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D23 Planning Tips: Disney Music Emporium Pavilion Returns To D23 EXPO 2022

12 July 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

As promised, we are getting more and more updates as the D23 Expo 2022 draws nearer. September 9 will be here before we know it and we’ll keep sharing these D23 news and scheduling updates as we receive them to help you plan out your D23 Expo experience. The Disney Music Emporium has always had some unique and interesting offerings at the D23 Expo. We’ve collected the Disney Legacy Collection albums, even gotten fun Disneyland Records t-shirts. It’s definitely fun spot you don’t want to pass by during the D23 Expo weekend! Here is the official update from D23 about the Disney Music Emporium at the 2022 D23 Expo:

Disney Music Emporium, the online destination for collectible Disney music products, returns to D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa with a pop-up store on the show floor. Over the three-day Ultimate Disney Fan Event, on September 9, 10, and 11, the Emporium will feature limited quantities of a wide assortment of music products, including new releases from Marvel and Lucasfilm, vinyl albums, die-cut picture-disc vinyl, and more.

In addition to the 24 new offerings available at D23 Expo 2022, 10 titles are exclusive or first-to-market, including Encanto die-cut vinyl (featuring “Surface Pressure” and “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”), Enchanted (available for the first time on clear vinyl), Hocus Pocus (score-only on moon-variant vinyl), Minnie Lo-Fi (on purple orchid vinyl), Adventure Thru Inner Space (picture disc), The Lion King on Broadway (first time on vinyl), The Mandalorian Season 1 (exclusive sand-colored vinyl), Music from WandaVision (exclusive red vinyl), The Legacy Collection: Aladdin (exclusive CD), and Turning Red – The Mix (exclusive CD).

Celebrate the powerful music of Marvel Studios storytelling when Variety’s Jon Burlingame hosts Disney For Scores Podcast Live. Burlingame will bring the format of the popular For Scores podcast to life as he interviews composers of favorite series and films, including Tyler Bates (Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2), Laura Karpman (Ms. Marvel, What If…?), and Pinar Toprak (Captain Marvel). The panel is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Friday, September 9 on the Backlot Stage.

Additional highlights include:

The previously announced Disney Princess – The Concert performance presented by Disney Concerts on Sunday, September 11 at 4:15 p.m., featuring Tony^® nominee Susan Egan (Broadway’s original “Belle” in Beauty and the Beast, “Meg” in Disney’s animated feature Hercules), Broadway.com^® Audience Award nominee Isabelle McCalla (“Princess Jasmine” in Aladdin; The Prom), Disney Channel star Anneliese van der Pol (That’s So Raven, Raven’s Home, Broadway’s final “Belle” in Beauty and the Beast), and Broadway World Award winner Syndee Winters (Broadway’s “Nala” in The Lion King; Hamilton)
Gifts with purchase include limited-edition Disney Movie Club collectible pendants (Bambi, Cinderella, Olaf, Aladdin Genie Lamp, Simba, and Nemo), while supplies last
Attendees can get three months free from SiriusXM. Listen to Disney Hits and hundreds of other SiriusXM channels in the car, on the SXM App and on your connected devices at home. Look for SiriusXM at the show for details. Offer available to new subscribers only; 18 years+.
Giveaways include limited first edition Disney Hits Trading Cards, featuring 30 collectible cards.

About Disney Music Group and Disney Music Emporium
Disney Music Group is home to Hollywood Records, Walt Disney Records, Disney Music Publishing, Buena Vista Records, and Disney Concerts. The labels’ genre-spanning rosters include Queen (in North America), Andy Grammer, Sofia Carson, TINI Stoessel, DCappella, New Hope Club, almost monday, and more. DMG also releases family music and film and television soundtracks from some of the largest movie franchises in the world—from Disney, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and Pixar, including the chart-topping albums Encanto, Frozen 2, Bohemian Rhapsody, Moana, the Oscar^®– and Grammy^®-winning Frozen, the Grammy-winning Guardians of the Galaxy, the Emmy^®-winning music from WandaVision, the Emmy-winning music from The Mandalorian, the Oscar- and Grammy-winning Soul score, plus the Oscar-winning Black Panther and Coco soundtracks. Recent titles include Lightyear and Thor: Love and Thunder, featuring scores by Oscar- and Grammy-winning composer Michael Giacchino. Upcoming titles include soundtracks for ZOMBIES 3 and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Impacting pop culture around the globe, DMG’s rich and eclectic catalog includes music from films such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Star Wars, and Beauty and the Beast, as well as recording artist Annette Funicello and the beloved classic song “It’s a Small World.” DMG produces the Disney For Scores podcast series, highlighting conversations with acclaimed film composers from DMG soundtracks. Disney Concerts licenses and produces hundreds of shows around the world, including Star Wars in Concert, Disney on Classic, Pixar in Concert, and many more. To stream classic Disney Hits, please visit: http://disneymusic.co/DisneyHits.

Honoring the continuing legacy of the Disney music catalog, Disney Music Emporium (DME) is the destination for collectible Disney music products. For more information and product offerings, visit DME at www.disneymusicemporium.com.

You can see our additional D23 Expo coverage and follow along with us on social media:

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D23 EXPO 2022 Merchandise Info

21 June 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I will admit, aside from the Walt Disney Archives exhibits and the show-stopping news we usually hear, the merchandise is a main draw for me at the D23 Expo, and 2022 will be no different. I love being able to shop at “Mickey’s of Glendale” with exclusive Imagineer items, as well as of course all of the other specialty items you can find only at the D23 Expo. Below is the scoop from D23 directly with all the news and how you can ensure you see all the merchandise there is to see at the D23 Expo:

For the ultimate Disney fans, D23 Expo 2022 will feature never-before-seen, limited-edition merchandise from across Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. Author appearances, engaging panels with iconic Disney personalities, and interactive social moments on the show floor will give attendees a variety of ways to celebrate the magic of Disney and kick off 100 Years of Wonder. The Ultimate Fan Event, presented by Visa, takes place in Anaheim, Calif., from September 9 through 11, 2022.

