Disney Pixar

D23 EXPO 2022 Planning Tips: Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios to Share Never-Before-Seen Footage, Experiences

14 July 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Disney Pixar ELEMENTAL — In a city where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together, a fiery young woman and a go-with-the-flow guy are about to discover something elemental: How much they actually have in common. Directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Denise Ream, Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” releases June 16, 2023. Concept art by Sohn. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

The Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios presentations are perhaps one of the most exciting parts of the D23 Expos that take place in Anaheim, California every two years. I still remember the goosebumps when I saw some unfinished animation for Moana at the 2017 Expo. It’s truly a gift to get these glimpses into future projects and see how they are finished when they appear in theaters. This year at the 2022 D23 Expo, there will be tons of never-before-seen footage, presentations, and archives displays from Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios. I know I can’t wait to see all of this in person! You can plan your D23 Expo time based on the time schedule below. We’ll have more updates as we receive them from D23. Here are the official details:

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios are prepping for Disney’s D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa in Anaheim, California—a three-day extravaganza that kicks off September 9. Plans are underway at the animation powerhouses for an exciting weekend of announcements, first looks, sneak peeks, and presentations surrounding upcoming feature films and streaming titles—plus interactive displays, artist autograph signings, sharable photo opportunities, filmmaker Q&As, and giveaways.

LOOKING AHEAD WITH THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS
Friday, September 9, 3:30 p.m., Hall D23
Disney Animation and Pixar are teaming up with Disney Live Action on Friday afternoon, welcoming thousands of Disney fans to Hall D23 for a special look at upcoming films and series. Pixar Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee will present never-before-seen footage, surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by all-star voice talent from the studios’ upcoming slate of original animated films and series. Fans will get an insider’s view at Pixar’s unique, perspective-shifting, long-form series Win or Lose, which launches on Disney+ next year. Pixar’s Peter Sohn, who helms the 2023 feature Elemental, will transport fans to a city where fire-, water-, land-, and air-residents live side by side. Disney Animation’s Academy Award^®-winning director Don Hall will journey alongside fans deep into an uncharted and treacherous land with Strange World—releasing November 23—and Disney Animation and their collaborators from the Pan-African comic book company Kugali will reveal new details about Iwájú, a long-form sci-fi series set in Lagos, Nigeria, that launches on Disney+ next year. Cell phones, cameras, and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.

Disney Animation STRANGE WORLD — Walt Disney Animation Studios’ original action-adventure “Strange World” journeys deep into an uncharted and treacherous land where fantastical creatures await the legendary Clades, a family of explorers whose differences threaten to topple their latest—and by far— most crucial mission. Helmed by director Don Hall (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Raya and the Last Dragon”) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer “Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Roy Conli (“Big Hero 6,” “Tangled”), “Strange World” releases November 23, 2022. © 2021 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

SHOW FLOOR
September 9 through 11, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
As Walt Disney Animation Studios kicks off its 100-year anniversary celebration, the studio will showcase its past, present, and future throughout D23 Expo 2022. They’ll team up once again with Pixar Animation Studios on the show floor, creating an immersive animation experience for fans. The studios’ upcoming original feature films, including Disney Animation’s Strange World, releasing this November, and Pixar’s June 2023 release, Elemental, will be highlighted. A six-foot-tall red panda will greet fans, celebrating Pixar’s Turning Red, now streaming on Disney+, and a photo op with Buzz Lightyear and his robot companion cat Sox from the now-in-theaters film Lightyear will be available. Disney Animation will invite guests into the realms of Strange World, Encanto, and more through engaging photo experiences. Fans will also get opportunities to meet the teams behind the series and movies, with autograph signings of exclusive art and promotional item giveaways.

ANIMATION PANELS
Friday, September 9
“traceback”: Celebrating the People of Walt Disney Animation Studios is scheduled for 11:45 a.m.– 12:45 p.m. on the Hyperion Stage.

The Walt Disney Animation Research Library presents “traceback,” a look at the lives and work as well as the artistic and technical contributions of women and employees of color throughout the history of Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Saturday, September 10
A Century of Storytelling at Walt Disney Animation Studios is scheduled for 2–3 p.m. on the Walt Disney Archives Stage.

