Home Blog

New Lyft Offer for Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel Guests

Lyft

Disneyland Resort has partnered with Lyft to offer convenient transportation options for guests traveling to and from Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotels.

This new partnership provides guests with an easy and reliable way to move between their hotel and the Disneyland Resort area, enhancing the overall guest experience with flexible, on-demand transportation.

Savings are as follows:

  • For new Lyft users: Use code 50MAGIC for 50% off two rides.
  • For existing Lyft users: Use code XL10 for 10% off one XL ride to the parks.

This special promo code will be valid from May 28 – September 8, 2026.

bb f ab bebec

Ready to book? Use our special link for discounts on hotels & tickets: https://www.getawaytoday.com?referrerid=9389

And for a limited time: $10 off promo code for packages: SOCALTHRILLS

Theatre Review: “Hell’s Kitchen” Hollywood Pantages

Hell's Kitchen

This girl is on fire! I will admit that I was initially not insanely excited about seeing Hell’s Kitchen. I am a casual listener of Alicia Keys, who will sing along to the radio, but has never purchased an album. I worried that an entire musical comprised of her music would be lost on me, and I frankly couldn’t have been more happily wrong.

The set? Simple. The Cast? Small, yet insanely talented. The audience? The most excited I think I have ever experienced.

The story follows a 17-year-old girl named Ali as she navigates her transition into adulthood while living in a high-rise apartment building in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City with her single mother. In a short time, Ali learns about love, heartache, grief, and most importantly, finding her voice. While not entirely autobiographical, the story somewhat mirrors a version of Alicia Keys’ own experience growing up in New York with her mother and playing music to get through it.

The show starts with high energy. Great lighting, costumes, and choreography immediately pull you in. We are introduced to Ali (Maya Drake) as she sings “The River” and her voice is just stunning. Drake is a powerhouse of emotion and vocals; it is crazy to think that this is her professional debut. “Seventeen” is where we learn more about Ali’s mother, Jersey (Kennedy Caughell) as she and her friends reminisce about when she was 17 herself, and all the trouble she got into, inspiring her strictness with Ali. The scene is funny, but “You Don’t Know My Name” truly introduces us to Caughell’s vocals which blew the audience away.

The company of the North American Tour of Alicia Keys Hells Kitchen Photo by Marc J Franklin bcba

In the second act, Caughell’s performance in “Pawn It All” earned her a mid-show standing ovation, which I have never seen before. Ali’s father, Davis (Desmond Sean Ellington), performed “Fallin” and the vocals earned whistles and “woo!” moments from the audience. Ellington’s vocals and acting continue to wow in “If I Ain’t Got You,” as his character’s humanity is felt through the pain in the performance. Drake, Caughell, and Ellington are such powerhouses that I found it difficult to sit back in my seat throughout the show, the story and their performances honestly gave me a renewed and newfound respect for Alicia Keys’ music.

Miss Liza Jane (Roz White), Ali’s serendipitous piano teacher, performs “Perfect Way to Die” and “Authors of Forever,” leaving the house silent. Her wise and painful performance was unmatched. Miss Liza Jane’s character serves as the ancestral rock in Ali’s otherwise rebellious teenage world, and White commands the stage in a way that makes the audience sit down, be quiet, and pay attention along with Ali.

Maya Drake and the company of the North American Tour of Alicia Keys Hells Kitchen Photo by Marc J Franklin acf

Camille A. Brown’s choreography for this show was just breathtaking. While dance in a Broadway Musical is commonplace and expected, there were moments of choreography that made audience members around me quietly whisper “wow….” “Kaleidoscope” and “Work On It” had dynamic dance moments, but the solo and blocking in “Hallelujah/Like Water” in Act II was deeply moving; I think I was actually holding my breath.

It is rare that lighting truly stands out to me as something to note, but Natasha Katz did an incredible job using the lighting to tell the story, using color and focus expertly to move the eye, including one pivotal trick during “Hallelujah/Like Water” that I won’t spoil here that made the audience gasp. Additionally, Peter Nigrini’s projection design is deliberate and poignant.

For the most part, the backdrops remain in the same few places: outside her building (Manhattan Plaza), in the piano room on the first floor (Ellington Room), and in the elevator. But for “Perfect Way to Die”, Black men are centered in the imagery, adding a painful nod to the Black experience in America, especially relating to the theme of the story in that moment.

The company of the North American Tour of Alicia Keys Hells Kitchen Photo by Marc J Franklin bbd

Overall, the storytelling, acting, singing, and imagery in this show is unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced. It’s more than a Jukebox musical, it’s an important story about growing up and finding who you are through the experiences of those around you and through music. This is an absolute must-see.

For tickets click here: https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/events/detail/hells-kitchen. Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen is performing at Hollywood Pantages until June 21, 2026. 

Mega Movie Summer Returns to Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios

This summer, Universal Studios Hollywood turns up the excitement with the return of Mega Movie Summer, a fan-favorite seasonal celebration featuring an exciting lineup of entertainment, food and exclusive merchandise inspired by some of the most iconic and upcoming films from Universal Pictures and Illumination. The limited-time event kicks off on Saturday, June 13 and continues daily through Sunday, August 9, 2026, and is included in the price of theme park admission.

Universal Studios Hollywood is also offering guests a chance to experience two of the best days in L.A. with the Buy A Day, Get A 2nd Day Free General Admission ticket. Guests can purchase this ticket online at the Universal Studios Hollywood website and enjoy their second day free, with all visits completed on or before December 16, 2026. The first visit is valid on the guest’s selected date. Blockout dates apply to the second visit. Additional restrictions apply.

Mega Movie Summer at USH Logo

This year’s Mega Movie Summer activations leap from silver screen into the theme park through a series of exclusive and immersive activations inspired by the upcoming Minions & Monsters film from Illumination, opening in theatres on July 1, cinematic experiences inspired by Christopher Nolan’s new mythic action epic The Odyssey, opening in theatres on July 17, the momentous 25th anniversary celebration of the Fast & Furious Saga and the return of spellbinding characters, Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked and Wicked: For Good.

Mega Movie Summer at USH Wicked Character Glind ()

Inventive seasonal food and beverage offerings curated by Universal Studios Hollywood’s Executive Chef, Julia Thrash, will complement Mega Movie Summer’s compelling entertainment that will surely offer guests a chance to experience the best summer day in L.A.

Mega Movie Summer 2026 at a glance:

  • Illumination’s Minions & Monsters brings the film’s all-new Minions stars, Henry and James, to Super Silly Fun Land near “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” featuring interactive guest experiences and an energetic Minion Dance Party.

Mega Movie Summer at USH Minions and Monsters

An all-new parks’ exclusive Minions & Monsters-themed merchandise collection will be available for purchase, including an all-new Shoulder Pal themed to new monster character Goomi from the film, blind box figures, apparel, accessories and more, just in time to celebrate the theatrical release of the film.

The Minions Cafe will serve an array of vibrant new treats, including Howard’s Berry Lemonade Cupcake and James’ Carbonara, a cavatappi pasta tossed in a garlic cream sauce with pancetta and peas. Despicable Delights offers Irene’s Orange Banana Float, a new delectable frozen beverage.

  • Celebrate The Odyssey at Universal Studios Hollywood with epic, behind-the-scenes moments tied to the groundbreaking cinematic adaptation of Homer’s foundational saga, written for the screen and directed by Christopher Nolan. One of the original ships featured in the film will be on display exclusively along the world-famous Studio Tour. Insightful footage and filmmaker interviews will play on the tram monitors, offering fans a closer look at the making of this cinematic adventure.

