5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

From lavish Promposals to dramatic series finales, don’t miss all the new content coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this week! Zach’s journey to true love concludes with the season finale of The Bachelor, airing Monday on ABC, and the shocking finale of The Watchful Eye airs that same night on Freeform. The two-episode season finale of Star Wars: The Bad Batch debuts Wednesday on Disney+. On Thursday, Disney Channel Original Movie Prom Pact premieres on Disney Channel. Plus, all episodes of Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. launch on Friday on Disney+.

In a scene from an episode of The Bachelor, series lead Zach Shallcross and host Jesse Palmer sit in an outdoor patio. Shallcross wears a green, short-sleeved, button-down shirt and khaki shorts. Palmer wears a pink button-down shirt and khaki pants.

The Bachelor—Monday, March 27, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
It’s a crucial final week in Thailand as Zach Shallcross introduces the final two women, Kaity and Gabi, to his family. With everything on the line, he’ll head out on a romantic horse ride with Gabi and, later, a breathtaking hike with Kaity; each date leading him closer to the most important choice he’s made so far. Watch along with a live studio audience as host Jesse Palmer sits down with Zach and the final three women (Kaity, Gabi, and Ariel) to discuss the emotional conclusion of his journey. Who will receive the final rose?

In a scene from an episode of The Watchful Eye, actor Kelly Bishop wears a black pantsuit and stands in a dark basement.

The Watchful Eye—Monday, March 27, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
Alliances are tested and new ones are formed in the heart-pumping season finale. Once the truth is revealed, The Greybourne will never be the same.  The scintillating series stars Mariel Molino as Elena, Warren Christie as Matthew, Kelly Bishop as Mrs. Ivey, Amy Acker as Tory, Jon Ecker as Scott, Lex Lumpkin as Elliott, Henry Joseph Samiri as Jasper, and Aliyah Royale as Ginny. New Episodes are available to stream the next day on Hulu.

In a scene from an episode of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Crosshair wears a gray, armored top.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch—Wednesday, March 29, on Disney+
The second season concludes with not just one, but two thrilling episodes titled, “The Summit” and “Plan 99.” Season 2 picks up months after the events on Kamino with the Bad Batch as they navigate the Empire after the fall of the Republic. They cross paths with friends and foes, both new and familiar, as they embark on a variety of thrilling mercenary missions that will take them to unexpected and dangerous new places. The series stars Dee Bradley Baker who voices the Bad Batch and Michelle Ang who voices Omega.

In a scene from Prom Pact, actors Milo Manheim and Peyton Elizabeth Lee sit in a movie theater and eat popcorn. Manheim wears a white button-down shirt, a purple pattered suit jacket. And a black bolo tie. Lee wears a hot pink, strapless, sequin dress and matching gloves.

Prom Pact—Thursday, March 30, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
It’s the height of prom season, and high school senior Mandy Yang (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) and her best friend and fellow outsider Ben (Milo Manheim) are surrounded by over-the-top 1980s-themed Promposals. However, Mandy is laser-focused on her lifelong dream of attending Harvard. When she finds out that she has been put on the waitlist, she is determined to do whatever she can to get herself accepted, even if that means asking for help from the one person she abhors—popular all-star jock Graham Lansing (Blake Draper) whose father is a powerful senator and Harvard alum. Once Mandy becomes Graham’s tutor, she begins to realize there’s more to him than she thought and perhaps something more to life than Harvard. The Disney Channel Original Movie also stars Monique Green as LaToya, Arica Himmel as Zenobia, Jason Sakaki as Charles, Chelah Horsdal as Mrs. Lansing, David S. Jung as Tom Yang, with Wendi McLendon-Covey as Alyssa Yang and Margaret Cho as Ms. Chen. The movie is available to stream beginning on Friday, March 31, on Disney+.

In a promotional image for Doogie Kamealoha, M.D., actors Matthew Sato, Milo Manheim, Emma Meisel, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, and Alex Aiono smile and sit huddled together on a grass lawn.

Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.—Friday, March 31, on Disney+
The doctor is in! All episodes of the highly anticipated second season drop on Friday. Season 2 begins with Walter (Alex Aiono) back from the World Surf Tour, but he’s not the same boyfriend Lahela (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) said goodbye to months before. But she’s not the same girl either. When she meets a bad boy on a dirt bike, Nico (Milo Manheim), she’s faced with a decision: fight for what she knows is true or give new love a chance. It’s all complicated by the pressures of being a teenage doctor. Luckily, she has her family, co-workers, and best friend Steph (Emma Meisel) to support her along the way. The series also stars Kathleen Rose Perkins as Dr. Clara Hannon, Jason Scott Lee as Benny Kamealoha, Matthew Sato as Kai Kamealoha, Wes Tian as Brian Patrick Kamealoha, Mapuana Makia as Noelani, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman as Charles, and Ronny Chieng as Dr. Lee.

7 Treasures from the Walt Disney Archives Exclusive to the European Tour of Disney100: The Exhibition

By the D23 Team

The largest exhibition the Walt Disney Archives has ever created begins its European tour in Munich’s small Olympic Hall on April 18, 2023, to mark the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. Disney100: The Exhibition invites fans to immerse themselves in and rediscover their favorite Disney stories in 10 magnificent and imaginatively themed galleries full of innovative and immersive technology.

Currently open at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, this second unit of the exhibition will offer guests in Europe the opportunity to explore nearly 250 artifacts including special works of art, artifacts, memorabilia, costumes, and props. In advance of the premiere in Munich, Disney revealed seven of the items which will be unique to the European tour.

