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

By Andie Hagemann

This weekend, cancel your plans and curl up on the couch for a Pixar marathon leading into The Wonderful World of Disney’s presentation of Finding Nemo on Sunday night. We have assembled here a list of four beloved Pixar films available to binge on Disney+. And don’t forget to look out for Finding Nemo Easter eggs!

In a scene from Pixar’s Ratatouille, a young man wears a white chef’s coat and holds a gray rat in his outstretch right palm. They stand in front of a large window depicting the Paris skyline.

Ratatouille—Available to Stream on Disney+
Remy (voiced by Patton Oswalt) dreams of becoming a great chef despite his family’s wishes—and the fact that he’s a rat. When fate places Remy in Paris, he finds himself ideally situated beneath a restaurant made famous by his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau (voiced by Brad Garrett). Determined to fulfill his dream, Remy forms an unlikely partnership with Linguini (voiced by Lou Romano), the garbage boy, who inadvertently discovers Remy’s amazing talents. They strike a deal, ultimately setting into motion an exciting chain of extraordinary events that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down. Meanwhile, Remy finds himself torn between following his dream and his previous existence with his rat family.

In a scene from Pixar’s Inside Out, characters Panic, Joy, and Disgust stand at a control panel and look at papers flying in the air.

Inside Out—Available to Stream on Disney+
Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it is no exception for Riley (voiced by Kaitlyn Dias), who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father gets a new job in San Francisco. Riley is guided by her emotions—Joy (voiced by Amy Poehler), Fear (voiced by Bill Hader), Anger (voiced by Lewis Black), Disgust (voiced by Mindy Kaling), and Sadness (voiced by Phyllis Smith). The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to her new life in San Francisco, chaos ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate her new surroundings.

In a scene from Pixar’s Monsters Inc., Mike, a short, green, rotund monster, walks with Sulley, a tall monster with blue and purple fur, through a large warehouse structure.

Monsters, Inc.—Available to Stream on Disney+
Monsters, Incorporated is the largest scare factory in the monster world, and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan (voiced by Disney Legend John Goodman) is one of its top Scarers. Sully is a huge, intimidating monster with blue fur, large purple spots, and horns. His Scare Assistant, best friend, and roommate is Mike Wazowski (voiced by Disney Legend Billy Crystal), a green, opinionated, feisty, little one-eyed monster. Accidentally visiting from the human world is Boo (voiced by Mary Gibbs), a tiny girl who goes where no human has ever gone before. The star-studded voice cast also includes James Coburn as Henry J. Waternoose, Jennifer Tilly as Celia, Steve Buscemi as Randall Boggs, John Ratzenberger as Yeti, and Bonnie Hunt as Ms. Flint.

In a scene from Pixar’s Finding Dory, three Royal Blue Tang fish hug.

Finding Dory—Available to stream on Disney+
Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres) embarks with her friends Nemo (voiced by Hayden Rolence) and Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) on a search for answers about her past. Who are her parents? Where did she learn to speak Whale? The film also features the voices of Ed O’Neill as Hank, Kaitlin Olson as Destiny, Ty Burrell as Bailey, Eugene Levy as Charlie, and Diane Keaton as Jenny.

In a scene from Pixar’s Finding Nemo, a large great white shark smiles and looks at a Royal Blue Tang fish and Clownfish swimming next to it.

The Wonderful World of Disney: Finding Nemo—Sunday, January 15, from 8-10 p.m. ET/PT
Nemo (voiced by Alexander Gould), an adventurous young clownfish, is unexpectedly taken from his Great Barrier Reef home to a dentist’s office aquarium. It’s up to his father, Marlin (Brooks), and the friendly but forgetful regal blue tang fish Dory (DeGeneres) to bring Nemo home. Along the way, the duo encounter an eclectic group of characters including vegetarian sharks, surfer dude turtles, hypnotic jellyfish, and hungry seagulls, to name a few.

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 Star Tours knowledge to the test to see if you are the ultimate Disney fan.

On what day did Star Tours open at Disneyland Resort in 1987?

Correct! Wrong!

Star Tours opened at Disneyland Resort on January 9, 1987.

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!

Everything to Eat, See, and Do at the 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

By Andie Hagemann

This week, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presented by AT&T returns to celebrate visual, culinary, and performing arts. Running between Friday, January 13, and Monday, February 20, 2023, the festival includes performances by Broadway’s biggest stars, awe-inspiring artwork, mouthwatering dishes (that are not only delicious but also works of art), and so much more! Read on to discover everything to eat, see, and do.

The DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series returns to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts now through Feb. 21, 2022 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. During three shows nightly, Broadway stars perform cherished songs from more than 25 years of award-winning stage productions. (David Roark, photographer)

The beloved DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series is back! Throughout the festival, three times each evening guests will be able to watch star-studded performances from more than 25 years of award-winning Disney on Broadway stage productions.

Here’s the full lineup of performers:

  • January 13, 15, 16, 19, 20: Kara Lindsay (Newsies) and Kevin Massey (Tarzan)
  • January 14, 17, 18, 21, 22: Arielle Jacobs (Aladdin) and Adam Jacobs (Aladdin)
  • January 23, 25, 26, 29, 30, and February 2, 3: Patti Murin (Frozen) and Robert Creighton (Frozen)
  • January 24, 27, 28, 31, and February 1, 4, 5: Mandy Gonzalez (AIDA) and L. Steven Taylor (The Lion King)
  • February 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 19: Kissy Simmons (The Lion King) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)
  • February 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16, 17: Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and Michael James Scott (Aladdin)
  • February 20: Special, extended finale performance featuring Brown, Scott, Simmons, and Strickland

Visit ArtfulEPCOT.com for dining packages to pair with concert performances.

In addition to the DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert series, don’t miss daily performances by renowned musical artists in the World Showcase Plaza. Don Black (saxophone), Victor Espinola (harp), Dominic Gaudious (didgeridoo), and Nicholas Marks (guitar), are among the featured musicians. Check the My Disney Experience app for daily showtimes.

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will also highlight new artists who will immerse guests in stunning artwork filled with color, expression, and soul. In all, more than 100 Disney and visiting artists will participate. Some of the new and returning talent include Larissa Marantz, Yesenia Moises, Ryan Riller, Joe Ledbetter, and Kahran and Regis Bethencourt.

