QUIZ: Which Big Hero 6 Character Are You Most Like?

By Emily Hewitt

While all the characters from Big Hero 6 have both brains and awesome super armor, each one has their own unique skills, strengths, and personalities. In honor of San Fransokyo Square opening at Disney California Adventure Park on Thursday, August 31, see which Big Hero 6 character you are most like by taking the quiz below.

Which superpower would you rather have?

What is your most formidable skill?

What would you most like to invent?

How are you most helpful to people around you?

What kind of student are you?

How do you come off to others?

What holds you back most?

What color do you like wearing the most?

Quiz: Which Big Hero 6 Character Are You Most Like?
Hiro Hamada

Hiro Hamada, from Big Hero 6, is in his purple super armor with red stripes that has two antennas sticking out of his helmet. He stares forward in awe while he hangs onto Baymax’s back and a flash of light comes from behind him.

You are most like Hiro Hamada. You are a brainy whiz at school who might have graduated early or been an overachiever. Your biggest skill is computer engineering and you are capable of building microbots or super armor for your friends with ease. In your spare time you like to construct robots and fight them against each other. Although you might doubt yourself, your inventions are epic.
Baymax

Baymax, from Big Hero 6, stands in a concrete room with several objects around him including a soccer ball, robotic hand, blue machine, caution sign, cardboard box, and several other unidentified tools.

You are most like Baymax. You are more than likely to help someone by comforting them, healing them, or listening to their feelings. You are great at doing a deep dive for information on the web and want to learn as much as you can about a topic. Although you need to recharge your battery a lot, you are as sweet as can be.
GoGo Tomago

GoGo Tomago, from Big Hero 6: The Series, is in her yellow super armor with an angry look on her face as she runs forward. There is a person behind her with green upper body armor on, blue pants, and a gray cylinder at the end of his leg.

You are most like GoGo Tomago. You have an edge to you and can sometimes be guarded but are extremely honest. If you could have any superpower, it would be to move on wheels, and you would be a pro at making an ultra-fast bike given your mechanical engineering skills.
Fred

Fred, from Big Hero 6, is wearing a white long sleeve shirt under a red short sleeve shirt, green cargo shorts, white high-top sneakers, and a green hat while he sits in Baymax’s lap. To the left of them is a bookshelf with books on the top shelf, blue arm weights on the bottom shelf, and three drawers under the shelves with the top drawer pulled out. To the right of them is a gray light.

You are most like Fred. With such an extreme passion for lizards—to the point of wanting to become a fire breathing one!—and a love for researching your interests outside of school, you are most like this fun-loving character. Although you can sometimes be unmotivated to put your knowledge into action, your calm energy radiates and balances out your friend group.

Disney Princess Stories Come to Life with LEGO®

See some of your favorite Disney Princess characters and the LEGO® Ultimate Adventure Castle come to life in LEGO® Disney Princess: The Castle Quest, now streaming on Disney+. The special features Tiana, Moana, Snow White, Rapunzel, and Ariel and their unexpected adventure to a mysterious castle, where they discover Gaston has hatched an evil plan to take over their kingdoms. The Princess characters must work together to solve challenges hidden deep within the castle walls and try to save their kingdoms from Gaston. Will bravery, quick thinking, and teamwork prevail? Find out by checking out the special now!

 

Inspired to enact your own castle quest? Look no further than shopDisney for your own LEGO Ultimate Adventure Castle and other LEGO sets inspired by Disney Princesses, and more!

A LEGO castle set, featuring mini figures of Moana, Snow White, Ariel, Tiana, and Rapunzel. All princesses except for Snow White are gathered by a cake in front of the castle. Snow White is standing on a castle balcony, next to a bird house, with a bluebird perched on her hand.

New Series, Specials, and Casts Announced at “Disney Junior & Friends Playdate” Event at Disney California Adventure

By the D23 Team

Disney Junior made announcements this morning sure to please the young and young-at-heart—including a new iteration of its flagship series, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, set to debut in 2025, and the stop-motion Halloween special Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats, premiering this October. Announcements so magical in nature were naturally made at a most magical place: Disney California Adventure Park, during this weekend’s big “Disney Junior & Friends Playdate” event!

Other announcements included additional holiday-themed episodes of Disney Junior favorites including SuperKitties, Pupstruction, Mickey Mouse Funhouse, and Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends; and casting for the new 2024 series Disney Junior’s Ariel and RoboGobo. In shorts news, the September 6 premiere date of Doc McStuffins: The Doc & Bella Are In!—the first new, fully original Doc McStuffins content to premiere since 2020—was revealed, along with new Playdate with Winnie the Pooh and Me & Winnie the Pooh shorts, which debuted today on Disney Junior and the Disney Junior YouTube.

“Disney Junior captures the hearts and imaginations of preschoolers and their families everywhere with stories and characters filled with magic, wonder, adventure, and heart,” said Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television. “From providing early entry points into classic Disney franchises to introducing brand-new IP that becomes the latest kid obsessions, Disney Junior is always there with infinite opportunities to engage and play.”

The three-day “Disney Junior & Friends Playdate” event, which celebrates the magical, entertaining, and music-filled stories of Disney Junior’s hit series, will move to the Downtown Disney District on Saturday, August 19, and Sunday, August 20, giving even more young fans a chance to experience the beloved characters and storytelling of Disney Junior.

The poster for Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats, featuring Goofy, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Donald Duck in their Halloween costumes, looking fearfully above them, where Witch Hazel is cackling behind a glowing green cauldron.

New Projects

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 2.0 (working title) — New episodes coming 2025 on Disney Junior and Disney+
In the next iteration of Disney Junior’s Emmy® Award-winning global hit series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 2.0 (working title), Mickey and pals welcome everyone back to the clubhouse for all-new adventures filled with songs, laughs, handy helping, and fun new surprises. The new series will see the clubhouse expanding with a brand-new area just for Minnie Mouse and the addition of Duffy the Disney Bear, Mickey’s trusted teddy bear, who will make surprise appearances in multiple episodes. Beloved by preschool fans and their families around the world, the series combines the rich heritage of Disney’s beloved classic characters with state-of-the-art CG animation and introduces a whole new generation of preschoolers to Mickey and his pals. The series originally premiered in 2006 and became a pop culture phenomenon that is still breaking records today—with over 4 billion views on Disney Junior’s YouTube Channel, including for the iconic “Hot Dog Dance” video.

Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats – Premieres Sunday, October 1, on Disney Junior, Disney Channel, and Disney XD at 7 p.m. EDT/PDT; streaming Monday, October 2, on Disney+
In this new Halloween stop-motion special, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck are trick-or-treating when Donald spies the spookiest mansion he’s ever seen—and assumes it has the best treats. After he convinces his friends to risk a visit, the owner, Witch Hazel, casts a spell that turns them into their costumes! The special features new original music from Emmy Award-nominated songwriter Beau Black (The Lion Guard).

