A Celebration of Disney Trains

November 20, 2014March 27, 2018

This rarely seen photo shows Disney animator Ollie Johnston’s Marie E. steam train as it arrives at the New Orleans Station of the Disneyland Railroad to surprise the Disney Legend.
On May 10, 2005 at 7 a.m., a ceremony took place before Disneyland opened for the day. On the occasion of Disneyland’s 50th anniversary, about 100 people gathered at the New Orleans Station of the Disneyland Railroad to honor animator and Disney Legend Ollie Johnston, one of Walt’s Nine Old Men, for how he inspired Walt Disney with his love of trains. Ollie inspired Walt to build his backyard railroad, the Carolwood Pacific Railroad. Walt’s love of giving people rides on this little steam train in his backyard eventually led to the building of Disneyland.

After the speeches that early May morning, Ollie was presented with a plaque from the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society. Then everyone heard a toot of a steam whistle and up pulled a gleaming steam train. Ollie at first thought it was a Disneyland engine, then his son Ken leaned down and said, “Dad, that is your engine.” Ollie then realized it was his beloved Marie E. and he started to cry. And then so did everyone else.

I then told Ollie that the Marie E. needed a real engineer to drive it around Disneyland and asked if he would like to do it. “Boy, would I!!” was his answer. He climbed up into the cab of the Marie E. with the help of the amazing Disneyland Railroad crew and they strapped him in with seatbelts borrowed from one of the old Matterhorn bobsleds.

At 94 years old, Ollie expertly engineered his Marie E.—the only outside train ever run on the rails of Disneyland—three times around Disneyland to the cheers of everyone there.

It was said that of all of the yearlong events celebrating Disneyland’s 50th anniversary, the morning of May 10 was by far the most special.

—John Lasseter

This memory told by John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, recalls a very special moment in Disney train history. It’s one of many train tales being celebrated in All Aboard: A Celebration of Walt’s Trains, a new exhibit at The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, California. On view through February 9, 2015, this comprehensive exhibition explores the influence that railroading had on Walt Disney’s life and work. It also tells the story of how his railroading legacy lives on to this day in Disney films and theme parks around the world.

*The All Aboard: A Celebration of Walt’s Trains* exhibition explores Walt Disney’s passion for trains and the influence and impact railroading had throughout his career.

The arc of this exhibition doesn’t start and end with just Walt, though. All Aboard explores the interest and passion for railroading of Walt’s friends and staff, including Ollie Johnston. The Disney Legend was able to make his Disney railroad dreams come true at Disneyland before he passed away in 2008.

A New Cinderella Trailer, Inside Out, and Much More

Have a Ball Watching a New Trailer for Cinderella

We’re officially counting the hours, waiting for the clock to strike 12. But we’re not waiting for our coach to turn back into a pumpkin, we’re eagerly awaiting the release of Cinderella, which opens in theaters on March 13, 2015.

A new trailer debuted this morning on ABC’s Good Morning America, and we have it for you to watch, above. There’s a Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter)! A handsome and charming prince (Richard Madden)! And, of course, Cinderella herself (played by Lily James) in a beautiful blue gown that will no doubt inspire countless Halloween costumes next fall. Best of all, the trailer answers the question that has nagged at folks for as long as there has been a Cinderella: Yes, glass slippers can be comfortable.

Save the Date!

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

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
November 22-23
Destination D: Attraction Rewind at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World
Fall 2014-2015
D23 Member Nights at Newsies—On Tour
Through January 4, 2015
Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
August 14-16, 2015
D23 Expo 2015 returns to Anaheim, California
Television
December 1–25
ABC Family’s “25 Days of Christmas”
December 2
Toy Story That Time Forgot premieres on ABC at 8 p.m. ET
January 6
Marvel’sAgent Carter premieres on ABC at 9 p.m. ET

Parks
November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, and 30; and December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 19
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties at Magic Kingdom Park
Studios
December 25
Into the Woods opens in theaters.
February 20, 2015
MacFarland, USA opens in theaters.
March 13, 2015
Cinderella opens in theaters.
May 1, 2015
Avengers: Age of Ultron opens in theaters.
May 22, 2015
Tomorrowland opens in theaters.
June 19, 2015
Inside Out opens in theaters (along with the short Lava).

