The spectacular magic of Disney animation comes to life in the 3D movie musical “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” at Disney California Adventure. Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and other favorite Disney characters take the stage in this 3D fantasy adventure in the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land. And now it has a new digital sign and a new entrance to the theater.
Photo: Russell Tom/Socalthrills
This new digital sign has a look and feel of the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood and is a more visible entrance to the Sunset Showcase Theater. Before guests would have to go around the corner to enter the theater and if you’re not in that area, you wouldn’t know if there’s a new show or attraction. This makes it more visible off the streets of Hollywood Land and right next to Award Weiners. Previously, banners and other signages hanging along Hollywood Blvd would have to entice guests to journey into the cul de sac of Hollywoodland to find the theatre entrance.
Photo: Russell Tom/Socalthrills
The surrounding area of the sign is also not branded for Mickey’s PhilharMagic so it can be easily switched out to accommodate other shows and attractions. As well as the digital sign is now animated.
Photo: Russell Tom/Socalthrills
The new digital sign is flexible for any new shows. But there’s still a few posters and banners specific to Philharmagic that’s used throughout the queue and seating area as it was before.
Photo: Russell Tom/Socalthrills
In addition to the sign, cast members are wearing a new costume (with Mickey style buttons) as well as the area has a new carpet leading into the theater. Those who are looking for a place to sit after getting food from Award Weiners, the newly expanded seating area is a nice touch. We also noticed to get into the seating area, you go through the same new entrance.
On Sept. 25, Mario Kart Tour, Nintendo’s newest game designed for iOS and Android devices, boosts out of the starting gate and into the palms of players’ hands around the world. This new Mario Kart game goes beyond Rainbow Road, with special city courses that let players race through courses inspired by actual locations like New York, Tokyo, and Paris. Players who want to be notified once the game is available to download can pre-register now via the AppStore and Google Play.
“For the first time ever in a Mario Kart game, players can drive past giant Warp Pipes while drifting through a New York-inspired cityscape, all with the swipe of a finger,” said Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Whether you’re an experienced Mario Kart pro or just getting your Mushroom Kingdom driver’s license, Mario Kart Tour is a game for everyone that brings some of Nintendo’s most beloved characters into the hands of players around the world.”
In Mario Kart Tour, players can experience the endless racing fun of Mario Kart while collecting drivers, like Mario, as well as karts and gliders. Players can choose which drivers, karts and gliders to use in races across a variety of courses, including new takes on classic courses and special city courses. City courses, special in-game event courses inspired by real-world locations, will be available during specific time periods at launch and beyond. In addition to courses based on iconic locales, some Mario Kart characters will get variations that incorporate the local flavor of cities featured in the game.
Mario Kart Tour is free-to-start and will be available to download for iOS and Android devices beginning Sept. 25. A Nintendo Account is required to play Mario Kart Tour. Players can obtain their in-game registration card by linking their Nintendo Account. Those who do not already have a Nintendo Account can create one at https://accounts.nintendo.com/register.
Angelitos de Oro, a Santa Ana-based volunteer auxiliary group, is partnering with South Coast Plaza for the 18th annual Angelitos Card Week with proceeds from card sales benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire. Cards, now available to purchase for $60, provide 20% savings at more than 120 participating South Coast Plaza stores and restaurants during the weeklong fundraiser, Oct. 3-9.
Community members can purchase the card and view a full list of Card Week stores and restaurants at angelitosdeoro.org. Beginning the last week in September, the card will also be available for purchase in-person at South Coast Plaza concierge locations and select participating retailers.
New Card Week participants for 2019 include AllSaints, Ann Taylor, Aquazzura, A|X Armani Exchange, Camilla, CB2, Chico’s, Crate and Barrel Home Store, Eve by Eve’s, Furla, GUESS, Harry & David, John Hardy, John Lobb, Lafayette 148 New York, Soma Intimates and TERRACE by Mix Mix. They join returning stores and restaurants including Bottega Veneta, Christian Louboutin, Oscar de la Renta, Saint Laurent, Stuart Weitzman and many more.
Those who purchase Angelitos Cards can also take advantage of Preview Day on Oct. 2. Attendees at the RSVP-only Welcome Reception can enjoy a complimentary glass of Champagne and lite bites from 1-3 p.m. at TERRACE by Mix Mix and shop the savings at select Preview Day boutiques one day early, with 10% of their purchases donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire. To RSVP for the Preview Day Welcome Reception, cardholders should email [email protected] by Sept. 29. RSVPs received afternoon of Sept. 29 are subject to capacity; all guests must present an Angelitos Card at the door.
