New Details of Disneyland Diamond Celebration Unveiled

July 17, 2015, will officially mark 60 years to the day that Walt Disney opened Disneyland

. . . and The Happiest Place on Earth is observing this landmark anniversary with a yearlong Diamond Celebration that kicks off May 22. Our friends at Disney Parks and Resorts shared some exciting details about three eagerly anticipated entertainment experiences at a special event held tonight at Disneyland that has left us even more eager for the party to start.

Here are some of the festive enhancements that are sure to make this Diamond Celebration sparkle:

World of Color—Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney

Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, along with Steve Davison, executive for Parades and Spectaculars with Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, announced that this all-new edition of the popular nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure will celebrate Walt Disney and his determination to make his dream of Disneyland the fantastical reality that it is. In the show—which will include both animated and live-action footage, fountains, lasers, special effects, and, of course, music—Mickey Mouse will lead park guests on a journey that recounts moments from Walt’s unparalleled legacy in animation, as well as his dream of Disneyland.

Paint the Night Parade

Also debuting on May 22, the Paint the Night parade will be a breathtaking state-of-the-art nighttime parade that combines innovative floats, awe-inspiring costumes and special effects, and more than 1.5 million LED lights illuminating Main Street, U.S.A. like you’ve never seen it before. The parade will feature Mickey Mouse, front and center, “painting the night” with a little help from the power of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust. Favorite characters from Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story, Frozen, and more beloved Disney films will be part of the magic.

Disneyland Forever Fireworks Spectacular

A dazzling anniversary celebration at Disneyland certainly cries out for a dazzling display of fireworks, and Staggs and Davison promised exactly that. Disneyland Forever will feature the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and special effects that will turn Main Street, U.S.A. and other Disneyland park locations into a “magical canvas” that will transport us—pyrotechnically—to the London skyline of Peter Pan, along with other dream-like settings. The new fireworks spectacular will also include two new songs, including a composition written by Disney Legend Richard Sherman, “Kiss Goodnight.”

We’re thrilled to see what else is in store for this once-in-a-lifetime Diamond Celebration and are looking forward to updating you in the coming months on all of the special food items, décor, and diamond anniversary-themed merchandise that will be arriving at the Happiest Place on Earth. For us—and no doubt, for all of you—May 22 just can’t come soon enough!

The Oscars Get Even Cooler with an Original Number from Frozen’s Songwriters, plus More in News Briefs for January 27, 2015

Neil Patrick Harris to Let It Go at Oscars^® with Number from Frozen Songwriters

Disney fans already had at least nine great reasons to watch the Academy Awards^® and see which Oscars will be handed out to Disney films. But now we can add another reason to our list: Last year’s Oscar winners for best original song, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, are writing an original multimedia musical sequence, “Moving Pictures,” for Oscar host Neil Patrick Harris to perform on the telecast. “We love the Oscars and have always been huge Neil Patrick Harris fans, so when he asked us to write him a song for this year’s show we said, ‘Yes!’ before he could finish the sentence—it’s possible he may have been asking us for something else,” said the Lopezes. “We are having so much fun collaborating, and have even enjoyed weaving our experience as Oscar nominees into the song.” The Oscars will be televised live on the ABC Television Network on February 22 (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT).

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
February 8
101 Dalmatians: An Afternoon in the “Spot”-light
August 14-16, 2015
D23 Expo 2015 returns to Anaheim, California
Television
February 6
Miles from Tomorrowland premieres on Disney Channel at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT
February 13
Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero premieres on Disney XD and Disney Channel at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT

Parks
March 4–May 17
22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.
May 15–June 14
Star Wars Weekends Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Studios
February 20
McFarland, USA opens in theaters.
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.

Emma Watson Brings Brains and Beauty to Live-Action Interpretation

Disney princesses have had a pretty big week. Perhaps the biggest news is that not only do we have a new live-action interpretation of an iconic fairy tale to look forward to—Beauty and the Beast—but that Belle is going to be played by Emma Watson, best known, of course, as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise. Beauty and the Beast will be directed by Bill Condon (Dreamgirls) and produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman. Production is expected to begin later in 2015. No release date has been announced, but we’ll share every piece of news about the film as it breaks.

Watch a Sneak Peek of Cinderella Here… and See a Longer Preview at Disney California Adventure

Cinderella’s dress… Her ever-so-charming prince… A glass slipper to die for… All of these are on display in the newest spot for Cinderella, called “Midnight is Just the Beginning,” and we’re happy to watch these 30 seconds over and over while we wait for the film’s March 13 release date. But proving that this is just the beginning, lucky for us, the Disney Parks Blog reported this week that guests visiting Disney California Adventure will be able to see an extended sneak preview for the film—including a magical sequence being shown exclusively in Disney Parks. This special presentation can be seen at the park’s Bug’s Life Theater for a limited time, January 30–March 26.

