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

October 20, 2022October 20, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

From a spooky football special to a Pirates of the Caribbean marathon, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy this weekend! Disney Channel and Disney Junior will debut an action-packed episode of Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends on Friday, along with a new episode of The Villains of Valley View, airing that night on Disney Channel. Onyx Collective’s new docuseries The Hair Tales premieres with two episodes Saturday on Hulu. Sunday features a Pirates of the Caribbean movie marathon on FX, and the premiere of Peyton and Eli’s Spooky Adventure: A Places Universe Special on ESPN+.

Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends—Friday, October 21, at 8:30 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and 12:30 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior

This brand-new episode is a-maze-ing! Team Spidey—Peter Parker (voiced by Benjamin Valic), Gwen Stacy (voiced by Lily Sanfelippo), and Miles Morales (Jakari Frazer)—gets trapped in a giant sand maze created by Sandman (voiced by Tom Wilson) and must find a way out. Later, the young heroes swing into action at the amusement park after Electro (voiced by Stephanie Lemelin) hijacks all the fun.

The Villains of Valley View—Friday, October 21, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel

When Amy (Isabella Pappas) and Hartley (Kayden Muller-Janssen) get detention, Amy attempts to wipe the principal’s memory, but inadvertently erases the memory of Vic (James Patrick Stuart) instead. Meanwhile, Eva (Lucy Davis) gets a new job and attempts to keep secret shopper Celia (Patricia Belcher) happy.

The Hair Tales—Saturday, October 22, on Hulu and at 9 p.m. ET/PT on OWN

This new docuseries from Onyx Collective leads viewers through a revelatory journey connecting the personal tales of phenomenal Black women to broader societal and historic themes. Executive produced by Disney Legend Tracee Ellis Ross, Michaela angela Davis, and Disney Legend Oprah Winfrey, the series offers an honest and layered look at the complex culture of Black hair and, ultimately, Black women’s identity, beauty, cultural contributions, humanity, and more. Viewers will hear intimate stories from Winfrey, Issa Rae, Chlöe Bailey Chika, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Marsai Martin, alongside brilliant scholars, industry and cultural leaders, hair professionals, and influential contributors.

Pirates of the Caribbean Movie Marathon—Sunday, October 23, from 9 a.m.-1 a.m. ET/PT on FX

Arrrr! A swashbuckling marathon is sailing onto your TV this Sunday. The network will air all five films from the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise in chronological order, starting with Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and continuing with Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. You won’t want to miss this marathon following the adventures and misadventures of Captain Jack Sparrow (Disney Legend Johnny Depp)!

Peyton and Eli’s Spooky Adventure: A Places Universe Special—Sunday, October 23, on ESPN+

The Places universe is investigating the paranormal in this new special, debuting just in time for Halloween. When two football players at the University of Notre Dame see the ghost of the school’s most legendary football player, head coach Marcus Freeman calls in the experts—no, not the Ghostbusters, but Peyton and Eli Manning, and former NFL and Notre Dame superstar Jerome Bettis—for an extraordinary spooky investigation.

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

October 20, 2022October 18, 2022

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

For 1937’s Lonesome Ghosts, what invention did the Animation Department at The Walt Disney Studios create?

Glow-in-the-dark paint

The Spectral-Vision camera

The multiplane camera

Transparent paint

Correct! Wrong!

The Walt Disney Studios Animation Department created transparent paint for the spooky 1937 animated short Lonesome Ghosts.

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

You are the ultimate Disney fan!

Looks like you are a Disney expert! Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Challenge. We’ll see you next week for your chance to uphold your title as the ultimate Disney fan!

Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!

Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Challenge! These questions are tricky, so don’t stop swimming yet. We’ll see you next week for your chance to earn the title of the ultimate Disney fan!

Walt Disney Archives Presents: Step in Time at D23 Expo 2022

October 19, 2022December 9, 2022

The Walt Disney Archives invited D23 Expo 2022 guests to step through a Disney100 portal to become immersed in a century of Disney wonder. A central timeline guided visitors through the chronological celebration, showcasing the vast breadth of extraordinary Disney events from the past 100 years—beginning with the Company’s founding in 1923. The timeline became the gateway to nine themed environments which offered guests the chance to literally “Step in Time” and into famous scenes and memorable moments from beloved animated shorts, films, and movie premieres, as well as television productions and Disney Parks favorites. Rarely seen historical objects from the Walt Disney Archives collection were exhibited like never before, displayed in re-creations of the remarkable settings from which they originated.

Steamboat Willie premieres – 1928
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse made their legendary big-screen debut on November 18, 1928, with the release of Steamboat Willie at the Colony Theatre in New York City. Directed by Walt Disney, this cartoon was the first to feature the emerging innovation of synchronized sound. The instant fame and enduring charm of these iconic characters would also usher in a variety of licensed merchandise items beginning in 1930, from writing tablets and watches to clothing and school supplies. Soon, licensed Disney character products became available for every member of the family.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premieres – 1937
Walt Disney’s first animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, premiered at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on December 21, 1937. This creative watershed for the Company was met with lavish fanfare as Hollywood’s biggest stars walked the blue carpet alongside the likes of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Snow White herself. The promotional standees seen here hearken to an early European theatrical release and reflect the film’s worldwide popularity. And as a testament to Snow White’s timeless appeal, the featured costume—designed by Martin Izquierdo for actor Rachel Weisz—was featured some 70 years after the film’s original release as part of the Disney Dream Portrait series by photographer Annie Leibovitz.

