5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

This week, binge a beloved sitcom and watch all-new episodes of a hit series. On Monday, all episodes of New Girl launch on Hulu. The Season 2 finale of Abbott Elementary airs Wednesday on ABC, and that same day, watch the first two episodes of Algiers, America on Hulu. On Thursday, Grey’s Anatomy airs a new episode on ABC, and Freeform debuts a brand-new episode of Good Trouble.

In a scene from New Girl, actor Zooey Deschanel sits on a chair opposite actors Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, and Damon Wayans Jr., who sit on a couch.

New Girl—Monday, April 17, on Hulu
Who’s that girl? It’s Jess! The hilarious hit series “moves in” on the streamer beginning today. After a bad break-up, Jess Day (Zooey Deschanel) is in desperate need of a new place to live. An online search leads her to a great loft… and three single guys she’s never met before: Nick (Jake Johnson), Schmidt (Max Greenfield), and Winston (Lamorne Morris). Rounding out the madcap group is Jess’ childhood best friend Cece (Hannah Simone). The fivesome realize they need each other more than they thought they would and end up forming a charmingly dysfunctional—or strangely functional—family.

In a scene from Abbott Elementary, actors Tyler James Williams and Chris Perfetti stand in a NASA exhibit at the Franklin Institute.

Abbott Elementary—Wednesday, April 19, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
The Season 2 finale follows Abbott Elementary’s highly anticipated field trip to the Franklin Institute. Of course, the venture is not without some hilarious hijinks. Ava (Janelle James) teaches the students about aliens, leading to chaos when someone spots an extraterrestrial in the museum. Meanwhile, Gregory (Tyler James Williams) is eager to spend time with a reluctant Janine (Quinta Brunson), who is avoiding him. Episodes are available to stream the next day on Hulu.

The key art from Algiers, America depicts a football player squatting on a field holding a football.

Algiers, America—Wednesday, April 19, on Hulu
This Hulu Original docuseries from Andscape—intended only for mature audiences—tells the story of a remarkable high school football coach in the center of one of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhoods, and the community that’s fighting together there for hope and survival. Director Jackson Fager chronicles the journey of Coach Brice Brown, the Edna Karr Cougars, and their quest for a fifth state championship in six years. Discover the inspiring and remarkable story of the community’s triumph on the football field and far beyond. The first two episodes are available at launch with new episodes debut weekly thereafter on the streaming service.

In a scene from Grey’s Anatomy, actors Harry Shum Jr. and Midori Francis stand in a hospital hallway, and both wear blue scrubs and a white lab coat.

Grey’s Anatomy—Thursday, April 20, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Emotions run high at Grey Sloan during this all-new episode as the threats against Bailey (Chandra Wilson) come to a terrifying head. Meanwhile, Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) takes her personal problems out on her work colleagues. Elsewhere, Lucas (Niko Terho) and Jules (Adelaide Kane) are pressured to make a risky decision on a patient, while Mika (Midori Francis) struggles with burnout. Episodes are available to stream the next day on Hulu.

In a scene from Good Trouble, actors Zuri Adele and Rob Nagle shake hands at a party while actor Yasmine Aker stands to the left of Adele.

Good Trouble—Thursday, April 20, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
In a brand-new episode, Malika (Zuri Adele) attempts to prove she’s mastered her work/life balance. Meanwhile, when Joaquin (Bryan Craig) finds additional evidence, he’s tempted to resume his mission to take down Silas (Graham Sibley) and his cult, despite the extreme danger. Elsewhere, Dennis (Josh Pence) encounters a roadblock at his restaurant, leading him to contemplate a risky shortcut. Episodes are available to stream the next day on Hulu.

Beyond Wild Pin Set Celebrating Disney’s Animal Kingdom 25th Anniversary

By Peyton Liebler

Twenty-five years of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and all we can say is: “Safari, so great!” D23 Gold Members can join in on a jungle of a jubilee and venture back through two-plus decades at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with this zanily zoological set of pins. And we’re not “lion” when we say, these are sure to be the “mane” attraction of any collection!

Since opening on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort has welcomed millions of visitors and delighted explorers of all ages. Featuring a unique approach to storytelling through attractions and experiences, Disney’s Animal Kingdom allows guests to discover all there is to know about the natural world through both real-life and imagined representations of animals and places—while also communicating vital messages about conservation. From traveling through a vibrant savannah on an African safari and braving an expedition on the highest mountain on Earth, to venturing back in time to the cretaceous period and even soaring through the air of a lush alien world, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has given many the opportunity to appreciate the intrinsic value of the natural world around us.