Express your artistic side by visiting the Animation Academy in the America Gardens Theatre, where guests can learn how to draw a Disney character in a session led by an animation artist. From 12:30–1 p.m. daily, the sessions will be taught by one of these artists: Will Gay, Lon Smart, Ron Cohee, Matthew Dewater, Brian Blackmore, Sarah Schmidt, David Holbrook, Michael Montgomery, Alex Maher, and Andy Quiles.

Visit the Expression Section booth to pick up paint, a brush, and an assigned number to contribute to the enormous paint by numbers mural. This opportunity is available from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.

Strike a pose in the picturesque step-in frames around the park honoring iconic works of art. Disney PhotoPass photographers will be on hand at each site to capture the magic and your entire party. Find the step-in frames at the locations below:

  • International Gateway: Luncheon of the Boating Party (Pierre-Auguste Renoir)
  • The American Adventure: Washington Crossing the Delaware (Emanuel Leutze)
  • Between the Italy and Germany Pavilions: Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci) and The Scream (Edvard Munch)
  • Mexico Pavilion: An homage to Frida Kahlo
  • Bridge to World Showcase: Peter Pan Storybook and Café Terrace at Night and Sunflowers (Vincent van Gogh)
  • Italy Pavilion Courtyard: Birth of Venus (Sandro Botticelli)

Kids can create their own chalk-art masterpiece near the bridge to the World Showcase Plaza. This experience is available from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.

Guests can bring home Figment with the Fruity Fig Bar Figment Disney Munchling, the Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket (now with a new EPCOT 40th anniversary strap), and other Figment-inspired festival merchandise including a Spirit Jersey, a Figment Chalkboard Framed Mug, and a Figment CORKCICLE Tumbler.

The young and young at heart can help Figment learn about art with Figment’s Brush with the Masters scavenger hunt around the World Showcase. To get started, purchase a map and stickers (while supplies last) for $9.99 plus tax at one of the following stores: Creations Shop, Port of Entry, and World Traveler.

As guests stroll the World Showcase, they can search for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works at each World Showcase Pavilion—look for the Figment-themed picture frame. Each time you find Figment, add the corresponding sticker to the Pavilion on your map. After you complete your journey, return your map to Disney Traders or World Traders for a small keepsake.

No festival is complete without delectable bites and sips! Our friends at the Disney Parks Blog compiled a scrumptious food guide detailing all the offerings available throughout the park, including the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine offerings.

Take your tastebuds on a tasty trek around EPCOT with seven vibrant dishes—and one technicolor treat to enjoy at the end of your journey. Use the Festival Passport to look for the specifically noted items and track your progress by collecting a stamp after each purchase. Once you’ve had at least five of the seven dishes—and collected the stamps—bring your stamped Festival Passport to the Deco Delights food studio to receive a complimentary Artist Palette Cookie.

Pop Eats (Near Port of Entry)

  • Tomato Soup with grilled cheese
  • Tomato Soup with pimento cheese, bacon, and fried green tomato grilled cheese (New)
  • Almond Frangipane Cake layered with raspberry jam and Belgian chocolate (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item)
  • Brooklyn Brewery Pulp Art Hazy IPA
  • Bleu Spectrum: Blanc de Bleu Cuveé Mousseux with boba pearls

The Deconstructed Dish (Near Port of Entry)

  • Deconstructed BLT: Pork belly, soft-poached egg, onion bread pudding, watercress espuma, and tomato jam
  • Deconstructed French Onion Soup: Beef broth ravioli, gruyère cream, onion bread pudding, and onion textures
  • Deconstructed Key Lime Pie: Flexible Key lime curd, “Key lime” mousse, graham cracker cake, and meringues (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item)  
  • Deconstructed Apple Pie à la Mode: Apple-cinnamon gelato, cinnamon apple cider, apple pie filling, and streusel (Non-Alcoholic)
  • Wicked Weed Brewing Blank Canvas Belgian Blonde Witbier

Deco Delights (Near Port of Entry) 

  • Dulce Chocolate Mousse with chocolate crémeux and dark chocolate truffle
  • Decadent Valrhona Chocolate with dark chocolate mousse, chocolate brownie, and cassis mousse
  • Orange Mousse with Lemon Cake and Raspberry Meringues (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item)
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Strawberry Blonde Nitro
  • 81Bay Brewing Co. Vanilla Porter
  • Playalinda Brewing Co. Milk Stout
  • Espresso Martini featuring Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka (New) 
  • Neapolitan Beer Flight

The Craftsman’s Courtyard (Near Creations Shop)

  • Beef Wellington: Mushroom duxelles, prosciutto, and puff pastry with red wine demi-glace and baby vegetables
  • Cast Iron-roasted P.E.I. Mussels with sautéed tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs
  • BrewDog Jet Black Heart Nitro Oatmeal Stout (New)
  • Cold Fashion Coffee Cocktail

Refreshment Outpost

  • Plant-based Bratwurst with spicy turmeric aïoli, coffee barbecue jackfruit, and slaw (Plant-based item)
  • Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • Soft-Serve Waffle Cone: DOLE Whip, salted-caramel soft-serve, or swirl
  • Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. Berries & Cream Sour Berliner (New)
  • Left Hand Brewing Co. Wook Bait IPA (New)
  • Central 28 Beer Company Wall Art Brown Ale

Pastoral Palate (Germany) 

  • Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip purée, broccolini, baby tomatoes, and aged balsamic
  • Wild Boar Cassoulet with duck confit, ham hock, and wild boar sausage
  • Black Forest Cake: Chocolate Mousse with morello cherries and Chantilly cream (New)
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Rosé Hard Cider
  • 81Bay Brewing Co. Rosé Blonde Ale
  • Frozen Rosé
  • A Play on Rosé Flight
  • Marietta Old Vine Rosé 

The Artist’s Table (The American Adventure)