Disneyland opens – 1955
Disneyland, Walt’s brand-new concept in family entertainment, opened to an invitational audience on July 17, 1955, and to an eager public the following day. Constructed on a site originally spanning some 160 acres, Disneyland has continued to grow and evolve over the years. The well-known attraction posters that now populate the tunnels of the Main Street Station originally greeted visitors at the park’s main entrance, in front of and near the famous floral depiction of Mickey Mouse. These whimsical posters were introduced within the first year of the park’s operation to provide guests with a taste of what they would see inside the park and in which themed land they could experience it. The posters displayed were all original to Disneyland—each screen-printed by hand and representing such opening day attractions as the Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad, Peter Pan’s Flight, Jungle Cruise, Autopia, and Mark Twain Riverboat.

Mary Poppins premieres – 1964
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre was the site of a “Jolly Holiday” when Mary Poppins made its world premiere at the famed Hollywood movie palace on August 27, 1964. Heralded as one of Walt Disney’s crowning achievements, the musical fantasy was shot entirely on soundstages at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. As Walt once explained, the film employed “about every trick we had learned in the making of films,” although bringing its chalk-illustrated world to life was no easy feat for Disney’s studio artists. Similar to today’s green-screen technology, an innovative sodium vapor process was developed to combine live-action and animation for the acclaimed “Jolly Holiday” sequence; actors were filmed in front of a screen, which was illuminated from behind with sodium vapor lights, casting a yellow hue. A prism inside the camera then filtered out the sodium light, leaving only the main image, to give filmmakers and animators the ability to later fill in the surroundings with fanciful creations. Add in extraordinary props (like these intricate carousel horses) and costumes (like this creation designed by Tony Walton and worn by Disney Legend Julie Andrews), and no wonder that it’s Mary that we love!

Walt Disney World Resort opens – 1971
In the early 1960s, thanks to the popularity of Disneyland, Walt and Roy O. Disney began searching for a site on the East Coast where they could build an entirely new “vacation kingdom” of Disney entertainment and recreation. To attract guests from new regions, Central Florida was ultimately selected as the ideal site for the project known today as Walt Disney World. The 43-square-mile resort complex opened October 1, 1971, and originally featured Magic Kingdom Park and two surrounding resort hotels—the Contemporary and Polynesian Village Resorts. Unique to the Magic Kingdom was a new themed land called Liberty Square, which debuted with an updated version of the signature Disneyland attraction, the Haunted Mansion. Since the mansion’s doors first creaked open a half-century ago, foolish mortals have toured the happy haunting grounds of 999 spirited specters by Doom Buggy—discovering new and reimagined ghoulish delights as they have materialized over time. Presented here are historical items and apparitions that once called the Haunted Mansion home, including the ghostly bride who departed the mansion’s Attic in 2007.

TRON is released – 1982
Greetings, Programs, and welcome to The Grid! The cult classic film Tron was released on July 9, 1982, sending audiences on a futuristic adventure through the electronic world. This groundbreaking motion picture was the first to make extensive use of computer-generated imagery, requiring gigabytes of expertise and creativity. Inspired by director Steven Lisberger’s passion for computer games, it was only natural that the film’s “real-world” sequences featured an arcade. The impressive neon sign for Flynn’s Arcade, seen here, served as the beacon for the video game facility managed by Kevin Flynn (played by Jeff Bridges) in the film. Whether you prefer playing Lightcycleor Space Paranoids, Flynn’s was the most happening place to be (and remember—to get that high score, it’s all in the wrist).

Dick Tracy is released – 1990
“Calling Dick Tracy. Calling Dick Tracy.” Disney’s take on the iconic fedora-clad detective first hit the big screen on June 15, 1990. In this Touchstone release, the colorful world of Dick Tracy was made to resemble the vibrant style of the namesake comic strips originally created by Chester Gould in 1931. Italian costume designer Milena Canonero assigned each character—from starring to background roles—a distinct color to help them stand out, forming a palette from black to white without any mid-tones or muddy colors. In the film’s Club Ritz raid scene, Breathless Mahoney (played by Madonna) wore this backless, black sequined dress as she performed the Academy Award^®-winning number “Sooner or Later [I Always Get My Man]” by Stephen Sondheim. Crime boss Big Boy Caprice (played by Al Pacino) donned the flashy red double-breasted suit with black pinstripes. For Warren Beatty’s Dick Tracy costume, the look was lifted straight off the page: the trademark ensemble of black suit, white shirt, red striped tie, yellow coat, and fedora.

First “Wand ID” airs on Disney Channel – 2003
Some of Disney’s most popular stars first delivered the iconic catchphrase, “... and you’re watching Disney Channel,” when the first “Wand ID” segments aired on June 7, 2003—some 20 years after the cable network’s historic launch. Among the first talent to “wave the wand” were actors from Even Stevens (2000), That’s So Raven (2001), The Proud Family (2001), and Lizzie McGuire (2003). With the popularity of these filmed clips, over 350 have aired to date—and they’re still being created with the newest class of Disney Channel talent! Guests at D23 Expo 2022 were able step into a larger-than-life TV to create their own “Wand ID,” surrounded by costumes worn by stars of past Disney Channel original series and movies.