Animal Kingdom 25th Pin
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Roar with pride and celebrate 25 wild years of Disney’s Animal Kingdom with these fur-ocious pins! They’re a fierce way to reflect on a groundbreaking park that celebrates the magic of nature. The set features pins representative of each “paw-some” area of the park—including a Carnotaurus, a Yeti, a Giraffe, and even an Ikran (or as we call it, a banshee); they surrounds a special center pin representing the Tree of Life, which is emblazoned with “25 Years of Animal Kingdom.” Give into your beastly nature and get your claws on these pins now!

Our Disney’s Animal Kingdom 25th Anniversary pin set, offered in a limited edition of 1,000, is available to D23 Gold Members at 8 a.m. PST on shopDisney, Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

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*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. These pin sets are sold for $29.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pin sets of this style for purchase per D23 Gold Member for online orders. Shipping not available to PO boxes; shipping and handling fees may vary for all online orders. Other restrictions may apply. All information is subject to change including, but not limited to, artwork, release dates, editions sizes, and retail prices.

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge!

As a member of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, you know your magic! This week we’re putting your Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park knowledge to the test to see if you are the ultimate Disney fan.

Where can you find Fantasia concept art inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

Correct! Wrong!

Fantasia concept art can be found in DinoLand U.S.A., inside Restaurantosaurus, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge!
You are the ultimate Disney fan!
Looks like you are a Disney expert! Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Challenge. We’ll see you next week for your chance to uphold your title as the ultimate Disney fan!
Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!
Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Challenge! These questions are tricky, so don’t stop swimming yet. We’ll see you next week for your chance to earn the title of the ultimate Disney fan!

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

By Andie Hagemann

This weekend, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy! Watch brand-new episodes of Kiffand Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, both airing Saturday on Disney Channel, and then celebrate the seventh anniversary of The Jungle Book (2016) by streaming the live-action/CGI film on Disney+. On Sunday, Captain America: The First Avenger airs on FX, followed by a new, tune-filled episode of American Idol on ABC.

Kiff, an animated orange squirrel, and Barry, a teal bunny, approach a large panda as it reads a blue book in a scene from Kiff. 

Kiff—Saturday, April 15, at 8:30 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and Disney XD
In the brand-new episode, a seemingly magical hat grants Barry (voiced by H Michael Croner) a much-needed boost of self-confidence. However, when Kiff (voiced by Kimiko Glenn) loses the hat, she desperately attempts to recover it. The hijinks continue as Kiff and Barry find someone’s personal journal; as the duo seeks to return the journal to its owner, they try their best to not expose the deeply personal entries… but of course, they experience a few hiccups along the way. Episodes are also available to stream on Disney+.

In a scene from Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, animated teen girls Lunella and Casey look at a miniature Devil Dinosaur in Lunella’s cupped hands.

Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur—Saturday, April 15, at 10 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
The all-new episode follows Devil Dinosaur (voiced by Fred Tatasciore), who is feeling a little self-conscious about his size. So, he enlists the help of super-genius Lunella (voiced by Diamond White) to create a potion to make him temporarily small. However, this seemingly fail-proof plan goes hilariously awry. Grammy® Award-winning musical artist Method Man aka Cliff Smith voices the character Torg—before or after the episode, go behind the scenes of Method Man’s appearance in this special featurette.

In a scene from The Jungle Book, actor Neel Sethi plays Mowgli and stands opposite Kaa, a CGI python hanging from an overhead tree.

The Jungle Book—Saturday, April 15, on Disney+
This Saturday, “forget about your worries” and celebrate the 2016 live-action/CGI epic’s seventh anniversary. Directed by Disney Legend Jon Favreau, the film—based on the Rudyard Kipling stories and inspired by the 1967 animated feature—follows Mowgli (Neel Sethi), a man-cub who has been raised by a family of wolves. But he finds he’s no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voiced by Idris Elba) vows to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Mowgli embarks on a journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voiced by Ben Kingsley) and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voiced by Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli also encounters jungle creatures who do not exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), a python, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voiced by Christopher Walken).

In a scene from Captain America: The First Avenger, actor Chris Evans plays Steve Rogers/Captain America and wears a brown leather coat over his Super Hero suit; he walks alongside actor Sebastian Stan, who plays Bucky Barnes.

Captain America: The First Avenger—Sunday, April 16, at 5 p.m. ET/PT on FX
It’s 1941 and the world is in the throes of WWII. Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) wants to do his part and join the United States’ armed forces, but he’s automatically rejected due to his small stature. However, Steve’s dream is realized when he is accepted into a mysterious experimental program that turns him into the super-soldier Captain America. The unlikely hero teams up with his best friend Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) to take down HYDRA, a Nazi-backed organization. The action-packed film is available to stream on Disney+.

American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry pose with the Season 21 contestants, as everyone wears purple and white leis around their necks.

American Idol—Sunday, April 16, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Superstar judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry and the remaining contestants say “Aloha” to paradise in Sunday’s all-new episode. The singing competition series returns to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii, for more showstopping performances. Singer and songwriter Allen Stone mentors the Idol hopefuls as they prepare to take the stage. Who will capture America’s first open vote of the season? (Tune in on Monday for Part 2!) Episodes are available to stream the next day on Hulu.