The Walt Disney Animation Research Library celebrates 100 years of Disney Animation storytelling by highlighting the stories and people behind key art and artifacts in its collection.

A Celebration of Disney Animation’s “Encanto” will take place from 3:30–4:30 p.m. on the Premiere Stage.

Join the team behind Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award^®-winning hit Encanto for stories behind the making of the film—and a few surprises!

Sneak Peek at “Zootopia+” from Walt Disney Animation Studios will take place from 6–7 p.m. on the Backlot Stage.

Get a first look at the highly anticipated animated series Zootopia+, coming to Disney+ from Walt Disney Animation Studios, with directors Josie Trinidad and Trent Correy.

Sunday, September 11
100 Years of Treasures from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library is scheduled for 2–3 p.m. on the Backlot Stage.

Never-before-seen clips, recording sessions, and live-action reference mark 100 years of Walt Disney Animation Studios as the Animation Research Library unveils newly digitized media from its collection and from its Oral History Project, in which the legends of animation have been interviewed.

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

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First Look at Pixar’s LIGHTYEAR!

27 October 2021 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

Earlier this year, Disney/Pixar announced the new pseudo-prequel to the beloved Toy Story character, LIGHTYEAR. Today, we get our first look at the film in this exciting teaser!

The sci-fi action-adventure presents the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear—the hero who inspired the toy—introducing the legendary Space Ranger who would win generations of fans.

The film – which stars Chris Evans in the titular role – is scheduled to release June 17, 2022. No word yet on whether the film will debut on Disney+ Premier Access – something that Disney’s most recent releases have not been doing.

We know we’re excited to see what this story has in store, so be sure to stick around here for more updates on the film!

Pixar-Inspired Mini Golf Takes Over NYC’s Battery Park This Summer

6 July 2021 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

This summer, Pixar is opening a brand new pop-up experience in Manhattan.

Pixar Putt is a new open-air mini golf pop-up, arriving in Battery Park’s Pier A on August 1. Made up of 18 interactive holes inspired by some of Pixar’s most beloved films, Pixar Putt is set to take guests to infinity… and beyond!

The pop-up will open August 1 and run through October 31, 2021. The course will be open seven days a week. Also appearing is Pixar Putt After Dark, an evening session “for guests aged 18+”.

Following its run in New York City, Pixar Putt will continue touring nationally, currently slated to be presented in San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago – and Disney says more locations will be announced.

Tickets are expected to sell out fast, and tickets, as well as information like daily hours, are available here.

Stay tuned on all of our Pixar updates here.

Finding Dory Official Trailer Released

2 March 2016 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

During the D23 Expo over last summer in Anaheim, we were treated to quite a bit of news and info about Finding Dory, including many of the voice actors, and some exclusive clips of the film. Now the first full-length trailer has been officially released today, on the Ellen Show and we can share it here with you too! Check it out below:

I like that we find out where she learned to speak whale, and the whole Monterrey Bay Aquarium-like location where Dory ends up while seeking her family looks really interesting and keeping in the theme of Finding Nemo of seeing things from the fish’s points of view. I’m most looking forward to HOW she lost her family though, and hope we get to learn about that too. (Also secretly hoping for another cameo by the Boston lobstahs too ;).)

Directed by Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”) and produced by Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”), the film features the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton. “Finding Dory” swims into theaters June 17, 2016.

Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters Opens March 7 in Disney California Adventure

25 February 2016 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

When Luigi’s Flying Tires closed a little over a year ago over in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, we all wondered what would replace the fun, albeit short-lived and plagued-with-issues attraction. Well wonder no more, because Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters is less than a month away from opening, and Erin Glover over at the Disney Parks Blog, has shared some fun news and a sneak peek of the ride. It looks adorable, and based on how much fun my family has on Tow Mater’s Junkyard Spin, I know this will be a big hit. While the ride looks simple and very kid-friendly, it seems to be very advanced in its technology and possible combinations for ride paths. I can’t wait to check it out myself (hopefully) soon!

Here’s more from Erin:

Luigi has invited his cousins from Carsoli, Italy, to Radiator Springs for a special celebration! In this all-new attraction, Luigi will turn the tire storage yard behind his Casa Della Tires into a dance floor! Cars Land guests will be able to ride along with Luigi’s cousins as they move and spin to upbeat Italian music, performing the traditional dances of their hometown village.