Acquisition of Lucasfilm – 2012
On December 21, 2012, The Walt Disney Company completed its acquisition of Lucasfilm Ltd. Included in the deal was the special effects powerhouse Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Skywalker Sound, along with the rights to the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. In 2021, the Walt Disney Archives welcomed Star Wars film props, costumes, and other artifacts into the collection, beginning with historical pieces from Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015). The collection now includes an array of droids, including the ones seen here (BB-8, C-3PO, D-O, and R2-D2), as well as elaborate interior components from the Millennium Falcon.

As we approach the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company—and after such a successful and engaging showing at D23 Expo 2022—we at the Walt Disney Archives are incredibly excited about traveling our new and unique exhibit marking a century of unparalleled innovation and storytelling with the world. Coming in 2023, Disney100: The Exhibition will celebrate the wonder of Disney, from 1923 to the present and into the future.

The Spookiest Places at Disneyland Resort to take the Perfect Halloween Photo

October 19, 2022October 19, 2022

By Jocelyn Buhlman

When the Halloween season is nigh and creepy sights are around every corner at Disneyland Resort, you can’t help but feel inspired to snap a spooky shot or two to commemorate your trip. Whether you’re showing off your Halloween-inspired outfit or hoping a grim, grinning ghost materializes in your final shot, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to capture that perfect picture

Disneyland

Main Street Mickey Pumpkin
Nothing fills us with Halloween cheer more than this giant, gord-geous depiction of Mickey’s face, the icon of Disneyland’s Halloween celebration. No spooky soirée at the park is complete without posing in front of the Mickey Pumpkin.

Partners Statue and Pumpkins
Already an iconic Disneyland photo location, the Partner’s Statue gets extra festive during the Halloween season with cheerful Jack-o-lanterns representing each land at the park. Pose in front of your favorite carving, or take a pic with Walt, Mickey, and the full pumpkin assemblage for a classic fall photo.

Haunted Mansion Holiday
When two holidays collide, it’s the perfect time to take a photo perfect for your Halloween décor—and a future Christmas card? Jack has decorated the mansion in his best attempt at holiday decor, but when Halloween creates Christmas, you never know what’s in store

Downtown Disney and Disneyland Resort Hotels

Oogie Boogie at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa
Well, well, well. What have we here? The Oogie Boogie man makes the perfect backdrop for those of us who are more “Nightmare” than “Before Christmas.” Decorated with bugs, snakes, and creepy cute jack-o-lanterns, you’re sure to snap a spooky shot in front of this display.

Hocus Pocus 2 Photo Opp at Downtown Disney
Calling all aspiring witches: This bewitching photo opportunity boasts a special celebration of the Disney+ original movie Hocus Pocus 2, now streaming. Fly your brooms (or vacuums) over to the photo op—located between Splitsville and Tortilla Jo’s—before it magically disappears after October 31.

Disney California Adventure

The Headless Horseman
If you’re trying to find the best spot at Disney California Adventure to take a photo, don’t lose your head! The Headless Horseman statue by the Carthay Circle Restaurant is your place to be headed for a spooky photo shoot.

Cars Land Sign
Over at Radiator Springs, everyone’s got their car-stumes on and their haul-o-ween decorations up! The “Cars Land” sign is already a must-do photo spot, but with its extra spoke-y decorations, it’s perfect to commemorate your Halloween visit to Disney California Adventure.

Trunk or Treat Sign
If you’re looking to mix things up a little bit when commemorating your time in Radiator Springs, we recommend stopping by this cute sign next to the Cozy Cone Motel. There’s no tricks here—just spooky good fun!

Everything You Need to Know About MagicBand+ Coming to Disneyland Resort

October 18, 2022October 18, 2022

By Sarah Sterling

MagicBand+ is coming to Disneyland Resort October 26 with all the magic and convenience you love, plus more abilities and exciting features to come. Here’s everything you need to know about what MagicBand+ does and how you can use it to enhance your next visit to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park!

Three hands in fists, each wearing a new MagicBand+ design. The main arm in the center of the image has on a light blue Magic Key holder exclusive MagicBand that reads “The Happiest Place on Earth” across the face.

MagicBand+ will offer hands-free theme park entry to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure and can be scanned at your favorite attractions for Lightning Lane entrance check-in. No more hastily pulling out your phone or looking for your ticket when you check in at attractions—your key to the magic can now sit conveniently on your wrist for an easy, seamless experience. Additionally, you can link your Disney PhotoPass photographer photos to your Disney account with MagicBand+. This new generation of wearable tech is easy to use and comfortable for guests of all ages.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will offer new immersive experiences through MagicBand+ with the introduction of Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters. “We wanted to create a place where you could truly live your own Star Wars adventure. This idea of you becoming part of the story was critical to everything that we did,“ explains Asa Kalama, Executive of Creative & Interactive Experiences, Walt Disney Imagineering. “MagicBand+ has allowed us to finally deliver against that last archetype that we wanted to bring to life (the bounty hunter).” In Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters, guests can track down virtual targets using vibrations and lights on their band to guide them; MagicBand+ will turn green when you are headed in the direction of your bounty and red when you are going the wrong direction. Haptic feedback will speed up as you approach the door that hides your target. Once found, you can return to local guild master Raga Bua to receive galactic credits and a new mission!

