The Walt Disney Company Announces Plans for Frozen 2, Star Wars Films

Today at The Walt Disney Company’s annual meeting at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, California, Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger told shareholders and D23 Members in attendance of exciting news from the world of Star Wars and also enlisted John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, and actor Josh Gad—the voice of Olaf—to reveal that Frozen 2 is officially in development at Walt Disney Animation Studios.

The Oscar^®-winning team behind Frozen—directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee and producer Peter Del Vecho—are returning for the new film.

We enjoyed making Frozen Fever so much

. . . and being back in that world with those characters,” said John Lasseter. “Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck have come up with a great idea for a sequel and you will be hearing a lot more about it, and we’re taking you back to Arendelle. We are so excited about that.”

So are we! A release date and production details are yet to be announced, but stay tuned to D23.com for all of the updates.

Iger began today’s annual meeting by revealing the title for the first Star Wars stand-alone film. The film will be titled Rogue One, and will be directed by Gareth Edwards (Monsters, Godzilla) and written by Oscar® nominee Chris Weitz (Cinderella, About a Boy, Antz). Felicity Jones (Academy Award^® nominee for The Theory of Everything) has been cast in the film.

But that wasn’t all of the news from the Galaxy Far, Far Away. Iger confirmed that Rian Johnson will write and direct Star Wars: Episode VIII. The film, which continues the saga after the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is set for release on May 26, 2017—40 years and a day after the release of Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977.

For all of the news about the Star Wars cinematic galaxy, visit StarWars.com

Chris Weitz, Cinderella’s Screenwriter, Talks About Updating a Classic Fairy Tale Into a Modern Romance

In the Spring 2015 issue of Disney twenty-three, Cinderella’s talented and award-winning filmmakers, along with the film’s stars, Lily James and Richard Madden, talk about translating the iconic fairy tale—which inspired the classic 1950 Disney animated film—to the big screen as a live-action motion picture. Now the film’s screenwriter, Chris Weitz (About a Boy, The Golden Compass), talks to D23 about taking that rich and beloved source material and translating it to the page.

D23: Though a fairy tale with origins that go back hundreds of years, this Cinderella has such a modern sensibility. Can you explain how you pulled this off?
CW: Thanks! It definitely doesn’t come from contemporary language or dress or settings; these are all hybridized versions of 18th- and 19th- and early 20th-century examples. I think the cycle has come around through irony and back to a straightforward approach. The plot isn’t really updated either; Cinderella doesn’t start her own business or go to therapy. I think there’s a certain contemporary feel to the romance; each of them is shaped by loss, and they recognize that in each other even though they completely get it wrong about each other’s status. That feels a bit modern.

. . . concern at Disney with regard to the “princesses” is the same—deliver classic family entertainment

D23: What qualities go into creating a Disney princess that lives in a “post-Frozen” 2015?
CW: I may be the only human being on the planet who has not seen Frozen. So I’m not entirely qualified to answer that question. But I think across the board the concern at Disney with regard to the “princesses” is the same—how to deliver the sort of classic family entertainment that Disney is famous for, while being aware that families are not exactly the same as they were in the golden age of the studio.

D23: What was your approach to the character of Cinderella’s Mother, whose presence in the film is still palpable long after her death?
CW: In the 1950 Cinderella, we don’t so much as see her mother; she’s gone after the first sentence or two of voiceover. And she doesn’t take up much time in the Grimm or Perreault versions either. But she must have something to do with Cinderella’s extraordinary goodness and resolve. I thought it was important that the audience see her, and experience not only Cinderella’s loss of her but also what she gained from her. We also wanted a touchstone by which to remember those intangible gifts; I toyed with a bunch of different mottoes, and ended up eventually with the very simple “Have courage, and be kind.” Cinderella gets that from her mother and it keeps her spirit alive and guides her actions.