You can find the European-exclusive items throughout the exhibit. In the gallery Where Do the Stories Come From?, visitors can behold the Dutch Language prop book from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and the Mary Poppins (1964) carousel horse ridden by Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke in his role as the lovable Bert.

In The Illusion of Life gallery, maquettes of Remy for Ratatouille (2007) and Jafar for Aladdin (1992) are among the items on display. Visitors will also discover more about the creation of Disney heroes, villains, and sidekicks that have inspired and entertained audiences across the globe for 100 years—from the first sketch to the finished animation.

The stories of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel invite you on a journey in The Spirit of Adventure and Discovery gallery, where fans can look forward to seeing Iron Man’s helmet featured in Avengers: Infinity War (2018), among other treasures.

Iron Man’s helmet, a shiny gold and dark red helmet stylized like the Marvel comics character of the same name.

Of course, Disney100: The Exhibition also includes a look at Disney’s world-renowned theme parks. In the gallery Your Disney World: A Day in the Parks, visitors will feel as if they are standing on a version of Main Street, U.S.A., when they see an attraction vehicle from Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland Park and a model of the Castle of Magical Dreams for Hong Kong Disneyland Park shine in the colorful light of fireworks.

It took four years to plan and assemble the artifacts for Disney100: The Exhibition, many of which will be on display for fans and Disney lovers for the first time. Most artifacts presented are from the collection of the Walt Disney Archives, with additional items from Marvel Studios and the Pixar Living Archives. A selection of artwork is provided by the Walt Disney Animation Research Library and the Walt Disney Imagineering Collection.

“At the Walt Disney Archives, we work to protect and preserve Disney’s rich legacy—and to make it accessible to the public,” says Becky Cline, Director, Walt Disney Archives. “We cannot wait for fans and families to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event celebrating the iconic characters and stories that have captured the hearts of audiences around the globe.”

Tobias Kunz, Creative Director of Studio-TK, the design firm behind the exhibition, adds, “It’s moving to see artifacts from the films we all grew up with. The hand-painted artwork, costumes, props, and other items offer new perspectives on stories we know by heart. The creativity and artistry on display can only be appreciated if you’ve seen it for yourself, no matter how much you think you know.”

Disney100: The Exhibition was developed and curated by the Walt Disney Archives and Semmel Exhibitions. The European premiere of Disney100: The Exhibition will take place on April 18, 2023, at the small Olympic Hall in Munich, Germany.

For more information on Disney100: The Exhibition, please visit its website here.

Behind the Music of Hulu’s Up Here

By Zach Johnson

“Do you ever look at someone and wonder, ‘What is going inside their head?’”

That line is from Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out (2015), but it could have just as easily been said in Hulu’s Up Here—a new musical romantic comedy starring Mae Whitman and Carlos Valdes, premiering with all eight episodes on Friday, March 24. Featuring original songs by the Emmy®-, Grammy®-, and Oscar®-winning team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the series is inspired by their 2015 stage musical of the same name. Set in New York City in the waning days of 1999, the series—intended for mature audiences—follows two ordinary people, Lindsay (Whitman) and Miguel (Valdes), as they fall in love and discover that the biggest obstacle to happily ever after just might be themselves. (Well, that and the fantasies, fears, memories, and obsessions living inside their heads.)

In a scene from Up Here, Lindsay, played by Mae Whitman, performs onstage.

In revisiting the songs for streaming, Lopez tells D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, “Almost none of the original stage musical survives.” Instead, it served as a “jumping off point” to create something new with writers Steven Levenson and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel and director Thomas Kail. “There was a lot of inspiration, and the concept and the theme are very similar. For example, in the stage musical, we only ever went into the male character’s mind; we didn’t see to into the female character’s. And, honestly, the characters are different, the names are different, and most of the music is different. The consciousness characters were fantastical. [Editor’s note: They were puppets onstage.] They were embodiments of fear and pain and anger. One of Steven’s amazing and brilliant contributions was to ask, ‘What if these consciousness characters are actual people and memories from Miguel and Lindsay’s pasts?’ Immediately, we threw out everything we’d written for the consciousness characters.” Now, guest stars like Scott Porter bring to life the voices in the lead characters’ heads.

According to Lopez, “a few themes” from the stage musical remain. “The theme of ‘Can I Ever Know You?’ was from the original, but the song was written anew for Hulu,” he explains. “We discovered a lot by collaborating with Danielle, Tommy, and Steven.”

In a scene from Up Here, Miguel, played by Carlos Valdes, is part of a cabaret performance. He is surrounded by seven dancers and appears to be stressed.

Another song, “Please Like Me,” had been cut from the original stage musical, only to be rewritten for the series years later. “The wonderful thing about time is that it helps you have this great perspective,” Anderson-Lopez says. “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.”

In addition to songwriting, the Lopezes executive produce the series alongside Kail, Levenson, and Sanchez-Witzel. “We honestly didn’t even know what that meant,” Lopez says of their dual role, eliciting laughter from his wife. “Your first job on a TV show should probably not be executive producer! Essentially, we helped shape it and make it. What we didn’t know, we learned from Tommy and Steven, who made our favorite show, Fosse/Verdon. Danielle, a crack comedy writer with so much experience, knows what it takes to make one of these bounce along over a full season. She is incredible.”

The Up Here Original Series Soundtrack features an orange logo above Miguel, played by Carlos Valdes, and Lindsay, played by Mae Whitman, who are walking down a city street. Below them is text that reads “Original Songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez” in orange letters. The green Hulu logo is below it.