Mega Movie Summer at USH years of Fast & Furious

  • Universal Studios Hollywood joins Universal Pictures in commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Fast & Furious film franchise and its high-speed legacy with a dazzling display of authentic picture cars from the films within Universal Plaza. A rousing hip-hop performance by the Street Racers dance show and a daily DJ will bring a new level of energy to the scene, adding to the excitement as the countdown continues to the eagerly awaited opening of the theme park’s “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” roller coaster this summer.

Fans can also shop for new merchandise celebrating the anniversary at the 101 Exchange store, located adjacent to “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.”

Hollywood & Dine, located near the park’s main entrance, shifts into high gear by transforming into Drift & Dine, offering a Fast & Furious–themed, limited-time menu, that will include such items as L.A. Drift Dog, BBQ Chicken Platter, Fried Elote Corn Dog, BBQ Corn Ribs, Quarter Mile Funnel Cake and Street Cart Watermelon and Pineapple. The Cocina Mexicana restaurant, located adjacent to “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” will offer shareable La Familia Meal, bringing bold flavors and family-style dining to Mega Movie Summer.

  • Guests and fans of Universal Pictures’ global cinematic phenomenon, Wicked and Wicked: For Good, can once again defy gravity with beloved Elphaba and Glinda character meet and greets at the vibrantly themed photo op, located near the DreamWorks Theatre. A selection of Wicked parks exclusive merchandise will also be available for purchase, including Spirit Jerseys, plush and more.
  • As guests prepare to dive into summer, Steven Spielberg’s landmark thriller, Jaws readies to take a bite out of Mel’s Diner with a specially themed menu serving up returning favorites such as the Shark Bait Burger, Lobster Roll, Fish & Chicken Basket and Amity Island Funnel Cake. Plus, Studio Scoops, located on the lower lot, debuts the Hello Kitty Jaws Blueberry Cheesecake Sundae.

A selection of exclusive Jaws-inspired merchandise, including a new Loungefly crossbody bag, apparel and accessories will also be available for purchase.

Universal CityWalk Hollywood joins the celebration of Mega Movie Summer with a lineup of limited-time offerings, including:

  • The impressive 34-foot-tall Trojan Horse from Christopher Nolan’s upcoming 2026 film The Odyssey arrives at Universal CityWalk Hollywood for a limited-time appearance, beginning in July, located in front of the Universal Cinema AMC.
  • NBC Sports Grill & Brew offers bold flavors with its new menu options in honor of Fast & Furious 25th Anniversary, featuring the Full Throttle Teriyaki Burger, Drift Tandem Skewers, Car Meet Platter and a refreshing new cocktail, the Nitrous Boost.
  • The authentic Mexican cuisine destination, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, serves two new flavorful dishes inspired by Fast & Furious – the Birria Burger and La Familia Platter, plus a refreshing tequila-based cocktail.
  • Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville offers up island vibes with two Jaws-themed items, Beachside Melt and the Forbidden Waters cocktail.
  • Voodoo Doughnut brings a playful twist with a lineup of whimsical Minions & Monsters inspired Doughnuts – the Banana Cream Mayhem Doughnut and the Minions & Monsters Mischief Doughnut.

New ‘The Simpsons’ Episodes Coming to Disney+ This Summer

Simpsons

Disney+ has announced three all-new episodes of “The Simpsons” set to stream exclusively on Disney+ globally this summer, following the series’ recent landmark 800th episode milestone. The episodes include double-episode “Extreme Makeover: Homer Edition” streaming June 17, and full-length episodes “Simpsley” streaming July 3, and “Yellow Mirror” streaming Aug. 26.

“Extreme Makeover: Homer Edition”
Premieres June 17, 2026, exclusively on Disney+
In this Disney+ exclusive double-episode, Homer and Marge’s fun couples’ date night goes off the rails when Marge learns Homer left the kids unsupervised with only the doorbell camera as a babysitter. Frustrated with her imperfect husband, a tipsy Marge stirs up a trilogy of fantasies of a different Homer. The special guest stars Betty Gilpin, with musical guests Laufey and Tegan and Sara.

“Simpsley”
Premieres July 3, 2026, exclusively on Disney+
When penniless con-artist Marge Bouvier is sent to Italy to convince wealthy sap Seymour Skinner to come home, she’s tempted by the trappings of his affluent lifestyle. But there’s a big fat fly in the ointment: Skinner’s clingy, dim-witted mooch of a houseguest, Homer Simpsley. Lies, lust and Italian lira are abound in this Disney+ exclusive Simpsons noir.

“Yellow Mirror”
Premieres Aug. 26, 2026. exclusively on Disney+
A defective lamp reveals a heartbreaking truth about what Homer believes is reality, and an AI-powered tablet befriends and controls Maggie. The Simpsons struggle to find the light through two dark tales of the curious and bizarre in this Disney+ exclusive.
The new episodes continue Disney+’s growing collection of exclusive “The Simpsons” content, including previous installments “Yellow Planet,” “The Past and the Furious” and “O C’Mon All Ye Faithful.”

ExtremeMakeoverHomer Social June Localized x RGB

All 36 seasons, “The Simpsons Movie,” 10+ shorts featuring the Simpsons family and more can be found in “The Simpsons” Collection on Disney+. Disney+ and Hulu are the streaming home for adult animation, bringing the Animayhem to viewers with a robust library of programming.

AccuWeather and Disney Team Up to Deliver Weather Forecasts

AccuWeather

AccuWeather the most trusted source of weather forecasts and warnings with proven Superior Accuracy – has announced a new multi-platform, global co-development licensing agreement with Disney Experiences. Together, this creates a first-of-its-kind weather forecasting and alerting system for Disney Experiences.

Disney Weather Check, powered by AccuWeather, delivers impactful, actionable weather intelligence through a customized mobile app and global enterprise platform. Guests visiting Disney parks and resorts can now access customized weather information by downloading the Disney Weather Check powered by AccuWeather mobile app via scanning the QR code below or by visiting the website. By doing so, guests are empowered to make the best-informed decisions to plan for and maximize their day, with access to real-time weather forecasts and location-specific alerts from AccuWeather.

AccuWeather x Disney Graphic

The long-term agreement provides a seamless and customized in-park weather integration using the award-winning AccuWeather App and Disney Weather Check at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort.

“AccuWeather is collaborating with Disney to help guests enjoy the most magical experience, supported by the most detailed weather forecasts and alerts,” said Steven R. Smith, Chief Executive Officer of AccuWeather. “Together with Disney Experiences, AccuWeather is delivering the most precise, localized forecasts – proven more accurate than those from any other source – that help guests plan their day efficiently, while providing peace of mind that AccuWeather is continuously monitoring weather conditions throughout their visit, with the best and latest information to optimize their experience.”

AccuWeather’s mobile app exclusive to Disney Experiences includes:

  • Geo-Fenced Experiences within Disney properties, which activates Disney Weather Check features within the AccuWeather App. Guests receive enhanced, location-specific weather intelligence, aligned with Disney employee alerts, warnings, and advisories used to initiate uniform safety protocols.
     
  • Custom Hourly Forecast providing specific hourly forecast for Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort including real-time weather to support informed decision making and enhanced guest safety.
     