“We’re incredibly thankful for the thousands of people who come out to shop for the cause each year during Angelitos Card Week,” said Sloane Keane, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire. “The ongoing support from Angelitos de Oro and South Coast Plaza helps Big Brothers Big Sisters continue to provide youth in our region with one-to-one mentoring relationships that truly change their lives.”
Over the last 58 years, Angelitos de Oro has contributed more than $6.5 million for the organization’s efforts for youth facing adversity.
OtterBox announces the new Disney Villains collection. From the Evil Queen to the Sea Witch, now you can show off your favorite villain right on the back of your magic mirror smartphone.
Credit: OtterBox
OtterBox Symmetry Series cases feature Villains favorites: Evil Queen, Ursula, Scar, and Maleficent. The Disney Villains collection is ready to protect your phones from the pitfalls of device breakage and made its evil debut at D23 in August 2019, the ultimate Disney fan expo.
Credit: OtterBox
“Disney Villains are feared by some, but loved by many,” said OtterBox CEO Jim Parke. “OtterBox now offers protection from the evils that come with dropping a phone without needing a magic spell.”
Credit: OtterBox
OtterBox Symmetry Series with Disney Villains offers sleek and stylish protection. Every selfie can be accompanied by a wicked grin from Maleficent, Ursula, Evil Queen or Scar. OtterBox drop protection keeps phones safe, even in the bumbling hands of evil sidekicks. A smoky grey bumper and vibrant, 80s-inspired metallic print ensure each Villain pops off the case, reminding the weak of heart that they’re always watching.
Credit: OtterBox
The new phone cases are available for your iPhone X, Xs, Xs Max, and XR.
Disney Villains collection cases were available for sale at this year’s D23 Expo and are available now on otterbox.com.
The magic came to life as hosts Scott Weinger (“Aladdin” animated film) and Linda Larkin (“Jasmine” animated film) took D23 Expo attendees on a magic carpet ride with a show-stopping evening of music and dance performances from stars of stage and screen in celebration of the upcoming in-home release of the live-action adaptation of ALADDIN and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ ALADDIN Walt Disney Signature Collection. Check out highlights from the panel.
“A Musical Celebration of Aladdin” featured appearances from special guests, including, a surprise appearance from Mena Massoud (“Aladdin” live-action) who gave D23 Expo fans a first look at bloopers and a deleted scene of the original song “Desert Moon,” a duet with him and Naomi Scott (“Jasmine” live-action), which are available as bonus features on the live-action film’s upcoming Digital & Blu-ray release.
In addition, Brad Kane (“Aladdin” animated singing voice) also performed “One Jump Ahead.” Deedee Magno Hall (“Jasmine” in “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” at the Hyperion Theater) performed “To Be Free,” an original song that Alan Menken wrote and composed for this production. Clinton Greenspan (Broadway’s next “Aladdin”) performed “Proud of Your Boy.” Jamal Sims (choreographer, “Aladdin” live-action) showcased Genie’s signature dance moves, along with a team of dancers, in a performance set to “A Friend Like Me.” Lillias White (Hercules) performed “Speechless,” an original song from the live-action film. And a surprise appearance from legendary GRAMMY Award-winning singer Regina Belle closed the show with a final performance of “A Whole New World” with Norm Lewis (“Scandal,” “The Little Mermaid” on Broadway).
The live-action film ALADDIN and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ ALADDIN Walt Disney Signature Collection will be available on Digital (August 27) and Blu-ray (September 10).
On Saturday, Aug 25, thousands of fans that attended this year’s D23 Expo got an advance viewing of this special look at STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER. Check out the video below.
The movie directed by J.J. Abrams, joined Lucasfilm once again to take viewers on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away. The riveting conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, where new legends will be born and the final battle for freedom is yet to come.
Photo Credit: Disney
President of Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy and director/writer/producer J.J. Abrams introduced the nine stars from the film, many of whom marked this as their first D23 Expo appearance: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran and Billy Dee Williams, plus special appearances from R2-D2, BB-8 and the new droid D-O. Also, a brand-new poster was revealed.
The film stars Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, Lupita Nyong’o, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran, and Billy Dee Williams.
STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER releases in U.S. theaters on December 20.
