suntan lotion! As part of Walt Disney World’s Coolest Summer Ever, a new summertime dance party inspired by Teen Beach 2 (the upcoming sequel to Disney Channel’s Teen Beach Party) is coming to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park. From May 22 through July 5, folks can join in the Beach Party at various times throughout day. The fun includes “bikers” and “surfers” who dance and play beach-themed games with guests as a DJ spins remixes of retro tunes. Taking over part of Typhoon Lagoon’s main beach area, guests of all ages can participate in relays on the sand; hula-hoop spinning; water balloon and beach ball tossing; and even some of the grooviest dance moves this side of Mt. Mayday!

And get ready to party at Typhoon Lagoon by watching this new clip from the music video for “Gotta Be Me,” a song from Teen Beach 2, which, of course, stars R5’s Ross Lynch and Maia Mitchell (ABC Family’s The Fosters) as surfing sweethearts Brady and Mack. The sequel is set a few months after the pair returns from a summer adventure that transported them into Brady’s favorite 1960s beach party movie, Wet Side Story—only now, they’re surprised to receive a real-world visit from Lela, Tanner, Butchy and all their other newfound surfer and biker buddies. Catch the Teen Beach 2 wave when it premieres on Disney Channel this summer!

The Doctor is In: Doc McStuffins Wins Peabody Award

Disney Junior’s popular Doc McStuffins has won the prestigious Peabody Award in the Children/Youth category. The award, which recognizes outstanding storytelling in electronic media, is honoring the animated series for its “disarming, inspiring” tales for children ages 2–7. The 2015 Peabody Awards Ceremony will take place May 31 in New York City. Doc McStuffins centers on 6-year-old Doc, who wants to be a doctor—just like her mom—and runs a clinic for stuffed animals and toys in her backyard playhouse. Created and executive-produced by Humanitas Prize and Emmy^® Award-winner Chris Nee, the series was just awarded an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Children’s Program, and was also recently nominated for a NAMIC (National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications) and Emmy Award.

Director Joss Whedon and Cast Talk Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron

It’s no exaggeration to say that Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron is, perhaps, the most eagerly anticipated Super-Hero film of all time. Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, Hulk, Hawkeye, Thor—the whole gang’s back for another save-the-world extravaganza, this time fighting against Ultron, a super-smart—and equally evil—robot that plans to save humanity from itself. Joining them this time are newcomers Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, along with a few other surprises. Ahead of the May 1 premiere, D23 had the opportunity to sit in on a rollicking, no-holds-barred conversation with the director, Joss Whedon, producer Kevin Feige, and the whole cast of Super Heroes… along with one super-suave villain.

On creating a sequel to the most successful comic-book movie of all time:

Joss Whedon: The thing that drew me back to the movie was, what are the little moments with these characters that I haven’t gotten to do yet? What conversations have they not had? Where do they live, how do I get inside their hearts? Those are the moments I write reams and reams of paper just thinking about. The tiniest part, that’s really the heart of my writing.

On the script:

Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man): I read Joss’ script and I said, ‘I think this is great.’ Ask Kevin [Feige, producer]. Kevin said, ‘You never say that. You don’t mean that.’ I said, ‘Yeah, I think it’s great. Let’s go shoot it.’ I thought it was a Swiss watch to begin with. Joss really created some great new situations for Tony (Stark) to be in, so rather than digging in my heels and trying to rewrite every scene, to make them even better, if possible, I just showed up and it turned out great.

On bringing Ultron, the killer robot, to life:

James Spader (Ultron): I don’t really have any idea at all what was going on, it happened so quickly. I was literally just trying to hold on and stay on the train. But I will say this—I arrived in London, and within the first half hour they put on this suit, and they put on all this gear, and within 15 minutes I was watching me move around a big room and watching Ultron, or at least a formative stage of Ultron, on a monitor in front of me. It started right there. The next day I was on the set shooting a scene with Scarlett (Johansson). That pace is where it was throughout the entire project. Luckily I had a meeting before that with Joss with a big meal and whole bunch of wine to figure out who this guy was.