WHERE TO SHOP

D23 EXPO MARKETPLACE: Debuting on the show floor this year is an all-new shopping experience, D23 Expo Marketplace. This 27,000-square-foot retail location offers merchandise from fan-favorite collections and characters across Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more, including limited-edition merchandise and the availability of the first items celebrating Disney’s 100th Anniversary. The D23 Expo Marketplace brings together the most exciting offerings from shopDisney, Disney store, and Disney Parks into one shopping destination for a wide assortment of curated brand collections, specialty items, and milestone anniversary collectibles.

MICKEY’S OF GLENDALE: Mickey’s of Glendale, the Walt Disney Imagineering store, will have three unique retail spaces for D23 Expo attendees to check out at the Anaheim Convention Center.
- Mickey’s of Glendale Main Store — Featuring merchandise designed by Imagineers, including hats, T-shirts, accessories, and more. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to shop collections celebrating the upcoming Walt Disney Imagineering 70th Anniversary.
- Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store — Disney pin enthusiasts will want to stop by this space, which will feature a large assortment of limited-edition pins.
- D23 Expo Shop x Mickey’s of Glendale — The Official Disney Fan Club and Mickey’s of Glendale have joined forces to bring you the official merchandise of D23 Expo 2022

DISNEY PUBLISHING: The shopping destination for Disney book fans returns this year with an array of exciting first-to-market books available for purchase. Disney Publishing continues its tradition of celebrating great storytelling by hosting a variety of authors behind well-loved Disney stories. Join these world-building creators for book signings within the booth, including Disney historian and 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime author Marcy Carriker Smothers, DisneyBound’s Leslie Kay, Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl’s Julie Kagawa, and Cautionary Tales’ Ridley Pearson.

WHAT TO BUY

Jam-packed with gear for every fan, from nostalgic collectibles, to fun twists on beloved classics, to playful merchandise from the newest series, movies, and characters, D23 Expo is the best place for fans to discover their next favorite treasure. A few highlights include:

D23 Expo attendees will have the first opportunity to purchase items celebrating Disney100.
Inspired by the vibrant landscape of Wakanda, and brought to life on-screen in Black Panther, World of Wakanda merchandise from Marvel will debut at D23 Expo Marketplace and on shopDisney.
Guided by the Light, a new collection by Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), is inspired by Ahsoka Tano’s strength amid darkness. The collection will also be available on shopDisney.

With the help of some magic, a new line of adorable plush inspired by tasty treats from Disney Parks Main Street Bakery will debut at D23 Expo: Disney Munchlings. These cute collectibles include a scented Mickey Mouse Cinnamon Swirl Bun and Minnie Mouse Wild Strawberry Cupcake. Disney Munchlings will also be available for purchase on shopDisney.

D23 Expo merchandise Munchlings — I know there is no image here, but I can’t wait to see what Munchlings look like!

HOW TO SHOP

A few ways for attendees to navigate the shopping experience with ease:

Virtual Queue: Attendees will be able to sign up for an available boarding group in a virtual queue for D23 Expo Marketplace, Mickey’s of Glendale Main Store, or Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store by using the Disneyland Resort app and scanning a QR code located at the store’s entrance.
Merchandise Mobile Checkout: Pay for items from D23 Expo Marketplace, D23 Expo Shop x Mickey’s of Glendale, or Mickey’s of Glendale Main Store via the Disneyland Resort app to save time!
StorePass: To shop select limited-edition collection items, attendees will be able to reserve via StorePass, an online reservation system prior to the start of D23 Expo. Details on how to get a StorePass reservation will be announced later this summer.

INSPIRED BY STORIES: WHAT TO SEE

Throughout the weekend, Disney will give fans the chance to get the very latest in product innovations, listen to revered authors, and explore fashion trends through an array of content. Highlights include:

Women in Disney Fashion: Step into the minds of major Disney fashion icons as they share an exclusive look at their upcoming Disney collaborations.
It’s a Small Disney World: Celebrating the Art of Disney Parks: Ever wondered what it’s like to be an official Disney Parks artist? Disney will gather six artists to dive into their art, ideas for the future, and behind-the-scenes insights.
Cautionary Tales with the Disney Villains: The Imagination of Ridley Pearson: Cautionary Tales author Ridley Pearson and Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline will delight fans and spark creativity with insider Disney stories.
National Geographic’s 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime: From a dessert cruise with fireworks views to an exclusive dinner in Walt’s Disneyland apartment, discover one-of-a-kind magical Disney experiences in this memorable discussion with expert Marcy Carriker Smothers.
Hey Disney! — a custom voice assistant built on Amazon’s Alexa technology — will be highlighted on the D23 Expo show floor (stay tuned for more details). Whether at home or in a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort hotel room, fans will be able to use an Echo device to interact with their favorite Disney, Star Wars, or Pixar characters.
On the Show Floor: Attendees can also check out activations from Visa, Amazon, Target, Aniplex, BoxLunch, Citizen, Enterprise, Funko / Loungefly, IMAX, Pandora, Ravensburger and Sunglass Hut, along with many others.

D23 Expo Guests should get ready to be wowed by the assortment of fan-favorite merchandise, books, clothing, and collectibles.

If you haven’t yet purchased tickets for the D23 Expo for 2022:

A limited number of single-day tickets for Sunday of D23 Expo 2022 are available for $99 for one-day adult admission and $79 for children ages 3–12. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $89 for a one-day adult admission. Single-day Friday and Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2022, visit D23Expo.com.

Schedule and talent are subject to change.

STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

You can see our additional D23 Expo coverage and follow along with us on social media:

FOLLOW THE ZANNALAND FAMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCH OUR VIDEOS, VLOGS AND PODCAST TOO:

Twitter: @zannaland, @otisney
Instagram: @zannaland, @UpTheWaterfall, @otisney
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Disney+ LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation Trailer With New Weird Al Song

21 June 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I feel like most of what I’ve been sharing lately in the Disney movie department has been the “_____ we didn’t know we needed” and it looks like this is definitely going to be the LEGO Star Wars…summer vacation?! movie we didn’t know we needed – and we’ve got the trailer. It’s coming to Disney+ so it’ll be fun and easy to watch no matter what your thoughts are on a limbo contest using Darth Vader’s light saber. It’s also no secret that we are LEGO fans around here.

You may be happy to learn that LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation features an all new song by Weird Al Yankovic, who also appears in LEGO form for the movie.

