“DISNEY LAUNCHPAD: SHORTS INCUBATOR” INVITES FILMMAKERS TO SHARE DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES

“DISNEY LAUNCHPAD: SHORTS INCUBATOR” INVITES FILMMAKERS TO SHARE DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES IN ORIGINAL LIVE-ACTION SHORT FILMS

Immersive Program Pairs Directors With Disney Executive Mentors to Create Shorts for Proposed Initial Exhibition on Disney+

Application Now Open Through July 2 at Launchpad.Disney.com

BURBANK, Calif. – June 3, 2019 – The Walt Disney Company today announced applications are open for its first Disney Launchpad: Shorts Incubator. The program is a new opportunity for up to six (6) directors from underrepresented backgrounds to present diverse perspectives through the production of original, live-action short films for proposed initial exhibition on the upcoming streaming service Disney+. Directors will be paired with creative executive mentors from across The Walt Disney Company and challenged to create original films that celebrate the inaugural theme of “Discover” and align with the Disney brand values.

“At The Walt Disney Studios, we believe that great stories come from everywhere, and we are committed to telling inclusive stories and working with filmmakers who bring diverse perspectives to the table,” said Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “The Disney Launchpad gives us a platform to empower a new generation of filmmakers to share original stories that resonate with our global audience and reflect the world we live in.”

The Launchpad is a seven-month immersive program based at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, Calif. Directors will take part in a robust curriculum of professional and storytelling classes primarily led by the American Film Institute, the program’s educational partner.

Select shorts will have the opportunity to live on Disney+ and may be considered for further development based on the short’s quality, performance on the platform, future arc, and other factors, though future development is not guaranteed.

“We know the best films and content are those that showcase the diversity of the wider world,” said Julie Ann Crommett, Vice President, Multicultural Audience Engagement, The Walt Disney Studios. “Launchpad recognizes the importance of diversity in front of and behind the camera by bringing together the most talented filmmakers with the world-class talent and resources of The Walt Disney Company.”

The Launchpad is open to the public as well as employees of The Walt Disney Company and its affiliated entities from underrepresented backgrounds with diverse and varied perspectives, including but certainly not limited to women, people of color, the LGBTQ community, various religious groups, military veterans, people with disabilities, and others. Candidates may apply at launchpad.disney.com before July 2, 2019, at 12:00 p.m. PT.

Full eligibility criteria and application details are available at launchpad.disney.com.

About The Walt Disney Studios

For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world.

About Disney+

Launching in the U.S. on November 12, 2019, Disney+ will be the ultimate streaming destination for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. From The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International segment, Disney+ will offer ad-free programming with a variety of original feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series and short-form content, along with unprecedented access to Disney’s incredible library of film and television entertainment. The service will also be the exclusive streaming home for films released by The Walt Disney Studios in 2019 and beyond, including “Captain Marvel,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Aladdin,” “Toy Story 4,” “The Lion King,” “Frozen 2,”and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” Visit DisneyPlus.com to learn more.

GO BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS AND DISNEY PARKS, EXPERIENCES AND PRODUCTS AT D23 EXPO 2019

The Walt Disney Studios, Disney Parks, and Disney+ Join the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony in the 6,800-Seat “Hall D23” Venue at the Anaheim Convention Center.

 
BURBANK, Calif., June 6, 2019 – D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has announced the lineup of the most highly anticipated presentations at D23 Expo 2019, August 23–25. The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will kick off the Expo on Friday morning, August 23. Later that same day, Disney+ will showcase its exciting slate of original films and series coming to the streaming service, set to launch in the U.S. on November 12. On Saturday morning, The Walt Disney Studios will give fans a sneak peek at their collection of world-class film labels, including Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm. And on Sunday morning, fans will get a preview of what’s in store at Disney Parks during a presentation hosted by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek.
 
These Expo favorites will take place in “Hall D23,” the 6,800-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):
 
The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 23. The ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will once again honor those visionaries and artists who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. This year’s recipients are: Wing Chao, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, James Earl Jones, Bette Midler, Kenny Ortega, Barnette Ricci, Robin Roberts, Diane Sawyer, Ming-Na Wen, and Hans Zimmer.
 
On Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m., the highly anticipated streaming service Disney+ will give guests a first look at some of its original content including Lady and the Tramp, The Mandalorian, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and many more during this star-studded presentation.
 