  • Three-Meat Meatloaf with “Peas and Carrots”: Green pea pudding, carrot ketchup, shaved carrot salad, and snap peas (New)
  • Duck and Dumplings: Smoked duck breast, ricotta dumplings, petite vegetables, and duck jus (New)
  • Hummingbird Cake: Banana cake with pineapple, coconut, pecans, and cream cheese frosting with banana sorbet (New)
  • Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, milk, and dark chocolates (Non-Alcoholic)
  • Boulevard Brewing Co. Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale (New)
  • Parish Brewing Co. South Coast Session Amber Ale (New)
  • Brewery Ommegang Three Philosophers Belgian Quad (New)
  • Lange Estate Winery Pinot Noir
  • Symphony in Chocolate Flight: Mozart Chocolate Liqueurs paired with sipping chocolates
  • Beer Flight

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)

  • Carrots Three Ways: Chermoula-spiced grilled carrots, pickled carrots, and carrot ginger purée (Plant-based item) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • House-Made Crispy Almond Phyllo Pockets with white chocolate pomegranate and milk chocolate orange
  • Chai Tea Mint Sparkler featuring Twinings Chai Tea with Sprite (Non-Alcoholic)
  • Stem Ciders Flockstar Hard Cider
  • Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Mule de Pomme: Pomegranate, ginger, and lime hard cider
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Chai Hard Cider
  • Chai Tea Mint Mimosa featuring Twinings Chai Tea with Key lime sparkling wine and mint
  • Cider Flight

Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina (Between Morocco and France) 

  • Chorizo and Potato Empanada with turmeric aïoli and annatto aïoli (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item)  
  • Spicy Ajiaco Soup with guajillo and árbol chili-spiced chicken, potato, avocado, corn, and crème fraîche (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
  • Passion Fruit Mousse with dragon fruit jam (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
  • Coconut and Passion Fruit Smoothie (Non-Alcoholic)
  • Frozen Piña Colada
  • Passion Fruit Daiquiri

Refreshment Port (Near Canada)

  • Gnocchi Poutine with red wine-braised beef, cheese curds, basil, and burrata
  • Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • Soft-serve Waffle Cone: DOLE®Whip Strawberry, DOLE Whip Lemon, or swirl
  • Blood Orange Cosmo: Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka with blood orange, cranberry, and lime
  • Boulevard Brewing Co. Quirk Blueberry Lemon & Lavender Hard Seltzer (New) 

Gourmet Landscapes (Canada) 

  • Blood Orange-braised Beet Tartare with mustard vinaigrette, pickled clamshell mushrooms, and golden beets (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item) (Plant-Based Item) (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
  • Roasted Bone Marrow with onion marmalade, pickled mushrooms, and petite lettuce
  • Wild Mushroom Risotto with aged Parmesan, truffle shavings, and zinfandel reduction
  • Whole Hog Brewery Raspberry Chéret Double Radler
  • Schlumberger Cuvée Klimt Brut
  • The Meeker Vineyard Winemaker’s Handprint Merlot
  • Frozen Rusty Nail Cocktail

Moderne (Near Test Track)

  • Compressed Watermelon Tataki with pickled watermelon rind, yuzu pearls, watermelon foam, and wasabi (New) (Plant-Based Item)
  • Angry Crab: Whole crispy soft-shell crab with green papaya salad, mango-sriracha fluid gel, and coconut-lime foam with pomegranate and mango crush pearls (New) 
  • Pan-seared Scallops with vanilla-butternut squash purée, brown butter cauliflower purée, and lime foam (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item)
  • The Tropics: Lilikoi mousse, guava cake, coconut crémeux, compressed pineapple, and mango gel (New)
  • Watermelon Mary featuring Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka (New)
  • Lohr Riesling (New)

Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food, and Little Sparks of Magic

  • Fruit Pizza: Watermelon, compressed cantaloupe, berries, and berry balsamic (New) (Plant-Based Item) (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
  • Pop’t Art: Sugar Cookie with blueberry filling (Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Item)  
  • Rainbow Cake with freeze-dried SKITTLES bite sized candies
  • Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket with rainbow popcorn (Limit 2 Per Person)
  • Grape Smoothie with freeze-dried SKITTLES bite sized candies (Non-Alcoholic) (New)
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Black Cherry Hard Cider (New)
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Blood Orange Hard Cider (New)
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Passion Fruit Hard Cider (New)
  • Rainbow Cider Flight (New)
  • 81Bay Brewing Co. Green with Envy Blonde Ale (New)
  • 81Bay Brewing Co. Blue Butterfly Lager (New)
  • Urban Artifact The Gadget Raspberry & Blackberry Midwest Fruit Tart (New)
  • Rainbow Beer Flight (New)

Connections Café 

  • Figment Liege Waffle (New)

Connections Eatery

  • Dusk ‘Til Dawn: Three Olives Blueberry Vodka, lemonade, and orange juice with cotton candy

L’Art de la Cuisine Française (France)

  • Crème de Brie en Petit Pain: Warm creamy brie in a house-made bread bowl
  • Croissant à la Truffle Noir d’Hiver: Black winter truffle croissant
  • Mille-Feuille de Betteraves aux Herbes et Noix de Cajoux: Plant-based napoleon with beets, cashew-herb filling, pepper-pine nut sauce, and balsamic vinegar caviar (New) (Plant-Based Item)
  • Moelleux aux Noisettes et Chocolats Valrhona: Molten chocolate and hazelnut cake with pure origin Valrhona chocolates and passion fruit-mango sauce
  • Frozen French Martini: Grey Goose Vodka, vodka, Chambord liqueur, pineapple, orange, and grape juices with lemon-lime foam
  • Charles Lafitte, Brut Rosé Prestige, Méthode Traditionnelle Champenoise, French Rosé Sparkling Wine
  • Domaine Raphaël Sallet, Mâcon-Uchizy Les Maranches 2020, Chardonnay, Mâconnais, Burgundy (New)
  • Cîroc Sunset Citrus Vodka Spritz (New)

El Artista Hambriento (Mexico)

  • Carne Asada: Chipotle-marinated beef sirloin, sweet potato purée, and crispy-fried onions (New)
  • Huarache de Champiñones: Guajillo chile and corn masa huarache with pinto beans, oyster mushrooms, Nopales, queso fresco, and pea tendrils (New)
  • Flan de Coco: Coconut flan, guava sauce, and whipped cream (New) (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
  • Mexican Craft Beer: Cielito Lindo Artisanal Mexican Craft Beer
  • Bombon Margarita “Marshmallow”: Ilegal Mezcal Reposado, marshmallow cordial, lime juice, agave nectar and a hint of coffee and elderflower served with a toasted marshmallow (New)
  • Las Californias: Tromba Blanco Tequila, strawberry-lime purée, and Las Californias Citrus Mexican Gin (New)