D23: Without giving away any spoilers, there are certain elements to the Cinderella story that fans can’t help but anticipate: pumpkins turning into coaches, a glass slipper, animal companions… How do you deliver on these expectations but still find a way to make them fresh? And were any of these harder to reinvent than others?
CW: The thing for us was not to try too hard to reimagine things; but to deliver an un-ironic, straightforward version of these tropes that took advantage of the amazing capabilities of CG, without throwing in the kitchen sink. We’re trying neither to “beat” anything nor “quote” anything too much, but to go by the lights of the story as we saw it—a world of hidden wonder and beauty, with the animating force of kindness and faith at the heart of it.

D23: There must be an inherent challenge in writing a romance, in that audiences come to a story expecting “happily-ever-after.” Is that hurdle even more challenging when you’re adapting an iconic fairy tale?
Chris Weitz (CW): The ending of Cinderella is certainly never in doubt. On the surface, that takes away the screenwriter’s autonomy and empties his bag of tricks. But really, for many reasons, audiences expect “happily ever after” out of all sorts of movies. That’s part of the job description of studio moviemaking. Like all sorts of creative restraints, from rhyme to grammar to screen-time, the set narrative elements and ending of Cinderella allow for all sorts of interesting elaboration and detail and creativity as well. For instance, knowing that Cinderella ends up happily gives you a certain latitude in how much punishment, as it were, you can inflict upon her up front. We set out absolutely to provide a satisfying and un-ironic version of Cinderella, but within that context there are all sorts of bells and whistles and interesting questions we can address.

D23: Are you a longtime Disney fan, and what are some of your earliest Disney memories/favorite films or Disney experiences?
CW: I remember watching The Wonderful World of Disney on television when I was a very small boy, before there were a million channels, when you had to wait and watch at a specific time. It made the experience very special.

Disney Parks Kicking Off Disneyland Diamond Celebration and Walt Disney World’s “Coolest Summer Ever”

On Friday, May 22, Disney fans are going to want to wake up early and go to Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort. Today, both parks announced 24-hour events that will kick off the summer of 2015: The California event marks the launch of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration and will be highlighted by the debut of three new nighttime spectaculars, while the Walt Disney World Resort is heralding the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever.” The events both begin at 6 a.m. on Friday, May 22, and end at 6 a.m. Saturday, May 23, local time.

24-hour events that will kick off the summer of 2015 . . .

Here are some of the details for both celebrations:

Disneyland Resort

The entire Disneyland Resort is celebrating the resort’s 60th Anniversary. At this special 24-hour event kicking off the Diamond Celebration, guests will enjoy the thrilling premieres of three, new nighttime spectaculars:

Paint the Night Parade—After dark along the Disneyland parade route, 24-hour guests will be among the first to see the Paint the Night parade, showcasing beloved Disney characters in dazzling parade scenes illuminated with more than 1.5 million individually controlled lights—the first all-LED parade in Disneyland Resort history. The luminescent parade introduces a new era of magical entertainment, as Mickey Mouse uses his imagination to harness the power of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust to “Paint the Night” in dazzling Disney dreams. Those dreams include special appearances by Mickey’s pals and beloved characters from tales such as Monsters, Inc., Cars, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, and Frozen. The parade features some of the most spectacular floats, unforgettable music, and special effects ever presented at the Disneyland Resort, along with energetic performers who add to the brilliance with colorful costumes that light up, too.

Disneyland Forever Fireworks Show—Disneyland Park itself plays a starring role in the Disneyland Forever fireworks spectacular, also premiering during the 24-hour event. Breathtaking fireworks shows have long been a Disneyland Resort tradition and Disneyland Forever soars to new levels, immersing guests from the tips of their toes to the brilliant pyrotechnic bursts above, thanks to special effects that turn the storefronts of Main Street, U.S.A., the Matterhorn mountain, the Fantasmic! water screens, and the façade of it’s a small world into gigantic projections screens filled with color, characters, and surprises. Disneyland Forever transports guests into the worlds of beloved Disney and Disney•Pixar films, including a dance with King Louie from the The Jungle Book and a flight over London with characters from Peter Pan. Two original songs also energize the show: the theme “Live the Magic,” and the inspiring closing song “Kiss Goodnight,” written by Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman. Disneyland Forever will be visible from Main Street, U.S.A., and several Disneyland locations.

Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris and Mickey Mouse will appear in film sequences and animated imagery of the all-new World of Color—Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney show, premiering May 22 during the 24-hour party. World of Color—Celebrate! illuminates the night in a fun-filled and inspirational journey exploring Walt Disney’s decades-long legacy of memorable animated moments and his dream of Disneyland park. It culminates in a madcap musical tour of Disneyland Resort attractions as you’ve never seen them before. Both epic and intimate in scope, World of Color—Celebrate! comes to life with animation, live-action film, fountains, lasers, special effects, and a stirring musical score, all on the magical water canvas of World of Color.

Walt Disney World Resort

Meanwhile in Florida, Walt Disney World Resort will kick off the “Coolest Summer Ever” with 24 hours of nonstop fun during the event at the Magic Kingdom. Olaf will host, and to announce the event and the cool summer season, Disney today brought to life a warm summer scene inspired by Olaf’s dream, creating a 20-foot-wide beach complete with a Cinderella Castle made of sand in the middle of winter-weary Boston.

Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of family vacation time, and Walt Disney World Resort will launch into the season full force. The Magic Kingdom will be open 24 hours to guests from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m., Friday May 22 to Saturday, May 23. Guests will be invited to come in costume to show their Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, special event merchandise, plus food and beverage are on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort.

The around-the-clock celebration features Disney character greetings, dance parties, and surprises into the wee hours of the night. For more information, visit Disneyworld.com/CoolestSummerEver.

The 24-hour party is just the beginning of the summer fun at Disney Parks on both coasts. And D23 will be sure to bring you all of the updates and exciting new details as they’re announced!

Watch New Trailers for Tomorrowland and Inside Out, and More in News Briefs

With the film’s opening a little more than two months away, we were treated this week to visions of Tomorrowland that are almost as exciting as the ones that Casey (Britt Robertson) has when she holds the magical pin in the latest trailer. Walt Disney Studios released a new poster and a new trailer—plus director Brad Bird and screenwriter Damon Lindelof took part in a live Q&A with fans on Facebook and revealed a few details that have us even more eager to watch the film. Lindelof revealed that he and Bird were inspired by the concept of Hidden Mickeys in the Disney parks, saying, “The idea that the Imagineers themselves want to reward the super fans is something we really plugged into.” As “super fans,” we can absolutely relate! Lindelof also explained that the filmmakers took inspiration from some of the classic Tomorrowland attractions like Carousel of Progress, saying, “The way the future was viewed from the PAST was really intriguing to us.”

the Imagineers themselves want to reward the super fans

Brad Bird, no doubt, made many Disney fans happy with his praise for Disney Legend Richard Sherman when he said, “Both Michael Giacchino and I are huge fans of his and you might even hear some Sherman Brothers work the movie.”

We were hoping that Bird and Lindelof might let fans in on a few more secrets in the Q&A, but when asked whether Disney fans should try to avoid spoilers in advance of the film, Bird’s response was, “Key word is ‘careful.’ Don’t let anyone unwrap presents before Christmas.” We’d never be able to wait until Christmas, but we’ll try to hang on until the film hits theaters May 22!

Enjoy the Tomorrowland trailer. We sure did!

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
March 12
Cinderella Lights Up the Palace of Fine Arts
March 13
A Taste of Disney at Silverado Vineyards
March 15
The Hunchback of Notre Dame VIP Experience
March 27
Lunch with a Disney Legend: Orlando Ferrante
April 25
D23 Day at Walt Disney Studios and Archives
August 14-16
D23 Expo 2015 returns to Anaheim, California
Television

Parks
March 4–May 17
22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.
May 15–June 14
Star Wars Weekends Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
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
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
Studios
March 13
Cinderella opens in theaters.
April 17
Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom opens in theaters.
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.