An image from the series Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends featuring The Thing sitting at a table and holding up honeycomb. On the table in front of him are jars of honey. Behind him, watching while stuck to the brick wall are Spidey (voiced by Benjamin Valic) and Miles Morales (voiced by Jakari Fraser), both in their costumes. 

Special Holiday Episodes

SuperKitties – Halloween episode premieres Monday, September 25, on Disney Junior at 7 p.m. EDT/PDT; shortly thereafter on Disney+
One of the hottest new series for preschoolers, SuperKitties follows the action-packed adventures of four fierce and furry superhero kittens on a mission to make their town of Kittydale a more caring and paw-esome place. In the full-length Halloween episode, titled “Howloween Cat,” the pets’ Howloween treats go missing all over Kittydale, so the SuperKitties must track down the thief.

Pupstruction – Halloween episode premieres Wednesday, September 27, on Disney Junior at 7 p.m. EDT/PDT; streaming same day on Disney+
Pupstruction premiered in June 2023 and follows the adventures of the Pupstruction team—a doggone hard-working construction crew ranging from some of the brawniest breeds to irresistibly cute and playful puppies. It centers on Phinny (voiced by Yonas Kibreab), an innovative young corgi who might be the smallest pup on the crew but proves that you don’t need big paws to have big dreams or big ideas. In the Halloween episode, “Happy Howl-o-ween/The House of Howls,” Bobby Boots (voiced by Bobby Moynihan) thinks he wasn’t invited to Pupstruction’s Howl-O-Ween party; and Tank (voiced by Carson Minniear) doesn’t think he’s brave enough to help build a haunted house.

Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends – Rosh Hashanah-themed episode featuring The Thing (aka Ben Grimm) premieres Friday, September 15, on Disney Channel at 8:30 a.m. EDT/PDT and Disney Junior at 1 p.m. EDT/PDT; streaming shortly thereafter on Disney+
In a new “Web-Spinners” storyline introduced into the series this summer, Spidey (voiced by Benjamin Valic), with the help of Iron Man (voiced by John Stamos), creates new hi-tech suits and gear that lets the Spidey Team stop baddies and help people—not just in their friendly neighborhood, but now all over the world. The storyline will continue into season three, debuting next year, and brings into the fold new characters joining the ranks of other well-known Marvel Super Heroes and villains who have appeared in the series, including The Thing (voiced by Andy Milder); Ms. Marvel’s teleporting dog, Lockjaw (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker); and the power-hungry robot supervillain Zola (voiced by Trevor Devall). In the episode titled “An UnBEElievable Rosh Hashanah,” Gobby (voiced by JP Karliak) steals all of the bees, so Team Spidey and The Thing must get them back and save Rosh Hashanah.

Mickey Mouse Funhouse – Halloween-themed episode premieres Wednesday, September 26, on Disney Junior at 7 p.m. EDT/PDT; a Dia de los Muertos-themed episode premieres Friday, October 6, on Disney Channel at 10 a.m. EDT/PDT and Disney Junior at 12:05 p.m. EDT/PDT; both episodes streaming shortly thereafter on Disney+
The whimsical animated series Mickey Mouse Funhouse introduces preschoolers’ first pal, Mickey Mouse (voiced by Bret Iwan), and his friends to Funny (voiced by Harvey Guillén), an enchanted talking playhouse, who takes the Sensational Six on adventures of all types to unique worlds that inspire the imagination. In the Halloween-themed episode titled “The Curious Case of the Kooky Scientist,” premiering September 26, Mickey and the gang are off to Halloweenville to see kooky scientist Von Drake’s (voiced by Corey Burton) newest invention. Then, in the episode premiering October 6 titled “Stink, Stank, Stunk! /Día de los Muertos,” Mickey and the gang discover the Grand Pumpkin and must return it to Halloweenville before it rots away; and Donald’s (voiced by Tony Anselmo) pal Panchito invites the gang to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Mexico City.

The logo for the series Disney Junior’s Ariel, featuring the title against an animated seashell outlined in turquoise and purple. To the right of the logo is the animated version of a young Ariel as a mermaid, with her fish friend flounder smiling beside her.

Casting News

Disney Junior’s Ariel – Premieres 2024 on Disney Junior and Disney+
Mykal-Michelle Harris (Raven’s Home) has been cast in the lead role of Ariel in Disney Junior’s Ariel, an animated musical series for preschoolers inspired by the beloved story of The Little Mermaid. Broadway, film, and television stars Taye Diggs (Rent) and Amber Riley (Glee) will voice King Triton and Ursula in the series—which follows 8-year-old mermaid princess Ariel as she and her friends embark on fun-filled, action-packed underwater adventures throughout their Caribbean-inspired fairytale kingdom of Atlantica and beyond. In addition to Harris, Diggs, and Riley, the series stars Elizabeth Phoenix Caro (The Christmas Chronicles) and Cruz Flateau (SuperKitties) as Ariel’s friends Lucia and Fernie, respectively; and Gracen Newton (Puppy Dog Pals) as Flounder.

RoboGobo – Premieres 2024 on Disney Junior and Disney+
A plethora of noteworthy stars—including Cynthia Erivo, Valerie Bertinelli, Alan Cumming, Susan Kelechi Watson, Ana Gasteyer, Alison Pill, and Dulé Hill—have been cast in recurring guest star roles for Disney Junior’s next new series RoboGobo. They join a talented roster of young voice actors, including Ja’Siah Young (Raising Dion), Brayden Morgan (Slumberkins), Azuri Hardy Jones (My Adventures with Superman), Gracen Newton (Puppy Dog Pals), newcomer Leili Ahmadyar, and veteran voice actor Dee Bradley Baker (Phineas and Ferb), who voice lead character Dax (Young) and his five adorable, adopted pets, Booster, Allie, Hopper, Shelly, and Wingo. After being given super-powered Robo-Suits by kid inventor Dax, the pets are on a mission to save other pets in trouble and learn how to become a family in the process.

The logo for Firebuds, which features the title in bright red font, stylized to resemble a fire truck. Below the title is the subtitle “Forest Rescue” in white text against a green background. The two words are separated by a yellow shield with a green pine tree on it. 