Given their prolific body of work, fans will no doubt want to sing along to the music of Up Here—and soon, they can! The soundtrack—available Friday, March 24, on all digital streaming platforms—features 21 original songs, including “Tiger Shark,” “You Gotta Be You,” and “The Quest,” among others. “I think my favorite is ‘I Am Not Alone,’ because it embodies what the project is about,” says Lopez. “It’s about huge feelings trapped inside. Miguel is in the bathroom, quite alone, singing a song of absolute ecstasy; that emotion is never communicated to Lindsay at all. It’s such a great dramatic moment that you couldn’t do any other way, really, except through song. The idea of going inside people’s brains is funny, and so I really love the tune.”

After initially calling it a toss-up (“I have so many that I love”), Anderson-Lopez aptly says the truth is her favorite song is “The Truth Is.” Featured in the seventh episode, “It’s Lindsay’s 11 o’clock number,” she says. “So many of us go through life people-pleasing, and that really sets you up well; if you know how to anticipate what someone is expecting and then give it to them, it’ll get you far in life. But when you fall in love with someone and you want them to really know you—and you want to know them—you have to get rid of that to sort things out. I love that the song looks at the struggle we have to define our own truth and separate that out from what other people want.”

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

By Andie Hagemann

Your weekend will be… heroic, thanks to the beloved and new titles coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices)! On Saturday, watch a presentation of Hercules on Freeform, followed by an all-new episode of Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur on Disney Channel. Mature audiences can binge the first two episodes of FX’s Great Expectations on Hulu, beginning Sunday, and that same day, fans of all ages can watch a new episode of BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes on Disney Channel, followed by a presentation of Tooth Fairy on Freeform.

In a scene from Hercules, Philoctetes, an animated satyr talks to Hercules, an adolescent boy, who wears a one-strapped, white toga.

Hercules—Saturday, March 25, at 10 a.m. ET/PT on Freeform
Hades (voiced by James Woods), the God of the Underworld, wants to take over Mount Olympus after spending an eternity with the undead. However, with Hercules, the infant son of Zeus (voiced by Rip Torn) and Hera (voiced by Samantha Eggar), standing in his way, he enlists his two hapless sidekicks, Pain (voiced by Bobcat Goldthwait) and Panic (voiced by Matt Frewer), to eliminate the heir to the throne. Of course, they fail to administer the final drop of the potion, which leaves Hercules with his God-like strength intact. As Hercules (voiced by Tate Donovan) grows up, he discovers the truth about his origins and sets out to become a true hero so he can return to Mount Olympus. Hercules turns to a veteran hero-training satyr named Philoctetes (voiced by Danny DeVito) to help him go from “Zero to Hero.” Along the way, Hades arranges a catalogue of calamities, including the traitorous damsel-in-distress Megara (voiced by Susan Egan) to thwart Hercules’ mission. The beloved classic also features the voices of Charlton Heston, Paul Shaffer, Joshua Keaton, Roger Bart, Hal Holbrook, and Barbara Barrie.

In a scene from an episode of Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Casey, a teenage girl wears a yellow and teal helmet with pink googles and stands next to a large, red T-Rex while Lunella, a teenage girl looks on and claps her hands.

Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur—Saturday, March 25, at 10 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
It’s Moon Girl’s day off, but someone forgot to inform the villains! In the all-new episode, Lunella (voiced by Diamond White) is stuck bed after suffering an injury, earning a much-needed rest. But when chaos ensues, Casey (voiced by Libe Barer) steps in as Moon Girl for the day. Maya Hawke guest stars as the voice of Abyss. The series also features the voice talents of Fred Tatasciore, Sasheer Zamata, Alfre Woodard, Gary Anthony Williams, and Jermaine Fowler. Additional episodes will be available to binge that same day on Disney+.

In a scene from an episode of Great Expectations, actor Olivia Colman grabs actor Fionn Whitehead’s chin as they stand face to face.

FX’s Great Expectations—Sunday, March 26, on Hulu
Based on Charles Dickens’ novel of the same name, the limited series follows the coming-of-age story of Pip (Fionn Whitehead), an orphan who yearns for a greater lot in life. When he encounters the mysterious and eccentric Miss Havisham (Olivia Colman), she shows him a dark world of possibilities. Pip will have to work out the true cost of this new world and whether it will truly make him the man he wishes to be. The series, intended only for mature audiences, also stars Ashley Thomas, Matt Berry, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Johnny Harris, Hayley Squires, and Owen McDonnell. The first two episodes will be available at launch, exclusively on Hulu, with a new episode debuting weekly thereafter.

In a scene from an episode of BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes, actors Alfred Lewis and Shiloh Verrico look through a large green bush. Lewis wears a blue button-down shirt, while Verrico wears a sleeveless white T-shirt.

BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes—Sunday, March 26, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
The brand-new episode, “Camp Fails and Beaver Tails,” follows Winnie (Shiloh Verrico), Bill (Alfred Lewis), and Jake (Luke Busey) as they canoe—unsupervised!—to an island in the middle of Lake Tush. Meanwhile, Parker (Trevor Tordjman) is eager to create a new camp activity, and Lou (Miranda May) helps Noah (Israel Johnson) build a bookcase.

In a scene from Tooth Fairy, actor Dwayne Johnson wears a blue, silk long-sleeved top and large, white angel wings.

Tooth Fairy—Sunday, March 26, at 8:50 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
Minor league hockey player Derek Thompson (Dwayne Johnson) is a terror on the ice, earning the moniker “Tooth Fairy” by separating opposing players from their pearly whites. However, when Derek dashes the dreams of a young fan, he is sentenced to serve time as a real tooth fairy, complete with wings and a magic wand. Despite his initial hesitation, Derek’s new job helps him to slowly rediscover the dreams that he gave up long ago. The film also stars Disney Legend Julie Andrews, Ashley Judd, and Seth MacFarlane.

