On March 15, during the Academy Awards on ABC, Disney Cruise Line premiered an emotional and uplifting new ad campaign showing how even the simplest moments on a Disney vacation can grow into lifelong memories and treasured family traditions.

The spot, dubbed “Midnight Magic,” follows a father and son as they share a quiet ritual aboard a Disney ship, tracing their relationship across the years, from childhood to adulthood and into grandparenthood.

Fair warning: keep a tissue handy because it’s a tear-jerker (in all the best ways).

“Disney has brought families closer together for generations,” said Asad Ayaz, Chief Marketing and Brand Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This campaign embodies what guests tell us time and again: that the Disney experiences they cherish most are the ones spent with the people they love. We’re grateful to make that kind of Disney magic a reality.”

The creative team behind this short film drew inspiration from how Disney creates moments of real connection, sometimes in moments of grandeur and sometimes in the quiet moments they share as a family. In the ad’s story, those quieter moments take place during a nighttime stroll on a Disney cruise, when the ship feels like yours alone.

The campaign highlights Disney’s unique ability to touch lives, build meaningful connections and create happiness—not just through attractions, shows and amenities, but in the time spent with each other. The idea of a Disney cruise becoming a family tradition came straight from longtime fans and repeat guests.

The spot arrives during an exciting period of growth for Disney Cruise Line. Five new ships are planned by 2031, bringing the fleet to a total of 13 ships worldwide. That expansion includes the recent launch of Disney Destiny in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the debut of Disney Adventure in Singapore earlier this month as the cruise line’s first ship in Asia.

Along with more departure ports around the globe to destinations spanning the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Europe, Alaska and beyond, this ongoing expansion is enabling Disney Cruise Line to welcome more families than ever before.

For more information about how to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation, guests can visit DisneyCruise.com.

For more than a century, The Walt Disney Company has continued to expand the ways in which audiences interact with its stories. At this year’s South by Southwest® (SXSW®) conference in Austin, Texas, Disney Consumer Products (DCP) showcased exactly how that legacy is expanding — powered by cultural insight, emotional storytelling, and innovative collaborations that meet fans wherever they are.

On March 13, Tasia Filippatos, President of Disney Consumer Products, took to the SXSW stage to detail how the business has grown into a commercial powerhouse, extending Disney’s iconic characters far beyond screens and theme parks into everyday categories such as sports, beauty, fashion, jewelry, and home décor.

Amplifying a Legacy of Magic

Filippatos opened her talk, “Shaping Brand Relevance for a New Generation,” with a simple statement: each person’s experience with Disney is deeply personal. Whether it’s a memory of a family trip to Disneyland, trick-or-treating dressed as a beloved Disney character, or singing a favorite song on repeat, Disney stories don’t just entertain; they stay with us. And while many fans know Disney for its films and theme parks, DCP is the engine that brings those stories to life in the hands of consumers around the world.

But, Filippatos cautioned, “legacy alone isn’t a strategy for the future.” Disney’s challenge, and opportunity, is to remain meaningful to each new generation. To sustain that emotional connection, DCP is evolving how fans experience Disney stories by meeting them where they are, embracing new platforms and touchpoints that make Disney part of daily life.

Inside the World of Disney Consumer Products

Disney’s consumer products business anchors a $62 billion global retail ecosystem, inclusive of the world’s largest licensing operation. Spanning more than 100 product categories across 180 countries, DCP brings storytelling to life from mass retailers like Walmart to luxury brands such as Gucci, and from games to publishing. At every level, the work is guided by a single purpose: to “create happiness every day.”

Evolving With a New Generation of Fans

With younger generations shaping global trends faster than ever, DCP is adapting to meet the expectations of digital‑native audiences. Filippatos invited Ron Faris, DCP’s Head of Global Marketing, to unpack how fandom drives cultural relevance. His insight: youth don’t just consume culture; they create it, remix it, and scale it.

From games like Roblox and Fortnite to video platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, today’s fans interact with Disney stories on their own terms, and Disney’s approach is evolving accordingly.

As Faris explained, the Disney playbook is built on three core ingredients: story, product, and experience, with story as the foundation. “Story is the most important. That’s the lore,” he said, noting that Disney continually shapes and remixes its stories to drive energy and emotion across different segments of consumers. With trading cards and vintage thrifting emerging as two of the biggest youth trends today, DCP leans into high-heat drops and collectible formats like blind boxes, which deepen emotional engagement. Together, this approach allows DCP to create culturally relevant moments that resonate with new audiences.

Games as a Gateway into Disney Stories

With nine game franchises surpassing $1 billion, Disney games aren’t simple adaptations of box office hits. Instead, they’re full-fledged storytelling universes. Filippatos also welcomed Sean Shoptaw, EVP of Games & Digital Entertainment, to discuss how gaming has become one of the most powerful entry points into Disney storytelling.

“Today’s consumers expect to have a voice,” said Filippatos. “And they’re looking for community and shared experiences on these platforms.”

Shoptaw highlighted the company’s partnership with Epic Games, showcasing the enormous potential ahead as the boundaries between games, content, and interactive worlds continue to blur.

Emotion at the Heart of Creativity

Emotion drives everything at Disney and that includes consumer products. To explore this idea, Marcus Rosie, Head of Global Creative, joined Filippatos onstage to talk about how DCP designs products and experiences starting with the question: “What do we want people to feel?”

Pointing to examples ranging from Selfridges’ enchanting and immersive holiday takeover in London to a globally celebrated Disney’s The Lion King collaboration with Balmain, shot on location in Africa and the award-winning Bath & Body Works Disney Princess and Villains fragrance collections, Rosie stressed how emotion transforms products into cultural moments. “Once we define the emotional destination – whether it’s wonder, nostalgia, humor or joy – everything else becomes a design choice,” he said. “Emotion is what turns a moment into a memory.”

Unexpected Collaborations, Made Authentically Disney

The session also spotlighted collaborations that spark curiosity and cultural conversation.

Bobby Kim, DCP’s Global Creative Director, shared how Disney chooses collaborators whose stories align with the company’s DNA, leading to partnerships that feel surprising, yet unmistakably Disney.

“Collaborations are not just a way to share someone else’s story,” said Kim, “but to shine a light on the nuances and facets of your own brand that you might not have seen otherwise. What you say about the collaborator really says more about yourself.”

The Disney x Formula 1® “Fuel the Magic” collaboration was an unexpected pairing that unlocked engagement with a massive global fanbase of 860 million people and made Mickey Mouse an instant star in the F1 paddock. The kick-off spot last May sparked the highest engagement F1 has ever seen around any of its partnership announcements.

From the SXSW stage, Filippatos announced the next step in the “Fuel the Magic” campaign — a partnership with F1 Academy, supporting the next generation of female racers while celebrating Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck.

A Blueprint for Staying Relevant

To close the session, Filippatos highlighted one more example that captures the spirit of Disney’s evolving cultural relevance: the 2024 Coperni runway show at Disneyland Paris, which closed out Paris Fashion Week in front of some of the world’s leading tastemakers.

Ultimately, each example discussed reinforced the central idea at the heart of Filippatos’ message, which is relevance is built through creativity, authenticity, and emotional connection. When brands build meaningful connections with their audiences, the magic naturally follows.

On March 29, Disneyland Paris enters an exciting new chapter with the inauguration of Disney Adventure World, its reimagined and expanded second park that features a thrilling array of innovative new experiences that leverage Disney’s globally beloved stories and franchises.

From the moment guests enter through the majestic Adventure Way to the impressive brand-new World of Frozen — which recreates the kingdom of Arendelle on a life-size scale — they’ll discover an attraction inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Tangled, 14 new dining locations, an immense lake called Adventure Bay, a breathtaking nighttime spectacular, and more. That’s not to mention the new Olaf robotic character, who will be featured as part of the daily Celebration in Arendelle show.

To learn more about the resort’s exciting transformation, which will include a new world and attraction themed to The Lion King still to come, we spoke with Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris.

On Mar. 29, the resort’s second park will officially become Disney Adventure World, with World of Frozen as its centerpiece. How did you determine which Disney stories and franchises would best resonate with guests across Europe?