An arm stretched in front of the camera with an illuminated MagicBand+ on the wrist. The band is glowing pink and fountains from Disney California Adventure’s World of Color show are shooting into the air behind the arm.

Guests will be able to see and feel their park experiences with MagicBand+’s color-changing LED lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition. New immersive elements to entertainment in Avengers Campus will become available, and MagicBand+ illuminates and pulses in sync with nighttime spectaculars like World of Color in Disney California Adventure and Fantasmic in Disneyland. Come 2023, MagicBand+ will also interact with new Disney100 Years of Wonder offerings like World of Color – One.

A display of all the Disneyland Resort MagicBand+ designs. Over a dozen bands sit in display boxes on a conference room table. There are special designs featuring princess crowns, the Disneyland “D”, a castle, Spider-Man, Nightmare Before Christmas characters, and Star Wars symbols.

To enjoy all that MagicBand+ has to offer, guests will need a Disney account and the Disneyland app to pair their band to their phone. MagicBand+ can be updated as needed with in-app upgrades and is more customizable than ever before—giving guests the ability to set color schemes; adjust motion recognition settings; and opt in or out of haptic vibrations. These bands are also rechargeable and come with their own USB charging cable.

MagicBand+ launches at Disneyland Resort for all guests on October 26, 2022. Cast Members, Magic Key Holders, and Disney Vacation Club members can get early access to MagicBand+ starting October 19!

Stay tuned to D23.com for more updates on Disney Parks around the globe.

Everything New You Can Stream on Disney+ in November 2022

October 18, 2022November 7, 2022

By Zach Johnson

If you needed yet another reason to be grateful in the month of November, look no further than the plethora of offerings from Disney+! The streaming service just announced a lineup that includes multiple finales, premieres, specials, and much more!

In the four-part series Donna Hay Christmas, premiering Wednesday, November 2, with all episodes, Donna Hay demonstrates how to create the most spectacular festive celebration. From reimagined main dishes like the ultimate glazed ham, to showstopping desserts like her signature centerpiece pavlova, Hay shares her best time-savers and signature cheats to create your very own kind of Christmas magic.

Still feeling festive? The Santa Clauses premieres with two episodes on Wednesday, November 16. After stopping at one of his favorite houses, Scott Calvin (Disney Legend Tim Allen) realizes that the 28 years he’s been Santa Claus have flown by. To make matters worse, his magic is beginning to falter. Scott trains to get his Santa mojo back, but the following Christmas things only get worse. In the second episode, he learns that, by way of the “Secessus” clause, he can retire—but he must find a worthy successor before doing so. Torn between wanting to retire and not wanting to leave the North Pole, Scott taps his children as possible candidates. However, neither of them is interested, as they want to know more about the world outside the North Pole.

Premiering that same day is Best in Snow, a festive holiday special hosted by Tituss Burgess that transports teams from around the world to a magical snowy village, Snowdome, and throws them into a spirited competition. With the help of Snowdome’s finest carvers, teams will transform their 10-foot, 20-ton blocks of snow into beautiful creations inspired by Pixar, Marvel, Walt Disney Animation, Walt Disney Studios, and The Muppets Studios. The teams will take family favorites such as Moana, Coco, and The Lion King and bring the characters to life in a way you’ve never seen before—in snow! Spectacular snow sculptures and lively musical performances from Burgess, Kermit the Frog, and DCappella make this an action-packed event for the entire family.

On Friday, November 25, RUN DMC’s Rev Run invites audiences to experience The Hip Hop Nutcracker, inspired by the classic ballet The Nutcracker. It’s the night of the annual New Year’s Eve block party, and Maria-Clara (Caché Melvin) is feeling down because her mom and pop (Allison Holker Boss and Stephen “tWitch” Boss) aren’t getting along. So, she embarks on a holiday adventure to bring them back together, finding help along the way from the magical toymaker, Drosselmeyer (Comfort Fedoke), and the Nutcracker (Du-Shant “Fik-shun” Stegall) she brings to life. Maria-Clara’s journey takes her from the streets of New York to fantasy worlds where she battles with mice and toy soldiers (Viktor White, BDash, and Kevin “Konkrete” Davis”)—and goes back in time to the Land of Sweets in order to find the key to unlock her holiday wish. Will it be enough to rekindle her parents’ lost love before the clock strikes midnight? The special also features dancers Mikhail Baryshnikov, Tiler Peck, KidaTheGreat AKA Kida Burns, the Jabbawockeez (as magical snowflakes), and more.

For those looking for non-holiday films, series, and specials, Marvel Studios has several new titles debuting throughout the month. First up is Marvel Studios’ Assembled: The Making of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (Thursday, November 3), where stars Tatiana Maslany, Mark Ruffalo, Tim Roth, and Benedict Wong reveal how Marvel Studios’ She-Hulk: Attorney at Law was conceived and shaped. Discover what it took for She-Hulk’s creators to pull off the show’s tricky tone and deliver Marvel Studios’ first truly comedic series—one that boldly breaks the fourth wall to acknowledge its own audience, no less! The following day, Director by Night will explore director and composer Michael Giacchino’s vision, style, and approach to bringing the chilling story to life, as well as offering an insider’s look at the between-the-scenes making of Werewolf by Night. That same day, three new episodes of Marvel Studios Legends will debut, highlighting key aspects of Black Panther characters King T’Challa, Princess Shuri, and the Dora Milaje. Last but not least, James Gunn’s The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special will premiere on Friday, November 25, starring Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, and Bradley Cooper, and introducing Kevin Bacon.

