Last week D23: The Official Disney Fan Club launched Walt Week: Celebrating a Legacy of Imagination, Creativity, and Innovation, and on their new website D23.com/WalkWithWalt there are tons of amazing photos and articles about Walt Disney throughout the years and the efforts to restore the Disney Home in Chicago.

And while D23 members have access to exclusive content and special features, on December 15^th to mark the 50^th anniversary of Walt Disney’s passing D23 is inviting guests at the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo Disney Resort to join the celebration of Walt’s extraordinary life by sharing a message on Memory Boards that will be placed at each resort. 

Guests can find the Walt Week Memory Boards at the following locations:

· Disneyland Resort: The gallery inside the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland Park from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m

· Walt Disney World Resort: Inside One Man’s Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

· Disneyland Paris: Inside the Liberty Arcade on Main Street, U.S.A. at the entrance of “Statue of Liberty Tableau” from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

· Hong Kong Disneyland: Inside Art of Animation on Main Street, U.S.A. from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

· Tokyo Disney Resort: Mark Twain Riverboat queue from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

If you are looking to sign these memory boards, please keep in mind that the times and locations of the boards could change so be sure to ask a Cast Member if you have any questions.

After December 15^th, the boards will be on display for all to see at D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, from July 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

But until then, make sure you visit D23.com/WalkWithWalt! It is a fantastic site that will keep you reading for hours!!!

If you aren’t already a member joining at Gold Membership, Gold Family Membership, and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23 is super easy!

DISNEY TWENTY-THREE JOINS THE REBELLION TO CELEBRATE THE ARRIVAL OF ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH STARS FELICITY JONES AND ALAN TUDYK, DIRECTOR GARETH EDWARDS, AND PRODUCER KATHLEEN KENNEDY GIVE FANS A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE MAKING OF THE NEW FILM.

PLUS, A PREVIEW OF THE NEW IRON MAN EXPERIENCE AT HONG KONG DISNEYLAND, A TOUR OF THE REIMAGINED DISNEY WONDER, AND A CONVERSATION WITH MOANA STAR AULI‘I CRAVALHO

On December 16, Star Wars fans will blast off once again to a galaxy far, far away—only this time, it’s with a new set of characters (save for one Sith Lord) in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The film’s stars Felicity Jones and Alan Tudyk, director Gareth Edwards, and producer Kathleen Kennedy give readers a glimpse into the making of the film, which is centered on a group of rebels determined to steal the plans for the menacing Death Star. Kennedy reveals the origins of this first “stand-alone” film, while Edwards discusses the detailed planning that went into bringing Darth Vader back to the big screen.

The winter issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also includes a look at the 30th anniversary of Disney Parks’ Star Tours, with detailed concept artwork and in-depth interviews. And Tudyk, who gives voice to droid K-2SO in Rogue One, talks about being a “lucky charm” for Walt Disney Animation Studios, having provided his vocal talents for such films as Big Hero 6, Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph, and this month’s Moana.

Plus, Auli‘i Cravalho talks about her star turn as the title character in Moana, and reveals she almost didn’t audition for the dazzling animated film, which opens November 23. The creators of the exhilarating new Iron Man Experience unveil details about the Marvel-themed attraction, which opens at Hong Kong Disneyland next January. And the team behind the enhancements on the Disney Wondercruise ship gives fans an inside look at the unique experiences and exquisite details guests will enjoy when they next set sail.

There’s much more Disney magic in the winter issue of Disney twenty-three, including:

• An exploration of the new book Maps of the Disney Parks, which highlights stunning works of art that have gone into park cartography over the years
• The reunion of Newsies original Broadway cast members for a new filmed version of the hit musical
• Famous Disney characters from around the world that you (may) have never met
• The storytelling and artistry of Marvel’s Enchanted Tiki Room comic books
• A celebration of 60 years of the delightful Daisy Duck
• Regular features including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave

And starting December 1, D23.com will once again kick off the “D23 Days of Christmas.” Each day will include sweepstakes for incredible Disney prizes, dazzling photography, delicious recipes, original stories and videos, colorful crafts, and much more. D23 will also host several exclusive holiday events for members including: Light Up the Season with D23 on Sunday, December 4, at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank and D23’s Disney Springs Holiday Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando on Tuesday, December 13. Visit D23.com/D23Days to unwrap the holiday fun.

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 mid-November.

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.

D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures presented by Ethan Allen | Disney will take place at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World November 19^th & 20^th, and as more details are announced the more excited I get!

