D23 – Page 2 – WDWNT Archive

Sneak Peek at D23 Spring 2017 Issue – Beauty and the Beast, Electrical Parade, Pirates, & More!

WDWNT on February 6, 2017

D23’s Spring issue is full of interviews and previews for some of Disney’s biggest movie and television releases in 2017.

First up, get an exclusive interview with director Bill Condon of the live action Beauty and the Beast film about the movie’s music, special effects, sets, and costumes. “When a musical works and you feel that kind of thrill of taking off, I think it’s like nothing else,” says Condon in the interview. Also, Emma Watson (Belle), and Josh Gad (LeFou) go into detail about their roles.

Next, get a behind the scenes look at the upcoming movie Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 with actors Chris Pratt and Kurt Russell. Take a special look at Disney California Adventure’s latest attraction coming this year, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde goes over the attraction in this exclusive interview.

Mandy Moore (Rapunzel) and Zachary Levi (Eugene) take a look at the new animated show Tangled: The Series and talk about what it is like to reprise their roles since the original movie debuted in 2010.

There is a ton more to read and see in the next issue of D23, including:

Sneak peak at Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales with producer Jerry Bruckheimer
Celebration of the Main Street Electrical Parade returning to Disneyland for its 45th anniversary
Look at Born in China, Disneynature’s newest film
Sneak peak at Disneyland Paris’ 25th anniversary
A look inside the newly renovated Walt Disney Animation Studios headquarters in Burbank, CA.

D23’s quarterly publication is exclusive to D23 Gold members. Fans can sign up for a gold Membership for $75 annually, or $100 annually for the Gold Family Membership. The General Membership is complimentary.

D23 Hosting 2 Special Member Events at Disney Springs in December

WDWNT on November 8, 2016

D23 is inviting members to celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Disney Springs with reserved seating for a Walt Disney World Holiday Services Q&A, shopping discounts and merchandise, delicious treats, and a few holiday surprises!

The event is being held on Tuesday, December 13th, 2016 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

Guests in attendance will have the opportunity to pick up a complimentary cup of hot cocoa and an exclusive sweet treat, as well as shop at various locations along the way. All attendees will receive a D23 reusable souvenir mug and some additional surprises.

There is also a separate ticketed event the same evening, a private moonlit meal at STK Orlando. Continuing the seasonal celebration, members have the opportunity to gather under the moonlight for a festive meal at the newly opened STK Orlando at Disney Springs.

D23 attendees will enjoy a three-course meal personally designed in the spirit of holiday gatherings. In addition, guests will receive a specially crafted holiday-inspired cocktail. Throughout the meal on the private outdoor patio, guests will have the opportunity to spend time with fellow Disney fans, as well honorary Disney luminaries and special guests.

In the spirit of the season, all attendees will receive an exclusive, one-of-a-kind set of historic Disney holiday cards, selected from the Walt Disney Archives. This event is only open to Gold and Gold Family Members.

Registration for both events opens to D23 Gold Members on November 14th. Registration to the Holiday Celebration event then opens to all D23 members on November 21st. More details on these events can be found at D23.com.

RUMOR: Destination D Attendees Will Be The First to See Rivers of Light Next Month?

WDWNT on October 24, 2016

Since April 22nd, 2016, we have been on a rollercoaster ride of rumors of when Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom might debut. Once the show was officially delayed, we reported first that the show would not make its debut in the Summer of 2016. We then heard rumblings that the show was close to being completed, and then were even told that the show is now finished and completed with rehearsals at this point. Just last week, a rumored to be mistaken posting on the Walt Disney World website made it seem the show may not debut until next May. Now, something fishy on the Destination D schedule has many a guest speculating that event attendees may be the very first to see Rivers of Light this November.

The event wraps up on Sunday, November 20th at Disney’s Contemporary Resort with a presentation by Joe Rohde about Disney’s Animal Kingdom. After that, there is an optional in-park gathering at a Disney theme park, with no further details being shared as of yet. That being said, it does require park admission and Disney’s Animal Kingdom is scheduled to close at 7:30PM that evening. However, one could argue that it would make more sense to end the event with the much anticipated AVATAR presentation, unless you wanted that final presentation to lead into something that tied into it. Rivers of Light would certainly tie into a presentation by Rohde about the future of Disney’s Animal Kingdom…

I will say this particular rumor comes with no inside information on my part. It is purely speculation based on rumblings throughout the internet since the Destination D: Amazing Adventures schedule was announced yesterday. Tickets for the event are still available if you are interested, and regardless of the Rivers of Light event happening or not, should be a wonderful time for any Disney fan who attends.