Watch a New Trailer for Inside Out

Tomorrowland isn’t the only new trailer this week—we invite you to check out the latest trailer for Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out, which is making its broadcast debut on ELLEN today. Directed by Pete Docter (Up, Monsters, Inc.), Inside Out (which opens June 19) takes us inside the mind, and the latest trailer shows us a lot more of what we might find there! And to see whom we might find there, meet the Inside Out cast in this video from Disney•Pixar:

**The New Avengers: Age of Ultron Trailer is Full of Suspense!**

It’s truly shaping up to be a phenomenal summer for Disney fans. From Marvel Entertainment’s latest trailer for Avengers: Age of Ultron, it’s evident that this movie is going to be full of action, suspense, drama, and wit—everything fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have come to expect! We’re already sitting on the edge of our seats to see whether or not our beloved Avengers will defeat Ultron. The film’s May 1 opening date can’t come soon enough!

**Kick off Your Star Wars Weekends by Attending Galactic Gathering**

Friday, May 15, marks the beginning of Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But you can start celebrating all things Star Wars one day early, Thursday, May 14, at Galactic Gathering, a special ticketed event taking place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. At Galactic Gathering, guests will have the first opportunity to purchase new Star Wars-themed merchandise created specifically for Star Wars Weekends and will also be able to meet Disney characters, Disney Design Group artists, and Ashley Eckstein from Her Universe. The Galactic Gathering package includes a special MagicBand—Empire or Rebel, you get to choose!—a commemorative pin, a Darth’s Mall Light Speed Pass that gives expedited entry to Darth’s Mall for all five Star Wars Weekends, a Han Solo-inspired popcorn bucket, and more. Registration is now open at www.DisneyParksMerchandise.com. May the force be with you!

Disney Unveils a First Look at Zootopia

One of the wonderful things about being a Disney fan is that after what promises to be an amazing year for Disney movies in 2015, we get to look forward to another amazing year in 2016! Zootopia is scheduled to open on March 4, 2016, and our friends at Walt Disney Animation Studios released this piece of concept art, as well as a synopsis for the film: The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde, to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia, a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (Tangled, Bolt) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph, The Simpsons) and co-directed by Jared Bush (Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero), opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.

Soarin’ **and Toy Story Mania! Updates from Walt Disney World Resort**

Two popular attractions at Walt Disney World Resort are expanding: Epcot’s Soarin’ will add another theater and will also offer a visually enhanced experience through an update to the screens and projection system. And at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania! will get even more midway track. The Disney Parks Blog reports that these expansions will be complete by late 2016 and will offer more opportunities to enjoy these beloved attractions.

Tsum-thing New at Disney Store

Are you collecting Tsum Tsums? If so, your collection is getting bigger—and cuter—this month with the introduction of the Frozen collection and a Winnie the Pooh Easter collection. Visit the Disney Store Blog to see the adorable stackable plushes.

**Sarah Michelle Gellar Will Star in Star Wars Rebels’ Season Two**

Star Wars Rebels’ first season finale aired last week on Disney XD, but we—and the series’ creative team—are already looking ahead to season two. Disney XD and Lucasfilm Animation announced last week that Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) will join the voice cast in a recurring role for season two of the animated series. Executive producer/supervising director Dave Filoni said that Gellar is “a true Star Wars Rebels fan and her passion undoubtedly comes through in the voice recording sessions.” Continuing the epic tradition of the legendary Star Wars saga, Star Wars Rebels unfolds between the events of Star Wars Episodes III and IV and tells the story of the motley but clever crew of the starship Ghost, who together face threatening new villains, encounter colorful adversaries, and embark on thrilling adventures. In its second season, Star Wars Rebels will feature recurring appearances by fan-favorite characters including Darth Vader and Ahsoka Tano.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Has a Double Agent

If you’ve always dreamed of going undercover on the set of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the new original web series, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Double Agent will give you a taste of what that could be like. The five-part series debuted last week on MarvelsDoubleAgent.com, ABC.com, and the WATCH ABC app. Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Double Agent follows the actions of a newly hired production assistant who is actually working as a double agent on behalf of an unknown enemy known only as the Mastermind. In each episode, the Mastermind orders the Double Agent to infiltrate different restricted areas on the Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. set, including executive offices, wardrobe, and soundstages, among others. Through hidden cameras, the Mastermind can see everything, providing viewers with an inside look at the secretive world of the show; often uncovering critical story elements to future episodes. Viewers can cast their votes in polls and help influence where the Mastermind will send the Double Agent next, and enter sweepstakes to win prizes from the sets of both Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the web series. Visit Marvel.com to learn more.