At a special member celebration at Disney California Adventure Park during this past year’s D23 Expo, Disney Movie Rewards announced their new name and program, Disney Movie Insiders.
Launched in 2006, Disney Movie Rewards has delighted fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios, and Star Wars movies with great rewards and one-of-a-kind experiences like touring The Walt Disney Studios lot and Walt Disney’s office. Recognizing the value of connecting 1:1 with their biggest movie fans, Disney has been reimagining the Disney Movie Rewards program to provide more personalized and engaging experiences and evolve how they interact with their members.
On September 26, 2019, Disney Movie Rewards will become Disney Movie Insiders, a place where new fans and super fans unite. The announcement teased a few of the new program features as well as a mobile app and has promised more to come. Members will be able to watch trailers and special content about upcoming movies, buy movie tickets directly, have more ways to earn and redeem points for amazing rewards, get Insiders to access to special perks and sweepstakes, and play various interactive experiences on the new mobile app.
Target and Disney announced a creative retail collaboration to help bring the magic of Disney to the joy of shopping at Target at this year’s D23 Expo.
This new collaboration encompasses experiential retail and merchandising including the launch of 25 Disney stores within select Target stores nationwide on Oct. 4, with 40 additional locations opening by October 2020. Guests will find an all-new, Disney focused the digital experience on Target.com which is available now. Additionally, a new Target store will open at Flamingo Crossings Town Center at the western entrance of the Walt Disney World Resort in 2021 to bring the convenience of Target shopping to Disney park guests. Target and Disney share a strong guest overlap with a focus on families.
Disney and Target worked closely to co-develop and design an experience that will bring the magic of Disney store to Target guests in new and unique ways while extending the Disney store footprint. Disney store at Target locations will be among the select places in the U.S. where guests can browse and purchase Disney store specialty merchandise from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.
Disney store at Target will launch just when the new assortment of merchandise from Disney’s Frozen 2 and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits shelves. Additional locations will be added to more Target stores over the next year to expand the Disney store retail footprint and meet Disney fans when and where they want to shop.
Disney store at Target locations will be a Target-operated, branded “shop-in-shop” layout with an average of 750 square feet, strategically located inside Target stores adjacent to kids clothing and toys, replicated online at Target.com/Disneystore and in the Target app, available for download on iOS and Android. The “shop-in-shop” will feature an enhanced Disney assortment of more than 450 items, including more than 100 products that were previously only available at Disney retail locations.
Guests will be able to browse and shop a variety of Disney Princess, Star Wars, Marvel, Disney Junior characters, classic Disney plush, apparel, home, and holiday-specific products. They’ll also be able to access collectible merchandise, including the Disney Animators’ Collection with dolls, clothing, and accessories. Items will range in price from $2 – $200, with many items under $20.
Disney store at Target will offer a welcoming and engaging shopping experience for the entire family, with music, interactive displays, photo opportunities and a seating area where families can relax and watch Disney movie clips and Park events.
Disney store at Target will launch online on Oct. 4 at Target.com/Disneystore and in the Target app. The new online experience serves as a hub for the Disney stories and characters guests love, all in one place. The collection of merchandise will include an expanded assortment of new items in October, coinciding with the in-store launch.
Disney store at Target will open in October in the following 25 Target stores:
Disney fans of all ages gathered at the 2019 Disney Legends Ceremony at the 2019 D23 Expo to welcome in its latest set of honorary inductees, sharing in moments of legacy and reflection.
Robert Downey Jr kicked things off, sharing his early Disney memories in a way only he could deliver, focusing on his checkered past, drugs, and jokes about Disney Jail. Nothing was off-limits and the laughs never ceased.
Every single legend had their opportunity to shine, bringing a heightened sense of pride well deserved. Superstar, Christina Aguilera, took the stage and sang her award-winning rendition of Mulan’s title song, Reflection, while Robin Roberts reminded us all of her inspiring work in the world of journalism and her personal triumph over cancer.
There were also quite a few legends who were unable to take part in the celebration, including Hans Zimmer and James Earl Jones. Bette Middler, who was held up from attending due to weather conditions, still managed to take the spotlight as her daughter delivered a heartfelt speech that brought tears across the showroom floor.
The event was a class act and a perfect reminder that Walt’s legacy endures through the magic of a Disney Legend.
For those of you who may have missed it, here’s a complete list of this year’s newest Disney Legends:
WING CHAO
ROBERT DOWNEY JR.