UPDATE: The schedule for the event on D23.com was updated to state that guests will not need theme park admission to attend the in-park meet up. This now makes it more likely that guests at Destination D will be the first to see the show.

D23 Members Receive Exclusive Savings All Year Long

WDWNT on February 15, 2016

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

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

15% off all purchases of $60 or more at DisneyStore.com and in all Disney Store locations through March 31, 2016
A discount on VIP tickets to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens now through February 7, 2016 at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood—as well as special pricing for Lady and the Tramp and Zootopia during their 2016 runs
Savings of 15% off purchases at the ABC Store online, including items from fan favorite shows such as Once Upon a Time and Scandal
30% off the beautiful Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World book
Up to 53% savings on Disney magazines including Disney Frozen, Disney Junior, and Marvel Super Heroes

D23 is bringing back its most popular opportunities for savings on hotels, restaurants, and stores in and around Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, including:

Discounted rates at Howard Johnson Anaheim, Carousel Inn & Suites, and the Anabella Hotel located near Disneyland Resort; as well as at Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa, B Resort & Spa, Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista, and Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, located near Walt Disney World Resort
10% savings on activities at Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre and on merchandise at CURL^® by Sammy Duvall at Walt Disney World Resort
Sweet savings at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company online, in its two Disney Parks shops, and at the El Capitan Theatre
Dining discounts in and around Disneyland Resort, including Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Catal, Uva Bar, Naples, Tortilla Joe’s, and Tangerine Grill

In addition, D23 Members can take advantage of a host of ongoing and limited-time offers developed exclusively for them, including savings on tickets to the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco; a merchandise discount at the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, Mo.; 40% off all online purchases of H2O Plusmerchandise—the luxury skincare product available at Disney Parks; savings at UNIQLO online, including its exclusive line of Disney apparel; 10% off all purchases at RIDEMAKERZ^® online and at all locations—including the Disneyland 60th Anniversary Limited-Edition RZ Rascar and Rod vehicles available at the Anaheim store; plus 23% off all merchandise online from SMS Audio, the official headphones of D23.

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

D23 Reveals 2016 Member Gift – Offers A Rare Glimpse Into Disney’s Rich Legacy

WDWNT on January 27, 2016

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club didn’t have to look far for inspiration for its 2016 Gold Member gift, “From the Office of Walt Disney.” To celebrate the restoration of Walt Disney’s office suite on the Studios’ Burbank lot, the Walt Disney Archives worked with D23 to meticulously reproduce 23 unique pieces from Walt’s career that trace his path from America’s heartland to the world stage.

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Included in the assortment are items from Walt’s early years in business such as his 1923 Laugh-O-gram Films Inc. business card and the famous 1928 “Everything OK” telegram, which Walt cryptically wired his brother Roy when he lost the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Also in the collection are the 1955 Disneyland invitational press preview pass and Walt’s notes on pages from the “EPCOT Film” script from 1966. Pieces representing animation, live action, television, and theme parks—as well as Walt’s own personal life—make up this one-of-a-kind set.

Laugh-O-gram Films Inc. Business Card (1923) Madcap takes on classic tales give Walt his first screen success. Pen-and-ink Goldie Locks, Red Riding Hood, and Cinderella pave the way for a live-action Alice, whose comedic adventures in a cartoon wonderland click with audiences and spawn a series.

“Everything OK” Telegram (1928) Following the devastating loss of Oswald to his New York distributor, Walt cryptically wires his brother that all is well. Ever the optimist, as his train speeds west, Walt plans his next act… and the mouse who will be its headliner.

Disneyland Press Preview Pass (1955) While the nation watches on live television, Walt hosts the invitational opening of his original Magic Kingdom on July 17, 1955. Disneyland becomes every child’s vacation goal—and welcomes its one-millionth guest in less than two months.