DOWNLOADABLE: Commemorate Ramadan Festivities with this Stunning Coloring Page

By Aleena Malik

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar—during which Muslims around the world observe a month-long period of abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset. While this can seem difficult, Ramadan is a month that Muslims look forward to all year long! It’s a time when Muslims are especially encouraged to be generous, and commit acts of service that put others first. The entire month is brimming with a strong sense of community and unity; is full of delicious food after the fast; and ends in a festive three-day holiday called Eid al-fitr.

You can join in on the Ramadan celebrations with this beautiful coloring page!

Download Here

QUIZ: Build Your Perfect Disney Saturday

By Jessica Benda

Cancel your Saturday plans—we’re flying to Coruscant! Or maybe we’re taking on a mission with the Avengers. Or we’re stuffing our faces at Tiana’s Palace…

You get to pick the itinerary as you build your perfect Disney Saturday. It’s the ultimate way to prepare for Saturdays, a coming-of-age comedy that premieres Friday, March 24, on Disney Channel and Saturday, March 25, on Disney+. The series follows 14-year-old Paris Johnson and her best friends, Simone and Ari, as they hone their roller-skating skills on the parquet floor of Saturdays, a local rink in Chicago. Together, they form the We-B-Girlz skate crew!

To celebrate, some of the Saturdays cast and crew built their own perfect Disney Saturday with D23. Check out their personalized itineraries—and then build your own day alongside them!

It’s a lazy Saturday morning. What classic Disney Channel Original Movie are you streaming on Disney+?

Before you head out, what Disney food is for lunch?

Pick an ideal Saturday afternoon activity:

You need to play some Saturday-style tunes! Who’s in charge of the playlist?

On to your dinner plans. Where are you going?

What’s your Disney dessert of choice?

How are you spending your Saturday night?

Time to head home! Speaking of home, where is that?

QUIZ: Build Your Perfect Disney Saturday
You’ve successfully built your perfect Disney Saturday!
But this Saturday, don’t forget to add watching the Saturdays premiere to your schedule. Tune in on Friday, March 24, on Disney Channel and Saturday, March 25, on Disney+.
You’ve successfully built your perfect Disney Saturday!
But this Saturday, don’t forget to add watching the Saturdays premiere to your schedule. Tune in on Friday, March 24, on Disney Channel and Saturday, March 25, on Disney+.
You’ve successfully built your perfect Disney Saturday!
But this Saturday, don’t forget to add watching the Saturdays premiere to your schedule. Tune in on Friday, March 24, on Disney Channel and Saturday, March 25, on Disney+.

The poster for the series Saturdays. Three young girls pose for the camera, wearing colorful outfits and roller skates on a neon-glowing skate rink.

Stepping Outside of Comfort Zones with Hulu’s Up Here

By Andie Hagemann

Hulu’s new musical romantic comedy Up Here encourages viewers to ponder, “What’s the voice saying inside your head?”

Starring Mae Whitman and Carlos Valdes, the series follows the extraordinary story of one ordinary couple, Lindsay (Whitman) and Miguel (Valdes), during the waning days of 1999 in New York City. But as they fall in love, they discover that the single greatest obstacle to finding happiness together might just be themselves—and the treacherous world of memories, obsessions, fears, and fantasies that lives inside their heads.

The idea comes from award-winning songwriting duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who co-wrote the series’ original songs and serve as executive producers. Since college, Lopez has kicked around the idea of telling a story about ordinary people in a musical. “I thought, ‘What if you did a musical inside someone’s head?’” he recalls. “There are a lot of songs, emotion, and yearning going on in everyone’s head that you never get to see.”

Adds Anderson-Lopez, “The one thing that really makes that musical loud is finding your soul mate. There’s this Elizabeth Gilbert quote that says, in part, ‘When we find our soul mate, they’re the person who holds a mirror up to us and makes us actually see ourselves.’”

In a scene from an episode of Up Here actors Sophia Hammons, Katie Finneran, Mae Whitman, and John Hodgman stand huddled together on a New York City sidewalk.

Set in an era before smartphones, Up Here chronicles Lindsay and Miguel’s romantic saga during a time when people had to make an effort to meet people and get to know someone—without relying on text messaging, dating apps, and social media platforms. This ordinary couple meets in a bar by chance and is immediately pulled together like magnets. “There’s a really beautiful scene in the opening two episodes of a phone call, and those of us that are old enough to remember talking on the phone until 2 and 3 o’clock in the morning with someone you were interested in dating—that stuff doesn’t happen anymore,” says writer and executive producer Danielle Sanchez-Witzel.

“The voices in our heads, unfortunately, are probably still doing the same things to us that they did back then, but I think that that brings a universal quality to the show,” she continues. “We’re still our own worst enemies, which is a big part of what this is about.”

Much like the journey their characters experience onscreen, creating the series challenged Valdes and Whitman alike to let down their own walls and be vulnerable.

“What was really challenging for me in this process was the honesty in rendering that emotional life for Miguel and laying that bare in front of the camera,” says Valdes. “I had to trust the music. I had to trust all the other components, and I had to lend most of my labor to trying to lend truth to Miguel’s experience and figure out a way to relate to him in a way that didn’t feel forced or presentational.”

Valdes continues, “This show is not afraid to get really close with these characters and what’s happening inside their heads and within their emotional lives—that’s hard to do with a musical.”

In a scene from an episode of Up Here, actor Carlos Valdes stands on a red platform and holds a microphone stand as dancers surround him. Valdes wears a black T-shirt and black denim jeans.

