10 Ways to Light Up the Season with D23 at The Walt Disney Studios Lot!

By Peyton Liebler

The season of magic is upon us, and the celebration of the holidays has just begun with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club! We’re bringing you the most merry and bright ways to spend these tinsel-tastic times with your loved ones with D23 Season of Magic. We’re beyond excited to share some exciting details about the star atop our D23 Season of Magic tree, our signature holiday event: D23 Light Up the Season!

Catch some surprise cinematic holiday hits at the Main Theatre on the Studio Lot, including a special 30th Anniversary celebration screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol, featuring the full length version of the film, including the famous lost song: “When Love is Gone”. And joining the holly-jolly bash is the interstellar antics of Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special, playing in a special theatrical screening for Light Up the Season Attendees. In addition to these special showings, you can also watch some adorable holiday shorts in the theater, specially curated for the whole family to enjoy!

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And what might you come across at this enchanted event? Check out 10 great ways you can bring more jolliness and joy to your holidays at Light up the Season with D23:

1. Lighting Up the Lot: The Walt Disney Studio Lot is excited to share a special tree lighting ceremony complete with the special delivery of snowy magic, direct from the North Pole.

2. “Seasons Screenings” in the Main Theatre: Catch some surprise cinematic holiday hits at the Main Theatre on the Studio Lot. In addition to these special showings, you can also watch some adorable holiday shorts in the theater, specially curated for the whole family to enjoy!

3. Photo Locations and Experiences: Share the magic of the holidays and take some festive photos with holiday-inspired photo locations, including a wondrous 360 Photo Opportunity, giving you the gift of glam this holiday season! And no holiday is complete without a visit from Santa…Goofy, that is! Meet Santa Goofy and other beloved Disney friends at the Walt Disney Studio Lot.

4. Walt Disney Studios Shopping: Discover some treasured holiday trinkets and gifts for your loved ones from the Walt Disney Studio Lot Store and Employee Center, opening just for you during this magical event! A variety of vendors and additional shopping opportunities will also be available at Minnie’s Marketplace.

5. Activities for the Whole Family: Try your hand at a variety of holiday-inspired games and activities, including a stop by the D23 Location to play D23 Jingle Jangle, a larger-than-life roll of the dice for a holiday prize like no other!

6. Festive Food and Drinks: In addition to some complimentary treats and beverages, you can create your own holiday feast by stopping into the Walt Disney Studios Commissary to purchase additional treats including the famed Walt’s Famous Chili and even some of Mama’s Empanadas inspired by the upcoming adventure series National Treasure: Edge of History (streaming December 14 on Disney+)! All of these and more will be available, as well as alcoholic beverages for purchase for guests 21+!

7. Amazing Activations and Partners: Discover activations from some exceptional brands and fan-favorite providers including Citizen, Collector’s Edition, Loungefly, and Kinder!

8. A Magically Muppet Event Gift: In celebration of 30 years of The Muppet Christmas Carol, D23 is excited to share a commemorative holiday ornament for all guests in attendance, celebrating this beloved classic and the 2022 holiday season.

9. Enchanted Entertainment: Enjoy entertainment for all ages, celebrating the holidays with music and more special musical surprises!

10. Toys for Tots: Continuing the decades-long commitment to the Marines Toys for Tots Program, we invite attendees to participate in the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive by donating new, unwrapped toys for kids and families in need in local communities during D23’s Light Up the Season. Disney’s relationship with the Marines Toys for Tots Program dates back to the program’s beginnings in 1947, when Walt Disney and his animators personally designed the original Toys for Tots train logo, which is still in use today.

The halls are decked, and lists are checked! All that’s left is for you to order your tickets for D23 Light Up the Season. You can give and enjoy the gift of a truly spectacular holiday experience at a special place of history and wonder, The Walt Disney Studios Lot! We look forward to seeing you at this celebration of yuletide charm and holiday cheer during D23’s Season of Magic!

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Adventure Awaits at the World Premiere of National Treasure: Edge of History

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Last night, Hollywood glittered as the gold carpet was unrolled for a treasure trove of stars setting out on a most epic adventure: the world premiere of the new Disney+ Original series National Treasure: Edge of History! The live-action adventure series, which is an expansion of the National Treasure film franchise, follows Jess Valenzuela (Lisette Olivera) as she searches for a centuries-old treasure that seems to have a connection to her long-dead father. The only problem? She’s not the only one looking for the treasure! A calculating black-market antiquities dealer, Billie, (Catherine Zeta-Jones) will do anything to get her hands on the treasure—and Jess and her friends are in the way.

Cormac and Marianne Wibberly stand on the gold carpet at the world premiere of National Treasure: Edge of History. Behind them is the marquee for the El Capitan Theatre, featuring a poster of the series.

Before the series two-episode debut Wednesday, December 14, on Disney+, D23 had a chance to talk to the cast and crew on the gold carpet and uncover some secrets about the thrilling new series. The continuation of the National Treasure franchise is in good hands—after all, it’s being written by the team who penned the original films! Screenwriting partners Cormac and Marianne Wibberly (affectionately known by the cast as “The Wibs”) have been on a treasure hunt of their own: the search for a way to continue the National Treasure story. “We just got tired of waiting for the third movie, like everyone else,” Marianne explained. “We wanted more National Treasure, just like everyone else. Now we get to do 10 hours!” The Wibs were thrilled to approach National Treasure from a serialized perspective, where they could take the time to build the world and characters across 10 episodes. “You get to do a lot more relationship stuff,” Marianne said. “There’s a lot more of that, which is fun.” The Wibs also admitted that they think of ways to integrate the National Treasure film actor Nicolas Cage into the series “every day”—so, as soon as Nic’s schedule clears up, they’re ready to go!