Each dancing car will have its own high-spirited personality and signature dance moves – making every ride unpredictable, as you won’t know which way they will turn and spin next! Take a look at how Walt Disney Imagineering created this carefully choreographed dance in this behind-the-scenes video:

Join the dance yourself when Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters opens March 7.

What do you think? Are you excited to meet the cousins? I love that they all have names and personalities, and that the ride will be different pretty much every time.

The Good Dinosaur Blu-Ray and DVD with 2 Hours of Bonus Features

22 February 2016 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

On Tuesday, February 23, Disney Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur releases on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital HD and it will be packed full with 2+ hours of bonus features! Bonus Features include:

BONUS:

Digital HD*, Blu-ray Combo Pack & Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA)

THEATRICAL SHORT – Sanjay’s Super Team – Sanjay loves the world of cartoons and comics, while his father tries to draw him into his Hindu traditions. Reluctance quickly turns into awe-inspiring adventure as the boy embarks on an amazing journey, returning with a new perspective they can both embrace.

TRUE LIES ABOUT DINOSAURS – We know – it’s preposterous to think Apatosaurs spoke English. Learn more about what separates the fictional dinosaurs of “The Good Dinosaur“ from what scientists know about real dinosaurs.

RECYCLOSAURUS – Pixar takes creative competition seriously. Maybe a little too seriously. Watch as “The Good Dinosaur” crew competes to see which department can create the best dinosaur ever…using only discarded items from the studio’s “free table.”

THE FILMMAKERS’ JOURNEY – Finding your way from an idea to a film takes a lot of exploration. Director Peter Sohn and his fellow filmmakers talk about the challenging, inspiring, and unexpectedly emotional experience of making “The Good Dinosaur.”

EVERY PART OF THE DINOSAUR – The filmmakers talk about the special animation challenges of “The Good Dinosaur” – including figuring out how to animate a dinosaur who’s really a boy, and a boy who’s got the spirit of a dog.

FOLLOWING THE T-REX TRAIL – Follow the filmmakers as they travel to a working cattle ranch and meet the McKays, a close-knit family whose work ethic, generosity, and stories inspired the T-Rex ranchers of the film.

COMMENTARY – Commentary from director Peter Sohn, story supervisor Kelsey Mann, supervising animator Mike Venturini, director of photography/lighting Sharon Calahan, and supervising technical director Sanjay Bakshi.

DINO BITES – Montage of original animated pieces produced to promote “The Good Dinosaur.”

HIDE AND SEEK – A short animated clip produced to promote “The Good Dinosaur.”

DELETED SCENES:

The Attack – An idyllic introduction to the family farm is cut short when a savage predator attacks the newborn Arlo. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn.

Building the Silo – An admiring Arlo is thrilled to follow along as his father builds a silo for the family farm. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn.

Waiting for Poppa – Arlo awaits the return of his beloved father on a stormy night, only to be greeted with tragic news. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn.

Blu-ray 3D & DVD:

THEATRICAL SHORT – Sanjay’s Super Team

Digital Exclusive:

JUST LISTEN – Trace the development of the unique soundscape of “The Good Dinosaur,” from the wilds of British Columbia as Sound Designer Craig Berkey collects sounds, to the recording studio where Jeff and Mychael Danna use instruments from around the world to create the music.

Lots of behind-the-scenes fun, which I know I always find interesting – both for the technical aspects of how the films are created, and the stories behind the story so to speak; how the writers and animators came up with the choices they made within the film. Pick it up Tuesday everywhere!

I missed reviewing The Good Dinosaur when it came out in theatres, because I was getting married at the time and getting to screen it just didn’t work out timing-wise. However, I did get to see it on our mini-honeymoon on the Disney Dream cruise ship (I love that you get to see first run movies on board!). I went into the film thinking I would cry uncontrollably, and it would become another Pixar-heart-wrenching-actually-more-like-heart-ripping-soul-gutting storyline that they are now famous for, where, parent or not, you are rendered a blubbering mess because of the storyline they’ve laid out in front of you. And yes, I did cry. Well, almost. My eyes welled up a bit. But that was it. Trust me, I was more shocked than anyone that I didn’t really care for the story…or the characters.