The Walt Disney Studios will present a behind-the-scenes look at its blockbuster collection of upcoming films on Saturday, August 24, at 10 a.m. Fans will see what’s on the drawing board for the acclaimed filmmakers at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios and get a peek at the exciting slate of live-action projects, from Disney to Marvel Studios to Star Wars. As always, attendees will be treated to exclusive footage, special guest appearances, and more!
 
On Sunday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m., step into the magical world of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products with Chairman Bob Chapek to find out what’s new and what’s next for resorts around the globe, including more about the transformational plans for Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
 
 
Single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday of D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children 3–9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $77 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.
 
About D23 Expo 2019
D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2019 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.
 
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.
 
Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99), Gold Family Membership ($129.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

PHOTOS FROM DISNEY'S "CHRISTOPHER ROBIN" PREMIERE

The stars of Disney’s “Christopher Robin,” Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell, Bronte Carmichael, Jim Cummings and Brad Garrett joined director Marc Forster and celebrity guests John Stamos, Alison Sweeney and Lesley Ann Warren at the world premiere of the film on the Disney studio lot earlier tonight.

Prior to the screening, legendary composer Richard M. Sherman was on hand for the dedication of the studio’s historic Orchestra Stage (where the music for the “Winnie the Pooh featurettes, “Mary Poppins” and “The Jungle Book” were recorded), which was renamed Sherman Brothers Stage A in honor of Richard and his late brother Robert B. Sherman.

Everything on the Film Slate for 2017 from The Walt Disney Studios

It is time to check out the 2017 Walt Disney Studios Movie Slate! From Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and from Disney, take a look at the films coming out this year! In the video below I discuss the release dates as well as discuss some box office predictions and which of these movies I am most excited to see!


Let's take a closer look at all the movies being released by The Walt Disney Studios!

Beauty and The Beast - March 17th

The story and characters audiences know and love come to spectacular life in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic “Beauty and the Beast,” a stunning, cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart of the true Prince within.

The film stars Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast.Luke Evans stars as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts. Directed by Oscar winner Bill Condon based on the 1991 animated film, Beauty and the Beast is produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, with eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the 1991 animated film, providing the score, which will include new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman, as well as several new songs written by Menken and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice.

Disneynature Born In China - April 21st

Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure film “Born In China” takes an epic journey into the wilds of China where few people have ever ventured. Following the stories of three animal families, the film transports audiences to some of the most extreme environments on Earth to witness some of the most intimate moments ever captured in a nature film. A doting panda bear mother guides her growing baby as she begins to explore and seek independence. A two-year-old golden monkey who feels displaced by his new baby sister joins up with a group of free-spirited outcasts. And a mother snow leopard—an elusive animal rarely caught on camera—faces the very real drama of raising her two cubs in one of the harshest and most unforgiving environments on the planet. Featuring stunning, never-before-seen imagery, the film navigates China’s vast terrain—from the frigid mountains to the heart of the bamboo forest—on the wings of red-crowned cranes, seamlessly tying the extraordinary tales together.

Opening in U.S. theaters on Earth Day 2017, “Born in China” is directed by accomplished Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan, and produced by Disney’s Roy Conli and renowned filmmakers Brian Leith and Phil Chapman.

Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2 - May 5th

Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand.

Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is directed by James Gunn and stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullivan, Sean Gunn, Tommy Flanagan, Laura Haddock and Kurt Russell. Kevin Feige is producing, and Louis D’Esposito, Jonathan Schwartz, Victoria Alonso, Nik Korda and Stan Lee are the executive producers. The screenplay is by James Gunn.

WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES RESTORES WALT DISNEY'S OFFICE SUITE AS PERMANENT EXHIBIT SPACE

WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES RESTORES WALT DISNEY’S OFFICE SUITE AS PERMANENT EXHIBIT SPACE

DISNEY CHAIRMAN AND CEO BOB IGER AND MEMBERS OF THE DISNEY FAMILY DEDICATE THE SUITE, WHICH FEATURES WALT’S ORIGINAL FURNISHINGS AND MEMORABILIA.

BURBANK, Calif. – December 7, 2015 – The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, joined by members of the Disney family, dedicated Walt Disney’s newly restored office suite on the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank today. To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Burbank studio, the Walt Disney Archives restored the space, located in the original Animation Building, to include Walt’s formal and working offices, along with original furnishings, some items from his collection of miniatures, awards, and his piano.