  • AccuWeather MinuteCast® provides a hyperlocal forecast of precipitation type and intensity, as well as precise start and end times for rain or snow weather over the upcoming four hours, pinpointed to a person’s exact GPS location.
     
  • AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperature is the only index that considers more than temperatures plus one additional variable. It is based on 14 factors, which is more precise than other sources, including the impact of sunshine intensity, wind speed, humidity, and air density.
  • UV Index with the greatest accuracy and detail available from any source; highly localized UV indices and forecasts provide enhanced protection from UV exposure by allowing users to track their UV exposure hour-by-hour, down to the tenths of a unit. 

“This collaboration enables our guests and operational leadership to benefit from customized, accurate, consistent, and actionable weather insights across many Disney properties,” said Greg Hale, Chief Safety Officer and V.P., Disney Worldwide Safety Assurance. “By integrating AccuWeather’s information and expertise with Disney Weather Check, we are continuing our commitment to providing the best guest experience possible.”

Download the Disney Weather Check powered by AccuWeather mobile app by scanning the QR code or by visiting the website.

 

Theatre Review: Pasadena Playhouse “Brigadoon”

Brigadoon

Pasadena Playhouse taking on the challenge of modernizing Golden Age musicals for contemporary audiences is no easy feat. A careful balancing act awaits audiences who grew up on these favorite stories and for those looking for sensible takes of problematic humor and tone that is no longer relatable. Many will be familiar with “Brigadoon” as an aspiring influence of the canceled Apple TV series “Schmigadoon”. Which coincidentally just debuted on Broadway with multiple Tony nominations. Pasadena Playhouse’s faithful new adaptation of the beloved musical is unlike any other productions of “Brigadoon” that has come before it.

Alexandra Silber’s new adaptation of the 1947 Lerner and Loewe classic has proven to be the quintessential revival the world deserves. The stage setting even before the start of the show evokes a magical whimsy with its stone arch covered in greenery and lit by flickering lanterns. Let yourself get lost in the discovery of miracles, faith in humanity, and communal comradery. The Scottish Highlands excitedly unveils breathtaking culture through vibrant clothing, engaging dance, and infectious music. The 21-piece live orchestra alongside a live Ceilidh band complete with bagpipes brings merriment and joy. “Brigadoon” unmasks itself in a blanket of ethereal and heavenly chorale.

BRG Max von Essen and Betsy Morgan Photo by Jeff Lorch

Two American travelers endearing Tommy Albright (Tony nominated Max Von Essen) and hilarious Jeff Douglas (Happy Anderson) wander the Scottish Highlands stumble upon a village unmarked in maps. The spellbound village of Brigadoon appears merely isolated from the rest of the world. So happens to be the wedding day of Charlie Dalrymple (giddy Daniel Yearwood) and Jean MacLaren (angelic Kylie Victoria Edwards). Everyone is excited for the happy couple with the exception of frustrated Harry Beaton (Spencer Davis Milford) who has been jealously in love with Jean.

Maggie Anderson (Jessica Lee Keller) is infatuated with Harry, but he does not share the same sentiments. The local tavern is run by bigger than life Meg Brockie (Donna Vivino) proclaiming the keeper of Gaelic language and Scottish culture complete with an authentic Celtic band. Jean’s sister, Fiona MacLaren (stupendous Betsy Morgan) and Tommy Albright fall desperately in love with each other. All the while Jeff shines with witty one liners in a John Goodman-esque presence. The two American strangers are led to Widow Lundie (indispensible Tony winner Tyne Daly) who educates the New Yorkers to the village’s history and magical secret.

BRG Center Betsy Morgan and Ensemble Photo by Jeff Lorch

While this new adaptation strips away dated elements, it gains more with character in the face of grief and joy. Gone are references to hunting or party seeking in place of culture and finding meaningful life. Time periods narrowed down to the present and a village from the 1700s appearing once every 100 years preserving their way of life from outside influences. The wholesome and enthralling dance sequences held more appeal compared to the humdrum songs.

Perhaps over time the lyrics will be more meaningful to myself. In the meantime, what has me in awe are the mystical visuals, intricate costumes, enriching choreography, and whimsical performers between consistent Scottish accent and magnetic vocals. Fiona’s sensational voice is operatic and the heart of the story. Jeff is the soul with perspective of the unbelievable through mourning. The dancing ranges from beautiful ballet to cheerful celebration and topping off with a triumphant sword dance.

BRG Ensemble Photo by Jeff Lorch

A new adaptation by Alexandra Silber. Inspired by the original book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. Music by Frederick Loewe. Original dances created by Agnes DeMille. Directed and choreographed by Katie Spelman.

Fall in love with “Brigadoon” for the first or one hundredth time at the Pasadena Playhouse from May 13 – June 14, 2026. For more information including ticket sales, visit https://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org

Disney Blockbuster Summer Brings the Best in Storytelling and Experiences

Blockbuster Summer

This summer, Disney is the place to be as fans get to experience some of their favorite characters and stories from the worlds of Pixar, Star Wars, and Disney through an all-new campaign, “Disney Blockbuster Summer.” With a slate of highly anticipated summer films including Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, and Disney’s live-action Moana, audiences of all ages can take their fandom to infinity and beyond, as Disney brings its unparalleled storytelling, experiences, toys, and fashion together in a way that only Disney can.

The all-new brand spot, Summer Starts Here, showcases the best in storytelling to get audiences ready for a summer of Disney fun. Whether it’s planning a movie night out, staying in with Disney+, visiting Disney theme parks, or filling long summer days with interactive play, Disney is the definitive destination for summer entertainment—creating moments that last long after summer ends.

“‘Disney Blockbuster Summer’ brings together the best of Disney storytelling and experiences, uniting our biggest films, destinations, streaming, and products into one unforgettable season with more ways, more places, and more moments to create lasting memories,” said Asad Ayaz, Chief Marketing and Brand Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

“Whether you want to travel through hyperspace with the Mandalorian and Grogu at Disney Parks, stream a Toy Story movie marathon with friends and family on Disney+, or unlock the power of play with new Moana-inspired toys, there is something for everyone to live their best Disney summer.”

A Summer of Stories, Wherever You Are

The fan favorite Disney+ Original series The Mandalorian extends its story to the big screen on May 22 with Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, sending everyone’s favorite bounty hunter and his Force‑wielding companion on an all‑new, action‑packed adventure. And the story doesn’t stop when the credits roll. Fans can enjoy even more Star Wars—from experiencing an all-new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort, to embarking on a galactic adventure aboard Disney Cruise Line with themed kids clubs, character encounters, and immersive lounges.

THND R

Fans can also bring the experience home with the entire Star Wars galaxy streaming on Disney+, as well as all‑new toys and wearables, including a new RSVLTS May the 4th collection and LEGO sets.

Next up in the summer slate, Bonnie’s toys return to theaters when Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 opens on June 19. Fans can celebrate more than 30 years of Toy Story and relive the magic with Toy Story movie nights on Disney+, or show their fandom with all‑new wearables, toys, and more.

TOY STORY ONLINE USE t

The adventure also comes to life across Disney Parks, where guests can meet their favorite characters and immerse themselves in the world of Toy Story. On Disney Cruise Line, imaginative play areas, character sightings, and themed dining bring Toy Story to the high seas.