I’m not sure if it was the design of the dinosaurs, which seemed almost plastic or rubber in nature, or the strange side-stories with western “cow-rustling” dinos, or perhaps just Arlo’s personality…but whatever it was, it just didn’t win me over. I felt like there were a lot of mixed messages there, as a parent, from the dad – telling his son to “make his mark” despite him being miserable and not wanting to hurt (or be hurt) by other creatures, then having a sort of change of heart – only when he saw his son’s life was at risk. Maybe I’m over-analyzing, but as a mom, I just wasn’t a fan. And the personality that came out of that upbringing was a whiny, complainy, Arlo, who wasn’t much fun to watch. Of course, he learned to make his own way, and befriended Spot in the process, doing the right thing and making his own kind of mark.

In stark contrast to my dislike of the dinosaurs animation, was my love of the animated backgrounds. They were just breathtaking. A kind of homage to National Parks across the country, you could definitely see characteristics of many parks found within the film. I could watch the movie again and again because of that.

The world around them, nature and its power, became a character in itself, and again, that part I loved. As a side note, when I showed my 7 year-old the movie that had come in the mail for us to review, I asked if he wanted to watch it and he said no because he didn’t want to cry. So I guess it affected him, which in a way, I am happy about. You always wonder in this day and age, if your children are desensitized to the importance of family, so I was glad to see he was affected in that way. (And he is my son after all, and I cry at (almost) anything.)

What did you think of The Good Dinosaur? Is it one of your new favorites? Or did you have issues with it too? I’d love to hear from you below!

Disclaimer: I was provided with a Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack for review. My opinions (as you can see!) were not affected by this and my thoughts are my own.

First Teaser Trailer for Disney Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur

2 June 2015 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

At the last D23 Expo, we were treated to the announcements of quite a few DisneyPixar projects, including Inside Out, which I’ll be screening tonight with full review to come, Finding Dory (not so much as excited about that one but we’ll see), and The Good Dinosaur.

The official synopsis of the Good Dinosaur from DisneyPixar is this:

“The Good Dinosaur” asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

A little more info, from the sneak peek we saw at the Expo…the line about “what if the asteroid missed?” is a brief but important opening to the story. Basically, the “what if” answer is that dinosaurs rule the world and humans do not. This particular dinosaur we’re following, Arlo, is part of a farming family, and he’s not happy. He wanders and finds a human, who he is initially afraid of and annoyed by. And that’s where our story truly begins. There has been some shake-up with this movie, originally directed by Bob Peterson, who left and was replaced by Peter Sohn, and the film was completely turned around and re-imagined according to Pixar. John Lithgow, who plays Arlo’s father said that he went back in and re-recorded all of his dialogue for the film! So perhaps the clip we were shown in 2013 is not the direction they went. Time will tell! In the meantime, enjoy the first official teaser trailer.

THE GOOD DINOSAUR opens in theatres everywhere on November 25th!

THE GOOD DINOSAUR concept art — “The Good Dinosaur” tells the story of Arlo, a lively Apatosaurus with a big heart who sets out on a remarkable journey, gaining an unlikely companion along the way—a human boy. Directed by Peter Sohn (“Partly Cloudy”) and produced by Denise Ream (“Cars 2”, “The Good Dinosaur” opens in theaters Nov. 25, 2015. ©2014 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Entertainment Round Up: Star Wars, Tomorrowland, Inside Out, Jurassic World and More

17 April 2015 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

This is shaping up to be a very good year for movies. Whether you’re into outer space, inside your head, the promise of the future, or some creatures from the past, you will find something to love in the coming months. I thought I’d put all of the exciting news and trailers and photos into one giant reference post, so you can get all your movie madness in one spot.

You’d have to be living under a rock not to have heard about Star Wars The Force Awakens, the seventh installment of the Star Wars saga, and the new teaser trailer that was released at Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim this week. The new trailer is in a word, amazing. In a few more words: it’ll give any Star Wars fan goosebumps. Watch below (because really, there can’t be too much of this good thing!):

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS will be in theaters December 18, 2015!