Gravity Falls Creator Alex Hirsch—and Grunkle Stan—Answer D23’s Questions . . . and Yours!

Ever since we first saw Grunkle Stan’s trap door vending machine way back in the debut episode of Gravity Falls, we’ve wondered what in the heck Grunkle Stan is up to. According to the series’ creator and executive producer, Alex Hirsch, the next episode, “Not What He Seems” (airing Monday, March 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT), will show that when it comes to Dipper and Mabel’s great uncle, there may be more than meets the fez. Hirsch told D23, “Secret agents from a mysterious department of the government have been watching, waiting, and planning the day when they could get their hands on Stanford Pines—and that day has finally come.”

Secret agents from the government have been watching, waiting, and planning . . .

This episode also marks the return of Agent Powers, who is again voiced by Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation). “Nick Offerman is an American treasure,” Hirsch said. “His gruff attitude was a perfect fit vocally for Agent Powers, a man so stoic that he was literally born with a disorder that prevents him from laughing. We couldn’t think of anyone better than Nick for the part and it was a personal thrill to direct him.” Hirsch adds, with pride, “The highest honor was when he said, with a completely flat and monotone voice: ‘This script is funny.’”

Like so many of us, Hirsch grew up watching the Disney Afternoon—DuckTales and Rescue Rangers were favorites—and, like the series’ protagonist, Dipper, Hirsch grew up with a twin sister. Their real-life summer adventures inspired Hirsch to create Gravity Falls, he explained. “Much of Mabel’s personality, from her boy-craziness to her love of pigs, comes directly from my sister. Grunkle Stan is loosely inspired by my Grandpa Stan, who is legendary in the family for telling tall tales.” And, Hirsch believes, “As a TV writer, I think he’d be proud that I’ve continued his tradition of making things up on a daily basis.”

When we tried to pry more information out of him about the big developments on Gravity Falls, Hirsch told us, “I’d love to reveal more, but if I did, I’d have to kill you. (It’s in my contract!)”

Luckily, D23 was able to secure an exclusive interview with Grunkle Stan himself, who took a few minutes out of his mysteriously busy schedule to answer the questions that Disney fans have been dying to ask him:

Q: What’s it like raising two crazy kids like Mabel and Dipper?—Diane
Grunkle Stan: Taking care of kids is easy! As long as you leave some lettuce and newspaper on the floor they’ll be fine. Or maybe I’m thinking of turtles. Either way, I’m an excellent caretaker. Don’t call the cops!

Q: What exactly were your first thoughts when you saw those zombies crash your grand re-opening of the Mystery Shack?—Lindsey
Grunkle Stan: Bring ’em on, I say! If I got scared every time I saw a wrinkly old ghoul in front of me, I’d never look in the mirror. Ha-ha!

Q: Where can I buy a hat like yours?—Marc, Agust, and Cera
Grunkle Stan: You’ll have to fight me for it! It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve fought three children over a hat.

Q: How do you stay so foxy even at your age?—Actual Bambina Wario
Grunkle Stan: Two words: natural beauty.

Q: What is your favorite thing about New Jersey?—Victoria
Grunkle Stan: What? Who said anything about New Jersey? I’ve never been to New Jersey. Who’s asking? Next question!

Q: Have you ever been in love?—Alex T.
Grunkle Stan: The way to my heart is through your wallet. Buy something or get out!

Q: How did you come up with the idea for the Mystery Shack? Has it always been a dream of yours?—Patrick
Grunkle Stan: I’ve had a fascinating life, Patrick! Raised by wolves in the arctic, I travelled the world fighting bears, seducing princesses, and collecting knowledge until the public demanded that I share my secrets with them. What, you think I’m lying? Look at those legit degrees on the wall! “Unusuology.” “Unbelievabiology.” “Bizzarchitecture.” You can’t make that stuff up! The Mystery Shack is my humble attempt to share my genius with the idiots of this backwater town at a reasonable price!