Disney Treasure Sail Away

Rounding out the summer slate, Disney’s live‑action Moana sails into theaters July 10, bringing everyone’s favorite wayfinder back to the big screen. Since 2016, Moana, Maui, Pua, and Heihei have captured hearts worldwide, with the adventure extending across Disney Experiences—from meeting Moana at Disney Parks and exploring the immersive Journey of Water at EPCOT, to Disney The Tale of Moana, a Broadway‑style show debuting aboard the Disney Treasure. Fans can revisit the original animated film on Disney+ and dive deeper into the fandom with collectibles, fashion dolls, and more.

MNA FP

Infinite Ways to Experience the Magic

Across Disney Experiences, fans can keep the celebration going beyond the theater, from theme parks and resorts to cruise vacations and more. At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, “Cool KIDS’ SUMMER” runs May 26 through September 8, 2026, with DJ‑led dance parties, character appearances, and refreshed attractions, including Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and the debut of Soarin’ Across America.

At Disneyland Resort in California, “Kids Rule Summer” continues during the resort’s 70th anniversary celebration through August 9, 2026, featuring new Star Wars experiences and the debut of Soarin’ Across America on July 2. Both resorts will offer limited‑time summer ticket deals, including multi‑day savings, special kids’ tickets, and military discounts.

ST x

Disney Consumer Products is also activating “Disney Blockbuster Summer” at retail and beyond, teaming up with world-class brands across fashion, toys, collectibles, and experiences. The season begins with a new digital short, Lights, Camera…Play!, a playful stop-motion spot that mixes iconic Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel characters in one unexpected crossover and tees up the theatrical fun ahead.

Disney’s global licensee community is also leaning into these franchises with new drops, in-store moments, and fan-first experiences throughout the summer.

• Crocs is dialing up fandom-forward style with collaborations including a Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story Jessie-inspired Croot and Mandalorian-inspired Classic Clog slippers.

Slide

• Mattel is expanding play inspired by Disney’s live-action Moana, plus new Playscale Interactable Action Figures from Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 that bring the adventure home.
• LEGO Big Builds will turn premieres into photo-worthy, brick-built spectacles that place fans inside iconic moments.

LEGO Star Wars The Razor Crest

• Topps NOW is turning blockbuster film moments into shoppable, collectible trading cards that activate the fan audience in real time.
• Walmart anchors the season at retail with new licensed drops, limited-time offers, and exclusive, theater-inspired popcorn buckets paired with collectible Fandango movie tickets.

Disney Publishing extends the reach of blockbuster films well beyond opening weekend, bringing stories to life through enchanting retellings, expanded worlds, and original stories for every fan and format, including picture books, coloring and activity books, fiction, coffee table books, and more. This summer, families can enjoy playful picture books like Don’t Close This Book! inspired by Toy Story 5, hands-on kitchen adventures including Moana: The Official Cookbook, and deep dives such as The Mandalorian Visual Guide—just a glimpse of how Disney Publishing keeps stories unfolding, expanding, and resonating with fans at every age and stage of fandom.

Blockbuster Summer

As the streaming home of Disney’s fan-favorite series and films, Disney+ is the destination to take a break from the heat all summer long. From beloved collections, such as Toy Story or everything Star Wars, to the nostalgic Throwbacks that defined generations and introduced new ones to some of the most iconic characters, the Disney+, Hulu Bundle has something for everyone to enjoy. Eligible subscribers* can also access Disney+ Perks, offering fans monthly rewards and benefits throughout the summer and year-round.

Keep the magic going all summer long with the Disney Summer Songs playlist on Spotify, featuring feel-good anthems, mood boosters, and music from this summer’s blockbusters.

SkyMed Season 4 Takes Flight May 21 on Paramount+

SkyMed PW RT

SkyMed is cleared for takeoff, all episodes of SkyMed Season 4 will premiere globally on May 21 on Paramount+, bringing viewers back to the vast and unforgiving terrain of the remote Canadian North where air ambulance crews are often the only way in. For the first time, this new season of SkyMed will stream exclusively on Paramount+ in Canada.

Not your typical medical drama, the eight-episode fourth season features daring rescues across dense wilderness, raging rapids, and isolated terrain where help is hard-to-reach.
Filmed in North Bay, Ontario and Manitoba, this season finds the crew disrupted like never before. The arrival of new rookie pilots and medics unsettles the dynamic as leaders begin losing control, rookies push limits, and emotions override protocol.

Returning series regulars include Natasha Calis as Hayley, Morgan Holmstrom as Crystal, Mercedes Morris as Lexi, Sydney Kuhne as Stef, and Aaron Ashmore as Wheezer.
New this season, Lauren Lee Smith joins in a recurring role as Captain Riley – a globe-trotting pilot with a past connection to Wheezer. Additional newcomers include Shawn Ahmed as cocky Flight Nurse Zay Patel, Leishe Meyboom as spirited rookie Flight Nurse Piper Adler, Alexander Eling as charming First Officer Wyatt Ellis, and Cecilia Lee as ambitious Pilot Maya Chang.

D SKMD S PR Vert x

SkyMed Season 4 is produced by Piazza Entertainment in association with Paramount+ in Canada and CBS Studios. The series was created by Julie Puckrin and inspired by her sister and brother-in-law, who met flying air ambulances. Puckrin also serves as executive producer, along with Gillian Hormel and Vanessa Piazza. Effy Papadopoulos is producer. Co-producers are Lawren Bancroft-Wilson and Manitoba’s Bonus Production Services. SkyMed is distributed internationally by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Criminal Minds: Evolution S19 on Paramount+ Trailer Released

Criminal Minds

Season 19 of Criminal Minds: Evolution premieres on Thursday, May 28 on Paramount+. This season will premiere with two episodes, with each episode dropping weekly thereafter through the season finale on July 23. There will be ten episodes this season.

Season 19 of Criminal Minds: Evolution returns to Paramount+ with a thrilling new season that pushes our elite profilers to their limits. As the BAU investigates a string of chilling new cases, Elias Voit embarks on a path to atone for his past. His newfound infamy inadvertently awakens their most formidable nemesis yet, The Fan. Precise, calculating, and relentlessly dangerous, this UnSub pushes the BAU to the brink and back under the shadow of Elias Voit. But how far will The Fan go to prove his superiority over his idol?

Criminal Minds: Evolution stars Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Zach Gilford, and RJ Hatanaka, with Adam Rodriguez, and Paget Brewster. Erica Messer (Criminal Minds, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders) serves as showrunner and executive producer, with Breen Frazier, Chris Barbour, Glenn Kershaw, and Mark Gordon also executive producing. The series is produced by 20th Television and CBS Studios.

D CRMD S PR Horz x x

This season will feature exciting guest stars, including Connor Storrie, Justin Kirk, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jeri Ryan, Clark Gregg, Paul F. Tompkins, Cress Williams, Kofi Siriboe, Dash Mihok, and Nicholas Gonzalez.

Tickets On Sale Now for the Lucasfilm’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” at the El Capitan Theatre!

The Mandalorian

Tickets are on sale now for Lucasfilm’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” at the El Capitan Theatre! Guests can explore the galaxy with our laser and light show before the movie! Plus, guests can take a picture at our mural wall and statue photo ops!

Be among the first to see “The Mandalorian and Grogu” with our Thursday May 21st screenings at 4:00pm, and 10:55pm. Plus, on Saturday and Sunday of opening weekend guests will receive one randomly selected “The Mandalorian and Grogu” themed Limited Edition 500 pin. There are 5 pins in the set – collect them all, while supplies last!

cae c a dddbca

An Opening Night screening for Lucasfilm’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” will take place at 7:30pm on Thursday, May 21st with 2 different ticket packages to choose from!