Goshiki (Japan)

  • Rainbow Katsu Sando: Pork cutlet sandwich with tangy tonkatsu sauce and cabbage in rainbow sweet bread (New)
  • Sushi Donut: Donut-shaped sushi featuring salmon, tuna, shrimp, cucumber, and sesame seed over a decorated plate of wasabi aïoli, sriracha aïoli, and eel sauce
  • Ichigo Daifuku: Mixed berry mochi, sweet azuki bean paste, and mascarpone (New)
  • Sui Sui Watercolor Lager (New)
  • Masu Sake in a traditional personalized wooden cup
  • Purple Yuzu Sake Lemonade: Sake cocktail infused with butterfly pea flower and yuzu lemonade (New)

The Painted Panda (China)

  • General Tso’s Chicken Shumai
  • Char Siu Pork Bun
  • “Panda” Bubble Milk Tea with black tea, milk, chocolate, and tapioca boba pearls (Non-Alcoholic)
  • Lucky Foo Pale Ale
  • Silk Road Hard Lemonade with Smirnoff Vodka, lavender-coconut syrup, and lemonade (New)
  • Sea Butterfly: Butterfly Pea Flower-infused cocktail with Smirnoff Vodka, light rum, lychee syrup, and magic boba pearls

L’Arte di Mangiare (Italy)

  • Mozzarella Fritta: Flash-fried breaded fresh mozzarella with artist palette condiments (New)
  • Ravioli ai Funghi, Perle Tartufate: Wild mushroom-stuffed pasta with truffle butter and truffle pearls (New)
  • Budino al Cioccolato: Chocolate pudding with colorful chocolate décor (New)
  • Peroni Pilsner
  • Chianti
  • Prosecco
  • Italian Sangria Red or White
  • Italian Margarita with tequila and limoncello
  • Amaretto Bellini: DISARONNO Originale Liqueur, white peach purée, and prosecco 

Funnel Cake

  • Mocha Funnel Cake: Mini Funnel Cake with cappuccino ice cream topped with chocolate whipped cream and M&M’S® chocolate candies (New)

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) 

  • Amber Frost: An artistic blend of frozen lemon ice, a splash of Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, blood orange, and orange popping boba pearls (New)(Alcoholic Version Available with Grey Goose Vodka)

Near Canada

  • Magenta Frost: An artistic blend of frozen lemon ice, a splash of Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, dragon fruit, and dragon fruit popping boba pearls (New) (Alcoholic Version Available with Grey Goose Vodka)

Showcase Plaza (Near Disney Traders) 

  • Jade Frost: An artistic blend of frozen lemon ice, a splash of Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, green apple, and green apple popping boba pearls (New)(Alcoholic Version Available with Grey Goose Vodka)

The American Adventure 

  • Cerulean Frost: An artistic blend of frozen lemon ice, a splash of Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, blue raspberry, and blueberry popping boba pearls 6.39 (New)(Alcoholic Version Available with Grey Goose Vodka)

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.) 

Disney Earns 19 Screen Actors Guild Awards® Nominations

By Zach Johnson

Nominations for the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® were revealed Wednesday, with The Walt Disney Company receiving 19 nods across 12 categories.

Disney earned nominations in the following categories:

Colin Farrell and Barry Keoghan sit in a dimly lit bar. They are seated at a table. Two half-full pints of beer and an ashtray are placed on the table before them.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Colin Farrell, The Banshees of Inisherin

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Brendan Gleeson, The Banshees of Inisherin
Barry Keoghan, The Banshees of Inisherin

Angela Bassett wears an ornate black headpiece; a large square, gold earring; and a black cloak. She stands along the coast and stares off into the distance.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Angela Bassett, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Kerry Condon, The Banshees of Inisherin

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
The Banshees of Inisherin

Lo’ak holds the fin of a tulkun in the open water.

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
Avatar: The Way of Water
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Steve Carell sits in bed against a brick wall. To the left of him is a large lamp. Carell’s hair is white and his beard is white and full. He is wearing eyeglasses, a chunky green sweater, khaki pants, and brown dress shoes. He is writing on a yellow legal pad.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Steve Carell, The Patient

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Amanda Seyfried, The Dropout

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Jeff Bridges, The Old Man

Disney Legend Steve Martin wears brown rimmed eyeglasses, a green and brown striped sweater, and a white dress shirt. He is holding a cell phone in his hands. Behind him is a corkboard with photos of potential murder suspects and other notes.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Steve Martin, Only Murders in the Building
Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building
Jeremy Allen White, The Bear

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary
The Bear
Only Murders in the Building

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series
Andor

Screen Actors Guild Award winners will be announced on Sunday, February 26.

The Walt Disney Company Wins 9 Golden Globe® Awards

By Zach Johnson

It was a golden night, all right! 

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association awarded The Walt Disney Company nine Golden Globes® on Monday—more than any other entertainment company. The accolades spanned multiple content brands and studios: ABC Entertainment, Disney Television Studios’ 20th Television, FX, FX Productions, Hulu Originals, Marvel Studios, Searchlight Pictures, Searchlight Television, and Walt Disney Studios. Searchlight Pictures’ The Banshees of Inisherin and ABC and 20th Television’s Abbott Elementary were the evening’s big winners, earning three awards each during the glitzy ceremony.

Join us in congratulating all of Disney’s Golden Globe winners: 

Brendan Gleeson is sitting outside on the Irish coastline. In front of him is a nearly empty pint of beer. Rolling green hills are in the distance, while the backside of a horse is seen just behind him. The weather is overcast. Gleeson is wearing a brown corduroy vest, a long-sleeved blue shirt, and corduroy pants. His hair is slicked back. 

The Banshees of Inisherin (Searchlight Pictures)

  • Best Motion Picture (Musical/Comedy)
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture (Musical/Comedy) – Colin Farrell
  • Best Screenplay – Martin McDonagh

Tyler James Williams smiles and clasps his hands together. He is wearing a black zip-up polo, a black cardigan with a gray trim, and a blue lanyard that reads “Willard R. Abbott Elementary” in a white serif font. The lanyard holds his school ID. Williams is standing in a classroom, with blurred books, a globe, and more behind him.