JON FAVREAU
JAMES EARL JONES
BETTE MIDLER
KENNY ORTEGA
BARNETTE RICCI
ROBIN ROBERTS
DIANE SAWYER
MING-NA WEN
HANS ZIMMER
You can catch the rest of Day One’s excitement by clicking here. Make sure to join in the fun, as D23 will be sharing special live video throughout the event direct from the Anaheim Convention Center.
Disney+ made its D23 Expo debut with its first-ever showcase presentation, announcing six new series in development and revealing key details about the highly anticipated streaming service to an enthusiastic audience at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim. The event showcased the sweeping array of talent with in-person and video appearances from the stars of Disney+’s slate of originals from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic and included sneak peeks, trailer premieres, and exclusive news about the service and its upcoming projects. Actress Yvette Nicole Brown, who stars in the Disney+ original film “Lady and the Tramp,” hosted the lively presentation, welcoming Kevin Mayer, chairman, Direct-to-Consumer & International, to the stage to kick off the show.
“With less than three months until launch, Disney+ will soon entertain and inspire audiences of all ages for generations to come, and we’re excited to preview some of the amazing original content being created for the service exclusively from our world-class brands today at the D23 Expo,” said Mayer. “Storytelling is the cornerstone of The Walt Disney Company and we’re thrilled to unveil a new slate of original shows from the Star Wars and Marvel cinematic universes, along with popular television franchises set to return with all-new series streaming only on Disney+.”
New Series Revealed
As part of the presentation, some of the creative minds behind Disney+’s content slate including Sean Bailey, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production; Kevin Feige, president, Marvel Studios; Kathleen Kennedy, president, Lucasfilm; and Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channel Worldwide, gave fans a first look at the service’s upcoming originals and announced exciting new titles:
● Ewan McGregor made a surprise appearance to announce his return as Obi-Wan Kenobi in a new untitled series from Lucasfilm.
● Kevin Feige announced that Marvel Studios is developing three new live-action series: “Ms. Marvel,” “Moon Knight” and “She-Hulk,” all derived from Marvel comics.
● Hilary Duff surprised the audience when it was announced she will reprise the role she made famous in an all-new Lizzie McGuire series from Terri Minsky.
● Forty years after leaving the swamp in his big screen debut in “The Muppet Movie,” Kermit the Frog is heading upstream with Miss Piggy, and the gang, bringing a new kind of mayhem and laughter to Disney+ with their first-ever unscripted short-form series, “Muppets Now.”
World Premiere Launch Content Previews
During the 90-minute presentation, a parade of celebrities, filmmakers, and creatives treated the 6,800-person audience to the first public preview of Disney+’s original movies and shows set to stream when the service launches on November 12:
● For Lucasfilm’s “The Mandalorian,” executive producers Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni joined series stars Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers and Giancarlo Esposito, along with Taika Waititi, who brings the droid IG-11 to life, to premiere the teaser trailer for the first Star Wars live-action series. Earlier in the day at the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company, announced that new Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen will join the cast of the series. Set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order, “The Mandalorian” follows the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic.
● The talented up-and-coming cast of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” brought down the house with a live performance of the multi-platinum hit song, “We’re All In This Together.” Immediately following the presentation, cast members Joshua Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, Matt Cornett, Sofia Wylie, Julia Lester, Larry Saperstein, Dara Reneé, Frankie A. Rodriguez, Kate Reinders, Mark St. Cyr, and Showrunner Tim Federle invited 3,600 fans to watch the first episode in the D23 Expo Arena and revealed the series’ teaser trailer. The 10-episode scripted series, set at the real-life East High, where the original movie was filmed, follows a group of students as they countdown to the opening night of their school’s first-ever production of “High School Musical.”
● Host Yvette Nicole Brown joined fellow “Lady and the Tramp” cast members Rose (“Lady”) and Monty (“Tramp”)—the canine stars of the film—to premiere the first trailer from the film. In the timeless re-telling of the 1955 animated classic, a pampered house dog and a tough but lovable stray embark on an unexpected adventure and, despite their differences, grow closer and come to understand the value of home.
● “Noelle” stars Anna Kendrick and Billy Eichner joined Sean Bailey to announce their film will premiere on Disney+ on November 12 before sharing a new trailer. In the upcoming holiday comedy, Kris Kringle’s daughter is full of Christmas spirit and holiday fun, but wishes she could do something “important” like her beloved brother Nick, who will take over from their father this Christmas. When Nick is about to crumble like a gingerbread cookie from all the pressure, Noelle suggests he take a break and get away…but when he doesn’t return, Noelle must find her brother and bring him back in time to save Christmas.