  • The Mandalorian Pack is $75 includes Reserved Ticket, Priority Entry, The Mandalorian Funko POP!, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” Hat, Popcorn, Fountain Drink and Event Credential
  • General Ticket is $30 includes Reserved ticket, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” Hat and Event Credential

A Fan Event screening will take place at 7:30pm on Friday, May 22nd, with 2 different ticket packages!

  • The Grogu Pack is $75 includes Reserved Ticket, Priority Entry, Grogu Funko POP!, Grogu Ear Headband, Popcorn, Fountain Drink and Event Credential
  • General Ticket is $30 includes Reserved ticket, Grogu Ear Headband and Event Credential

There are two special ticket offers for “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” A Clan of Two Pack is available for $36 and includes two tickets. The Foundling is available for $50 and includes one ticket, one small popcorn, one small fountain drink, one Grogu cushion, and one Grogu ear headband. Quantities are limited for both packages, while supplies last.

Specialty concession items will be available for purchase for ticketed guests, while supplies last.

Daily showtimes for Lucasfilm’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” May 22 – June 14 are 9:00am, 12:30pm, 4:00pm, and 7:30pm. A 10:55pm screening will be available Thursday May 21 – Sunday May 24. Tickets are $24 for adults and $21 for children and seniors.

A Sensory Inclusive Screening is available on Wednesday June 3 at 7:30pm. An Open Caption screening is available on Sunday June 7 at 12:30pm. A Spanish Dubbed screening is available Saturday June 6 at 12:30pm.

Tickets are on sale now at www.elcapitantheatre.com and https://www.fandango.com/el-capitan-theatre-aacon/theater-page.

Theatre Review: Mean Girls at La Mirada

MEAN GIRLS

The Southern California regional theatre production of the totally “fetch” musical “Mean Girls” premieres at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. This brutally hilarious modern musical is based on the Paramount Pictures film of the same name from 2004. The film was inspired by Rosalind Wiseman’s 2002 book “Queen Bees and Wannabes”. The stage production was nominated for a staggering 12 Tony Awards.

Candy Heron (Katie Roche) may have grown up homeschooled on an African Savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: Suburban Illinois. How will this naive high school newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on the “The Plastics,” a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George (Adrianna Rose Lyons), insecure Gretchen Wieners (Sarah-Anne Martinez), and simpleton Karen Smith (Grace Fluharty). When Cady falls in love for Aaron Samuels (Eric Myrick), Regina scoops in to take back her ex-boyfriend. Cady devises a plan with outsider friends artistic Janis Sarkisian (McKenna Michael) and flamboyant Damian Hubbard (Gavin Leahy) to end Regina’s reign. But Cady learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung!

MEAN GIRLS

The incredible ensemble work their dancing butts off cheerleadering the high school scenery. You could not ask for a better cast of the two main trios with Cady, Janis, and Damian with Regina, Gretchen, and Karen. Perfect to a tee. They embody the look and sound of their respective characters effortlessly fluid.

The glossy music serves the stories and characters. But the exciting choreography is the stimulating glue that sticks. “Where Do You Belong?” makes lunch time fun with trays and Broadway musical shirts. “Meet the Plastics” and “World Burn” immerses into the circus ring that is the teenage social power.  The head nodder “Stupid With Love” gets the audience intimate inside Cadey’s head while belting out from a seated desk position. “Sexy” is a fun show stopper full of eye candy, because, you know, it’s a Halloween party. The threatening femme fatale reveals her claws in “Someone Gets Hurt”.

Could not help smirking after every “ohh ohh” from Damian in “Revenge Party”. The engaging chaos of “Apex Predator” brings out the internal animalistic behavior for an energetic gathering. “What’s Wrong With Me?” can be seen as a sentimental self reflective piece, but is played for laughs and diminishes any context. “I’d Rather Be Me” is the heart and soul of show. A crowd pleasing anthem that stands out on its own. Whereas the movie musical version was dull and life less, the stage choreography is so much more alive.

MEAN GIRLS

A main takeaway is the 2024 movie musical just does not do the stylish live stage performance justice. Fortunately for Southern California, La Mirada Theatre is presenting the best modern Broadway style performance possible. The story and characters will appeal to the teenage voice and nostalgic audience entangled in the American high school cliques. The talented ensemble of vocals and choreography dazzles in all its splendor. The best and worst moments of high school packed in a fun, sassy, and playful musical.

Book by Tina Fey (30 Rock). Music by Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt). Lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde). Musical direction by Anthony Zediker (Some Like It Hot). Direction and choreography by Dana Solimando (Billy Elliot).

MEAN GIRLS

You CAN sit with “Mean Girls” where they DO belong at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Classes in session from April 10 through May 3, 2026. Recommended for ages 12 and older for language and subject matter. Children under 3 will not be admitted into the theatre. Located at 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada. For tickets and more information, visit www.lamiradatheatre.com or call the box office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310.

D23 Announces 2026 Disney Legends Award Honorees

Disney Legends

Disney has revealed the extraordinary lineup of visionaries and talent who will receive the prestigious Disney Legends Award, the company’s highest honor. The Disney Legends Award ceremony will mark the final day of the highly anticipated D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, taking place August 14, 15, and 16, 2026, in Anaheim, California.

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is where we come together to give our incredible fans an early look at what’s coming next across our company, while celebrating the legacy of the extraordinary people whose creativity has shaped Disney into what it is today,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “It’s an honor to celebrate our Disney Legends — their impact is felt in everything we do and recognizing them alongside the fans who love their work is what makes this event so meaningful.”

Emmy®-winning television host Ryan Seacrest will return as the host of the ceremony that will take place on Sunday, August 16, at 1:30 p.m. PT at the Honda Center. The event will be filled with tributes and unforgettable moments to honor and celebrate the icons behind the magic who have made a lasting impact on Disney. The ceremony will once again be available on Disney+, allowing fans around the world to experience the magic wherever they are.

The 2026 Disney Legends Award honorees represent the extraordinary breadth of talent and storytellers who have defined Disney across entertainment, storytelling, and experiences for generations. From performance and animation, to music and sports, to leadership and Imagineering, these honorees have shaped how audiences around the world connect with Disney stories. During his two decades at the helm of The Walt Disney Company, former Chairman and CEO Bob Iger led Disney to unprecedented creative and business success, building on Disney’s rich history of unforgettable storytelling and serving as steward of the world’s most respected and beloved brands. Susan Egan, Dwayne Johnson, Anne Hathaway, and Alan Tudyk brought unforgettable characters to life on-screen and on-stage, lending their voices, performances, and star power to films, series, and musical moments that have become part of the cultural fabric. From the Jonas Brothers shaping a generation of Disney music to Lin‑Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking songwriting for modern Disney favorites, alongside Eric Goldberg’s artistry and animation that brought beloved characters to life, these contributions have continually pushed Disney storytelling forward with innovation and heart.

Together, these creative forces are joined by visionaries whose impact extends beyond individual performances to the very foundation of Disney’s legacy and future. Jerry Bruckheimer’s prolific producing career has delivered cinematic spectacles that continue to define blockbuster storytelling, while Chris Berman’s pioneering voice and presence helped shape ESPN into a global sports and entertainment powerhouse. Kim Irvine ’s decades of leadership at Walt Disney Imagineering left an indelible mark on Disney parks and experiences, preserving heritage while championing creativity. Collectively, the 2026 Disney Legends Award honorees embody the creative excellence, bold vision, and enduring influence that continue to shape Disney’s past, present, and future.