Abbott Elementary (ABC/20th Television)

  • Best Television Series (Musical/Comedy)
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series (Musical/Comedy) – Quinta Brunson
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical-Comedy or Drama Television Series – Tyler James Williams

Jeremy Allen White sits on a somewhat dirty steel countertop in an industrial kitchen. He is wearing a white T-shirt, exposing multiple tattoos on each arm. The tattoos include Cupid, a snail, slot machine numbers, and more. White is wearing a blue apron over his shirt. His curly blond hair is messy, and he appears exasperated.

The Bear (FX)

  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series (Musical/Comedy) – Jeremy Allen White

A close-up of Angela Bassett shows her wearing cream and white funeral attire. She stands on the coastline with trees in the background and the sun shining.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Marvel Studios)

  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture – Angela Bassett

Amanda Seyfried sits alone in a row of wooden chairs—the first of several rows. Her messy blond hair is pulled back into a loose ponytail. She wears a black blazer over a black turtleneck, as well as smudged red lipstick and heavy black eyeliner.

The Dropout (Hulu Originals/20th Television/Searchlight Television)

  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television – Amanda Seyfried

Every Amazing Disney Parks Announcement from This Week!

By Sarah Sterling

We’re only one full week into 2023 and there is already so much to look forward to at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort this year! The Disney Parks news has been non-stop the last few days—from attraction openings and new food locations, to lots of updates for Passholders and Magic Key holders.

“These changes are centered on creating a better experience for our guests and building a future where we are constantly introducing new stories and experiences across the globe,” Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro recently said.

Don’t worry: We’ve compiled everything you need to know in one convenient place. Here are all the announcements, updates, and news on what’s coming soon to Disneyland and Walt Disney World!

Walt Disney World Resort:

Promotional graphic for TRON LightCycle / Run at Walt Disney World. It features four guests on lightcycle bikes, two orange and two blue, racing along the futuristic Grid from the TRON franchise. On the left side of the image is the Walt Disney World logo in bright blue. Underneath is the TRON logo in white and the attraction’s opening date, 04.04.2023.

TRON Lightcycle / Run Opens April 4 at Magic Kingdom Park
The highly anticipated TRON Lightcycle / Run will open at Magic Kingdom Park on April 4, 2023.

The story of TRON Lightcycle / Run picks up after TRON: Legacy, and finds Kevin’s son, Sam Flynn, opening a second gateway into a digital realm called the Grid. The first of the portals he created is found at Shanghai Disneyland with the original TRON Lightcycle Power Run. Magic Kingdom Cast Members will be the first to enter the Grid during special previews before the attraction officially opens—but there will be additional preview opportunities for guests too, including Annual Passholders and eligible Disney Vacation Club Members.

A finale shot from Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom Park. Cinderella Castle is illuminated with bright projection-mapped images of Disney characters, including Mulan, Tarzan, Cinderella, Aladdin, Woody, Merida, and more. Fireworks illuminate the sky behind the castle.

Happily Ever After Returns to Magic Kingdom Park
Meanwhile, fan-favorite nighttime spectacular Happily Ever After returns to the Magic Kingdom on April 3, featuring all-new projections down Main Street, U.S.A. Plus, Disney Enchantment will be offered through April 2. We can’t wait to reach out and find our happily ever after again this Spring!

Guests stand against the railing at the World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT. They stare out over the water with excited looks and smiles as they watch the show. Fireworks light up the sky above them.

EPCOT Forever Returns to EPCOT’s World Showcase Lagoon
An all-new nighttime spectacular is planned to debut at EPCOT later this year—but in the meantime, guests can enjoy EPCOT Forever as an interim show over the skies of World Showcase Lagoon starting April 3. A limited-time spectacle of lasers, lighting, special effects, and fireworks, EPCOT Forever returns with a collection of songs that offer both a trip down memory lane and a look toward the future. Harmonious will have its final performance on April 2.

Complimentary Self-parking When Staying at a Disney Resort hotel
Beginning this evening—yes, tonight, Tuesday, January 10—overnight self-parking will once again be offered complimentary to guests staying at Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World!

Relaxed Park Reservation Requirements
Beginning in the next few months, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will be able to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Pass block-out dates will continue to apply like they do today.

A collage of three images of guests at Walt Disney World using the Disney PhotoPass Lenses. The first image is a woman with a computer generated image of Grogu on her back. In the middle is a young man with Cinderella Castle behind him, but it has been transformed into the pink 25th anniversary “cake castle”. Finally, a woman with long brown hair takes a photo with a fake chef’s hat on her head. Inside the hat you can see an image of Remy from Ratatouille pulling on her hair.

Disney Genie+ Attraction Photo Downloads & Passholder Disney PhotoPass Lenses
Also beginning in the next few months, guests purchasing Disney Genie+ service will receive digital downloads of their Disney PhotoPass attraction photos taken in the park on the day of their purchase at no additional charge. Walt Disney World Resort Passholders will receive access to Disney PhotoPass lenses and one complimentary Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories experience (age restrictions apply). Visit Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories and Disney PhotoPass Lenses for details, restrictions, and other information.

Disneyland Resort:

A rendering of Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle decorated for the Disney100 celebration. There are iridescent banners hanging from each turret and a large banner over the gateway reading “Disney 100”. Two fountains flank the drawbridge and the banners are being held up by Flora, Fauna, and Merrywether from Sleeping Beauty.

Switch Between Parks Even Earlier with Park Hopper Tickets
Beginning February 4, 2023, guests who enter a Disneyland Resort theme park with a Magic Key pass or a Park Hopper ticket may begin crossing over between the parks two hours earlier—starting at 11 a.m. PT! This means even more magic and more fun for your day as you enjoy the best of what both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park have to offer.

Even More Opportunities to Visit with $104 Park Ticket
We’re happy to share that the Disneyland Resort reservation calendar will offer nearly two months’ worth of $104 park ticket dates throughout 2023—which means additional opportunities to enjoy our lowest one-day, one-park ticket price while creating moments destined to become memories. And with so many exciting new offerings, from the two new nighttime spectaculars—Wondrous Journeys at Disneyland and World of Color – One at Disney California Adventure—to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, all opening January 27, plus returning favorite festivals, there’s so much to see and do coming up for guests to enjoy!