Q: How do you manage to run the finest establishment in the state of Oregon?—Vailskibum94
Grunkle Stan: Put junk in a barn, hire teenagers, and keep your nose clean. Bada bing, bada boom—a legend is born!

And after answering Disney fans’ questions, it looks like Grunkle Stan faced an even tougher interrogation! Enjoy this video, and be sure to see what happens to Grunkle Stan on tonight’s episode of Gravity Falls.

Give Your Selfies Character with New Disney Side App

We know you’ve all dressed up as your favorite Disney characters before, but the new Show Your Disney Side app takes transformation to a new level! Just take a selfie or a simple headshot of yourself, and watch it come to life with iconic Disney characters and experiences like Star Tours, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean. You can even become Maleficent!

take a selfie and watch it come to life with Disney characters and experiences like Star Tours, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean

D23 Members who attended Destination D: Attraction Rewind in November 2014 were among the first to see a preview of the app, and watched live as a photo of D23’s Kristin Rodack was transformed into Anna from Frozen. So, since you saw it first, why not be the first to try it out? You can download Show Your Disney Side for free on the Apple App Store today at DisneySideApp.com.

D23 EXPO 2015 Design Challenge

March 5, 2015March 27, 2018

In honor of Disneyland’s Diamond Anniversary, Disney fans—both young and young-at-heart—will depict Sleeping Beauty Castle in the D23 EXPO 2015 Design Challenge.

The castle stands tall as a welcoming icon at Disneyland, as it has since the park’s opening on July 17, 1955. Now it has inspired artwork that will be on display throughout the D23 EXPO weekend on the show floor, located in the Walt Disney Archives area.

Online submissions for the D23 EXPO Design Challenge have ended, but be sure to check out the 23 pieces of finalist artwork at D23 EXPO 2015. The winning artist will be chosen prior to the start of the D23 EXPO and will receive a cash prize of $2,300. Visit D23EXPO.com for the latest updates and information about D23 EXPO 2015—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—taking place August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

D23 EXPO 2015 Mousequerade

March 5, 2015March 27, 2018

When Disney fans decide to show their love for Disney by creating their own costumes for Mousequerade, their imagination might take them to any of Disney’s many wonderful worlds:

A princess’ yellow ball gown, finished with ruffles and matching satin gloves…

The flouncy shirt of a pirate—perhaps of the Caribbean, perhaps with a hook…

The simple hood of a Jedi knight, or the imposing dark cape of a Disney villain, paired with the horns of Maleficent, the crisp white collar of an Evil Queen, or the sleek, impenetrable helmet of Darth Vader.

Who knows what the finalists will be wearing this year?

In this one-of-a-kind event, taking place Friday, August 14 at D23 EXPO 2015, 15 participants in each of the following five categories will dazzle the crowd in Stage 23 with the original costume designs they have brought to life:

Heroes Unmasked: Disney and Marvel’s finest.
Once Upon a Costume: The magic of Disney fairy tales
The Wonderful Worlds of Disney: Everything Disney from theme parks and movies to television, music, and beyond—past and present
Weird, Wild, and Goofy!: The most outlandish and creative, inspired by Disney
Best of Star Wars: Costumes from a galaxy far, far away

The winner of Mousequerade will receive a trip for two to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

Online submissions for Mousequerade have ended, but visit D23EXPO.com for updates and information on this and the other magical events coming to D23 EXPO 2015—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

D23 EXPO 2015 Invites Fans to Celebrate the Magic of All Things Disney in Mousequerade and D23 Expo Design Challenge

March 5, 2015March 27, 2018

To highlight the creativity and passion fans have for all things Disney, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is holding two remarkable contests in celebration of D23 EXPO 2015, which takes place August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Mousequerade invites participants to create their own Disney-inspired costumes and compete in the following categories: “Heroes Unmasked,” “Once Upon a Costume,” “The Wonderful Worlds of Disney,” “Best of Star Wars,” and “Weird, Wild, and Goofy!” The winner will receive a trip for two to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Anyone interested in participating must visit d23expo.com/mousequerade to complete an entry form and find out more about how to enter. The closing date for entry is April 30, 2015. Submissions will be evaluated on the basis of creativity and originality, quality and craftsmanship of costume, and relationship of costume to the contest theme. The Live Contest will be held Friday, August 14 in Stage 23 at the Anaheim Convention Center and will be 90 minutes in length. The number of Finalists is limited to 15 contestants per category for a total of 75 contestants.