Turn Yourself Inside Out—One Emotion at a Time

Each day this week, Disney•Pixar is releasing a new character video from Inside Out, the upcoming animated film that chronicles the lives of the emotions that live in Headquarters, the control center inside an 11-year-old girl’s head. On Monday, we met Sadness (voiced by Phyllis Smith):

Monday brought us Sadness (Phyllis Smith):

Tuesday brought us Disgust (Mindy Kaling):

And today we’ve seen Anger (Lewis Black) in action:

“Excitement” isn’t a character in Inside Out, but it’s for sure the emotion that’s taking over the Headquarters in our minds here at D23! Inside Out opens in theaters June 19, 2015 and in the meantime, we’re going to do everything we can to keep our Excitement, Impatience, and Enthusiasm in balance from now until then.

Enjoy Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy on Blu-ray Soon—It’s Educational!

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is now available on 3D Digital and Digital HD—and it’s coming to 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, and On-Demand on December 9. Yes, you can watch the movie again and again. Sure, you’ll laugh at the gag clip and you’ll love watching the deleted scene. But believe it or not, you will learn something you didn’t know before: how to speak “I am Groot” in 15 different languages. Check out the video above for a sneak peek!

Into the Woods Soundtrack Will Be Released Before the Film Opens

Into the Woods—the film—opens in theaters December 25, 2014. The film’s soundtrack is set for release December 16, 2014. That gives you nine days—nine—to try to master the songs from the film, which is based on the musical stage production by legendary eight-time Tony®, Grammy®, and Oscar®-winning composter and lyricist Stephen Sondheim and Tony Award winner James Lapine. The two-disc Into the Woods Deluxe Edition also includes the film’s score.

New Merchandise and Collectibles from a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Star Wars fans can get excited about a number of new items that are available for purchase. The Disney Style blog featured a collection of Darth Vader jewelry for those who lean toward the dark side, as well as an R2-D2 collection for Rebel Alliance supporters. The collections are from Her Universe.

For Star Wars fans who would rather show their allegiance to the force via play rather than via accessorizing, this holiday season Disney Store is featuring Star Wars merchandise for the first time. This month, Disney Store launched a series of exclusively-designed die cast vehicles inspired by the original Star Wars saga. The collection includes the Darth Vader TIE fighter, X-Wing Fighter, and Speeder Bike. Each perfect replica of the iconic films’ vehicles boasts movable parts (like wheels that roll and landing gear that drops). Deluxe die cast—including the Millennium Falcon—are also available.

And there’s one more Star Wars item that was unveiled this week that can only be found at one location: the finish line of a race taking place during the inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon weekend, January 15–18 at the Disneyland Resort. Finisher medals feature many of your favorite Star Wars characters, and half marathon finishers might think their medallion reminds them of the Medal of Bravery awarded to Luke Skywalker and Han Solo at the end of Episode IV. Runners, may the force be with you!

MagicBands Get Infinite-ly More Magical

Have you dreamed of bringing the Disney Parks to your Disney Infinity Toy Box? Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced last week at The Walt Disney Company’s Mobile Product Showcase that plans are underway to incorporate the MagicBand into the Disney Infinity experience. Guests will be able to place a MagicBand over the Disney Infinity base, which then unlocks the it’s a small world download. Visit D23.com to learn more about this and the other announcements from the event. ►

See Concept Art for Shanghai Disney Resort Hotels and Disneytown

We’re always super excited to get an early look at anything new that’s on its way to Disney Parks and Resorts, and the concept art released last week for two hotels at Shanghai Disney Resort didn’t disappoint. To see all of the art and also learn about Disneytown, visit D23.com. ►

Disney Announces Disney Infinity and MagicBand Team Up, Plus Imagicademy And Disney Technology Updates At Mobile Product Showcase

Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger and leaders from across The Walt Disney Company revealed new updates on interactive technology from Disney Consumer Products, ABC, Walt Disney Studios, ESPN, Disney Parks, Maker Studios and Disney Interactive in a mobile showcase event at the Walt Disney Studios on Friday, November 14.

Here’s a recap on some of the biggest announcements:

Walt Disney Parks And Resorts

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced plans to incorporate the MagicBand into the gaming experience of Disney Infinity. MagicBands will unlock an it’s a small world experience. Worn on the wrist, the MagicBand is the key to unlocking the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation, connecting guests to all the choices they make online at MyDisneyExperience.com.