LEGO Star Wars Weird Al — Vic Vankoh in LEGO® STAR WARS SUMMER VACATION exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

Here’s that limbo scene I mentioned above. I mean, worth it for Vader’s porg-filled beach hat alone, right?

Have I piqued your interest? Here’s the official LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation trailer:

The movie premieres on August 5th exclusively on Disney+. Here’s all the official Disney info:

Summer is here, and the trailer for “LEGO® Star Wars Summer Vacation” is about to heat things up! The all-new animated special from Lucasfilm and the LEGO Group and the newest entry in the popular signature branded cross-saga storytelling series that began with “LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special” and continued with “LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales,” will premiere August 5, 2022, exclusively on Disney+.

Finn is surprised by Obi-Wan Kenobi (Force Ghost) in LEGO® STAR WARS SUMMER VACATION exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

“LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation,” which is set shortly after the events of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” features the voices of “Weird Al” Yankovic, Yvette Nicole Brown, Kelly Marie Tran, Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams, and returning cast members from previous “LEGO Star Wars” specials, and includes the new original song Scarif Beach Party performed by “Weird Al” Yankovic.

Looking for a much-needed break from stormtroopers and TIE fighters, Finn arranges a surprise vacation for his friends Rey, Poe, Rose, Chewie, BB-8, R2-D2, and C-3PO, aboard the ultra-luxurious Galactic Starcruiser, the Halcyon. But Finn’s plan to have one last hurrah together quickly goes awry when he’s separated from the group. While searching for his friends, he encounters three Force ghosts: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Leia Organa, who each share their own unexpected stories of vacations gone wrong, helping him to understand that holidays are about more than just having fun.

(L-R): Rose, Rey, Finn, Chewbacca, C-3PO and Poe in LEGO® STAR WARS SUMMER VACATION exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

“LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation” features the voices of: “Weird Al” Yankovic as Vic Vankoh; Yvette Nicole Brown as Colvett Valeria; Thomas Lennon as Wick Cooper; Paul F. Tompkins as Rad; Dee Bradley Baker as Boba Fett; Ashly Burch as the Tour Droid; Kyliegh Curran as Sidero; Anthony Daniels as C-3PO; Trevor Devall as Emperor Palpatine; Allie Feder as Sy Snootles; Jake Green as Poe Dameron; Matt Lanter as Anakin Skywalker; Ross Marquand as Han Solo; Omar Miller as Finn; Kevin Michael Richardson as Jabba the Hutt; Matt Sloan as Darth Vader; James Arnold Taylor as Obi-Wan Kenobi; Kelly Marie Tran as Rose; Helen Sadler as Rey Skywalker; Billy Dee Williams as Lando (Holovid); Matthew Wood as Ben Solo; and Shelby Young as Leia Organa.

David Shayne is writer and executive producer, and the director is Ken Cunningham. James Waugh, Josh Rimes, Jacqui Lopez, Jill Wilfert, Jason Cosler, Keith Malone, and Jennifer Twiner Mccarron are executive producers. Produced in collaboration with Atomic Cartoons.

Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader enjoy the sands of Scarif in LEGO® STAR WARS SUMMER VACATION exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

If you aren’t already a Disney+ subscriber, you can sign up today. We love our membership.

After watching the trailer, will you be adding LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation to your summer watch list on Disney+?

REVIEW: Lightyear is the Pixar Story We Didn’t Know We Needed

15 June 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Ok, so no one really thought we needed a Buzz Lightyear backstory, right? I was of the same mind, and thought this was a very silly attempt at extending the Toy Story franchise beyond its natural life and wasting all of our time. At a recent Lightyear screening, I was proven very wrong. My Lightyear review will not contain major spoilers, but will discuss some on-screen things (which have previously been discussed in the press), so proceed at your own risk if you’d like to be surprised. I will not discuss the major reveal toward the end of the film, so that major spoiler is safe.

Going back to my initial frame of mind when I saw the first real trailer for Lightyear, as an extreme David Bowie fan, I was slightly offended that they used his “Starman“ in the trailer for what I thought was such a pointless film. At the end of the movie (which didn’t use the song at all by the way), I took back my offense. Like many, I assumed this was based on the life of the “real world” person Buzz Lightyear, and had nothing really to do with Toy Story at all. In the first frame, we are told that “…in 1995, a boy named Andy received a toy Buzz Lightyear, based on his favorite movie. This is that movie.” Already, that made more sense to me, and I wish they’d explained that going in, I think it would’ve been more accepted from the start.

The film itself is genuinely entertaining from start to finish. We learn briefly about Space Rangers and what they do. We see Buzz as a devoted ranger, his friend and fellow ranger Hawthorne, and their latest mission. Something goes wrong, and the entire team is stranded on a planet, which Buzz feels is his fault. He works to get them off the planet and test out the hyper speed crystal fusion fuel they need to get back home. The only problem with all of his attempted and failed tests, is that Buzz is gone for minutes, while years and years pass by on the planet he’s returning to.

Buzz Lighyear and Sox — © 2021 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

To help him with his guilt over stranding people on this alien planet, Hawthorne gives Buzz a “personal companion robot” named Sox. He is a robotic cat, who truly steals the show and gives it its heart. Even when things seem serious or dire, Sox can find a way to help and inject humor with his “loading” noises of just “meowmeowmeowmeow” or “beepboopbeepboop.” It really helps keep the movie firmly in the kids zone and something that Andy would’ve appreciated as a kid, I think. (Although I’m pretty disappointed we didn’t get Sox toys back in 1995 when Toy Story came out.) Sox is the friend and co-pilot we all need.

Again, I won’t give anything more in this Lightyear review than what I’ve said above away, but suffice it to say, Buzz learns some valuable lessons about friendship, accepting help, and what life is all about. I will also note that there is a lesbian couple in the film, garnering its being banned in Saudi Arabia. The storyline is very subtly displayed, and portrayed as just “normal” which of course, is how it should be. I like to think about 1995 Andy watching this movie and thinking nothing of it as well, just a couple, no other adjectives needed. I wish Pixar had been so bold back in 1995, and I wish the world would’ve been as accepting as most of it is today. Strides are finally being made however, and acceptance and inclusion is becoming the norm.