On reading comics growing up:

Spader: Growing up, I didn’t have any comic books at all but my friend Will had a whole trunk full of them. And so comic books were like candy for me. I’d go over to his house for a sleepover and I’d be devouring anything I could get my hands on. Because the sleepover was going to be over and I was going to have to go back to my house and it was going to be… Kipling.

On Hawkeye’s bigger part in this film:

Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye): I speak in this movie, which is awesome. I’m part of the team, which is awesome. When I sat down with Joss and Kevin back in the day and talked about why I wanted to play Hawkeye… I understood Hawkeye in the sense that he’s a human, so I thought I’d tap into that and explore a little bit more of that.

Kevin Feige: As we were putting together the Phase 2 movies, Joss very much liked the idea—and we honed on that—that Hulk and Hawkeye would be two characters that hadn’t gotten much exposure, so he had very big plans for those characters in this one.

**On Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver) having worked together previously, in Godzilla:**

Olsen: I think it’s only a benefit. It’s kind of intimidating joining this group (the Avengers), so I got to do it with Aaron by my side.

Taylor-Johnson: It’s comforting to know, stepping on set with such a big ensemble, that I had someone to feel comfortable with.

On Black Widow’s role and future:

Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow): She realizes that her calling is a greater one—even though that’s not necessarily something she’s thrilled about—but that’s what is heroic about her… There are many different directions to go. Is she going to be able to withstand this huge weight that’s bearing down on her, or is she going to crack under it? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

When Last We Saw Our Heroes . . .

April 30, 2015March 26, 2018

On May 1, 2015, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes again assemble to face the foes that no single hero can handle alone. Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, brings together Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Captain America for another round of rock-’em, sock-’em robot. In this case, Ultron is said robot, intent on solving the world’s woes by wiping it clean of humans. It’s been three years and multiple movies later—where were all the Avengers when last we saw them?

IRON MAN
Marvel’s Iron Man 3 wrought big changes on Tony Stark’s life. His Malibu house crumbled into the Pacific Ocean during an attack, he threw away his RT, and is now reevaluating his role as Iron Man. For Robert Downey Jr., who plays Iron Man, the dynamics between The Avengers in the story was one of his favorite things about reprising one of the world’s most famous Super Heroes. “What I loved about this script was the further development of the complexities of the relationship between all the Avengers,” he says. “I loved that Thor has a beef with me and then eventually has to give in and say I’m right.” Nowhere are these character dynamics more apparent than the scene at the end of Marvel’s Iron Man 3 where Tony’s lying on a couch, as if he’s in a psychiatrist’s office, spilling his guts to his new best bud, Bruce Banner.

HULK
And speaking of Banner, the last we saw him was in that office, graciously suffering through Stark’s tales of personal woe, as any good friend would. But other than comradeship, why would Banner be hanging out with Stark? Because they share a similar thirst for scientific discovery. “Banner basically moved in with Tony Stark after he didn’t have anywhere to go at the end of the last Avengers,” explains Mark Ruffalo, who plays Banner. “He traveled around and he did his thing, but Stark took him in and there were a lot of mutually beneficial qualities that they get from each other. One of them is their understanding of science, and what Banner’s specialty is has been really well-augmented with what Tony’s been up to.”

THOR
After younger brother Loki tried to enslave the human race in the first Avengers film, Thor yanked him back up to Asgard to face mom, dad, and other life-threatening challenges. As the rightful heir to the throne, Thor could live in luxury ruling all of Asgard, but his affection for Jane and the rest of the humans convinces him to leave Asgard, renounce his kingship, and return to earth to protect those he loves. “Thor has decided to stay on and so we see a more grounded, earthly version of Thor than we have in the past,” says Chris Hemsworth, who plays Thor. “It is nice because there are a few more opportunities to showcase some humor and see him in some casual gear instead of the red cape and armor that we always see him in.”