“We put this permanent exhibit together to serve as a source of inspiration,” said Iger during the ceremony, “a reminder to have great ambition, to take bold creative risks, to constantly innovate and push the limits of possibility, to relentlessly pursue perfection, and to tell fantastic stories that touch peoples’ hearts. That was Walt Disney.”

Walt Disney’s granddaughters Joanna Miller, Jennifer Goff, and Michelle Lund were on hand for the event, along with special guests including Richard Sherman (composer of Mary Poppins, “It’s a Small World,” and many Disney classics), Kathryn Beaumont (the voice of Alice from Alice in Wonderland and Wendy in Peter Pan), and former head of Walt Disney Imagineering Marty Sklar.

In 1970, when Disney Legend Dave Smith founded the Walt Disney Archives, Walt’s furnishings from his offices were removed, and, for the last 45 years, they were safely cared for by the staff of the Walt Disney Archives. Through exhibitions and loans from the Archives, millions of guests have seen special displays of items from the office at Disney’s theme parks in California and Florida and in museums around the country.

This new, permanent exhibit is dedicated to the creative genius of Walt Disney and presents the history of the man and the company he founded through artifacts and images. There will also be rotating exhibits on various Disney subjects to celebrate anniversaries, films, and events throughout the Company’s history from 1923 to the present day. The first exhibit is dedicated to Kem Weber, the architect who designed the look and feel of the Studio lot, which opened in 1940. Weber also designed furniture for the Studio, and his designs, along with concept artwork, will be showcased for a limited time.

Walt Disney’s office will be open to Disney employees, cast members, and studio visitors. In 2016 it will be added to tours of the Studio lot and Archives that D23: The Official Disney Fan Club regularly offers to its Gold Members.

About the Walt Disney Archives

For more than four decades, the Walt Disney Archives has carefully safeguarded the most treasured items from The Walt Disney Company’s history, including original scripts, movie props and costumes, Walt Disney’s correspondence and script notes, theme park artifacts, merchandise, millions of archival photographs, and many of Walt’s personal effects. Founded by Disney Legend Dave Smith in 1970, the Walt Disney Archives is a vital resource for every part of Disney, as well as an important research center for Disney scholars, researchers, and writers. The Archives also shares its countless pieces with Disney fans everywhere through its exhibitions and close association with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year. Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

Vehicle Review: 2015 Hyundai Genesis with a Visit to The Walt Disney Studios and 5 days at Disneyland!

Time to review the gorgeous 2015 Hyundai Genesis which I was able to drive in Arizona last year at a media event with Hyundai! I could not wait to spend a week with the Genesis and take it to visit The Walt Disney Studios and of course The Disneyland Resort for 5 days with my friend Charlotte visiting from Australia! We will be riding in luxury for this trip!

The comfortable leather seats would be my home for the next week! I couldn't think of a better way to spend a week! The air cooled seats were also most welcomed with the hot weather we were having in Southern California. The seats are also heated if it ever decides to finally cool off here. But it was time to hop into the seats and head to The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank!

The powerful 3.8L DOHC V6 GDI engine easily helped us cruise through the freeways of Los Angeles. The comfortable cockpit could have kept us inside for hours of just driving around. With 311 HP there were no problems moving around that Los Angeles and Orange County traffic. The Genesis averages 22 MPG combined with 18 in the city and 29 on the highway.

A light rain on the way to the studios didn't hamper us or the Genesis with its rain-sensing wipers and auto defogging windshield. Even the dual power outside mirrors are heated.

The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank is one of my favorite places to visit. This was my surprise for Charlotte and she loved her time spent on the studio lot. This is the iconic corner of Dopey Drive and Mickey Avenue with the original Animation building in the background.

Please note that you have to know someone who works here to be allowed onto the studio lot. But if you ever get a chance to visit, it is definitely worth your time to be surrounded by the rich history of The Walt Disney Company.

The famed Team Disney Burbank building that is being supported by all seven dwarfs. In the front is the large sculpture of the Disney Legends award. This award is given to those who have made great contributions to the company. Their hand prints are immortalized in Legends Plaza in front of the Team Disney Burbank building.

Later that same day we are off to Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland! Charlotte was Honey Lemon and I was Hiro from Big Hero 6! Check out my awesome Baymax candy bucket!