Frozen Coming to Disney Cruise Line “In Summer”

The eastern part of the U.S. is cold and snowy this week, so there may be no better time to start thinking about a summer vacation—somewhere warm, somewhere Disney, somewhere… Frozen? Yes—Anna, Elsa, and Olaf will be taking a royal tour of the Disney Cruise Line ships this summer. On board select Disney Magic and Disney Wonder sailings to Europe and Alaska, guests will enjoy a day of frozen fun when the ship is transformed into a winter wonderland. The Arendelle royal sisters and their friends will be part of “Disney Dreams… An Enchanted Classic,” an original production at the Walt Disney Theatre aboard the Disney Magic. Olaf will be available for meet and greets on the Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Magic; and Olaf’s Summertime Freeze bar on Castaway Cay will feature non-alcoholic specialty frozen drinks like “Sven’s Carrot Delight.” Between these new additions and Port Adventures in Norway, the land that inspired Arendelle, we’ve stopped singing “Let It Go” and we’re singing, “Let Us Go!” Bon Voyage!

Wintery-White Frozen-Themed Reception from Disney Weddings

Do you want to build a wedding? A Frozen-inspired wedding? Disney Wedding’s Ever After Blog shared a gallery of gorgeous photos that will help you start thinking about your own happily-ever-after event. And check out DisneyWeddings.com for everything you need to plan a dream Disney wedding.

Disney Inquizitive App Asks All the Right Questions

Do you know which Disney hero you are? We do—we’re Prince Phillip. Which Disney character is your fashion muse? Ours is Anna! These are our results from just two of the many Disney quizzes that are now all conveniently accessed on one amazing app, Disney Inquizitive. New quizzes are added every week to this free app, and you can even connect with your friends on social media to share your results. You can download Disney Inquizitive for iOS in the iTunes App Store.

Second Wave of Classic Star Wars Games on GOG.com

The upcoming Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, is making us nostalgic for classic titles from the saga—and classic games, as well. Last fall, six Lucasfilm titles were released on GOG.com, and 12 titles are being released in January, including several that are available digitally for the first time ever. Among the latest assortment of games are Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter, Star Wars Rogue Squadron 3D, and Star Wars Rebellion. Visit GOG.com to view the entire collection and start playing.

Limited-Edition Fawn Doll Coming to Disney Store

Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast will be available on Blu-ray and Digital HD March 3, and Disney Store is already carrying items like an adorable Gruff plush, since the NeverBeast really doesn’t seem so scary at all once you get to know him. But collectors will be super excited about a limited-edition Fawn doll that will only be available in select North American Disney Stores starting Tuesday, February 17 (and online starting Wednesday, February 18). The doll will also be available for purchase in Europe this March. The elegant doll has been styled by Disney Store artists to capture her playful character and is part of the Disney Fairies Designer Collection.

Get Ready for 2015’s DCOMs with This New Trailer

Disney Channel Original Movies are always fun—even their shorthand nickname, DCOM, is fun to say. This trailer showcases three upcoming DCOMs, Bad Hair Day, Teen Beach 2, and Descendants, and we can’t wait for all of them to premiere. Bad Hair Day is the first one up, premiering Friday, February 13 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel; but as this trailer shows, with clips from all three, 2015 is going to be a great year for DCOM fans.

Do You Want to Build a Disney Snowman?

With a Disney animated film called Frozen you’re bound to have a few snow-loving characters to flurry the story and landscape.

And the movie delivers on both cuteness and catastrophic. So in celebration of Frozen‘s summer-loving snowman Olaf and the ferocious ice-breathing Marshmallow, we dug into the Disney character vault to find a couple of others that also fit the wintry build of our newest characters.

Show us your Disney snowmen by posting them on Facebook and Twitter with #D23SnowDay!

Walt Disney Animation Studio’s Mike Giaimo Heads to Norway for Frozen ►

Olaf the Snowman — So Olaf isn’t the smartest snowman in the world.

And another friendly snow creature. We appreciate that the Yeti at Disneyland’s Matterhorn always stops to wave at guests—such a good cast member.

baby snowman Walt Disney World Blizzard Beach — Introducing the cutest baby snowman in the world! Walt Disney World, anyways. You can see this little guy at Blizzard Beach.

And who could get forget the short where Huey, Dewey, and Louie build their own snowman, much to the torment of their uncle Donald.