IMAGE: 164164_GFZ_0061 ALT TEXT: Lisette Olivera stands in front of the step and repeat for National Treasure: Edge of History wearing a red dress and a gold necklace.

The series has a new, sparkling star in the form of Olivera, who embodies the role of Jess easily, as she herself is a huge fan of the National Treasure franchise. “It’s honestly a dream come true. I put my whole heart into the series,” she told us. A unique aspect of this new series is Jess’ story—she’s a total American history nerd for a practical reason: She’s studying to pass the U.S. citizenship test. OK, well she’s also just a total nerd in general, since there’s no puzzle-solving section on the citizenship test, and she’s a whiz at that, too! Jess’ backstory provides an extra layer to the character that Olivera is excited for fans to see: “Everyone comes from somewhere. For her to be a DREAMer but also represent so much more than just a status is really, really beautiful.”

Zuri Reed looks over her shoulder to pose for a photo in front of the step and repeat at the National Treasure: Edge of History world premiere.

Zuri Reed, who plays tech whiz/best friend Tasha Rivers, let us in on the dynamic we see between Tasha and Jess. “Tash is very much anti-government, very anti-FBI, and Jess—her best friend—has a lifelong dream to be in the FBI,” Reed said. “And she takes her on this crazy treasure hunt where the F.B.I. is chasing them! So, you can imagine how Tasha has to take a deep breath and put herself aside for the bigger picture... Which is to help her girl!”

Catherine Zeta-Jones stands on the gold carpet in a sparkling maroon dress. Behind her is the marquee for the El Capitan Theatre, featuring the poster for National Treasure: Edge of History.

Jess will need all the help she can get when facing a foe like Billie. Zeta-Jones plays the mysterious, black market antiquities dealer—who is also a devious foil to Jess. “She’s really good at playing the cat and mouse game,” Zeta-Jones explained. “I think my character sees a lot in Jess... My character went to the dark side, somewhat, but they have one thing in common: They want to find the truth.”

Our quest for the truth—and the treasure—will have to wait ‘til the series premieres next week, but in the meantime, we’ve rounded up a bounty of photos from the premiere for your viewing pleasure:

Trinity Jo-Li Bliss on Playing Tuk in Avatar: The Way of Water

By Zach Johnson

Before 20th Century Studios’ Avatar: The Way of Water opens exclusively in theaters on Friday, December 16, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is introducing five new characters. Each day this week, visit D23.com for an exclusive interview with actors Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Jack Champion, Bailey Bass, and Sigourney Weaver.

In James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water, newcomer Trinity Jo-Li Bliss stars as Tuktirey, aka “Tuk,” daughter of Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña). The young Na’vi is daring, mischievous, and incredibly close to her mother; her grandmother, Mo’at (CCH Pounder); and her big sister, Kiri (Sigourney Weaver). In outtakes from Disney twenty-three, the publication available exclusively to Gold and Gold Duo Members, Bliss opens up about her role, her audition process, and more.

D23: You were only 7 years old when you auditioned. What was that process like?
Trinity Jo-Li Bliss (TJLB): It was late February of 2017 when I first got the audition notice. I showed up in the audition office a week early! You can see how excited we were! We were going to head back home, but Margie Simkin, our amazing casting director, was kind enough to see me! I saw Margie a couple times after that, and, eventually, I met Jim [Cameron] at the MBS studio [aka the headquarters of Lightstorm Entertainment]! I still cannot believe it all happened. I am so lucky!

D23: How familiar were you with the first Avatar film during your audition process?
TJLB: I was an infant when the first Avatar came out [in 2009]. While I was at home sucking on my binky, all of my family went to see the film and loved it! I finally got to watch Avatar when I was auditioning. I fell in love with the movie and watched it many times. I loved walking and talking like Neytiri! I still enjoy watching it. In fact, Jim has built such an incredibly rich world of Pandora, I feel as though I see details I have not noticed before every time. It remains one of my favorite movies!

D23: How did you discover you’d won the role of Tuk?
TJLB: Not long after exiting Manhattan Beach Studios—after I met Jim—I got a call from my agent and she told me I got the role. We pulled the car over as we were just way too excited to keep driving! That was the best call—the best news I have ever received in my whole life! We went to the Santa Monica Pier on the way home for a celebration. I felt emotionally high above the world—and also literally high up since I was riding the Santa Monica Pier roller coaster!

Trinity Bliss wears a metallic rainbow mini dress with spaghetti straps. Her curled hair is in a high ponytail, and she has both arms extended. In her right hand, she holds a green iPhone and snaps a selfie. Behind her is a D23 Expo step and repeat.

D23: How would you describe your character?
TJLB: Tuktirey, a.k.a ‘Tuk,’ is the youngest member of the Sully kids. She does not see herself as the youngest. She is small in size but mighty in courage! She wants to be helpful. She has a big heart and her family is the most important thing to her. She’ll do anything to protect them!

D23: Does Tuk take after one parent more than the other? If so, who? How?
TJLB: Like both her parents, Tuk is brave and will do anything to protect the ones she loves. In some ways she takes a lot after her mom. Like her mom, she has three fingers and a thumb. Emotionally, she considers her family/home/Pandora to be the most important thing to her and is inclined to be healing and nurturing. At the same time, she also gets a lot of her personality from her dad, like being a daredevil and a bit willful—or, if you prefer, brave.

