All Our Favorite Easter Eggs on Pixar Pier

By Jessica Benda

For fans of the past 37 years of beloved Pixar films, there’s a place to visit where animation collides with reality: Pixar Pier.

Nestled deep within Disney’s California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, Pixar Pier is a whirlwind of vibrant attractions and lively characters. From the comfortable whimsy of the Lamplight Lounge to the spun sugar of Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff, the pier abounds with tributes to our favorite movies.

Pixar feaures are known for their Easter eggs—look for an “A113” hidden in every film to date, for example—so it’s no surprise that this corner of the park is an Easter egg hunter’s paradise. Even seasoned Magic Key holders might find something new to appreciate on each visit.

In celebration of today’s anniversary of Pixar’s founding, see whether you’ve caught these creative details before.

Lamplight Lounge’s Menu
Pixar enthusiasts will be quick to recognize a few names while perusing this entertaining menu. Overlooking the water or tucked indoors, guests sip themed drinks like “Goofball Island,” a nod to one of Riley’s personality islands in Inside Out. Fans of Monsters, Inc. won’t hesitate to recognize the frozen mocktail “2319” or its adult counterpart, a rum cocktail dubbed “Scream Canister.”

A view of Lamplight Lounge’s interior. A row of tables is pressed between a black banquette and a row of leather chairs. Pixar artwork and memorabilia, including the Finding Nemo film poster and the guitar from Coco, hang on the brick wall that the banquette leans against. Several desk-style lamps hang at the top.

Handwritten Notes
It’s hard to miss Lamplight Lounge’s paper-like chandeliers, but it’s slightly harder to read what’s on them. While most feature character sketches, guests who squint will find scribbled film quotes as well. These quotes continue in the hallway to the restrooms, handwritten by Pixar employees for a personal touch. Lamplight Lounge is the James P. Sullivan of Easter eggs, so it’s the perfect place on the pier to take a closer look.

Small Fry
Hunger is easily remedied by several snack stalls—all of which are cleverly themed. Even Pixar novices will likely know the films behind Adorable Snowman’s Frosted Treats (Monsters, Inc.) and Señor Buzz’s Churros (Toy Story 3), but one pier eatery has a more subtle inspiration. Poultry Palace, known for its seasoned chicken drumstick boxes, is seen in the 2011 short Small Fry.

In the second installment of the Toy Story Toons series, Bonnie and her family dine at a fast-food chicken restaurant called Poultry Palace. Chaos ensues as the kids’ meal toys, including a Mini Buzz Lightyear and a Mini Zurg, turn out to have minds of their own. If you have an especially quick eye, you might also have seen Poultry Palace briefly in Toy Story 4.

A view of the Incredibles-themed entrance just before Incredicoaster. The archway is Elastigirl stretching from one side to the other, with the rest of the Parr family painted on one side. The classic letter “I” logo sits atop the arch. In the background is the white rails of one of the coaster’s turns and the start of the queue.

The Smell of Cookies
Whether it’s the smell of sea breeze and fresh grass in Soarin’ Around the World or the sweet aromas of Main Street, U.S.A., the Disneyland Resort is steeped in iconic scents. Pixar Pier continues this trend with the Incredicoaster, a red pump of adrenaline across the Southern California skyline. If you weren’t too busy fighting for your life, you might have noticed the scent of chocolate chip cookies before plunging down one of the coaster’s rises.

And if those cookies smelled good enough to eat, which they did, stop by Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums just outside the exit.

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
Pixar Pier isn’t the first zone to honor Pixar characters: Radiator Springs still thrives in the park’s Cars Land while Orlando guests roam Andy’s backyard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Toy Story Land. But regular parkgoers will also likely remember “a bug’s land,” the a bug’s life-themed oasis that pre-dated the Avengers Campus.

The spirit of that mini-land’s spinning attraction Flik’s Flyers is now embodied by Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind. Guests once boarded old animal cracker boxes and applesauce containers to fly through the air, while they now ride the boisterous emotions of Inside Out. With eyes closed, it’s almost like Flik’s Flyers has returned.

Two girls wearing mouse ears play Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss. One, wearing a blue shirt, tosses candy corn toward one of three Heimlichs, all of whom have mouths open. On the side, two smiling cast members each hold a stuffed prize—one ladybug and one caterpillar—as they watch the candy corn midair.

Heimlich’s Return
There’s more than one nod to “a bug’s land” on Pixar Pier. One of the midway’s four game booths is Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss, where guests throw oversized candy corns into the caterpillar’s mouth. You might remember Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train, where Heimlich took guests through a huge watermelon, sweet-smelling animal crackers, and candy corn. Though Heimlich’s tours have been retired, you can still hear his voice at his midway game.

Neighborhoods
While Disney California Adventure is divided into themed lands, Pixar Pier included, the pier itself merges its own neighborhoods—and their clever names aren’t on the directory. Guests may enter through Pixar Promenade, home to Knick’s Knacks and Lamplight Lounge, and continue to Incredibles Park. Past this is Toy Story Boardwalk, which boasts the iconic Toy Story Midway Mania! and game booths, then head out through the brightly-colored Inside Out Headquarters.

Subtle Pixar Characters
Under the Pixar Promenade canopy, it’s easy to be so distracted by the vibrancy around you that you don’t notice the details above. Silhouettes of Pixar characters embellish the space between the canopy beams, from Edna Mode to Bruce the shark. Four rows guarantee plenty of characters, so look up to find your favorite.

A photo of the front of the Angry Dogs snack booth. A large figure of Anger, a bright-red emotion from Inside Out, wears a white collared shirt, red tie, belt, and dark trousers. His fists are thrown in the air, face enraged, as flames fly from the top of his head. Atop the horizontal flames is a hot dog, with “Angry Dogs” in black lettering across it.

Everything About Angry Dogs
Perhaps leaning the most into its theme is Angry Dogs, an Inside Out-inspired snack stall. We’re not completely sure about the backstory, but it looks like Anger has taken his rage and funneled it into something productive: hot dogs. Enjoy an Angry Dog, a spicy hot dog with hot “fries,” or a Slightly Annoyed Dog, a plain hot dog with potato chips. Our favorite part is the detail of the condiments, which span from “Keeping It Together” (ketchup) to “Raging” (Buffalo hot sauce).

Luxo Jr.
This detail may be an obvious one, but it’s one of our favorites. Pixar’s mascot and beloved lamp, Luxo Jr., watches over guests from atop the dazzling “Pixar Pier” marquee. He often turns to look at the crowds below, and even sneaks a peek at the “World of Color” water spectacular. Stop by to make eye contact—or lightbulb contact?—with Luxo Jr. before enjoying the pier.

D23 Gold Member Exclusive Peter Pan 70th Anniversary Pin – On Sale Soon!

Think of all the joy you’ll find when you leave the world behind with this pixie-dusted pin! Celebrate 70 flight-filled years of Peter Pan and the imaginative wonder of Peter and the Darling children.

Inspired by Walt Disney's Peter Pan (1953), which was based on J.M. Barrie’s timeless play, Peter Pan tells the tale of Wendy and her brothers as they embark on fantastic adventures with the hero of their bedtime stories. With faith, trust, and Tinker Bell’s pixie dust, Peter teaches them how to fly and leads them to the “second star to the right” and beyond... to a Never Land of eternal youth!