CAPTAIN AMERICA
Captain America is now running point for the team. Steve Rogers’ world came crashing down in big ways in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, as S.H.I.E.L.D. itself dissolved after being infiltrated by the criminal organization known as Hydra, and the masked Winter Soldier struck at the heart of Captain America. According to Chris Evans, who plays Cap, “He is still searching for whether or not he can have a life outside of being Captain America. He’s been of service for so long, so trying to figure out what he would do without his uniform and S.H.I.E.L.D is a bit of a puzzle.”

BLACK WIDOW
Scarlett Johansson returns as fan favorite Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, fresh from Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which saw her fighting alongside Captain America to fend off the forces of Hydra, who managed to dismantle S.H.I.E.L.D. and send Black Widow, Captain America, and Nick Fury on the run. Although Black Widow’s personal life has seen little screen time, Johansson hopes that audiences will appreciate the new film’s direction: “We have our histories and we get to explore a little bit of that and I think the audience is going to absolutely love that.”

AGENT FURY
After the harrowing battle in Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, what became of Nick Fury, especially considering S.H.I.E.L.D. has been dismantled? “S.H.I.E.L.D.’s in disarray,” says Samuel L. Jackson, who plays Fury. “Everybody’s scattered to the wind so it is interesting to see how they bring us back together as we continue to do Avengers business. Fury is on the outside looking in, but still has his hand in there a little bit and the person I trust more than anybody on the planet is Natasha. It’s always been the case, so she is my eyes and ears.”

HAWKEYE
Last we saw Hawkeye, played by Jeremy Renner, he was chomping away on shawarma after the battle of New York. He hasn’t made any appearances in the subsequent films, so we’re to assume that… he went back for more shawarma, right? “Joss and I both really loved the character and we didn’t really ultimately get to explore him very much in the first film,” says Renner. “So it made me very happy when I saw Joss at a party and he said that we were going to find out a lot more about the character and what makes him tick.” Be watching for Hawkeye’s role to be beefed up in significant ways in the new film.

Are You Team Pink or Team Blue?

It’s time to answer an age-old Disney fan question:

Which color do you prefer for Princess Aurora’s ball gown?

Vote below!

THE SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED

Our Favorite Moments from the 2015 Radio Disney Music Awards

April 27, 2015March 26, 2018

The real winners of the 2015 Radio Disney Music Awards (RDMA)—music’s biggest event for families—were the fans, both those lucky enough to be in attendance on Saturday at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE and the ones who spent their Sunday evening watching Disney Channel Presents the Radio Disney Music Awards. Here are some of our favorite moments from the 90-minute special, which did, indeed, achieve “Fandemonium,” as Zendaya, the evening’s host, had set as her goal:

Actress-singer-teen icon Zendaya showed us why she’s a multi-hyphenate, going undercover—or should we say, K.C. Undercover?—with different hairstyles and looks for the opening sequence. Zendaya continued this spirit of transformation throughout the evening, with a captivating series of wardrobe changes that would befit even the most veteran awards show host.

The introduction of Nick Jonas’ performance was almost “Fandemonium” by itself. Nick was introduced by his former JONAS co-star, Chelsea Kane, his “co-Jo-Bro,” Joe Jonas, and Rowan Blanchard, of Girl Meets World.

The evening featured our first extended look at Disney Descendants, in which the children of iconic Disney heroes and villains come together. The Disney Channel Original Movie makes its debut this summer.

In other exciting “DCOM” developments, Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell, and the rest of the Teen Beach 2 cast are back in the upcoming sequel, as we saw in the music video for a song from the movie, “Gotta Be Me.” The Teen Beach 2 cast was also on hand as presenters, awarding the “ARDY” to Ariana Grande, who won for both “She’s The One—Best Female Artist” and “The Bestest—Song of the Year” for her hit, “Problem” (featuring Iggy Azalea).

Girl Meets World’s Sabrina Carpenter performed “We’ll Be Stars” and “Eyes Wide Open” at the RDMA—where she was the recipient of “XOXO—Best Crush Song” for “Can’t Blame a Girl For Trying.”