D23: What did you learn from working with Zoe Saldaña and Sam Worthington?
TJLB: In many respects, our time together mirrors our characters. Zoe is like a high-water mark for beauty and grace; she’s a legend! I look up to her so much. I learned so much from her while filming with her. She’s also very down-to-earth, fun, and motherly. We FaceTimed with her boys when filming went late into the day. We would hang out in her trailer and have mother-daughter chats sometimes. Sam is a great actor—master of the craft! I always felt so natural to walk into the Volume [the virtual filming environment] and see him as my dad. When scenes got intense, Sam always made sure I felt comfortable and safe, just like a real dad. He is a father himself and in between scenes, he would talk to us about his baby boy and what it was like for him to be a dad. On and off set, we feel like a family!

Jack Champion on Playing Spider in Avatar: The Way of Water

By Zach Johnson

Before 20th Century Studios’ Avatar: The Way of Water opens exclusively in theaters on Friday, December 16, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is introducing five new characters. Each day this week, visit D23.com for an exclusive interview with actors Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Jack Champion, Bailey Bass, and Sigourney Weaver.

In James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water, Jack Champion stars as Spider, who was orphaned by the war and too small at the time to return to Earth. Much to the chagrin of Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), their children— Neteyam (James Flatters), Lo’ak (Britain Dalton), Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss), and Kiri (Sigourney Weaver)—often hang out Spider, who, despite being a human, feels like a Na’vi at heart. In outtakes from Disney twenty-three, the publication available exclusively to Gold and Gold Duo Members, Champion opens up about his role, his audition process, and more.

D23: What was your audition process like?
Jack Champion (JC): It was long. My mom originally submitted me through an open call, and I got a call back, but then I didn’t hear anything. A couple months later, in May 2017, my agent submitted me for an open call, and that’s when I got self-tape call backs and working sessions with Margie Simkin, the casting director, in June. Then I heard they were going to fly me out for a screen test with one of the original cast the weekend of July 4, when I was on vacation. My mom and I would fly out and work with Margie and the troupe, and then the next day do a full makeup test on camera with Jim and Sigourney. They would fly us home and then we would get a call that they wanted us to come back for another. They did that three times over July and August.

D23: How did you find out you won the role of Spider?
JC: The day of the last screen test we wanted to celebrate just being in L.A. and went to the Santa Monica Pier. While we were in an Uber going back to the hotel, we got the call from Margie that I had booked it! I think I was speechless. [Laughs] And when we got back to the hotel, Sigourney called and congratulated me. It was crazy!

Spider, played by Jack Champion, is shirtless and wears an exopack—a clear mask with a black frame that helps him breathe—over his face. His light brown hair is in dreadlocks. He wields a bow and arrow and is surrounded by a lush green forest. Behind him is Kiri, a blue, 14-year-old member of the Na’Vi clan.

D23: How would you describe your character?
JC: Spider is a high-energy, tough, fun kid. He thinks of himself as one of the Na’vi, even though he knows he has limitations that they don’t. I think I got to infuse some of my own light-heartedness and empathy into Spider. We both share a love of outdoors and tree climbing. I even sent Margie some pictures of me in our neighborhood trees during the audition process.

D23: As a human not using an avatar, how does Spider fit in with the Na’vi?
JC: The Sullys have mostly accepted Spider into their family, except for Neytiri. She has a more complex relationship with him as she sees him as one of the people that killed her family and destroyed their home. The rest of the Na’vi people also don’t entirely accept him. The younger generation is more accepting than the older generation is.

D23: Did you do any stunt training to prepare for your role?
JC: I got to do a lot of training for the role—particularly in parkour, along with some fight training, archery, and a lot of free diving and scuba training. I also had a personal trainer who has been with me since 2018, Josh Murillo, who helped transform me from a non-muscular 12-year-old to the Spider we see in the films. Over the four years of filming, I got really close to the stunt coordinator, Garrett Warren, and assistant stunt coordinator Steve Brown.

D23: Describe your first day on set. What happened? What did you see and feel?
JC: That was a big day. Our first day filming mocap was a big scene with the recoms [an avatar that has been embedded with the memories of a human driver] and Quaritch [Steven Lang]. I remember it feeling like a play because we were on this big soundstage and there were a lot of people watching. Spider was showing the recoms how to move and act like Na’vi. It was ironic since it was my first day doing it as well!

D23: What do you hope Disney fans take away from Avatar: The Way of Water?
JC: Avatar [2009] is not just a one-off movie. Pandora is a wide-open world filled with people, Na’vi, and wildlife to discover. This is a generational story, and if you stick with it, it will lead to fantastic adventures, love, and discovery.

Disney Announces Restoration and Recreation of the Interior of Walt Disney’s Plane to Its 1960s Design

By the D23 Team

Today the Palm Springs Air Museum celebrated Walt Disney’s birthday with a VIP party and the opening of a new exhibit to accompany Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I airplane. Rarely exhibited items from the interior of the aircraft—also known affectionately as “The Mouse”—are now on display for visitors to the Palm Springs Air Museum. Items include a customized instrument panel originally located near Walt’s favorite onboard seat that allowed him to monitor flight conditions; a telephone handset that gave Walt a direct line of communication to the pilot in the cockpit; a flight bag featuring an image of Mickey Mouse sitting on the tail of the iconic plane; and more. These items are on long-term loan from the Walt Disney Archives to the museum.

A panel from Walt’s plane featuring pressure and air speed monitors flanking a Mickey Mouse clock.