● Jeff Goldblum, who stars in and hosts “The World According to Jeff Goldblum” from National Geographic, gave fans a peek inside the series including a new trailer for the show. Through Goldblum’s always inquisitive and highly entertaining mind, nothing is as it seems in this new 12-episode series.
● Executive Producer Kristen Bell shared a first look trailer and a taste of what’s to come in the unscripted series, “Encore!” that brings together former castmates of high school musicals, tasking them with re-creating their original performance years after they last performed it, in a high school reunion like no other.
● Tony Hale, who reprises his craft project turned toy role from “Toy Story 4” in the new collection of Pixar animated shorts “Forky Asks A Question,” premiered the first short (“What is Money?”). In the 10 shorts, Forky explores important questions about how the world works, such as: What is love? What is time?
Post-launch Originals
Disney+ also rolled out the red carpet for its titles set to premiere after the service launches, inviting stars to share new details for their upcoming projects:
● The audience was treated to a scene from the Disney+ original film “Togo,” an untold true story set in the winter of 1925 across the treacherous terrain of the Alaskan tundra. An exhilarating and uplifting adventure, “Togo” stars four-time Oscar® nominee Willem Dafoe and is directed by Ericson Core. The film also stars Julianne Nicholson, Christopher Heyerdahl, Richard Dormer, Michael Greyeyes, Michael McElhatton and Michael Gaston. Kim Zubick is the producer and Tom Flynn wrote the screenplay. “Togo” will launch on Disney+ in December.
● Executive Producer and recurring guest star Gina Rodriguez joined “Diary of a Female President” lead Tess Romero to announce the series will premiere on Disney+ in January. Told using the narration from her diary, this half-hour single-camera comedy follows 12-year-old Cuban-American girl Elena’s journey through the trials of middle school, which set her on the path to ultimately become president of the United States.
● Kathleen Kennedy announced that the highly anticipated new season of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” will stream on Disney+ in February 2020. The Emmy® award-winning animated series will be returning with twelve all-new episodes and will mark the return of classic characters Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and fan-favorites Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex.
● Sean Bailey shared a first look at the original film “Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made.” Directed by award-winning filmmaker Tom McCarthy with a screenplay by McCarthy & Stephan Pastis and based on the best-selling book series by Pastis, the film follows the hilarious exploits of our quirky, deadpan hero, Timmy Failure, who, along with his 1,500-pound polar bear partner Total, operates Total Failure Inc., a Portland detective agency. “Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made” will launch on Disney+ in early 2020.
● The stars of “Stargirl,” Grace VanderWaal and Graham Verchere, were welcomed on stage to help introduce the coming-of-age film based on the critically-acclaimed, New York Times’ best-selling young adult novel. “Stargirl” is directed by Julia Hart from a screenplay by Kristin Hahn and Julia Hart & Jordan Horowitz based on the novel by Jerry Spinelli. The film also stars Karan Brar, Maximiliano Hernandez, Darby Stanchfield and Giancarlo Esposito. “Stargirl” is produced by Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Lee Stollman and Kristin Hahn. “Stargirl” will launch on Disney+ in early 2020.
● Director Kari Skogland introduced Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan, the stars of Marvel Studios’ ”The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” which finds Falcon and the Winter Soldier teaming up after “Avengers: Endgame.” Emily VanCamp came on stage and Feige revealed that she will reprise her role as Sharon Carter. Then, he introduced the crowd to Wyatt Russell who will play John Walker—a character from the comics coming to the screen for the first time. Head writer Malcom Spellman was also on hand to greet the crowd. “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” will launch on Disney+ in 2020.
● “Monsters At Work” stars Ben Feldman and Aisha Tyler unveiled the latest design of their characters Tylor and Millie. Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning feature film “Monsters, Inc.,” the new series from Disney Television Animation returns to Monstropolis and follows a new cast of monsters with special appearances from Mike and Sulley (voiced by Billy Crystal and John Goodman).