The MagicBand serves as park admission, access to FastPass+ experiences and Disney PhotoPass photo association—all rolled into one. For Walt Disney Resort hotel guests, it also serves as a room key and optional payment method. One touch of the MagicBand and the colorful Mickey-shaped readers deliver guests’ selected experiences.

Guests unlock the download of it’s a small world for their Toy Box by placing a MagicBand over the Disney Infinity Base. The Base will detect the presence of a MagicBand, and then will instantly unlock the “it’s a small world” download with no online connectivity required. Additionally, you’ll be able to enchant other players with the iconic music from the it’s a small world attraction in the background. Once you’ve created a saved game, you will always have access to the new content.

Disney Interactive

Jimmy Pitaro, president, Disney Interactive, discussed Disney Interactive’s role in rebuilding Disney.com with its responsive design for mobile, which has resulted in significant traffic increases across mobile and web. Disney Interactive is also the No. 6 mobile games publisher worldwide.

A mobile version of Disney Infinity 2.0 for iOS was announced. The app is built using Metal, which offers significantly higher performance and console-quality graphics. The app includes multi-player functionality and will be available on iPhone for the first time this year.

ESPN

John Kosner, executive vice president, Digital and Print Media, ESPN, and Ryan Spoon, senior vice president, Digital Product Management, ESPN, outlined how the ESPN Digital team has utilized mobile to turn the tremendous value of live sports into outstanding growth and category leadership.

In 2015, ESPN’s industry leading SportsCenter app will change its name to ESPN, so that the company’s No. 1 website, No. 1 mobile website and No. 1 mobile app will all have the same name. In time for the Super Bowl, ESPN will combine its native application and web development into one personalized experience.

On April 1, 2015—the 20th anniversary of ESPN.com—ESPN will officially launch the new ESPN.com in the U.S. and U.K.

Disney/ABC Television Group

Albert Cheng, executive vice president and chief product officer, Digital Media, Disney/ABC Television Group (DATG), shared data and key learnings from their recently relaunched WATCH services.

Across DATG’s five networks (ABC, ABC Family, Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD), the WATCH apps have been downloaded more than 50,000,000 times, on 40 different devices and, on average, viewers watch 20,000,000 hours of content a month on WATCH.

For the new Social Lens feature on WATCH ABC, the most activity is currently taking place on Scandal, Once Upon a Time, How To Get Away with Murder, Black-ish and Modern Family. The new FastShare feature on WATCH ABC is currently enabled on Scandal, Modern Family, Black-ish, The Goldbergs, The Middle and Nashville. So far, the most shared clips are from Scandal and Black-ish.

DATG also announced that it will deliver another slate of Disney Junior Appisodes next year, including the first ever appisode for Sheriff Callie’s Wild West and the network’s new show Miles from Tomorrowland.

The Walt Disney Studios

Jamie Voris, chief technology officer, The Walt Disney Studios, gave an overview of Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA), and announced that it has now partnered with Walmart’s VUDU digital video service as a participating retailer.

DMA will be available through VUDU beginning November 18. You can now access their Disney digital movie collections on all VUDU-enabled devices including set-top boxes, gaming systems and smart TVs; on iOS devices via iTunes and on Android devices through the recently announced partnership with Google Play, as well as through the Disney Movies Anywhere website.

Maker Studios

Maker Studios discussed its Maker Axis platform, which allows for custom video hub creation across a vast network of creators. Ryan Lissack, chief technology officer, Maker Studios, spoke about the more than 10 video hubs launched both with responsive web destinations and native mobile apps on iPhone, iPad and Android.

The Maker Axis platform allows for growing scale through efficiencies in hub creative and streamlined end-to-end process automation. Now independent creators can create their own video hub apps and mobile-friendly websites in a matter of minutes.

Disney Consumer Products

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) discussed its focus on meeting the needs of consumers on mobile devices through the convergence of play, storytelling and learning. Andrew Sugerman, executive vice president, Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW), announced its position as the No. 1 publisher of Kids Apps in 2014.

DPW unveiled its plan to launch an entirely new learning brand, Disney Imagicademy, which is designed to meet the needs of parents and address an existing gap in the marketplace. More details will come at an event in New York on December 4, 2014.

Two New Hotels And Disneytown Announced For Shanghai Disney Resort

This may be the closest thing to a park map that has been released so far from the Shanghai Disney Resort.

This concept art—a birdseye view of the new resort—plus a first look at two themed hotels, and what’s planned for an area called Disneytown—a spectacular shopping, dining, and entertainment district—were recently released.

