WDW Daily News

On Thursday, August 23, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will begin selling tickets for the nextD23 Expo, which will take place August 23-25, 2019, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The largest Disney fan event in the world, D23 Expo celebrates all the wonderful worlds of The Walt Disney Company under one roof, including the best of Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars across film, television, theme parks, products, online, music, live entertainment, and more. D23 Expo 2019 marks the sixth biennial Expo held in Anaheim.

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Going to San Diego Comic-Con this year? D23 is presenting two exciting panels—Celebrating 90 Years of Mickey Mouse with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, and 25 Years of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club during the weekend of July 18-22.

From Toontown to Halloweentown, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club bringing two amazing presentations to the San Diego Convention Center during Comic-Con San Diego 2018!

Celebrating 90 Years of Mickey Mouse with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club

Friday, July 20^, from 4:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m.,  Room 6A

Beginning with Steamboat Willie, Mickey’s career has taken him on an epic journey that has endeared him to fans around the world. D23’s Justin Arthur hosts a panel including Bret Iwan (Voice Actor), Becky Cline (Director, the Walt Disney Archives), and Mark Henn (Master Disney Animator), who look at Mickey’s legendary roles in animated films and television shows, the Magic Kingdoms, and beyond!

25 Years of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmaswith D23: The Official Disney Fan Club

Saturday, July 21, from 7:45 p.m.-8:45 p.m., Room 6BCF

D23 pulls the curtain back on the classic stop-motion Halloween (and Christmas!) favorite, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, with a behind-the-scenes retrospective panel featuring the team that brought the movie to life 25 years ago, including Henry Selick (Director), Kelly Asbury (Art Director), Edie Ichioka (Editor), and Anthony Scott (Animator)

Summer is always a time for incredible films, and this year, Disney’s slate is both incredible and Incredibles. The new issue of Disney twenty-three goes behind the scenes of some of the year’s biggest films. The summer edition is so big, in fact, that every reader will get to enjoy five stunning covers, each featuring one of the new movies: Avengers: Infinity War, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Incredibles 2, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Christopher Robin.

The issue is filled with exclusive interviews with the casts and creative teams behind this season’s films. Directors Anthony & Joe Russo—along with Scarlett Johansson, Zoe Saldana, and Sebastian Stan—take readers inside the thrilling ride that will be Avengers: Infinity War. And just for Disney twenty-three, Marvel’s Ryan Meinerding has created a spectacular piece of artwork, “The Road to Infinity War—10 Years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe,” featuring 14 characters heading into a battle. Director Ron Howard and star Alden Ehrenreich talk about filling the big boots and capturing the swagger of the galaxy’s greatest smuggler in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) takes off on his character’s greatest adventure yet: being a stay-at-home dad in Incredibles 2. Plus, Edna Mode gives her list of the best-dressed Disney characters. Ant-Man and the Wasp director Peyton Reed reveals he had a special visit from exterminators after finishing the first Ant-Man, while the hilarious Evangeline Lilly talks about playing it cool with co-star Paul Rudd. Rounding out the summer, Christopher Robin promises to charm us, and Ewan McGregor, who plays the title character, talks about relating to the challenges of the now-grown-up Christopher, as he meets up once again with Winnie the Pooh and his childhood friends.

The issue also takes readers down the aisle for a first-look at Freeform’s Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. Disney twenty-three spoke to some of the happy couples—and happy hosts Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Allison Holker—about tying the knot at the happiest places on earth: Disney theme parks and resorts.

Plus, in honor of the 20th anniversary of Mulan, actress Ming-Na Wen shares some of her memories of making the beloved film—and the traits she thinks the animated warrior shares with Wen’s current role as Agent Melinda May on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Also included in the summer issue of Disney twenty-three:
“From the Desk of” Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige
A celebration of all things tiki at Disney parks and resorts around the world
A look at the groundbreaking short Three Little Pigs
The rich history—and vibrant present—of the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood
Regular features including Character Analysis, D Society, and Ask Dave

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in mid-April.