Premiere Date/Months

Doc McStuffins: The Doc & Bella Are In! – Premieres Wednesday, September 6, on Disney Channel and Disney Junior at 9:25 a.m. EDT/PDT; streaming same day on Disney+
Doc welcomes Bella Bunnynose (voiced by Kate Micucci), an adorable plush bunny who dreams of being a toy doctor just like Doc. Bella joins the toys in the clinic and learns from Doc as her intern. The series’ lead voice cast, including Laya DeLeon Hayes (Doc), Lara Jill Miller (Lambie), Robbie Rist (Stuffy), Jess Harnell (Chilly), and Loretta Devine (Hallie), will reprise their roles in the shorts.

Firebuds – Season two premieres in November on Disney Junior and Disney+
From Emmy Award-winning creator and executive producer Craig Gerber (Disney’s Elena of Avalor and Sofia the First), Firebuds follows a group of friends, all children of first responders, who embark on adventures to help their community and learn what it truly means to be a hero. Building off the success of the series’ debut, season two features a forest rescue theme and finds the Firebuds crew back with some new friends and equipped with new gear to use in the great outdoors. Throughout the new season, the Firebuds embark on daring forest rescues while continuing to help their neighbors in Gearbox Grove.

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures – New episodes premiering November 8 on Disney Junior and Disney+; more new episodes coming 2024
Set 200 years before Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, during the High Republic era, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures follows Jedi younglings as they study the ways of the Force; explore the galaxy; help citizens and creatures in need; and learn valuable skills needed to become Jedi along the way. A new batch of episodes, including a Life Day holiday episode, will debut on Disney Junior and Disney+ on Wednesday, November 8. The Life Day episode will follow Master Yoda (voiced by Piotr Michael), Master Zia (voiced by Nasim Pedrad), and Jedi younglings Kai (voiced by Jamaal Avery Jr.), Lys (voiced by Juliet Donenfeld), and Nubs (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker) as they take a trip to Kashyyyk to celebrate and learn more about the Wookiee’s holiday traditions.

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

By Courtney Potter

Firmly moving into the fall, we have another sure-to-be-enjoyable weekend ahead of us—replete with captivating content to watch from all over the worlds of Disney. The delightful Williams family of 1960s Montgomery, AL, wrap up their second season on ABC’s The Wonder Years, and World Princess Week kicks off with an exciting new special on Disney+; meanwhile, stars a-plenty gather across networks (for the eighth time!) to raise funds for an extremely worthy cause… There’s so much more where that came from—read on for what you can expect:

In an image from the second season finale episode of ABC’s The Wonder Years, Lillian (Saycon Sengbloh), Dean (Elisha “EJ” Williams), Kim (Laura Kariuki), and Bruce (Spence Moore II) are seen walking near the front of Disneyland Park, close to the Disneyland train station, which is seen in the background. Two costumed characters—penguins from Mary Poppins—are seen interacting with guests to the right. Benches are seen to the left and right, and other guests are milling about; some are holding Mickey ear balloons on strings. Dean is wearing Mickey ears.

The Wonder Years—season finale now streaming on Hulu
The Wonder Years wraps up its second season with two new episodes… In “Happy Birthday, Clisby,” the Williams gather to celebrate Clisby’s (Richard Gant) 75th birthday—including Bill’s (Dulé Hill) brother Melvin (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) and his daughter. While Bill and Melvin try to one-up each other for Clisby’s approval, Melvin’s daughter shares big news with Lillian (Saycon Sengbloh) and Kim (Laura Kariuki). In “The Happiest Place on Earth,” the season finale, the family decides to go on vacation; Kim suggests a road trip to Austin College, while Dean (Elisha “EJ” Williams) proposes a stop at Disneyland Park. In the meantime, after meeting up with his old bandmates, Bill reflects on his life choices.

In an image from Hulu’s Miguel Wants to Fight, Miguel (Tyler Dean Flores), on the left, is dressed in a yellow jumpsuit a la Uma Thurman’s character in Kill Bill. He is readying to fight another person to the right, who’s dressed in a white button-up shirt and black pants. They are facing one another in fighting poses, with their arms up, on a grassy field. Behind them is a line of teenagers, all wearing white jumpsuits with black stripes down the arms and legs. A yellow flag with a line depiction of a lion is seen flying on a pole behind the teens to the right.

Miguel Wants to Fight—now streaming on Hulu
Despite living in a neighborhood where fighting is stitched into the fabric of everyday life, high school junior Miguel (Tyler Dean Flores) has never found himself in one. And, to be honest, he’s perfectly fine with that… But when a combination of events turns his life upside down, Miguel and his three best friends—the stoic David (Christian Vunipola), the rowdy Cass (Imani Lewis), and the quick-tongued Srini (Suraj Partha)—enter into a series of hilarious misadventures as he tries to get into his first-ever fight. This new Hulu Original Film is directed by Oz Rodriguez and written by Jason Conception and Shea Serrano.

The poster for Disney+’s LEGO Disney Princess: The Castle Quest features Tiana, Moana, Snow White, Rapunzel, and Ariel in the foreground, seen in front of a castle; in the background are looming images of Gaston and King Triton. The background is in shades of purples and pinks; towards the bottom of the image is the special’s title, premiere date, and the Disney+ logo.

LEGO® Disney Princess: The Castle Quest—Friday, August 18, on Disney+
In LEGO Disney Princess: The Castle Quest, Tiana, Moana, Snow White, Rapunzel, and Ariel are off on an adventure as they are each unexpectedly transported to a mysterious castle. Shortly after arriving, they soon discover that Gaston has hatched an evil plan to take over all their kingdoms! The Princess characters must work together to solve challenges hidden deep within the castle walls and try to save their kingdoms from Gaston. Will bravery, quick-thinking, and teamwork prevail? Featuring the voices of Disney Legend Jodi Benson as Ariel, Auli’i Cravalho as Moana, Mandy Moore as Rapunzel, Disney Legend Anika Noni Rose as Tiana, Katie Von Till as Snow White, Richard White as Gaston, Joanne Worley as the Wardrobe, Corey Burton as the Magic Mirror, and Jim Cummings as King Triton, the special helps kick off the big World Princess Week celebration!

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

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures—Friday, August 18, at 9 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and Disney XD and 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior
The episode’s two stories include: “Visitor’s Day,” in which the Jedi track down artifacts stolen from the town fair; and “The Growing Green Danger,” where Nubs (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker) plants a seed that grows out of control.

 

The logo for Stand Up To Cancer, in black, red, and yellow, features several arrows on the left of the image that point up.