Our strategy was driven by two key pillars: the proven emotional power of our franchises and our ambition to introduce new stories that complemented those already featured in Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris. We chose franchises like Frozen, Marvel, and The Lion King because they offer something for everyone, from young children and families to adult fans. While Pixar already has a beloved presence in both our parks, we recognized that Frozen and Marvel have become absolute cultural phenomena that particularly resonate with our European guests. By pairing these with The Lion King, a story that holds a unique, almost sacred place in the hearts of Europeans, we’ve created a perfectly balanced ecosystem of stories.

While Disneyland Park, our first theme park in Paris, remains the home of classic, timeless storytelling, Disney Adventure World is designed as a place where guests literally step into the stories they know and love. We wanted to move beyond watching the story to living within the familiar environments seen on screen. Whether it’s wandering the streets of Arendelle or immersing yourself in the high-tech world of the Avengers, we are inviting our guests to fully dive into the cinematic worlds they have seen on screen, providing a fresh, distinct contrast to our first park.

These stories clearly travel well beyond their original markets. What does their global appeal say about the enduring strength of Disney’s franchises?

It proves that our stories speak a universal language. Disney’s strength lies in building on themes that are foundational to the human experience: the importance of family and self-discovery in Frozen, the values of heroism and leadership in Marvel, or the responsibility and circle of life in The Lion King.

When you combine those themes with relatable characters and unforgettable music, you create a shared cultural touchstone. These stories connect people across generations and borders, creating an emotional bond that remains vibrant decades after a film’s release.

How did you bring these franchises to life in ways that felt authentic to the region and resonated with local guests?

It is a delicate balance between preserving the DNA of these universal stories and grounding them in an experience that feels authentic to our diverse guests, and weaving it into the cultural fabric of Europe. Many of the stories we tell, from Frozen and Tangled to Peter Pan, are originally based on traditional European stories. Our goal is to honor that heritage while inviting guests into the Disney version of those worlds.

We achieve this by drawing heavily from European artistic traditions. On Adventure Way, for example, we embraced an eclectic architectural style with a strong Art Nouveau aesthetic — and influential school of design that originated here in France. We also know our European guests have a unique appreciation for nature and the traditional stroll. Our landscapes bring this to life through an English-inspired Gazebo Garden and formal French-style parks, offering a more contemplative, distinctly European way to experience a theme park.

That commitment to authenticity carries through to the smallest details of craftsmanship and artistry. In The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge, for example, the decor features striking display plates from the Royal Delft manufactory in the Netherlands — authentic elements that help ground the fantasy in real‑world history. We even localize the experience through sound, collaborating with renowned French composer Philippe Rombi, who created a score for Adventure Way that brings a distinct cinematic sensibility to the land.

Finally, we think carefully about how language plays an important role in making the experience accessible and relatable. In our attractions, guests will hear characters naturally shift between French and English, ensuring the story is clear for everyone while maintaining the grand scale our guests expect. It is truly about honoring the European spirit of these tales while inviting every guest to become a part of the story.

What are some of the most exciting innovations coming to Disneyland Paris as part of this transformation?

Innovation at Disneyland Paris is about elevating every touchpoint of the guest journey, ensuring the magic feels more seamless and alive than ever before. We are particularly thrilled to introduce a next generation robotic figure of Olaf. Developed by Walt Disney Imagineering, this is a true milestone in character technology. Unlike traditional animatronic figures, this Olaf is a free roaming, untethered robotic character that can walk and move with the same whimsical and slightly bumbling gait we know from the films. He can speak and engage with his surroundings in a way that creates a level of character fidelity previously only possible on screen. Guests will be able to see him soon at both Hong Kong Disneyland and right here in Paris as part of our entertainment offerings.

Looking beyond World of Frozen, we are bringing a world first to our nighttime entertainment with the introduction of autonomous aquatic drones. These surface vehicles allow us to use the water of Adventure Bay as a dynamic and choreographed stage. By blending this cutting-edge technology with our classic storytelling, we are creating a multisensory show unlike anything seen in a Disney park before.

We are also evolving the invisible parts of the guest experience. By introducing new digital ways to order food and modernizing our retail environments with intuitive technology, we are removing friction from the day to day. Our goal is to ensure guests spend less time in line and more time immersed in the stories they love.

This transformation is part of a broader €2 billion investment in Disneyland Paris. What does that level of investment signal about Disney’s long-term commitment to the resort and to its growing presence in Europe more broadly?

This investment is a powerful vote of confidence in Disneyland Paris as the leading tourist destination in Europe. It reflects our continued evolution as a world‑class resort, designed to meet the needs of future generations of guests. By significantly expanding our footprint and diversifying our stories, we are reinforcing our commitment to the European region, ensuring that we remain the gold standard for immersive family entertainment for decades to come.

The evolution of Disney Adventure World continues beyond March 29, with a new Up–inspired attraction and an immersive world based on The Lion King still to come. How do these future developments fit into your vision?

Our vision is one of continuous growth and layered storytelling. As we evolve, we are focused on creating a balanced park experience. For instance, the new Up-inspired attraction is a charming, family-style flying carousel that serves as a perfect celebration of the film’s spirit, beautifully complementing the lush greenery and atmosphere of Adventure Way.

Looking further ahead, the upcoming immersive world of The Lion King will be a massive cornerstone for the park’s future. These developments ensure that Disney Adventure World is a place of constant discovery. A destination that grows alongside our guests, offering everything from quiet moments of family fun to epic, large-scale adventures.

Thomas Mazloum Named Chairman, Disney Experiences

Disney Experiences announced today a series of leadership appointments, underscoring the strength and versatility of its leadership team. “We’re in an unprecedented period of growth for Disney Experiences,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences and incoming Chief Executive Officer of the Walt Disney Company. “This team will propel the world-class experiences Disney is known for to more guests across the globe.”

Thomas Mazloum succeeds Josh D’Amaro as Chairman, Disney Experiences, leading a diverse portfolio of global businesses including Disney’s theme parks, cruise ships, resort hotels, expeditions and adventures, consumer products, and Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative engine behind Disney’s experiences portfolio.

Mazloum brings deep operational knowledge of Disney Experiences, a strong record of international leadership, and a long-standing commitment to Disney’s cast members and creative culture. With the guest experience at the center of everything, he will lead the business into its next chapter as it continues to grow and evolve globally.

Before joining Disney, Mazloum built a strong foundation in European luxury hospitality, gaining extensive experience across high‑end hotels in food & beverage, guest services, and hotel operations. He later served as Chief Operating Officer of Crystal Cruise Line, where he was known for driving service excellence, transforming organizational cultures, and successfully launching new travel ventures.

As part of his Disney career, Mazloum held senior leadership roles at Walt Disney World Resort before being named President, Disney Signature Experiences. In that role, he developed a long‑term strategic growth plan that included doubling the size of the Disney Cruise Line fleet. With the recent launch of Disney Adventure in Singapore — the cruise line’s eighth ship and its first homeported in Asia — the business expanded into new growth markets and reached the next generation of fans.

Most recently, as President, Disneyland Resort, Mazloum oversaw two theme parks, three hotels, and the Downtown Disney District during the Resort’s 70th anniversary celebration.

“Thomas Mazloum is an exceptional leader with a genuine appreciation for our cast members and a proven track record of delivering growth,” said D’Amaro. “His focus on service excellence, broad international leadership, and strong connection to the creativity that brings our stories to life make him the right leader to guide Disney Experiences into its next chapter.”

Disney Experiences also announced the following changes to its leadership team, with all roles reporting to Mazloum:

• Jill Estorino — President, Disneyland Resort
• Tasia Filippatos — President, Disney Parks International
• Lisa Baldzicki — President, Disney Consumer Products

Jill Estorino has been named President, Disneyland Resort, where she will continue to elevate the guest and cast experience at the company’s original, iconic destination.

Over her 35-year career, Estorino held numerous leadership roles, including Executive Vice President of Global Marketing and Sales for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, where she played a key role in the grand opening of Shanghai Disney Resort. Most recently, as President of Disney Parks International, Estorino oversaw the operations, expansion and development of Disney’s international parks and resorts, including Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort with the Oriental Land Company. Estorino successfully expanded Disney’s global footprint at sites around the world, reaching new consumers and fans from around the world. Since her appointment, Disney’s international parks have seen strong performance and growth.

In her new role as Disneyland Resort President, Estorino brings a global perspective shaped by decades of leadership across Disney’s diverse portfolio of experiences. As a strong business and marketing strategist, she focuses on brand stewardship, exceptional guest experiences, and a deeply connected cast culture. Estorino will guide the resort through its next phase of growth while continuing to foster the culture and community that has defined Disneyland.