Website|YouTube|Twitter|

Instagram|Facebook|Google+

Available now, Twitter users will have even more ways to express their excitement and celebrate their favorite pop-culture phenomenon with exclusive new Twitter #StarWarsEmojis. Twitter users who post hashtags representing key words associated with specific Star Wars character and legacy themes will see a small emoji-like icon embedded in their tweets. Tweet the following character hashtags to unlock the first three

#StarWarsEmojis : #C3PO #Stormtrooper #BB8

Follow @StarWars on Twitter to get news & updates for #TheForceAwakens!

While we’re on the topic of the future, the new Brad Bird film, Tomorrowland, starring George Clooney, opens in theatres May 22. There is currently an extended preview on both coasts. Disneyland’s Tomorrowland and Epcot’s Imagination pavilion are both sharing a longer trailer with some concept art and props from the film. I cannot wait for this to hit the big screen. Until then, here’s a featurette to enjoy:

In the animated realm, Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out” will be making its debut at the Cannes Film Festival on May 13, 2015 as the Festival’s official selection before opening in theatres on June 19th. The trailers look great, and as a mother of three (two teenagers and a six year-old), I can definitely relate to the wide range of emotions going on up there in the ol’ noggin.

Based in Headquarters, the control center inside 11-year-old Riley’s mind, five Emotions are hard at work, led by lighthearted optimist Joy (voice of Amy Poehler), whose mission is to make sure Riley stays happy. Fear (voice of Bill Hader) heads up safety, Anger (voice of Lewis Black) ensures all is fair and Disgust (voice of Mindy Kaling) prevents Riley from getting poisoned—both physically and socially. Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith) isn’t exactly sure what her role is, and frankly, neither is anyone else.

When Riley’s family relocates to a scary new city, the Emotions are on the job, eager to help guide her through the difficult transition. But when Joy and Sadness are inadvertently swept into the far reaches of Riley’s mind—taking some of her core memories with them—Fear, Anger and Disgust are left reluctantly in charge. Joy and Sadness must venture through unfamiliar places—Long Term Memory, Imagination Land, Abstract Thought and Dream Productions—in a desperate effort to get back to Headquarters, and Riley.

Directed by Academy Award® winner Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.”, “Up”), produced by Jonas Rivera, p.g.a. (“Up”), co-directed by Ronnie Del Carmen (“Up”) and featuring an original score by Michael Giacchino (“The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “Up”).

Hashtags: #InsideOut

Official “Inside Out” Website: http://movies.disney.com/inside-out

Dedicated “Inside Out” Social:

Venturing to another world altogether – Jurassic World revealed a new poster today, featuring Bryce Dallas Howard as Claire Dearing face to face with the Indominus Rex. One word comes to mind here too: YIKES! The new worldwide trailer will debut next Monday and the movie opens June 12, 2015.

If you can’t wait to run to the theatre and see these blockbusters, there are some fun titles out on Blu-ray and DVD to tide you over. Academy Award-winning Into the Woods features a whole new song from Stephen Sondheim, as well as all the favorites that made fans fall in love. Here’s a recent tribute to Stephen Sondheim to celebrate the Blu-ray release:

In the Pixie Hollow realm, Tinkerbell and the Never Beast is the latest tale from the fairy friends, this time focusing on an ancient myth of a fabled creature, who sparks the curiosity of Tinker Bell and her good friend Fawn, an animal fairy who’s not afraid to break the rules to help an animal in need. But this creature – massive and wondrous with glowing green eyes – is not welcome in Pixie Hollow – and the scout fairies are determined to capture the mysterious beast, who they fear will destroy their home. Fawn, who sees a tender heart beneath his gruff exterior, must convince Tink and her fairy friends to risk everything to rescue the NeverBeast.But be warned, this is a definite tear-jerker and not for the faint of heart. Here’s a look at the concept art from the film:

Lastly, a DVD and Blu-ray announcement from my favorite Japanese animation house – Studio Ghibli. I love that these classic films are being released on Blu-ray,which makes their beautiful animation even more crisp and clear.

Oscar – Winning Masterpiece Spirited Away and the enchanting fantasy adventure The Cat Returns, will be available for the first time on Blu-ray Combo Pack June 16th!