So while of course we didn’t need another Toy Story movie, I think we did need the lessons Lightyear doles out and I will happily add this to one of my favorite Pixar tales. And tails. I’m totally getting a plush Sox just as soon as I finish posting this Lightyear review. (Here are two options below!)

Sox the Cat on Shop Disney — Sox the Cat on ShopDisney

Lightyear opens in theaters on June 17. I highly recommend heading out to see it, if only for the Sox moments. Until then, you can also enjoy some backstory as Disney+ invites fans to explore the history of Buzz Lightyear and get a sneak peek at the making of the all-new film.

Pixar Animation Studios’ “Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear” explores the evolution of an icon, tracing Buzz Lightyear’s route from toy to the hero featured in the new film. Check out the trailer celebrating the launch of the documentary on Disney+.

Featuring filmmakers, storytellers, artists and members of the “Lightyear” voice cast, “Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear” details how Buzz’s original action-figure design was realized, and how that look was translated years later into a human hero. Delving into the cultural impact of the galaxy’s most famous Space Ranger and his significance to Pixar filmmakers, this doc grapples with what actually is beyond infinity. It is directed by Tony Kaplan and produced by Sureena Mann.

Opening in theaters June 17, “Lightyear”—the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear (voice of Chris Evans), the hero who inspired the toy—follows the legendary Space Ranger on an intergalactic adventure. The film is directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”) and produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”).

I hope you enjoyed this Lightyear review and it wasn’t too spoilery, I couldn’t not talk about how wonderful Sox the robot cat is. Let me know in the comments below if you see Lightyear and what you think!

Thanks to Disney D23 for the screening of Lightyear, as always, my opinions and thoughts are my own.

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D23 Expo 2022 Big Stage Presentation Announcements

9 June 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

It’s getting closer to D23 Expo time!! Today Disney D23 made some announcements about the biggest presentations for the Expo main stage shows. Let’s get right to it! Here’s the official announcement from D23:

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has announced the lineup of the most highly anticipated presentations at D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa, September 9, 10, and 11. Disney100 kicks off at the biggest Disney fan event in the world celebrating 100 years of wonder as The Walt Disney Company enters its second century. The festivities begin Friday morning, September 9 with the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony and a kick-off to Disney100. Later that same day, The Walt Disney Studios will showcase what’s on the horizon from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and Disney Live Action. On Saturday morning, the Studios will give fans a sneak peek at the latest from Marvel and Lucasfilm. Saturday afternoon, Disney Branded Television will preview their exciting slate. On Sunday morning, fans will get a preview of what’s in store at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and that afternoon, guests will enjoy a special presentation of Disney Princess – The Concert.

These incredible presentations will take place in “Hall D23,” the 6,900-seat venue located in Hall D of the Anaheim Convention Center. The schedule of Hall D23 Events and Presentations is as follows (all events subject to change and additional events to be announced in the coming weeks):

Disney100 kicks off at D23 Expo on Friday, September 9 at 10:30 a.m. with an epic presentation that includes the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, featuring Disney CEO Bob Chapek. Legends will once again honor those visionaries and artists who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. Look for the names of the 2022 inductees to be announced in the coming weeks.

On Friday at 3:30 p.m., guests will be treated to new details, first looks, sneak peeks, surprises, and announcements regarding upcoming theatrical and Disney+ titles from Disney Live Action, Pixar Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Studio heads, filmmakers, and cast members will come together onstage with the inside scoop on some of these studios’ most exciting titles.

Filmmakers, celebrity talent and surprise guests join representatives from Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, among others, onstage in Hall D23 to showcase theatrical and Disney+ titles on Saturday, September 10, at 10 a.m. Going behind the scenes of these studios’ highly anticipated films, specials and series, attendees will see exclusive footage and be among the first to learn what’s in the works.

Disney Branded Television, home to some of the most iconic stories and characters in the Disney canon, including Peabody Award winners Doc McStuffins and The Owl House, and culture-defining movie franchises like High School Musical and Descendants, presents an exclusive showcase of upcoming content that will carry on the legacy of excellence in storytelling with a look at the new Disney+ Original series National Treasure, American Born Chinese, and The Santa Clause, on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. The showcase will include talent appearances and never-before-seen sneak previews of original content for Disney+, Disney Channel, and Disney Junior.

On Sunday, September 11, at 10:30 a.m., join Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro for a look at Disney’s boundless future. With announcements and updates on the magic happening around the world in parks, on the high seas, at home, and beyond, attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at the big dreams of Disney Imagineers. Every Disney fan will want to be a part of this special presentation full of exciting news and surprises.

Sunday afternoon at 4:15 p.m., Disney Concerts presents a special performance of Disney Princess – The Concert, featuring Tony^® nominee Susan Egan (Broadway’s original ‘Belle’ in Beauty and the Beast, ‘Meg’ in Disney’s animated feature Hercules), Broadway.com^®Audience Award-nominee Isabelle McCalla (’Princess Jasmine’ in Aladdin, The Prom), Disney Channel star Anneliese van der Pol (That’s So Raven, Raven’s Home, Broadway’s final ‘Belle’ in Beauty and The Beast), and Broadway World Award–winner Syndee Winters (Broadway’s ‘Nala’ in The Lion King, Hamilton). Music Director Benjamin Rauhala (Fiddler on the Roof, The Secret Life of Bees) and enchanting Prince Adam J. Levy (Moulin Rouge) will also join the quartet. The acclaimed cast will perform favorite Disney Princess and Frozen songs, including classics such as “Part of Your World,” “Let It Go,” “A Whole New World,” “Colors of the Wind” and “Almost There.” The performers will share exclusive, hilarious, and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the stage and screen.

A limited number of single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday of D23 Expo 2022 are available for $99 for one-day adult admission and $79 for children ages 3–12. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $89 for a one-day adult admission. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2022, visit D23Expo.com.

Schedule and talent are subject to change.

What presentations are you most excited about? I can’t wait for the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products one, personally, along with all the Studios announcements too! Hope to see you there! You can read more D23 Expo news here!

My runDisney Race Weekend Sponsored by Enterprise

2 June 2022 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Princess 5K 2011 — My original runDisney race – Still running with my phone in hand!