During the event, Rebecca Cline, director of the Walt Disney Archives, announced that the Palm Springs Air Museum, in conjunction with Phoenix Air, will restore and recreate the interior of the Gulfstream I to resemble what it looked like when Walt flew it in the 1960s. Museum Vice Chairman Fred Bell said, “We are so thrilled to partner with the Walt Disney Archives on this amazing restoration project. The Palm Springs Air Museum has restored over 60 aircraft in its 26-year history. Phoenix Air Group out of Cartersville, Georgia, has offered to donate any parts we need. Phoenix Air Group is a worldwide provider of aviation services, and at one point, owned and operated 20% of the world fleet of Gulfstream I’s flying at the time. We know that we have a special responsibility to Walt Disney, to the Archives, and to the millions of Disney fans around the world to do this work as accurately as possible so that the airplane can be enjoyed for decades to come.”

The restoration and recreation are anticipated to take approximately two years.

Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I plane journeyed from D23 Expo 2022 in Anaheim, California, to Palm Springs, California, in September. The aircraft, which is on a long-term loan from the Archives, is now displayed alongside the Palm Springs Air Museum collection. This new exhibit highlights the history of the plane, showcasing its significance to The Walt Disney Company’s history and its relevance to the Palm Springs area.

In 1963, Walt acquired the iconic Gulfstream. The interior of the plane, initially designed with creative input from Walt and his wife, Lillian, seated up to 15 passengers and included a galley kitchen, two restrooms, two couches, a desk, and nods to the mouse who started it all, including matchbooks and stationery adorned with a silhouette of Mickey Mouse. Mickey’s initials were eventually included in the tail number of the plane, too, as N234MM, in 1967. Throughout its 28 years of service to The Walt Disney Company, the plane flew 20,000 hours and transported an estimated 83,000 passengers before it was decommissioned.

When they visit the Palm Springs Air Museum, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the role this iconic plane has played throughout the company’s history, such as:

  • In 1963, Walt, members of his family, and company executives took off on a demonstration Gulfstream aircraft to explore potential locations, including Central Florida, for a proposed development often referred to as “Project X.” After Walt received his own Gulfstream in early 1964, he made several trips to Florida that ultimately laid the foundation to bring the magic of Walt Disney World Resort to life.
  • Walt’s plane flew a total of 277,282 miles back and forth between Burbank and New York to oversee preparations before and during the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair, an event that brought iconic attractions such as “it’s a small world” to an East Coast audience and, later, to Disneyland.
  • The plane also took Disneyland to new heights as Walt found inspiration for the look of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction as he flew over the El Moro fortress in San Juan, Puerto Rico, while conducting research for the now fan favorite.
  • “The Mouse” has a star-studded past, having been used for promotional tours for Disneyland as well as for classic movies such as The Jungle Book (1967). The aircraft also made appearances in The Walt Disney Studios films The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969) and Now You See Him, Now You Don’t (1972), both of which starred Disney Legend Kurt Russell, who has ties to the desert. The aircraft has also transported notable guests including Disney Legends Julie Andrews and Annette Funicello, as well as former U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, also frequent visitors to the Palm Springs area.
  • Painted blue and white in 1985, Walt’s plane embarked on goodwill tours and character visits to children’s hospitals, adding to the company’s history of giving back to the community.

The Palm Springs Air Museum is a living history museum that contains more than 75 vintage airframes, including those from the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk. The museum is also home to airframes from across the spectrum of military aviation: World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the F-117 Stealth Fighter. The planes are housed inside 91,000 square feet of open hangars and on the tarmac at a 10-acre facility. To learn more, visit PalmSpringsAirMuseum.org or call 760-778-6262 during business hours.

Disney Grants to Benefit Communities and Wildlife in 25 Countries

Today, The Walt Disney Company announced it has awarded grants to 43 nonprofit organizations working with communities across 25 countries to protect more than 60 species this year, continuing Disney’s ongoing commitment of more than $120 million given to date in support of a healthier planet for people and wildlife. In the spirit of the year-round Disney Planet Possible, Disney is honored to support these nonprofit organizations’ ongoing courage, adaptability, and commitment to making a difference.

These are just a few of their Disney Planet Possible stories:

An okapi grazes in the grass.

  • In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Okapi Conservation Project works to protect the Okapi Wildlife Reserve’s rainforest and wildlife. In the past few years, everyday challenges have intensified: poor infrastructure has increased travel and field supply delivery costs; growing insecurity in the region requires a team member to fly to the nearest bank to withdraw program funds and avoid a 12-hour journey on unsafe roads; and the team had to develop strict communication and evacuation plans should a security breach occur. The team continues to adapt and drive collaborative community programs that aim to improve livelihoods, protect the forest, and respect the connection of human health with nature and the culture and traditions of the indigenous Mbuti people.

A giant anteater walks through the Brazilian Cerrado with a cub on its back.

  • In Brazil’s Cerrado biome, the Institute for the Conservation of Wild Animals is helping giant anteaters cope with some of their biggest threats: collisions with cars on roadways and loss of habitat. In a place where habitat loss reached record levels in the past year, the team’s research helps to identify important anteater hotspots for protection and also rescues and rehabilitates injured and orphaned animals. Their research also supported the creation and launch of new state-wide roadway safety requirements to protect both people and wildlife.

Ten local children learn about reforestation in Sebangau National Park. They are squatting in a circle around a leafy green plant and looking up at the camera.