AVATAR creators James Cameron (writer, director, producer) and Jon Landau (producer) will join Imagineer Joe Rohde for Pandora – The World of AVATAR, a presentation where they will unveil new details about the immersive, 12-acre land coming soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In addition, the event will include a conversation with Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Plus, Moana screenwriter Jared Bush (co-writer/co-director Zootopia) will be on hand to provide guests an exclusive advance look at the making of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest animated feature.

Cameron, Landau, and Chapek join previously announced Disney Legends Marty Sklar and Tony Baxter; Walt Disney Imagineers Rohde, Chris Merritt, Jason Grandt, and Wyatt Winter; producer Don Hahn (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast);and Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline. The event, exclusively for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, celebrates landmarks of the past, present, and future, from the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean to the planet of Pandora.

On of my favorite parts of Destination D is always the Walt Disney Archives! This year they will present a special exhibit created exclusively for the event called Walt’s Great Adventures. This will feature photographs, props, and models that showcase Walt Disney’s personal voyages, including his trip to South America in 1941, as well as some of his most memorable creations for television, film, and theme parks, such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Additionally, during the weekend, guests will be among the first to see the new Ethan Allen | Disney home furnishing line in person.

Additional D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures presentations announced include:

• Welcome to Adventureland: Set off on a journey through “Adventurelands” at Disney Parks around the world, beginning with a rare look at artist Harper Goff’s exotic concepts for Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
• Tales from the Jungle Cruise: Fans of “the backside of water” unite! Discover the legendary history of the world-famous attraction with a panel of wisecracking experts, including a behind-the-scenes look at recent holiday overlays and the new Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s 45th Anniversary: From tropical hideaways to enchanting entertainment, celebrate the spirit of aloha as D23 looks back at 45 years of the classic South Pacific-themed getaway.

Another highlight of the weekend is the chance to shop at Mickey’s of Glendale, the famed Walt Disney Imagineering store! The a pop-up shop at the event for attendees will feature a selection of exclusive Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, apparel, and collectibles themed to the event.

Tickets are currently on sale, and are $190 each for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members or D23 General Members for $250 per ticket. All guests will receive a special gift created exclusively for the event, and attendees are guaranteed seats at all panels and presentations.

Further details about the program and tickets for D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures presented by Ethan Allen | Disney can be found at D23.com/Events. Additional details about the schedule will be shared in the coming months.

Disney Twenty-Three Fall 2016 Issue Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Beauty And The Beast & More

Interviews with Paige I’Hara, Robby Benson, Alan Menken, Angela Lansbury, Lina Wollverton, and many more give fans a rich look at the creation and enduring legacy of the beloved classic.

This year, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast—the first animated film ever to be nominated for an Academy Award^® for Best Picture—celebrates its 25th anniversary, and Disney twenty-three is giving fans a spectacular look at the film from its inception to its timeless legacy. The issue features interviews with Paige O’Hara (Belle), Robby Benson (Beast), Angela Lansbury (Mrs. Potts), David Ogden Stiers (Cogsworth), Richard White (Gaston), composer Alan Menken, screenwriter Linda Woolverton, producer Don Hahn, and many more, as well as stories about how the film has been equally successful in Disney theme parks and on stage. Plus, readers will learn more about the live-action adaptation of the film, coming to theaters in 2017.

The issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also features a Fall TV Preview, which includes interviews with ABC’s Once Upon a Time creators Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz; the producers and stars of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.; and Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh (who created Phineas and Ferb), who reveal details about their new Disney XD show, Milo Murphy’s Law. Plus, Hayley Atwell of Agent Carter and Cinderella gives fans a preview of her new ABC show, Conviction, and shares with readers her favorite Disneyland attractions.

Also included in the fall publication of Disney twenty-three is an exclusive interview with Benedict Cumberbatch about his upcoming Marvel film Doctor Strange; a look at how Disney Theatrical Group creates spectacular shows for Broadway and beyond; a peek at the creation of Disney’s newest princess, Elena of Avalor; and a story focusing on the timeless artwork ofDumbo to toast the film’s 75th anniversary. The issue also includes regular columns such as Ask Dave, From the Vault, A Walk with Walt, and a special “From the Desk of” to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

The celebration of Beauty and the Beast’s 25th anniversary continues on September 5, when D23 Members—and Disney fans—are invited to join the festivities as the club kicks off its annual Fanniversary event. D23 will be holding member screenings of the groundbreaking film around the country, Gold Members will receive special “selfie kits” with the fall publication, and D23.com will offer fans exclusive features, new videos, printables, recipes, and much more. Fans are invited to “be our guest” for this 25-day event, and to use the hashtag #D23Fanniversary on social media to join the conversation. More details will be available in the coming weeks at D23.com/D23Fanniversary.

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 August.

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.

D23 Expo 2017 Tickets On Sale Now!