I registered for my first runDisney race back in 2010. It was the Mickey’s Halloween 5K, part of the first-ever Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend that year. It was a different time and I made so many new friends and connections through Twitter. We were all calling it #EpicOctober and meeting up at various times. I was also meeting up with my fellow Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now planDisney) panelists, as it was my first year on the panel. I had never run anything in my life and was very, very worried I would not be able to complete the 5K. So, I didn’t go. I was ashamed, embarrassed and vowed that I would do a runDisney 5K someday, especially after meeting up with all my friends who did it and listening to all the fun they had on the course. So, I registered for the 5K during the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. And this time, I actually did it!

Fast forward many years, and many, many runDisney races have taken place. Over that time, I did a handful of 5K’s and one 10K back in 2016. I then took 7 years off. A lot happened in my life between then and now, and I began to focus more on my health and fitness. I lost 75lbs over the past 2 years, and though I’ve been vegetarian since 2012, I went vegan in 2018, and have been ever since. After these changes, I decided to get back into runDisney races, and vowed that 2022 would be my “Year of runDisney” and I would do all the races I could this year. I bounced back with the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend races in January of 2022, where I did the 5K and 10K again. I had caught the runDisney bug and decided to challenge myself and register for the Disney Fairytale Challenge as part of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – this was doing the 10K and Half Marathon (plus I did the 5K too). Me? Do a half marathon?? I spent the next months being anxious and worried, while still knowing I had it in me to complete it. And I did.

I was not fast, I cried about 5 times (happy cries), but I did it. I am now a half marathoner! The next set of races were the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend – celebrating races from runDisney past, including the fan favorite Expedition Everest 5K and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 Miler.

I wanted to register for the Challenge and do all of the races, but in trying to get both my husband and I registered, I was shut out of the Challenge and the 5K. I was able to register both of us for the Race for the Taste 10K and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ 10 Miler. Closer to the races, I received an email from Enterprise, the official rental car of Walt Disney World, about partnering with them to cover the races and share my experiences on social media. Of course, it was an immediate YES from me, and what follows is my sponsored account of the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend Celebrates Yestermorrow.

As part of our partnership, Enterprise provided a rental car for me as well as a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. I was very excited for both of these experiences. We started out by heading to the Car Care Center right near Magic Kingdom Park to pick up the Enterprise rental car. It was a seamless process, and it wasn’t just for me, the others getting their cars or dropping them back off were helped quickly and with minimal effort on the guests part. I picked up my super cool Dodge Challenger in bright orange and knew this was going to be a fun weekend.

We then headed over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was again so easy to check-in, I just did it on the ‘My Disney Experience’ application on my phone and didn’t even need to stop at the front desk. We could head straight to the room and unlock our door with the app or a MagicBand. We were given a standard view room, but really lucked out as our view was of the area where some of the animals come at the end of the night, so we really saw so many animals right from our balcony! There were 6 giraffes we could see often, three or four zebras (including a cute younger one), some Ankole cattle, waterbuck, impala, crowned cranes, and more (including bunnies and squirrels which are just as exciting to me). It was so cool to wake up and see giraffes right outside.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of my favorite resorts in all of Walt Disney World Resort anyway, so I was so grateful and excited to get to spend 5 nights there. There are so many options for dining. The pool area is wonderful, and the rooms themselves were so peaceful and comfortable. When I first checked in, I had the balcony door open and was texting my friends that all I could hear was the gentle clicking of the bamboo trees in the distance. I was in heaven.

The next day, after breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, we set out to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo. This is where you pick up all your bibs for the races, your race shirts, and you can also shop for fun merchandise from runDisney partners and official runDisney race weekend merchandise too. It was super easy to pop over in our Enterprise rental car and just park and head in. It’s a really fun way to start off every race weekend, because you are immediately surrounded by others who are doing the same thing you are, having fun, getting excited for the upcoming races, and of course taking photos at the many photo ops all around ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. We got our bibs and found out we were in Starting Group 2 for the 5K and the 10 Miler, but Starting Group 1 for the 10K. What luck! I’ve said before I’m not fast, so getting any extra time from being in a closer starting group is always a bonus that I appreciate greatly!

runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend 2022

After getting all of our race info and bibs, we headed back to the resort to just chill before the first race – a night race! The Expedition Everest 5K always took place at night in prior years, so they kept with that tradition, and it didn’t start until 10pm. This was my first ever night race, though many of my friends had done either this race or the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend races that took place at night previously. It was kind of strange being up so late and just waiting for the race to start. I’m still not sure if I prefer that to the early morning 2:30am wake-up calls of the other races I’ve done.

runDisney Springtime Surprise Race Recap:

Mother Nature had some other ideas about our nighttime race, and there was worry about rain and lightning. So, in an abundance of caution not only for the racers, but also the amazing volunteers working the course, the course was shortened for the 5K. The scavenger hunt, which was all digital on an app this year, was also postponed getting everyone to finish the race as soon as possible and reduce the risk of weather affecting things. The course had the last half a mile taken off, but by the time we walked to and from the start and finish line, we had all definitely done a 5K that night. Luckily, the rain held off and we didn’t get drenched, so that was a very good thing. It was so fun running through Pandora: World of Avatar at night, with the bioluminescence and all the background sounds of creatures of Pandora in the distance. I loved it.

The medal for the Expedition Everest 5K has always been a compass, so I was very excited to finally get one myself. It was truly one of the most fun 5K’s and unique ones as well. I would sign up again in a heartbeat!

The next day, we had a day of rest before the early morning race times began on Saturday. We hung around the hotel, had some pool time, and our family visited so we could all have dinner together from Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village, before we had to head to an early bedtime.

Saturday morning, we were up bright and early (well, not so bright, it was still very dark out at 2:30am). Having the Enterprise rental car meant we had a little more time to head over to EPCOT and park for the Race for the Taste 10K. My husband Scott and I headed into our starting group 1 and did some stretching before the race began. The runDisney crew always does an amazing job of hyping up the crowd at such an early hour, in rain or shine, cold or heat. This day, the humidity was at about 99% and it was like running through soup, but that didn’t stop the fun.

We saw so many fun characters along the course and seeing our friends racing along with us made it even more special. Having the runDisney PhotoPass photographers along the course ensures you’ll have some great memories of the race day and seeing the photos pop in on your app after the race is always a highlight.