See Concept Art From Shanghai Disneyland’s Treasure Cove ►

The signature hotel of Shanghai Disney Resort will be the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, an elegant Art Nouveau-inspired hotel with a touch of Disney magic and imagination.

Also, the recently announced Toy Story Hotel will transport guests to a world inspired by the toys from the Disney•Pixar series of “Toy Story” animated films.

Also announced, Disneytown will be located near the two resorts and Shanghai Disneyland and feature world-class entertainment in China at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre—along with distinctive dining and unique shops. This Art Deco theatre in Broadway Plaza will host the global premiere of the Mandarin version of The Lion King, the highest-grossing Broadway show ever.

At the heart of Disneytown will be the Marketplace—a location filled with specialty shops with Disney merchandise, musicians, and entertainers. Next to the Marketplace will be an area called Spice Alley, offering a variety of popular Asian cuisines in a casual, yet romantic environment. The al fresco dining spots are perfect for lunch with friends or a more formal date. And the intimate streets and festive lights encourage leisurely after dinner strolling. Broadway Boulevard at Disneytown will have stylish boutiques that create an upscale atmosphere. Guests will discover an exciting array of popular labels and trendsetting products. Also near Disneytown will be the resort’s central lake area, offering guests from Shanghai and around the world an opportunity to commune with nature, surrounded by peaceful greenery and a beautiful lake. The area includes a walking path and various beautiful gardens, which present guests with awe-inspiring natural views and beautiful sunsets.

Herman J. Schultheis and His Lost (And Found) Notebook

November 13, 2014August 1, 2022

Animation scholar John Canemaker’s The Lost Notebook: Herman Schultheis and the Secrets of Walt Disney’s Movie Magic is both a reproduction of Schultheis’ private notebook and the utterly fascinating story of the most enigmatic men in Disney history.

The facts are these.

Herman J. Schultheis, a talented engineer, musician, and photographer, emigrated to New York City from his native Germany in 1927 with the intent of establishing himself in the movie business. He spent the next decade bouncing around sound-recording jobs—this was in the days when movies were moving from silent to sound—before heading to Los Angeles in 1937 to make it big. In 1938, after months of unemployment, he finally landed a job in the Special Effects department with the Walt Disney Studio.

Page from Herman Schultheis' "Special Effects” notebook — This page from Schultheis’ “Special Effects” notebook shows the Disney Special Effects team at work on Fantasia. The technicians are testing ways to depict the surface of the Earth as the camera approaches. The name of the man in the upper left is lost to history; Disney Legend Bob Jones is seen at theupper right. Photo courtesy of the Walt Disney Family Museum.

Though talented, Schultheis was in many ways an eccentric man—or at the very least, misunderstood. To some of his co-workers, he seemed to be a shameless self-promoter, always carrying a camera and prone to taking credit for the technical achievements Walt’s production team achieved in pulling off miraculous scenes in Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, and Bambi. Schultheis stayed in the Disney fold for a little more than two years, but throughout his nearly thousand-day tenure with Disney, he documented everything he did at the studio in a notebook he titled “Special Effects.” The notebook was lost to history until 1990, when Disney historian Howard Lowery discovered the notebook in a chest of drawers at Schultheis’ former Los Angeles residence. John Canemaker’s recently released book, The Lost Notebook: Herman Schultheis and the Secrets of Walt Disney’s Movie Magic is both a splendid reproduction of this important notebook and an incredible look into the spectacular life of an otherwise forgotten man. The notebook, Canemaker says, is nothing less than the “the Rosetta Stone of Disney animation.”

One of several pages in which Schultheis documents the "Rite of Spring” segment in Fantasia. — One of several pages in which Schultheis documents the “Rite of Spring” segment in Fantasia. Canemaker writes, “As Schultheis’ six photos show, cups containing paint were attached upside-down to a large fish tank filled with water. A movie camera shot the gag upside-down. In one experiement, two Special Effects men funneled white paint through syringes into the water in synchronization with the Stravinsky music they heard through their headphones.” The effect, as seen on the page, was captured March 12, 1940. Photo courtesy of the Walt Disney Family Museum.

Those are the facts behind Herman Schultheis and his work at the Disney Studio.

But to read the full story of how Schultheis’ spy novel-like fascinating life turned out, you’ll have to read the winter issue of Disney twenty-three—or pick up a copy of The Lost Notebook.