  • In Indonesia, Borneo’s peat-swamp forests are home to incredible biodiversity, including the world’s largest orangutan populations. Each year, fires damage public health, release CO2, and harm forests and wildlife. In the last two years, Borneo Nature Foundation has supported members of its community tree nursery program, planting 96,302 seedlings in burned and degraded peatland. This year’s grant will help the foundation continue to address the causes of fire in the region by restoring peatlands, supporting local youth and community education, and strengthening local firefighting capacity and fire prevention networks.

Two people smile for a photo on Watchalunga Planting Day. They are wearing orange and red jackets, respectively, and hats and jeans. They are surrounded by green boxes. All around them, other people are planting Watchalungas.

  • In Australia, Nature Foundation Limited manages seven nature reserves for conservation across more than 500,000 hectares. This team is supporting a brighter future for both the critically endangered Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren and their neighbors—Traditional Owners of the Ngarrindjeri community who share this land—by improving and increasing available habitat for the birds and launching a cultural heritage assessment to ensure community cultural values, traditions, and heritage are incorporated and protected throughout conservation programs.

A child in a blue and black wetsuit and an orange and black life vest sits on a white cushion on a boat. Next to him, an adult in a black and blue wetsuit wears a snorkel and holds a Mickey Mouse plush in hand.

  • In Mexico, Shark Team One is working with communities of the Yucatan Peninsula to protect one of the last remaining populations of endangered whale sharks by reducing negative human impacts, creating protected marine wildlife corridors, and building sustainable ecotourism and artisanal fishing communities. Their research led to the first sighting of a pregnant whale shark in this area, representing an important moment of hope for this species, as it will help the team focus their efforts on protecting previously unknown critical nursery habitat.

Two people survey the coastline at Fort Ross.

  • In the United States, the Greater Farallones Association’s Long-Term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students is empowering students to get outdoors to observe and collect data from 27 species of marine life at more than 60 rocky intertidal and sandy beach sites along California national marine sanctuary coastlines, including near critical kelp restoration sites in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. The team engages over 5,000 students annually statewide, inspiring STEM learning and motivating future stewards of our oceans.

These are just a few of the inspiring and impactful projects Disney is supporting this year. Disney is committed to saving wildlife and building a global community determined to protect the magic of nature together. Since 1995, the Company has directed more than $120 million and the expertise of its dedicated teams to support organizations working with communities to save wildlife, to inspire action, and to protect the planet.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

From after-hours museum hijinks to a beloved holiday classic, you won’t want to miss all the spectacular content coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this week! Freeform’s “25 Days of Christmas” celebration continues with 20th Century Studios’ Jingle All the Way airing Tuesday; that same evening, a new episode of The $100,000 Pyramid debuts on ABC. On Wednesday, an all-new episode of The Goldbergs airs on ABC. And last but not least, Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage? and Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again both premiere Friday, exclusively on Disney+.

In the key art for the 20th Century Studios film Jingle All the Way, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger portrays Howard Langston and stands wide-eyed with his hands on each side of his head. He wears a blue gingham button-down shirt, tan coat, and dark blue denim pants. Actor Jake Lloyd portrays Jamie Langston and looks up at Schwarzenegger while holding a large male action figure; he wears a red and yellow striped jacket. They’re both standing in front of a green Christmas tree covered with shiny bright red, light green, and royal blue circular Christmas ornaments.

Jingle All the Way—Tuesday, December 6, at 2 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger) struggles to keep up with his demanding job while still spending quality time with his wife Liz (Rita Wilson) and son Jamie (Jake Lloyd). To make it up to his family, Howard promises to get Jamie the most popular toy of the season—Turbo-Man—even though it’s Christmas Eve and nearly sold out. As he attempts to track down the toy, he bumps into Myron (Sinbad), another father on the same quest. But with the clock ticking, Howard’s moral code is tested as he starts to learn the real meaning of Christmas.

In a scene from ABC series The $100,000 Pyramid, actor and comedian Rosie O’Donnell sits at a table across from a contestant. She wears black framed glasses and a green and red striped Christmas sweater with white snowflakes, polka dots, and reindeers. The constant wears a blue and purple Christmas sweater with white snowflakes, chevrons, and reindeers. The desk is shaped like an upside-down pyramid and has two digital screens. The top, smaller screen has a red background and reads “14” in white. The larger screen, also with a red background, reads “A GAVEL” in white. Behind O’Donnell and the contestant are pink and purple led lights in triangle shapes.

The $100,000 Pyramid—Tuesday, December 6, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Four beloved comedians battle it out in two all-new holiday-themed showdowns: First up, Jason Alexander goes head-to-head with Bobby Moynihan, followed by a duel between Rosie O’Donnell and Pete Holmes. Your stomach will also be shaking like a bowl full of jelly watching this episode!

In a scene from ABC series The Goldbergs, actors Wendi McLendon-Covey as Beverly Goldberg and Sam Lerner as Geoff Schwartz stand behind a kitchen island. Actor Hayley Orrantia as Erica Goldberg-Schwartz stands to the side the kitchen island and faces McLendon-Covey and Lerner. McLendon-Covey wears a dark blue sweater adorned with large colorful ornaments sewn on and white apron on top, and she holds a silver spatula in her right hand and looks at Orrantia. Lerner wears a brown, collared shirt with black, brown, and tan abstract designs and is also looking at Orrantia while folding white parchment paper over a green dish with white flowers painted on the side. Orrantia wears a baggy, light turquoise sweater over a teal tank top. On the kitchen island are several kitchen spices, cooking utensils in a white porcelain container, and other cooking materials. The kitchen is decorated with wood cabinets, brown countertops, brown and white plaid wallpaper, and brown, green, and tan curtains covering the windows.