Tasia Filippatos is appointed President, Disney Parks International, overseeing the growth and evolution of Disney’s parks outside the United States.

Most recently, Filippatos served as President of Disney Consumer Products, guiding the business through a period of transformation fueled by innovation-led growth. Her leadership included a global portfolio spanning products, Parks merchandise, retail, publishing and games while translating iconic storytelling into scaled consumer experiences through premier brand partnerships worldwide.

In her new role as President of Disney Parks International, Filippatos brings a proven track record of leading complex global businesses at scale across diverse international markets. A visionary leader at the forefront of creativity and innovation, she will oversee the operations, expansion, and development of Disney’s international parks — including Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort in partnership with Oriental Land Company, and our newest park coming to Abu Dhabi in partnership with Miral.

Lisa Baldzicki is promoted to President, Disney Consumer Products, where she will continue to build on the great momentum and evolution of our global consumer products business.

Baldzicki was most recently head of Parks Product Development & Retail for Disney Consumer Products, where she defined the vision and business strategy for retail product and integrated experiences across Disney’s domestic parks. She brought a consumer-led merchandising perspective to the role, shaping strategies that drive how guests engage with products and brands before, during, and after purchase.

In her new role as President, Disney Consumer Products, she will lead the continued evolution of the global retail division of The Walt Disney Company. The division includes the world’s largest licensing business with a presence across more than 100 product categories and a global reach spanning over 180 countries.

“As we look ahead, I have tremendous confidence in Thomas and in the leaders stepping into these roles — Jill, Tasia, and Lisa — along with the incredible leadership team across Disney Experiences,” said D’Amaro. “Together, they will continue to build on our momentum around the world, delivering the service, creativity and one-of-a-kind experiences that define Disney.”

Transitions will get under way in the next few weeks, with all roles effective March 18, 2026.

On March 10, the Disney Adventure will set sail on its maiden voyage from Singapore, joining the growing Disney Cruise Line fleet as its eighth ship and first in Asia — bringing immersive Disney storytelling to more guests and Disney fans around the world than ever.

The Disney Adventure expands The Walt Disney Company’s presence in one of the fastest growing travel regions and in cruising, one of the fastest growing segments of global travel.

“We think about this ship as a brand ambassador as Disney Cruise Line continues to visit more people in more places around the world,” said Joe Schott, President, Disney Signature Experiences. “It brings together our storytelling, entertainment and legendary service in one immersive experience, creating memories for guests that stay with them long after the voyage ends.”

With five additional Disney ships launching between 2027 and 2031, the growth of Disney Cruise Line reflects continued expansion across Disney Experiences, which currently has more projects underway globally than at any point in the company’s history.

Introducing New Guests to Disney Experiences

Helping to meet the rising demand for Disney vacations at sea, Schott shared that the fleet is already more than 80% sold for fiscal year 2026, even as capacity continues to grow with the expansion into Asia and the recent debut of the Disney Destiny in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November.

Based on a survey of the initial guests who booked sailings on the Disney Adventure:

• More than 90% of guests are sailing with Disney Cruise Line for the first time, highlighting the long-term growth potential in the region.
• Most guests are first-time cruisers, demonstrating Disney’s unique ability to attract new audiences across Southeast Asia.
• Families make up most guests onboard, reinforcing Disney Cruise Line’s strength in multigenerational travel, which is popular in this market.
• Most guests plan to spend time in Singapore before or after their cruise, indicating the positive economic impact of the ship’s local presence.

While most guests sailing aboard the Disney Adventure are new to cruising and to Disney Cruise Line, their connection to Disney is well established. The overwhelming majority say they have previously experienced Disney through theme parks, films, television, or consumer products, making the cruise experience a natural extension of stories they already know and love.

With Hong Kong Disneyland more than 1,500 miles (about 2,600 kilometers) from Singapore, the Disney Adventure brings a Disney experience closer to guests in the region.

Building on that momentum, as previously announced, Disney is also working with Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC) to bring Disney cruise vacations to Japan, expected to begin by early 2029, further extending the company’s foothold in Asia.

Bringing the Disney Adventure to Life

As the largest ship to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Adventure spans 1,122 feet, accommodates approximately 6,700 guests and is supported by a crew of about 2,500. The Disney Adventure sails three- and four-night itineraries at sea, making the ship both the journey and the destination.

Across seven immersive themed areas, the ship brings more than 100 years of Disney, Marvel, and Pixar storytelling to life through experiences thoughtfully inspired by the region. Highlights include a Marvel-themed adventure zone on the upper decks, San Fransokyo Street from Big Hero 6, and a Lion King-inspired fireworks spectacular. The ship also features Duffy and Friends, the beloved character franchise that originated in Disney’s Asia theme parks, with dedicated consumer products, meet-and-greets, and an original stage show.

“A cruise ship allows us to immerse guests in a brand in a deeper way,” said Bruce Vaughn, President and Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney Imagineering. “It’s almost like stepping into a living storybook, where every space plays a role in the story being told.

“Immersion isn’t just about what you see,” he added. “It’s how sound, lighting, food and movement all work together so the story surrounds you, instead of sitting in front of you.”

For more on the Disney Adventure and how to book, guests can visit DisneyAdventure.com.

To learn more about how the Disney Adventure was made, watch the newest episode of We Call it Imagineering.

New brand campaign, products, publishing titles and content will spotlight Pooh and his legacy

Disney is commemorating 100 years of Winnie the Pooh by honoring the gentle humor, timeless wisdom, and boundless imagination that have made the ‘hunny’-loving bear beloved for generations. This centennial milestone marks the 1926 publication of A.A. Milne’s original Winnie‑the‑Pooh book and will be celebrated throughout 2026 with new product collaborations, storytelling moments, and publishing releases inspired by Pooh’s century-long legacy.

A Legacy Rooted in Storytelling and Animation

Pooh’s relationship with Disney began nearly 60 years ago, when Walt Disney introduced the Hundred Acre Wood to audiences through animation. Since those early featurettes, generations of Disney animators have shaped Pooh’s on‑screen personality with warmth, simplicity, and storybook-inspired artistry. Disney Legend Mark Henn served as supervising animator for Pooh in the 2011 Walt Disney Animation Studios feature Winnie the Pooh, helping further define the gentle charm that continues to resonate with fans.  

“Animating Winnie the Pooh has been one of the greatest joys of my career. His warmth, curiosity, and subtle expressions allow animators to explore some of the most heartfelt storytelling in the Disney tradition,” said Mark Henn, Disney Legend and animator.

This animation legacy remains central to Pooh’s identity, reinforcing his place as one of Disney’s most heartfelt and enduring characters. 

The Walt Disney Archives Celebrates Pooh’s Century of Stories

As part of the centennial, the Walt Disney Archives is highlighting its extensive Winnie the Pooh collection, which preserves artwork, documents, animation materials, consumer products, and one-of-a-kind artifacts chronicling Pooh’s evolution since the 1960s. 

Among the collection are early 1960s plush toys created by Gund, one of the longest‑running Pooh licensees. Gund’s plush characters, treasured by generations of fans, remain a significant part of the archival product story. Its legacy continues today, as Gund still brings new Pooh items to market, building on decades of craftsmanship and emotional connection for fans of all ages. Some of Gund’s latest Winnie the Pooh-inspired items include the Oh So Sunggly Winnie the Pooh plush, the Peek-a-Boo Winnie the Pooh Animated Plush, and their Disney Winnie the Pooh Collection.

From publication artwork to vintage merchandise and production ephemera, the Archives offers a unique window into the creativity that has defined Pooh’s journey.

“This collection gives fans a rare opportunity to see some materials that would shape Winnie the Pooh’s on‑screen and consumer‑products legacy, from early merchandise to early studio production documentation that reflects the craft behind his charm,” said Kevin M. Kern, Sr. Manager, Research, Walt Disney Archives.

The Archives’ ongoing work ensures future generations can continue to explore the artistry that has helped define Pooh’s journey.