Discounted Tickets Available for a Limited Time ~ D23 Members Enjoy Additional Savings and Member-Only Benefits

The D23 Expo 2017 will take place July 14-16, 2017 at the Anaheim Convention Center, and you can purchase tickets for the the D23 Expo now!

The largest Disney fan event in the world, D23 Expo celebrates all the wonderful worlds of Disney entertainment, uniting all parts of The Walt Disney Company under one roof, including The Walt Disney Studios (including Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm); Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media; and Media Networks (including ABC, Disney Channel, and Radio Disney). D23 Expo 2017 marks the fifth biennial event held in Anaheim.

Once again the Expo will celebrate the past, present, and future of Disney with live events, celebrity appearances, panels, presentations, sneak peeks, and immersive experiences. D23 Expo 2017 marks the return of fan favorites, including the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, honoring the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; an exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives, which spotlights costumes, props, and set pieces from Disney’s rich history; and the Mousequerade costume contest.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 will be available at a discounted price for a limited time. From now until December 31, 2016, tickets are $67 for a one-day adult admission and $46 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $57 for a one-day adult admission and $41 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $296 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.

D23 Expo 2017 will showcase all of the latest stars in the Disney universe. In 2015, celebrity appearances included Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Evans, Lupita Nyong’o, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Dwayne Johnson. The event also featured performances by Ne-Yo, Sabrina Carpenter, the cast of Teen Beach 2, and stars of Disney’s shows on Broadway. Additionally, Disney executives and creative talent came together to deliver special presentations, announcements, and experiences to Disney fans throughout the three-day extravaganza.

D23 Gold and Charter Members will be entitled to special benefits throughout the weekend. Look for announcements about these opportunities in the coming months.

For the latest news and updates about D23 Expo 2017, visit D23Expo.com.

Disney Twenty-Three Summer Issue Journeys To Shanghai Disney Resort

Disney Twenty-Three has unlocked the gates to Shanghai Disney Resort with spectacular photos and in-depth articles giving Disney D23 Members and Fans an advance look at the one-of-a-kind theme park that is authentically Disney and Distinctively Chinese.

Also in the issue you can find D23’s Summer Movie Preview with exclusive interviews with Finding Dory’s Ellen Degeneres, Pete’s Dragon’s Bryce Dallas Howard, and BFG Director Steven Spielberg.

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 Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, 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, gave audiences a peek at the making of Disney animated films, while paving the way for the Disney Studio’s respected documentary films.

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 May.

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.

D23 Gold Member Gift for 2016 Offers a Rare Glimpse into Disney’s Rich Legacy

Members will receive a collection of 23 items reproduced “From the Office of Walt Disney.”

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

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

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

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

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; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

D23 News: Disney Twenty-Three Fall Issue Details

Journey to a Galaxy Far, Far Away as Disney Twenty-Three Gives Fans Unprecedented Access to Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Featuring exclusive interviews with J.J. Abrams, Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, Lawrence Kasdan, and Kathleen Kennedy, Disney’s Official Fan Club celebrates the epic saga.

To celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Disney twenty-three unlocks the power of the force to give fans a look behind the making of the newest installment in the Star Wars saga.

The issue opens with “guest editor” C-3PO admitting he is unfamiliar with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club (“…although I am very familiar with the R2 series of droid, I am less familiar with the D23 line. Would it be R2-D23?”) and continues with candid interviews with the original Star Wars leads—Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford—looking back (and ahead) at the ongoing strength of these out-of-this-world films. 

Director J.J. Abrams—whose long-standing history with Disney goes back to the TV show Felicity—sits down for a revealing Q&A, and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy talks about inheriting one of the most beloved franchises of all time. Plus, Imagineer Scott Trowbridge gives fans a peek at what’s in store for guests at the parks, following Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger’s announcement at D23 EXPO 2015 of Star Wars-themed lands coming to Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

And the Star Wars adventures continue. Also included in the publication, available exclusively to D23 Gold Members:

· Stories behind the movie poster artwork for all seven films

· An exclusive interview with Star Wars Rebels executive producer Dave Filoni, who talks about his first, nerve-wracking meeting with George Lucas

· The incredible collectibles—past and future—that allow guests to bring the movies into their homes, including the story of the groundbreaking BB-8 toy

· A salute to George Lucas by Star Wars authority Steve Sansweet

Plus, there’s plenty of Disney magic in the winter issue of Disney twenty-three including:

• The story of how the new Disney•Pixar film The Good Dinosaur came to rule the Earth

• A look back at the creation of Fantasia, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary

• How The Finest Hours went from an unbelievable true story to a gripping new film

• 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 mid-November.

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.