New Disney twenty-three Issue Celebrates 30 Years of Disney Legends

Photo Courtesy of D23

The new Disney twenty three magazine is out and this issue celebrates 30 years of Disney Legends. Here is the release from D23:

JULY 6, 2017

By D23 Team

Walt Disney once said, “You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world… but it requires people to make the dream a reality,” and The Walt Disney Company has been honoring these dream makers in a very special way since 1987. The Disney Legends award was first introduced 30 years ago, and to celebrate, Disney twenty-three has created a unique stand-alone issue featuring all 267 current honorees, as well as the 10 new Legends, who will be inducted next week at D23 Expo 2017.

For the issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, Disney twenty-three Photo Editor Ty Popko photographed 40 Legends in Disney settings: from Walt Disney’s Office Suite and the Walt Disney Archives to Walt Disney World Resort and the Good Morning America studios. Featured Legends include Tim Allen, Hayley Mills, Paige O’Hara, Regis Philbin, Anika Noni Rose, Lea Salonga, Richard Sherman, and Dick Van Dyke.

What else can you expect from this one-of-a-kind issue? Kurt Russell gives a first-person account of his time working for Walt himself and the many Disney adventures he has had over the years, Richard Sherman pens a touching tribute to Annette Funicello, Dave Smith answers your Disney Legends Qs, and, of course, tons of photos from Disney Legends Awards ceremonies throughout the years.

Plus, Disney animator Eric Goldberg crafted a piece of artwork exclusively for this issue featuring more than 30 Disney Legends, including Julie Andrews, Steve Martin, Angela Lansbury, and Robin Williams. As a bonus, D23 Gold Members attending D23 Expo 2017 will receive a complimentary print of the artwork at the event.

The D23 Expo 2017 happens next week July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. 

Source: D23.com

New D23 Issue Out and D23 Holding Two Special Events in December

Photo Credit: D23

The new D23 magazine is out and it dives deep into "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" which releases into theaters December 16. In the issue film stars Felicity Jones and Alan Tudyk, director Gareth Edwards, and producer Kathleen Kennedy give readers and fans a glimpse into the making of the film. Kennedy reveals the origins of the first stand-alone film while Edwards reveals what it took to bring Darth Vader back to the big screen. 

The issue also gives us a look into the 30th Anniversary of Star Tours with detailed concept art and in-depth interviews including one with Alan Tudyk. Tudyk calls himself Disney's "lucky charm," he's been in several big Disney films recently including Big Hero 6, Frozen, Wreck-It-Ralph, and this month's release in Disney's next big animated film, Moana.

Speaking of "Moana," star Auli'i Cravalho who voices the character Moana discusses how she almost didn't audition for the role. There is details from the Imagineers who created the new Iron Man Experience in Hong Kong Disneyland opening in January. We also get an inside look at the new enhancements aboard the Disney Wonder which is set to debut real soon. There is that and so much more in the new issue. 

D23 will also be holding two special events for members in December to celebrate the holiday season. First up will be Light Up the Season with D23 on December 4 at Walt Disney Studios in California. Next up will be D23's Disney Springs Holiday Celebration on December 13 at Disney Springs in Disney World.

Here are the details on Light Up the Season with D23:

OVERVIEW
Celebrate the holiday season on the Disney Studio lot with activities, shopping, photo opportunities, delicious treats, and a special lighting of the Studio Christmas tree!

DETAILS
Experience begins at 4 p.m. and will end at approximately 7 p.m. Check-in will be from 3:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please do not arrive before 3:15 p.m. Available to Gold, Gold Family, and General Members. Gold and Gold Family Members will be required to show their D23 Membership Card

Every December, the Disney Studio in Burbank gets a little more magical as the spirit of the holiday season sweeps across the lot with twinkling lights, music, and festive decorations. Continuing the tradition, D23 Members and their guests are invited to Light Up the Season on the fabled Studio grounds and celebrate that special Disney time of year with wintertime activities and games, shopping, photo opportunities, and delicious treats—fun for the whole family!

Normally reserved for Disney Studio employees and cast members, Light Up the Season will extend an extra night so that Disney’s best fans can celebrate the season in a place like no other. Along with a special lighting of the Disney Studio Christmas Tree, D23 Members will enjoy:

• Holiday classics under the stars, surrounded by the stars of Legends Plaza
• Several holiday photo opportunities, including Disney character photo spot
• Holiday shopping opportunities at the Studio Store, where Disney authors will be on hand to sign their books*
• Local vendor booths with a variety of crafts and gifts
• Fun holiday games and prizes
• Complimentary treats
• Additional seasonal sweets and savories—including Walt’s Chili!—will be available for purchase

Tickets for this event will cost $20 per person (plus a $5 processing fee) for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members and $30 per person (plus a $5 processing fee) for General D23 members. Tickets for the event will be available on November 4 at 1 p.m. ET/ 10 a.m. PT. 