Mickey's Halloween Party is an amazing evening! There are treat stations throughout the park, special character meet and greets, special entertainment and pretty much all of the attractions open to enjoy! Here is some of the 15 pounds of candy that came home with us! The vent is a separate ticket event and sells out every year! Make sure to get your tickets as soon as they are available.

The large 9.2 inch high definition touch screen navigation with SiriusXM is bright and clear even in direct sunlight. We chose to listen to Siriusly Sinatra as we held our own Dapper Day to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Disneyland. The Lexicon 17-speaker discrete logic 7 audio system is impressive and made it seem like old blue-eyes was singing live.

Here we are in the pilot house of the Mark Twain. Charlotte made her dress and my Hawaiian style shirt. The diamond pattern was perfect for the Diamond Celebration at Disneyland. The pilot house is a special request you can make with the Cast Members at the Mark Twain. Just ask and maybe you can get up to the pilot house to "steer" the big boat around the Rivers of America. Please keep in mind that the Cast Member chooses who gets to go with them to the pilot house and that the River of America goes down for a massive rehab starting January 10th, 2016 to make way for Star Wars Land. The Rivers of America should return sometime in 2017.

Another favorite reason for visiting The Disneyland Resort is the food! My favorite thing is that there is a great emphasis on seasonal food items to keep you coming back for more! One of my favorite seasonal items from last year came back and it's the apple pie funnel cake! It's massive and Charlotte and I could not finish it!

And since it is the 60th Anniversary of Disneyland, the resort has these great photo locations in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure! There are three in Disneyland and another three in Disney California Adventure! Such a fun way to remember the 60th and have some fun photos as well!

Another day and it's time to show off the awesome 18-inch alloy wheels of the Genesis! These large tires really grip the road! There are other great safety features including lane departure warning and lane keep assist, front and rear parking assistance system, smart cruise control, electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold with the Tech Package. You get the HID headlights with auto-dimming outside mirrors, blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert, and parking guidelines with the Signature Package.

And today's Disneyland Resort adventure takes us to one of my favorite lands, Cars Land in Disney California Adventure! The Imagineers really out did themselves here and created a land that looked like it came right out of the movie!

We also stopped by the Hyperion Theater to see the Aladdin show! The musical leaves in January of next year so make sure you see it before it goes away on January 10th, 2016! Replacing it will be a Frozen musical in summer of 2016!

After watching Aladdin we then headed to one of my favorite buildings, the Disney Animation building! My favorite thing to do in here is to draw with the artists at the Animation Academy! You get a drawing board, a piece of paper and a pencil! They supply the instructions and it is really a lot of fun! Zero is one of the newest characters that they are teaching how to draw! At the end you get to keep your drawing! So you have a free souvenir!

Five days at Disneyland have come and gone way too fast! Thank goodness for beautiful days like this! The power tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof of the Hyundai Genesis is open and taking in the blue skies and white puffy clouds of another gorgeous Southern California day! Time to hit the parks one last time! If the sun is too bright then the Genesis also has power rear sunshade as well as manual rear side sunshades with the Signature Package.

A picture perfect day in the park! One of my favorite things to take a photo of while in Disneyland! I'm sure that Sleeping Beauty Castle is one of the most photographed places on the planet.

A perfect day calls for a perfect snack! The dole whip float is perfect on a warm day!

Heading over to Tomorrowland we can see the first signs of the Star Wars Launch Bay opening November 16th of this year! I cannot wait to see the new Star Wars offerings that begin that day! A new destination for Star Tours, a Star Wars layover to Space Mountain called Hyperspace Mountain, a new Jedi Academy, the Galactic Grill for Star Wars themed food offerings and Star Wars Launch Bay!

A practically perfect way to end our 5 days at The Disneyland Resort with Mary Poppins!

Now it's time to say goodbye to not only my lovely friend Charlotte but to the 2015 Hyundai Genesis as well! Thanks for a fun week and hope you enjoyed the review and our adventures with all things Disney!

The stunning 2016 Hyundai Genesis was amazing to drive, with a powerful engine and great handling.  Fantastic safety features will keep you and your family safe while enjoying the lap or luxury. The stunning lines are eye catching and let people know that you have arrived.

The 2015 Hyundai Genesis RWD 3.8 as reviewed came in at $49.950.00.