About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at shopDisney.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

All the magic and excitement of the past, present, and future of Disney entertainment will come together once again when D23: The Official Disney Fan Club presents D23 Expo 2019 at the Anaheim Convention Center the weekend of August 23–25. Each of Disney’s magical worlds—including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars—will unite under one roof to celebrate what’s new and what’s on the horizon from Disney theme parks, television, music, products, and films.

Highlights planned for D23 Expo include more than 50 shows, presentations, and panels, including the Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors the talented men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy; an all-new exhibit curated by the Walt Disney Archives; a daily parade down the middle of the show floor; D23 Expo’s costume contest, Mousequerade, showcasing the most creative designs by fans; and the D23 Expo Design Challenge. (Details on the Design Challenge and Mousequerade will be forthcoming.)

D23 Expo 2019 will feature a massive show floor full of immersive experiences and special opportunities to see what’s next for Disney around the world—and guests may run into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators, and filmmakers. Guests can enjoy numerous shopping opportunities with D23 Expo-exclusive collectibles and more at an assortment of Disney and partner merchants, including the D23 Expo Emporium, where Disney fans can buy, sell, and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia, merchandise, and more. All of the popular presentation venues will return, including Hall D23, the Expo Arena, Stage 28, and Center Stage.

D23’s sixth Expo follows the success of D23 Expo 2017, which drew tens of thousands of Disney fans for three star-studded days and nights. Guests were treated to appearances by such celebrities as Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Whoopi Goldberg, Jordan Fisher, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Hamill, Kristen Bell, Chris Hemsworth, Mandy Moore, and the stars of Disney’s Descendants. Guests had the chance to take a jump into a life-sized DuckTales money bin; were the first to see a full-scale model of Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Wars-themed land coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts; and were able to enjoy a full-length concert from Disney Legend Alan Menken. They also enjoyed a look back at Disney’s rich history through extraordinary panels, presentations, and exhibits and discovered the newest entertainment, technology, and products coming from Disney.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2019 will go on sale at D23expo.com beginning August 23, 2018. Special pricing on both one- and three-day tickets to the event—including an Early Bird Discount—will be exclusively available to D23 Gold Members. Additional special benefits will also be available to D23 Gold and Charter Members at the 2019 Expo. D23 Gold Members will also have an opportunity to purchase the Sorcerer Package, which provides a host of special benefits and amenities. Ticket prices will be announced later this summer.

About D23 Expo

D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, products, theme parks, and celebrities. Presentations, talent, and schedules are subject to change. For the latest D23 Expo news, visit D23expo.com. To join the D23 Expo conversation, make sure to follow @DisneyD23 on Twitter and use #D23Expo.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney with member-exclusive discounts; a collectible annual member gift; special events around the country; its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a member-exclusive website at D23.com; and access to the latest breaking Disney news and exciting opportunities throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at shopDisney.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

During D23 Expo Japan 2018, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek revealed new details about major expansion in progress across Walt Disney World Resort leading up to the 50^th Anniversary. Let’s take a look at what’s in store for guests:

Toy Story Land

The fun will soar to infinity and beyond beginning this summer with the opening of Toy Story Land. This playful new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard where guests will feel like they have been shrunk to the size of Woody and Buzz, as they are surrounded by oversized toys. Using toys like building blocks, plastic buckets and shovels, and game board pieces, Andy has designed the perfect setting for this land that includes two major new attractions.

Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly coaster that will send riders dipping, dodging and dashing around turns and drops through the world of Andy’s toys. Guests can also spin around with little green aliens aboard Alien Swirling Saucers and quick refreshments will be on tap at Woody’s Lunch Box.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

This highly anticipated new land is set to open in 2019, both at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park – on a grand scale – including the creation of a full-sized fleet of X-wing star fighters and a life-size Millennium Falcon starship.