The Disney Legends Awards program is a 39-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company, which began when Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire) was honored in 1987. Including this year’s honorees, a total of 329 Disney Legends has been named.

Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Dame Julie Andrews, Angela Bassett, Tony Baxter, Kristen Bell, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Marc Davis, Robert Downey Jr., Harrison Ford, Annette Funicello, Josh Gad, Whoopi Goldberg, Jonathan Groff, Steve Jobs, Sir Elton John, Dame Angela Lansbury, Stan Lee, George Lucas, Steve Martin, Burny Mattinson, Alan Menken, Idina Menzel, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Ellen Pompeo, Robin Roberts, the Sherman Brothers, Marty Sklar, Dick Van Dyke, Barbara Walters, Betty White, John Williams, Robin Williams, and Oprah Winfrey, among many others.

The 2026 Disney Legends Award honorees (listed alphabetically) are:

D Disney Legend Chris Berman

CHRIS BERMAN
In 1979, a new cable network hired a novice broadcaster, and they both became legendary. The network was ESPN, and the then-24-year-old talent was Chris Berman, now a celebrated and influential figure in the world of sports broadcasting. At the time, this was unprecedented: there had never been anything on television like ESPN before; the people who worked there invented it as they did it. As ESPN moved into the 1980s and quickly became the destination for viewers to turn to for sports and sports news, Chris played a significant role in shaping ESPN’s tone, as he made a unique connection with audiences. He was part of ESPN’s coverage of the NFL Draft for the first time and has covered everything from the World Series and the Super Bowl to Monday Night Football and the U.S. Open. He grew with ESPN and became an audience favorite, being selected as National Sportscaster of the Year on several occasions (1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1996, and 2001). Other honors include the distinguished Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award® from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2017, Chris was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame and in 2010, he received a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In January 2017, ESPN fittingly renamed its NFL broadcast studio in Bristol, Connecticut, “The Chris Berman–Tom Jackson Studio,” in honor of NFL PrimeTime , widely regarded as the most popular NFL highlights show in television history. A plaque displayed outside the studio reads in part: “Their 29-year on-air partnership is a sports television record that has earned them a special place in the hearts and minds of football fans everywhere.” The six-time National Sportscaster of the Year will be part of ESPN’s first-ever Super Bowl coverage in 2027.

D Disney Legend Jerry Bruckheimer

JERRY BRUCKHEIMER
The most successful film and television producer of all time, Academy Award®-nominated  Jerry Bruckheimer’s credits include the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Top Gun (1986), National Treasure (2004), Bad Boys (1995), and Beverly Hills Cop (1984) franchises, as well as such hits as Black Hawk Down (2001), Pearl Harbor (2001), Remember the Titans (2000), Enemy of the State (1998), Armageddon (1998), Con Air (1997), The Rock (1997), Crimson Tide (1995), and Flashdance (1983). His most recent blockbuster F1 grossed over $631 million at the global box office, becoming the highest grossing sports movie of all time. The film received four Academy Award® nominations including Best Picture and won the Oscar® for Best Sound. In 2024, he had a slate that included 4 new releases, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Young Woman and the Sea, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. He recently scored the biggest hit of his career with Top Gun: Maverick (2022) which reunited him with Tom Cruise for a long-awaited sequel to the 1986 original. The film ended its theatrical run with a global box office of nearly $1.5 billion and received six Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and won the Oscar for Best Sound. Bruckheimer is also one of the most dominant producers on television, with three series currently on the air. Together, Fire Country, Sheriff Country, and Boston Blue make up CBS’s “Bruckheimer Fridays” programming block.  And the ten-time Emmy Award®–winning The Amazing Race returns later this year for its 39th season. In a career spanning more than 50 years, Bruckheimer’s films have collectively grossed nearly $15 billion at the global box office. He has produced over 2,000 hours of television. His productions have been recognized with countless awards including Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes®, People’s Choice®, Critics Choice®, and GRAMMY® honors.

D Disney Legend Susan Egan

SUSAN EGAN
This multitalented performer holds a distinctive place in Disney history, as the first actress to bring a Disney heroine to life on Broadway when she originated the role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast, earning both Tony Award® and Drama Desk® nominations for Best Actress, and as the iconic voice of the sharp-witted femme fatale, Megara, in the animated feature Hercules (1997). Susan’s journey began just a few miles from Disneyland at the Orange County School of the Arts and then UCLA, where she was honored with a Carol Burnett Musical Theatre Award®. After moving to New York and making her Broadway and animation debuts with Disney, Susan continued to star in many more Broadway productions, while voicing additional characters for Disney, including the English dubs of two Studio Ghibli films, Lin in the Academy-Award winning Spirited Away (2002), and Gina in Porco Rosso (2005), recording two songs as Angel in Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure (2001), as well as guest appearances on The Simpsons and Amphibia. In addition to her performing career, Susan is a prolific executive producer of live global concert events, partnering with multiple divisions of Disney. Through their company, 10th & Main Productions, she and partner Adam J. Levy have produced: Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Concert and Disney ‘80s–’90s Celebration in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl and Disney All Stars in Taipei for Disney Concerts, Disney Hits Live for the Disney Vacation Club, and the Broadway Stars Series and Heroes & Villains for Disney Cruise Line. As managing partners of Broadway Princess Party LLC, they also produce Disney Princess – The Concert , which has toured 20 countries across five continents since 2021. In November 2025, Susan was named the Official Godmother of the Disney Destiny, the Disney Cruise Line ship which features various spaces inspired by her legendary roles, including the beautifully themed Café Megara.

D Disney Legend Eric Goldberg

ERIC GOLDBERG
Acclaimed as one of the industry’s top animators, designers, and directors, Eric Goldberg has brought to life some of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ most unforgettable characters. Born in Levittown, Pennsylvania, Eric has been drawing cartoons since he was four years old. After studying illustration, filmmaking and animation at Brooklyn’s Pratt Institute, he entered the animation profession in the mid-1970s. In the 1980s, Eric started his own London-based studio, Pizazz Pictures, producing animated television commercials. Then came along an opportunity from John Musker and Ron Clements, directors of Disney Animation’s then in-development Aladdin (1992). In designing and animating Genie, Eric made Aladdin’s shape-shifting sidekick the ultimate animated character: since Genie can transform himself into any shape at any second, Eric’s quicksilver animation had him assume rapid-fire forms—everything from a bee to Jack Nicholson to Walt Disney’s own Pinocchio. Eric next directed Pocahontas (1995) alongside Mike Gabriel and served as the supervising animator for the wisecracking satyr, Phil, in Hercules (1997). At the turn of the millennium, Goldberg developed and directed the “Rhapsody in Blue” and “Carnival of the Animals, Finale” segments of Fantasia/2000 (2000). This veteran artist has also added his expertise to animation of the CG variety—but with a Goldberg twist. Eric supported such films as Moana (2016) and Moana 2 (2024) by overseeing the animation of the Mini Maui character with hand-drawn flair. He was also the supervising animator for the lovable alligator, Louis, in 2009’s The Princess and the Frog. Most recently, Eric oversaw the hand-drawn animation seen in Mickey: The Story of a Mouse (2022) and was head of hand-drawn animation on Disney Animation’s Emmy®-winning short film, Once Upon a Studio, created to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary in 2023. In 2025, Eric wrote, directed, and led the animation for the custom episode of Hot Ones featuring Donald Duck. He is also part of a blue-ribbon team supervising the extensive film restorations of such classics as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Cinderella (1950).