How Jeremy Renner Builds Hope in Rennervations

By Zach Johnson

Jeremy Renner isn’t just a hero onscreen—he’s a hero in real life, too.

Disney+ celebrated Renner’s new Original series, Rennervations, with a red carpet premiere, FYC panel, and block party reception Tuesday night at the Westwood Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles. Joining Renner were co-host and business partner Rory Millikin, executive producer Romilda De Luca, executive producer and showrunner Patrick Costello, and members of the series’ build crew, including Roxy Molohon and Rob “Bender” Park. Special guests included members of the charities featured in the series, including The Base Chicago, Big Brothers Big Sisters Northern Nevada, and Casa Hogar, as well as stars from Disney Branded Television’s Doogie Kamealoha, M.D., High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and Secrets of Sulphur Springs, to name a few. Executives including Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company; Dana Walden, Co-Chairman, Disney Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company; Craig Erwich, president, ABC Entertainment, Hulu and Disney Branded Television Streaming Originals; Ayo Davis, President, Disney Branded Television; and Kevin Feige, President, Marvel Studios, also turned out for the event.

Dana Walden, Jeremy Renner, and Bob Iger pose for photographers at the Rennervations premiere.

In a post-screening Q&A, moderated by ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel, Renner opened up about the genesis of Rennervations, a four-part series that embraces his lifelong passion of giving back to communities around the world by reimagining large-scale vehicles to meet a community’s needs. Renner said he began collecting several decommissioned vehicles about five years ago—he owns several lots in Nevada, in fact—with the intention of reimagining them. “There’s always a purpose for every single one of them,” he said, “and the purpose kept changing as I kept buying more.”

“They’re perfectly good machines and they shouldn’t go to waste,” the actor continued. “I started to think of ways to repurpose them, and then when it became about kids directly, I got really excited about it and started going really, really crazy.”

In Rennervations (now streaming on Disney+), Renner and his all-star build crew turn a tour bus into a mobile music studio, a delivery truck into a mobile water treatment facility, a shuttle bus into a mobile recreation center, and a city bus into a mobile dance studio. Renner’s celebrity pals Vanessa Hudgens, Anthony Mackie, Anil Kapoor, and Sebastián Yatra then help him deliver the finished vehicles to each of the organizations.

Jimmy Kimmel interviews Jeremy Renner at the Rennervations premiere.

Molohon admitted Renner’s ideas were “really ambitious,” but said he inspired the build crew to think outside the box. “When we presented our concept drawings, I thought, ‘I don’t know how we’re going to do this,’” she said. “His passion and drive for what he was doing—for helping these kids—motivated us all to give 110 percent.”

Indeed. According to Renner, one of the crew members was so inspired by his time with Big Brothers Big Sisters Northern Nevada that he ended up joining the program himself. “That’s the whole point of this,” Renner said. “The end result— secretly, for me—is that somebody would get inspired to actually do something... There’s a kid who now has a big brother. His life will be changed. That is amazing!”

Disney D23 Rewind—Week of April 10

By Courtney Potter

An image promoting the eats and treats to come on Marvel Day at Sea in 2024, on select Disney Dream sailings. Two cupcakes are seen; the one on the left has a chocolate depiction of Iron Man on top and is wrapped in red paper with red and yellow sprinkles, and the one on the right has a Spider-Man topper and is wrapped in blue paper with red glossy frosting.

Marvel Day at Sea Offers Up Heroic Eats and Treats

Marvel Day at Sea, a themed celebration on select Disney Dream sailings in 2024, features all-day entertainment including exciting meet and greets and thrilling stage shows… and the cherry on top? The food and beverages, from Iron Man brownies to Marvel-themed lattes!

Cabanas, the main buffet on board the Disney Dream, will undergo an overnight Marvel makeover with Super Hero posters and banners across the eatery—and lavish food displays and specialty desserts will be featured on the menu. Meanwhile, over at Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats, special snacks will include Groot marshmallow sticks, Captain America brownies, and Marvel-themed gelato flavors.

Those craving caffeine can head to the onboard coffee shops, which will serve the special Captain Marvel mocha latte. Plus, designs like Captain America and Black Panther will decorate the foam of other hot drinks.

The food will truly shine at the rotational dining dinners… The Marvel Day at Sea menu is consistent across all scheduled locations, complete with themed place settings and costumed servers. So, what can you expect? Look for delicious dishes such as Black Panther Kachumbari Salad, featuring a romaine wedge served on a bed of diced  tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions with a lemon-cilantro mayonnaise; Thor Mjolnir Meatballs and Pasta, with beef and veal meatballs in a rustic tomato sauce with penne pasta, broccoli, ricotta cheese, buttered breadcrumbs, and basil; Ravagers’ Devil’s Food Cake, with its layers of chocolate cake filled with chocolate Chantilly crème; and themed beverages like the Multiverse, containing Zignum Mezcal, Reposado, blueberry, grapefruit, and Electricops.