The Walt Disney Studios Showcases Film Slate from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm at the D23 Expo 2015

‘Can’t Miss’ Offerings Include Frozen Sing-Along, Toy Story 20^th Anniversary, Star Wars, and Secret Special Guests

BURBANK, CA – July 21, 2015 – The Walt Disney Studios offers an exclusive look at its upcoming projects from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm at D23 EXPO 2015, taking place August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The Studio will unveil its animation and live-action film slates via two huge Hall D23 presentations featuring surprise guests and many unforgettable moments. Other not-to-be-missed events include a Frozen FANdemonium musical celebration with Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and the 20^th anniversary celebration of Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story with John Lasseter and the original Pixar crew.

HALL D23 PRESENTATIONS:

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films, Hosted by John Lasseter

Friday, August 14, 3:00 pm - Hall D23

After meeting the Emotions inside the mind of an 11-year-old, taking a trip to San Fransokyo, where a boy genius and his robot save the world, and falling in love with a queen with icy powers who wants to “let it go,” come see where Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios plan to take you next. In what has become a D23 EXPO must-see, host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, presents this in-depth look at the animation studios’ slate. Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Disney Animation’sZootopia and Moana. The event will include surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by the films’ star voice talent.

Worlds, Galaxies, and Universes: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios

Saturday, August 15, 10:30 am - Hall D23

Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm are home to some of the planet’s best storytellers, immersing audiences fully in the world of each film from beginning to end and beyond. In this exclusive Hall D23 presentation, join Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn for a tour of upcoming live-action projects from these legendary film studios. A bevy of special guests will be on hand to offer a look at an unparalleled slate that includes Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Jungle Book, Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, Star Wars: The Force Awakens—and much, much more.

Frozen FANdemonium: A Musical Celebration!

Sunday, August 16, 3:00 pm - Hall D23

Join host Chris Montan, president, Walt Disney Music, and the Oscar^®-winning songwriting team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez as they take you on a once-in-a-lifetime musical journey through the world of Frozen. This one-day-only performance features your favorite friends from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film—including Anna and Elsa––with sing-along experiences and fascinating stories behind some of your favorite Frozen songs.

CALENDAR OF KEY EVENTS:

In Conversation with the Filmmakers and the Emotions Behind Inside Out

Friday, August 14, 11:30 am – Stage 28

Get the inside story on the making of Pixar’s latest summer release, Inside Out. Hear from Academy Award^®-winning director Pete Docter (Up, Monsters, Inc.) and producer Jonas Rivera (Up) as they reminisce and share their personal stories of creating a world that everyone knows, but no one has ever seen.

Welcome to Zootopia!

Saturday, August 15, 1:30 pm - Stage 28

Welcome to Zootopia, a magnificent mammal metropolis, and home to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ next feature, the comedy-adventure Zootopia. Join directors Byron Howard (Tangled, Bolt) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph), producer Clark Spencer (Wreck-It Ralph, Bolt), and artists from the incredible production team as they introduce rookie rabbit-officer Judy Hopps, con-artist fox Nick Wilde and a host of dynamic animal characters, sharing footage and behind-the-scenes stories with D23 EXPO-goers.

Pixar Secrets Revealed! Hear the Stories They Didn’t Want You to Know!

Saturday, August 15, 3:00 pm – Stage 28

Ever wonder where your favorite Pixar stories began? Hear the stories you don’t know about the classic films that you love. Pixar senior development executive Mary Coleman hosts this experience, welcoming the storytellers behind some of Pixar’s most successful films, including Darla K. Anderson (A Bug’s Life, Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story 3), Mark Andrews (The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Brave), Ronnie del Carmen (Up, Inside Out) and Dan Scanlon (Cars, Toy Story 3, Monsters University), as they talk about the twists and turns of crafting a narrative and share some of the crazy story ideas that didn’t make the final cut.

Toy Story: 20 Years Later, the Original Crew Looks Back

Saturday, August 15, 4:30 pm – Stage 23

From flipbooks to feature films, animation has taken audiences to fantastical new worlds, far beyond the limits of any real-world setting. Pixar Animation Studios has been at the forefront of this evolution, blurring the line between art and technology and bringing beloved characters to life with heart and humor. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of 1995’s Toy Story, the first computer-animated feature film, join members of the original crew, including filmmakers John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, Galyn Susman, Ralph Eggleston, Sharon Calahan, Eben Ostby, Bob Pauley and Bill Reeves as they share their stories and the challenges they faced along the way.