Aggggghhhhh! Well, things have changed a bit since Lucasfilm and its Jedi-hungry Wampas have joined the force.

Let Goofy Teach You How to Play Football

Whether they’re rooting for the New England Patriots, the Seattle Seahawks, or are just excited to see this year’s crop of commercials, millions of Americans will gather together around their flat-screen televisions next Sunday, February 1, to watch the Super Bowl. To help you get geared up for the big game, D23 is excited to share with you Goofy’s “educational” short, How to Play Football.

Released on September 15, 1944, How to Play Football was the 13th release in the Goofy series of animated shorts, many of which find our star, well, “goofily” demonstrating the finer points of sports and activities like skiing, swimming, and self-defense. Ace sports announcer Frank Bull was hired to narrate this short and provide his football language and reporting style. And unlike most Disney shorts of the era, which were usually completed within a four-to-six-month window, How to Play Football was produced over 10 months due to delays caused by the studio’s need to frequently reassign the short’s artists to work on the studio’s war training film program.

Many American servicemen were among the first audiences to see How to Play Football before its official September 15 release date so that they could, as a Studio press release stated, “inaugurate the new season of Disney shorts with the greatest campaign given an entertainment single reeler in years.”

Disney fans might not agree on whether the Seahawks or the Patriots will walk away with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, but we think they will be committed members of “Team Goofy” after watching How to Play Football. Enjoy!

Totally Chill Disney Snow Day Activities

We all know snow days are fun for about the first hour, until boredom starts to set in. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with five Disney activities sure to keep everyone entertained until it’s time to go back to school and work.

Use #D23SnowDay to be a part of the fun and share your snow day stories and pictures on Facebook and Twitter!

**Make a Frozen snowflake**

Download this easy template and make beautiful frozen fractals to decorate your home.
Print at home ►

Play a Disney guessing game

Disney movie buffs will love this one, and even better, all you need is a pen and some paper.
Read the rules ►

**Bake Toy Story Hamm-It-Up Cookies**

If you can get to the store for a few simple ingredients, these cookies will tickle everyone pink.
Get the recipe ►

Learn to draw Olaf

Do you want to draw a snowman? Now you can with this awesome lesson from Animation Academy at Walt Disney World Resort.
Watch video ►

Take a Disney trivia quiz

If D23 Members are anything, they’re trivia buffs, so try your hand at some quizzes on Oh My Disney.
Take quiz ►

Ten Disney Movies to Warm Your Heart

It’s downright cold around much of the country this week—so cold that you might be better off staying indoors and watching a Disney movie!

Of course you could argue that all Disney movies are heartwarming in one respect or another, but these 10 films always send us running for the couch, a cup of steaming hot cocoa in one hand, a remote control in the other.

Use #D23SnowDay on Facebook and Twitter to tell us what Disney movies you’re watching today!

Pollyanna (1960)

Pollyanna, as played by Hayley Mills in the film of the same name, was so adept at bringing positivity and cheer to the lives of the people she encountered that the word “Pollyanna” is now listed in the dictionary and defined as, “someone who thinks good things will always happen and finds something good in everything.” Pollyanna melted the heart of her stern Aunt Polly (Jane Wyman)—she’ll absolutely make you forget there’s a cold, cold winter outside.

Finding Nemo (2003)

We can’t say which of the film’s three main characters are most dear to our hearts: There’s Nemo, with his tiny little fin, who reminds us of ourselves when, in a moment of anger, he tells his dad, “I hate you”—like every kid does at some point—and totally doesn’t mean it, like kids never do when they say those words. Then there’s Marlin, a single, over-attentive father who makes mistakes along the way but only because he wants to keep his son safe. Rounding out this trio is Dory, a Regal Blue Tang fish with no short-term memory and the most awesome catchphrase ever, “Just keep swimming.” Dory’s mantra will get you through the chilliest of days and the roughest of patches.

Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

If there ever was a character that could use a snow day filled with Disney movies, it was P.L. Travers, the curmudgeonly writer of the book on which Mary Poppins was based. As P.L. Travers, Emma Thompson scoffs at the magic of Disney—and Walt Disney’s determination—until a charming moment late in the film that proves no one can resist the power of a brilliant song from Richard and Robert Sherman. Enjoy this film today, and dream of a sunnier day when you can go fly your own kite.

Eight Below (2006)

Paul Walker stars as Jerry Shepard, an arctic guide and dog trainer forced to leave behind his beloved family of eight dogs when a massive storm forces an evacuation of a research center in Antarctica. Shepard, pained by guilt, must wait months for the weather to clear to travel back to the mountain where he left his canine friends, who have since battled the elements—and predators—for survival. Eight Below is full of heart-wrenching scenes—we personally prefer fast-forwarding past the scene where Shepard must say goodbye to his family of dogs, leaving them to fend for themselves—but by the end of the film, no viewer can possibly remain untouched by this gripping tale about the indomitable spirit of man and man’s best friend and the unbreakable power of family.