Walt’s Notes on EPCOT Film Script (1966) Walt annotates writer Marty Sklar’s script introducing the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Executive Card Walker will see both this film and the EPCOT project through to completion.

The gift comes in a “book” designed specifically to hold all the items and will be sent to all D23 Gold and Gold Family Members who join or renew from January 1 through December 31, 2016. Guests can see images from the gift—and learn more about the 23 rare items—at D23.com/OfficeOfWaltDisney. As previously announced, D23 Gold Members will have the opportunity to tour Walt Disney’s restored office during tours and select special events throughout 2016.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. D23 Members save when renewing their membership and may renew up to 90 days prior to their membership expiration.

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New D23 Expo Concert, Disney on Broadway’s “The Originals” Announced

WDWNT on December 7, 2015

Following the incredibly warm and rousing reception from D23 EXPO fans in 2013, Disney Theatrical Productions has announced a new concert presented exclusively for this year’s D23 EXPO at the Anaheim Convention Center entitled Disney on Broadway’s “THE ORIGINALS.” In anticipation of high fan-demand, two performances of the concert will be presented on Saturday, August 15^th at 11am and at 2pm in Stage 23.

Disney on Broadway’s “THE ORIGINALS” stars Broadway’s original “Mary Poppins” (Ashley Brown), “Tarzan” (Josh Strickland) and “Genie” (James Monroe Iglehart) from Aladdin. The “originals” will entertain and delight D23 EXPO attendees by performing favorite musical highlights from the Disney on Broadway catalogue. Tony Award®-winner James Monroe Iglehart will also serve as host for this 70-minute, live performance that features a five-piece band of Broadway’s best musicians with special behind-the-scenes videos and interviews that promise to enthrall Disney on Broadway fans of all ages.

Ashley Brown

Ashley Brown originated the title role in Mary Poppins on Broadway for which she received Outer Critics, Drama League and Drama Desk nominations for Best Actress. Ms. Brown also starred as Mary Poppins in the national tour of Mary Poppins where she garnered a Garland award for “Best Performance in a Musical”. Ms. Brown’s other Broadway credits include Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and she has starred in the national tour of Disney’s On The Record. Ms. Brown recently returned to critical acclaim starring in the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of Oklahoma. She previously played Magnolia opposite Nathan Gunn in Francesca Zembello’s Show Boat at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Ms. Brown has performed with virtually all of the top orchestras in North America including the Boston Pops, the New York Philharmonic, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at Disney Hall, the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall (four times), the Cincinnati Pops and the Philadelphia Orchestra (two times). Ashley starred in The Sound of Music at the St. Louis MUNY which garnered her a Kevin Kline award and her own PBS special called “Ashley Brown: Call Me Irresponsible” which received a PBS Telly Award. Other television credits include NBC’s The Sound of Music. Ms. Brown’s long-awaited album of Broadway and American Songbook standards is available on Ghostlight/Sony. Ashley is a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.

Josh Strickland

Josh Strickland is a native of Charleston, South Carolina. In 2006, Strickland created the leading role of Tarzan in Disney’s Tarzan on Broadway. In 2009, he made his starring Las Vegas debut in PEEPSHOW at Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort while concurrently co-starring in the hit E! reality show Holly’s World. Strickland debuted his first single “Report to the Floor”, which skyrocketed to the top five on the iTunes Dance Charts the first week of its release, followed by “Last Dance”. Mr. Strickland is currently starring in Vegas! the Show at the Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort in Las Vegas.

James Monroe Iglehart

James Monroe Iglehart won a 2014 Tony Award® for his performance in Aladdin. He originated the role of Bobby in the Tony-winning musical Memphis. Other NYC: The 25th Annual…Spelling Bee and The Wiz. Film/TV: “Gotham”, “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmitt”, “The Good Wife” and “The Electric Company” (the Silent E Soloist). James is a member of the hip-hop improv group Freestyle Love Supreme. His greatest gift is his wife, Dawn. This is an absolute blessing — a real-life wish come true!

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are available at a discounted price for a limited time. Through June 30, 2015, tickets are $67 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $58 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $188 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.