Spirited Away is a wondrous fantasy about a young girl, Chihiro, trapped in a strange new world of spirits. While The Cat Returns is about a schoolgirl, Haru (voiced by Anne Hathaway), bored by her ordinary routine, saves the life of an unusual cat and suddenly her world is transformed beyond anything she ever imagined. Both are magical animated adventures that will delight and inspire the whole family!

Spirited Away is one of my all-time favorites and apart from My Neighbor Totoro, was my introduction to Hiyao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. The music by Joe Hisaishi, the story and the detailed animation is a work of art. I can’t wait to add these Blu-rays to my collection.

That ought to keep us all entertained all summer long and into the holidays! Which title are you most looking forward to seeing?

NEW LeSportsac Disney Pixar Monster’s Inc Print Bags

9 August 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Thanks to Zannaland reader Breana for letting me know LeSportsac had come out with this new print! It looks like a fun new collaboration for Disney Pixar and LeSportsac fans. From the LeSportsac site, we learn a little bit more about who designed this new Monster’s Inc print:

As the production designer of Pixar’s Monsters, Inc., Ratatouille, Presto and Cars 2, Academy Award® winner, Harley Jessup, has built a career designing films that both children and adults can love. For each Pixar feature, his mission has been to create a visually exciting, believable world with appealing characters all in support of a great story.

No mention if this is the first of many Disney Pixar designs, but I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping that it is! I like the hand-drawn look to it, and how the scenes are that of a bustling downtown Monstropolis complete with taxi cabs and “Broadway-like” show marquees. The new pattern seems to come in all of the usual bag styles as well. You can find out more and purchase bags on the LeSportsac site. I’m sure these will be showing up in Disney parks on both coasts soon as well. I’ll keep you posted as I discover anything more!

You can view the other Disney LeSportsac collaborations on Zannaland too!

Go Behind the Scenes with Disney Studios at the D23 Expo-More Presentation Info

29 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Here is the latest update from D23, with some additional info on who will be appearing at the Walt Disney Studios presentation and other arena shows at the Expo:

Exclusively at Disney’s D23 Expo August 9–11 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Disney fans are invited to explore the incredible roster of film, stage, and music projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios, with a variety of panel discussions, sneak peeks, and exhibits.

This year the Studio will present two arena shows, kicking off the Expo at 10 a.m. Friday, August 9, with “Art and Imagination: Animation at The Walt Disney Studios,” a showcase of upcoming animated films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and DisneyToon Studios. John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer of Disney’s Animation Studios, will host a lively exhibition chock-full of never-before-seen footage, celebrity and filmmaker appearances, and live performances from films like Disney’s Frozen, Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur and the Mickey Mouse short Get a Horse!. Then at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 10, Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn, Disney Live Action Production President Sean Bailey, and Marvel Studios President and Producer Kevin Feige will host “Let the Adventures Begin: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios,” an expedition through the Studio’s exciting live-action offerings from Disney as well as several powerhouse pictures on tap from Marvel Studios, with exclusive clips and surprise guests from a range of films including Saving Mr. Banks, Tomorrowland,Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and much more.

Fans can expect appearances from Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel (Frozen), Dane Cook (Disney’s Planes), Jason Schwartzman and B.J. Novak (Saving Mr. Banks), Ty Burrell (Muppets Most Wanted) and top Marvel and Disney•Pixar talent. And in typical D23 Expo fashion, fans can also anticipate surprise appearances from more of their favorite stars.

In “Broadway & Beyond…Celebrating the Stars of Disney on Broadway,” Friday, August 9 at 6:30 p.m., audiences will take a musical journey with Disney Theatrical Productions President Thomas Schumacher and a bevy of stage stars, including Heidi Blickenstaff (The Little Mermaid), Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast), Merle Dandridge (Tarzan^® and AIDA), Josh Strickland (Tarzan) and Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King), who sing beloved songs from the award-winning musicals they starred in as well as classic tunes from the Disney on Broadway catalog.