01_peter-pan-pin_020123_1180w-600h
VIEW LATEST MERCH

D23-Exclusive Peter Pan 70th Anniversary Limited Edition Pin

This special pin is a great way to commemorate seven decades of the fan-favorite classic Peter Pan. Featuring Peter Pan and the Darling children soaring through the skies, this pin recounts their majestic journey to Never Land. Think the happiest thoughts and snag this pin!

Our D23-Exclusive Peter Pan 70th Anniversary pin, offered in a limited edition of 1,500, is available to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney on Tuesday, February 7, at 7 a.m. PT.*

Not a D23 Gold Member?
Sign up today to access limited edition merch
and year-round discounts and offers!

BECOME A MEMBER

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. These pins are sold for $18.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pins of this style for purchase per D23 Gold Member for online orders. Shipping not available to PO boxes; shipping and handling fees may vary for all online orders. Other restrictions may apply. All information is subject to change including, but not limited to, artwork, release dates, editions sizes, and retail prices.

D23 Gold Member Exclusive The Princess and the Frog Pin – On Sale Soon!

Celebrate your wishes on the evening star and the self-made magic of Tiana! Look back on the incredible legacy of this fan-favorite princess, and her courage and commitment that reminds all of us that we’re almost there...

This pin is inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Princess and the Frog, a modern twist on a classic tale. The animated comedy is set in the great city of New Orleans, and features a beautiful girl named Tiana; a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again; and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure

01_1180w-600h_tptf-pin_020223
VIEW LATEST MERCH

D23-Exclusive The Princess and the Frog – Tiana Limited Edition Pin

The pin is a delicious way to celebrate the exceptional culinary talents of Tiana—the inspired heroine of the film. Featuring the princess in her iconic white dress from “Almost There” standing against a golden river lily, the image will help you channel the empowering nature of Tiana—encouraging you to remember that you know exactly where you’re going, getting closer and closer every day!

Our D23-Exclusive The Princess and the Frog – Tiana pin, offered in a limited edition of 1,000, is available to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney on Tuesday, February, at 7 a.m. PST.*

Not a D23 Gold Member?
Sign up today to access limited edition merch
and year-round discounts and offers!

BECOME A MEMBER

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. These pins are sold for $18.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pins of this style for purchase per D23 Gold Member for online orders. Shipping not available to PO boxes; shipping and handling fees may vary for all online orders. Other restrictions may apply. All information is subject to change including, but not limited to, artwork, release dates, editions sizes, and retail prices.

Disney D23 Rewind—Week of January 30

By Courtney Potter

Scott Lang Announces New Memoir Look Out for the Little Guy! Coming This Fall

He’s an Avenger, an Employee of the Century at a certain national ice cream chain—and now, Scott Lang is adding “published author” to his list of accolades. Ahead of the premiere of Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania on February 17, our friends at Marvel announced that the book Look Out for the Little Guy!—which appears in the feature film—will be coming to bookstores this fall. See Paul Rudd, who famously (and hilariously) portrays Lang, make the announcement in the clip, below.

In Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, Lang has written a memoir about his life as a Super Hero and Avenger—and of course it’s a bestseller! As the movie opens, he’s currently on a book tour for Look Out for the Little Guy!, doing readings at bookshops and smiling for the camera.

In close association with Marvel Studios and the filmmakers, Hyperion Avenue is bringing the book seen in the movie to real life, with Lang’s bracingly honest account of his struggles and triumphs—including the official account of what really happened between The Avengers and Thanos.

The hardcover adult fiction book is now available for preorder with an on-sale date set for Tuesday, September 5, and retails for $26.99.

The rainbow-hued logo for The Soul of Music podcast from National Geographic. The words “The Soul of Music” are seen in white at the top; concentric circles are seen in the middle; and the National Geographic logo is seen at the bottom.

National Geographic to Release Four-Part Podcast Series, The Soul of Music

National Geographic is debuting The Soul of Music, a month-long podcast series that will feature influential Black musicians and National Geographic Explorers to commemorate Black History Month. The Soul of Music premieres on Tuesday, February 7, and releases weekly through February 28.

The four episodes are part of Overheard, National Geographic’s flagship podcast, and will be hosted by its producer, Khari Douglas. The musician lineup includes Rhiannon Giddens, Sampa the Great, Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, and Meklit Hadero, who is also a National Geographic Explorer. In addition to Hadero, the National Geographic Explorers featured will include Alyea Pierce, Danielle Lee, Justin Dunnavant, and Jahawi Bertolli. Episodes will be edited by Carla Wills, manager of audio.

“As global storytellers, we all have a responsibility to engage in cultural archeology to explore our past and to understand our shared history. Music is the perfect medium to inspire exploration and create bridges to the past,” says executive producer Davar Ardalan.

The Soul of Music podcast series will be available on Apple Podcasts, among other platforms. Listen to the trailer on Spotify here.

ICYMI: Behind the Scenes of Fire of Love from National Geographic Documentary Films

Speaking of Nat Geo, D23 recently heard from director and producer Sara Dosa about Fire of Love—a National Geographic Documentary Film that follows the fascinating story of French volcanologist couple Katia and Maurice Krafft. Hear from Dosa about the making of the film, currently available to stream on Disney+, by clicking here.

Two promotional images from Disney Cruise Line. In the left image, for Pixar Day at Sea, someone dressed as the character Jessie from Toy Story is entertaining a family in a restaurant; she’s wearing a large red hat and her traditional cowgirl outfit and is standing to the left of a daughter and father sitting at a table clapping, to the right. In the right image, the immersive deck show during Marvel Day at Sea is seen, featuring many characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe surrounded by an audience made up of Disney Cruise Line guests. A large screen toward the top of the image is airing what’s happening on the deck stage.

Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea Return to Disney Cruise Line in 2024

Great news—Disney Cruise Line guests will once again be treated to memorable entertainment featuring all manner of beloved characters, when Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea return to take over 19 Disney Cruise Line sailings to the Caribbean in 2024!

On the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Dream, guests can experience these sailings from January through early March. The daylong celebrations feature themed entertainment, activities, parties, and so much more—all based on fan-favorite films.

Pixar Day at Sea, which debuted on the Disney Fantasy in January, returns to the same ship next year; the bash includes a breakfast, pool party, delicious treats, and character encounters inspired by Pixar tales, including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Monsters Inc. The day culminates with a totally fun Pixar Pals Celebration dance party and immersive deck show! Meanwhile, Marvel Day at Sea brings more than 30 characters from across the Multiverse to the Disney Dream. Inspired by iconic comics and films, the exclusive all-day offering includes a stage production featuring masters of the Mystic Arts; a mesmerizing show on deck; themed youth activities; games fit for the whole family; and special merchandise and menus.

For more information—or to book your own Pixar Day at Sea or Marvel Day at Sea spot—visit disneycruise.com.

A concept rendering of one of the 2023 Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Collection dresses. The flowy floor-length dress has spaghetti straps and a beaded bodice.  

2023 Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Collection to Debut at Digital Fashion Show

Calling all brides, and/or assorted wedding participants: Next Friday, February 10, over 20 Disney Princess-inspired bridal gowns will be unveiled against the dreamy backdrop of Disneyland Resort’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, and viewers can tune in to watch.