Stand Up To Cancer—Saturday, August 19, at 8 p.m. EDT and PDT / 7 p.m. CDT on ABC
On Saturday, August 19, the entertainment community will come together for Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C) and its eighth cross-network fundraising special, supporting urgently needed research and new treatments for cancer. Debuting in a refreshing new format, the televised celebration entitled “How It Started, How It’s Going” will recognize SU2C’s impact and progress over the last 15 years. Celebrities making a special appearance during the one-hour show include Elizabeth Banks, Jessica Biel, Don Cheadle, Katie Couric, Danai Gurira, Tony Hale, Ken Jeong, Maria Menounos, Julianne Moore, Tig Notaro, Jimmy Smits, Eric Stonestreet, Justin Timberlake, and more; and a special montage of comedic skits from past specials will feature Jack Black, Ben Falcone, Zach Galifianakis, Brad Garrett, Bill Hader, Jon Hamm, Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, Melissa McCarthy, and Matthew McConaughey.

Meet the Characters of Star Wars: Ahsoka

By Jocelyn Buhlman

On August 23, the next chapter of Ahsoka Tano’s journey begins, on Disney+. In order to prepare for Star Wars: Ahsoka to take us on an adventure through the galaxy, we’ve gathered up intel on both the familiar and new faces bringing action to the series. Whether they are rebel or imperial or something in between, make sure you’ve mastered your knowledge of these characters before the series premieres….

Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), an orange-skinned Togrutan with white face markings, lifts the hood of her cloak off of her head with a serious expression.

Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson)
The titular former Jedi Knight was introduced to fans a long, long time ago… Well, 15 years ago, to be precise! We first met her as Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan learner during the Clone Wars. A respected leader and warrior, Ahsoka grew into a formidable fighter before the Empire’s reign changed the course of galactic history. Although she walked away from the Jedi Order, she continued to stand up for those fighting for peace and justice in the galaxy long after the fall of the Republic. Most recently, we’ve seen Ahsoka appear as a mentor figure in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, guiding Grogu on his journey with the Force. Rosario Dawson, a long-standing fan of Ahsoka Tano, was over the moon for the chance to bring the character to life: “As a fan, it’s been really incredible to first be a part of The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, but to now have this show be a continuation of her adventure…it’s been exceptional. And I can’t wait for you all to see where [Ahsoka] is now.”

Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), a Mandalorian with short, purple hair, stands in front of a mural she painted featuring the crew of the Ghost. She is looking off into the distance with a thoughtful expression.

Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo)
A Mandalorian warrior and artist with the flair for the rebellious, Sabine defected from the Imperial Academy of Mandalore to join the crew of the Ghost alongside Hera Sydulla and Jedi Kanan Jarrus. Her creative spirit shines through her colorful explosives and custom painted beskar armor, but her major mark on the galaxy is her signature starbird. While it originally served as a mark to sign her street art, it eventually inspired the symbol for the Rebel Alliance. Additionally, during the events of Star Wars Rebels, Sabine briefly wielded the legendary Darksaber—a symbol of the leader of Mandalore—before handing it to Bo-Katan Kryze, whom she deemed to be the rightful person to lead their fight against the Empire. Most recently, Sabine joined Ahsoka Tano on the search for their friend Ezra Bridger, who disappeared after helping liberate his home planet of Lothal from the Empire. In memory of her found family (including Ezra and Hera), Sabine immortalized them all in a mural—which you can spot in the trailers for Ahsoka.

Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a green Twi’Lek wearing a flight jacket and goggles, looks at something offscreen to the left.

Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead)
The captain of the Ghost, Hera Syndulla has been a fixture in the fight against the Empire since Star Wars Rebels, acting as a general in the New Republic. Hera was instrumental in the Lothal rebellion and now, beyond being a general, is mother to her child with the late Kanan Jarrus. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who brings the character to life in Ahsoka, reflected on Hera’s legacy, saying, “There’s a pretty rich history that we’ve seen in Rebels, and what happens at the end has had a great effect on her. I had to try to be all that she is, which includes being a leader and a maternal figure: leading an army and being everyone’s mom. Those are such different personality traits, but somehow, she encompasses them all. I tried my best to rise to her level.”

Chopper (Voiced by Dave Filoni)
C1-10P, affectionately known as “Chopper,” is the Ghost crew’s resident droid, assisting in everything from ship maintenance to combat—even though he didn't always want to. Recovered from a crashed ship on Ryloth, Chopper was pulled from the wreckage and became a loyal companion to Hera Syndulla when she was still just a child. He may be cranky inside and out, but his dedication to Hera and her crew is unmatched, becoming an essential member of the rebel team.

Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen)
The legendary Star Wars villain proved a mighty enemy to the rebellion during the Galactic Civil War, determined to “pull the rebels apart piece by piece.” Although his brilliant mind and ruthless nature made him a formidable foe for the crew of the Ghost, he was eventually defeated in a move of self-sacrifice by Ezra Bridger—both he and Ezra were carried away by a pod of purrgil, seemingly disappearing… for now. Actor Lars Mikkelsen, who provided the voice for Thrawn in Star Wars Rebels, is now debuting the character in live action. When asked about what type of villain Thrawn is, Mikkelsen shares “he’s strategic; he hasn’t got the Force but he can connect with dark forces to meet his end goals.”

Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) sneers at something off camera, her white hair pulled back with braids. Out of focus in the darkness behind her are Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno) and Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson).

Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto)
We first met this cruel former Magistrate of Calodan, known as an associate of Grand Admiral Thrawn and an enemy to the New Republic, during season two of The Mandalorian. While we don’t know much about her past, we know she has reason to resent Ahsoka—Morgan was bested in battle by the former Jedi and arrested for acting as an Imperial sympathizer.

Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson), a pale human with grey hair and a beard, holds up his red lightsaber parallel to his face. He stands in partial darkness, his serious expression illuminated by the red glow of his lightsaber.

Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson)
Baylan Skoll is lightsaber-wielding mercenary-for-hire, overseeing his apprentice Shin Hati. But make no mistake: Although there was a time when Skoll knew the acclaimed Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, Baylan is no Jedi. Now allied to Morgan Elsbeth, after the fall of the Jedi and the Empire, Skoll remains a shrewd fighter in search of power who believes that another war is inevitable.

Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno), a human with blonde hair and blunt bangs, sits in the cockpit of a spaceship, her expression focused as she pilots it. She is wearing a headset with a microphone and is bathed in red light.

Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno)
We don’t know much about Shin Hati yet, but what information we do have proves she is a formidable threat. The eager apprentice of Baylan Skoll, Shin is adept at lightsaber combat, a skill she uses in their work as mercenaries.

Our 5 Favorite Easter Eggs and Callbacks in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4

By Zach Johnson

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series has always been meta—but the final season might be the most meta of them all! With the entire series now streaming exclusively on Disney+, we’ve rounded up five of our top Easter eggs and callbacks throughout Season 4.

In a scene from the High School Musical: The Musical: The Series episode “High School Musical 4,” Taylor McKessie, played by Monique Coleman, and Ms. Darbus, played by Alyson Reed, stand onstage opposite Gina Porter, played by Sofia Wylie, and Mack Alana, played by Matthew Sato, who are both dancing. The stage is bathed in purple light.