PHOTOS: AVATAR Themed Land and Shanghai Disneyland Previewed at D23 Expo 2015 np

WDWNT on August 3, 2015

From the Disney Insider blog:

Earlier this afternoon we were able to get a sneak peek at the Imagineering Pavilion at this year’s D23 Expo and it blew us away. It was mostly focused on the Shanghai Disneyland theme park (opening next spring), with a small experience dedicated to the upcoming Pandora expansion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom (based on James Cameron’s blockbuster Avatar franchise). And it was incredible. The amount of art was positively overwhelming, both in how much stuff there was and because it was amazingly gorgeous, full of rich detail and snappy storytelling that we’ve come to expect from the wizards at Walt Disney Imagineering. We’ll have a full write-up of the experience soon, but we wanted to share a huge photo gallery from the pavilion.

Disney Twenty-Three Magazine Celebrates 60 Magical Years of Disneyland

WDWNT on June 5, 2015

As Disneyland approaches its 60th anniversary, Disney twenty-three brings readers inside the party, with an in-depth look at how the park is celebrating this milestone with new parades, spectaculars, and enhancements to popular attractions.

In preparation for the landmark occasion, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club took Disney Legend Marty Sklar—who worked at Disneyland on opening day—and Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Creative Executive Bruce Vaughn on a walk through Disneyland, where they reminisce about details from the past, such as the park’s legendary opening day, and look ahead at all the excitement yet to come.

Also in the Summer issue, available exclusively to D23 Gold Members, the Walt Disney Archives unveils rarely showcased ephemera from Disneyland’s opening including a media pass and concept art for freeway billboards promoting the world’s first theme park. And for Disney parks foodies, there’s a look at some of the park’s signature snacks, from Dole Whips and turkey legs to churros and Mickey Mouse ice cream bars.

Plus, film critic, historian, and co-producer of the Walt Disney Treasures DVD series Leonard Maltin gives a behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s three big summer movies featuring exclusive interviews with Tomorrowland director Brad Bird, Inside Out director Pete Docter, and Ant-Man director Peyton Reed. Each director offers Maltin—who authored the book The Disney Films—a fascinating look at the creation of the colorful, complicated, and magnificent worlds of their three films.

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

Rarely seen photos from the Disneyland Hotel’s storied history
A look inside a Disneyland Pitch Portfolio that was used to sell East Coast investors on Walt’s vision for the park
Fifty years of Disney Ambassadors and how they bring magic to people around the globe
Newlyweds share the stories of their beautiful Disney-themed weddings
An up-close look at the beloved animated feature Pinocchio with historian J.B. Kaufman
Regular columns including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave

D23 Members are invited to visit D23.com for additional online-exclusive features, including a gallery of more artwork from the Disneyland Pitch Portfolio, used to showcase concepts of the park that would turn Walt’s dream into a reality.

Other features coming to D23.com include:

Disney Legend Marty Sklar talking about the past and future of Disneyland as the park celebrates its 60th anniversary
A robust gallery of images of Disneyland through the years
A dazzling display of wedding cakes to bring a sweet finish to any Disney fan’s wedding, from classic confections to truly innovative tastes for all the senses

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership.

The latest issue will begin arriving late May.

D23 Launches First “Fanniversary Home Edition” Celebrating “Lady and the Tramp” 60th

WDWNT on June 5, 2015

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is bringing its popular Fanniversary event into the homes of members and Disney fans around the world, with Fanniversary Home Edition. This year’s inaugural home event celebrates the 60th anniversary of Disney’s classic canine love story Lady and the Tramp. Fans can join the fun by visiting D23.com/D23Fanniversary.

Starting May 29, guests can begin preparing for the party by downloading invitations, decorations, crafts, games, and even a traditional spaghetti and meatballs recipe provided by the talented chefs of The Chew.