Being locals, we aren’t the type to pack in non-stop theme park action during the race weekends. We can go to the parks most of the time, so we like to take the time to relax at our hotel and unwind between races during the runDisney weekends. Saturday night we took advantage of the delicious dining options at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and had some dinner to go from Victoria Falls Lounge and the Mara. It was an early night again as we waited for the 2:30 alarm to go off Sunday morning!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ 10 Miler was the last race of the weekend, and all of my friends were in the same starting group as Scott and I, so it was a very fun morning as we laughed and got ready to race. Two of our friends ran the whole race, while my other one (Amanda, who got me into runDisney races to begin with) run/walked with us the whole way. The humidity was less savage this day, so it was a great race day.

The runDisney character stops and entertainment along the course was all themed to the Tower of Terror and 1939 (the year the elevator first dropped into the Twilight Zone). It was great fun. I had already done 13.1 miles in February, so I knew I could complete this 10-miler, and each race I ran a little more and walked a little less, so it was all a great feeling of accomplishment too. Unlike the other two races, we finished this one after sunrise, so we got to see the sun rise over EPCOT, after running through Disney’s Hollywood Studios and for the first time ever – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! I will never forget those moments.

Finishing the final race with my husband and my friends was such a wonderful experience. The runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend Celebrates Yestermorrow was a success all around! We finished up our morning with a family breakfast at Boma in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge which has so many wonderful options for everyone to enjoy. After all the racing, we took a much-needed nap. Despite my lack of any real training, I was feeling great and ready to head over to a park and enjoy our last full day of this race weekend.

We popped over to EPCOT in our Enterprise rental car and enjoyed some of the delicious bites from the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, going on now through July 4. We ended our night watching Harmonious and wandering through Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts to check out the Easter egg displays before heading home for a good night’s sleep.

The next day, reality crept back in as we checked out, returned our rental car (super easy, we didn’t even have to go inside, we just handed them the keys and they said we were all set!) ,and headed home and back to work. I can’t thank Enterprise enough for really making this runDisney weekend an epic one with so many fun moments along the way, I’ll remember it for a very long time. I can’t wait for the next set of runDisney races – see you in November!

*Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of Enterprise.

I’d love to hear about your runDisney race experiences in the comments below!

New Live-Action Pinocchio Trailer

31 May 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Disney just released the first teaser trailer for their live-action update of Pinocchio which is coming to Disney+ on September 8. You can watch the trailer below. I’d love to know your thoughts too! When it started, I thought ‘wow this looks just like the ride in Disneyland!’ but then the cgi characters appeared and the similarities ended there. I’m sure I’ll watch it, but not sure it’ll become one of my favorites. Here’s the official announcement below from Disney, who will be celebrating Disney+ Day on September 8th, right before the D23 Expo!

LIVE-ACTION PINOCCHIO COMING TO DISNEY+

The global celebration of Disney+ Day will return on Thursday, September 8, 2022, leading into D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA. In celebration, the streaming service will host special experiences for fans and subscribers, and will premiere new content from its marquee brands, including the return of the beloved Disney franchise in the all-new live action “Pinocchio” on Disney+ Day, September 8.

The teaser trailer and key art for the film, starring Tom Hanks, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Cynthia Erivo, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Keegan-Michael Key, Lorraine Bracco and Luke Evans, are available now. In addition to “Pinocchio,” Disney+ will announce more Disney+ Day premieres from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic in the coming months.

When you wish upon a star…⭐ Watch the trailer for the all-new live action #Pinocchio and stream the movie, a #DisneyPlusDay premiere, September 8 on @DisneyPlus. 🧚🪄 pic.twitter.com/D9x5FDKjBc

— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) May 31, 2022

Academy Award® winner Robert Zemeckis directs this live action retelling of the beloved tale of a wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy. Tom Hanks stars as Geppetto, the wood carver who builds and treats Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his own son. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his “conscience”; Academy Award® nominee Cynthia Erivo is the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key is “Honest” John; Academy Award® nominee Lorraine Bracco is Sofia the Seagull, a new character, and Luke Evans is The Coachman. Also in the cast are Kyanne Lamaya as Fabiana (and her marionette Sabina), Giuseppe Battiston as Señor Stromboli and Lewin Lloyd as Lampwick.

Robert Zemeckis, Derek Hogue, Andrew Miano, Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz are the film’s producers, with Jackie Levine, Jack Rapke, Alexandra Derbyshire and Jeremy Johns the executive producers.

Will you be watching Pinocchio on Disney+?

ABOUT DISNEY+ DAY

Disney+ Day is an annual celebration of the Disney+ global community that debuted in 2021 and features content premieres from the streaming service’s marquee brands, special experiences and offers for subscribers and fans, and more. This year, Disney+ Day returns on Thursday, September 8, leading into D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA.

ABOUT DISNEY+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. In select international markets, it also includes the new general entertainment content brand, Star. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ is part of the Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution segment. The service offers commercial-free streaming alongside an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is available as a standalone streaming service or as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.

Let us know what you think of the live-action Pinocchio trailer below!

2022 Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Easter Eggs Display

18 March 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

If you are a fan of the giant edible Easter Egg displays at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, you will love the display this year. Almost all the Easter eggs are brand new designs from the Grand Floridian chefs and absolutely breathtaking. Also new this year is a new place to buy treats, called “The Grand Cottage” located right in the middle of the lobby. We were in the area to grab a new vegan Baby Chick Cupcake and got some photos of the egg displays too to share with you all.

From Luca to Encanto, to Raya and the Last Dragon, to the Rescuers Down Under, there are so many amazing Easter eggs this year – even Captain America has joined in the Grand Floridian Easter Egg fun:

Which one of the Grand Floridian Easter Eggs is your favorite? I think the Piper egg from the Pixar short is so adorable! But, the fact that they turned Spaceship Earth into an Easter Egg with Figment on top? That may be the winner in my book. Huge thanks to the Grand Floridian Pastry Team for their hard work on these Easter Egg creations and sharing them with all of us!

Be sure to make a visit and see these yourself if you’re able and check out the treat for sale in the Grand Cottage as well! So many fun treats to enjoy while you take in the sights all around the Grand Floridian Resort lobby.