● Stars Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen were on hand for their new series, Marvel Studios’ “WandaVision.” Bettany returns as Vision and Olsen as Wanda Maximoff—two super-powered beings living their ideal suburban lives who begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems. Kevin Feige surprised the audience by bringing to the stage Kat Dennings and Randall Park who will reprise their roles from “Thor” and “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” and then he introduced Kathryn Hahn who has been cast as a new character in the series. Director Matt Shakman and head writer Jac Schaeffer joined everyone on stage to reveal that the streaming series will blend the style of classic sitcoms with Marvel Cinematic Universe. “WandaVision” premieres on Disney+ in 2021.
● Kevin Feige welcomed the director, Kate Herron, and head writer, Michael Waldron, of “Loki” to the stage. In Marvel Studios’ new Disney+ series “Loki,” Tom Hiddleston returns as the mercurial Loki, the god of mischief and everyone’s favorite villain in stories that take place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” “Loki” debuts on Disney+ in 2021.
● For Marvel Studios’ “What If…?” Hayley Atwell was on hand to greet the audience. Atwell will voice Peggy Carter in Marvel Studios’ first animated series that focuses on different heroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and imagines what would happen if the events in the films worked out differently. Kevin Feige also introduced director Bryan Andrews and head writer Ashley Bradley to the crowd. “What If…?” premieres on Disney+ in 2021.
● Stars Diego Luna and Alan Tudyk joined Kathleen Kennedy to introduce the audience to the second Lucasfilm live-action series for Disney+, which is now in development. Both actors are reprising their roles from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” and the stories follow Cassian Andor’s adventures as a rebel spy during the formative years of the Rebellion, before the events of “A New Hope.”
World-Class Product Experience
Additionally, over on the Expo show floor the Disney+ app made its debut, complete with features and functionality confirmed for the global launch dates in November.
For a monthly price of $6.99 or an annual rate of $69.99 in the U.S. (pricing varies outside U.S.), Disney+ offers viewers of all ages a compelling price-to-value proposition, with a consumer-friendly experience that’s easy-to-navigate with personalized recommendations, high-quality and commercial-free viewing, up to four concurrent streams, and unlimited downloads with no up-charges.
The Disney+ app experience, available to consumers on November 12, will feature:
● Unlimited Downloads: Subscribers have access to unlimited downloads of shows and movies on the Disney+ app to watch offline later on up to 10 mobile or tablet devices, with no constraints on the number of times a title can be downloaded per year. Once downloaded, subscribers can watch on the go and without an internet connection. The number of titles stored at one time on a device is dependent upon the available storage space on a subscriber’s device.
● High-Quality Viewing: Subscribers will enjoy an ultra-high-definition viewing experience with up to 4K Ultra HD video playback in Dolby Vision ultra-vivid imaging, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos immersive audio on supported devices for available programming.
● Commercial-free Viewing: Subscribers can access unlimited viewing of Disney+ content without having to watch a single commercial.
● Profile Customizations: Subscribers can set up to seven different profiles and choose an avatar tailored to their favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel or Star Wars characters, with over 200 avatars available.
● Concurrent Streaming: Disney+ allows subscribers to concurrently stream video content on up to four registered devices with no up-charges.
● Multiple Languages: At launch, Disney+ will offer support for English, Spanish, French and Dutch languages, including both user interface as well as audio support and/or subtitles for library content, with additional languages available for Disney+ Originals.
● Accessibility: The app offers support for closed captioning, descriptive audio, and navigation assistance to help subscribers with disabilities discover and enjoy their favorite stories.
During a special event at D23 Expo, Ricky Strauss, president, Content & Marketing for Disney+ and Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts announced One Day at Disney, a spectacular collaboration between Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney’s new streaming service. The new, 224-page coffee table book and the documentary series will both arrive on December 3, highlighting the talented men and women who bring life to some of Disney’s most beloved stories.
On February 21 of this year, 76 unique photo shoots took place around the world, as Disney dispatched photographers to capture images of the employees and cast members who drive creativity and innovation at The Walt Disney Company. From Shanghai Disneyland and ESPN to Pixar and the set of Modern Family, these spectacular photographs—and the stories behind them—will be featured in the hardbound, collectible book, written by Bruce Steele, which is now available for pre-order.
On December 3, the same day the book arrives in stores, Disney+ will debut it’s new, 52-episode short-form series One Day at Disney, launching with a feature-length documentary. This exciting new series takes an in-depth look at the unique and surprising roles these men and women call their daily jobs. The series and documentary are from Endeavor Content’s Non-Scripted Division and executive produced by Michael Antinoro and David Chamberlin and produced by Victoria Chamlee.