“This Is All About Me?”
Season 4 opens with a scene from High School Musical 4, in which Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Lucas Grabeel, Bart Johnson, Alyson Reed, and Kaycee Stroh reprise their High School Musical trilogy roles as Chad Danforth, Taylor McKessie, Ryan Evans, Coach Jack Bolton, Ms. Darbus, and Martha Cox, respectively. “Tonight isn’t just the 15th anniversary of the best class ever,” Chad says onstage. “It is also a very special night for a very special teacher. Happy retirement, Ms. Darbus!” Blushing, Ms. Darbus says, “This is all about me?” It’s a reference to High School Musical 3: Senior Year, in which Ms. Darbus tells Chad, “The spring musical is all about you.” But tonight? It’s Ms. Darbus’ time to stand in the spotlight!

In a scene from the High School Musical: The Musical: The Series episode “HSM v. HSM,” Kourtney Greene, played by Dara Reneé, smiles and holds a bedazzled pink phone.

A Familiar Tune
In “High School Musical 4,” Gina (Sofia Wylie) and Mack (Matthew Sato) reference Troy Bolton’s High School Musical 2 song “Bet on It” while performing “High School Reunion”—and it’s definitely not the last time a character mentions a trilogy song in new music or a line of dialogue. For example, in “HSM vs. HSM,” Ricky (Joshua Bassett) references High School Musical 3: Senior Year’s “Now or Never” in the recap sequence, while Kourtney (Dara Reneé) reveals her bedazzled her phone case is covered in stickers that celebrate Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) and her signature High School Musical 2 solo number, “Fabulous.”

It Was You All Along
In “High School Musical 4,” Ricky and Gina co-write the song “Maybe This Time,” which features newly filmed fantasy flashbacks to the Season 1 episodes “Homecoming” and “What Team?” and the Season 2 episode “Valentine’s Day.” Maybe they really are endgame!

In a scene from the High School Musical: The Musical: The Series episode “Trick or Treat,” various characters are wearing Halloween costumes and are gathered in a circle.

In Character
In “Trick or Treat,” Ricky’s Halloween costume is a nod to Zac Efron, who starred as Troy Bolton in the film trilogy. But rather than dress up as that character, he decides to go another route. “I hate to say it, but I think we’re going to need more oil,” Ricky says as his dad (Alex Quijano) applies cooking oil to his costume. “Zac Efron was famously shiny in Baywatch!” More on the mark, Dani (Kylie Cantrall) dresses up as Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) from High School Musical 3: Senior Year, complete with cap and gown.

In a scene from the High School Musical: The Musical: The Series episode “Valentine’s Day,” Ricky Bowen, played by Joshua Bassett, plays guitar amid a sea of boxes.

Be Mine, Valentine
In the Season 2 episode “Valentine’s Day,” Gina assumed Ricky had gifted her a box of chocolates… only to realize it was her mom (Napiera Groves) who had sent them. It was the beginning of a crush that would deepen over time. And in the Season 4 episode “Admissions,” Gina finally gets a box of chocolates from Ricky—in the pouring rain, no less!

The Universe Works in Mysterious Ways
“Trust the Process” features multiple flashbacks—too many to list here. But our favorite flashback involves Miss Jenn (Kate Reinders), whose name Alyson never forgot (and whose outburst at the High School Musical 3 premiere she never forgot, either). Had Alyson not offered Miss Jenn some words of wisdom during an audition for Wicked, Miss Jenn might never have become East High’s drama teacher—and the Wildcats would be worse off for it.

There are many more Easter eggs and callbacks throughout Season 4 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series—and you can find them by streaming it on Disney+!

Everything New You Can Stream on Disney+ in September 2023

By Emily Hewitt 

With The Little Mermaid finally diving onto Disney+ as well as several Marvel series and specials, September offers a jam-packed selection of content on the streamer.

Kicking off the month swimmingly, The Little Mermaid is debuting on the platform on September 6. The live-action reimaging of Disney’s beloved animated musical classic, tells the story of Ariel, a young mermaid who makes a deal with an evil sea witch, Ursula, to experience life on land and pursue Prince Eric.

Also on September 6, Guardians of the Galaxy and Baby Groot fans will be treated to the Season 2 premiere of I Am Groot with all episodes available to stream the same day.

Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), from Star Wars: Ahsoka, removes the hood of her black cape. She is wearing a black shirt, black cape, and black leather lower arm braces as she looks to the side.

Disney+ will also air new episodes of Star Wars: Ahsoka, which follow Ahsoka Tano as she investigates a threat to the galaxy, every Wednesday with episodes 4 through 7 airing in September. On September 15, audiences can watch how the series continues Star Wars’ legacy in Master & Apprentice: A Special Look at Ahsoka.

Two other films that document the making of epic Marvel films and shows include Marvel Studios’ Assembled: The Making of the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which will premiere on September 13 and Marvel Studios’ Assembled: The Making of Secret Invasion, which will premiere on September 20.

The Disney+ Original Marvel Studios Legends, tops off new Marvel content on the streamer, with the release of two episodes on September 29—one which answers what exactly a Variant is and another which explores the mysterious origins of the Time Variance Authority.

Go around the world with Bertie Gregory as he captures unique animals’ daily lives in Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory with all episodes airing on September 13. Then, travel to London’s Royal Albert Hall on September 15 in the Disney+ Original Lang Lang Plays Disney, which documents the world-renowned pianist’s musical journey and love for Disney, which began during his childhood in China.

Rounding out the month, 6 episodes of Season 2 of Disney’s Launchpad, live-action shorts that feature adventures of teens and children, debut on September 29.

All the titles coming to Disney+ in September are listed below:

Tuesday, September 5
All Wet
Trolley Troubles

Baby Groot from I Am Groot, holds a purple bird in his hands and looks at it lovingly while standing in a forest, surrounded by greenery.