A New Brand Campaign Brings Fans into the Hundred Acre Wood

To celebrate Pooh’s 100th anniversary, Disney is launching a new global brand campaign inviting fans to revisit Pooh’s gentle wisdom and lighthearted worldview. The campaign brings audiences into the Hundred Acre Wood through new content, experiential events, creator-led storytelling, and reimagined “Pooh‑isms” — inspired by the gentle, reflective sayings and simple truths Pooh is known for — that spotlight Pooh’s timeless wisdom through a modern lens.

At the heart of the campaign is a new brand spot — available now on Disney’s YouTube channel — offering a warm, heartfelt tribute to the ways Pooh encourages fans to slow down, imagine, and savor life’s simple joys. 

Celebrating Pooh Through New Global Product Collaborations

All year, Disney is working with global leading brands to introduce new collections inspired by Pooh and his friends. Early launches include apparel, accessories, collectibles, home goods, and lifestyle products available at major retailers worldwide, with additional items rolling out throughout the year.

“Winnie the Pooh’s 100th anniversary gives us an incredible opportunity to celebrate the products that have shaped his legacy,” said Amanda Dhalluin, VP Global Brand Commercialization, Disney Consumer Products. “From classic storybook‑inspired collections to modern lifestyle lines, every item we create is designed to connect fans with Pooh Bear in a way that feels personal and joyfully nostalgic.”

Early Launch Highlights  

• Carter’s debuted baby apparel inspired by Winnie the Pooh and friends, bringing the cozy Hundred Acre Wood charm to little fans. 

• Disney Store launched several collections inspired by Winnie the Pooh, including mini and large versions of the Winnie the Pooh and Pals Disney Store Est. 1987 Canvas Tote.

• Funko expanded their popular Pop Nooks line with new Winnie the Pooh collectibles celebrating some of his most iconic moments from across the Hundred Acre Wood, with charming figures like Pop! Nooks Winnie the Pooh in Honey Tree, Pop! Pooh with Balloon, and Pop! Sleeping Winnie the Pooh 

• GAP introduced new baby apparel featuring timeless Pooh designs for seamless outfit pairing. 

• Old Navy rolled out playful adult female, kids, toddler, and baby apparel inspired by Winnie the Pooh and friends. 

• Primark dropped a 100th anniversary collection that channels the wonder of the Hundred Acre Wood and leans into cozy nostalgia. 

• Vera Bradley launched iconic bags and accessories adorned with whimsical Hundred Acre Wood patterns, giving fans an early way to join the centennial celebration.

New Drops Spanning More Categories This Month 

• Newly available, two LEGO Disney Winnie the Pooh sets celebrate the centennial: a detailed brick‑built Pooh with a honey pot with movable features, and the Piglet’s Birthday Fun set featuring a posable Piglet and a birthday cake that opens to reveal Pooh’s house and the Hundred Acre Wood. 

• The new Happy Haul line from Just Play, which debuted at New York Toy Fair and launches this month, brings Winnie the Pooh to life with the blind‑box Hunny Crew figures and Hunny Hugs Capsule Plush, inviting fans to unbox surprises and build their own collections. 

• Additional highlights this month include a robust assortment of baby apparel from Kyte Baby, new adult apparel and accessories from Cakeworthy, tech accessories from PopSockets, and statement bags from Loungefly. Yogi Tea joins the celebration as well with a comforting honey chamomile tea inspired by Pooh’s love of slowing down and savoring simple pleasures. 

• Beauty essentials, including new Winnie the Pooh collections from Wet Brush, Wet n Wild, and Mad Beauty, will follow these top product drops, bringing Pooh‑inspired charm to personal‑care routines around the world.  

Products Still to Come  

The celebration will continue throughout the year with additional Winnie the Pooh–inspired launches across retail and lifestyle categories worldwide. Upcoming releases include a new kids’ footwear collection from adidas this June, infused with whimsical design touches and everyday comfort, a new addition to the popular Disney Darlings line from JAKKS Pacific, as well as special collections from Squishmallows, Steiff, Little Words Project, and Pandora. 

New Publishing Launches Explore Pooh’s Themes of Kindness and Wonder

This year’s publishing lineup invites readers to connect with Pooh through books celebrating friendship, creativity, keepsakes, and reflective moments.

Upcoming titles include: 

• Winnie the Pooh: Wonders of the Hundred-Acre Wood Treasury from Random House Children’s Books 

• Disney: Winnie the Pooh: The Hundred-Acre Wood Cookbook from Insight Editions 

• The Winnie the Pooh Book: A Centenary Celebration from DK

And this fall, Disney will honor the anniversary of A.A. Milne’s original publication with the release of Winnie the Pooh: 100 Mindful Moments from Penguin Random House, arriving September 22. This newest addition to the Pooh literary tradition invites readers to explore the art of living simply, joyfully, and thoughtfully through Pooh’s perspective while finding balance in the everyday.

Inviting Fans Everywhere to “Live the Hunny Life”

The campaign will continue to roll out with regional experiential activations from April to May across LA, Japan, Singapore, London, Paris, and Poland, supporting new product collections from LEGO, Just Play and Funko, alongside new publishing titles.

As Disney celebrates 100 years of Winnie the Pooh, fans everywhere are invited to rediscover the timeless charm, imagination, and gentle wisdom that have defined Pooh for a century. Through storytelling, animation, publishing, and new product offerings, the Hundred Acre Wood will continue to inspire meaningful moments around the world in 2026, and beyond

Discover additional product news and centennial collections on the Disney Parks Blog. 

Disney Cruise Line welcomed its newest ship, the Disney Adventure, to its rapidly expanding fleet in a dazzling entertainment showcase that celebrated the beloved Disney stories, characters, and music that come to life onboard. The elegant artistry of the christening ceremony punctuated the introduction of the cruise line’s first ever ship to sail in Southeast Asia.

In the Walt Disney Theatre aboard the ship, guests witnessed the magic of Disney storytelling come to life through regional vocalists and musicians, incredible video effects, and star-studded surprises, including special appearances from Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse. A 23-piece orchestra, Hollywood Performing Arts Hall of Fame inductee Jed Madela, and international recording artist of Eurovision fam Dami Im guided the show through classic Disney, Pixar, and Marvel melodies accompanied by stunning visuals that sprung to life on screens that surrounded the stage and seemed to engulf the audience.

Chairman of Disney Experiences and incoming Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, Josh D’Amaro, and President of Disney Signature Experiences, Joe Schott, joined the artists on stage to mark the momentous occasion.

“The Walt Disney Company has always been built on the power of storytelling and innovation – and Disney Cruise Line brings those values to life in extraordinary ways. Our cruise ships are ambassadors of our brand that carry joy, wonder and enchantment to destinations around the world,” said D’Amaro. “As our first ship to homeport in Asia, the Disney Adventure represents a new chapter for Disney Cruise Line and will introduce Disney to audiences who may be experiencing our magic for the very first time. It offers fans across this region an opportunity to immerse themselves in unforgettable ways and create memories that are uniquely Disney.”

The Godparent of the Disney Adventure, Robert Downey Jr., lent his voice to the ceremonial blessing for good fortune for the ship and all its guests.

“I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the team at Walt Disney Imagineering, and I can tell you Adventure is the perfect name for what they’ve created,” he said. “Being the Godparent of this majestic vessel is an honor, and I have some serious duties to perform, so let’s make it official, shall we?”

Downey Jr. cued the orchestra, saying, “You bring the theme and I’ll bring the thunder,” followed by the official blessing, “I christen thee, Disney Adventure, may God bless this ship and all who sail upon her.”

The Christening Ceremony culminated with a confetti burst and a multitude of beloved Disney characters in a rousing rendition of “Let’s Set Sail,” a Disney Cruise Line tradition the builds excitement for the journeys that lie ahead onboard the Disney Adventure.

Drawing on more than 100 years of storytelling from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel, the Disney Adventure is filled with epic experiences and beloved characters waiting to be discovered. The ship features seven immersive themed areas, each transporting guests into iconic stories and worlds including San Fransokyo Street from Disney’s Big Hero 6. On board, guests can enjoy a brand-new Broadway-style musical, “Remember;” immersive dining experiences; signature fireworks at sea; imaginative clubs for kids of all ages; a dynamic collection of bars and lounges for adults; and thrilling attractions, including Disney Cruise Line’s first-ever roller coaster at sea, Ironcycle Test Run.