Marvel Day at Sea will be offered on 10 five-night Caribbean and Bahamian cruises sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The itinerary for cruises sailing January 7, January 21, February 4, February 18, and March 3, 2024, include George Town, Grand Cayman, and Castaway Cay; for cruises sailing January 12, January 26, February 9, February 23, and March 8, the itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico, and Castaway Cay.

ICYMI—Icons of Disney Storytelling: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

In D23’s continuing series with some of the most prolific storytellers from around the worlds of Disney, we hear from Emmy®, Grammy®, and Oscar® winners Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez—the songwriting team behind Frozen, whose most recent work, the Hulu Original series Up Here, is now streaming. See what they had to say about working for The Walt Disney Company and telling stories through song by clicking here.

In concept art for Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite, from left to right, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Clarabelle are seen standing in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in their colorful Pride Night Cavalcade outfits.

Disneyland After Dark Celebrates First-Ever Pride Nite—This June

Big news from the good folks at Disneyland Resort: During Pride Month this June, Disneyland After Dark will bring the first-ever Pride Nite for two unforgettable evenings at Disneyland Park: Tuesday, June 13, and Thursday, June 15.

Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite is a separately ticketed event inside Disneyland Park that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, and will include themed entertainment, Disney characters, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities, specialty menu items, event merchandise, and more. It begins with a three-hour, pre-party mix-in from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT, then the private party runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. PT—when guests can ride some popular attractions after regular park hours. (A theme park reservation is not required.)

So, what can you expect? A Pride Nite Cavalcade down Main Street U.S.A., featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Clarabelle, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Goofy dressed in fun special attire; the Ohana Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, where a DJ (alongside Stitch) will be spinning great tunes; a Pride Nite Dance Club along the Rivers of America; and even country line dancing at the Golden Horseshoe!

But that’s not all: In addition to the special offerings during this event, guests will receive unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the party, along with commemorative keepsakes including a souvenir credential and event guide map. (Separately priced Disney PhotoPass packages are not included.)

A limited number of tickets will go on pre-sale for Magic Key holders beginning April 18 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), and to the general public on April 20 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) on Disneyland.com, subject to availability—so mark those calendars! And for more info, visit the Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite page at Disneyland.com…

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

So, wondering what to watch this weekend from around the worlds of Disney? Let us help you decide! There are brand-new episodes of Kiff and Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur on Disney Channel; the birth (so to speak) of a Super Hero in Captain America: The First Avenger on FX; the always enjoyable Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa episode of American Idol on ABC; and so much more…

In an image promoting the 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, a hand is holding a cup containing a yogurt-type treat with a cookie on top; the cup is labeled with the words “Emile’s Fromage Montage,” as well as images of cheese and Emile the rat from Ratatouille. EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth can be seen blurrily in the background.

2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Begins July 27

Amazing news for food fanatics: Our pals at the Disney Parks Blog have announced that the 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE® will officially dish up delights at Walt Disney World Resort from July 27 through November 18! Sip and savor mouthwatering dishes at more than 25 Global Marketplaces throughout EPCOT—including returning favorites The Fry Basket and Flavors from Fire. Several new Global Marketplaces will open later during the festival, as summer turns to fall…

As per usual, the fun doesn’t stop with the food; there will be many ways for folks to enjoy this year’s event: Fromage fans can take part in Emile’s Fromage Montage, a cool way to try tasty cheese dishes from around the world (using your Festival Passport) that concludes in a sweet treat; and families can embark on Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak—a Ratatouille-inspired adventure where guests both young and the young at heart can search for Remy throughout World Showcase and the Global Marketplaces.

Meanwhile, during the Halloween season, guests can partake in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, a special pumpkin scavenger hunt from September 29 through October 31. The festival will also welcome back the popular Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare at America Gardens Theatre; performers will be announced at a later date. Plus, bring the festival magic home with official event merchandise including apparel, home décor, trading pins, and so much more.

Planning an EPCOT visit from July through November? Make sure to check out TasteEPCOT.com for more info…

The Adventure Begins in New Crater Trailer

Disney+ recently premiered the trailer for their Original Movie Crater, which debuts exclusively on the streaming service next month. Directed by Kyle Patrick Alvarez, the coming-of-age sci-fi adventure stars Isaiah Russell-Bailey, Mckenna Grace, Billy Barratt, Orson Hong, Thomas Boyce, and Scott Mescudi.