Complimentary Disney PhotoPass Digital Attraction Photos
Throughout the Disney100 celebration at the Disneyland Resort, Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads will be complimentary for all ticketed park guests on the Disneyland app starting February 4. This includes any PhotoPass digital photo captured on any Disney PhotoPass available attraction during a park visit.

More Opportunities to Join the Magic Key program
Disneyland Resort will make select Magic Key passes available for new sales from time to time throughout 2023 as pass inventory becomes available. Continue to check Disneyland.com/MagicKey for pass on sale dates and availability.

Disneyland Resort Downtown Disney District: 

A sandwich, drink, and pile of chips from Earl of Sandwich. A large chicken sandwich with avocado, bacon, and lettuce sits next to a to-go cup featuring the Earl of Sandwich logo.

Downtown Disney District Welcomes Back Earl of Sandwich
Earl of Sandwich will return to the Downtown Disney District this February! Earl of Sandwich and table service options at Earl of Sandwich Tavern will both be temporarily located at the La Brea Bakery location. Keep your eyes peeled for Earl of Sandwich opening in the coming weeks.

Porto’s Bakery
Porto’s Bakery will be bringing their famous California-Cuban cuisine (we’re partial to their cheese rolls and potato balls) to the Downtown Disney District! Plans are underway to design and construct an all-new Porto’s location near the Esplanade on the footprint of the La Brea Bakery location. Look out for more details on these exciting plans coming soon.

Concept art of the upcoming Din Tai Fung restaurant coming to Downtown Disney. It features a round bar at the center of the restaurant under a beautiful, beaded centerpiece hanging from the ceiling. Individual tables and booth surround the bar and the entire restaurant is bathed in gold lighting.

Din Tai Fung
... And to end this Downtown Disney District update on one more delicious note, check out this exciting look at concept art for the Din Tai Fung restaurant, which will open on the west side of the district in the future. With so many delicious dining options coming to Downtown Disney, we don’t know which one we want to visit first!

Let’s not forget we also have Lunar New Year and the Food & Wine Festival to enjoy this Spring at Disney California Adventure, plus the opening of the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown and return of the Magic Happens parade at Disneyland Park! No matter which coast you frequent, there is endless magic to experience at Disney Parks this year. What tasty treat, nighttime spectacular, or Passholder perk are you looking forward to? Let us know on social media and keep an eye on D23.com for more updates on these projects at Disney Parks.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

From superhero kittens to treasure hunting, this week has something for every member of the family to enjoy. On Monday, mature audiences can watch the all-new animated series Koala Man, exclusively on Hulu. The paw-some new superhero series SuperKitties premieres Wednesday on Disney Channel and Disney Junior, followed by a new episode of The Conners airing that evening on ABC, as well as the latest installment of National Treasure: Edge of History on Disney+. Last but not least, new contestants test their wits on The Chase, airing Thursday on ABC.

In a scene from the Hulu animated series Koala Man, a man wears a koala mask; a blue blanket as a cape; a green, short-sleeved T-shirt; and blue jean shorts. He’s in a backyard fighting long green vines.

Koala Man—Monday, January 9, on Hulu
The all-new animated series—intended for mature audiences only—follows middle-aged dad Kevin (voiced by series creator Michael Cusack) and his not-so-secret identity as Koala Man, whose only superpower is passion for following rules and snuffing out petty crime. While it may seem like any other Australian suburb, Dapto has evil forces both cosmic and man-made brewing. However, Koala Man is ready to defeat criminal masterminds, supernatural horrors, and more. The voice cast also includes Sarah Snook and Demi Lardner, and guest stars Hugh Jackman, Jemaine Clement, Rachel House, Hugo Weaving, and Jarrad Wright.

In a scene from the Disney Channel animated series SuperKitties, kittens wear colorful super hero masks and uniforms and walk down a city sidewalk.

SuperKitties—Wednesday, January 11, at 10:30 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
The all-new series from Disney Branded Television introduces four adorable kittens who are ready to pounce into action. In the series premiere, the SuperKitties—Ginny (voiced by Luca’s Emma Berman), Sparks (voiced by Cruz Flateau), Buddy (voiced by JeCobi Swain), and Bitsy (voiced by Pyper Braun)—investigate who is stealing all the yarn in Kittydale. The second story follows the devious Lab Rat, who invents a giant boot to smash all the flowers at the Kittydale Flower Festival. In addition to the simulcast, an initial batch of episodes will be available to stream on Disney+.

In a scene from ABC series The Conners, actors William H. Macy as Smitty and Disney Legend John Goodman as Dan Conner stand over a wooden table and argue in a bar. Actor Katey Sagal as Louise sits on a wooden chair next to the table and looks at Macy. Macy wears a black turtleneck, a black blazer, and black pants, and holds a beer bottle down by his right leg. Goodman wears denim jeans and a red letterman’s jacket with tan leather sleeves. Sagal wears a black long-sleeved T-shirt.

The Conners—Wednesday, January 11, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
After a beloved high school teacher dies, former classmates of Dan (Disney Legend John Goodman) and Jackie (Laurie Metcalf) come to down to pay their respects and reminisce about the good old days. Elsewhere, Becky (Alicia Goranson) asks Darlene (Sara Gilbert) and Ben (Jay R. Ferguson) for a big favor. William H. Macy guest stars as Smitty.

In a scene from Disney+’s National Treasure: Edge of History, actor Lisette Olivera as Jess stands with her hands touching a large, wooden bookcase. She wears a cream long-sleeved T-shirt, a brown leather belt, and light blue denim jeans.

National Treasure: Edge of History—Wednesday, January 11, on Disney+
Jess (Lisette Olivera) works with Billie (Catherine Zeta-Jones) to decipher a hundreds-year-old clue that is tied to a famous 18th century landmark. Together, they plan a near-impossible heist during a historical reenactment to retrieve the next piece of the treasure map. However, things don’t go as planned—and Jess is face with a difficult decision. All episodes are available to binge on the streaming service.

In a scene from ABC competition series The Chase, Brandon Blackwell sits above a large digital screen that reads “$40,000.” He wears a black blazer; a white button-down shirt; and a purple and silver-striped tie.