Throughout the weekend, fans will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes with the animation artists at Disney and Pixar with several featured panels, including:

* Inside the Ice: The Art of Disney’s Frozen – Walt Disney Animation Studios’ big-screen comedy adventure Frozen, with its icy setting and colorful cast of characters, presented breathtaking opportunities, plus a few challenges for filmmakers. Join the team behind the movie for an exclusive look at the art and animation of Frozen. (Saturday, August 10, 10:30 a.m.)

* The Art of The Good Dinosaur – Pixar Animation Studios’ latest feature explores what might have happened if the cataclysmic asteroid that forever changed life on Earth actually missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct. Take a closer look at this imaginative world of possibility and the artistry and production design behind it. (Saturday, August 10, 3 p.m.)

* Toy Story OF TERROR! and the Motivation Behind Pixar’s Short Form Content – From toys on vacation to tow-riffic four wheelers, Pixar keeps some of their most beloved characters alive and well through short-form content. Angus MacLane, director of Toy Story OF TERROR!, a new adventure featuring Woody, Buzz and the Toy Story gang set for release on TV this fall; producer Galyn Susman; and other Pixar short-form filmmakers share their experiences and discuss the exciting challenges of expanding the worlds of these characters loved by audiences across the globe. (Saturday, August 10, 5 p.m.)

* Pixar: Doing Our Homework – Research is an integral part of the filmmaking process, and with a story in hand, Pixar artists set out to become experts, immersing themselves in places, people and experiences that inspire and inform their filmmaking, whether it be spirited Scots, delectable French cuisine, or deep sea adventures. (Friday, August 9, 6 p.m.)

* Women of Pixar – Jessie. Dory. Sally. Merida. Although they never cross paths and exist in different worlds, these iconic Pixar females have one thing in common: girl power. Meet a dynamic group of women from Pixar, whose experience and success at the studio have helped craft some of the most memorable animated films in recent history. They will share stories from their journeys and the lessons they have learned along the way. (Sunday, August 11, 1 p.m.)

Expo attendees will also have access to an Exclusive Screening of Disney’s Planes in 3D, featuring an introduction by some very special guests. (Friday, August 9, 3 p.m.)

As Disney welcomes Lucasfilm into the family, fans will have a chance to delve deep in the Star Wars universe with “Crash Course in the Force: Star Wars Saga 101,” an immersive journey into the rich history of the worldwide phenomenon, led by Lucasfilm’s resident authority Pablo Hidalgo. (Saturday, August 10, 5 p.m.)

Music fans will be treated to performances by Good Luck Charlie star and platinum-selling Hollywood Records artist Bridgit Mendler, and Hollywood Records artists R5, fronted by Teen Beach Movie and Austin & Ally star Ross Lynch. D23 will also present Richard Sherman and Alan Menken, two of the world’s most celebrated songwriters and composers who have won a combined 10 Academy Awards for their work with Disney. In addition, Grammy^® Award-winning producer and resident Disney Music Historian, Randy Thornton, will take fans on a musical journey with inside stories of songs written for classic Disney films.

Out on the Expo floor, fans can explore the world of The Walt Disney Studios at their leisure with comprehensive exhibits, including:

* Walt Disney Animation Studios Pavilion – Attendees can summon their inner artist and escape into diverse worlds of where there’s much to explore, from the stunning snow-covered setting of Frozen to the high-tech, action-packed world of Big Hero 6, featuring the latest animation technology, sneak peeks, and giveaways.

* Disneytoon Studios Pavilion – Aviation aficionados and fairy fans will be on cloud nine as they explore projects including Disney’s Planes and immerse themselves in the world of Pixie Hollow and the magical heroines from Disney’s Fairies with exciting demonstrations and presentations.

* Walt Disney Studios In-Home Entertainment Zones – Dive into cutting-edge home entertainment technology and learn what the future holds for Disney movie fans, with sneak peeks of upcoming films in breathtaking high-definition Blu-ray 3D^™, including new hit films and new-to-Blu classics, the latest on Disney Second Screen and more. Also, the adorable Disney “Buddies” are back with an all-new movie—Super Buddies—coming August 27! Fans can get a picture with one of the real puppy super heroes. They are appearing live at D23 Expo for the first time—Saturday and Sunday!

Tickets for the D23 Expo are $57 for a one-day adult admission and $47 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $50 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $84 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 members and general admission, visit D23Expo.com.