Wednesday, September 6
9/11: One Day in America (Season 1, 6 Episodes)
The Little Mermaid
I Am Groot (Season 2 Premiere, All Shorts Streaming)
Star Wars: Ahsoka (Episode 4)

Friday, September 8
2000s Greatest Tragedies (Special)
The Barn Dance
Bin Laden’s Hard Drive (Special)
Bone Trouble
George W. Bush: The 9-11 Interview (Special)
Merbabies
Mickey’s Kangaroo
Playful Pluto
Pluto, Junior

Wednesday, September 13
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir (Season 5, 7 Episodes)
Raven’s Home (Season 6, 4 Episodes)
Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends (Season 2, 7 Episodes)
Marvel Studios’ Assembled: The Making of the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (Premiere)
Star Wars: Ahsoka (Episode 5)
Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory (Premiere, All Episodes Streaming)

Friday, September 15
Lang Lang Plays Disney (Premiere)
Master & Apprentice: A Special Look at Ahsoka (Premiere)

Wednesday, September 20
The Ghost and Molly McGee (Season 2, 4 Episodes)
PJ Masks: Power Heroes (Season 1, 5 Episodes)
Star Wars: Ahsoka (Episode 6)
Marvel Studios’ Assembled: The Making of Secret Invasion (Premiere)

Wednesday, September 27
To Catch a Smuggler (Season 5, 8 Episodes)
Pupstruction: Season 1 (Season 1, 6 Episodes)
Star Wars: Ahsoka (Episode 7)

Friday, September 29
Marvel Studios Legends
Disney’s Launchpad (Season 2, New Shorts Streaming)

Ghoulishly Delightful Easter Eggs in Haunted Mansion

By Jocelyn Buhlman

WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Haunted Mansion (2023) 

Haunted Mansion takes inspiration from the classic theme park attraction of the same name—so naturally, the film is haunted by references to the attraction itself. If you’re afraid you missed out on details, don’t be frightened prematurely! We’ve received your sympathetic vibrations and have summoned some of our favorite Easter eggs from the film to share with you. Read on, and then hurry baaaaack to theaters to see which details you can spot for yourself!

General Easter Eggs

A teal, transparent ghost in a top hat and cape has his back to us as he plays on a pipe organ. Most of the room is in darkness, except for the ghost, his instrument, and a ghostly woman leaning on the right side of the organ.

Familiar Frights
The Haunted Mansion attraction hosts a plethora of ghosts (well, 999, if we’re being precise) and many of them are featured in the film. You might recognize the Hitchhiking Ghosts looking for a ride in Ben’s (LaKeith Stanfield) nightmare. And—of course—we’d be remiss not to include Madame Leota (Jamie Lee Curtis) and the Hatbox Ghost (Jared Leto), who are both featured majorly in the attraction and the film. You might have also spotted undead duelists; an opera-singing ghost; and several other familiar faces haunting the halls on the big screen.

A grandfather clock designed to slightly resemble a red-eyed face with sharp teeth. The face of the clock is numbered to 13, instead of the traditional 12.

Spooky Scenes
Many of the notable sequences from the Haunted Mansion attraction have made their way onto the big screen—some more obvious than others. Madame Leota not only features in a séance but later recites some of her famous incantations from the attraction. The film ends in a delightful dining room party (dare we call it a “swinging wake”?) that is even shot from a high-up angle, the same way we view the room when riding the attraction. It’s not your imagination—there’s also a stretching room sequence, an endless hallway, and even a clock tolling a terrifying 13 o’clock! How many familiar sequences from the attraction did you spot?

Iconic Lines
Who among us hasn’t uttered a “Hurry baaaaack…” at least once, in sync with the ghost bidding us goodbye at the end of the attraction? The quips, puns, and memorable moments from the attraction are beloved to Haunted Mansion fans, and many of our favorites made it into the film. From the Hatbox Ghost reminding us “There’s always room for one more,” to the film opening with, “Welcome, foolish mortals,” your haunted heart will be rejoice in being greeted by these many familiar lines. The Hatbox Ghost even gets a chance to say, “You’ll be baaaaack,” in the same cadence as we’re told to “hurry baaaack” in the attraction!

Beyond famous quotes from the attraction appearing in the film, the scores mirror each other by featuring “Grim Grinning Ghosts” as a musical motif—culminating in the full performance of the song at the end of the film, much like the attraction not featuring the full song ’til near the end of the experience.

A Ghost WILL Follow You Home
One detail you might have missed in the film is a callback to the Ghost Host’s parting line to guests on the attraction: A ghost will follow you home! Ben, Travis (Chase Dillon), and Bruce (Danny DeVito) all experience this reality once they leave the mansion, as they’re followed by a sea captain (who himself is a reference to the history of the Haunted Mansion attraction!) until they return to Gracey Manor.

Actor Owen Wilson (left) is seated as he prepares to film a scene for Walt Disney Pictures' Haunted Mansion. Justin Simien (right) stands above Wilson, giving him direction.

Artful References
Marc Davis’ iconic art featured throughout the attraction has inspired many a spooky mind, including the team behind the film! The movie mansion is decorated with much of the same art we can find in the attraction, including the stretching portraits, the Changing Tiger Woman Painting, and the April to December changing portrait!

Speaking of Doom Buggies...
You’d think the Haunted Mansion’s famous vehicle would be tricky to feature in a film, but thanks to some creative ingenuity from the filmmakers, the iconic Doom Buggy got its day in the spotlight! Following Harriet’s séance, she is kicked out of the mansion via a haunted chair—whose curved back bears a strong resemblance to the Doom Buggies’ shape!

Disneyland’s Mansion

A still from the 2023 film Haunted Mansion, showing the exterior of the mansion at nighttime. In front of the mansion, a fence leads towards the camera.

The exterior of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion at nighttime. The mansion is white and features four tall columns in front, connecting the first two floors of the house. In front of the mansion is the attraction’s queue, a pet cemetery, and a horseless hearse.

A Familiar Angle
Much like how the ballroom scene is shot from above to mirror our position in the attraction, the opening shot of the mansion itself is set up to remind us of walking through New Orleans Square at Disneyland. The angle of the house in this shot is the exact same as the angle of the house when we approach the attraction at Disneyland!

The Haunted Mansion stretching room, viewed as though one is looking up at the ceiling. The walls can be viewed surrounding the border of the image, featuring blue and green striped wallpaper and long, vertical portraits of a man standing on a barrel of dynamite in his underwear and of three men sitting on top of each other’s shoulders, with the final man buried up to his neck in quicksand. The ceiling is in partial darkness, featuring a geometric pattern matching its octagonal shape.

It’s Not Your Imagination
As we previously mentioned, the stretching room plays an important role in both the attraction and film—but did you know director Justin Simien modeled the room specifically after Disneyland Park’s stretching room? Simien previously worked as a Cast Member at Disneyland, and consequently spent his free time visiting the grim, grinning ghosts inside Haunted Mansion. It makes sense that he’d want to pay tribute to room he visited countless times while working at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Walt Disney World’s Mansion

The Hatbox Ghost stands at the end of a hallway, bathed in teal light. In his hands is his hatbox, which is emitting yellow light. The hallway surrounding him is lined with paintings and busts.