The digital fashion show premieres on Disney Parks’ YouTube and TikTok channels at 7 a.m. PT /10 a.m. ET. The show will offer the first look at the 2023 Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Collection, which features gowns inspired by Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Tiana, and Rapunzel. A rendering of one of the dresses is seen, above.

The 2023 Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Collection will be available at worldwide bridal boutiques, along with the 2022 and 2021 collections. Which dress will you say yes to?

Don’t Miss Celebrating Disney100 at Disneyland Resort…

Looking for every way to honor Disney100 the next time you find yourself having oodles of fun at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park? Unless you’ve been living on another planet the last few weeks (we don’t judge, and welcome back!), you’ve no doubt heard that the big Disney100 celebrations have officially kicked off at Disneyland Resort—so take a look at our handy-dandy guide for what to eat, see, and do.

The logo for Star Wars Visions—the words of the title are in red script against a black background.

Disney+ Shares Star Wars: Visions Volume 2 Release Date, Animation Studios, and Filmmakers

This week, Disney+ and Lucasfilm announced that the second volume of the animated anthology series Star Wars: Visions will premiere exclusively on the streaming service on Thursday, May 4—Star Wars Day!

Following on the Emmy® Award-nominated success of Star Wars: Visions, the newest volume will continue to push the boundaries of Star Wars storytelling with nine new shorts from nine studios from around the globe. Employing the most captivating animation styles from a variety of countries and cultures, the second volume will offer a dynamic new perspective on the storied mythos of Star Wars.

The shorts included in Star Wars: Visions Volume 2 were created by the following international animation studios: El Guiri (Spain), Cartoon Saloon (Ireland), Punkrobot (Chile), Aardman (United Kingdom), Studio Mir (South Korea) Studio La Cachette (France), 88 Pictures (India), D’art Shtajio (Japan), and Triggerfish (South Africa). D’Art Shtajio’s short was created in collaboration with Lucasfilm Ltd. (United States).

Look for shorts entitled Journey to the Dark Head from director Hyeong Geun Park; The Bandits of Golak from director Ishan Shukla; I Am Your Mother from director Magdalena Osinska; and more.

In a promotional image for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Garden Rocks Concert Series, a family of three is highlighted, enjoying a concert. The mother (left) has long dark hair and is wearing a yellow flowered shirt; she’s holding hands with her young daughter (center), also with long dark hair, wearing a pink shirt; the father (right) has short dark hair and is wearing a light yellow shirt. In the blurry background, a band is seen playing on a stage, and a few other audience members surround the family.

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Announces Garden Rocks Concert Series Lineup

Get ready to rock! The Garden Rocks Concert series returns this March to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, featuring a bevy of world-renowned performers as well as fabulous local acts. Concerts start at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m. ET from Wednesday, March 1, to Wednesday, July 5, at America Gardens Theatre; seats can fill up quickly, but guests can now snag a Garden Rocks Dining Package.

To experience EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, guests must have both valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date.

Garden Rocks spotlights internationally recognized artists Fridays through Mondays, while local Orlando talent takes the stage on Tuesdays through Thursdays. Check out the full roster of performers below:

  • March 3-4: Journey former lead vocalist Steve Augeri
  • March 5-6: Daughtry
  • March 10-11: Tommy DeCarlo
  • March 12-13: Smash Mouth
  • March 17-18: Mike DelGuidice
  • March 19-20: Blue Oyster Cult (NEW)
  • March 24-25: Berlin
  • March 26-27: The Pointer Sisters
  • March 31: Luis Figueroa (NEW)
  • April 1-2: Piso 21 (NEW)
  • April 3: TBD
  • April 7-8: STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
  • April 9-10: Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles
  • April 16-17: Switchfoot (NEW)
  • April 21-22: A Flock of Seagulls
  • April 23-24: Jo Dee Messina
  • April 28-29: Ambrosia with Peter Beckett, the Voice of Player
  • April 30, May 1: Kool and the Gang
  • May 5-8: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
  • May 12-15: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
  • May 19-20: A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce (NEW)
  • May 21-22: Casting Crowns (NEW)
  • May 26-27: Jason Scheff, longtime lead singer of Chicago (NEW)
  • May 28-29: Rick Springfield
  • June 2-5: Plain White T’s
  • June 9-10: The Spinners
  • June 11-12: The Commodores
  • June 16-17: Vertical Horizon
  • June 18-19: Tony Orlando
  • June 23-26: Simple Plan
  • June 30, July 1: Living Colour
  • July 2-3: Wang Chung

Disney+ Debuts New Featurette for The Mandalorian Season 3

Our friends at Disney+ just shared an exciting featurette for the third season of The Mandalorian—the critically acclaimed, original, live-action series from Lucasfilm, streaming exclusively on Disney+ starting Wednesday, March 1.

Watch the new featurette below and join Disney Legend Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Rick Famuyiwa, and others as they explore how The Mandalorian and its fan-favorite character, adorable Grogu, rose to engage the world and win the hearts of viewers around the world.

In Season 3, the journeys of the Mandalorian through the Star Wars galaxy continue. Once a lone bounty hunter, Din Djarin has reunited with Grogu; meanwhile, the New Republic struggles to lead the galaxy away from its dark history. The Mandalorian will cross paths with old allies and make new enemies as he and Grogu continue their galactic adventures together…

The series stars Pedro Pascal, Katee Sackhoff, Carl Weathers, Amy Sedaris, Emily Swallow, and Giancarlo Esposito. The directors of the eight-episode Season 3 include Famuyiwa, Weathers, Rachel Morrison, Lee Isaac Chung, Peter Ramsey, and Bryce Dallas Howard.

Titanic: 25 Years Later with James Cameron Finally Settles Whether the Raft Could Have Fit Two People

If you’re among the countless fans who’ve said Jack and Rose could have both fit on that raft in Titanic (1997), director James Cameron is ready to see if you’re right…

The experiment is part of the documentary Titanic: 25 Years Later with James Cameron, which airs this Sunday, February 5, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on National Geographic. The new doc features the story of how the sunken ship was found, how it sank, and if additional lifeboats could have saved more lives.

In the segment, Cameron adds a postscript to his fictional retelling of the tragedy: After hearing fans insist that Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) didn’t have to die that night, he gathers hypothermia experts and mounts tests to determine, once and for all, whether both Jack and Rose (Kate Winslet) could have fit on the raft and survived.

Titanic: 25 Years Later with James Cameron leads into Titanic’s remastered theatrical release on Friday, February 10—mark your ’90s-loving calendars!

In a promotional image for Earl of Sandwich, a chicken sandwich on toasted bread—with avocado, bacon, lettuce, and tomato—is seen on a wooden serving tray to the left, surrounded by potato chips. To the right and slightly behind the tray is an Earl of Sandwich drink cup, which features the restaurant’s red, white, and blue logo, depicting a man with the words “Earl of Sandwich” around his face. Behind the sandwich and drink is a field of blurred yellow flowers.