If you’d like to see the vegan Baby Chick Lemon Cupcake from the Grand Floridian, head to our sister site VeganDisneyFood.com.

D23 Disney Fan Club Events Announced for 2022

19 November 2021 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Destination D is happening right now about 5 minutes down the street from my house, but sadly I am not there enjoying the Disney D23 fun. However the updates are still coming in from D23 and of course I wanted to share them here with you. D23 today announced the return of many fan-favorite, in-person events along with keeping some virtual events as well. Here’s the rundown of all the D23: The Official Disney Fan Club events for 2022:

D23 EXPO 2022: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns September 9th through the 11th. Fans will see the latest from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel including a first look at the incredible plans for the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. Plus, more panels and presentations than ever will be livestreamed for fans across the globe. D23 Expo is the largest Disney fan event in the world, with all the wonderful worlds of The Walt Disney Company under one roof across film, television, streaming, theme parks, products, digital, music, live entertainment, and more. Tickets go on sale January 20.

WALT’S MARCELINE: Walt Disney frequently cited this charming Missouri town where he spent his early childhood as one of his greatest influences. In fact, its lovely main thoroughfare was an inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. D23 Members will have a chance to explore Marceline’s Walt Disney Hometown Museum, enjoy local treats, and mingle with special guests during this limited-capacity, full-day event.

DAVE SMITH WINDOW DEDICATION: On January 24, celebrate the life and legacy of Walt Disney Archives founder and Disney Legend Dave Smith on the day of his Disneyland window ceremony with a special presentation for Gold Members during park hours.

BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY: On January 29, D23 celebrates the 50th anniversary of Bedknobs and Broomsticks at the very place it was made—The Walt Disney Studios lot—with special screenings and the chance to see items on display from the Walt Disney Archives.

GALACTIC MEMBER MIXER: D23 heads to a galaxy not-so-far-away for a special Member Mixer during Star Wars Celebration in May at the Anaheim Convention Center.

THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS OFFICIAL TOUR – PRESENTED BY D23: D23 looks forward to welcoming guests back to The Walt Disney Studios lot soon, giving members the opportunity to visit the world-famous studio. These tours offer fans a unique perspective on historic moments from Disney films, television shows, and theme parks—along with the chance to look inside The Walt Disney Archives and draw inspiration from Walt’s office suite.

FAN-FAVORITE MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES: D23 will celebrate milestone anniversaries for popular films with virtual and in-person events, including favorites such as Lilo & Stitch (20th), Hercules (25th), Aladdin (30th), and The Muppet Christmas Carol (30th).

D23 NIGHTS WITH DISNEY THEATRICAL: The fan club returns with more special D23 nights than ever before at two spectacular musical productions. The North American tours of Disney’s The Lion King and Disney’s Frozen are offering members special ticket packages and post-show Q&As with members of the cast. The first locations for these special events are Austin and St. Louis for The Lion King, and Atlanta and Orlando for Frozen.

MORE MAGIC WITH WALT DISNEY IMAGINEERING: D23 will continue its rich collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering, giving fans a direct connection to the creative minds behind favorite Disney Parks. The D23 x Walt Disney Imagineering Magical Milestones virtual event series celebrates the past and future of parks around the world. This year, D23 x WDI celebrated Disney California Adventure, Shanghai Disney Resort, and Walt Disney World Resort, and next year, members can look forward to a special in honor of the 30th anniversary of Disneyland Paris!

SIGNATURE EVENTS: Following incredible events at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana and Graceland in Memphis, fans can look forward to Gold Member Previews of Walt Disney Archives traveling exhibitions across the country. D23 Gold Members will enjoy advance and opening night screenings at locations such as the El Capitan, AMC Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, and more theaters across the country. Walt Disney Imagineering’s exclusive merchandise store, Mickey’s of Glendale, will open its doors to members. And as always, D23 will celebrate the holidays in style with a special Halloween event (with a Hocus Pocus twist) and—as part of D23 Season of Magic—the return of the holiday favorite Light Up the Season in December 2022!

Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events for 2022 will be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2019 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at D23.com/Events. Additional dates will be posted soon. All events and dates are subject to change.

Will you be attending any of these Disney D23 events in 2022? We sure hope we can!

Drawn to Life REVIEW: Is This New Cirque du Soleil Show a MUST SEE for Disney Fans?

14 November 2021 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Back in 2020 – the last media event I attended before everything shut down, we were given about a 20 minute preview of Cirque du Soleil’s newest show at Disney Springs – Drawn to Life. The media event was for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway’s debut, but it also combined other upcoming events around Walt Disney World. The first link above is to my instagram story for what we saw of Drawn to Life back in March of 2020. Last night, thanks to a cast member-exclusive invite-only dress rehearsal, I was able to see the full Drawn to Life show from Cirque du Soleil. I was completely blown away and knew I had to write a Drawn to Life review here, because EVERYONE needs to see this show.

Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life Review

Cirque du Soleil Theatre

A little background, as you may know and may have seen, the Cirque du Soleil theatre was built to house the original show here, La Nouba. A fan and family favorite, La Nouba ran from December 23, 1998 until December 31, 2017. At the time, fans were unsure if a new show would premiere, but Cirque du Soleil did announce that a new show would replace La Nouba in the future.

Drawn to Life is Born

In November of 2018, casting calls for Drawn to Life were posted. Two years later, at the above mentioned March 2020 event, everyone was very excited to welcome the new show. Then, the world turned upside-down. We all wondered if the pandemic would mean the end of Drawn to Life and even Cirque du Soleil in general. Luckily, they made it through and now Drawn to Life will debut on November 18, 2021. The first 3 nights are already sold out, which is a great sign for the success of the show.

Drawn to Life Storyline

Something that La Nouba was missing was a Disney connection. La Nouba was amazing, the Cirque performers are the best of the best, and the costumes, makeup, and staging are beyond compare. But, there was no Disney in the show. Honestly, I liked that, as a fan of live theatre and performance, I loved that La Nouba opened that world to people that may not have ever seen it otherwise. I was a little worried that the Disney addition would make it too commercial-looking or comparable to a Disney On Ice performance (not that there’s anything wrong with Disney on Ice, but Cirque du Soleil is known for its incredible creativity and pushing of boundaries). My fears were quashed when I saw the preview in March of 2020. My mind was then completely blown last night when I saw the full show.