And as much as Disney fans love hit Disney Channel series and movies and top musical artists, they also recognize how important it is to give back to the community. This year’s RDMA acknowledged Jennifer Lopez’s work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, The Lopez Foundation, and her philanthropic efforts in the U.S. and around the world by awarding her the Hero Award. Radio Disney also honored two youth leaders, Maryah Sullivan, 19, of Orlando, and Sloan Peterson, 10, from Los Angeles. Boys & Girls Clubs of America nominated Sullivan for her volunteer work at the Ronald McDonald house and a local nursing home, while Free The Children nominated Peterson for establishing a chapter at her school where she has led several fundraising and volunteering efforts for local and global issues—like access to clean water.

D23 congratulates all of the 2015 winners, who were determined from an astounding 101 million votes. If that doesn’t qualify as “Fandemonium,” then we don’t know what does.

See a New Teaser for Tomorrowland

“If you are seeing this, you have been chosen.”

Check out this new teaser for Tomorrowland! You’ll never see it’s a small world the same way again…

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What are you looking for when you visit our website?

Take the poll below to tell us.

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Disneyland’s V.I.T.’s (Very Important Trees)

April 23, 2015July 20, 2021

When Disney fans think of famous Disney trees, chances are what comes to mind are thoughts of Grandmother Willow, from Pocahontas, or the love-struck trees from the 1932 Silly Symphony cartoon Flowers and Trees. But you might be surprised to learn that Disney parks are home to more than a few noteworthy trees of the non-animated variety. In honor of Arbor Day, which is this Friday, April 24, we present these fun facts about Disney trees. Take some time this Arbor Day to visit them at a Disney park—
or truly get into the spirit of the holiday by planting one of your own closer to home.

This two-foot-tall Mugo Pine is the Disneyland Resort’s oldest living tree.

The oldest living tree at the Disneyland Resort is believed to be more than 150 years old.

This two-foot-tall Mugo Pine can be seen by guests cruising on the Storybook Land Canal Boats.

This Canary Island date palm was originally planted in 1896.

Almost as old as the Mugo Pine is a Canary Island date palm that stands near the Jungle Cruise in Disneyland’s Adventureland. The tree was originally planted elsewhere in 1896 but was moved at the decree of Walt Disney himself, fulfilling a request made by the family that owned the land where the tree originally stood—land that is now part of the Disneyland Resort.

The Petrified Tree is believed to be between 55 and 70 million years old.

Speaking of old… The Petrified Tree in Frontierland is even older than the Mugo Pine—a lot older, given that it’s believed to be somewhere between 55 and 70 million years old. According to the plaque that accompanies the tree, the Petrified Tree was once part of a sub-tropical forest in what is now Colorado’s Pike Petrified Forest. The section on display at Disneyland weighs five tons and measures 7 ½ feet in diameter; the original tree is estimated to have been 200 feet tall. The tree—thought to be of the redwood of sequoia species—was presented to Disneyland in 1957 by Lillian Disney.

During Halloween Time, the Halloween Tree is decked out with glowing lights and hand-painted jack o’ lanterns.

During Halloween Time at Disneyland Park, guests can admire a beautifully decorated oak tree near the Golden Horseshoe Saloon. The tree is inspired by Ray Bradbury’s 1972 fantasy novel, The Halloween Tree, and was dedicated to the author on October 31, 2007. “I belong here in Disneyland, ever since I came here 50 years ago. I’m glad I’m going to be a permanent part of the spirit of Halloween at Disneyland,” Bradbury said at the dedication.

The forest canopy in Jungle Cruise. — The forest canopy in *Jungle Cruise*.

When you and your skipper set sail on Jungle Cruise, you feel like you’ve left Disneyland for thrilling adventures in Asia, Africa, and South America. One of the transporting features is the attraction’s forest canopy; its trees stretch more than 80 feet tall.

The Tree of Life serves as the centerpiece of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.