The Chase—Thursday, January 12, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Hosted by Sara Haines, the trivia competition series returns with three all-new contestants vying for the chance to take down the Chaser. Will the combined wits of a heavy metal music enthusiast, a high school teacher, and an oncologist be enough to take down Brandon “The Lightning Bolt” Blackwell? Tune in to find out!

Colorful New World of Color – One Details—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

New Look at World of Color – One at Disney California Adventure Park

We’re now officially celebrating Disney100—and as part of the party, the brand-new nighttime spectacular World of Color – One will debut at Disney California Adventure Park on January 27. Our friends at Disney Parks Blog just released a new peek at the spectacular, and it looks to live up to that moniker:

This new spectacular honors how a single action, like a drop of water, creates a ripple that can grow into a wave of change. Guests will discover how it only takes one action to make an impact on the people in their lives, as well the world around them—just as one man, Walt Disney, started the wave that has continued to inspire people around the globe for a century. It’s the first Disneyland Resort nighttime spectacular to feature characters, music, and moments from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, the Avengers, and Star Wars in the same production; moments from films including The Lion King, Moana, Coco, Mulan, Soul, and so many more will materialize on an incredible water screen that can span up to 380 feet across.

With an inspiring message that illustrates the storytelling legacy Walt began 100 years ago, World of Color – One is just one of many new experiences and special offerings coming to Disneyland Resort in honor of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary in 2023… including the premiere of another all-new nighttime spectacular, Wondrous Journeys, at Disneyland Park, also on January 27!

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

Here we are, officially arriving at the first full weekend of the new year! What’s in store from around the worlds of Disney? Perhaps most notably, the broadcast debut of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder on Disney Channel! Meanwhile, ABC’s The Wonderful World of Disney returns with Beauty and the Beast … and there’s much more where that came from.

Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Announces Disney+ Streaming Date 

Here’s some thrilling news for Disney+ viewers: Earlier this week, it was announced that Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will debut on the streaming service February 1.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will join 16 other Marvel Cinematic Universe movies now streaming in IMAX Enhanced on Disney+, which gives subscribers more picture, with an expanded aspect ratio for an immersive viewing experience at home (content availability varies by region).

In anticipation of the film’s upcoming streaming debut, Proximity Media, in collaboration with Marvel Studios and Marvel Entertainment, released Wakanda Forever: The Official Black Panther Podcast. Audiences are invited to listen and learn about the exciting and emotional journey to make the film over the course of six episodes. The first episode is out now on the Wakanda Forever: The Official Black Panther Podcast feed, available on all major podcast platforms and at ProximityMedia.com. Five additional episodes will be available weekly beginning January 18.

The calendar for runDisney’s 2023-24 race season is seen in graphic form—listing various dates of race series or weekend, with the runDisney logo on the left-hand side. Next to each series or weekend, there is a smaller logo: 2023 runDisney Virtual Series has a yellow logo depicting a silhouette of Mickey Mouse; 2023 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend has a red logo depicting shoes; 2024 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend has a navy blue logo depicting a silhouette of Mickey Mouse; 2024 Disneyland Half-Marathon Weekend has a purple logo with a large letter “D”; 2024 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend has a pink logo with a large letter “P”; and 2024 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend has a green and white flower logo.

runDisney Reveals Dates for 2023-24 Race Season

Here’s a great way to keep up a New Year’s resolution: The good folks at runDisney recently shared event and registration dates for the 2023-24 race season, including information on the highly anticipated return of the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend in 2024!

With entertainment, beloved characters, and Disney magic at every mile, every runDisney race is an unforgettable experience for runners of all ages and skill levels. The image above (courtesy of Disney Parks Blog) shows a calendar of events for the upcoming season.

The 2023 runDisney Virtual Series will take place from June–August 2023; general registration for the virtual series begins on April 25. All virtual races are for U.S. participants only. Meanwhile, the fan-favorite Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend will return to the Happiest Place on Earth between January 11-14, 2024, and will include three endurance events, a challenge, and more!

With the return of the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, runDisney will also reintroduce the runDisney Coast to Coast Race Challenge in 2024! More information about the challenge and how to qualify will be available on runDisney.com later this month.

Go Behind the Scenes with SuperKitties

There are four paw-some new hero kittens arriving on the animated-series scene, courtesy of Disney Branded Television, in the form of SuperKitties—and D23 was lucky enough to chat with series creator Paula Rosenthal about how the show came to be. Check it out by clicking here.

Disney Cruise Line Debuts Pixar Day at Sea

This very weekend, Pixar Day at Sea will make its big Disney Cruise Line debut onboard the Disney Fantasy—bringing to life the ever-evolving stories of our favorite Pixar toys, monsters, and heroes during one truly incredible day at sea! Take a look at some Pixar friends getting the Disney Fantasy ready for all the fun in the video above.

On select seven-night sailings through mid-March, families will encounter more Pixar characters than ever before during this day-long celebration… including meet-and-greet opportunities, dance and pool parties, family activities, and even an all-new nighttime spectacular. Tons of new themed food and beverage items will also be available during these voyages, including a breakfast with Toy Story’s Woody and friends, sweet treats that are sure to delight, and a Pixar-inspired dinner.

For more info on all manner of amazing upcoming sailings, visit DisneyCruiseLine.com.

ICYMI: Remembering Disney Legend Barbara Walters

Barbara Walters, named a Disney Legend in 2008, passed away last week at the age of 93. From her early days on NBC’s Today through to her creation of ABC’s long-running talk show The View, Walters was a true broadcasting pioneer. Read more about her extraordinary—and groundbreaking—life, including thoughts from Disney CEO Bob Iger, here at D23.com.

Start the New Year with Star Wars-Inspired Self Care, Courtesy of Ashley Eckstein

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Whether you’re a Jedi in a galaxy far, far away or a Star Wars fan a little bit closer on Earth, everyone needs time to take care of their mental health. Luke learned to find balance in the Force through Yoda... for us Earthlings, we can use YouTube—specifically, the Star Wars Mindful Matters series on the Star Wars Kids YouTube channel! As you make your resolutions for the new year and plan your 2023, we hope you’ll plan to take care of yourself, and thankfully the Star Wars Mindful Matters series is here to help.