The Goldbergs—Wednesday, December 7, at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
The holiday hijinks continue in the Goldberg house. Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) activates her inner Grinch to steal Christmas after Erica (Hayley Orrantia) buys a festive baby toy. Elsewhere, Adam (Sean Giambrone) discovers surprising information about Brea (Sadie Stanley), and the Jenkintown Posse (aka the JTP) host their first holiday party.

In a scene from the Disney+ special Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?, performer and Disney Legend Idina Menzel sits and sings into a black, handheld microphone in her left hand. She wears a black, cropped top with long sleeves adorned with gold glitter, a gold chiffon shirt, black belt, and gold bejeweled bangle bracelets. The stage spotlight shines solely on Menzel, creating a black background behind her.

Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?—Friday, December 9, on Disney+
Award-winning actress, singer, and Disney Legend Idina Menzel brings viewers backstage in this brand-new special debuting exclusively on the streaming service. Menzel’s many triumphs include iconic Broadway roles in Rent and Wicked, as well as the voice of Elsa in Frozen. Yet, one goal has evaded her: to headline a concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Filmmaker Anne McCabe follows Menzel on a 16-show national tour as she juggles the challenges of being a working mom, all while preparing to finally realize her dream.

In a scene from the animated Disney+ Original film Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again, high school student Nick Daley touches the skeleton of T-Rex in a museum that is roped off with gold barricades. Daley is dressed in an oversized blue jacket, blue pants, white sneakers, blue button-down shirt, and black tie. Behind him are a large statue sculpted to resemble a man’s face, benches, and a large green sphere.

Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again—Friday, December 9, on Disney+
What happens at the American Museum of Natural History after hours? The Original animated movie follows high schooler Nick Daley (voiced by Joshua Bassett), who works as a night watchman at the museum during the summer—following in his father’s footsteps. Nick is familiar with the museum’s ancient tablet that brings everything to life when the sun goes down, and pumped to see his old pals. But when Kahmunrah (voiced by Joseph Kamal) escapes with plans to unlock the Egyptian underworld, it is up to Nick to save the museum. Also featuring the voices of Jamie Demetriou, Alice Isaaz, Gillian Jacobs, Thomas Lennon, Zachary Levi, Akmal Saleh, Kieran Sequoia, Jack Whitehall, Bowen Yang, and Steve Zahn.

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Is “Painting the Roses Red” in This Exclusive Clip

By Zach Johnson

The Queen, she likes ’em red—and here at D23, so do we!

An all-new episode of Disney Junior’s Alice's Wonderland Bakery, streaming Wednesday, December 7, on Disney+, features a nod to the song “Painting the Roses Red” from the 1951 feature film Alice in Wonderland—and D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has an exclusive sneak peek! In “Queen Alice,” the Queen of Hearts (voiced by Eden Espinosa) goes away for a day and asks Alice (voiced by Libby Rue) to take her place. But it isn’t long before Alice discovers just how hard it is to rule Wonderland.

“Featuring iconic songs such as ‘Painting the Roses Red’ in Alice’s Wonderland Bakery connects our show to the legacy of the 1951 film,” executive producer Chelsea Beyl tells D23. “We’ve framed the world of Alice in Wonderland around this whimsical bakery, reimagined the characters, and even added flavors from different cultures, but a lot of the musical influences, including these memorable ditties, remain the same. We wanted to preserve the spirit of the property, and in our version of the song, Alice gets to lead the Card Guards as they paint the roses red for the Queen of Hearts."

The episode will air on Disney Channel and Disney Junior early next year.

Alice (left), smiling and blonde, wears a blue jacket and a pink apron over a purple and pink striped long-sleeved shirt and matching pants. She wears blue and white high-top shoes with pink trim. Alice wears a tall gold crown with red and maroon fabric, adorned with diamonds, rubies, and red hearts. She stands with her hands behind her back. The Queen of Hearts rests her right hand on Alice’s shoulder. The Queen of Hearts wears a smaller gold grown on her head, with red hearts on the tip of each prong. Her black bouffant has two red streaks on each side. She wears a black and red peplum top with an exaggerated white collar, as well as red and black pants. She has a red bracelet, in the shape of a heart, on each wrist. She is kneeling on a rug.

Sigourney Weaver on Playing Kiri in Avatar: The Way of Water

By Zach Johnson

Before 20th Century Studios’ Avatar: The Way of Water opens exclusively in theaters on Friday, December 16, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is introducing five new characters. Each day this week, visit D23.com for an exclusive interview with actors Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Jack Champion, Bailey Bass, and Sigourney Weaver.

In Avatar: The Way of Water, Sigourney Weaver returns to James Cameron’s Avatar franchise—albeit in a different role—as Kiri, the biological daughter of the avatar of Dr. Grace Augustine, the deceased character she played in the first film. Kiri is adopted by Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) and raised alongside their three kids. In outtakes from Disney twenty-three, the publication available exclusively to Gold and Gold Duo Members, Weaver opens up about her role, what made her want to return, and more.

D23: How did James Cameron pitch the role of Kiri to you?
Sigourney Weaver (SW): We had lunch in L.A. Jim had mentioned a character that had a connection to Grace, and we started to talk about this forest girl—a girl who felt more at home in the forest with the plants and animals than with people. Maybe she would be different, maybe she would be able to blend in with the forest. In any case, I was immediately entranced. I was excited because it was like nothing I’ve ever done before. And I was thrilled that Jim would entrust me with such a character. I felt an immediate connection to her. I knew it would be probably the biggest challenge I’ve ever taken on, but I thought, with his help, with his amazing writing, with our wonderful cast, I would definitely give it my best shot. Also, one of my favorite Classics Illustrated comic books when I was growing up was Green Mansions that had this forest girl in it—a bird girl. Anyway, I started to work on it immediately. This was about 2010.