And to be sure, the Walt Disney World Resort has its own V.I.T.’s (Very Important Trees, of course), including the Liberty Tree at Magic Kingdom Park. But the most famous of all—because it’s the most magical—is the Tree of Life, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This structure stands 145-feet-tall, is covered in more than 103,000 leaves, and originally featured more than 325 animal carvings. New roots were “grown” earlier in 2015, revealing carvings of new animals, from tiny bugs to large crocodiles, and more. The 14-story structure is 50 feet wide at its base, and has more than 8,000 branches that allow its foliage to spread 160 feet over the park.

The Doctor Is In—Doctor Who, that is—on Disney XD in May—Plus More in News Briefs for April 22, 2015

April 22, 2015March 26, 2018

Doctor Who? Find Out on Disney XD Beginning May 9

If you’re already a fan of Doctor Who, BBC’s wildly popular science-fiction drama, then you’ll be thrilled to learn that Disney XD has picked up seasons two through four of the worldwide hit. If you’ve never seen Doctor Who, then you’re about to have the perfect opportunity to see how this show has amassed its devoted following. The landmark series depicts the adventures of the Doctor, a time lord who travels through space and time in his TARDIS, combatting various enemies to save civilizations around the globe.

On Saturday, May 9, Disney XD will feature a preview airing of Doctor Who (season two, episode one—“New Earth”), following the Disney XD premiere of Fantastic Four (6:45 p.m. ET/PT). In “New Earth,” the Doctor and Rose board the TARDIS for new adventures in time and space. But when they visit mankind’s new home, far in the future, they find gruesome secrets hidden inside a luxury hospital. And an enemy thought long-since-dead, the paper-thin Cassandra, is out for revenge. Season two, “Adventures in Time and Space,” will continue to roll out on Disney XD beginning Saturday, June 13. The special weeklong programming event will give fans eight episodes, airing daily Saturday, June 13 through Saturday, June 20.

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
Fall 2014-2015
D23 Member Nights at Newsies—On Tour
April 25
D23 Day at Walt Disney Studios and Archives
May 9
The Parent Trap Party at Camp Inch
May 29
VIP Studio Tour with Disney Legend Dave Smith
June 20
D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives
August 14-16
D23 Expo 2015 returns to Anaheim, California
Studios
May 1
Avengers: Age of Ultron opens in theaters.
May 22
Tomorrowland opens in theaters.
June 19
Inside Out opens in theaters (along with the short Lava).
July 17
Ant Man opens in theaters.
December 18
Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in theaters.

Disney Cruise Line Makes A Dream Even Dreamier

Once upon a Disney Dream, travelers and families could have wonderful vacations at sea, on board one of Disney Cruise Line’s finest ships. But now, the Disney Dream is undergoing new enhancements that will make its sailings even more exciting, even more delicious, and even more magical. You might say that the potential for fun is infinite! The Disney Infinity Toy Box Area (in the Oceaneer Club), a high-tech interactive space based on Disney Infinity, will offer kids exclusive in-game content that they will only be able to unlock on the Disney Dream (but can continue to enjoy when they get home), and will also allow kids to take the place of character figures on a life-size Disney Infinity Base. The Force will be with young travelers as they take part in a shipboard version of the Disney parks’ Jedi Training Academy experience, explore a Star Wars: Millenium Falcon play area inspired by the iconic spacecraft from the Saga, and express their creativity through Star Wars-themed crafts, games, and activities. Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats—inspired by Wreck-It Ralph—will feature a delectable assortment of candy, handmade gelato and ice cream, and more. And the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will transform young guests into royal princesses and knights—or maybe even swashbucklers. Adult guests will see their “Disney Dream” of relaxation come true at the new water feature, Satellite Falls, a circular splash pool with benches and a gently falling rain curtain. These enhancements make their debut on the Disney Dream’s four-night voyage departing Port Canaveral on October 26, 2015.