Launched on May the 4th in 2022, Star Wars Mindful Matters was created by Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars and beyond) and produced in collaboration with Citrone 33. Each of the five episodes is hosted by Eckstein, who guides viewers through exercises that better connect you to your mental health—and the Force. Sometimes that means practicing breathing techniques; other times it could be roaring like a Wookiee!

If this series is sounding like an out-of-this-world way to fulfill a new year’s resolution or two, read on to hear from Eckstein herself about the series and why it means so much to her:

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club: How did you originally come up with the concept of the Star Wars Mindful Matter series?
Ashley Eckstein (AE): Star Wars Mindful Matters goes way back to when I first debuted as the voice of Ahsoka Tano in 2008. I started doing Star Wars Weekends at the [Disney] Parks and would do autograph signings every day and meet a ton of kids. The number one questions from kids was how they could be a Jedi, just like Ahsoka. We learned from the Star Wars story that training your mind is just as important as physically training your body. Jedi Master Yoda teaches us that a Jedi must have the deepest commitment; the most serious mind. Luke Skywalker teaches Rey that confronting fear is the destiny of a Jedi. Each episode of Star Wars Mindful Matters is a lesson that we learn in Star Wars paired with a clinically based mindfulness exercise or lesson. I worked with the Lucasfilm Story Group to make sure that the lessons from Star Wars were accurate and truly based in the Star Wars story. Then I worked with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to make sure each exercise or lesson was clinically based, and I paired the two together.

D23: How do you go about creating an episode of Star Wars Mindful Matters? Do you start with the mental health exercise or the Star Wars connection first?
AE: It’s important to me that it starts with the story, because as fans, we really relate to these characters, and we really relate to the lessons from our favorite Disney stories. Then I work with the doctors and the child-life specialists to make sure we pair the right clinically based exercise with that moment and the lesson that you’re learning. The nice part is that all of these very, very important life lessons are already in the stories. We’re not making anything up.

D23: Do you have a favorite out of the exercises you’ve done so far for the series?
AE: My favorite is the Cave Challenge, because I’ve watched these scenes with Luke and Yoda training in Degobah, or Rey training with Luke on Ahch-to, over and over again, but for the longest time I didn’t realize that the cave represented their mind. When I made that connection, I realized that on a daily basis, I’m failing this Cave Challenge. I’m approaching certain things with fear and worry and doubt, and then I’m bringing that fear, worry, and doubt to my everyday life. The Cave Challenge helped me with Star Wars Mindful Matters because it was the first time that I ever wrote a script for Star Wars!

I was incredibly nervous and incredibly doubtful. I really had severe writer’s block. My doubt was so strong that I paralyzed myself with fear and I didn’t think that I could do it. So, I had to do the Cave Challenge for myself and then I also took some deep breaths, I calmed my mind, I got my mind to a place of peace and calm. Then I walked back into my cave with calm and peace and positivity. When I broke it down into small steps, and when I brought in a positive attitude, I was able to write all five scripts.

D23: Speaking to a specific video from the Star Wars Mindfulness Matters series, did you practice the roars you did in the Wookiee Roars video? Or did you come up with them in the moment?
AE: Okay, well here’s the whole story behind it. I couldn’t do a Wookiee roar. I put out a call to action on social media prior to filming the video, and I asked fans for their help, and they gave me some really, really good tips. I practiced for a couple of days and I still couldn’t do it. I had this kind of guttural thing that sounded more like a truck backing up!

When we went to film it, I said, “Look, I still can’t really do a Wookiee roar, so can we do something in post-production that enhances it a little bit?” That’s what I thought that we were going to do. So, I wasn’t really even trying, because I’m like, “Oh, it’s going be fixed in post-production.” Then Ian Bucknell, our director from Lucasfilm Home Video production, tells me afterwards, “Ashley, we’re going use them exactly as is.”

It ended up being perfect—because part of being mindful is just letting go of your fears of something not being perfect. And my Wookiee roars are not perfect, but for the majority of people doing this exercise, they’re not going have a perfect Wookiee roar. That’s part of the lesson, to let go of your fear of not being perfect and just letting it all out and being silly.

D23: How did you get involved with On Our Sleeves, the movement for children’s mental health, powered by the behavioral health experts at Nationwide Children’s Hospital?
AE: I was on a book tour for my very first book that I ever wrote for Disney called It’s Your Universe: You Have the Power to Make it Happen. In the middle of this book tour, I was set to do a book signing at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. They are the leaders in children’s mental health in our nation. In the middle of doing this book tour, I became a victim of cyber bullying. It was awful—it was extremely overwhelming. I showed up to this signing at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, completely broken. I went to help the patients and their families, but really, I showed up in need of help. The hospital just wrapped their arms around me.

After about five days, we were able to get the cyber bullying under control. The biggest thing that concerned me was that I’m an adult going through this, and it really, really affected my mind. I don’t know how a kid would go through something like this and without the same support that I had. I pledged to be a voice for others from that day on. Oftentimes kids don’t know how to share their emotions.; they don’t know how to reach out and ask for help. That’s what’s been very important to me is to teach others the tools that they need for their mental health.

If there’s one lesson that I could share, and this is one thing that Ahsoka has really taught me, is that there’s always light, even in the darkest of times. Sometimes you just feel so consumed by darkness, but there’s always light. And sometimes you find it just by taking the smallest of steps.

D23: Why is teaching mindfulness important to you?
AE: Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. You can’t have one without the other—and one is not more important than the other. There’s been such a stigma surrounding mental health and there shouldn’t be—especially after the past years that we’ve been through. There’s not a single person that is untouched from the past three years. It’s all affected us in some way. We wanted to create a free resource for fans to be able to learn and benefit from this series.

Our goal is to be able to teach these very important life skills, but in a way where it’s accessible and safe and friendly for everyone. Sometimes I need the extra motivation. If I feel like I am training to be a Jedi—well, then that is so much more exciting! I’m just really hoping that by creating this free resource for all fans, that they will feel comfortable doing them. These are meant to be daily exercises that whenever you’re feeling nervous or worried or you just need to start your day on the right foot, that you’ll be able to turn to these exercises.

Ready to start training like a Jedi? You can watch all the videos in the Star Wars Mindful Matters series here.