Earl of Sandwich Now Open at Downtown Disney District

Hark! What news from our good friends at Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort? Why, Earl of Sandwich is now officially open! The quick-service dining destination that celebrates the art of the sandwich has made its return, opening for business today—Wednesday, February 1—at its new temporary location (the spot formerly occupied by La Brea Bakery). The fan-favorite restaurant serves a menu of handcrafted hot sandwiches, salads, breakfast dishes, baked goods and more. Guests can enjoy all their delicious signature sandwiches… plus, making its Earl of Sandwich debut is the new Spicy BBQ Brisket Sandwich, available for a limited time.

The Earl of Sandwich Tavern, a full-service restaurant offering seated breakfast, lunch, and dinner—in addition to a full bar—is slated to debut in a few weeks, so keep your eyes peeled (and your taste buds ready) for more info.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Descendants (@disneydescendants)

The Pocketwatch (Working Title)—Newest Installment of Descendants Franchise is Now in Production!

Just this week, Disney Branded Television revealed that The Pocketwatch (working title), the newest installment in Disney’s mega-hit Descendants franchise, has started production!

In the video above, Kylie Cantrall (Red), Malia Baker (Chloe), Dara Reneé (Uliana), Morgan Dudley (Ella), and Joshua Colley (Hook) are seen taking part in a recording session for the film, kicking off what’s sure to be a memorable few months.

Late last year, it was revealed that talented multi-hyphenate performers Brandy and Rita Ora will journey to the fantastical kingdom of Auradon in the film—joining a cast that also includes China Anne McClain, Ruby Rose Turner, and Melanie Paxson

The expansive new story finds polar opposites Red and Chloe crossing paths at a momentous celebration in Auradon when unexpected chaos breaks out. In order to prevent an impending coup, they must join forces to travel back in time—via a magical pocket watch created by the Mad Hatter’s son—to stop an event that would lead to grave consequences.

Stay tuned for more The Pocketwatch news as it becomes available!

In an image from Avatar: The Way of Water, Jake Sully (portrayed by Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (portrayed by Zoe Saldaña) are talking to one another, while members of their family are seen behind them. They are looking intently at one another.

Avatar: The Way of Water Is Now the 4th Highest-Grossing Film of All Time

Here’s some amazing news: This past weekend, Avatar: The Way of Water became the fourth highest-grossing film worldwide at the global box office, surpassing Star Wars: The Force Awakens! Nominated for four Academy Awards®, including Best Picture, the film remained No. 1 at the domestic box office after seven weekends in release—a feat that has not been achieved since the original Avatar was released in 2009. That’s not all: Avatar: The Way of Water is the second fastest film in history to reach $2 billion (after Avengers: Endgame) and it is now the 11th highest-grossing release of all time domestically.

Across the world, Avatar: The Way of Water is also the highest-grossing film of all time in France, Austria, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Lebanon, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Cambodia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. Pandora is truly global!

Behind the Scenes of Fire of Love from National Geographic Documentary Films

By Zach Johnson

Fire of Love, from director and producer Sara Dosa, tells a story of creation and destruction, following two bold explorers as they venture into the unknown—all for the sake of love. Indeed, Katia and Maurice Krafft loved two things: each other and volcanoes. For two decades, the French volcanologist couple roamed the Earth, chasing eruptions and documenting their discoveries. Ultimately, they died in a 1991 volcanic explosion, leaving a legacy that enriched our knowledge of the natural world.

Dosa says she was inspired to make Fire of Love while finishing her first film, The Seer and the Unseen (2019), a verité documentary set in Iceland. “Iceland is a volcanic island, and as we were looking for archival imagery of erupting volcanos in Iceland—that’s when we first learned of Katia and Maurice Krafft,” Dosa recalls. “My team and I instantly thought, ‘Wow, this footage is spectacular.’” Dosa was excited by the Kraffts’ love for each other and for the Earth, but what sealed the deal was their treasure trove of footage. “We thought, ‘Wow, this is really a film we want to make.’”

Katia Krafft wears a metal helmet-like contraption. The metal has scratch marks and scuff marks all over. Krafft’s face is visible through a rectangular cut-out.

Distributed theatrically by National Geographic Documentary Films and Neon, Fire of Love proved to be a labor of love for Dosa and her filmmaking team. “We had phenomenal challenges along the way,” she confesses. “For example, the 16mm footage that Katia and Maurice shot did not have any synced sound. Sound plays such a constitutive role in narrative storytelling, so we [had to ask ourselves], ‘How are we going to be able to do this?’ Working with my extraordinary editors, Erin Casper and Jocelyne Chaput, we devised ways to create soundscapes using volcano libraries, doing very precise research to make sure that the eruptions sounded scientifically accurate and built the character of the volcano in a multidimensional way.”

Dosa continues, “It was also extremely challenging to tell an intimate love story when our protagonists had passed away 30 years before we ever came to the material. We drew upon our experience as verité filmmakers to listen deeply, however we could, to figure out ways for the project to still be a co-creation. That meant hungrily reading everything we could read about the Kraffts—including their nearly 20 books they wrote—and, of course, listening and watching all of their own footage. And it also meant doing some deep research with the people who knew and loved them. We tried to conjure their spirits and at once acknowledge that there are some things we could never know because they passed away. There was that balance between speaking to the unknowns and to their story. Hopefully those unknowns would resonate with the great unknowns of the planet that Katia and Maurice themselves were so in love with.”

Maurice Krafft (left) and Katia Krafft (right) wear blue coats; Maurice’s coat has black color blocking from the ribs down. Maurice is also wearing a pink hat and carrying a green and black backpack. Katie is wearing a red hat and large glasses and is carrying a Nikon camera around her neck. Behind them are giant plumes of smoke.

Hailed by Variety as “a spellbinding experience” and The Hollywood Reporter as “a gorgeously photographed, dreamily constructed portrait,” Fire of Love won multiple awards throughout its festival run, including the Sundance Film Festival’s Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award, the Visions du Réel Audience Award, The International Wildlife Film Festival’s Best Feature Award, the Independent Film Festival Boston’s Documentary Grand Jury Prize, and SIFF’s Special Jury Prize, among others. Most recently, it earned an Academy Award® nomination for Best Documentary Feature Film.

There’s no doubt that Fire of Love, which is currently available to stream on Disney+, has set the world on fire. “When we were making Fire of Love, we conceived of it as kind of an art collage film,” Dosa says. “It was a nature documentary about a love triangle between two humans and an elemental force. It was very French New Wave-inspired... The fact that we were acquired by Nat Geo—which created an opportunity for this art collage film to even reach wider audiences—was such a surprise and a delight for us.”

TRON Lightcycle / Run Races Across the Grid on the Cover of the New Disney twenty-three

By the D23 Team

Greetings, programs! The race is on toward the opening of TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise this spring, where users will step out of reality and into the Grid while on this exhilarating attraction at Magic Kingdom Park. Based on the groundbreaking sci-fi classic TRON (1982) from Walt Disney Studios, as well as its sequel TRON: Legacy (2010), TRON Lightcycle / Run brings the digital world to Walt Disney World Resort with 3,000 feet of speed, sounds, and sights to light up the sky. In an exclusive interview, Chris Beatty, Portfolio Creative Director for Walt Disney Imagineering, prepares readers to be digitized, revealing the story and excitement that await guests. “We wanted to make sure TRON Lightcycle / Run is fun and thrilling and delivers on the heart and soul of TRON and the excitement of racing on the Grid,” Beatty says in the Spring issue of Disney twenty-three. Find out how the Imagineering team powers up on this promise through an action-packed race, cutting-edge technology, a brand-new soundtrack, and elements from the films.