The Disney Adventure marks Disney Cruise Line’s eighth ship and its largest to date. The ship embarks on its maiden voyage on March 10, followed by an inaugural season of three- and four-night itineraries at sea. The Disney Adventure is part of a multi-year expansion of the award-winning Disney Cruise Line fleet, which currently includes eight ships, with five more planned to join the fleet by 2031.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent.

WEBTOON launches Mickey & Friends x Formula 1® comic series ahead of Australian Grand Prix 2026

Disney Store, Gentle Monster, a Trackside Range and More Global Licensees Deliver New Drops for 2026 Race Season

Ahead of the 2026 Formula 1® race season, Disney and Formula 1® are announcing the continuation of their multi-year “Fuel the Magic” collaboration, blending storytelling, racing culture and immersive fan experiences at Grand Prix weekends worldwide. Building on the momentum from the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November 2025, including Disney’s Mickey Mouse’s takeover of the Fountains of Bellagio, Disney and Formula 1® will kick-off this race seasons’ “Fuel the Magic” campaign with a racing-inspired content series at the Australian Grand Prix and then shift into high-gear at the Chinese Grand Prix, with more races planned throughout the 2026 race season. The campaign aims to bring fans original WEBTOON content, new branded products, and industry-leading entertainment designed to reflect the energy of each host city and the personalities of Disney’s Mickey & Friends.

“Formula 1 and Disney sparked a cultural moment felt worldwide—and it was only the beginning. This year is about turning that moment into a season‑long story,” said Tasia Filippatos, President of Disney Consumer Products. “A new digital chapter with WEBTOON gives fans a reason to stay connected between race weekends, brought to life through product and standout moments that feel authentic to each stop on the calendar.”

“The continuation of our ‘Fuel the Magic’ campaign with Disney is far greater than just a sports partnership, but one that leverages both Formula 1 and Disney’s power of immersive cultural storytelling and engaging entertainment,” said Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1. From unique product launches to fan experiences, digital content and WEBTOON integration, we’re offering even more unique ways that new and existing audiences can engage with our sport and experience race events like no other.”

WEBTOON Debuts Original Racing-Inspired Series, Starting at the Australian Grand Prix

Disney and WEBTOON have teamed up to create ‘Mickey X Formula 1® Racing to the Top!’ an original vertical comics series which will run exclusively on WEBTOON’s global platforms throughout the 2026 Formula 1® race season. The series will launch on March 6 during the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, with new episodes dropping tied to each race weekend throughout the season. Designed for a new

generation of fans, the series will introduce new characters, themes, and scenarios that blend the creativity and imagination of Mickey & Friends with the excitement and drama of Formula 1.

In this original series inspired by the high-octane thrills and teamwork of elite racing, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy come together to help support a racing team in crisis, demonstrating the power of friendship and collaboration to overcome adversity.

“Fuel the Magic” Products Expand to Select Formula 1 Races, Starting at the Chinese Grand Prix Races

Starting at the Chinese Grand Prix from 13-15 March, select Formula 1® races throughout the season will feature “Fuel the Magic” fanzone retail pop-ups with new branded merchandise inspired by the host city. Race-specific pieces and a core collection from Disney and Formula 1® will be available at the F1® Hub and Grand Prix Plaza, as well as online at F1.com and the Amazon F1 store (U.S. only).

Select race weekends will also include special Disney entertainment, creating memorable experiences, including seeing Disney’s Mickey & Friends sporting their Formula 1® fandom in a stylish new way.

First Look at Gentle Monster Assortment

Gentle Monster will introduce the 2026 Circuit Collection, a global eyewear collaboration with Disney and Formula 1® that reimagines the structural language of Formula 1 cars through a bold, fashion-forward lens. Featuring eight styles made with lightweight, durable materials, the collection includes three exclusive designs inspired by Disney’s Mickey & Friends and Formula 1®, blending racing performance with everyday wearability. The launch will also include pop-up experiences in Seoul and Shanghai, where a monumental Disney’s Mickey Mouse sculpture stands alongside an Formula 1® car, bringing the energy of “Fuel the Magic” to life.

More Product Collaborations to Launch Across Fashion, Accessories, and Collectibles

Following the debut of the first Disney x Formula 1® collection in Las Vegas last year, Disney Store will launch additional releases, starting with a Mickey Mouse plush in a Formula 1 uniform, available exclusively in Australia just in time for the Australian Grand Prix, with a global roll-out planned later this year. New collaborations will also launch with Gentle Monster and Uniqlo, alongside an expanded Disney x Formula 1 core collection available online. The assortment will span apparel, accessories, collectibles, and plush, each reflecting the intersection of racing culture and Mickey & Friends. Stay tuned for product reveals on Disney Style.

Stay Tuned for More on Social

The “Fuel the Magic” campaign reflects the shared vision of Disney and Formula 1® to unite racing, entertainment, and fashion through a fan-first approach that celebrates the sport’s cultural energy. This industry-leading collaboration delivers original content and digital experiences to connect fans around

the world to the excitement of Grand Prix weekends. For the latest updates, follow @mickeymouse and @f1 on social media and join the conversation using #FuelTheMagic.

Today, Disney announced Academy Award-winning actor Robert Downey Jr. will be the godparent for the Disney Adventure, the newest and largest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Disney shared the news ahead of the vessel’s maiden voyage next month out of its home port in Singapore.

“Our new ship continues Disney Cruise Line’s tradition of bringing great stories to life at sea, and we are honored that Robert Downey Jr., who has guided audiences through unforgettable Marvel stories, is the official godparent for the Disney Adventure,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences and incoming Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company.

Downey’s portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man was the cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the highest-grossing film franchise of all time. His unparalleled decade-plus cinematic journey as the iconic character culminated in Avengers: Endgame, which amassed more than $2.79 billion at the global box office. Downey was named an official Disney Legend in 2019 and will now star as Doctor Doom in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, in theaters Dec. 18.

“It’s impossible to describe the majesty of the Adventure, and to be its godparent is an honor. As the largest ship in the Disney fleet, a gargantuan blessing must be bestowed … I’ll do my darndest,” Downey said.

The Disney Adventure brings more than 100 years of Disney storytelling to life across seven themed areas, including several Marvel experiences. At Marvel Landing on the top decks, guests can have the ultimate Super Hero adventure on Tony Stark’s Ironcycle Test Run, the first roller coaster on a Disney Cruise Line ship and the longest of its kind at sea. In the open-air Disney Imagination Garden area, the “Avengers Assemble!” live stage production will feature jaw-dropping stunts and special effects during an action-packed battle of Marvel Super Heroes and Villains. And inside Disney’s Oceaneer Club, the Marvel WEB Workshop invites young recruits to try out new Super Hero suit prototypes and conduct training simulations using top-secret Avengers technology.

The new ship offers signature Disney entertainment and hospitality: character encounters; Broadway-style shows; themed stateroom and concierge accommodations; and more than 20 dining and lounge venues featuring world-class international and Asian-inspired cuisines and beverages.

The maritime tradition of appointing a godparent to bless a new ship is a centuries-old custom believed to bring good fortune before a maiden voyage.

Coming April 29, 2026, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort will welcome an expanded timeline that introduces classic, iconic characters — such as Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker — alongside new narrative layers in the award-winning land. These updates will enable guests to experience the classic-era storytelling spanning Return of the Jedi, The Mandalorian, and Ahsoka.

Developed through close collaboration among Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Live Entertainment, Disneyland, and Lucasfilm, this evolution marks a bold new chapter in how guests step into the Star Wars galaxy.

Extra care was taken in crafting an expanded story for the land as engaging and authentic as the films and streaming series, because, as Asa Kalama, Executive, Creative & Interactive Experiences at Walt Disney Imagineering, explained, “Your first experience with Star Wars might be a film, but it honestly might also be a theme park experience.”

“A Platform for Storytelling”

“Since the very inception of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, we envisioned it as a platform for storytelling,” Kalama noted.

Upon opening in 2019, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge immediately transported guests to Black Spire Outpost on Batuu — a trading port alive with adventure, resistance activity, and the unmistakable hum of starships overhead.

But, the stories within Black Spire Outpost didn’t need to remain static.

“One of the great things about the Star Wars universe and the Star Wars canon is that it is expansive and it continues to grow.”

So, as new Star Wars stories are released across film and television — such as with Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian and Grogu on May 22 — the concept of expanding the story of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has developed into an abundance of creative opportunities.