Brooding Busts
While both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort’s mansions share many iconic scenes, Walt Disney World’s mansion boasts some unique sequences that made it into the film! The movie features a library with busts that turn their heads as you walk past them, much like the scene from Walt Disney World’s version of the attraction. Elsewhere, more cartoonish busts in the film are based on the ones you can find in the queue for Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion.

The exterior of Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion at nighttime. The mansion is covered in brick and designed in the Dutch Gothic style, surrounded by skinny tress. Yellow-orange light glows out of some of the windows.

The Second Mansion
While there are Haunted Mansions (along with Phantom and Mystic Manors) all around the world, Disneyland’s mansion exterior is unique to the park. While this design was chosen for the titular mansion in the film, the design of Walt Disney World’s mansion (pictured above) makes an appearance onscreen, too! Crump Manor bears a striking resemblance to the Dutch Gothic mansion that looms over Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square.

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

By Courtney Potter

Another weekend is here, and there’s so much superior stuff to spy from around the worlds of Disney. For those of you readying for a new school year (or already hitting the books), why not take a breather and catch up with those probing podcasters from New York City’s Arconia apartment building? If comedy-slash-murder-mysteries aren’t your thing, hop on over to East High and see the Wildcats take the High School Musical stage for the final time. And there’s plenty more where that came from… read on for what you can expect!

In an image from Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, from left to right, Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez) have stuck their heads around the doorway to see what’s going on inside a room. They have quizzical looks on their faces.

Only Murders in the Building—Season 3 premiere now streaming on Hulu
When we first met this memorable trio of true-crime obsessives and upstart podcasters—Charles-Hayden Savage (Disney Legend Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez)—they found themselves wrapped up in a murder inside their exclusive Upper West Side apartment building… and murderous hijinks continued to ensue in the building in their second season. This time ’round, the three are investigating a death behind the scenes of a Broadway show—that just so happens to be directed by Oliver himself! Hollywood action hero Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd) is the show’s big star, making his Broadway debut… which is cut short by his rather untimely demise. Aided by co-star Loretta Durkin (Meryl Streep), the trio embarks on their toughest case yet—all while Oliver desperately attempts to put his show back together.

In an image from Disney+’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Miss Jen (Kate Reinders), Ricky (Joshua Bassett), TK (Liamani Segura), Kourtney (Dara Reneé), Ashlyn (Julia Lester), Carlos (Frankie A. Rodriguez), and Gina (Sofia Wylie) are sitting on an indoor set of bleachers, listening to someone offscreen to their left. Miss Jenn has a shocked look on her face, but the rest of the group is smiling.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series—Season 4 now streaming on Disney+
The Wildcats are back for their fourth—and final—season, and all episodes are now streaming. After an epic summer at Camp Shallow Lake, our fave students return to East High where they’re ready to rehearse a sure-to-be-top-notch production of High School Musical 3: Senior Year. But plans are disrupted when Principal Gutierrez (Valente Rodriguez) announces that Disney has decided to make the long-awaited High School Musical 4: The Reunion movie on location at their beloved high school. Look for original High School Musicalstars including Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, and more to play themselves and their HSM characters.

In a promotional image for Mickey Mouse Funhouse, the enchanted talking playhouse Funny (voice of Harvey Guillén) is seen in a forest setting, and Mickey Mouse (voice of Bret Iwan) is standing to their left, looking up at them. Trees surround Funny on either side, and there is a path leading up to Funny’s front door.

Mickey Mouse Funhouse—Friday, August 11, at 8 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and Disney Junior (simulcast premiere)
In this special premiere episode, Mickey (voiced by Bret Iwan), Minnie (voiced by Kaitlyn Robrock), and friends visit Prehistoric World to dino-sit some dinosaur eggs. When the dinosaurs start hatching and running loose, it’s a safari adventure to get all the babies back together!

In a promo image for Disney Branded Television’s ZOMBIES: The Re-animated Series Shorts, Bree (voiced by Carla Jeffery), Bonzo (voiced by James Godfrey), Bucky (voiced by Trevor Tordjman), Eliza (voiced by Kylee Russell), Zed (voiced by Milo Manheim), Addison (voiced by Meg Donnelly), Wynter (voiced by Ariel Martin), Willa (voiced by Chandler Kinney), Wyatt (voiced by Pearce Joza), and A-Spen (voiced by Terry Hu) stand against a purple background, smiling at the camera and all in various fun poses.

ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series Shorts—Friday, August 11, at 8:27 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
Yes, that’s really its start time… so mark your calendars and don’t miss out! The shorts, which keep the spirit and jam-packed music of the movies, find all our fave Seabrook friends encountering new monsters while dealing with school and new experiences. In tonight’s shenanigans, Zed (voiced by Milo Manheim) wants Eliza (voiced by Kylee Russell) to go camping, but she has already programmed a lifelike, virtual campsite inside her bedroom and refuses to leave.

In an image from Disney+’s Ms. Marvel, Muneeba (Zenobia Shroff), Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani), and Sana (Samina Ahmed) are standing amongst a crowd. Sana has her hand on Kamala’s shoulder, and Kamala is holding her wrist. Kamala is looking at Sana with a wistful smile, while Sana looks concerned.

Ms. Marvel—Saturday, August 13, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
The second and final batch of episodes airs tonight on ABC! As we catch back up with Kamala (Iman Vellani), she and Muneeba (Zenobia Shroff) travel to Karachi and reunite with Sana (Samina Ahmad), who reveals that Kamala’s bangle is trying to convey a message. Adventure and intrigue, as you might imagine from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ensues… and of course it all leads into The Marvels, which comes to theaters later this year!

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Stars Share Their Favorite Disney Memories

By Bruce C. Steele

The theater kids of East High have given us all a lot of memories to cherish over what’s now four seasons of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+. With all eight episodes of the fourth and final season now streaming, it’s time to make room for even more memories as the Wildcats return to East High from their summer at Camp Shallow Lake. As they prepare a stage production of High School Musical 3: Senior Year, the students learn that Disney is returning to their school to film the long-awaited High School Musical 4: The Reunion, with original stars including Corbin Bleu, Kaycee Stroh, Monique Coleman, and Lucas Grabeel—and their talents will be needed as well!

While we prepare to enjoy this glorious intersection of High School Musical worlds, D23 asked this season’s stars and the show’s creator to share some more-personal memories: their favorite Disney memory.

Below are their quite-heartfelt responses. (More will be found in the upcoming Fall issue of D23’s Disney twenty-three publication. All these interviews were conducted before May 2.) These recollections of their younger years and adult milestones are guaranteed to move you as much—well, almost as much—as the series’ surprise-filled finale!

Julia Lester, who plays Ashlyn in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, emerges from behind red curtains. She’s wearing a red, green, and tan plaid dress over a red-and-black short-sleeve top and has a triple-strand choker necklace around her neck.