Prior to Up Here, Whitman found singing—especially in front of a camera—to be “terrifying,” despite mustering up the courage to sing in previous series. “The number one thing about this entire show is there was such deep trust that you could really be vulnerable and go to those terrifying places,” she says. “Even after I auditioned, I was like, ‘Well, you know what? Even if I don’t get it, at least now I know I can stand in front of a bunch of people and sing a song if I absolutely have to.’”

Whitman continues, “I feel like genuinely the luckiest person on the planet. I don’t think I could have done it if it wasn’t with this team of people.”

Up Here also stars Katie Finneran, John Hodgman, Andréa Burns, Sophia Hammons, and Emilia Suárez. All eight episodes premiere Friday, March 24, on Hulu. This series is intended only for mature audiences.

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 Mickey Mouse knowledge to the test to see if you are the ultimate Disney fan.

What were Mickey’s first spoken words?

Correct! Wrong!

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!

Disney D23 Rewind—Week of March 20

By Courtney Potter 

In an artist’s rendering of the Parr House at Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney Community, the house resembles the one lived in by the Parr family in Incredibles 2. The roof is red and very angular, pointing at a sharp angle toward the right of the image. There is a patio surrounding the home, filled with people, and some tall palm trees can be seen to the left. The “grand oasis” water feature can be seen in front of the house; people are walking and biking along its bank. 

‘Incredible’ Amenities Coming to the First Storyliving by Disney Community

As the very first Storyliving by Disney community continues to blossom in Rancho Mirage, California, our friends at the Disney Parks Blog revealed that the Cotino community will offer the opportunity for individuals to purchase a membership for the Artisan Club—unlocking an amazing array of amenities infused with unique Disney and Pixar touches. Highlights include a one-of-a-kind gathering space inspired by an “incredible” location from a certain fan-favorite Pixar film…

Nestled along the shoreline of the grand oasis is Parr House, a distinct location inspired by the midcentury home of the famous family of superheroes in Disney and Pixar’s Incredibles 2.

Parr House is being brought to life by Walt Disney Imagineering as a “super” fun place for special events, celebrations, and limited overnight accommodations for Artisan Club members, all subject to availability. This space will immerse club members and their guests in an environment featuring iconic decor, curated art, and rich colors from the film. Along Parr House’s exterior, an elevated patio will offer spectacular views of the grand oasis and the surrounding mountains.

In an artist’s rendering of the Parr House at Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney Community, the clubhouse complex is seen from above. There is a swimming pool, several tennis courts, and a complex of buildings, as well as a beach with chairs and umbrellas.

In addition to Parr House, Artisan Club members will experience a touch of the Disney lifestyle in a clubhouse complex featuring spaces for dining, wellness, art, recreation, and entertainment. All amenities are being thoughtfully designed by Imagineers to not only foster community, but also encourage the pursuit of individual passions.

Club membership will offer access to the waterfront clubhouse, club-only beach area, and recreational water activities—as well as magical Disney entertainment and events. There will also be a beach park separate from the clubhouse, accessible to the public with the purchase of a day pass.

The story of the Cotino community is just beginning, so stay tuned for further details!

For more information about Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney Community, visit storylivingbydisney.com/cotino.

Halle Bailey, wearing a blue suit jacket, is seen in the back of a carriage waving to the crowd on Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, during a parade celebrating the 2023 Disney Dreamers Academy. Sitting in front of her is Princess Tiana in her green ballgown (to the right), and Disney Dreamers Academy Executive Champion Tracey Powell, in a light purple dress.

Halle Bailey Named 2023 Disney Dreamers Academy Celebrity Ambassador

Speaking of the Disney Parks Blog, they recently documented a quite momentous occasion: Singer and actor Halle Bailey, who will star as Ariel in the live-action reimagining of the Disney classic The Little Mermaid, arrived at Walt Disney World Resort to be the celebrity ambassador for this year’s Disney Dreamers Academy! She was honored during a parade at Magic Kingdom Park, and was joined by Disney Dreamers Academy Executive Champion Tracey Powell… not to mention Princess Tiana!

The five-time Grammy®-nominated singer was among several celebrities, educators, business leaders and Disney cast members attending the multiday event—which is aimed at broadening career awareness and creating exclusive opportunities for Black students and teens from underrepresented communities.

It is just one of several amazing experiences in store for these students who will take part in immersive career workshops, networking sessions, and mentorship events while also experiencing all the fun and magic that Walt Disney World Resort has to offer.

Since 2008, Disney Dreamers Academy has inspired more than 1,400 students from across the country by fueling their dreams and showing them a world of possibilities as they prepare for their futures. Graduates have gone on to become doctors, storytellers, engineers, graphic artists, journalists and more, and have transitioned into mentors to the Disney Dreamers who followed them. Congrats to all involved!

In promotion of ABC’s summer premiere dates, headshots of Family Feud host Steve Harvey (left), wearing a dark suit; the newest Bachelorette, Charity Lawson (middle), wearing a yellow top; and Generation Gap host Kelly Ripa (right), wearing a bright pink pantsuit.

ABC Reveals Summer Premiere Dates for New and Returning Series

Sure, we just celebrated the start of spring—but that doesn’t mean we can’t already start planning our summer TV viewing. And to that end, ABC has just unveiled their lineup of new and returning series featuring love, laughs, and some fierce competition! 

On Monday, May 8, Jeopardy! Masters, the latest iteration of America’s Favorite Quiz Show® and hosted by the “GOAT” Ken Jennings, begins its three-week tournament and will crown its champion on Wednesday, May 24.

Following its finale, Johnny Knoxville, Eric Andre, and Gabourey Sidibe form the all-star panel of “pranxperts” featured on the new unscripted comedy series, The Prank Panel, which will air a special preview on Wednesday, May 24, and return with new episodes in its regular time slot beginning Sunday, July 9.