As Kalama states, Disney’s unique ability to bring stories on screen to life in physical environments, “allows us to continue to expand the storytelling and the world building.”

And not only are there new stories to incorporate, but the franchise will also be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2027, which will include a rerelease of the film that started it all, Star Wars: A New Hope.

Given these upcoming moments celebrating the entire breadth of the Star Wars saga, “There was this sort of critical mass of more classic leaning characters, and it felt like the right time to celebrate those in the land as well,” Kalama stated.

Disneyland is celebrating these moments with more than just an expanded timeline at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Starting the same day The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives in theaters, guests will also be able to team up with Din Djarin and Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, showcasing Disney’s unrivaled ability to simultaneously bring stories to fans across linear and experiential storytelling.

A Deep Collaboration with Lucasfilm

Every detail — visual, written, structural, and sonic — has been developed in close partnership with Lucasfilm.

“Since the very beginning, we’ve had the most incredible integrated and blended team with Lucasfilm,” Kalama said.

Rather than Imagineering ideating and then sending proposals to Lucasfilm for approval, the collaboration functioned as true co-creation between the units. “It was the same writing team, the same production design team — everybody was working together,” he explained.

That partnership was especially essential when expanding the land’s timeline.

“We spent a lot of time on every last possible detail,” Kalama noted, ensuring the meticulously crafted original story remained cohesive as it expanded.

The timeline evolution goes far beyond the introduction of beloved characters such as Princess Leia and Han Solo. From architecture and props to background dialogue, Imagineering revisited myriad story cues to ensure alignment with the expanded eras.

As a result, guests will step into a land that “feels refreshed and full of new elements for guests to discover,” according to Kalama.

Key Updates Coming to the Land

• Revitalized Locations and Expanded Backstories
  Several in-land locations will be reimagined to better reflect the broader Star Wars canon. First Order Cargo, will be rethemed as Black Spire Surplus, and will feature artifacts from both the Empire and the Rebel Alliance.
• New Artifacts and Screen-Used Props
  Speaking of artifacts, at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, the expanded timeline will unlock new treasures. Working closely with Lucasfilm, Imagineering is curating authentic, screen-used props from recent streaming series, further grounding the land in the on-screen saga. As Kalama puts it, the props “literally came directly off the screen.”
• An All-New Sonic Landscape
  Music — long central to Star Wars storytelling — will also evolve. Guests will hear a new celebratory soundscape that includes themes from John Williams’ iconic scores from the first six films, adding emotional depth throughout the land. “I think it will take on a different emotional resonance for fans,” Kalama said.

A Park Experience Only Disney Can Deliver

The timeline expansion underscores something uniquely Disney: the ability to bring evolving stories on screen into fully immersive physical environments.

Kalama described Disney as one of the few entertainment companies capable of delivering both linear media and experiential storytelling at this scale.

Through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests don’t just witness the saga — they step inside it.

“The theme park is about embodying a character and truly living the story through your own eyes,” Kalama said.

While the updated timeline will debut only at Disneyland Resort, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World Resort will continue to celebrate the sequel era throughout the land — giving fans distinct ways to experience the saga on each coast.

“Our guests now have two different experiences on either coast where they can explore the full breadth of the canon,” Kalama said.

East Coast guests can engage with stories inspired by The Force Awakens (which takes place during the Rise of the First Order) and beyond, while West Coast fans can immerse themselves in eras of the Galactic Civil War and the New Republic, as well as the Age of the Resistance and the First Order.

Ultimately, the evolution of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reflects a broader Imagineering philosophy: attractions don’t just bring stories to life — they extend them.

Disney parks exist, Kalama notes, “in the business of creating emotion and memories.” And beginning in late April, guests will discover a reimagined Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that feels both timeless — and new.

More than seventy years ago, Walt Disney gazed across patches of orange and walnut groves in Anaheim with a dream that would redefine entertainment forever. Today, that dream continues to inspire storytellers, innovators, and fans around the globe. In Disneyland Handcrafted, filmmaker Leslie Iwerks invites audiences behind the curtain to witness the artistry, ambition, and sheer audacity that built Disneyland — brick by brick, frame by frame.

The documentary — which lands on Disney+ and Disney YouTube on Thursday — was crafted with the support of multiple Disney teams and is more than a historical retrospective. The film was created using rarely seen footage that documented the park’s construction, including material originally shot for the Disneyland TV series on ABC, which televised ongoing updates beginning in 1954 about what Walt called his “latest and greatest dream.”

It’s a celebration of creativity and collaboration, showcasing how Walt’s vision — and the hands that shaped it — gave rise to an entirely new form of entertainment.

Unearthing the Past to Tell the Future

The journey began with a discovery.

While Iwerks and her team were producing The Imagineering Story for Disney+, “We realized there was so much material that has never been shown,” Iwerks recalled. Originally filmed for both documentation and use on the Disneyland TV series, much of this footage had been left on the cutting room floor. “We thought, ‘Why don’t we put this together, put it in chronological order, and see what it looks like?’”

The result was a visual time capsule — a glimpse into the grit and grace behind Disneyland’s creation.

To bring this vision to life, Iwerks turned to the Walt Disney Archives. Becky Cline, Director of the Archives, explained, “I was so happy to be asked to consult on this amazing new film. Alongside several other staff members of the Walt Disney Archives, and a few other preeminent Disney historians, I was honored to assist the filmmakers in sourcing and presenting rarely seen material that tells this fascinating story in a very organic way — through the use of very rare original source material.”

The Archives isn’t just a resource — it’s the heartbeat of Disney history.

“Our collections contain the information necessary to research and source accurate information as well as the existing audio and media related to the topic of Disneyland’s entire 70-year history,” Cline said.

That depth of material helped Iwerks weave together rarely seen footage with candid interviews, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and epic.

Crafting Emotion from History

Disney Legend Don Hahn describes his role as “a kind of story carpenter.”

He explained that, “[Leslie] had already built the frame, the vision, the blueprint — my job was to walk the beam with her and help refine the emotional architecture.”

For Hahn, the challenge was connecting archival material to the human story — the restless creativity that drove Walt and his team to imagine the unimaginable.

“Disneyland wasn’t just built — it was imagined into existence,” Hahn declared. “In 1953, it was, frankly, a crazy idea. Walt was inventing a new medium in real time, using designers from film and the cinematic language of visual storytelling with scenes, transitions, and reveals.”

That audacity is what makes the documentary so compelling. Hahn sees the Archives as more than a vault, but rather, “the attic, the memory, and in some ways the conscience of what we all call ‘Disney.’ If you want to understand Disneyland, you have to understand that it… was built out of curiosity, risk, and this almost reckless devotion to ideas.”

Pixar’s Perspective: A Visual Stopwatch of History

Pete Docter, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer, brought his own passion for Disney history to the project. For years, Disney Legend Tony Baxter has hosted informal “Disneyland Movie Nights,” screening unedited reels of park construction for park devotees, before taking the event up to Pixar, where Docter and Jonas Rivera, Executive Vice President, Production, Pixar, have offered the event to employees and special guests.

“Each reel is unmarked and silent, so it is for the hard-core fans only!” Docter said with a laugh. “Leslie used this same footage to assemble a visual stopwatch of Disneyland being built. It’s stunning to see nothing but orange groves and dirt less than a year before opening day.”

When Iwerks shared an early cut, Docter and Rivera were struck by its depth. “This documentary does a better job of illustrating the intensity, vision, and risk taking that went into the creation of the first theme park,” Docter said. “For someone who’s seen nearly everything about the subject, this documentary was compelling and revelatory!”

Walt’s Vision: Media as Magic

One of the film’s most fascinating threads is Walt Disney’s use of television to launch and promote Disneyland — a strategy that Hahn called “one of the great sleight-of-hand moments in American media.”

While other studio heads feared TV, Walt embraced it.

“He wasn’t just promoting a park; he was teaching the world how to dream alongside him,” Hahn said. Weekly broadcasts turned a construction site into a national obsession, proving Walt’s belief that, as Hahn noted, “everything was story — whether it unfolded in 24 frames per second on a screen, or along a parade route.”

Cline agreed, saying, “Walt’s ability to synergize film, television, and live entertainment together is the foundation of what The Walt Disney Company is today, the finest in family entertainment.”

A Legacy That Lives On

Seventy years later, Disneyland remains a living testament to Walt’s vision.