Disney100: The Exhibition, opening February 18 at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, takes guests on an immersive journey through Disney’s storytelling legacy, one that is sure to ignite a sense of joy and nostalgia while also tugging on the heartstrings. Explore this one-of-a-kind exhibition with a behind-the-scenes look at the themed galleries, innovative technology, and rarely seen treasures from the Walt Disney Archives’ vault that offer new perspectives on these beloved stories.

The highly anticipated Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)—the continuation of the Multiverse Saga—kicks off with the release of Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania on February 17. As readers take the leap into the Quantum Realm, stars Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man) and Jonathan Majors (Kang the Conqueror), as well as director Peyton Reed, share big details about this microscopic universe. As Rudd tells Disney twenty-three, “This movie is bigger in every way and will play an important part in what’s going to follow in the MCU.”

From the beginning of Phase 5 to the end of an era, Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) and his band of former renegades turned rag-tag heroes reach their final chapter when Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 opens this May. New and returning cast members including Sean Gunn (Kraglin), Will Poulter (Adam Warlock), and Pom Klementieff (Mantis) give readers a first look at what’s in store for this motley crew of misfits as they finally find their “place in the universe,” share what it was like to film this concluding installment of the Guardians’ story, and tease the emotional roller coaster to come.

The new issue, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also takes readers to Disney Parks around the world with a roundup of some of the cute and not-so-cuddly current residents at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; a journey through 40 years of Tokyo Disney Resort with a look ahead to its future; a toon-tastic tour of the exhibit highlighting Mickey Mouse’s illustrious career featured in the queue for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disneyland Park in California; and a visit to Penny Proud’s princess party with a Disney twist on The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.

A black, oval magnet featuring the D23 logo and the words “Gold Member” in platinum text. A platinum Mickey Mouse is emerging from the 23, smiling and raising his hand.

Plus, as part of Disney’s 100th anniversary and to thank D23 Gold Members for being part of Disney’s official fan club, every issue shipped to members will include a magnet featuring the Mickey Mouse “Leader of the Club” Milestone Statue, created by artist James Fauntleroy.

Also in the Spring 2023 issue of Disney twenty-three:

  • A Spring Break reading list featuring books by award-winning authors that revisit classic stories
  • The creatures, characters, convoys, and locations—both nostalgic and new—in the Star Wars universe you can find in The Mandalorian
  • A special By the Numbers: Disney100 looking back at the beginning of The Walt Disney Company—the first in a four-part series
  • Regular features including D Society, Character Analysis, and Ask the Walt Disney Archives

Disney twenty-three is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps and is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving before the end of February.

Phone featuring the 2024 D23 Gold Member Card and surrounded by sparkles.

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!

Showcased are the four 2025 D23 Gold Member Premiums: Disneyland 70th Collection, including The Happiest Place on Earth, a replica Disneyland Park entrance plaque, and a reproduction of the Disneyland Entrance plaque text draft; Gold Member Fan Pack including a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse water bottle, crossbody bag, and hat; a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse Spirit Jersey; and a 10-piece Pin Set.

Where Disney Fans Belong
Enjoy access to exclusive screenings, special shopping events, immersive experiences, and unique merchandise.

JOIN TODAY

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

By Andie Hagemann

From an aspiring restaurateur to football superstars (and everything in between), there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy this weekend. On Saturday, watch the network debut of an episode of Monsters at Work on Disney Channel, followed on the same network by a new episode of Hamster & Gretel, and then a presentation of Hidden Figures on FXM. Spend your Sunday with a viewing of The Princess and the Frog on Freeform, and the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl Games simulcast across ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, and DisneyXD.

In a scene from Monsters at Work, an orange furry monster with red eyebrows, red pigtails, and red hands steers a motorized cart. A tall purple and blue scaly monster with two large horns sits on the cart and holds a piece of paper.

Monsters at Work—Saturday, February 4, at 8 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
Episode 9 makes its network debut… and things are a bit hairy! After abandoning his dream of becoming a Jokester, Tylor (voiced by Ben Feldman) sets his sights on becoming the perfect MIFTer. However, when he loses the sacred hair of David (voiced by Carlos Alazraqui), a former employee, Tylor must get it back before the MIFT team finds out. The voice cast also includes Disney Legends Billy Crystal and John Goodman, Mindy Kaling, Henry Winkler, Lucas Neff, Alanna Ubach, Stephen Stanton, Bonnie Hunt, and Jennifer Tilly.

In a scene from Hamster & Gretel, Gretel, an animated young girl, sits at a kitchen table and stares at a large robot. She wears an orange headband, a teal sleeveless top, and an orange skirt.

Hamster & Gretel—Saturday, February 4, at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
This all-new episode is chock-full of hilarious hijinks. In the first story, Hamster (voiced by Beck Bennett) gets amnesia after a supervillain fight. Then, Gretel (voiced by Meli Povenmire) and Nordle (voiced by Pamela Adlon) encounter a strange and powerful scone. Will they “overcrumb” their fierce opponent?

In a scene from Hidden Figures, actor Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughan leads a group of Black women down a long hallway. She wears a green blouse and a matching green skirt and holds files in her hands.

Hidden Figures—Saturday, February 4, at 7:35 p.m. ET/PT on FXM
Three brilliant Black women at NASA—Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae)—serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn (Glen Powell) into orbit. Directed by Theodore Melfi, the inspiring previously untold true story chronicles how the trio crossed all gender and races barriers to inspire generations to chase their dreams—no matter how big. The all-star cast also features Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, and Aldis Hodge. The film is also available to stream on Disney+.

In a scene from The Princess and the Frog, Tiana, an animated young woman, hangs off a railway car with her right arm and holds her green bowler hat with her left hand. She wears a yellow dress and a green overcoat. The railway car is green and brown and cruises down the center of the cobblestone street.

The Princess and the Frog—Sunday, February 5, at 2:40 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
Tiana (voiced by Disney Legend Anika Noni Rose) dreams of one day opening the finest restaurant in New Orleans. Hard-working and ambitious, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make her dream come true—and she’s “Almost There.” However, her plan takes a slight detour when she meets Prince Naveen (voiced by Bruno Campos), who has been turned into a frog by evil Dr. Facilier (voiced by Keith David). Mistaking her for a princess and hoping to break the spell, Naveen kisses Tiana—thereby turning her into a frog as well. The unlikely pair team up for a wild adventure through the bayou to enlist the help of Mama Odie (voiced by Jenifer Lewis), a powerful voodoo priestess. The beloved award-winning film also features the voices of Disney Legends Oprah Winfrey and John Goodman, Jim Cummings, Michael-Leon Wooley, Jennifer Cody, and Terrence Howard.

IMAGE 05A Alt text: Host and former NFL star Peyton Manning holds a football and wears a blue suit, a brown belt, and a red-pattern, button-down shirt. He stands against a white background. IMAGE 05B Alt text: Host and former NFL star Eli Manning sits on a blue couch and wears a tan, quarter-zip jacket, a blue T-shirt, and gray pants. Behind Manning are framed photos, footballs, and collectibles.