Steve Harvey serves as the judge, jury, and star of Season 2 of Judge Steve Harvey returning Tuesday, May 9.

The second season of the coming-of-age comedy series narrated by Don Cheadle, The Wonder Years, debuts with a special one-hour premiere on Wednesday, June 14.

Claim to Fame, the competition series hosted by Kevin and Frankie Jonas and featuring relatives of celebrities, debuts its second season on Monday, June 26, followed by the highly anticipated premiere of The Bachelorette, featuring Charity Lawson, in its new time slot. 

Generation Gap, hosted by Kelly Ripa, has been renewed for a second season—and joins Press Your Luckand The Chase on Thursday, June 29, with Celebrity Family Feud and The $100,000 Pyramid joining The Prank Panel on Sunday, July 9. 

Below are premiere dates for new and returning shows (all times listed are Eastern/Pacific).

Monday, May 8
8 p.m. — Jeopardy! Masters (Series Premiere)

Tuesday, May 9
9 p.m. — Judge Steve Harvey (Season Premiere) 

Wednesday, May 24
8 p.m. — Jeopardy! Masters (Season Finale)
9 p.m. — The Prank Panel (Special Preview)

Wednesday, June 14
8 p.m. — Judge Steve Harvey (New Night/Time)
9 p.m. — The Wonder Years (Season Premiere)

Monday, June 26
8 p.m. — Claim to Fame (Season Premiere)
9 p.m. — The Bachelorette (Season Premiere)

Thursday, June 29
8 p.m. — Press Your Luck (Season Premiere)
9 p.m. — Generation Gap (Season Premiere)
10 p.m. — The Chase

Sunday, July 9
8 p.m. — The Prank Panel (Regular Time Slot Debut)
9 p.m. — Celebrity Family Feud (Season Premiere)
10 p.m. — The $100,000 Pyramid

New series descriptions are below. 

Jeopardy! Masters

Hosted by Jennings, each hourlong episode of the new series will showcase the six highest-ranked current Jeopardy! contestants playing two action-packed and high-stakes games. Audiences will follow along as Amy Schneider, Matt Amodio, Mattea Roach, Andrew He, Sam Buttrey, and James Holzhauer go head-to-head for the grand prize and the title of Jeopardy! Masters Champion.

The Prank Panel

The Prank Panel lets everyday people pitch pranks targeting family members, friends, and co-workers to a panel of the world’s greatest pranksters. Knoxville, Andre, and Sidibe form the all-star panel of “pranxperts,” taking viewers behind the scenes as they help to plot and plan elaborate and diabolical schemes. The panelists serve as mentors and saboteurs, with celebrity guests sometimes joining the fun.

ICYMI: 9 Details We Love About Mickey’s Toontown

Now open Disneyland Park, the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown pioneers a new way of play! With its welcoming green spaces, curb-free streets, and quiet areas for a bit of relaxation—but with all the quirky grandeur we’ve come to know over the years—the land is truly fun for both the young and young at heart. Read up on nine of our favorite details right here at D23.com.

In an artist’s concept art image of Lighthouse Point in The Bahamas, the new Disney Cruise Line destination, a beach is seen from above; many beach chairs are lined up along the sand, and some people are sitting or lying in the chairs while most are wading into the clear blue water. Behind the lines of beach chairs are multiple colorful buildings, as well as greenery.

Disney Cruise Line Announces Worldwide Destinations for 2024 

Get ready to set sail for Lighthouse Point! Beginning June 6, 2024, with a preview cruise, guests sailing select itineraries on the Disney Magic will venture to Disney Cruise Line’s newest Bahamian destination, currently mid-bloom on the island of Eleuthera… Lighthouse Point is a vibrant beach retreat designed with families in mind, infused with Bahamian artistry, and developed with a commitment to conservation.

A seven-night inaugural sailing beginning June 8 aboard the Disney Fantasy from Port Canaveral, Florida, will also allow guests on that ship to be among the first to make a splash in the crystal-clear waters of this new destination. This ultimate island itinerary will feature two stops at Lighthouse Point and one day at Castaway Cay.

Following the preview and inaugural voyages, Lighthouse Point will be a featured port of call on select three-, four- and five-night sailings to The Bahamas and Caribbean on the Disney Magic out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These itineraries will vary stops between Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay, with five special departures including both Disney Cruise Line island destinations. Bookings open to the public on March 30, 2023.

But that’s not all: Alongside Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line recently announced a full slate of summer 2024 itineraries! The Disney Dream returns to premier European destinations in the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, British Isles, and popular locales in the Norwegian Fjords and Iceland. These sailings will feature several new ports of call, including Valencia, Spain; Haugesund, Norway; and Hamburg, Germany, along with three Mediterranean destinations that will return for the first time since 2014: Catania, Italy; Kusadasi, Turkey; and Valletta, Malta. Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises from Barcelona and Civitavecchia will range from five to 11 nights. Northern Europe and British Isles sailings will offer itineraries anywhere from three nights to one 12-night voyage that includes the Norwegian fjords and three days in Iceland, with an overnight stay in Reykjavik.

Meanwhile, cruises to Alaska from Vancouver, Canada, will return on the Disney Wonder from May through September 2024 with five-, seven- and nine-night sailings. Itineraries include iconic destinations such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and glacier viewing along the Stikine Icecap.

For specific Summer 2024 itinerary details, click here. To book a Disney Cruise Line vacation, visit disneycruise.com; call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500; or contact a travel agent. See ya on the high seas!