Then from June 12–14 it’s time to party! Throughout the weekend, D23 will unveil new and classic content on D23.com about the animated favorite, including:

A new video featuring original artwork from the Animation Research Library
A series of the original “Scamp” comics
A gallery of Lady and the Tramp items from the Walt Disney Archives
Features full of fun facts about the film, including a piece by Disney music historian Randy Thornton looking at the development of the movie’s beloved songs
A story on Walt Disney’s own dogs and how they influenced some of his movies

Plus, fans are encouraged to join the conversation on D23’s social media using the hashtag #D23Fanniversary (follow “DisneyD23” on all platforms). One of the many downloadables will be a “selfie station” where fans can pose as the film’s canine couple enjoying a plate of pasta at Tony’s Restaurant, and then upload their shots on social media. Throughout the weekend, D23 also invites fans to post “Dogglegangers”—photos of their own pooches who look like the dynamic dogs from the film—and share stories of dogs they have adopted.

Fans are encouraged to watch the beloved film all weekend long. And for those who would like to watch as one big group, at 5 p.m. PDT on Saturday, June 13, D23 encourages fans around the world to hit “play” on their DVD, Blu-ray, or digital device to kick off the largest Lady and the Tramp viewing party ever. Follow on Twitter, as D23 will be live tweeting out fun facts, commentary, and questions for the audience.

Lady and the Tramp, which had its premiere on June 16, 1955, tells the story of Lady, a young cocker spaniel from a “respectable” home, who falls in love with Tramp, a mutt who lives in the railroad yards. The idea for the film came from a short story by Ward Greene entitled “Happy Dan, the Whistling Dog.” The film stars such voice talents as Barbara Luddy as Lady; Larry Roberts as Tramp; and Peggy Lee as Darling, the Siamese cats, and Peg, the show dog.

Let us know in the comments how you will be celebrating Lady and the Tramp on June 13. Let’s have a WDWNT contingent in the viewing party!

D23 Expo 2015 Holding 2 Contests Celebrating The Fan’s Creativity

WDWNT on March 19, 2015

To highlight the creativity and passion fans have for all things Disney, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is holding two remarkable contests in celebration of D23 EXPO 2015, which takes place August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Mousequerade* invites participants to create their own Disney-inspired costumes and compete in the following categories: “Heroes Unmasked,” “Once Upon a Costume,” “The Wonderful Worlds of Disney,” “Best of Star Wars,” and “Weird, Wild, and Goofy!” The winner will receive a trip for two to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Anyone interested in participating must visit d23expo.com/mousequerade to complete an entry form and find out more about how to enter. The closing date for entry is April 30, 2015. Submissions will be evaluated on the basis of creativity and originality, quality and craftsmanship of costume, and relationship of costume to the contest theme. The Live Contest will be held Friday, August 14 in Stage 23 at the Anaheim Convention Center and will be 90 minutes in length. The number of Finalists is limited to 15 contestants per category for a total of 75 contestants.

D23 Expo Design Challenge** will honor Disneyland’s Diamond Anniversary by encouraging artists young and old to depict Sleeping Beauty Castle. Twenty-three pieces of finalist artwork will be on display throughout the D23 EXPO weekend on the show floor, located in the Walt Disney Archives area. The winning artist will be chosen prior to the start of the D23 EXPO and will receive a cash prize of $2,300. Anyone interested in participating must visit d23expo.com/designchallenge to submit sketches of proposed artwork (and to find out more about other entry requirements) no later than April 30, 2015. Submissions will be evaluated on the basis of creativity, originality, and artistic expression.

Finalists in both competitions will receive one (1) complimentary ticket (and one (1) for a guest) to attend D23 EXPO 2015. Contestants do not need to be members of D23 to enter either contest.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are available at a discounted price for a limited time. From January 1–June 30, 2015, tickets are $67 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $58 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $188 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23Expo.com.

Mousequerade Contest

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open to persons who are, as of entry, eighteen (18) years of age or older or the age of majority in their state of primary residence, whichever is older, and legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 United States or D.C. Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM (PT) on 4/30/15. Click here for Official Rules and full details on how to enter, judging and prize limitations. Finalists must travel to Anaheim, CA on 8/14/15 at their own expense.

D23 Expo Design Challenge

**NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open to persons who are, as of entry, eighteen (18) years of age or older or the age of majority in their state of primary residence, whichever is older, and legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 United States or D.C. Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM (PT) on 4/30/15. Limit three (3) Submissions per person. Click here for Official Rules and further details on how to enter, judging and prize limitations. Prize does not include travel to or accommodations in Anaheim, CA.

Tag: D23