The Parent Trap (1961)

Everything about The Parent Trap makes your heart beat a little faster. There’s the super-cute stop-motion animation title sequence, developed by T. Hee, Bill Justice, and X. Atencio; the sing-along quality of the songs “The Parent Trap” and “Let’s Get Together,” written by the Sherman brothers; the utterly charming storyline of twins Sharon and Susan—separated as children by their divorced parents—who accidentally meet during summer vacation at the improbably named Camp Inch; and the dazzling talent of Hayley Mills, who, with the help of double-exposure and split-screen shots, deftly plays Sharon and Susan. Not to mention a happy ending that puts the perfect bow on this gift of a film released by Walt Disney Studios in 1961. You’ll feel so warm and happy after watching this movie, you may just want to head outside to enjoy all that snow!

Dead Poets Society (1989)

If you’re home from school or work on a snow day, you might think that a movie that takes place at a school and includes highbrow literary references could turn your surprise holiday into a busman’s holiday. But Dead Poets Society, anchored by the late, great Disney Legend Robin Williams is as inspirational as Williams’ character, John Keating, who encourages his students at a stuffy New England boarding school to think and feel for themselves. The film’s line—”Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary”—was voted the No. 95 (out of 100) movie quote by the American Film Institute and the phrase continues to be words to live by for students of all ages.

Tangled (2010)

After being locked away in a hidden tower for years, Rapunzel is a character that could teach us all a lesson about how to keep busy on a snow day, even if we don’t have her long, silky locks to “brush and brush, and brush and brush.” She’s determined to make her own dreams come true, she’s resourceful, she’s self-sufficient, and her “prince” is actually a bandit named Eugene Fitzherbert (aka Flynn Rider). But Tangled also offers a gift to romantics everywhere, though it comes from an unlikely source, the film’s antagonist, allowing them to borrow Mother Gothel’s line to come out on top in a contest of affection: I love you… I love you more… I love you most!

Father of the Bride (1991)

Who doesn’t cry at a wedding? And who can hold back the tears when the bride is being given away by Steve Martin? Not us! In Father of the Bride, George Banks (Martin) has to accept the fact that his daughter, Annie (Kimberly Williams), has grown up and is ready to get married. He grumbles every step of the way, especially when having to deal with Franck, a flamboyant wedding adviser played hilariously by Martin Short. Disney fans will no doubt feel their heart grow just a few degrees warmer when they realize that the character George Banks shares a name with David Tomlinson’s character in Mary Poppins, creating a perfect justification to screen that movie along with Father of the Bride as a double feature.

WALL-E (2008)

Set 700 years in the future, WALL-E tells the story of the last robot on earth, who spends his days—alone—cleaning our trash-covered planet. By all logic, we shouldn’t feel anything for WALL-E; he’s essentially a computer on wheels. But between his odd collection of trinkets—such as a Rubik’s Cube, his rubber ducks, and, most memorably, his videocassette of Hello, Dolly!—and his steadfast devotion to fellow robot EVE, WALL-E has us feeling all the feels. WALL-E and EVE are a Disney super-couple to rival any Disney Princess and her mate, and this 2008 film from Pixar Animation is a lovely way to brighten up an otherwise dreary winter day.

Enchanted (2007)

In Enchanted, Amy Adams stars as an animated princess, Giselle, from the two-dimensional land of Andalasia, who ends up in the very real, three-dimensional land of New York City. The film has everything we’d expect from a Disney fairy tale, like a “Happy Working Song” song performed with animals, but all with a spin we wouldn’t expect… like the fact that the singing critters are rats and pigeons and cockroaches. We can think of no other film that has so successfully managed to spoof an entire genre of movies (Disney animated classics, no less!) while paying them such loving tribute that we want to go back and watch each of them all over again… which might just be the perfect way to get through the winter!

Remembering Walt Peregoy

January 22, 2015May 1, 2023

Walt Peregoy, a color stylist and background artist who was named a Disney Legend in 2008, passed away at his home in Encino, California, on January 16.

Born Alwyn Walter Peregoy in Los Angeles, California, in 1925, Walt spent his early childhood on a small island in San Francisco Bay. He was nine years old when he began his formal art training, attending Saturday classes at the California College of Arts and Crafts in Berkeley. When he was 12, Walt’s family returned to Los Angeles, where he enrolled in Chouinard Art Institute’s life drawing classes. At age 17, he dropped out of high school and went to work for Disney as an in-betweener.