If you want a dose of reality, on Wednesday, November 9, The Montaners will premiere with five episodes. The docuseries follows the iconic Montaner family, headed by one of the most important artists in the history of Latin music: Ricardo Montaner. That same day, Season 1 of Save Our Squad with David Beckham will premiere; the docuseries will follow David Beckham as he teams up with Westward Boys, an under 14’s grassroots side from East London who have not won a game all season. Beckham must draw upon all of his years of experience if he’s going to stand a chance of saving the team from relegation. A week later, on Wednesday, November 16, all episodes from Season 1 of Limitless with Chris Hemsworth will be available to stream. Hemsworth challenges himself to combat aging and discover the full potential of the human body in this new National Geographic original series, created by Darren Aronofsky. Undergoing a series of epic trials and extraordinary challenges in order to understand the limits of the human body, watch as the actor learns firsthand how everyone can live better longer by discovering ways to regenerate damage, maximize strength, build resilience, supercharge memory, and confront mortality.

Disney+ subscribers can enjoy the complete first seasons of The Tatami Time Machine Blues (Wednesday, November 9) and Daddies on Request (Wednesday, November 23), as well as every episode of the short-form series Zootopia+ (Wednesday, November 9). And, in celebration of Mickey Mouse’s birthday on Friday, November 18, fans can stream two new titles. The documentary Mickey: The Story of a Mouse chronicles how one of the world’s most beloved icons, Mickey, is recognized as a symbol of joy and childhood innocence in virtually every corner of the globe. Dreamed up at a low point in Walt Disney’s burgeoning career, Mickey became an overnight sensation when he starred in the first sync-sound animated short, Steamboat Willie. Through the decades that followed, Mickey evolved into strikingly different versions of himself that reflect both his creator’s remarkable career and dramatic societal shifts in the nation he came to represent. The brand-new animated special The Wonderful Autumn of Mickey Mouse, meanwhile, will find Mickey in a leafy hamlet, determined to undo the failures of his family’s past after he inherits a rundown pumpkin farm from a distant relative.

That same day, Disenchanted—the highly anticipated sequel to Enchanted (2007)—will debut exclusively on Disney+. It’s been 15 years since Giselle (Amy Adams) and Robert (Disney Legend Patrick Dempsey) wed, but Giselle has grown disillusioned with life in the city. They decide to move their growing family to the sleepy suburban community of Monroeville in search of a fairy tale life—but, unfortunately, it isn’t the quick fix Giselle hoped for. Suburbia has a whole new set of rules and a local queen bee, Malvina Monroe (Maya Rudolph), who makes Giselle feel more out of place than ever. Frustrated that her happily ever after hasn’t been easy to find, she turns to the magic of Andalasia for help, accidentally transforming the entire town into a real-life fairy tale, placing her family’s future happiness in jeopardy. Now, Giselle is in a race against time to reverse the spell and determine what happily ever after means to her and her family.

Later that weekend, the Original Concert Event ELTON JOHN LIVE: FAREWELL FROM DODGER STADIUM will kick off at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT with a live red carpet event, followed by a two-hour concert at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT, featuring Disney Legend Elton John live from Dodger Stadium in his final North American show. As part of John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, this concert experience features special guests and performances of unparalleled global hits spanning decades, in one of the greatest send-offs in music history—a must-see concert event for audiences of all ages!

As if that weren’t enough, the first episode of Willow—once again starring Warwick Davis in the title role—will premiere on Wednesday, November 30. A sequel series to Disney Legend George Lucas’ 1988 fantasy adventure film, Willow, the Nelwyn sorcerer has returned, years after saving the infant empress Elora Danan, to lead a group of misfit heroes on a harrowing rescue mission in a world beyond imagination.

Throughout November, enjoy new episodes of Andor, Dancing with the Stars, The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, The Mysterious Benedict Society, and Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t!, among other Disney+ Originals. The Disney+ library will continue to expand with the addition of such titles as Critter Fixers: Country Vets (Season 4), Fire of Love, The Gift, Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted Showdown(Season 1), Mary Poppins Returns (Sing-Along Version), Mickey and the Roadster Racers: Diggity Dog (Season 1), Mickey Saves Christmas, Saving Notre Dame, and World’s Deadliest (Season 3), among others.

All the titles coming to Disney+ in November are listed below:

Wednesday, November 2
Airport Security (Seasons 1-3)
Andor (Episode 9)
Cesar Millan: Better Human Better Dog (Season 2)
Critter Fixers: Country Vets (Season 4)
Dino Ranch (Season 2, 6 Episodes)
Donna Hay Christmas (Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)
Locked Up Abroad (Season 3, 9 Episodes; Season 4, 3 Episodes; Season 5-9, 10 Episodes; Season 10, 10 Episodes; Season 11)
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers (Episode 206: “Twigs”)
The Mysterious Benedict Society (Episode 203: “A Gold Bar in Fort Knox”)
Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t! (Episode 3 )
To Catch a Smuggler (Seasons 1-3)

Thursday, November 3
Marvel Studios’ Assembled: The Making of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (Premiere)