Julia Lester, “Ashlyn”
It is safe to say that the 1999 Disney film Annie shaped me into the person I am today. Watching it incessantly growing up is one of my earliest memories. It was the gateway into my love for musical theater and performing. Anytime I had friends over, they’d be immediately coerced into being my scene partner in a dramatic rendition of the song “Tomorrow.” I would play Annie, naturally, which meant my friends would wind up playing Sandy the dog. I’m a redhead, so the casting was only fair. The story remains so special to me, and I owe so much of my love for the arts to it.

Dara Renee, who plays Kourtney in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, stands in front of a neutral gray backdrop with her hands on her hips. She’s wearing a bright yellow vinyl jacket over a leopard-print dress.

Dara Reneé, “Kourtney”
I’ve always had a close connection to the song “Almost There” from The Princess and The Frog. Not only was it the first time I saw myself as the princess but the culture and soundtrack behind the entire movie always gave me chills in the best way. I’ve carried “Almost There” with me to every audition as my good luck charm. I even sang it for my open-call audition for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series! The words really speak to me in such an extraordinary way, and they show me that This Is Only The Beginning! So, no matter what it may “look” like, keep fighting and never stop dreaming, praying, and speaking that you are “Almost There.”

Tim Federle, series creator and executive producer for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, stands in front of a neutral gray backdrop in his seagull costume for the Broadway production of The Little Mermaid from some years ago. The costume includes baggy blue shorts over striped leotards and red boots, as well as white bird-feather sleeves, a gray vest, and a beak-shaped hat. He’s also wearing round eyeglasses and bird-claw gloves.

Tim Federle, series creator and executive producer:
I was lucky enough to appear in the original Broadway cast of The Little Mermaid, in which I played an ensemble seagull, a dancing catfish, and an understudy to one of the eels (Flotsam? Or was it Jetsam? It was a long time ago.) As a kid who grew up with the animated film, it was a pinch-me moment to bring the story to life onstage. And I’m thrilled to see a new generation embrace Rob Marshall’s vision in the live-action film. Years later, I tried to bring the ridiculously sublime stakes of “Broadway people” to the High School Musical reboot I created for Disney+, including casting a group of real-life theater kids to bring the can-do spirit of showbiz folks to vivid life—there’s a reason so many songs on the show are sung live [during filming]. To this day, there’s nothing like an Alan Menken/Howard Ashman song to get me crying and singing along.

Corbin Bleu, “Corbin”
The majority of my adolescent and teenage years were spent in Los Angeles in very close proximity to Disneyland, so trips to the park were frequent. And, like most of us, the magic of Disney movies played a massive role in my childhood. Being a part of the Disney machine as an actor only furthered my love of its enchantment as a consumer.

Because of my connection and contribution to the company I was lucky enough to have a truly unforgettable experience at Walt Disney World that was like something out of a fairy tale. I proposed to Sasha, my incredible wife of now seven years, in the Magic Kingdom right in front of Cinderella’s castle. I had some inside help to stage it, [telling Sasha] I had publicity to do for the park, and Sasha and I could make a fun trip out of it as well!

So, on the evening of “press day,” we had a full camera and mic setup on the lawn in front of the castle. The wonderful Greg Bell, who was head of talent relations for the parks at the time, asked me a few “interview” questions, and then brought over a full-size Cinderella’s glass slipper to take some pictures with. I asked Sasha to hop in a picture with me and then said I should pretend like I’m putting the slipper on her for a photo. I got down on one knee and turned the slipper around to reveal the engagement ring we had hidden inside. I went into my speech, which most people who propose can tell you pretty much black out, and at this point we were surrounded by parkgoers who took notice of what was transpiring. So, when she said yes we were met with cheers from what had become our supportive audience. There were tears of joy, and we timed everything to a tee so the epic Magic Kingdom fireworks display shot off right then, as if solely to celebrate our engagement!

And as if that wasn’t enough, to complete the effect and send it over the top, we stayed in the castle that night! It was an unbelievably magical time, like we had stepped right into the world of fantasy we grew up loving.

Kaycee Stroh, who plays Kaycee in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, is pictured in front of a neutral white backdrop. She’s wearing a white print dress and is holding up her right hand as if to show off the large diamond-like ring she has on her ring finger. She is smiling broadly with her mouth open.

Kaycee Stroh, “Kaycee”
I remember as a young child sitting on a Disneyland park bench, eagerly awaiting the beginning of the fireworks show. The air was charged with anticipation, and my heart raced with excitement. Like most children, I was deeply touched by the magical message unfolding before me, but that night, I felt something different.

As the fireworks reached their majestic peak, a surge of emotions overwhelmed me. It was as if the universe whispered to my soul, promising that someday I would return to this place and things would be different. At that moment, I knew deep within me that I would become a part of Walt’s magic and I would make a difference in this world.

Many years later, the opportunity presented itself when I returned to Disneyland for the premiere of High School Musical 2. It had been a long day, filled with press junkets, interviews, and a busy viewing party. Amidst the whirlwind, we were granted a brief respite to pause and appreciate the enchanting fireworks.

And then a familiar voice rang out through the night, proclaiming, “Wishes do come true.” In that instant, tears welled up in my eyes, streaming down my cheeks uncontrollably. It was a moment of overwhelming realization. I thought to myself, “Yes, dreams do come true, even for a little Utah girl who never quite fit the mold. And if dreams can come true for me, they can come true for anyone.”

From that moment forward, my purpose became clear. I wanted to leave an indelible mark on the world, carrying the message of hope and empowerment. I wanted everyone to know that they are worthy and deserving of their wildest dreams, regardless of their shape, size, color, or background. It was a journey that required immense hard work, unwavering faith, trust in myself, and a sprinkle of that magical pixie dust.

I am forever honored to have been given the opportunity to inspire others to break free from the chains of the status quo. To encourage them to say “no” to limitations, to dare to dream big, and to believe in their ability to make a difference. Each day, I strive to spread this message far and wide, knowing that it only takes one spark to ignite a flame of change.

So, my dear friends, remember that within you lies the power to create a world beyond your imagination. Embrace the possibilities, chase your dreams relentlessly, and never lose faith in the magic that resides within your heart. Together, let us illuminate the world with our unique gifts and leave a legacy that inspires generations to come.

Get More!
For cherished Disney memories from High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4 stars Joshua Bassett, Frankie Rodriguez, Sofia Wylie, and Lucas Grabeel, read the feature “Once Upon a Time…” in the Fall 2023 issue of Disney twenty-three. The quarterly publication will be sent to D23 Gold Members in late August as a benefit of their membership. Not yet a Gold Member? Visit D23.com/join to sign up!