As Walt once told his team: “To make the dreams of Disneyland come true took the combined skills and talents of hundreds of artisans, carpenters, engineers, scientists and craftsmen. The dreams that they built now become your heritage.”

Today, that heritage thrives in attractions that blend beloved classics with cutting-edge technology.

Hahn sees the same heartbeat Walt set in motion in 1955: “Build a place that delights people, tells a story with integrity, and honors the human hearts and hands who make it possible.”

Docter echoes that sentiment: “Disneyland continues to evolve and change, per Walt’s wishes, to astound and engage the imaginations of people from around the world.”

A Handcrafted Love Letter

From the Walt Disney Archives to Pixar Animation Studios, from Disney Legends to contemporary storytellers, Disneyland Handcrafted is a testament to collaboration — a film that honors the artisans who shaped Disneyland and the innovators who keep its spirit alive. It’s a reminder that behind every attraction, every detail, and every magical moment is a story of craft, care, and imagination.

As Walt himself believed, Disneyland would never be completed. And thanks to projects like Disneyland Handcrafted, neither will the stories that celebrate its creation.

This month, Disney shines as the visionary behind a collaboration bringing together fashion, artistry, and play. Teaming up with legendary doll-makers Mattel and boundary-pushing Parisian designers Viktor&Rolf, Disney unveils a first-of-its-kind couture collector doll: Cinderella, the beloved Disney fairytale character, reimagined into a stunning couture collectible.

With the Viktor&Rolf x Disney Collector Cinderella Doll, three creative powerhouses collide — each driven by a passion for reinvention and bold storytelling. Disney, whose stories have inspired audiences for generations, orchestrates this cross-industry collaboration, ensuring that every detail feels classic, surprising, and full of heart.

“Our bold collaborations with leading brands continue to push the boundaries of Disney’s storytelling in fresh, culturally relevant ways,” Paul Gitter, EVP of Global Brand Commercialization, Disney Consumer Products, said. “This unique partnership with Viktor&Rolf and Mattel fuses contemporary fashion, art, and nostalgia to create an elevated, one-of-a-kind collectible — reimagining the essence of Disney Princesses through a modern, fashion-forward lens.”

Three Brands, One Vision: Reimagining Cinderella for Today’s Collector

Debuting at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs during Paris Fashion Week, this striking collectible is far more than a traditional doll — it’s a step forward in design, rooted in the surreal elegance of Viktor&Rolf’s Spring/Summer 2019 Haute Couture “Fashion Statements” collection. The result is an evocative reimagining of a Cinderella doll: sculptural, fashion-driven, and accessorized for the twenty-first century with Viktor&Rolf’s signature theatricality, Mattel’s craftsmanship, and Disney’s inimitable storytelling magic.

This elevated vision marks the finale of Cinderella’s 75th anniversary celebrations, blending nostalgia with a daring, modern perspective. Glass slippers are paired with a smartphone frozen at 11:59 p.m., casting Cinderella as a fearless, fashion-forward muse who writes her own story.

“We have a longstanding fascination with dolls,” Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, said “Already as children, dolls functioned as ersatz runway fashion models that allowed us to dream and project our fashion fantasies into the world. A lot of our interest in dolls is connected with our childlike attraction to the mystery and glamour of fashion itself. This dreamy sense of wonder has never quite left us.”

Disney Princess: Beyond the Toy Aisle

As consumer tastes evolve, so does Disney’s Princess brand. Princess thrives beyond the toy aisle in beauty, fine jewelry, luxury fashion, and collectible art – inviting an ever-wider audience and reinforcing Disney’s place at the cultural forefront. These creative expansions reflect a strategy: turning beloved stories into dynamic, premium experiences that extend beyond theatrical releases and reach new generations of fans.

The debut of this couture Cinderella doll builds on a wave of recent successes: Moana 2’s $1B global box office, a Bath & Body Works collaboration that generated overwhelming consumer excitement and engagement in-store and on social, and an upcoming yearlong Pandora collaboration highlighted by lab-grown diamonds. Each collaboration demonstrates how Disney storytelling can inspire art, drive cultural moments, and shape premium market trends, smoothing seasonality and deepening Princess’s cultural resonance far beyond the screen.

The Inspiration Behind the Collaboration

This collector doll is a testament to Disney’s leadership as a creative bridge — uniting Viktor&Rolf’s aspirational design, Mattel’s category expertise, and Disney’s time-tested narratives. The tri-lab approach fuels a modern Princess vision: bold, imaginative, and authentic.

This launch not only celebrates Cinderella’s legacy but also invites collectors of all ages to experience Disney Princess storytelling through a new lens.

Limited quantities are available for pre-sale through MattelCreations.com and Viktor&Rolf’s website starting January 20, 2026, with shipments beginning in early spring.

Fans and collectors can also go behind the scenes with Disney Princess: Create Your World – Mattel and Viktor & Rolf, a thirty-minute documentary premiering March 24 on Hulu and ABC Owned Television Stations’ digital platforms. This documentary offers a rare glimpse inside the creative process that brought this iconic collaboration to life.

Where to Experience the Collaboration

Debut: January 21, 2026, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, during Paris Fashion Week

Pre-sale: MattelCreations.com and Viktor-rolf.com, January 20, 2026

Documentary: Disney Princess: Create Your World – Mattel and Viktor & Rolf streaming March 24, 2026

Through this collaboration, Disney reaffirms its place at the heart of creativity — making dreams tangible, collectible, and truly unforgettable.

From theme‑park-scale storytelling realms developed with Haddy to playful miniature universes crafted with the LEGO Group, Disney showcases innovation at every scale.

For a century, The Walt Disney Company has built a business model around one idea: turning imagined worlds into real experiences across every part of the company. From early Mickey Mouse merchandise to the debut of Disneyland in 1955, the company has continuously pushed storytelling beyond the screen.

At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Disney reaffirmed its leadership in immersive innovation, showcasing how storied brands like the LEGO Group and emerging collaborators like Haddy help fuel its creative ecosystem, highlighting how Disney creates worlds at every scale, from the epic to the delightfully small.

LEGO® Smart Play: Star Wars Comes Alive

Fans discover Disney in countless ways, and for many, that journey begins with toys, books, apparel — products that offer a first doorway into Disney’s worlds.

The LEGO Group, Lucasfilm and Disney Consumer Products have a decades-long relationship that’s delivered the adventure of the Star Wars galaxy to fans over 25 years. So, when the LEGO Group unveiled its most significant innovation since the minifigure at CES last week — LEGO SMART PLAY — it only made sense for Star Wars to be the inaugural partner launching this incredible innovation in play.

“Our teams work hand-in-hand with best-in-class licensees to bring technology and innovation to products that continue our storytelling in new and unexpected ways,” said Paul Gitter, Executive Vice President of Global Brand Commercialization at Disney Consumer Products. “This milestone in our long-time collaboration with the LEGO Group adds a new dimension to this legacy, continuing to help fans express their creativity and imagination by extending the Star Wars story through play.”

Julia Goldin, Chief Product & Marketing Officer at the LEGO Group, echoed that sentiment, saying, “With LEGO Smart Play, legendary stories and characters of the Star Wars galaxy will come to life like never before.”

The LEGO Group’s new SMART system boasts more than 20 patented world-firsts in its technology. The system includes SMART bricks, SMART tags and SMART minifigures allowing fans to build Star Wars creations that interact and respond to their actions in real-time. The product line also features sensors, wireless charging, and audio integration, representing a distinctive breakthrough in blending physical and digital play. On March 1, LEGO Star Wars SMART PLAY will debut with three all-in-one sets inspired by the original trilogy of films.

With the combination of the LEGO Group’s new innovative system and Lucasfilm’s rich storytelling, fans will have the tools they need to unlock endless creativity and tell their own Star Wars stories at home like never before.

Accelerating Innovation with Haddy

Also at CES, Disney spotlighted its growing relationship with Haddy, an AI-driven 3D printing pioneer and member of the Disney Accelerator class of 2025. Haddy’s MicroFactory enables theme-park-scale fabrication, helping Imagineers iterate faster and bring ideas to life more efficiently.

“In the last three years, Haddy has been on a steady march to create the platform, the MicroFactory, which can print the world,” John B. Rogers, Haddy Founder & CEO, explained. “We have now arrived.”