Friday, November 4
Director by Night (Premiere)
The Gift
Marvel Studios Legends (“King T’challa,” “Princess Shuri,” “The Dora Milaje”)
Ocean’s Breath
Saving Notre Dame
Shortsgiving

Monday, November 7
Dancing with the Stars (Episode 9) (Live)

Wednesday, November 9
Andor (Episode 10)
Breakthrough (Seasons 1-2)
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted Showdown (Season 1)
The Lion Ranger (Season 1)
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers (Episode 207: “Spirit of the Ducks Part 2”)
The Montaners (5-Episode Premiere)
The Mysterious Benedict Society (Episode 204: “Free of Pointless Command”)
Save Our Squad with David Beckham (Season 1 Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)
Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t! (Episode 4)
The Tatami Time Machine Blues (Season 1 Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)
World’s Deadliest (Season 3)
Zootopia+ (Premiere) (All Shorts Streaming)

Friday, November 11
Eyewitness: D-Day
Fire of Love
Mary Poppins Returns (Sing-Along Version)
Port Security: Hamburg
Sea of Shadows

Monday, November 14
Dancing with the Stars (Episode 10) (Live)

Wednesday, November 16
Andor (Episode 11)
Atlas of Cursed Places (Season 1)
Ice Road Rescue (Season 6)
Limitless with Chris Hemsworth (Season 1 Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers (Episode 208 “Trade Rumors”)
Minnie’s Bow-Toons: Party Palace Pals (Season 2, 11 Episodes)
The Mysterious Benedict Society (Episode 205: “Blank Expression”)
The Santa Clauses (2-Episode Premiere: “Chapter One: Good to Ho,” “Chapter Two: The Secessus Clause”)
Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t! (Episode 5)
Ultimate Survival WWII (Season 1)
World’s Deadliest Snakes (Season 1)

Friday, November 18
Best in Snow (Premiere)
Disenchanted (Premiere)
Game of Sharks
Genoa Bridge Disaster
Me & Mickey (Shorts) (Season 1, 20 Episodes)
Mickey and the Roadster Racers: Diggity Dog (Season 1)
Mickey Mousekersize (Season 1)
Mickey: The Story of a Mouse (Premiere)
Virus Hunters
The Wonderful Autumn of Mickey Mouse (Premiere)

Sunday, November 20
ELTON JOHN LIVE: FAREWELL FROM DODGER STADIUM (Original Concert Event)

Monday, November 21
Dancing with the Stars (Episode 11) (Live) (Finale)

Wednesday, November 23
Andor (Episode 12) (Season Finale)
Daddies on Request (Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)
Egypt with the World’s Greatest Explorer (Season 1)
Last of the Giants: Wild Fish (Season 1)
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers (Episode 209: “Summer Breezers”)
The Mysterious Benedict Society (Episode 206: “Commitment to All Things Cozy”)
Puppy Dog Pals (Season 5, 2 Episodes)
The Santa Clauses (“Chapter Three: Into the Wobbly Wood”)
Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t! (Episode 6)
The Villains of Valley View (Season 1, 4 Episodes)
Witness to Disaster (Season 1)
World’s Deadliest: Jaws and Sins (Season 1)

Friday, November 25
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (Special) (Premiere)
Heroes of the Sky: The Mighty Eighth Air Force (Special)
The Hip Hop Nutcracker (Premiere)
Life and Death in Paradise: Crocs of the Caribbean (Special)

Monday, November 28
Mickey Saves Christmas

Wednesday, November 30
Buried Secrets of WWII (Season 1)
Firebuds (Season 1, 3 Episodes)
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers (Episode 210: “Lights Out”)
The Mysterious Benedict Society (Episode 207: “A Joyful Lens”)
The Santa Clauses (“Chapter Four: The Shoes Off the Bed Clause”)
Spidey and his Amazing Friends (Season 2, 4 Episodes)
Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t (Episode 7)
Willow (Premiere) (Episode 1)
The Witch Doctor Will See You Now (Season 1)

Disney Legend Alan Menken Remembers His Friend, Disney Legend Angela Lansbury

October 18, 2022

By Bruce Steele

The loss of Disney Legend Angela Lansbury last week was especially difficult for those she worked closely with over the years. Composer and Disney Legend Alan Menken collaborated with Lansbury several times, beginning with the original recording of the songs for the Disney animated classic Beauty and the Beast at RCA Studios in New York City. At that time, Menken’s songwriting partner, Disney Legend Howard Ashman, was visibly weakened by his battle with AIDS, which took his life in early 1991, eight months before the film was released in theaters. When Alan was asked by the Walt Disney Archives if he would like to share his thoughts on Angela, he provided this touching remembrance:

“My most indelible memories of Angela are those reflecting her deep compassion, extraordinary artistry and strength—along with her endearing vulnerability and openness. The first time I met her was when Howard Ashman and I produced her singing ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Be Our Guest’ at RCA Studios. She arrived, with her husband Peter Shaw, so perfectly prepared that the very first sing-through with orchestra is almost entirely what was used—a moment of such perfection and emotion. And, at the same time, it was crystal clear that Angela tracked Howard’s fragile condition and exuded the most endearing compassion and support imaginable.