Schultheis called this page "Production of shot in Technicolor of long village scene..." — Schultheis called this page “Production of shot in Technicolor of long village scene, made on Universal multi-plane camera in Special Effects Dpt.” Toward the bottom he includes pictures of workmen from W. P. Fuller paint and glass company as they unloaded background elements used in the scene.

A Dream Come True—Disney twenty-three Magazine Takes You Behind the Scenes with Disney Cruise Line

On each of its sailings—more than 100 in any given year—the Disney Dream serves as home away from home to approximately 4,000 guests and 1,400 crew members, who hail from more than 60 nations around the world.

Travel along with Disney twenty-three for an exclusive “behind-the-seas” look at how the award-winning Disney Cruise Line (DCL) makes magic on the high seas—providing luxe accommodations, gourmet cuisine, unforgettable at-sea entertainment and, of course, the unparalleled service guests have come to expect from Disney.

Guests set sail under the stewardship of Captain Henry Andersson, a 44-year veteran sea captain.

Gourmet food on Disney Cruise — “Island Chicken,” DCL’s signature dish, marinates on-ship for 48 hours before it is prepared and served on Castaway Cay, Disney’s own Bahamian island.

Disney Cruise Line Staff — The wait staff is a well-oiled machine serving as many as 12,000 meals every day the ship is at sea.

Chef cooking on the Disney Cruise Line — Only the freshest produce and ingredients make their way to a Disney Cruise Line voyage.

Dessert chef at work on Disney Cruise Line — A DCL pastry chef readies some sinfully decadent chocolate desserts, giving an impeccable dinner the proper finish.

Executive Chef Edward D'Costa on the Disney Cruise Line — Executive Chef Edward D’Costa holds a pineapple, a symbol of warmth and welcome, in the ship’s vegetable and fruit cold storage.

Disney Cruise Line Director Christiaan Abbott — Cruise Director Christiaan Abbott pays a visit to a rehearsal at the ship’s Walt Disney Theatre.

Performers rehearse a "Step-in-Time"-themed number for one of the original, Broadway-caliber DCL productions. — Performers rehearse a “Step-in-Time”-themed number for one of the original, Broadway-caliber DCL productions.

Performers rehearsing an original DCL production — No detail is too small when rehearsing an original DCL production.

Animator's Palate restaurant — Chairs in the Animator’s Palate restaurant lend some of Mickey Mouse’s charm to a family-dining experience.

Manager of Dining Services Pietro Gennaro on Disney Cruise Line — Manager of Dining Services Pietro Gennaro oversees a brigade of more than 300 in the ship’s three dining rooms, including Royal Palace, shown here.

Just one aisle of a wardrobe department equipped to dress more than 1,400 crew members for service on the Disney Dream.

Guenter Schmid is one of the "cays" to success at Castaway Cay. — Guenter Schmid is one of the “cays” to success at Castaway Cay.

Disney Cruise Line Castaway Cay's Stingray Adventure — Kris and Stan provide a warm welcome to guests at Castaway Cay’s Stingray Adventure.

Guests get up close and personal with a ray while on Castaway Cay.

Guenter, the de facto leader of Castaway Cay, is on hand to make sure the island is ready for the next shipload of guests.

Daniele Ascherogu, staff captain of the Disney Cruise Line — Daniele Ascherogu, staff captain, shows off the champagne bottle that was used to christen the ship upon its inaugural sailing.

The sun sets on Disney twenty-three's spectacular journey behind the scenes on the Disney Dream. — The sun sets on Disney twenty-three’s spectacular journey behind the scenes on the Disney Dream.

Read the full story of Disney twenty-three‘s visit with the “Happiest Crews that Ever Sailed” in the Winter 2014 issue of our magazine.

Meet the Disneyland Resort Enhancement Team—AKA Santa’s Helpers

November 13, 2014January 11, 2017

A closer look at one of the sections of the Main Street, U.S.A., Christmas tree. Notice the size and variety of the ornaments.

In the winter 2014 issue of Disney twenty-three, we gave readers an inside look at how Disneyland and Disney California Adventure dresses up for the holidays. One of the groups we spoke to was the Resort Enhancement team, who tirelessly work every day—and sometimes night!—to deck each hall, alley, tree, lamp post and more.