My one sentence Drawn to Life review: the show is a love letter to the art and artistry of Disney animation. This is what I thought throughout the show, and then when I went on the website today to look for images to use here, I realized, they had used almost the exact wording in their description of the show. It truly lives up to that statement. Here is how the Drawn to Life storyline is described on the site:

Drawn to Life invites you into an astounding world where the art of Walt Disney Animation is experienced like never before. Gather your whole family for an unforgettable leap into this amazing new show—a live acrobatic journey where the stage is transformed into a giant animation table. The art of classic Disney animation is reinterpreted through Cirque du Soleil’s innovative design, acrobatic performances, dazzling choreography, and eclectic costuming alongside all-new Disney animation and an original score inspired by timeless Disney music. The show is absolutely alive with all the high-flying, mind-blowing exuberance that Cirque du Soleil is famous for.

This love letter to the art of Disney Animation celebrates life in all of its motions and emotions. The show tells the story of a determined girl [named Julie] who discovers one last gift left by her animator father: a sequence of unfinished drawings. Guided by a magical pencil and a quirky troupe of imaginative muses, she embarks on an inspiring quest filled with her childhood Disney memories. We’ll follow her as she leaps into a whimsical world of animation and discovers new possibilities that animate the story of her future. Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney.

What the description and the short preview we saw in March didn’t prepare me for was the emotional journey that starts pretty much immediately when the show begins. It really pulls you in and you are invested in Julie’s adventures. The story weaves itself expertly between the cirque performances so nothing seems out of place or interfering with the flow. Every character highlights and celebrates some portion of the animation process, including mistakes. Speaking of characters, there are several sets of performances where my jaw was hanging open (thankfully masks are required so no one could see that), others where I audibly gasped, and still others where my mask hid the tears streaming down my cheeks. It is a journey.

Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life Animation desk — After more than a year of waiting, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products are excited to announce that Drawn to Life is scheduled to open on Nov. 18, 2021. The new family-friendly show coming to Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., is a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering and will take residency at Disney Springs (Matt Beard, Photographer).

In recent times, hardcore Disney fans have been complaining of a lack of major celebration by Walt Disney World for the 50th anniversary and a focus more on current movie characters, merchandise, and food rather than the storied nostalgia of the company. Drawn to Life has put all of that history and nostalgia, combined it with Disney storytelling and heart, and incredible artistic performances to create a must-see event that every Disney fan will appreciate. It is the most “Disney” show I have seen in recent years, and it’s not even technically a Disney show. The creators have concentrated down the essence of the history and the process of creating the magic that we all know and love as “Disney.”

Drawn to Life Technical Feats

The theater was originally designed for La Nouba, but the stage area has now been completely redone to fit Drawn to Life. The stage design and technical effects for Drawn to Life are mind-blowing. You will probably spend a good portion of the show wondering “how did they DO that??” but at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how, it just looks spectacular. We were seated four rows back on the right of the stage and there were many (most) times I could not see how things were being accomplished. I can only imagine how it looks from slightly further back. The entire tech crew is to be commended for the magic they have created here.

All above photos by photographer Matt Beard and courtesy of Disney. Since you can’t take photos or video of the show, and I don’t want to spoil any of the surprises for you, you’ll have to take my word that it is worth a viewing and a must-see show. I don’t think I can give a Drawn to Life review without mentioning the costumes and makeup; a major part of the show which should not be ignored.

Each character is made to look like some part of the animation process, either the faces animators make to replicate in their designs, or an implement itself like a pencil or paintbrush. The costume are bright and memorable, making each group or individual performance stand out.

Drawn to Life Acts

Here is a little more about the creation of the show and two recently announced acts that are featured in Drawn to Life:

Drawn to Life, written and directed by Michel Laprise with Fabrice Becker as Director of Creation. Developed in partnership with Michael Jung, Executive Theatrical Development, Walt Disney Imagineering along with Walt Disney Animation Studios, the story is driven by 10 unique acrobatic acts alongside animation from beloved Disney films. In addition, the show features all-new animation created by Disney artists led by Animation Director Eric Goldberg, best known for characters such as the Genie in the Disney Animation classic “Aladdin.”

In the “Garden of Lines” unicycle act, Julie is swept into a wonderland of familiar shadows, shapes and outlines in an homage to cherished tales that inspire an animator. Julie’s whimsical mood fixates on a mischievous marionette from a time-honored Italian fairytale. Five playful unicyclists representing the Blue Fairy of the classic Disney Animation film “Pinocchio” appear to effortlessly float across the stage, performing synchronized stunts and individual tricks with pinpoint precision.

“The Old Mill” double wheel act is inspired by Walt Disney’s groundbreaking 1937 animated short of the same name, which is seen in projections throughout. In a display of tenacity, perseverance and rise-and-fall motion, owls dreamed up by Julie’s imagination weather a storm using teamwork and courage to carry them through the powerful wind and rain that threaten their windmill home. The windmill of the film is represented in a spectacular, churning, fast-moving double wheel structure. Gravity-defying acrobats are in constant motion with the turning wheels—at times airborne—with astonishing balance and agility.

Drawn to Life is the 50th production created by Cirque du Soleil and its premiere coincides with the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration. With an international cast of 62 artists, Drawn to Life will perform Tuesday through Saturday at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.

I will note that “The Old Mill” double wheel act is one of the moments where I audibly gasped and my jaw hung open for most of the performance. The unicycles were mesmerizing and even though there were no technical effects there, I still wondered “how did they DO that??”

**Final Drawn to Life Review Thoughts**

Almost 24 hours later, I’m still thinking about how incredible Drawn to Life is. I highly recommend it and I can’t wait to bring my entire family back so they can experience the wonder and magic themselves. Congratulations to everyone involved in Drawn to Life for an amazing success. I can’t wait for word to get out about this amazing Cirque du Soleil experience.

If you want a sneak peek at some of the designs used in the show or just to get some nice merchandise, the Cirque du Soleil Store at Disney Springs West Side is now open.

For more information on show tickets, dates and pricing, visit cirquedusoleil.com/drawntolife.

If you see the show, I’d love to hear what your thoughts were!

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