“And my last memories are us sharing the stage at Lincoln Center [in 2016] for the 25th anniversary of Beauty and the Beast and at Carnegie Hall for a concert honoring my work. When we rehearsed the title song backstage, Angela had to stop our performance numerous times because of her feeling emotionally overcome. The memories associated with that first, joyful experience in the studio caught up with her; and, not surprisingly, with me as well. Peter’s passing [in 2003] had hit Angela hard. And we both experienced the feeling of loss and appreciation for the brilliance of Howard.

“But, having had that moment, Angela gathered her strength, declared, ‘It will all be fine on the night!,’ ran through our rehearsal perfectly and once again brought her exquisite heart and artistry to live performances that will live forever for those audiences and for me. RIP, dear Angela. You will live forever in our hearts.”

Read D23’s full remembrance of Angela Lansbury here.

D23 Halloween Spell-ebration Pumpkin Stencils

October 18, 2022October 18, 2022

Please note, these stencils are not for beginner pumpkin carvers. Kids, be sure to have an adult help you with the carving tools!

What you will need:

Ready to carve pumpkin
5 x 11-inch white printer paper
Scissors
Decoupage or double-sided tape
Optional: 8.5 x 11-inch white sticker paper (found in the scrapbooking section of craft stores)

Instructions:

Download and print out this sheet of stickers onto printer paper or sticker paper.
Using scissors, cut around each sticker (using its border as your guide).
Attach to your pumpkin using decoupage, double-sided tape, or self-adhesive (if using sticker paper).
Happy pumpkin carving!

Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration Plush

October 17, 2022

Check out these incredible new Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary plush, themed after some of the most iconic attractions found at the beloved resort…

**Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration Country Bear Jamboree Plush**

The 50th Anniversary celebration Country Bear Jamboree Plush set celebrates this Walt Disney World opening-day attraction, which made its Magic Kingdom debut in 1971. This Amazon Exclusive collection includes three of the stars from the bear-ific musical stage show: Teddi Barra, Big Al, and Henry. These premium plush are decked out in their signature looks from the classic Grizzly Hall hootenanny! Henry’s outfit even includes adorable Sammy the raccoon sewn into his hat. With embroidered features and exceptional detail, this three-piece set will bring back memories of the Country Bear Jamboree and delight Disney fans of all ages. Surprise someone special with this once-in-a-lifetime collector’s set of Disney characters that captures the wonder and excitement of their favorite Walt Disney World experience! Makes a great gift for adults and kids ages 3 and up.

Includes three premium plush: Teddi Barra, Big Al, and Henry.
Celebrate 50 years of Walt Disney World with collectible plush toys that commemorate iconic Walt Disney World attractions. Fans of the Country Bear Jamboree are in for foot-stompin’ fun!
The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration Country Bear Jamboree Plush collection includes limited-release Teddi Barra, Big Al, and Henry premium plush toys.
Made with a velvety-soft plush, each bear is dressed in their signature look: Teddi Barra wears her blue hat and pink boa; Big Al has his guitar; and Henry comes complete with sidekick Sammy the raccoon in his hat.
Each character stands approximately 10 inches tall and has embroidered features and excellent detailing.
This limited-edition set makes a special gift for Disney fans of all ages.
Collect all the Amazon Exclusive Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary commemorative plush Disney character sets. Limited series; each set sold separately.
Ages 3 years and up.

**Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Plush**

Celebrate 50 years of Walt Disney World with these Amazon Exclusive 50th Anniversary collectible plush toys commemorating iconic Walt Disney World attractions. The fourth release in this series of four collectible sets, the 50th Anniversary celebration Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Plush set celebrates the landmark Frontierland attraction that debuted at Magic Kingdom Park in 1980. This exciting collection includes Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy premium plush in an exclusive Southwestern colorway inspired by the “wildest ride in the wilderness.” With embroidered features, adorable ride-themed outfits, and exceptional detail, this four-piece set of beloved Disney characters will bring back memories of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and delight Disney fans of all ages. Surprise someone special with this once-in-a-lifetime collector’s set that captures the wonder and excitement of their favorite Walt Disney World experience! Makes a great gift for adults and kids ages 3 and up.

Includes four premium plush: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy.
Celebrate 50 years of Walt Disney World with collectible plush toys that commemorate iconic Walt Disney World attractions. Fans of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are in for a thrilling treat!
The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Plush collection includes limited-release Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy premium plushies in an exclusive colorway inspired by the attraction.
Made with a velvety-soft, mountain-patterned plush in earth tones, Mickey Mouse and friends wear outfits in brick red, forest green, and warm yellow—the colors of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad mine trains.
Each character stands approximately nine inches tall and has embroidered brown eyes and embroidered details on their outfits.
What a wonderful way to commemorate a cherished Disney experience or reveal an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World! This limited-edition set makes a special gift for Mickey Mouse fans of all ages.
Collect all the Amazon Exclusive Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary commemorative plush Disney character sets. Limited series; each set sold separately.
Ages 3 years and up.

**Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration Mad Tea Party Plush**

The 50th Anniversary Celebration Mad Tea Party Plush set celebrates the landmark Magic Kingdom opening-day attraction, which began spinning its teacups in 1971. This Amazon Exclusive collectible set includes Disney’s “Sensational Six”—Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Pluto—as premium plush in a beautiful, pastel colorway inspired by the whirling teacups of the classic attraction. With embroidered features, adorable outfits, and exceptional detail, this six-piece set of beloved Disney characters will bring back memories of the Mad Tea Party and delight Disney fans of all ages. Surprise someone special with this once-in-a-lifetime collector’s set that captures the wonder and excitement of their favorite Walt Disney World experience! Makes a great gift for adults and kids ages 3 and up.