Crater is the story of Caleb Channing (Russell-Bailey), who was raised on a lunar mining colony and is about to be permanently relocated to an idyllic faraway planet following the death of his father (Mescudi). But before leaving, to fulfill his dad’s last wish, he and his three best friends—Dylan (Barratt), Borney (Hong), and Marcus (Boyce)—and a new arrival from Earth, Addison (Grace), hijack a rover for one final adventure on a journey to explore a mysterious crater.

The film, written by John Griffin and produced by Shawn Levy, Dan Levine, and Dan Cohen, begins streaming on Friday, May 12.

Updates From Disneyland Paris, Including Walt Disney Studios Park

As we celebrate Disneyland Paris’ birthday this week, they added to the festivities by announcing—via the Disney Parks Blog—some amazing updates coming to the resort this year.

In the clip above, Walt Disney Imagineers look over (and work on) the in-progress Frozen-themed land at Walt Disney Studios Park, inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios films. Near the Arendelle Castle, the teams have already welcomed their very first trees; all told, more than one thousand trees will be planted by the end of the expansion project!

This summer, it’ll be the season of Pixar at Disneyland Park, when Pizzeria Bella Notte will soon debut a new room inspired by the Disney and Pixar film Luca. Additionally, the Mexican-themed restaurant Fuente Del Oro in Frontierland will transform into Casa de Coco – Restaurante de Familia. Plus, cross the way at Walt Disney Studios Park, “Toon Plaza” will soon be transformed into an immersive experience paying tribute to Pixar films; this whimsical space will soon include a new raised backdrop featuring Ember and Wade from Disney and Pixar’s upcoming feature Elemental.

But that’s not all: Walt Disney Studios Park will also be home to the new show “Together: a Pixar Musical Adventure,” coming to the Studio Theater. This 30-minute show blends together both French and English dialogue in an original story (based on the worlds of Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., and more) featuring spectacular effects and a live eight-person orchestra! And there’s more: it’s a small world at Disneyland Paris will make its big comeback on May 5, and Les Mystères du Nautilus will soon open after getting a complete subsea refresh. 

Exciting New Trailer for The Marvels—Coming This November

Carol Danvers is off to save the world once more in The Marvels, which released a thrilling first trailer earlier this week…

The film follows Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), aka Captain Marvel, who has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. Unintended consequences see Carol shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), aka Ms. Marvel, and Carol’s estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris). Together, this unlikely trio must team up and learn to work in concert to save the universe as… The Marvels.

Also starring Samuel L. Jackson, Zawe Ashton, and Park Seo-joon, The Marvels is directed by Nia DaCosta and produced by Kevin Feige. The Marvel Studios film releases in its full glory in theaters on Friday, November 10!

Disney+ Reveals Official The Muppets Mayhem Trailer and Series Guest Stars

More exciting Electric Mayhem news for all you Muppets fans out there: Disney+ has debuted the official—and hilarious!—trailer for the new Original series The Muppets Mayhem, starring Lilly Singh, Tahj Mowry, Saara Chaudry, and The Electric Mayhem band. The musical comedy series premieres with all episodes on Wednesday, May 10, only on Disney+.

The series follows the iconic sextet—Dr. Teeth on vocals and keyboards, Animal on drums, Floyd Pepper on vocals and bass, Janice on vocals and lead guitar, Zoot on saxophone, and Lips on trumpet—on an epic, music-filled journey to record their first-ever studio album. With the help of a driven young music executive, Nora (Singh), the old-school Muppet band comes face-to-face with the current-day music scene as they try to finally record their first studio album.

Disney+ also announced a truly star-studded lineup of guest stars—in addition to the previously announced Anders Holm—joining The Electric Mayhem Band on their journey: Paula Abdul, Steve Aoki, Rachel Bloom, Nicole Byer, Sofia Carson, Morgan Freeman, Kesha, Tommy Lee, Lil Nas X, Kristen Schaal, Ben Schwartz, Ryan Seacrest, Kevin Smith, Chris Stapleton, Danny Trejo, and “Weird Al” Yankovic, to name a few. What a cavalcade!

The sure-to-be-rockin’ The Muppets Mayhem soundtrack will be available on streaming platforms also beginning May 10—and the band’s debut album, The Electric Mayhem, is set for release on vinyl on Friday, May 12. Pre-save/pre-add the digital soundtrack and pre-order the vinyl album here… and listen to your favorite tracks from the Muppets on the official playlist here.

All the Coolest News from Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023

Unless you were off-planet this last weekend—and how exciting if you were—you probably heard about all the incredible updates to come out of Star Wars Celebration Europe. Should you need a refresher… or, y’know, if you did just come back from that space vacay and you haven’t seen all the amazing trailers (Ahsoka, anyone?) and casting news, click here and rejoice in the galactic revelry!

In concept art for Rogers: The Musical at Disney California Adventure Park, Steve Rogers aka Captain America is seen in the middle of a stage, holding his shield, as if coming out of the “pod” that helped give him super strength. He’s surrounded by various characters (including Agent Peggy Carter) on either side, like they’re in the middle of a musical number. The proscenium of the stage is bathed in red and white light, and the backdrop is bathed in blue light.