Here are the details on D23's Disney Springs Holiday Celebration:

OVERVIEW
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with your D23 family at Disney Springs with reserved seating for a Walt Disney World Holiday Services Q&A, shopping discounts and merchandise, delicious treats, and a few ho-ho-holiday surprises!

DETAILS
Experience begins at 4:30 p.m. and will end at approximately 6:30 p.m. Check-in will begin at 4 p.m. Please do not expect to check-in before 4 p.m. Available to Gold, Gold Family, and General Members
Gold and Gold Family Members will be required to show their D23 Membership Card.

Join your D23 family for reserved seating at a special Q&A presentation with a representative from Walt Disney World Holiday Services to learn how an extraordinary team of Cast Members decorates four theme parks, more than a dozen resorts, Disney Springs, and, of course, much more for the merriest time of year!

But first, celebrate the holiday season at Disney Springs and be transported to a winter wonderland Guests in attendance will have the opportunity to pick up a complimentary cup of hot cocoa and an exclusive sweet treat, as well as shop at various locations along the way.

Of course, the celebration wouldn’t be complete without all attendees receiving a D23 reusable souvenir mug and some additional ho-ho-holiday surprises!

Tickets for this event cost $10 per person (plus a $5 processing fee) for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members. Tickets for Gold and Gold Family members go on sale on November 14 at 3 pm EST/12 p.m. PST. Tickets for General members will cost $10/person plus $5 processing fee and will go on sale November 21 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST. 

Disney Files Plans for Hollywood Studios & Magic Kingdom; New Disney twenty-three Focuses on Shanghai Disneyland

Disney Files Plans for Hollywood Studios & Magic Kingdom:

Blog Mickey has found that Disney has filed plans for a new entrance into Hollywood Studios and a possible new exit to the Magic Kingdom parking lot. First, the new entrance into Hollywood Studios.

The plan for the new entrance into Hollywood Studios has been rumored ever since the announcement of Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land. While this hasn't officially been announced by Disney it definitely seems it is official with them filing for permits. In the plans it appears as it would exchange at the corner of Victory Way and Osceola Parkway and that the World Drive entrance would be demolished.

The plans then seem to show that the exchange would dump traffic into what now only a wooded area. There is also rumors that the parking lot could be expanded and that a possible parking garage would be added. This would allow the accommodation for guests to be much easier entering into the park once the new lands are open. The plans were filed to the South Florida Water Management District. 

More plans were discovered as Disney appears to have filed plans for an overhaul of the Magic Kingdom parking lots. Originally thought an overhaul of the parking entrance it has been corrected by Blog Mickey to be the exit of the lots. 

The exit would be a part of a larger road widening project of Floridian Way that has already begun by the North Entrance near Reams Road. As for the overhaul of the parking lot, Disney appears to want to build a flyover that would allow busses and resort traffic to bypass the toll and just continue onto northbound World Drive that would take guests to the Magic Kingdom Resort area. Then it also shows a southbound connection, this connection would greatly relieve traffic congestion on Seven Seas Drive, especially around shift changes. 

Of course none of this has been confirmed, just the plans filed for both projects. Stay tuned for more details. 

New Disney twenty-three Issue Focuses on Opening of Shanghai Disneyland:

The next issue for D23's Disney twenty-three magazine should be arriving soon for D23 Gold Members. Once again it should be quite the read as the new issue focuses solely on the upcoming opening of Shanghai Disneyland on June 16. D23 is giving its members a sneak peak of the park ahead of its opening. Here is the release from D23:

"On June 16, Disney will officially open Shanghai Disney Resort, and Disney twenty-three is giving fans an advance peek at this breathtaking one-of-a-kind destination. From its opening pages, with a welcome from Disney Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger, to the back cover, featuring a map of the park—in Chinese—the issue is packed with exciting details about this new resort that celebrates everything guests love about Disney, while honoring China’s distinct cultural heritage.

The issue, exclusively for D23 Gold Members, provides a detailed look at how Shanghai Disney Resort was built from concept to concrete, including fascinating insights into the partnership between Walt Disney Imagineers and the incredibly talented artisans of mainland China. Readers will be able to explore all the exclusive attractions opening at the park including Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, which recreates moments from beloved Disney animated films as riders travel by boat through, around, and under the Enchanted Storybook Castle—the largest castle in any Disney park. The thrilling adrenaline rush of TRON Lightcycle Power Run puts guests in the driver’s seat of a high-tech race, and the high seas adventures of Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure boasts some of the most advanced technologies of any Disney attraction.

More than 30 pages of exclusive interviews and vibrant photography come together to highlight this jewel in the Disney Parks crown, from all-new shows, experiences, merchandise, and dining options to a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the creation of the resort.