Following the debut of the special, which features such talent as Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts and legendary animator Eric Goldberg, more than 50 One Day at Disney shorts, ranging in length between 4 to 7 minutes long and each profiling a single remarkable person and their fascinating job, will debut each week.
Profiled in the Disney+ docu-special (in alphabetical order):
Eric Baker: The Walt Disney Imagineer who has overseen the creation of many of the intricately detailed props and lifelike creatures that inhabit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the newest lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts
Ashley Girdich: A talented Walt Disney Imagineer who, as a Research and Development Project Manager, drives plans and helps teams execute some of the innovative robotics technology projects being created for our Parks around the world
Eric Goldberg: The legendary animator known for creating the Genie in Aladdin and Phil in Hercules, directing Pocahontas, as well as for animating Mickey Mouse in the Academy Award-nominated short Get a Horse!
Mark Gonzales: A Los Angeles native who works on the world-famous Disneyland Railroad
Grace Lee: A senior illustration manager at Disney Worldwide Publishing who has worked on titles from Zootopia to Fancy Nancy
Zamavus “Zama” Magudulela: The talented South African actor currently playing Rafiki in the Madrid production of phenomenally successful musical The Lion King
Ryan Meinerding: Marvel Studio’s head of visual development who has worked on films including Avengers: Endgame and Guardians of the Galaxy
Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko: The veterinarian who cares for creatures large and small at Walt Disney World Resort, including a number of endangered and threatened species.
Jerome Ranft: The skilled Pixar artist who created detailed sculptures for animators to use as reference for such films as Finding Nemo, Toy Story 3, and Ratatouille
Robin Roberts: The former ESPN sportscaster has been co-anchor of the Emmy® Award-winning, top-rated morning show, Good Morning America, since 2005
The D23 Expo is more popular than ever, preparing for a sell out convention that is sure to rock the house of Mouse to its core and for the first time ever, fans from around the world are being welcomed in from around the globe to take part in a brand new live stream experience that is set to debut at this year’s big event!
Prepare to take a peek behind the curtains of Anaheim’s biggest Disney event with front row seats to some of D23’s most exclusive panels. Take a look at what you can expect from the new live stream below:
Friday August 23rd
2019 Disney Legends Ceremony
10:30 AM PT / 1:30 PM ET
Since 1987, The Walt Disney Company has honored as Disney Legends those special few who embody the Company’s unique creative spirit best personified by its founders. Once again, for the sixth time in the 30 plus-year history of the Disney Legends program, the induction ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will take place at D23 Expo. This year, we honor Christina Aguilera, Wing T. Chao, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, James Earl Jones, Bette Midler, Kenny Ortega, Barnette Ricci, Robin Roberts, Diane Sawyer, Ming-Na Wen, and Hans Zimmer.
Behind the Art of Disney Costuming
4 PM PT / 7 PM ET
Celebrate the imagination, passion and attention to detail invested in each Disney costume! Go behind the scenes on the Expo show floor with the team that crafted the dazzling new Walt Disney Archives exhibit and its accompanying coffee-table book.
Saturday August 24th
WOMEN OF IMPACT: Meet the Nat Geo Explorers Changing the World
10 AM PT / 1 PM ET
Meet the extraordinary women on the front lines of exploration, conservation and storytelling. They pilot submarines, get up close with lions, tigers, and bears—and even breakdance! See what it takes to become the next game-changing Explorer!
Marvel Comics: Marvel’s 80th Anniversary
5:30 PM PT / 8:30 PM ET
Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and Executive Editor Tom Brevoort take you through the amazing, incredible, and uncanny history of Marvel Comics! Get the inside scoop on the House of Ideas—from Captain America to Captain Marvel!
Sunday August 25th
Heroines of the Disney Galaxies Presented by BoxLunch
10 AM PT / 1 PM ET
Join Ashley Eckstein and some very special guests for a celebration of some of the most inspiring and empowering female characters from the worlds of Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm and more!
The Art of Disney Storytelling
3 PM PT / 6 PM ET
John Stamos and Caitlin McHugh Stamos host a panel of master storytellers—including Disney Legends Tony Baxter and Floyd Norman, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Paul Briggs (head of story, Frozen and Big Hero 6), and legendary producer Don Hahn—discuss Walt Disney’s impact on their careers and the entertainment industry, highlighting the ways they leverage those lessons to spark creativity today.
What live stream panels are you most excited for? Make sure to stay tuned, as the fun is just beginning for the 2019 D23 Expo!