After serving in the Coast Guard during World War II, Walt continued his art education, studying at the University de Belles Artes, San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico, and with Fernand Léger in Paris.

In 1951, with a young family in tow, Walt returned to the United States, and resumed his career with The Walt Disney Studios. Initially, he served as a designer and animator on Peter Pan (1953) and Lady and the Tramp (1955).

Walt’s unique style meshed well with that of his contemporary, stylist Eyvind Earle, and their work on the Academy Award^®-nominated short Paul Bunyan was a departure for Disney. “My style was unusual for Walt Disney, but he tolerated me,” Walt later said. Although, since he was “tolerated” for 14 years, the artist sheepishly admitted, “I had to be doing something right.”

Walt is perhaps best known for his work as color stylist on One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961). “To this day, Walt Peregoy’s color styling in One Hundred and One Dalmatians remains a fine example of how color can be used creatively in animation while serving more than a merely decorative function,” modern animation authority Amid Amidi once said.

012215_walt-peregoy-feat-2 — One of Walt’s conceptual works made for *One Hundred and One Dalmatians* (1961). “There’s not another artist in this world that has my color sense,” Walt once said. “It’s not ‘warm’ or ‘cool.’ It’s what I feel. How am I going to know what color to put there before I get there? It’s really what I feel.”

Walt continued at Disney on the features The Sword in the Stone, Mary Poppins, and The Jungle Book, after which he spent several years with Hanna-Barbera.

He returned to Disney in 1977, contributing his unique view to the design of EPCOT Center, where his influence included concepts, architectural facades, sculptures, and murals for many of the pavilions.

012215_walt-peregoy-feat-3 — For *The Land* pavilion at EPCOT Center, Walt designed key elements for the entrance mosaic and central atrium, including the original mural and balloons. His style was also showcased in the boat ride *Listen to the Land*.

His work was recognized by ASIFA-Hollywood in 2012 at the 39th Annual Annie Awards with a Winsor McCay Award.

012215_walt-peregoy-feat-4 — Walt at work at the Disney Studio in 1958.

“Walt was one of the most talented, difficult, brilliant, ornery, honest artists I ever worked with,” remembered Marty Sklar, Disney Legend and former vice chairman and principal creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering. “He was a prolific artist of subjects he loved: far-out city concepts, shapes and colors. He also loved horses—just look at the anatomy and dynamic movement in his drawings of horses. You knew right away that there was knowledge and love in those drawings! There were few who equaled his work, and I’m so glad I had a chance to work him.”

Disney Films We Can’t Wait to Watch in 2015!

Now that the New Year has arrived, we’re counting down the days ’til some of the most eagerly anticipated epic films from the Disney canon hit movie theaters.

Here’s what every Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm fan should add to their must-watch list for 2015:

Strange Magic—January 23
Cast: Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph, Sam Palladio, Meredith Anne Bull, Alfred Molina, Elijah Kelley, Bob Einstein, Peter Stormare

Synopsis: Strange Magic, a new animated film from Lucasfilm Ltd., is a madcap fairy-tale musical inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion. Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Industrial Light & Magic bring to life the fanciful forest turned upside down with world-class animation and visual effects. The film is directed by Gary Rydstrom from a story by George Lucas.

McFarland, USA—February 20
Cast: Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor, Martha Higareda, Michael Aguero, Sergio Avelar, Hector Duran, Rafael Martinez, Johnny Ortiz, Carlos Pratts, Ramiro Rodriguez, Danny Mora, Valente Rodriguez, Vanessa Martinez, Chris Ellis, Diana Maria Riva

Synopsis: Based on the 1987 true story, McFarland, USA follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White, a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school, with whom they ultimately bond to build not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well.

Cinderella—March 13
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Lily James, Richard Madden, Stellan Skarsgård, Holliday Grainger, Sophie McShera, Derek Jacobi and Helena Bonham Carter

Synopsis: A live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, Cinderella brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realized characters in a visually dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation.

Monkey Kingdom—April 17
Synopsis: Life is an adventure for Maya, the clever and resourceful blonde-bobbed monkey in Monkey Kingdom, Disneynature’s new feature film set among ancient ruins in the storied jungles of South Asia. Maya’s world is forever changed when she welcomes her son, Kip, into her complicated extended family. Like all families, Maya’s has more than its share of colorful personalities—and she’s determined to give her son a leg up in the world. When their longtime home at Castle Rock is taken over by powerful neighboring monkeys, Maya’s whole family is forced to relocate, and she uses her street smarts and ingenuity to lead them to untapped resources amidst strange new creatures and unsettling surroundings. Ultimately, they will all have to work together to reclaim Castle Rock, where Maya can hopefully realize her dreams for her son’s future.

Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron—May 1
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Cobie Smulders, Stellan Skarsgård with James Spader and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury

Synopsis: When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

Tomorrowland—May 22
Cast: George Clooney, Hugh Laurie, Britt Robertson, Raffey Cassidy, Tim McGraw, Judy Greer, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key, Thomas Robinson

Synopsis: Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank, jaded by disillusionment, and Casey, a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.

Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out—June 19
Cast: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Phyllis Smith

Synopsis: Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions—Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.

Marvel’s Ant-Man—July 17
Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, Judy Greer, Tip “Ti” Harris, David Dastmalchian, Wood Harris, Jordi Mollà, Michael Douglas

Synopsis: The next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for the first time with Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man. Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

Disney•Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur—November 25
Synopsis: The Good Dinosaur asks the generations-old question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? The film is a humorous and exciting original story about Arlo, a lively Apatosaurus with a big heart. After a traumatic event unsettles Arlo’s family, he sets out on a remarkable journey, gaining an unlikely companion along the way, a human boy.

And last but not least…

Star Wars: The Force Awakens—December 18
Cast: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Andy Serkis, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Domhnall Gleeson, Max Von Sydow

Synopsis: Although there’s no official synopsis yet, we’re certain that we’ll be transported back to a galaxy far, far away…

Disney Parks Experiences We Can’t Wait For in 2015

The New Year will bring a whole new slate of fun and unforgettable experiences to Disney Parks around the world. Here’s what’s coming to The Happiest Place on Earth and beyond in 2015:

Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration — The dazzling yearlong celebration will launch Spring 2015, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store to salute 60 years of magic.

Frozen Fun at Disney California Adventure — The new experience featuring magical adventures with characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ blockbuster film is now open at Disney California Adventure. You can meet Anna and Elsa at “Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome” inside the Disney Animation building, join Frozen friends and the royal historians of Arendelle during For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, play in the snow and meet Olaf the snowman at “Olaf’s Snow Fest!” and chill out at “Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party.”

New Name, New Additions to Disney’s Polynesian at Walt Disney World Resort — As part of a sweeping re-imagining, Disney’s Polynesian Resort has returned to its original, 1971 opening day name: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. But that’s not the only thing we’re excited about in 2015. Changes include a new food and beverage experience opening for guests in 2015: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto—opening in the spring and based on the popular themed lounge at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. Trader Sam’s will welcome explorers to a mystical and tropical oasis featuring a lounge area with handcrafted tiki cocktails served in souvenir mugs, paired with Polynesia-inspired small plates. You can now also find the Pineapple Lanai kiosk, which serves the world-famous Dole Whip soft serve and floats, along with a menu makeover at Capt. Cook’s quick-service restaurant. In addition, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will feature 20 Disney Vacation Club (DVC) bungalows on Seven Seas Lagoon and 360 Deluxe Studios. The DVC Bungalows will be the first of this type of accommodation at Disney, sleep up to eight guests, and feature a plunge pool where guests can enjoy views of fireworks over Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon.

New Africa Marketplace Coming Spring 2015 to Disney’s Animal Kingdom — Imagine the colors, scents, savory tastes, and boundless activity of a village marketplace in Africa. That sensory scene is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a spring 2015 opening planned for Africa Marketplace—a new shopping and dining option for park-goers in Harambe, the village anchoring the Africa section of the park. One highlight of the new space will be Harambe Marketplace, a new quick-service food and beverage location offering street-inspired dishes from walk-up windows. The new space also will open up a new pathway from Africa to Bradley Falls and the Asia section of the park. Together with the new Harambe Theatre housing The Festival of the Lion King, the addition of Africa Marketplace will double the size of the original Harambe Village. Paired with previously announced projects throughout the park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is undergoing the largest expansion in its history.

Star Wars Weekends Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios — The Force returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 15, 2015 as Star Wars Weekends combines the fun and adventure of the Star Wars film franchise with the magic of Disney Parks. The 2015 event will feature Star Wars characters roaming the theme park for meet-and-greet opportunities, star conversations with Star Wars celebrities, a Star Wars motorcade through the park, interactive activities, exclusive merchandise, and more. Star Wars Weekends will be held every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from May 15–June 14. For more information visit DisneyWorld.com/StarWars.

Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Fantasy Comes to Tokyo Disney Resort — Now through March 20, 2015, guests at Tokyo Disney Resort will find opportunities to experience the beautiful world of Frozen at Tokyo Disneyland Park at Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Fantasy. Guests can enjoy the winter season in a lovely world of ice and snow created by Elsa’s magical power, and the nighttime entertainment Once Upon a Time will be presented in a special version that features new scenes based on Disney’s Frozen. During the day, Anna and Elsa will also make an appearance and greet guests along the parade route to the music of “Let It Go.” Around the Park, guests will find special menus and nearly 25 different types of special merchandise, as well as decorations of snow and ice crystals that are reminiscent of the film’s atmosphere.

Go to Norway with Disney Cruise Line — In summer 2015, Disney Cruise Line is charting a magical new course for northern Europe—exploring for the first time the Norwegian fjords and Iceland. Plus, Disney Cruise Line is returning to the Baltic for all-new itineraries, including sailings from Copenhagen, Denmark to St. Petersburg, Russia. Cruises to the Mediterranean, Alaska, Caribbean, and Bahamas also are included in the summer lineup. More details on 2015 itineraries can be found on the Itineraries and Ports for 2015 section of DisneyCruise.com.

Expanded Collection of Premium Culinary Offerings at Remy — Adult guests aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy can enjoy new premium culinary experiences and menus in Remy, one of Disney Cruise Line’s fine dining specialty restaurants. The expanded collection of offerings in the French-inspired Remy includes a unique tasting opportunity, a decadent dessert experience, a seasonal truffle menu, and special caviar selections.

Travel to Tuscany and Spain with Adventures by Disney — In 2015, travelers can explore iconic landscapes and exquisite Italian culture on a mouth-watering Tuscan culinary adventure, and to add even more excitement, guests can journey through the hidden treasures of Barcelona, Seville, and Marbella with the new Spain itinerary.

Disney Cruise Line Will Be Home to Land of Frozen This Summer — Disney Cruise Line announced some very cool experiences that will be coming to their ships this summer. Select Disney Magic and Disney Wonder sailings to Europe and Alaska will feature a day of frozen fun that includes a deck party, “Freezing the Night Away with Anna, Elsa, and Friends.” On board the Disney Magic, guests can enjoy an original production, Disney Dreams… An Enchanted Classic, featuring Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and a lineup of beloved Disney characters and popular songs that will include, of course, “Let It Go.” Olaf will meet guests on board all four Disney ships, and the Disney Magic will be venturing to the land that inspired Arendelle, Norway. All of these experiences will kick off at one of Olaf’s favorite times of year, “In Summer.”

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Dates Announced — Mark your calendars! The beloved, annual culinary event launches September 25 and runs through November 16 this year, 53 days of sweet and savory tapas-sized dishes and beverages, plus tasting seminars, culinary demos, signature dining experiences, live entertainment, and more.

Garden Rocks Concert Series at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival — Eleven pop bands with hits spanning several decades will play the Garden Rocks Concert Series at the 22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 4 to May 17. The Garden Rocks Concert Series debuts in 2015 to span a broader range of decades and popular artists. Several acts will join the festival lineup this year, including En Vogue, Little River Band, Jon Secada, Pablo Cruise, and Taylor Dayne.

New Dining Options at Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort — STK Orlando, a modern steakhouse mixed with the ambiance of a sleek lounge, is the latest in a string of restaurants that have announced new locations planned for Disney Springs. This will be one of the largest STK locations in the world, occupying 14,000 square feet in a two-story building. Morimoto Asia and THE BOATHOUSE will also open their doors in 2015.

New Characters for Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition) and Dates and Lineups for Epcot Festivals

Disney Infinity Lives Up to its Name with New Characters and Toy Box Game Packs

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “infinity” as “the quality of having no limits or end,” and we’re grateful that our friends at Disney Interactive take the name Disney Infinity to heart. Three of Marvel’s most notorious villains have just become available for game play, thanks to the addition of Green Goblin (Spider-Man‘s arch-nemesis), Ronan, and Yondu (both from Guardians of the Galaxy).

And in other exciting Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition) news, fans can now purchase Toy Box Game Packs separate from the Starter Packs. A Marvel Toy Box Game Pack includes Assault on Asgard and Escape from the Kyln, while the Disney Toy Box Game Pack comes with Brave Forest Siege and Stitch’s Tropical Rescue. Both Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition) Toy Box Game Packs are available at participating retailers worldwide, and deliver new structured gameplay modes where up to four players can engage in new adventures using any character from across the Disney Infinity universe.

Save the Date!