2023 NFL Pro Bowl Games—Sunday, February 5, from 3-6 p.m. ET/12-3 p.m. PT on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, and Disney XD
NFL superstars are descending upon Las Vegas for the reimagined all-star event. Players will be split into teams by conference—American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC)—and will square off against each other in eight skills competitions held at Allegiant Stadium. Peyton Manning will lead the AFC team as head coach while his brother Eli Manning will helm the NFC team. The competitions include Best Catch, Gridiron Gauntlet, Kick Tac Toe, and Move the Chains, to name a few. Don’t miss appearances by NFL legends and celebrities throughout the event!

Quiz: How Well Do You Remember These Phineas and Ferb Songs?

By Jessica Benda

There’s 104 days of summer vacation—and 5,475 days since Phineas and Ferb officially premiered on Disney Channel. Whether you watched from Day One or caught up years later, Phineas, Ferb, and their eccentric pals and rivals brought summer adventures to any season, often set to an upbeat soundtrack that still plays in our heads. Though the show’s initial run concluded in 2015, a recently announced revival will bring 40 brand-new episodes. And, hopefully, another batch of catchy songs.

We know what we’re going to do today. In honor of the series’ 15th anniversary and newly announced seasons, let’s test your lyrical knowledge of these nostalgic songs. In the words of one Phineas and Ferb bop, “Let’s Take a Quiz.”

“Discovering something that doesn’t exist / Or giving a _____ a shower”

Correct! Wrong!

“Tying our shoes, it’s better / Combing our hair, it’s better / Like we’re a _____ and he’s the cheddar”

Correct! Wrong!

“Chicka-chicka-choo-wow / Never gonna stop / _____ means that I love you”

Correct! Wrong!

“Platypus is a metaphor for whatever’s keeping you down / The corporations are a platypus / The _____ a platypus”

Correct! Wrong!

“S-I-M-P, squirrels in my pants / How can I qualify for government grants? / S-I-M-P, squirrels in my pants / _____

Correct! Wrong!

“Me and my evil friends / When we’re off together _____ / The fun just never ends”

Correct! Wrong!

“You’re busted / Yeah, she’s finally gonna _____ / This is how it’s gonna be / When she finds out that I was always right”

Correct! Wrong!

“You got skiin’, parasailin’, surfin’ and a-flailin’ / _____ or else you can’t see / Got the backyard beach”

Correct! Wrong!

“Even when _____ / You will always be my little brothers”

Correct! Wrong!

“I have no idea what you’re talking about / I’ve got as much rhythm as that chair / What happened to me was a tragedy / _____”

Correct! Wrong!

How Well Do You Remember These Phineas and Ferb Songs?
This could have gone better, but don’t worry, we won’t tell Candace. (As long as you rewatch Phineas and Ferb.)
You’re getting there! But it’s time to follow in Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s footsteps and start scheming (of ways to memorize all these songs).
Today is gonna be a great day, because you know almost all the Phineas and Ferb song lyrics!
Is there a platypus controlling you? You aced this Phineas and Ferb trivia. Perry is proud.

Everything to Watch During Black History Month 2023

By Andie Hagemann

All month long—and beyond—we’re celebrating Black culture across The Walt Disney Company. As part of that celebration, an amazing lineup of content is available through all Disney’s streaming services and airing on Disney’s linear networks. From all new episodes of hit series (including Abbott Elementary, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, Eureka!, and grown-ish) to can’t-miss movies, specials, and more, we’ve compiled the ultimate viewing guide.

In a scene from Abbott Elementary, actor Janelle James as Ava Coleman sits at a wooden desk in front of a dry erase white board. She wears a navy sweater with a tan collar, a silver choker, and a lanyard with an ID card. Elementary school students sit at desks facing James and wear light blue polo shirts.

ABC

Class is in session! Abbott Elementary is back with all-new, hilarious episodes this month, starting with a Valentine’s Day-themed episode airing Wednesday, February 8, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. The Abbott teachers are feeling the love and discussing their relationships and romantic plans for the holiday. Janine (Quinta Brunson) finds out one of her students has a crush on her and when turning to a colleague for advice, she inadvertently learns a secret about another teacher. Elsewhere, Ava (Janelle James) sits in on a Black History class taught by Jacob (Chris Perfetti) after receiving a complaint. New episodes of Abbott Elementary air on Wednesdays. Tyler James Williams, Lisa Ann Walter, William Stanford Davis, and Sheryl Lee Ralph also star in the series. Watch episodes on Hulu and on demand the day following their premieres.

The entire first season of The Wonder Years is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+. Inspired by the beloved award-winning 1980s and ’90s series of the same name, the reimagined original coming-of-age comedy narrated by Don Cheadle tells the story of the Williams family during the late 1960s, all through the point of view of imaginative 12-year-old Dean (Elisha “EJ” Williams). With the wisdom of his adult years, Dean’s hopeful and humorous recollections of his past spotlight the ups and downs of growing up in a Black middle-class family in Montgomery, Alabama, and the friendship, laughter and lessons along the way. The Wonder Years also stars Dulé Hill, Saycon Sengbloh, Laura Kariuki, Amari O’Neil, Julian Lerner, and Milan Ray.

Starring Niecy Nash-Betts, The Rookie: Feds debuts an all-new episode on Tuesday, February 14, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. During a recent murder investigation of an investment banker, who was also declared murdered six years ago, the unit follows a suspicious trail that leads to new evidence on both cases. Meanwhile, relationships are put to the test as Fortune considers her future with Carter, and Brendon pushes his limits with Antoinette. The series also stars James Lesure, Britt Robertson, Felix Solis, Kevin Zegers, Frankie Faison, Michelle Nuñez, and Devika Bhise. Season 1 of The Rookie: Feds is now airing on ABC and is intended for only mature audiences. Watch episodes on Hulu and on demand the next day.

Save the date because Grey’s Anatomy returns Thursday, February 23, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. In the all-new episode directed by Debbie Allen, Grey Sloan Memorial prepares to say farewell to Meredith (Disney Legend Ellen Pompeo). As the doctors plan a goodbye surprise, Nick (Scott Speedman) confronts her about their relationship status. Elsewhere, the interns compete to scrub in on groundbreaking partial heart transplant procedure with Maggie (Kelly McCreary) and Winston (Anthony Hill), and Richard (James Pickens Jr.) asks Teddy (Kim Raver) an important question. Grey’s Anatomy also stars Chandra Wilson, Kevin McKidd, Caterina Scorsone, Camilla Luddington, Jake Borelli, Chris Carmack, Alexis Floyd, Harry Shum Jr., Adelaide Kane, Midori Francis, and Niko Terho. Watch episodes on Hulu and on demand.

The key art for Black in Vegas includes an outline of the contiguous United States of America with the series’ logo resembling a marquee and a silver microphone.

ABC News

On Wednesday, February 1, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, ABC News’ Soul of a Nation returns with a one-hour special, Black in Vegas, exploring the history of Black entertainers in Las Vegas and celebrating those who are now ruling the historic strip. The primetime special details the countless household names who have made Las Vegas their home, including Usher, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Boyz II Men, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Marsha Warfield, George Wallace, Eddie Griffin, and other top artists.