D23: What made you want to come back for four more Avatar films?
SW: Originally, it was three. [Editor’s note: The plan is to have five films in the franchise.] When Jim Cameron calls you and says, “I have three more parts of this adventure,” what are you going to say? No? I think he had me at “hello.” The story he wanted to tell, the story of this family—of Neytiri, Jake, and their children—on the run for their lives from the RDA, fleeing into other worlds on Pandora, trying to find a safe haven, I thought it was so timely and moving. There was also a special connection between Kiri and Spider [Jack Champion] and Kiri and Pandora. So, of course I said, “Let’s go.”

Sigourney Weaver smiles while posing for photos against a D23 Expo backdrop. She wears a dark green suit and a black T-shirt.

D23: Aside from the obvious, how do Kiri and Dr. Grace Augustine differ?
SW: Grace was a scientist. She approached Pandora’s wonders analytically. She researched, she theorized, she kept brakes on her emotions. She was objective, she brought a scientist’s objectivity to her work. She wasn’t very successful in being objective because she fell in love with Pandora and the Na’vi. Kiri is a much more intuitive, instinctive, smart girl who’s extremely curious and independent. She’s much more one with her environment. She flows through the forest, the sea with knowledge, effortlessly. And because she’s also an adolescent, there are no brakes at all on her feelings. It’s all primary colors, yes/no, red/black. I would say Grace is rational, objective, human, and distraught, and Kiri is a passionate, wild, frustrated 14-year-old.

D23: What specific experiences did you draw from childhood and infuse into Kiri?
SW: When I was growing up, we lived in a place on the north shore of Long Island that was just this forest and field with little paths down to the beach. Really, in those days, you had no supervision, so I think as young as 4, I would eat breakfast and run out of the house and just stay out as long as I could. I remember I didn’t want anyone to see me, so I pretended to be invisible. I lived completely in my imagination in those days. I was always pretending I was either a renegade hiding out, a runaway, a vagabond, or Robinson Crusoe. By the time I was Kiri’s age, we were living in a different house, but it had this willow tree on it—sort of far from the house. I would try to hang out at the willow tree and not come in all day. I’d sneak into the house, steal lunch, and get away before anyone could see me. It’s kind of amazing how much fun I had doing that. My mother was a serious tennis player and she wanted me to be good at sports. I was a good swimmer, and one day I came in third in a swimming race for my age. My mother immediately started talking about my participating in the Olympics. So, I was pretty far away from what my mother had in mind for me which, I think is sort of how Kiri feels.

D23: What was it like reuniting with Steven Lang, Zoe Saldaña, and Sam Worthington?
SW: I was thrilled. I had never gotten to do any scenes with Zoe, and I got to be her daughter and do several scenes with her. Sam, it was great to be reunited with him. He’s such a present actor. It was such a privilege to be interacting with them. We all trusted each other, encouraged each other, believed in each other. Slang and Kiri have a definite animosity, but Slang and I have become good friends through all this. I think he’s a brilliant actor, amazing as Quaritch, and I love him. I love them all. I’m very lucky.

Brand-New Trailer for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

We’ve Got a Date with Destiny: New Indiana Jones Trailer Revealed!

It’s an early holiday present: Earlier this week, our friends at Lucasfilm released the teaser trailer (and poster) for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the highly anticipated fifth installment of the iconic Indiana Jonesfranchise—starring Harrison Ford as the legendary hero archaeologist, and directed by James Mangold.

Starring alongside Ford are Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas, John Rhys-Davies (returning to the franchise as Sallah), Shaunette Renee Wilson, Thomas Kretschmann, Toby Jones, Boyd Holbrook, Oliver Richters, Ethann Isidore, and Mads Mikkelsen.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Simon Emanuel—with Steven Spielberg and Disney Legend George Lucas serving as executive producers. John Williams, who has scored each Indy adventure since the original Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981, is once again composing the score. The film is slated to open in theaters on Friday, June 30, 2023… Mark those calendars!

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

Honestly, how did it happen? Wasn’t it just January?! And suddenly it’s December! Well, no matter—celebrate this last delightful month of the year with some quality viewing from around the worlds of Disney: The all-new Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules on Disney+; the premiere of Darby and the Dead on Hulu; all four Toy Story films on FX; and much more where that came from…

In a concept art image from Disney Cruise Line, Captain Minnie Mouse and Captain Mickey Mouse are seen in their new Silver Anniversary at Sea ensembles—Minnie (on left) in a turquoise jacket, white pants, and turquoise shoes (with a captain’s hat), and Mickey (on right) in a turquoise jacket and pants (with a captain’s hat). Part of a Disney Cruise Line ship, as well as some sky, is seen behind them.

Disney Cruise Line Celebrates 25 Years with Silver Anniversary at Sea

It was July 1998 when the Disney Magic embarked on its maiden voyage, introducing the world to a new kind of cruise vacation—where families are immersed in Disney storytelling, dazzling entertainment, and unparalleled hospitality at sea. For almost 25 years, Disney Cruise Line has been a veritable porthole through which guests have experienced global destinations and created cherished memories onboard a one-of-a-kind fleet of truly enchanting ships.

In 2023, new magic will unfold on the high seas as Disney Cruise Line celebrates its 25th anniversary, bringing special entertainment, merchandise, and sure-to-be-incredible celebratory experiences to select summer sailings. Guests are invited to take part in limited time Silver Anniversary at Sea offerings across all five Disney Cruise Line ships from May through September 2023.