Disney Channel Reveals Raven’s Home Season 6 New Trailer and Premiere Date

The good folks over at Disney Branded Television have announced—via a fun new trailer (above)—that Raven’s Home, the long-running hit comedy series starring and executive produced by Raven-Symoné, will return for its sixth season beginning Sunday, April 9, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW. Episodes will then be available to stream on Disney+ starting Wednesday, April 19.

As the season begins, Raven (Raven-Symoné), Booker (Issac Ryan Brown), and Alice (Mykal-Michelle Harris) travel to London to visit Victor (Rondell Sheridan), where they become entangled in a mix-up of majestic proportions when Alice is mistaken for a member of the royal family.

A spinoff of the iconic Disney Channel comedy That’s So Raven (2003-2007), Raven’s Home follows the hilarious adventures driven by somewhat psychic Raven Baxter and her son Booker, who has inherited his mom’s gift to catch glimpses of the future. Also starring in the series are Felix Avitia as Neil and Emmy Liu-Wang as Ivy; returning in recurring roles are Ernie Grunwald as Lazlo, Juliana Joel as Nikki, JeCobi Swain as Dylan, and Marissa Reyes as Cami. 

Raven’s Home is available on Disney Channel, DisneyNOW, and Disney+. All four seasons of That’s So Raven are also available on Disney+.

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

You’re in for a weekend of old-timey, hero-filled, down-home fun from around the worlds of Disney… there’s a little something for everyone, so pop that corn and buckle up. What’s on tap? All-new episodes of Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur and BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes on Disney Channel; the first two episodes of FX’s Great Expectations on Hulu (for mature audiences only); and so much more. 

A headshot of actor Paolo Montalban, who reunites with Brandy in the upcoming Descendants: The Rise of Red. The pair were previously seen together in 1997’s The Wonderful World of Disney film Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. In the image, Montalban has dark hair and is wearing a dark shirt.

25 Years Later, Paolo Montalban Reunites with Brandy in Latest Descendants Film

Impossible? Not a chance! Paolo Montalban is reuniting with Brandy in the latest Descendants film to play King Charming and Cinderella, respectively—a delightful echo of their first collaboration in the iconic 1997 The Wonderful World of Disney musical Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Our pals at Disney+ recently announced that Montalban has joined Descendants: The Rise of Red, the latest installment in Disney Branded Television’s mega-hit franchise. 

Montalban joins previously announced cast members Kylie Cantrall as Red, Malia Baker as Chloe, Brandy as Cinderella, Rita Ora as the Queen of Hearts, China Anne McClain as Uma, Dara Reneé as Uliana, Ruby Rose Turner as Bridget/Young Queen of Hearts, Morgan Dudley as Ella/Young Cinderella, Joshua Colley as Hook, Melanie Paxson as Fairy Godmother, Jeremy Swift as Principal Merlin, and Leonardo Nam as Maddox Hatter.

Descendants: The Rise of Red returns to the lands of Auradon and the Isle of the Lost, home to the teenage progeny of Disney’s most iconic characters and notorious villains… and also takes audiences (for the first time!) through the rabbit hole to the hostile, unincorporated territory of Wonderland—the magical, mysterious place made famous in Alice in Wonderland.

The film follows Red, the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe, Cinderella’s perfectionist daughter. When the tyrannical Queen of Hearts incites a coup against Auradon, polar opposites Red and Chloe must join forces and travel back in time to undo the traumatic event that set Red’s mother down her villainous path.

Stay tuned for more Descendants news as it becomes available!

The sign outside of Hyperspace Mountain, the Star Wars version of Space Mountain at Disneyland Park. The spires of Space Mountain are seen behind the sign, which features letters made up of the “lightspeed” effect from the Star Wars films.

Hyperspace Mountain and Star Wars Month Return to Disneyland Resort

Great news, Star Wars fans! As revealed earlier this week by our friends at the @Disneyland and @DisneyParks social channels, Hyperspace Mountain will return as part of Star Wars Month at Disneyland Resort—taking place May 1 through June 4, 2023!

When Star Wars Month returns, guests will be able to touch down in a faraway galaxy filled with epic encounters, exciting flavors, and so much more.

More details will be revealed soon!

In the meantime, why not enjoy some incredible new products from the world of The Mandalorian (might we suggest wearing those socks on your trip to take in Hyperspace Mountain next month?!)… or celebrating your Star Wars-related D23 Gold Member platinum membership card with a specially curated watchlist?

Disney+ Shares Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All Premiere Date and Trailer

Disney+ recently announced the four-part docuseries Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All, in which Fulwell 73 Productions will spotlight how a child with a stutter rose to become one of the biggest global music superstars of all time. 

For the first time, Sheeran opens the doors to a definitive and searingly honest view into his private life as he explores the universal themes that inspire his music. The series will follow Sheeran after he receives life-changing news and reveals his hardships and triumphs during the most challenging period of his life. Blending exclusive, never-before-seen personal archival footage, present-day interviews with his wife and loved ones, and intimate performances in cinematic locations, the series widens the lens to unearth what Sheeran thinks of the world, himself, and his music, and also showcases a decade of hits.

In each episode, Sheeran faces themes and emotions that most people experience. He expresses his deeper thoughts as he reassesses life, and how this difficult time has influenced him and his new music. His upcoming sixth studio album— (pronounced “Subtract”) is set to be released on Friday, May 5, in the U.S., with the lead single “Eyes Closed” arriving Friday, March 24.

“I’ve always been very guarded in my personal and private life; the only documentary I’ve ever made has been one that focused on my songwriting,” the singer/songwriter recently said. “Disney approached me to make a four-part documentary, and it felt like the right time to open the door and let people in. I hope people enjoy it.”

Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All, from Disney Branded Television, is set to premiere globally Wednesday, May 3, on Disney+.

An image of Michael James Scott, who portrays the Genie, and the rest of the company from Broadway’s Aladdin on stage as they celebrated their ninth year—and their 3,093th performance at the New Amsterdam Theatre. Scott is wearing his bright blue Genie costume; the floor of the stage is bright pink, and above the cast are many small blue hanging lights.

3,093 Arabian Nights: Aladdin Celebrates Nine Years on Broadway

Another incredible milestone for Disney Theatrical, after The Lion King’s big 25-year celebration earlier this year…

As of March 20, Disney’s hit musical Aladdin has delighted Broadway audiences with 3,093 shining, shimmering performances over nine amazing years! Based on the Academy Award®-winning 1992 film of the same name, the hit musical opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre to critical acclaim on March 20, 2014, and quickly established itself as one of the biggest new blockbusters in recent years.

Over Aladdin’s run, a cumulative audience of 4.3 million has been treated to a staggering number of special effects: Aladdin and Jasmine have flown over 100 miles on the magic carpet while singing the Oscar®-winning “A Whole New World,” while the Genie has set off over 115,000 pyrotechnics in the showstopping “Friend Like Me.” And In “Prince Ali,” the cast and wardrobe team have made more than 200,000 lightning-fast costume changes.

The Broadway production has broken 16 New Amsterdam Theatre house records and spawned nine productions on four continents. Worldwide, it’s welcomed more than 16 million people—and can currently be seen on Broadway and on tour across North America, as well as in Tokyo, Mexico City, and Madrid, with a UK tour slated to open this year. The Broadway production recently joined the list of Top 20 longest Broadway runs.

The show’s director and choreographer, Casey Nicholaw, now has three musicals running on Broadway. Nicholaw has achieved this rare feat twice during Aladdin’s run and, additionally, twice had a whopping four concurrent runs! Plus, the prolific Tony® winner has launched seven national tours over the near decade run of Aladdin.

Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, the show features music by Disney Legend Alan Menken and lyrics by Disney Legends Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and Chad Beguelin, with a book by Beguelin. The current Broadway cast includes Michael Maliakel making his Broadway debut in the title role, Michael James Scott as Genie, Sonya Balsara as Jasmine, and Jonathan Weir as Jafar.

Your Guide to Disney Topiaries at the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

By Jessica Benda

Finding all the topiaries at 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is a botanical scavenger hunt. The festival, which runs now through Wednesday, July 5, is a bevy of springtime food, music, and—of course—over 50 topiary characters! Seeing everything can pose an exciting challenge, but we’re here to help.

To make sure you don’t miss any gorgeous greenery, we’ve curated a complete list of all the topiaries to look out for:

At the main entrance, new topiaries of characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto are ready to greet guests. Mirabel, Isabela, Luisa, and Antonio are masterfully brought to life with plants and flowers.

Two photos of the Princess Tiana topiary, a close-up and a wide shot. From The Princess and the Frog, Tiana wears a ballgown of leaves, designed to be her dress from her bayou wedding; a water lily sprouts from her waistline. She stands with a hand on her hip before a wall of pink flowers.

Also new to this year’s batch is Tiana from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Princess and the Frog! Dressed in her bayou ballgown, or at least a leafy-green version, she smiles at guests from The American Adventure pavilion.

In a sea of flowers, topiaries of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip, Dale, and Pluto wear welcoming smiles. They’re primarily green, except for Mickey’s white gloves and Minnie’s botanical red dress and bow. Pluto stands on four legs in the center, a picnic basket in front of him.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip, Dale, and Pluto can be found at the bridge to World Showcase and World Celebration, returning to celebrate this year’s festival.

In the France pavilion, topiaries of Cogsworth and Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast stand next each other. Cogsworth lifts a leg in the air with his arms flung out while Lumiere holds his candle hands up. A tall, silver clock sits between them.

At the France pavilion, you’ll find a green Lumiere and Cogsworth, along with a lush Beauty and the Beast topiary nearby.

At the Japan pavilion, a dragon topiary stands in front of a red gate, with the World Showcase Lagoon and Spaceship Earth behind it. All sorts of succulents line the dragon’s body.

Fans of succulents can’t miss the dragon topiary stationed at the Japan pavilion. Majestic as ever, it lingers in front of the Torii gate.

That’s just a snippet of the characters to see! Check out the list below to make sure you don’t miss one.

Woody, Bo Peep, and her sheep from Toy Story: World Nature near The Land pavilion

Goofy: World Showcase

Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story: World Discovery near Mission: SPACE

Donald Duck and Daisy: Community Garden near Connections Café and Eatery in World Celebration

Figment: Near Imagination!

The Three Caballeros (Jose, Donald, and Panchito): Mexico pavilion

Anna and Elsa from Frozen: Norway pavilion

Troll: Norway pavilion 

Pandas: China pavilion

Rafiki, Simba, Mufasa, Sarabi, Pumbaa, and Timon from The Lion King: Between Imagination! and The Land pavilion

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Germany pavilion 

Lady and the Tramp: Italy pavilion

Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy: Between France and Morocco pavilions

Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and Tick Tock Croc from Peter Pan: Between United Kingdom and Canada pavilions

Winnie the Pooh and Friends (Rabbit, Eeyore, Piglet and, Tigger) and Tinker Bell’s Fairy House Garden:United Kingdom pavilion

Bambi and Friends from Bambi: Near Imagination! and Refreshment Port

Geese: Canada pavilion

Butterflies: Main Entrance, Scentsy Garden, Butterfly House, and World Showcase

To snag tickets to see our greenified friends at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, click here.