Black in Vegas looks at the timeline of historical events that paved the way for today’s generation, such as the 1971 federal consent decree that forced hotels and casinos to give Black workers the opportunity to be in front-of-the-house positions. Near the same time, entertainers like Frank Sinatra helped kick down barriers for Black performers in Sin City by demanding that his collaborators, such as band leader Quincy Jones and fellow performer Sammy Davis Jr., should stay at the same hotel as him. Today, Black entertainers are now headlining or performing in a variety of shows on the strip, including Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple, Magic Mike Live, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Chippendales, and their own residencies.

The special features exclusive interviews with acclaimed performers as well as never-before-seen video and an interview with Sammy Davis Jr. about performing in Las Vegas. The special also gives inside perspective from cultural commentators and workers in leadership positions at hotels and theaters on what it’s like to make a living on the strip and highlights some of the artists who will perform there this year. Soul of a Nation Presents: Black in Vegas will be available to stream the next day on Hulu.

ABC News’ Black History Month coverage also includes dedicated programming and segments throughout the month. Throughout February, Good Morning America will celebrate Black History Month with dedicated profiles, segments, and series. The planned coverage includes a three-part series highlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), segments honoring a Black healthcare community hero, an artist pushing for social change, Black influencers and trendsetters, Black women in sports, the Harlem Renaissance, and more. The Deals and Steals segment will feature products from Black-owned businesses.

World News Tonight with David Muir will dedicate the month of February to Black History Month, celebrating those across the country who are making a difference in their communities within its America Strong and Made in America segments. Nightline will air special content and features surrounding Black History Month throughout February. This Week with George Stephanopoulos will celebrate Black History Month with interviews featuring prominent political Black leaders and dedicated segments focused on issues that directly impact the Black community. GMA3: What You Need to Know will highlight Black stories throughout the month, notably profiling WGPR, the first Black-owned and operated television station in America.

The View will kick off a month-long celebration of Black History Month on air and across its social platforms. The program will honor unknown African American pioneers, trailblazers, innovators, and thought leaders. The show will spotlight these hidden figures who have made a significant impact on American life in politics, social justice, the arts, science, sports, and business with its Black History Month FYI series, airing several days each week in February.

ABC News Live will go beyond the headlines to find unique content to bring to viewers during Black History Month. Every Wednesday, the new series Culture Conversations will bring viewers into the discussion between two greats. Additionally, dayside programming will have two live segments each week featuring Black stories, and Prime with Linsey Davis will air impactful interviews and segments themed to Black History Month. Topics will be wide ranging and include conversations with prominent Black leaders in industries such as dance, food, sports, music, and more.

ABC News’ flagship daily news podcast Start Here will run a series of segments examining how, more than a year after backlash to Black History programs swept through schools, these policies are affecting students at the elementary, high school, and college levels. ABC Audio’s Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson, its podcast focused on LGBTQ+ issues, will kick off Black History Month with a special episode featuring journalist and author Jemele Hill as its guest. ABC News Radio will include special reports during its hourly newscasts and will also have weekly segments on its newsmagazine Perspective. ABC Audio’s entertainment division will provide weekly written, audio, and video content on all platforms for distribution to radio station affiliates, including This Day in Black History pieces.

In a scene from the animated series Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, four adults and a young girl stand in front of an apartment stoop, and they all move their arms like a wave.

Disney Channel

Based on Marvel’s hit comic books, Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur follows the adventures of 13-year-old super-genius Lunella Lafayette (voiced by Diamond White) and her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur (voiced by Fred Tatasciore). After Lunella accidentally brings Devil Dinosaur into present-day New York City, the duo works together to protect the city’s Lower East Side from danger. The series premieres Friday, February 10, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and Wednesday, February 15, on Disney+. The star-studded voice cast also includes Alfre Woodard, Libe Barer, Sasheer Zamata, Jermaine Fowler, Gary Anthony Williams, and Laurence Fishburne.

Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur will also feature the voices of guest stars including Pamela Adlon, Alison Brie, Andy Cohen, Daveed Diggs, Luis Guzmán, Maya Hawke, Jennifer Hudson, June Diane Raphael, Paul Scheer, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Cobie Smulders, Wesley Snipes, Michael Cimino, Indya Moore, and Craig Robinson, to name a few.

In a scene from Eureka!, Roxy, an adult woman, and Eureka, a young girl, dance in a kitchen. The woman wears an orange dress with a red headband. The girl wears a teal T-shirt and a pink skirt. A large wooden bowl sits on the kitchen countertop next to them.

Disney Junior

Disney Junior’s NAACP Image Award-nominated series Eureka! returns with new episodes premiering throughout the month of February on Disney Junior. Set in the fantastical prehistoric world of Rocky Falls, Eureka! follows the story of Eureka, a young girl inventor who is way ahead of her time. She designs inventions and contraptions in the hopes of making the world a better place and moving her prehistoric community into a more modern era. The series stars Ruth Righi as Eureka, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Lil Rel Howery as Eureka's parents, Roxy and Rollo, and Javier Muñoz as her teacher, Ohm.

In a scene from the animated series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, Penny, a teenage girl, and Suga Mama, an elderly woman, wear matching gray sweatsuits and stand in a track stadium.

Disney+

The entire second season of the Disney+ Original series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder premieres February 1, exclusively on Disney+. Building off the standout success of the series’ debut, Season 2 continues to tell entertaining and laugh-out-loud stories while highlighting culturally specific experiences of the Black community and addressing universal topics. Various storyline topics this season include self-worth, interracial dating, and Juneteenth.

From Disney Branded Television, the series features the voices of Kyla Pratt, Paula Jai Parker, Tommy Davidson, JoMarie Payton, Karen Malina White, Alisa Reyes, Soleil Moon Frye, E.J. Johnson, Cedric the Entertainer, and Keke Palmer.

Season 2 also includes guest appearances by Gabrielle Union, Chance the Rapper, Normani, Leslie Odom Jr., Disney Legend Anthony Anderson, Dominique Dawes, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Holly Robinson Peete, Maury Povich, Storm Reid, Courtney B. Vance, and Liana Mendoza.

In a scene from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, actor Angela Bassett as Queen Ramonda sits at the center in a large throne. She wears a silver dress and a headpiece. She is surrounded by two Dora Milaje warriors wearing red and gold armor and tunics.

Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever makes its streamer debut February 1 on Disney+. In the highly anticipated sequel, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba) fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda. Introducing Tenoch Huerta Mejía as Namor, ruler of a hidden undersea nation, the film also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena, and Alex Livinalli.

Discover a full range of titles on Disney+ via the Celebrate Black Stories hub. Titles include black-ish, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Hamilton, Black Is King, Cheaper by the Dozen, Rise, Sneakerella, Turning the Tables with Robin Roberts, Soul, Strange World, Raven’s Home, and so much more!

The key art for ESPN+ Original series Why Not Us: Southern Dance includes one dancer wearing a blue leotard with gold sequins against a light blue background and gold confetti raining down.

ESPN+

All eight episodes of the ESPN+ Original series Why Not Us: Southern Dance are available to binge on the streaming service. The Why Not Us series highlights the ethos of being a student and student-athlete at an HBCU. The series spotlights the importance of these remarkable schools that have done more with less.