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

Stop and Smell the Flowers—and Hear the Music—at Epcot This Spring

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival feels even more festive with the announcement of an all-star musical lineup for the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Performances will take place at America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for the duration of the Flower & Garden Festival, with show times at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m. Check out the Disney Parks Blog for the full list of performers—Gin Blossoms kick off the Garden Rocks Concert Series with performances March 6–8 while Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone appear the final weekend, May 15–17.

Disney Films Receive 9 Oscar^® Nominations

The 87th Academy Awards^® will be handed out on Sunday, February 22, 2015 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC, and we’ll be watching to see which Disney films are honored. Disney films have received nine nominations, including Best Animated Feature (Big Hero 6), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Meryl Streep, Into the Woods), and Best Makeup and Hairstyling (Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy). To see the full list of nominees, visit Oscar.com.

Watch a New Trailer for McFarland, USA

We can point to so many sports-themed Disney movies that we’ve loved over the years: The Mighty Ducks, Cool Runnings, last year’s Million Dollar Arm… And we’re super excited about the newest film to follow in that tradition: McFarland, USA. The film is based on the true story of an economically challenged California town and its cross-country team, coached by Jim White (played in the film by Kevin Costner). We’ll be running to the nearest movie theater when it opens February 20!

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Dates Announced

One of the best parts about going on vacation is indulging—or maybe even overindulging—with exotic foods and beverages, isn’t it? Well, Epcot has announced the dates for the 2015 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, so that you can now schedule a vacation that’s packed with epicurean indulgence from start to finish. The 53-day long festival runs from September 25 through November 16, and will once again include a wide variety of tapas-sized dishes and beverages, tasting seminars, demonstrations, and more.

A New Interactive Queue at Peter Pan’s Flight at Magic Kingdom Park

When there’s a smile in your heart, there’s no better time to start… We’ve gotten a smile in our hearts every time we’ve experienced Peter Pan’s Flight, but that smile is about to grow a little wider. The Disney Parks Blog shared a sneak peek at the attraction’s new interactive queue that will soon debut at Magic Kingdom Park, in which guests will be able to watch Tinker Bell fly, see their own shadows come to life on the nursery walls, and—best of all—get a sprinkling of pixie dust before they journey off to Never Land.

Disney Parks Blog Takes Us Behind the Scenes at Disneyland Resort

Our friends at the Disney Parks Blog provided a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a new commercial for Frozen Fun at the Disneyland Resort, showing a glimpse of what went into creating the 30-second spot in which many of our favorite Audio-Animatronics^® Disneyland residents welcome Anna, Elsa, and their friends with a special rendition of “For the First Time in Forever.” Enjoy!

World of Color—Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney

Paint the Night Parade

Disneyland Forever Fireworks Spectacular

Neil Patrick Harris to Let It Go at Oscars® with Number from Frozen Songwriters

Save the Date!

Emma Watson Brings Brains and Beauty to Live-Action Interpretation

Watch a Sneak Peek of Cinderella Here… and See a Longer Preview at Disney California Adventure

Frozen Coming to Disney Cruise Line “In Summer”

Wintery-White Frozen-Themed Reception from Disney Weddings

Disney Inquizitive App Asks All the Right Questions

Second Wave of Classic Star Wars Games on GOG.com

Limited-Edition Fawn Doll Coming to Disney Store

Get Ready for 2015’s DCOMs with This New Trailer

With a Disney animated film called Frozen you’re bound to have a few snow-loving characters to flurry the story and landscape.

Make a Frozen snowflake

Play a Disney guessing game

Bake Toy Story Hamm-It-Up Cookies

Learn to draw Olaf

Take a Disney trivia quiz

It’s downright cold around much of the country this week—so cold that you might be better off staying indoors and watching a Disney movie!

Pollyanna (1960)

Finding Nemo (2003)

Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

Eight Below (2006)

The Parent Trap (1961)

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Tangled (2010)

Father of the Bride (1991)

WALL-E (2008)

Enchanted (2007)

Here’s what every Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm fan should add to their must-watch list for 2015:

Disney Infinity Lives Up to its Name with New Characters and Toy Box Game Packs

Save the Date!

Stop and Smell the Flowers—and Hear the Music—at Epcot This Spring

Disney Films Receive 9 Oscar® Nominations

Watch a New Trailer for McFarland, USA

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Dates Announced

A New Interactive Queue at Peter Pan’s Flight at Magic Kingdom Park

Disney Parks Blog Takes Us Behind the Scenes at Disneyland Resort

Neil Patrick Harris to Let It Go at Oscars^® with Number from Frozen Songwriters

**Make a Frozen snowflake**

**Bake Toy Story Hamm-It-Up Cookies**

Disney Films Receive 9 Oscar^® Nominations