In touring their warehouse, D23 was able to capture up-close details of some of the team’s decorations and trimmings. One of our favorite shots was the Main Street, U.S.A., Christmas tree, shown in sections. We thought we’d never get that close to the tree top!

Take a look at the photos below, where you can also put faces to some of the Disneyland “elves” featured in the “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” story, which appears in the winter 2014 issue of Disney twenty-three.

111304_DisneylandBeginningtoLook-feat-2 — A closer look at one of the sections of the Main Street, U.S.A., Christmas tree. Notice the size and variety of the ornaments.

111304_DisneylandBeginningtoLook-feat-3 — The snowy rooftop of Sleeping Beauty Castle—complete with lots of glitter.

111304_DisneylandBeginningtoLook-feat-4 — A mere fraction of the ornaments in a variety of colors and sizes that are used around the parks.

111304_DisneylandBeginningtoLook-feat-5 — An up-close look at the garland that will adorn the exterior of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure.

111304_DisneylandBeginningtoLook-feat-6 — An up-close look at the garland that will adorn the exterior of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure.

111304_DisneylandBeginningtoLook-feat-7 — (L-R) Ali Irvine and Mark Apepe pose with the colorful and under-the-sea-themed garland they created for The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure.

111304_DisneylandBeginningtoLook-feat-8 — Mary Ellen Riva lights up a garland in the Resort Enhancement Warehouse.

111304_DisneylandBeginningtoLook-feat-9 — Ray Leiker adds the finishing touches on another festive decoration for Disneyland Resort.

111304_DisneylandBeginningtoLook-feat-10 — Na ri Ho, ornament extraordinaire, creates another merry adornment in the Resort Enhancement Warehouse.

111304_DisneylandBeginningtoLook-feat-11 — Frank Franco frosts one of may trees for the parks.

111304_DisneylandBeginningtoLook-feat-12 — Rachel Gibas poses in front of what seems like an endless aisle of ornaments inside the Resort Enhancement Warehouse.

The Lion King Celebrates its 17th Anniversary on Broadway

The Lion King, the award-winning best musical, celebrates its 17th anniversary on Broadway today at the Minskoff Theatre.

Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 22 global productions have been seen by more than 75 million people and, cumulatively, run a staggering 112 years. Having played 19 countries on every continent except Antarctica, The Lion King‘s worldwide gross exceeds that of any entertainment title in box office history.

Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King is only the second show in history to generate five productions worldwide running 10 or more years. Translated into seven different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese), productions of The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway, London’s West End, Hamburg, Tokyo, Madrid, Sao Paulo, Sydney, Australia and on tour across North America, the U.K., and Japan. The Australian production marks the 10th concurrent worldwide production of The Lion King, the highest number of productions running at any one time in the show’s history.

The Lion King is playing at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre (200 West 45^th Street). For tickets, show information and performance schedule, call Ticketmaster’s Disney on Broadway hotline at (866) 870-2717 or visit online, LionKing.com.

Minnie Mouse at Toronto Fashion Week

Disney’s leading lady and global fashion icon, Minnie Mouse, was spotted at World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto.

Through a new partnership with Disney Consumer Products, Mercedes-Benz Start Up Competition finalists were tasked with the creation of one look inspired by Minnie Mouse. At a private reception hosted by Samantha and Caillianne Beckerman and Minnie Mouse, Sid Neigum was crowned the winner.

The Holidays Arrive at Disneyland Resort

The Happiest Place on Earth just got merrier

—Anna and Elsa from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit Frozen join the annual holiday celebration at the Disneyland Resort. The holidays bring themed entertainment, sparkling decorations, delicious treats, festive traditions and holiday shopping to locations throughout the Resort.

Among the highlights of the season, November 13 through January 6, 2015, is the return of the breathtaking World of Color – Winter Dreams holiday spectacular—with new songs added from the Frozen soundtrack. Also returning to Disney California Adventure Park is the festive Disney ¡Viva Navidad! holiday celebration and the grand finale of the season, a five-day celebration of Three Kings Day.

Holiday time at Disneyland Resort has become an annual tradition for many guests, filled with an abundance of merriment, tradition and magical memories. This year Disney Parks invites guests to “Show Your Disney Side” as they explore all there is to see and do. Expanded hours at both Disneyland Resort theme parks extend the family fun time, while the Downtown Disney Winter Village offers a chance to play and skate at Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink.

For more information, visit the Disney Parks Blog.