Aladdin – The Making of a Classic

Saturday, August 15, 6:00 pm - Stage 28

Join Walt Disney Animation Studios filmmakers, including legendary directors John Musker and Ron Clements, animators Eric Goldberg (Genie) and Mark Henn (Jasmine), as well as Jasmine herself, Linda Larkin, and the two actors who gave life to the character Aladdin: Scott Weinger and Brad Kane, as they unveil the stories behind one of the great Disney classics, Aladdin, a film that led to a “whole new world” for animation.

The Shorts of Walt Disney Animation Studios: from Paperman to Prep & Landing, Feast to Frozen Fever

Sunday, August 16, 11:30 am - Stage 28

When Walt Disney and his brother Roy founded the Disney Brothers Studio in 1923, their first medium for storytelling was the animated short. More than 90 years later, Walt Disney Animation Studios continues this tradition, making groundbreaking and award-winning shorts including Feast, Paperman and this year’s hit Frozen Fever. Join the filmmakers behind these shorts and so many others, including Get A Horse!, John Henry, Lorenzo and The Ballad of Nessie for a conversation about this truly animated art form. 

The Tunes Behind the Toons: Screening/Q&A

Sunday, August 16, 6:00 pm, Stage 28

D23 EXPO invites you to a special screening and Q&A panel for The Tunes Behind the Toons, a short form documentary that celebrates the power of music in animation. From the silent film days when organists played live accompaniments, to the music within today’s animated features, this documentary traces the origins of cartoon music and its pioneers. Featuring interviews with Alan Menken, Randy Newman, Patrick Doyle, Mark Watters, Bruce Broughton, Richard Sherman and many others. Producer/director Dave Bossert will lead a star-studded Q&A following the presentation.

ON THE EXPO SHOW FLOOR:

The Walt Disney Studios – Show Floor Exhibition

Step into the worlds of The Walt Disney Studios in this wide-ranging showcase of exciting projects from Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disneynature, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm. Among the many highlights:

·         For the first time at D23 EXPO, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios have created a joint experience no Disney fan should miss. With live demonstrations, presentations, and autograph signings with top filmmakers from each studio, plus free giveaways and interactive displays featuring the films Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur, Zootopia, Finding Doryand Moana, this is a can’t-miss attraction for animation fans.

·         Explore costumes, props and photo ops from the Studios’ live-action films, including Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm.

Disney Movies Anywhere Tweet Suite

Take pics and share them in the Disney Movies Anywhere Tweet Suite. It’s also the perfect opportunity to learn more about Disney Movies Anywhere, Disney’s digital movie app that lets you watch your Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars movie collection across your favorite devices, anywhere you go.

Say Aloha to John Lasseter’s Film-Themed Hawaiian Shirts

Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter takes Disney and Pixar animation to heart—literally. For nearly every film—from Finding Nemo and Wreck-It Ralph to Frozen and Inside Out, Lasseter has commissioned an exclusive movie-themed Hawaiian shirt. And those who know the Oscar^®-winning storyteller know that he loves his Hawaiian shirts—and dons one for almost every occasion. Animation fans will see their favorite film characters “materialize” before their eyes in this colorful collection, which will be exhibited on the show floor.

An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg

D23 hosts the first public exhibition anywhere of “An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg.” Celebrate Goldberg, whose artistry at Walt Disney Animation Studios began with his groundbreaking work on Genie in Aladdin, and continues to this day on projects such as the upcoming Moana and the 2014 Oscar^®-nominated Mickey Mouse short Get A Horse! The exhibition features a collection of more than 100 of Goldberg’s caricatured creations of Disney characters, drawn in a style reminiscent of art seen on the famed walls of Sardi’s Restaurant and The Brown Derby. This incredible collection of art is from the newly released book An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg Draws the Disney Characters, and will be available for purchase in the Walt Disney Publishing pop-up shop on the EXPO show floor.

Frozen Album Signing

With the purchase of Frozen: The Songs or Frozen Picture Disc at the Disney Music Emporium, guests will be issued a wristband to secure a space for an album signing with Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez and Tom MacDougall (Co-Producer, Frozen Soundtrack) on Saturday, August 15 at 10:30 am.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are $74 for a one-day adult admission and $54 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $65 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $112 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.

About The Walt Disney Studios

For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.

About D23 EXPO 2015

D23 EXPO—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. For the latest D23 EXPO 2015 news, visit D23EXPO.com. To join the D23 EXPO conversation, make sure to follow @DisneyD23 on Twitter and use #D23Expo.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold and General Membership levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.