For more than 50 years, the Dancing Dolls from Southern University have set the standard for collegiate dance lines nationwide. Powered by the booming sounds of the school’s marching band, the Human Jukebox, the Dancing Dolls push the envelope with every performance, creating unique choreography stemming from their diverse dance backgrounds. Beyond the field, the Dolls are role models in their communities and represent what it means to be strong Black women, pushing the culture with their talent and artistry.

Explore additional content on ESPN+ via the Black History Always hub. Titles include The Captain, Breakaway, 144, On & Coppin, Big Papi’s Places, You Don’t Know Bo, Ahmad Inside, and so much more!

In a scene from grown-ish, actor Marcus Scribner as Junior sits in a cardinal hammock on green grass and wears a green, button-down shirt.

Freeform

The hit series grown-ish is set to air new episodes all month long on Wednesdays (February 1, 8, 15, and 22) at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform and the next day on Hulu. grown-ish follows Andre Johnson Jr., aka Junior (Marcus Scribner), as he finishes his first year at Cal U, transitioning from Zoey’s little brother to big man on campus. The series also stars Yara Shahidi, Trevor Jackson, Diggy Simmons, and Daniella Perkins.

FX

FX’s Kindred, the television series adaptation of Octavia E. Butler’s book of the same name, is centered on Dana (Mallori Johnson) a young Black woman and aspiring writer who has uprooted her life of familial obligation and relocated to Los Angeles, ready to claim a future that, for once, feels all her own. But, before she can get settled into her new home, she finds herself being violently pulled back and forth in time to a 19th-century plantation with which she and her family are surprisingly and intimately linked. An interracial romance threads through her past and present, and the clock is ticking as she struggles to confront the secrets she never knew ran through her blood, in this genre-breaking exploration of the ties that bind.

Kindred also stars Micah Stock, Ryan Kwanten, Gayle Rankin, Austin Smith, David Alexander Kaplan, Sophina Brown, and Sheria Irving. All episodes are available to stream on Hulu and intended for only mature audiences.

All four seasons of the acclaimed FX series Atlanta are available to binge on Hulu. The series stars Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry, LaKeith Stanfield, and Zazie Beetz. Atlanta is intended for only mature audiences.

FX will also honor and celebrate Black History Month with relevant films such as Hidden Figures along with films with Black directors including Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Waiting to Exhale, and Widows.

In a scene from The 1619 Project, host and creator Nikole Hannah-Jones sits in a chair and wears a black, long-sleeved shirt. 

Hulu

The six-part limited docuseries The 1619 Project is an expansion of The 1619 Project created by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times Magazine. The series releases new episodes on Thursdays on Hulu.

Hosted by Hannah-Jones, series seeks to reframe the country’s history by placing the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of our national narrative. The episodes―“Democracy,” “Race,” “Music,” “Capitalism,” “Fear,” and “Justice”―are adapted from essays from The New York Times No. 1 bestselling book The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story, and examine how the legacy of slavery shapes different aspects of contemporary American life.

The third and final season of Wu-Tang: An American Saga launches Wednesday, February 15, with three episodes and new episodes dropping weekly. Off the release of their debut album and their continued rise to fame, we follow the Wu-Tang Clan over the course of their five-year plan as they face and overcome different challenges. While each of the members goes on a separate journey to figure out where they fit in the music world, RZA struggles to stay on top of things in order to fulfill the promise he made to his Wu brothers. As money, fame, ego, and business threaten to tear the group apart, they must find a way to come together and cement their legacy.

The series stars Ashton Sanders, Shameik Moore, Siddiq Saunderson, Julian Elijah Martinez, Marcus Callender, Zolee Griggs, T.J. Atoms, Dave East, Johnell Young, Uyoata Udi, and Damani Sease.

Onyx Collective will stream its first narrative feature film, Bruiser, on Friday, February 24, on Hulu. In Bruiser, 14-year-old Darious (Jalyn Hall) explores the boundaries of his manhood through tumultuous interactions with Malcolm (Shamier Anderson), his strict but loving father, and Porter (Trevante Rhodes), a charismatic drifter. When Darious learns Porter’s true identity, he is thrust into a conflict between the two men that may rip his family apart and threaten his safety.

Discover additional Hulu content via the Black Stories hub. Titles include Summer of Soul (...or when the revolution could not be televised), mixed-ish, Pose, Genius: Aretha, The Bold Type, Little Fires Everywhere, Aftershock, and so much more!

In a scene from The Hair Tales, actor and Disney Legend Tracee Ellis Ross sits in a chair next to Michaela angela Davis. Ross wears an orange blouse and smiles.

Onyx Collective

All episodes of Onyx Collective’s first scripted series, Reasonable Doubt, are available to binge on Hulu. In Reasonable Doubt, you’ll judge Jax Stewart for her questionable ethics and wild interpretations of the law... until you’re the one in trouble. Then you’ll see her for what she is: the most brilliant and fearless defense attorney in Los Angeles who bucks the justice system at every chance she gets. The series stars Emayatzy Corinealdi, McKinley Freeman, Tim Jo, Angela Grovey, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Aderinsola Olabode, and Michael Ealy.

Executive produced by Disney Legends Oprah Winfrey and Tracee Ellis Ross, along with Michaela angela Davis, The Hair Tales leads the audience through a revelatory journey connecting the personal tales of phenomenal Black women to broader societal and historic themes. The stories shared in the series offer an honest and layered look into the complex culture of Black hair and, ultimately, Black women’s identity, beauty, cultural and social contributions, and humanity.

Guests featured include the Winfrey, Issa Rae, Chlöe Bailey, Chika, Ayanna Pressley, and Marsai Martin, alongside brilliant scholars, industry and cultural leaders, hair professionals, and influential contributors including Esi Eggleston Bracey, Dr. Noliwe Rooks, Mickalene Thomas, and Meshell Ndegeocello, to name a few.

National Geographic

On Disney+ stream Breaking 2, Critter Fixers: Country Vets, World of Flavor with Big Moe Carson, Pop Goes the Vet with Dr. Joya, and so much more through the streamer’s Celebrate Black Stories hub.

Stunning Gallery Posters for Disney100: The Exhibition

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Disney100: The Exhibition is a must-see for anyone celebrating the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company, and just this morning D23 revealed posters for all 10 of the galleries featured in this exhibition. Opening February 18 at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, the exhibition was curated by our friends at the Walt Disney Archives and features more than 250 props, costumes, art, memorabilia, and more!

The posters, designed by artists Dave Pacheco and Shane Enoch, illustrate the theme of each gallery guests will experience while exploring the exhibition. During the D23 Expo panel “The Making of Disney100: The Exhibition,” the artists shared that the posters were inspired by the iconic attraction posters that welcome guests as they enter Disneyland. “I know they left a lasting impact on me as a kid and continue to inspire me and my work to this day,” Enoch told the audience. The goal of the posters, he explained, is to, “capture your imagination and evoke some sort of emotion.” All 10 posters feature design elements inspired by the gallery they represent—plus, maybe a sneaky detail or two for Disney superfans. “If you stare just a little bit longer, you may notice some of the Easter eggs baked into the art,” Enoch confirmed.

Take a look at a gallery of the posters below and get your tickets for Disney100: The Exhibition here.