We’re Still Star Wars Celebrating

You’d have to be living in a cave in Dagobah to have missed last week’s news that the teaser for Star Wars: The Force Awakens had its world premiere at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim. But just in case you found yourself caught up at Tosche Station buying power converters and missed it, enjoy the video above. The other big news out of Star Wars Celebration Anaheim was the update we received about the upcoming stand-alone film, Rogue One. Director Gareth Edwards revealed that the film will revolve around a rogue band of resistance fighters who unite for a daring mission to steal the Death Star plans and bring new hope to the galaxy. Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy also announced that upcoming big screen adventures that explore the characters and events beyond the core Star Wars saga will be known as the Star Wars Anthology Series. Rogue One is slated to hit theaters December 16, 2016—just about a year after The Force Awakens opens in theaters on December 18, 2015. The Force is strong in December.

Get an Inside Look at Inside Out

Inside Out opens in theaters on June 19. But three days earlier, on June 16 at 7 p.m. ET, Disney and Fathom Events will present a one-night event that will premiere the feature—including the animated short Lava—and will also include 15 minutes of exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from Pixar Animation Studios and a Q&A with director Pete Docter, producer Jonas Rivera, and the voice of Joy, Amy Poehler, live via satellite from their Australian tour. “Inside Out gives us a chance to take the audience to a world that everyone knows about but no one has ever been before—inside the mind,” Docter said in a statement to TheWrap, which reported the news. “So many people contribute to a movie like this and we can’t wait to share a little bit of what goes on behind the scenes—it’s a long journey, but it’s so much fun.”

A New Tomorrowland Trailer Now… A Tomorrowland Sneak Peek in IMAX on May 1

The latest trailer for Walt Disney Studios’ Tomorrowland shows Casey (Britt Robertson) and Frank (George Clooney) embarking on their danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space, “Tomorrowland.” We can’t wait to see what those secrets are when the film opens in theaters on May 22. But in the meantime, you can keep looking for clues in an extended first look at Tomorrowland, which will screen directly in front of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron in IMAX theaters domestically and in select international markets beginning May 1. The special presentation of the film will feature more than six minutes of footage to be introduced by director Brad Bird.

Star Wars Battlefront—The Next Best Thing to Journeying to a Galaxy Far, Far Away

The graphics on this immersive game are so impressive, you might forget that you aren’t watching a trailer for an upcoming Star Wars film. Star Wars Battlefront will be available November 17 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and on Origin for PC. The game features unprecedented access to original Star Wars props and locations, along with photorealistic visuals and authentic sound design from the talented team at DICE. You can surrender to your dark side and play as Darth Vader or Boba Fett, or be a hero at the intergalactic locales you’ve loved for years, like Hoth or Endor. Visit StarWars.com for more details and to learn how you could get to play the Battle of Jakku one week early.

(Port) Adventure is Out There!

Disney Cruise Line has announced a brand-new selection of Port Adventures that are available for travelers on the Disney Wonder’s cruises to Alaska. In Juneau, families will be able to pan for gold and explore an abandoned mine. Teens can enjoy exclusive thrills on the Canopy and Zip Line Expedition. In Skagway, travelers can interact with dogs and puppies training for sled dog races, enjoy breathtaking views on the Skagway Adventure Hike, and design their own root beer labels at the Klondike Gold Fields brewery. Beginning June 1, the Disney Wonder will sail a total of 14 seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, Alaska. To learn more about Port Adventures on the Disney Wonder, visit Disney Cruise Line’s official site.

How Well Do You Know Disney? Disney Inquizitive Will Let You Find Out!

Since Disney Inquizitive’s launch back in January, we’ve spent more than a little time on the app’s personality quizzes, finding out whether we’re Anna or Elsa, learning who should be our Star Wars sidekick, and asking ourselves, “How evil are we?” But now, our friends at Disney Interactive have kicked things up a notch by adding trivia quizzes to the Disney Inquizitive app. These new quizzes will challenge how well players know Disney movies, characters, quotes, and other trivia, and will range from categories including Fantasy & Villains, House of Mouse, Action & Adventure, Style, Love & Friendship, and Throwback. The app also lets users share their scores, see how they rank among friends, and compare results in-app or via Facebook. The app is available for free in the Apple App Store. We’d love to tell you more, but we’re dying to “Guess the Disney Character from the Silhouette.” Game on!