Plus, Disney twenty-three turns up the heat with its annual summer movie preview. Highlights include exclusive interviews with Ellen DeGeneres discussing the upcoming Finding Dory as well as her first trip to Disneyland, Bryce Dallas Howard talking about the reimagining of Pete’s Dragon, and Academy Award®winner Steven Spielberg revealing details about his Disney directorial debut, The BFG.

Also included in the summer issue of Disney twenty-three is a look at how The Reluctant Dragon, celebrating its 75th anniversary, was able to give audiences a peek at the making of Disney animated films, while paving the way for the Disney Studio’s respected documentary films."

We are just over a month away from Shanghai Disneyland opening on June 16.

Spring Issue of Disney twenty-three Dives Inside Walt Disney Animation, El Capitan Announces Special Guests for Disney Animation Festival, and More

Spring Issue of Disney twenty-three Dives Inside Walt Disney Animation Studios:

The Spring issue of Disney twenty-three dives inside Walt Disney Animation Studios as it looks at the creative talents of the writers, directors, producers, and animators that have driven a wave of superior filmmaking. Here is the release from D23 on what's in the Spring issue:

In the 10 years since John Lasseter and Ed Catmull took over the reins of what is now Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney has enjoyed incredible creative and box office success with such films as Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, Big Hero 6, and, of course, Frozen. The spring 2016 issue of Disney twenty-three looks at the creative talents—from writers and directors to producers and animators—who have driven this wave of superior filmmaking that has resulted in two Academy Awards® for Best Animated Feature for the studio.

Disney twenty-three, available exclusively to D23 Gold Members, includes exclusive interviews with Lasseter and Catmull, as well as the teams behind Walt Disney Animation Studios’ run of hits, discussing the secrets behind their work and how a Disney animated film goes from concept to creation. Plus, Disney twenty-three unveils rarely seen visual development art created for the Studio’s most recent films. There are also advance looks at the upcoming animated films Zootopia—including a revealing one-on-one with star Ginnifer Goodwin—and Moana.

In addition to the animation celebration, the issue offers a sneak peek of Captain America: Civil War, featuring exclusive interviews with star Chris Evans and one of the film’s directors, Joe Russo. And director Jon Favreau details the incredible work behind crafting the stunning live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book, including how he snared Bill Murray to voice Baloo the bear.

Also included in the spring issue of Disney twenty-three:
Three cheers for the 10-year anniversary of High School Musical, including interviews with the director and members of the cast
A look at the colorful concept art from the 1967 animated hit The Jungle Book, with stories from Disney Legend Floyd Norman, who worked with Walt Disney on the film
A walk through Walt Disney’s office suite on the Studio lot, recently restored by the Walt Disney Archives
Regular features including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in late February.

El Capitan Theatre Announces Special Guests for Disney Animation Festival:

Last month, it was announced that the El Capitan Theatre would be holding a Disney Animation Festival leading up to the release of Disney's next animated film, "Zootopia." Today, the theatre announced the special guests to appear at each film in a special presentation with discussions on the films. Each film will have multiple showings each day but the 7 p.m. showing will have the presentation. Here is the impressive list

February 18 - "Wreck-It-Ralph" - Director Rich Moore

February 19 - "Frozen" - Directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee

February 20 - "Tangled" - Voice Talent Mandy Moore and Director Nathan Greno

February 21 - "Big Hero 6" - Voice Talents Scott Adsit and Ryan Potter, Director Chris Williams, and Producer Roy Conli

February 22 - "Bolt" - Director Chris Williams

February 23 - "Winnie the Pooh" - Voice Talent Jim Cummings and Producer Peter Del Vecho

February 24 - "The Princess and the Frog" - Voice Talents Anika Noni Rose, Jim Cummings, and Michael Leon-Wooley - Directors John Musker and Ron Clements

Everyone in attendance for the panels will receive beautiful pieces of artwork created specifically for the films. Additionally, the first 75 guests will get to meet with the filmmakers who will autograph the artwork. Each of the films will be screened at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" Begins Production, First Picture Tease Released:

Principal photography has begun on "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" at Pinewood Studios in Atlanta. With the beginning of photography Marvel released the first photo featuring our heroes including a Baby Groot standing on Drax's shoulder. The sequel is set to the music of Awesome Mixtape #2 will hit theaters next year on May 5, 2017. 

The sequel is once again directed by James Gunn and returns stars Chris Pratt (Peter Quill/Star-Lord),  Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Dave Bautista (Drax), Vin Diesel (Groot), Bradley Cooper (Rocket Raccoon), Michael Rooker (Yondu), Karen Gillan (Nebula), and Sean Gunn (Kraglin). The film also has some new stars to add to the list including Kurt Russell (Furious 7, The Hateful Eight), Chris Sullivan (The Knick, The Drop), Elizabeth Debicki (Everest, The Great Gatsby), and Pom Klementieff (Old Boy).