The totally immersive land will include two jaw-dropping attractions that allow guests to have control of their experiences. One attraction will put guests in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance—inside a Star Destroyer. In the second attraction, guests will have the chance to fly the Millennium Falcon – the most famous ship in the galaxy. Throughout the land, guests will also have the chance to interact with Chewie, the lovable BB8 and members of the First Order, plus wander through a toy shop in the street market run by a Toydarian, one of the creatures from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

Immersive Star Wars-Themed Hotel

Fans can live out their Star Wars adventures beyond the theme parks with an immersive experience at a groundbreaking new Star Wars–themed hotel concept. The epic new experience will take guests to a galaxy far, far away and will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the new land set to open in 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Unlike anything that exists today, the new luxury resort will completely immerse guests in an authentic Star Wars story. The journey through space begins the moment guests arrive, as everyone boards a starship and departs together for a multi-day Star Wars adventure. An opening date for the new hotel has not been announced.

Guardians of the Galaxy Attraction at Epcot

Larger-than-life Super Heroes will descend upon Epcot with the opening of a Guardians of the Galaxy attraction. Based on the rockin’, action-packed “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, this one-of-a-kind family attraction will feature a brand-new, innovative ride system – and will be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world! Coming to Epcot Future World, the new attraction will open in time for the 50^th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The first ever ride-through attraction themed to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will delight guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning in 2019. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a new original story and lovable theme song, as it takes guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts. New technologies will transform the two-dimensional cartoon world into an incredible multi-dimensional experience.

A New Family-friendly Show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Just in time for the 20th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a new, family-friendly show will debut at the theme park April 22. Featuring Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s “Up,” guests will get a chance to see their favorite Senior Wilderness Explorer and his furry friend as they discover bird species from around the world.

We wanted to give a quick heads up that we’ll be sharing some exciting updates from D23 Expo Japan. Our special coverage begins Sunday night, at about 10:15 p.m. EST, as Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, presents several updates you’ll want to know about.

This winter, audiences will be able to experience the worldwide phenomenon that is Frozen in a completely new way when Frozen: The Broadway Musical opens in New York City. Disney twenty-three spoke exclusively with the company bringing this magnificent musical to the stage, including the Tony^® Award-winning creative team of Michael Grandage, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Rob Ashford, and Christopher Oram and its stars Caissie Levy (Elsa) and Patti Murin (Anna). The group spoke about their excitement for expanding the show’s story, score, and characters—including a dazzling, all-new opening number.

This month, Black Panther hits theaters, and director Ryan Coogler and executive producer Nate Moore whisk readers off to Wakanda to get the inside story behind the making of the thrilling Marvel film. Disney twenty-three also visited the set of A Wrinkle in Time, speaking with director Ava DuVernay about her dazzling adaptation of the exhilarating adventure which opens this March.

Plus, in honor of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 20th anniversary, legendary Imagineer Joe Rohde shares 20 ways this innovative theme park—which he has worked on since its inception—broke the mold.

Also included in the spring issue of Disney twenty-three:

• A look inside D23’s 2018 Gold Member Gift, Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse
• The imagination and origination of Tokyo Disney Resort
• The inside-the-nursery story of Disney Junior’s all-new Muppet Babies
• Spectacular artwork that inspired Peter Pan, which celebrates its 65th anniversary this year
• A visit to the office of Disney’s Animal Kingdom vice president Djuan Rivers
• Regular features including Character Analysis, D Society, and Ask Dave

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in mid-February.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at shopDisney.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club receive exclusive discounts year-round on shopping, entertainment, and Disney adventures when they present a D23 Membership Card or use special member-only online codes.