Rogers: The Musical Debuts June 30 at Disney California Adventure Park

We could watch this all day… yes, Rogers: The Musical will officially premiere at Disney California Adventure Park on Friday, June 30, for a limited time.

Based on the life of Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, the show first debuted as a fictional Broadway musical in the Disney+ Original series Hawkeye. Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, then treated guests at the D23 Expo 2022 to a pop-up version of the musical’s climactic number, “Save the City,” based on the battle of New York from the first Avengers film.

Our friends at the Disney Parks Blog revealed earlier this week (with concept art, seen above) that the 30-minute production will arrive at the Hyperion Theater at Disneyland Resort this summer, with musical numbers including “Save the City” from Hawkeye as well as “Star Spangled Man” from the film Captain America: The First Avenger and five brand-new, original songs.

This production follows the story of Steve Rogers from his humble beginnings during World War II to his ascent as Captain America. He’ll be joined by Peggy Carter, Nick Fury, and members of the Avengers.

Rogers: The Musical will run from Tuesday through Saturday most weeks.

See the Epic New Trailer for Peter Pan & Wendy

Disney+ recently debuted a thrilling new trailer for the original film Peter Pan & Wendy. The live-action reimagining of the J.M. Barrie novel and the 1953 animated classic Peter Pan premieres Friday, April 28, exclusively on the streaming service.

The film introduces Wendy Darling (Ever Anderson), a young girl afraid to leave her childhood home behind, who meets Peter Pan (Alexander Molony), a boy who refuses to grow up. Alongside her brothers and a tiny fairy, Tinker Bell (Yara Shahidi), she travels with Peter to the magical world of Never Land. There, she encounters an evil pirate captain, Captain Hook (Jude Law), and embarks on a thrilling and dangerous adventure that will change her life forever.

Peter Pan & Wendy, directed by David Lowery, also stars Alyssa Wapanatâhk, Joshua Pickering, Jacobi Jupe, Molly Parker, Alan Tudyk, and Jim Gaffigan.

8 New Facts About Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

By the D23 Team

We can’t help but sing “Almost There” when we think of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, opening at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park in 2024. Today, our friends at the Disney Parks Blog shared more than half a dozen new details about the highly anticipated attraction.

First, the Disney Parks Blog shared that Mama Odie will reprise her role in the upcoming attraction! Check out the newly released rendering above for a first look at her role, where Mama Odie will joke with guests following a special display of her magic. The 200-year-old Bayou Fairy Godmother, with her eccentric belongings and “seeing eye snake” Juju, is comically eccentric, yet wise and all knowing, throughout the adventure. Jenifer Lewis, who voiced Mama Odie in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Princess and the Frog, is once again returning to her role for the attraction.

To help inspire the Imagineers’ creations, New Orleans artist and YAYA Arts Center alumna Sharika Mahdi has created the next installment in a four-part commissioned series: a tribute to our wise and whimsical keeper of the bayou. Along with The Princess and the Frog film, the Imagineering team continues to use Mahdi’s latest piece as inspiration for how Mama Odie will appear throughout the attraction. Guests may see evidence of this in the resemblance of the image below depicting Mama Odie.

Mama Odie isn’t the only familiar face joining the jamboree on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Disney Parks has revealed even more new details about the highly-anticipated attraction, such as:

  • A brand-new cast of original Disney characters with distinct names and personalities
  • Dozens of entirely new Audio-Animatronics® figures
  • Adorable critters with incredible talent, bringing the diverse flavors of musical gumbo found in New Orleans
  • New, original music alongside favorite tunes from the film
  • The alluring scent of beignets being prepared for the party in the attraction queue
  • Familiar faces from the film such as Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, Louis, Eudora, Charlotte, “Big Daddy,” the King and Queen of Maldonia, and Prince Ralphie
  • Additional talent voices from the film reprising their roles, including Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis, and the one and only Disney Legend Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure builds on the story of Princess Tiana, a character whose pride and perseverance reminds us of a universal truth: within us lies the potential to make our dreams come true. This all-new adventure will bring Disney Parks guests into Princess Tiana’s world like never before when the attraction opens in Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort and Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort in 2024.

To make room for this new magic, Splash Mountain at Disneyland park will be closed starting May 31, 2023, to begin the next phase of development for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

Bread and Butterfly Toast

Magic is everywhere: One must simply just know how to cook it up. With a little imagination—and some creatively crafted bread—any breakfast can be a true morning glory. An ordinary dining table becomes an enchanted forest when loaded with plates of Bread and Butterfly Toast. After all, many things can be learned from the flowers—from sunrise straight through to the golden afternoon!

Discover more delectable Alice in Wonderland-inspired recipes in the Alice in Wonderland: The Official Cookbook, now available for purchase here.