D Disney Legend Anne Hathaway

ANNE HATHAWAY
A veteran actor of stage and screen, with memorable performances spanning everywhere from the fictitious likes of Genovia and Wonderland to the high-rise offices of the real-world international fashion industry, few in Hollywood have left the indelible impact on the many realms of popular culture as Anne Hathaway. Born in New York City, Anne became a student of the performing arts from a young age, before eventually landing at both Vassar College and later New York University. Anne’s Disney career began with her turn as the memorable Mia Thermopolis in both The Princess Diaries (2001) and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004), both starring-vessels that firmly planted her Hollywood roots at the feet of adoring fanbases across the globe. She was later cast as the mild-mannered White Queen in Tim Burton’s Academy Award®-winning take on Alice in Wonderland (2010) and its follow-up, Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016). With additional appearances in Ella Enchanted (2004), and Becoming Jane (2007), the actress also voiced Haru in the 2005 English dub of Studio Ghibli’s The Cat Returns (2002). Her earlier 20th Century Studios film and television credits include Get Real (TV, 1999-2000), an Emmy®-winning cameo appearance on The Simpsons, Family Guy, Love & Other Drugs (2010) , and the popular animated features Rio (2011) and Rio 2 (2014) for Blue Sky Studios. The much-lauded recipient of Oscar®, Golden Globe®, Emmy®, Critics’ Choice®, Screen Actors Guild®, and BAFTA Awards, Anne will reprise her role as the fashion-forward Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada 2, due to theaters in May 2026.

D Disney Legend Bob Iger

BOB IGER
Widely recognized as one of the world’s most consequential business leaders, Bob Iger led The Walt Disney Company for two decades. As CEO, he oversaw the acquisitions of Pixar (2006), Marvel (2009), Lucasfilm (2012), and 21st Century Fox (2019), along with the landmark opening of Disney’s first theme park and resort in mainland China, Shanghai Disney Resort, and the record-breaking release of more than 30 films that have each grossed more than $1 billion at the global box office. Always one to embrace technology, Iger made Disney an industry leader through its creative content offerings across multiple new platforms, including the launch of Disney+ and the launch of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service. Born in New York City, he was raised in Oceanside, New York. After serving as a weatherman at a local TV station, Iger began his career at ABC in 1974 and has more than 50 years of service with The Walt Disney Company. As Chairman of the ABC Group, Iger oversaw the broadcast television network and station group, cable television properties, and radio and publishing businesses, and also guided the complex merger between Capital Cities/ABC, Inc., and The Walt Disney Company. He officially joined the Disney senior management team in 1996 as Chairman of the Disney-owned ABC Group, and in 1999, was given the additional responsibility of President, Walt Disney International. In that role, Iger expanded and coordinated Disney’s presence outside of the United States, establishing the blueprint for the company’s international growth today. From 2000 to 2005, Iger served as Disney’s President and Chief Operating Officer. Iger was first appointed CEO of Disney in October 2005 and was elected Chairman in 2012. In February 2020, he assumed the role of Executive Chairman and directed the company’s creative endeavors until December 2021. He returned as CEO in November 2022 and led Disney until March 2026. His strategic vision has focused on three fundamental pillars: generating the best creative content possible; fostering innovation and embracing technology; and expanding into new markets across the globe. Iger is the author of the New York Times best-selling book The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of The Walt Disney Company, published in 2019.

D Disney Legend Kim Irvine

KIM IRVINE
Over her 55 years at Walt Disney Imagineering, the leadership of Kim Irvine has resulted in an enduring legacy of creativity and elevated artistic standards across Disney parks globally, but especially at Walt Disney’s original magic kingdom, Disneyland. At the time of her retirement in 2024, Kim served as Executive Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering’s Anaheim office and oversaw the concept design, color styling, and interior design for most Disneyland® Resort projects. A Southern California native, this prolific Imagineer “grew up” with Disney as a living experience in her own home. Her father was an animator at the studio, Harvey Toombs, and her mother was Imagineer and Disney Legend, Leota Toombs, who among her many accomplishments left an indelible mark on Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion as the visage of the ethereal Madame Leota. In 2001, when elements from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas were incorporated as a seasonal overlay for the same attraction, Imagineers asked if Kim would be the new face of Madame Leota. In 1970, Kim forged her own path as a painter and model builder at WED Enterprises (now Walt Disney Imagineering) in the firm’s famed model shop— making hats for bears, putting feathers on birds, and painting mock-ups of all types—including working on “it’s a small world” for Walt Disney World® Resort. Her experiences were vast. Among many other projects large and small, she was instrumental in opening the first Imagineering office in Anaheim (a site she’d eventually help lead), the design of the Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurante, the Disneyland Dream Suite, the refurbishment of “it’s a small world”, remodeling Club 33, the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café, and the constant design supervision of the Park’s iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. In 2011, Irvine became the first female recipient of the prestigious Buzz Price Thea Award® for a Lifetime of Outstanding Achievements from the Themed Entertainment Association®.

D Disney Legend Dwayne Johnson

DWAYNE JOHNSON
In a career defined by breaking stereotypes, Dwayne Johnson began by rewriting a well-worn cliché. For him, necessity was the mother of reinvention. After a nomadic childhood marked by economic insecurity, Johnson was down to his last $7. At 23, he had just seen his dream of playing professional football slip away. Rather than retreat, Johnson threw himself into the first of a series of bold transformations. Over his father’s objections (but with his mother’s blessing), Johnson plunged headlong into professional wrestling. Less than a decade later, he would cement himself as the most popular and successful wrestler of all time. Johnson risked that success by reinventing himself once more as an actor and, over the years, eventually becoming the highest-paid leading man in Hollywood. He followed that by expanding into producing film, TV, and digital programming through the resonantly named Seven Bucks Productions. In addition, Johnson wrote a memoir that became a New York Times #1 bestseller and has channeled his other, varied passions into a range of philanthropic and entrepreneurial endeavors. Johnson’s most visible transformation came in a career-redefining portrayal of UFC fighter Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine, the first solo directing effort by Benny Safdie. Outwardly transforming into Kerr was arduous, involving more than 20 prosthetics and taking four hours per day (the film received an Academy Award nomination for Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling). Johnson’s inner transformation was a revelation, as his performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama. Next up, Johnson will reunite with Safdie, transforming again into an eccentric septuagenarian named Chicken Man in Lizard Music , based on Daniel Pinkwater’s beloved, surreal children’s novel. Then Johnson will collaborate with the legendary Martin Scorsese, who is directing the adaptation of Johnson’s true-crime book (co-written with acclaimed author Nick Bilton) about Hawaiian mob boss Wilford “Nappy” Pulawa. Johnson will star alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt, and will also produce the film with Blunt. In addition, Johnson is starring in Academy Award-nominated director Darren Aronofsky’s untitled psychological thriller with A24. Johnson made his film debut in 2001’s The Mummy Returns, landed his first leading role in The Scorpion King the following year, and hasn’t looked back, grossing more than $15 billion globally, making him one of the top five box-office stars of all time. Along the way, Johnson has revived blockbusters—jump-starting the Fast & Furious franchise in 2011 and rebooting Jumanji in 2017 with two sequels—and launched his own. Johnson voiced the demigod Maui in Disney’s Academy Award-nominated animated film Moana, then reprised the role in Moana 2, which grossed more than $1 billion worldwide, and will reinvent the part for the highly anticipated live-action Moana (in theaters summer 2026). In all, Johnson has appeared in more than 40 films, including: The Rundown (2003), Be Cool (2005), Black Adam (2022) , Central Intelligence (2016) , Fighting with My Family (2019), The Game Plan (2007), Get Smart (2008), Gridiron Gang (2006), Jungle Cruise (2021), Pain and Gain (2013), Red Notice (2021), Red One (2024), San Andreas (2015), Skyscraper (2018), Walking Tall (2004), and Zootopia 2 (2025).