Includes six premium plush: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Pluto.
Fans of the Mad Tea Party are in for a whimsical wonderland!
The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration Mad Tea Party Plush collection includes limited-release Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Pluto premium plushies in an exclusive, pastel colorway inspired by the attraction.
Made with a velvety-soft, swirly patterned plush, Mickey Mouse and friends wear outfits in a rainbow of shades that match the giant teacups.
Each character stands approximately nine inches tall and has embroidered purple eyes and a red bow accessory.
This limited-edition set makes a special gift for Mickey Mouse fans of all ages.
Collect all the Amazon Exclusive Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary commemorative plush Disney character sets. Limited series; each set sold separately.
Ages 3 years and up.

Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration Jungle Cruise Plush

Celebrate 50 years of Walt Disney World with the Amazon Exclusive 50th Anniversary collectible plush toyscommemorating iconic Walt Disney World attractions. The third release in this limited series of four collectible sets, the 50th Anniversary Celebration Jungle Cruise Plush setcelebrates the landmark opening-day Adventureland attraction that debuted at Magic Kingdom Park in 1971. This exciting collection includes Mickey Mouse,Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy premium plushin an exclusive jungle-themed colorway inspired by the rollicking riverboat cruise. With embroidered features, adorable safari outfits, and exceptional detail, this 4-piece set of beloved Disney characters will bring back memories of the Jungle Cruise and delight Disney fans of all ages. Surprise someone special with this once-in-a-lifetime collector’s set that captures the wonder andexcitement of their favorite Walt Disney World experience! Makes a great gift for adults and kids ages 3 and up.

Includes 4 premium plush: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy.
Celebrate 50 years of Walt Disney World with collectible plush toys that commemorate iconic Walt Disney World attractions. Fans of the Jungle Cruise are in for a wild treat!
The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration Jungle Cruise Plush collection includes limited-release Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy premium plushies in an exclusive color way inspired by the riverboat attraction.
Made with a velvety-soft, leaf-patterned plush in various shades of green, Mickey Mouse and friends wear mixed-material outfits in a textured khaki fabric with embroidered details, and red and white striped accessories.
Each character stands approximately 9 inches tall, has embroidered green eyes, and wears a safari hat.
What a wonderful way to commemorate a cherished Disney experience or reveal an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World! This limited-edition set makes a special gift for Mickey Mouse fans of all ages.
Collect all the Amazon Exclusive Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary commemorative plush Disney character sets. Limited series, each set sold separately.
Ages 3 years and up.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

October 17, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

Happy haunts will materialize this week due to this spooktacular slate of content haunting your TV (and assorted streaming devices). Freeform’s “31 Nights of Halloween” continues with The Haunted Mansion, airing Monday night. The adventure continues with an all-new episode of Andor debuting Wednesday on Disney+. Then, on Thursday, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb airs on Freeform, while Grey’s Anatomy premieres a new episode that same night on ABC. And don’t miss a new episode of Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion, airing Friday on Disney Channel.

The Haunted Mansion—Monday, October 17, at 5:05 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform

Workhorse real estate agent Jim Evers (Eddie Murphy) heeds the advice of his wife, Sara (Marsha Thomason), to spend more time with their children, Michael (Marc John Jefferies) and Megan (Aree Davis), and plans a family vacation. En route to their destination, Jim stops by a mysterious mansion that he’s been asked to sell. He quickly realizes it’s unlike any property he’s listed before, as it’s haunted by Master Gracey (Nathaniel Parker); his butler, Ramsley (Terence Stamp); and two other servants who need assistance breaking a curse.

Andor—Wednesday, October 19, on Disney+

This week’s all-new installment picks up after the action-packed events of Episode 6. Following the devastating death of Karis Nemik (Alex Lawther), Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) departs with Nemik’s manifesto. As the finale nears, will Cassian be persuaded to combine his lot with Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) to be used for good? Will viewers learn what the intended plans for Aldhani? Tune in to find out.

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb—Thursday, October 20, at 1 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform

Something is amiss at New York’s Natural History Museum. The exhibits are behaving strangely, and Larry Daley (Ben Stiller)—now the director of nighttime operations—is determined to find out the cause. He learns that the tablet, which magically brings Teddy Roosevelt (Disney Legend Robin Williams), Jedediah (Owen Wilson), and the other exhibits to life at night, has started to decay. Larry embarks on trip to London’s British Museum with his son, Nick (Skyler Gisondo), and his museum friends to learn how to prevent the tablet’s magic from dissipating.

Grey’s Anatomy—Thursday, October 20, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC

Bailey (Chandra Wilson) recruits the interns to create a series of informational social media videos for teens. The videos, filmed at Grey Sloan in front of a group of high schoolers, hit close to home as a student has a medical emergency during her visit. Meanwhile, Meredith (Disney Legend Ellen Pompeo) and Maggie (Kelly McCreary) learn something new about Zola (Aniela Gumbs).

Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion—Friday, October 21, at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel

After discovering the true identity of Cascada (Lorena Jorge), Violet (Scarlett Estevez) becomes overwhelmed with all the secrets she’s keeping. Can she keep her anxiety at bay, or should she take a hiatus from her super hero persona?