The Silver Anniversary at Sea celebration will be featured on summer cruises aboard all five Disney Cruise Line ships. Guests will encounter new entertainment, limited-time enhancements, eye-catching decor, whimsical merchandise, and other delightful surprises, all imbued with the magical spirit of this once-in-a-lifetime event. What can guests expect? For starters, Captain Minnie Mouse and Captain Mickey Mouse will sport dazzling new ensembles to mark the occasion (as seen in the concept-art image above). Plus, Disney Cruise Line will debut a signature song to serve as the soundtrack of the celebration; new family entertainment and activities will culminate in shimmering evening experiences created exclusively for the anniversary celebration; and throughout their voyage, guests will discover themed culinary creations, from fanciful desserts to inspired craft cocktails and beyond.

Even more magic lies in store for guests aboard sailings that include Silver Anniversary at Sea offerings. Additional details about new entertainment, merchandise, and other celebratory experiences will be announced later—so stay tuned!

But that’s not all: The anniversary of Disney Cruise Line also heralds a brand-new membership tier for Castaway Club, which recognizes returning Disney Cruise Line guests with exclusive rewards and perks. Guests who tally at least 25 sailings will become Pearl level members of the club.

Visit DisneyCruiseLine.com for further info, including Silver Anniversary at Sea sailing dates.

Brand-New Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 Trailer—It’s Time to Face the Music

Kicking off December with a roundhouse trailer-kick worthy of Star-Lord’s favorite ’80s flicks is the brand-new trailer for Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3!

Debuting at the recent CCXP22 (Comic-Con Experience 2022) in São Paulo, Brazil, the trailer was introduced by Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios—who also welcomed Zoe Saldaña, who plays Gamora in the franchise, to the stage… much to the delight of the assembled fans.

In the film, the beloved band of misfits is looking a bit different these days. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. It’s a mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

James Gunn writes and directs Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which stars Pratt, Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, and Pom Klementieff, and features Vin Diesel as Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter, and Maria Bakalova. Look for it to rocket (pun intended) into theaters on May 5, 2023.

Broadway performers Arielle Jacobs and Adam Jacobs on stage, mid-song, in a promotional image for the 2023 DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert series at EPCOT, during the International Festival of the Arts. Arielle (on left) is wearing a shiny turquoise jacket, black leggings, and sparkly silver hi-top sneakers; Adam (on right) is wearing a black and white patterned suit jacket and grey scarf with dark jeans. A piano player and drummer are silhouetted behind them, with an orange and red lit-up background.

Lineup Announced for 2023 DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series at EPCOT

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is just around the corner—and to celebrate, our pals at Walt Disney World Resort have shared a first look at who will take the stage during the fan-favorite DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series. Three times each evening, guests will be able to watch some of Broadway’s biggest stars performing songs from more than 25 years of award-winning Disney on Broadway stage productions.

The full lineup is chockablock with talent—including some friends of D23:

  • 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

Beginning Tuesday, December 13, dining packages will be available to purchase at ArtfulEPCOT.com. Why not make it a tuneful date night? (Makes a great gift!)

The logo for Disney Branded Television; the words “Disney Branded Television” are in black against a white background, with an image of Mickey Mouse to the left. He’s wearing red shorts.

Disney Branded Television Developing New Animated Series Intercats

The good folks over at Disney Branded Television have announced that Intercats, an animated sitcom set in a cat workplace from screenwriter Pamela Ribon and Baobab Studios, is now in development.

Told through the big, reflective eyes of cats, Intercats is an animated workplace comedy about the cats who produce those hysterical cat videos that go viral on the Internet! It features a ragtag team of cats aspiring to get what all cats want: their independence. But to do so, they must first learn to navigate their own internal relationships and build upon their success as the premiere studio for viral cat videos. Intercats reflects the heroic lengths we will all go to find and secure our own place in the world.

It was further announced that Ribon—also a best-selling novelist, comic book writer, and notable blogger of the early aughts—has begun her own first-look agreement with Disney Branded Television’s animation studio, Disney Television Animation, which is working closely with Baobab Studios on the development of Intercats. Stay tuned for meow information as it becomes available.

See the Trailer for Disney+’s Night at The Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again

Amazing news: There’s more adventure to be had at the American Museum of Natural History when the sun goes down…

Disney+ just released an all-new trailer for Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again, an animated adventure based on the popular movie franchise. In the film, Nick Daley (voice of Joshua Bassett) finds that a summer gig as night watchman at the museum is a challenging job for a high school student—but he’s following in his father’s footsteps and determined not to let him down. Luckily, he’s familiar with the museum’s ancient tablet that brings everything to life and is happy to see his old friends, including Jedediah (voice of Steve Zahn), Octavius (voice of Jack Whitehall), and Sacagawea (voice of Kieran Sequoia). But when the maniacal ruler Kahmunrah (voice of Joseph Kamal) escapes with plans to unlock the Egyptian underworld and free its army of the dead, it is up to Nick to stop the demented overlord and save the museum once and for all.

See Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again exclusively on the streaming service beginning December 9.

ICYMI: Disney Delivers 75,000 More Toys to Children in Need Through the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive

’Tis the season to be kind… and as announced earlier this week on ABC’s Good Morning America, Disney is providing a grant to the Marine Toys for Tots Program that will deliver an additional 75,000 toys to children in need this holiday season. Read more about the donation—and how you can get involved by visiting shopdisney.com or by visiting a Disney store or Disney store outlet location—by clicking here.