D Disney Legend Jonas Brothers

THE JONAS BROTHERS
Nick, Joe, and Kevin Jonas first rose to prominence in the early aughts as the Jonas Brothers and have gone on to be globally recognized as two-time GRAMMY® Award nominees, and multi-platinum pop stars as a unit and as individuals. Formed in 2005, the band of brothers soundtracked the mid-late 2000s and became celebrated household names with albums It’s About Time (2006), Jonas Brothers (2007), A Little Bit Longer (2008) and Lines, Vines and Trying Times (2009). Denizens of the stage at an early age, the New Jersey natives experienced an explosive come-uppence in their formative years as some of Disney Channel’s most prominent stars – with lead roles appearing in Camp Rock (2008), Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010), and their own series JONAS (TV, 2009 –2010). While the brothers continued on to experience meteoric success as a group, their forays into individual music projects gained them further critical acclaim. 2014’s self-titled album Nick Jonas yielded the triple-platinum “Jealous,” double-platinum “Chains,” and gold-certified “Levels.” Its 2016 follow-up, Last Year Was Complicated, spawned the anthem “Close (feat. Tove Lo)” and propelled Nick’s streams into the billions. Additionally, he spent two seasons as a coach on NBC’s popular singing competition show, The Voice. Most recently, Nick released his fourth solo album Sunday Best . Joe continues to front the multi-platinum group DNCE, who debuted with the smash hit “Cake by the Ocean” in 2016. The song permeated pop culture at large, becoming an unstoppable hit, crashing the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and earning the group an award for Best New Artist at the MTV Video Music Awards®. The release of their gold-certified full-length debut album, DNCE, followed, which featured additional hit singles such as the platinum-certified “Toothbrush.” While on their most recent tour, Kevin Jonas debuted his first solo single “Changing.” After branching out to individual efforts, in 2019 they notably ignited the comeback of the decade with their Platinum-Certified Republic Records debut, Happiness Begins , which included their mega hit “Sucker.” In 2023, the Jonas Brothers were honored with their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and were celebrated with the Hand and Footprint ceremony in 2025. As for their Disney roots, it was a holiday homecoming for the brothers in 2025 with the release of A Very Jonas Christmas Movie on Disney+. 2025 marked a special year for the Jonas Brothers as they celebrated their 20th anniversary as a band. They also hosted a milestone JONASCON fan event at New Jersey’s American Dream, where they celebrated 20 years of legacy, memories, and the Jonas Brothers fan community with over 75,000 fans from all over the world in attendance. JONASCON kicked off what became an unforgettable year for the Jonas Brothers, including their brand-new album, Greetings from Your Hometown, out now, and the highly anticipated ‘JONAS20: Greetings From Your Hometown ’ Tour, which kicked off on August 10 at MetLife Stadium. Upcoming projects for this multi-talented group include another return to the Disney stage: the highly anticipated Disney Channel Original Movie, Camp Rock 3. “Music, friendship, memories,” Nick said. “We’re back, exactly where we’re supposed to be,” Joe replied. “Still no birdhouse,” added Kevin.

D Disney Legend Lin Manuel Miranda

LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA
We may not talk about Bruno, but we definitely talk about Lin-Manuel Miranda. A Pulitzer Prize®, GRAMMY®, Emmy®, Tony Award®-winning songwriter, actor, producer, and director, Lin-Manuel Miranda is a modern-day Renaissance man. The creator and original star of Broadway’s cultural phenomenon, Hamilton, and composer of In the Heights, this acclaimed creative has dedicated his career to the art form of the great American musical on stage and screen. In early 2014, Lin-Manuel began writing songs for the animated musical feature, Moana (2016), in which the headstrong title character fulfills the lore-filled quest of her ancestors. The multi-hyphenate wrote and co-created several songs for the film, including Moana’s anthem, “How Far I’ll Go,” which earned him his first Academy Award® nomination for Best Original Song, as well as a GRAMMY Award. Miranda is returning as a producer and music collaborator on Disney’s upcoming live-action reimagining of Moana, premiering in theaters this summer. He continued his musical partnership with Walt Disney Animation Studios for 2022’s smash-hit Encanto . His eight songs for the soundtrack all charted on the Billboard Hot 100, leading him to spend 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 Songwriters chart and to ultimately be named Billboard’s top Hot 100 songwriter of 2022. Much of that was thanks to the unlikely and explosive leader of the pack, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” which spent five weeks at No. 1 and has been streamed more than 100 million times. The celebrated artist also starred as Jack the Lamplighter in 2018’s Mary Poppins Returns, and in 2023 produced and collaborated with Disney Legend Alan Menken to write three new songs for the live-action reimagining of The Little Mermaid. Disney+ released the 2016 Broadway stage recording of Hamilton in 2020, and in theatres in 2025. Lin-Manuel partnered with Disney to write original songs for 2024’s Mufasa: The Lion King. Additional Disney credits include: Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians; original songs for Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019); DuckTales (2017), and The Odd Life of Timothy Green (2012).

D Disney Legend Alan Tudyk

ALAN TUDYK
This multi-talented actor has appeared across stage, screen, and television, but it is his voice that has been heard by anyone who has seen Disney’s most recent animated features. He has voiced everything from a baby goat, who has the heart and soul (and voice) of a suave leading man, to a skittish rooster on his credit list—for Alan Tudyk has been in every Disney animated movie since he performed the Ed Wynn-like voice for King Candy in Wreck-It Ralph (2012). Alan has provided the unique animal sounds for Heihei in Moana (2016), Tuk Tuk in Raya and the Last Dragon (2021), and as a Toucan in Encanto (2021). He’s also given voice to Knowsmore in Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018), Heihei from Moana 2 (2024), and as Duke Weaselton in both Zootopia (2016) and Zootopia 2 (2025). Alan starred as the villainous Duke of Weselton in Frozen (2013) and returned to the sequel Frozen 2 (2019) as a variety of characters, including the Northuldra Leader. He also narrated and provided additional voices for Strange World (2022) and was the voice of Valentino the goat in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ centenary year feature, Wish (2023). Outside the walls of Disney animation, Alan also voiced the robot Sonny in the 20th Century Studios live-action feature I, Robot (2004) and performed the motion capture movements for the character. For Rouge One: A Star Wars Story (2016), the memorable droid K-2SO was Tudyk’s first Disney company voice role in a live-action film. Alan’s talents can also be heard voicing characters in Disney+ originating projects such as Monsters at Work (2021) and Zootopia+ (2022), and in Ice Age (2002) and Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006) for 20th Century Studios and Blue Sky Studios.


-Advertisement-
-Advertisement-

Latest Posts

Lyft

New Lyft Offer for Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel Guests

Disneyland Resort has partnered with Lyft to offer convenient transportation options for guests traveling to and from Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotels. This new partnership...