D23 Members can enjoy savings throughout the worlds of Disney including:

• 15% off all purchases of $60 or more at shopDisney.com and in all Disney Store locations through March 31, 2018
• 10% off food and nonalcoholic beverage purchases at Terralina, Paddlefish, and Wine Bar George (opening 2018) in Disney Springs and Restaurant Marrakesh in Epcot’s Morocco pavilion
• Dining discounts in and around Disneyland Resort, including Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Catal Restaurant, Uva Bar, Naples, Tortilla Jo’s, and ESPN Zone
• Discounted rates at Howard Johnson Anaheim and Anaheim Hotel located near Disneyland Resort; as well as at Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista, and Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, located near Walt Disney World Resort
• Discounts on purchases from select stores in Disney Springs, including Alex and Ani, Basin, Levi’s, Volcom, Under Armour, Arribas Bros., and Sugarboo & Co.
• 10% savings on activities at Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre and on merchandise at CURL^® by Sammy Duvall in Disney Springs
• Sweet savings at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company online and in its two Disney Parks shops

In addition, D23 Members can take advantage of a host of ongoing and limited-time offers developed just for them, including savings on tickets to the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, Mo., and special offers from The El Capitan Theatre, including discounted tickets to its upcoming screenings of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Lady and the Tramp.

Complete details on all D23 Member discounts and offers, as well as a full list of all the latest specials, can be found online at http://D23.com/Discounts. All offers are available to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members; D23 General Members receive access to a select number of discounts.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($104.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at shopDisney.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

With New Years just moments away, D23 has announced its 2018 Gold Member Gift: Mickey Mouse. In honor of Mickey’s upcoming 90th birthday, on November 18, 2018, the D23 Team worked with the Walt Disney Archives to curate this collectible box set of 23 items.

This fascinating collection, available exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members who join in or renew for 2018, chronicles the career of everyone’s favorite mouse, from Steamboat Willie to Shanghai Disneyland. The gift contains 23 reproduced archival treasures that follow Mickey as he transitions from black and white to radiant color, including a miniature animation cel representing Mickey’s first color appearance; a Sorcerer’s Apprentice record cover; a 1978 “Happy Birthday, Mickey” button; a Disney Channel launch party napkin featuring a familiar Mickey-shaped satellite; and a colorful souvenir gift bag from the early days of Tokyo Disneyland. Through it all, Mickey mirrors Walt Disney’s own optimistic spirit and proves himself to be that rare celebrity who is, and always will be, both a global icon and a personal friend to all.

Disney twenty-three will take readers into the Land of the Dead with an exclusive sneak peek of Disney•Pixar’s new film, Coco. Rooted in the Mexican holiday Día de Los Muertos, Coco follows young Miguel (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez) on his quest to become a musician—despite his family’s wishes—which inadvertently leads him into the Land of the Dead. The creative team, including Oscar^®-winning composer Michael Giacchino and Anthony Gonzalez, provide readers an inside look at the story behind this magical tale, which opens nationwide this Thanksgiving.

Accompanying Coco—both in theaters and in Disney twenty-three—is the next chapter in the Frozen story: Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. Members of the cast and production team take us back to Arendelle for this new holiday classic, which shines a spotlight on the importance of family and family traditions. “A movie like this taps into more than just the holiday spirit—it explores the meaning behind that spirit, the traditions that bring us all together as family,” Josh Gad (Olaf) says. “It’s very powerful.”

Star Wars: The Last Jedi also hits theaters this holiday season, and Disney twenty-three talks exclusively with director Rian Johnson about this highly anticipated chapter in the Skywalker saga. Joining the crew is newcomer Kelly Marie Tran, who reveals how much she loves the character she portrays and how she pulled off a great practical joke on the set of the epic film.

Step into San Fransokyo once more as Disney twenty-three explores Big Hero 6’s big move to the small screen on Disney XD, and get a peek at the Pixar magic coming to Disney theme parks around the world, including Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort and Pixar Pier at Disneyland Resort. Plus, film critic and historian Leonard Maltin celebrates 80 years of the film that started it all, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. And remember Disney Legend Marty Sklar with a touching tribute from Disney twenty-three’s Editor-in-Chief.

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