4 to 6 servings

Vegetarian

6 brioche rolls or 1 brioche loaf

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1⁄2 cup half and half
  • 6 eggs
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted, plus more for the pan
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons “I’m in a Jam” Homemade Strawberry-Lemon Jam (page 105) (optional)
  • 1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1⁄2 cup Mock Clotted Cream (page 103) (optional)

Have two baking sheets standing by. Preheat the oven to 225°F.

Slice each brioche roll into 1⁄4-inch slices, and place them in a single layer on the baking sheets. Gently toast the brioche slices until they just start to crisp (but not brown), about 5 minutes.

While the brioche is toasting, prepare the egg custard. In a wide low dish, thoroughly whisk together the milk, half and half, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and add a bit of butter as needed to prevent sticking. Place 1 or 2 slices of brioche into the egg mixture, turning gently to coat both sides. Do not let the pieces soak: Brioche is delicate and will fall apart. Add the slices to the skillet, and cook until they are brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.

Transfer the cooked pieces back to the baking sheet, and keep them warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining pieces.

If using the jam, whisk it to thin it a little, and add it to the sliced strawberries, to glaze.

To serve, place two pieces of French toast together, bottom side to bottom side, creating the butterfly shape. If desired, spoon a small strip of Mock Clotted Cream down the center, and decorate with strawberries. A few larger pieces of strawberry can be used to “lift” the wings by placing them underneath the brioche slices. If you are not using the Mock Clotted Cream, simply decorate the center of each butterfly toast with strawberries, and serve. The glazed berries make a delicious syrup, but feel free to serve with your favorite maple syrup as well.

Icons of Disney Storytelling: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

By Zach Johnson

Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez are always in harmony.

Not that they need any introduction, but the couple is the Academy Award®-, Emmy® Award-, and Grammy Award®-winning songwriting team behind Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Winnie the Pooh (2011), Frozen(2013), and Frozen 2 (2019); Pixar Animation Studios’ Coco (2017); Marvel Studios’ WandaVision (2021); and Hulu’s Up Here (2023). For the stage, the Lopezes wrote Finding Nemo: The Musical, which ran from 2006–2020 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort, and adapted Frozen for Broadway, which opened in 2018 and is now on tour across North America.

Graduates of Yale University and Williams College, respectively, Lopez and Anderson-Lopez now reside in Brooklyn, New York, with their two daughters. They joined D23: The Official Disney Fan Club for an expansive Q&A about telling stories through songs.

D23: What makes Disney the perfect home for storytellers such as yourselves?
Kristen Anderson-Lopez (KAL): Disney has a great tradition, from the very beginning, of using music to tell stories and deepen the audience’s connection to and understanding of the characters—and that is through every branch we’ve participated in at Disney. Whether it’s Marvel or Pixar or Disney or the parks, music is everywhere. So, it’s a wonderful place to work because we, as songwriters, feel very valued. They see our job as storytellers the same way that we see our job as storytellers. It’s story first, always, and the music just is an outgrowth of what the character wants and needs and is facing.

Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez pose at the Frozen 2 premiere.

D23: How has the legacy of Disney’s storytelling has impacted you as songwriters?
Robert Lopez (RL): When we first started working at Animation, we were working with Tom MacDougall, the president of Disney Music, as well as [Disney Legend] Chris Montan, who was sort of the emeritus. Tom was really nice to us and an amazing, amazing friend. He’s really the answer you’re looking for about what makes Disney such a great place for songwriters to work. Tom understands songwriters inside and out; he supported our process and was like our therapist through all that. When we were starting on Frozen, we turned in our first piece, and Chris said, “Can you give us something else that’s better? Because you really need to bring your best. What we do has the ability to last for centuries—for forever, for eternity. You don’t want to come to us with anything less than your A-game. Be sure you’re bringing your A-game every time you write.” That’s something that sinks in, especially when someone like Chris says it. It’s now something I think about every time I pick up a pen. I never think, “Well, it’s Tuesday.” I think, “This has the opportunity to last a lifetime. Let’s make it count.”

D23: That’s both inspiring and terrifying!
KAL: If you want to hear the voice in Bobby’s head, it’s Chris saying, “This has to last for centuries.” Sometimes it’s my job to say, “You know, it’s Tuesday. Let’s save the ‘it has to last for centuries’ until Thursday, and let’s just do the first draft on Tuesday.”

D23: Up Here debuted as a stage musical eight years ago, and now you’ve adapted it for Hulu. What was it like to revisit those songs and also executive produce the series?
KAL: When we were looking at rewriting a lot of it right after we opened in La Jolla in 2015, we couldn’t even wrap our minds around it. We were far too close; we had put too much of ourselves in it. And then we went on to do Frozen on Broadway, Frozen 2, Coco, and WandaVision—all these things. It was nice to be able to come back and go, ‘Oh, yeah! Remember that song? I like that song.’ The hook is the same, but almost every other lyric is rewritten for this character in this situation—and you can’t do that until you have some distance.

Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez smile on the set of Up Here.

D23: What would young Bobby and young Kristin think of the fact that adult Bobby and adult Kristin are getting to create such iconic songs for Disney, Marvel, and Hulu?
KAL: Well, young Bobby and young Kristin show up every single day we are at work. When we are in flow, we are two kids. We are best friends on a play date, pretending to be Elsa or Miguel or Lindsay. We are still those kids. The other thing is that young Kristen didn’t really know females could be songwriters or executive producers. So, even though she was doing this in her own backyard, the narrative she downloaded was that she had to be an actress. She hadn’t seen female songwriters. Now, I tell whomever I can that I am a songwriter and I love what I do. I also get to be married and have kids. You can be a woman leading a rich life and also create all these things.

D23: What are some common things the two of you hear about the songs you’ve written for the Walt Disney Company? Songs like “Let It Go” and “Remember Me,” for example, continue to resonate with fans of all ages, demographics, and experiences.
RL: In the documentary series about Frozen 2, Into the Unknown, there’s a scene where one of the animators shows the directors this letter about “Let It Go.” This girl shared her experience of having been really depressed and thanked Disney for changing her life and being her strength in a moment of need. That got me. We were trying to solve a story point! We were trying to put something that was meaningful to us out into the world. We never were trying to help a girl get through a tough time. But it turns out that’s the purpose of this. At its best, music can save people’s lives. It can help people get through rough times. That’s one of the functions of art. And God bless Disney for having the reach that it does, in terms of in terms of helping people all over the world.

KAL: I also just get a kick out of seeing a child wearing an Elsa backpack on the street as we walk home from the office. We’ll be like, “Look! She’s got Elsa shoes! Right on!”
RL: The older and more well-worn, the better!

Star Wars Day Comes Early on shopDisney

For Star Wars fans, May the 4th is more precious than Life Day! If you find yourself among those who are counting down the moments to that very special day, shopDisney has a treat for you: early access to merchandise celebrating Star Wars Day and the infamous Cantina!

Check out all the Star Wars merchandise shopDisney has to offer—and don’t forget to ensure that you use the same email for your account on shopDisney as you do for your D23 Gold Membership to take advantage of your discount! 

Greedo “May the 4th Be With You” 2023 Zip Hoodie for Adults
Greedo salutes Star Wars fandom by raising an intergalactic cocktail glass (or two) at the Mos Eisley Cantina with this commemorative zip hoodie release for May 4, 2023, direct from Tatooine. Bottoms up!

Star Wars Day “May the 4th Be With You” 2023 T-Shirt for Adults
“May the 4th be with you” on Star Wars Day 2023 while clad in this commemorative tee that’s sure to be a fan favorite. The front features a mouth-watering selection of colorful and creative refreshments with which to celebrate the annual event

Star Wars Day “May the 4th Be With You” 2023 T-Shirt for Kids
The Force is with the fandom when they’re wearing this commemorative cotton tee release for May 4, 2023, now known throughout the galaxy as Star Wars Day. Vivid full front art makes the most of your celebration.

Star Wars Day: “May the 4th Be With You” Tumbler with Straw
Celebrate the most galactic day of the year with refreshing sips from this Star Wars: “May the 4th Be With You” tumbler. Whether your bevy of choice is blue milk, Jawa juice, or something of the terrestrial variety, you’ll enjoy it all the more in the company of R2-D2, C-3PO, Chewbacca, Jawas, and other galactic revelers. Fill up this thirsty 37-ounce stainless steel tumbler and enjoy, and may the 4th be with you always.

Star Wars Day 2023: “May The 4th Be With You” MagicBand+ – Limited Edition
MagicBand+ lets you engage with Disney moments like never before as it reacts to select park interactions with lighting effects and gesture recognition. This special limited-edition design was created for Star Wars Day, the annual event celebrated in a galaxy not so far, far away!

Greedo “May the 4th Be With You” Star Wars Day 2023 Baseball Cap for Adult
You’ll forever debate who made the first move (Han or Greedo?) while wearing this traditional twill baseball cap with curved bill and woven Greedo appliqué featuring “May the 4th Be With You” Star Wars Day 2023 logo and embroidered accents.

Luke Skywalker 40th Anniversary Legacy Lightsaber Set – Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
Imagine yourself as Luke Skywalker battling to rescue Han Solo when holding this Legacy lightsaber collectible. Created in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, this detailed reproduction of the lightsaber Luke wielded in Episode VI features a green light-up blade and motion and impact-activated sound effects.

Be sure to keep visiting shopDisney as they add to their Star Wars collection ! We hear there are some pretty special items launching in early May…