D23 Expo Design Challenge will honor Disneyland’s Diamond Anniversary by encouraging artists young and young-at-heart to depict Sleeping Beauty Castle. Twenty-three pieces of finalist artwork will be on display throughout the D23 EXPO weekend on the show floor, located in the Walt Disney Archives area. The winning artist will be chosen prior to the start of the D23 EXPO and will receive a cash prize of $2,300. Anyone interested in participating must visit d23expo.com/designchallenge to submit sketches of proposed artwork (and to find out more about other entry requirements) no later than April 30, 2015. Submissions will be evaluated on the basis of creativity, originality, and artistic expression.

Finalists in both competitions will receive one (1) complimentary ticket (and one (1) for a guest) to attend D23 EXPO 2015. Contestants do not need to be members of D23 to enter either contest.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are available at a discounted price for a limited time. From January 1–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.

Turkey Pot Pie with Cheesy Biscuit Topping from Cinderella’s Royal Table

. . . a taste of what’s new at Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella’s Royal Table restaurant

In the Spring 2015 issue of Disney twenty-three we offer a taste of what’s new at Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella’s Royal Table restaurant and the nearby Harambe Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, both at Walt Disney World Resort. Now we’d like to offer you the opportunity to enjoy a taste of Cinderella’s Royal Table at home, with this recipe for Turkey Pot Pie—gluten-free and a perfect comfort dish to warm up these last weeks of winter. And parents can take extra comfort in learning that this recipe has earned a Mickey Check, making it a nutritious choice that families can feel good about serving—and eating!

1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup small diced onion
1 cup small diced celery
1 cup small diced carrots
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/3 cup plus 2 cups rice flour, divided
4 cups vegetable stock
5 cups cooked turkey cut into bite-sized cubes
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces
1 cup coarsely shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups heavy cream

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat; add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent, about 8 minutes.
Sprinkle with 1/2 cup rice flour and cook 2 minutes more. Raise heat to high and whisk in vegetable stock. When mixture simmers, add turkey, thyme, sage, and pepper. Simmer until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
Combine remaining 2 cups rice flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper in the work bowl of a food processor. Pulse to combine. Add butter, cheddar, and Parmesan; pulse 4 or 5 times for 2 seconds each time, until butter is in pea-size pieces. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and stir in enough cream until dough holds together. (You may not use all of the cream.)
Pat or roll dough to 1-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Trim edges and cut into 6 squares.
Divide turkey mixture among 6 individual oven-safe dishes or ladle into one medium oven-safe casserole dish.
Top each individual dish with one biscuit, or top larger casserole dish with all biscuits, leaving a half-inch space between each biscuit.
Place casserole dish(es) on a baking sheet. Bake until biscuits are golden brown, 23 to 25 minutes.

Serves 8

This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity version in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.

All recipes are the property of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., and may not be reproduced without express permission.

Save the Date!

Watch a New Trailer for Inside Out

The New Avengers: Age of Ultron Trailer is Full of Suspense!

Kick off Your Star Wars Weekends by Attending Galactic Gathering

Disney Unveils a First Look at Zootopia

Soarin’ and Toy Story Mania! Updates from Walt Disney World Resort

Tsum-thing New at Disney Store

Sarah Michelle Gellar Will Star in Star Wars Rebels’ Season Two

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Has a Double Agent

**The New Avengers: Age of Ultron Trailer is Full of Suspense!**

**Kick off Your Star Wars Weekends by Attending Galactic Gathering**

Soarin’ **and Toy Story Mania! Updates from Walt Disney World Resort**

**Sarah Michelle Gellar Will Star in Star Wars Rebels’ Season Two**