Case in point: Walt Disney Imagineering recently worked with Haddy to 3D print a new outrigger canoe for the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland park, marking the first time a prop was permanently 3D printed for a Disney park attraction. Using a photo of the original 1960s boat, the team ensured authenticity while leveraging advanced fabrication techniques.

Bonnie Rosen, General Manager of Disney Accelerator, emphasized the impact, noting how, “Haddy’s innovative fabrication approach gives Disney creators a faster, more flexible method for building imaginative new worlds from the ground up.”

Haddy’s Microfactory is harboring the power of technology to enhance and empower human creativity to create new worlds, with the outrigger canoe being the first test case for potential future uses throughout Disney’s live experiences.

“Haddy’s 3D printing factory pairs advanced manufacturing methods with bespoke human-powered design, helping us build, reconfigure, and reuse materials so that ideas can be refined and brought to life again and again,” Rosen added.

This collaboration illustrates how Disney leverages robotics, advanced materials, and additive manufacturing to redefine immersive experiences.

The Disney Story Engine In Motion

From LEGO Smart Play to Haddy’s fabrication breakthroughs, Disney is uniting storytelling and technology to deliver world‑building experiences at every scale — from miniature interactive play to full‑size immersive environments.

Across the company, this creative momentum moves seamlessly from one team to the next.

Disney Consumer Products invites fans to build their own worlds at home, the Disney Accelerator supports emerging innovators, Walt Disney Imagineering brings imaginative and technical expertise to new frontiers, and iconic franchises like Star Wars help anchor it all.

Together, these collaborations show how Disney meets fans wherever they are — in parks, in products, and in the stories they create themselves — ensuring that the magic of world‑building keeps growing, evolving, and inspiring the next generation.

On January 22, the latest film from Academy Award®- and Emmy®-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks — Disneyland Handcrafted — comes to Disney+ and Disney YouTube.

The documentary offers an extremely rare look at the challenges overcome during the creation of The Happiest Place on Earth. It accomplishes this by using rarely seen footage that documented the park’s construction, including material originally shot for the Disneyland TV series on ABC, which televised ongoing updates beginning in 1954 about what Walt called his “latest and greatest dream.”

“It’s truly remarkable what went into making Disneyland Handcrafted,” Asad Ayaz, Chief Marketing and Brand Officer, The Walt Disney Company, said. “Entirely from archival material, this film feels both intimate and epic — a testament to the thoughtfulness, care and curiosity required for incredible storytelling.”

Iwerks and her team restored footage that never made it to air and original audio recordings of those deeply involved in the park’s construction to tell a story about Walt’s impossible dream in a style previously unseen.

For Disney fans, Iwerks is a familiar name, as Leslie’s father, Don Iwerks, and grandfather, Ub Iwerks, are both Disney Legends and Academy Award winners — and were close collaborators with Walt. Leslie has directed such noteworthy documentaries as The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story, The Pixar Story, and The Imagineering Story.

We spoke with Iwerks to learn more about the film, the amazing innovations that have always been part of Disneyland’s DNA, and the legacy of the park.

For Disneyland Handcrafted, what inspired you to tell the story of Disneyland’s creation using only archival footage and audio?

When we were doing The Imagineering Story, we came upon all of this amazing archival footage of the making of Disneyland, and much of it has never been seen or were behind the scenes outtakes in the making of Disneyland. Mark Catalena, Mo Stoebe, my editor, and myself, we decided… that we were going to tell the story all through archival footage and audio soundbites from people that were there on the ground working with Walt, talking about the challenges leading up to opening day.

As someone with deep roots at Disney, how does your unique perspective shape the way you approached Disneyland Handcrafted?

My grandfather and father, both Disney legends and Oscar® winners, were very instrumental in a lot of the creativity that started with this company, from Mickey Mouse to the multiplane camera to the optical printer to [Circle-Vision 360]. I grew up around this, and I think my love for all things Disney has just permeated the films that I make here and the films I want to continue to make here, about so many untold stories.

Did anything surprise you about the building of Disneyland while you were making the film?

How hard it was [Laughs]. I mean, really, it was hard to make this park and watching this footage, it’s unbelievable. It’s like, “How did they do it?” And the risk that Walt took — his own livelihood, his own company — he risked so much to build this park.

And to think, when he looked out at that dirt lot and thought, “I’m going to create the happiest place on Earth,” it’s unbelievable what he pulled off. And now people enjoy these parks all around the world.

In what ways does your documentary highlight the groundbreaking innovations behind the idea for and creation of Disneyland?

This documentary really encapsulates the raw DNA of Disneyland: it’s the four lands in the park, the main street, the hub. All of this became the blueprint for the other parks around the world. It also became the blueprint for happiness.

It’s amazing to me that this idea perpetuated from this man originally sitting on a park bench in Griffith Park in Burbank to 12 theme parks around the world. And it’s not just for kids, it’s for families, it’s for grandparents. I honestly don’t think there is any place else in the United States, possibly even the world, where people go generation after generation after generation and have this desire and this pride to take your kids back and experience Disneyland like you did. It’s pretty phenomenal.

How does the film illustrate Walt Disney’s visionary approach to media — particularly his use of television to launch and promote Disneyland, and his ability to weave live experiences, films, and TV into one cohesive story?

During the early fifties, people were pretty scared of this new technology called television. The film industry really looked at it as a threat to movies. And when Walt got his sights set on television, he realized he didn’t need to be scared of it — he needed to embrace it.

He was one of the first studio heads to embrace television, and he used it, partnering with ABC to promote his upcoming theme park, Disneyland. Disneyland became the show that people would tune in to around the country to watch and see what was happening in the park. And he was on camera promoting this project, happy as can be.

But really, what was going on behind the scenes at the park was a completely different story. It was behind schedule. There were cost overruns. There were day-in and day-out challenges and dramas. But he continued to believe in this, and he basically told his brother [Roy O. Disney, president of Walt Disney Productions], “Believe in it or I’m going to do it regardless.”

And he did. He put up his own money to build this park. And so it was really an impressive feat for Walt Disney to do what he did. And I just hope that people will get a real glimpse into the realities behind the scenes.

How do you think Disneyland today is carrying on the legacy that Walt began 70 years ago?

Every day that Disneyland continues to carry on the legacy that Walt started back in 1955 and every Disney theme park around the world does that. I think it comes from this desire to have the highest quality.

He wanted cast to be friendly. He wanted the park to be clean. He wanted the best technology. He wanted the best film programing. He wanted the characters to be warm and hospitable to the children. You could walk through these lands, you could live through them, you could experience them like you can’t on 2D film and television.

I think it has only gotten better time and time again. Park after park, the Imagineers continue to innovate. Everyone stands on the shoulders of Walt Disney, but every Imagineer stands on the shoulders of those who came before and this company is always about innovating, and they will continue to innovate till forever, because that’s what Walt set in place.

After 42 years and 266 days since the Grand Opening of Tokyo Disneyland Park on April 15, 1983, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea Park celebrated the milestone visit of their 900 millionth guest on January 6, 2026.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Tokyo DisneySea. We express our gratitude to the millions of guests who have visited Tokyo Disney Resort and to all those who have continuously supported Oriental Land Co., Ltd.

“Today, we welcomed our 900 millionth guest to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. I am truly grateful and happy to be able to celebrate this momentous day. I would like to express my gratitude to the countless guests who have visited Tokyo Disney Resort, to the Walt Disney Company who is our important partner, to all those who have continuously supported Oriental Land Co., Ltd., and to the cast members who bring happiness to our guests every day,” Wataru Takahashi, Representative Director, President and COO, Oriental Land Co., Ltd., said.

Takahashi continued, “The Tokyo DisneySea 25th “Sparkling Jubilee” special event will commence this April. Cast members will give their utmost to deliver guests a fun and unforgettable celebration of the 25th anniversary of Tokyo DisneySea, the only Disney park themed to the sea. In coming years at Tokyo Disneyland, a new attraction based on the world of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Wreck-It Ralph will make its debut, and Space Mountain and its surrounding area will be renovated. Tokyo Disney Resort will continue to evolve.”

“On behalf of The Walt Disney Company, I am proud to join in the celebration of Tokyo Disney Resort welcoming its 900 millionth guest. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our cast members and our colleagues at Oriental Land Company, thank you all for your passion and dedication. We are grateful for each and every guest who has visited Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea over the past 42 years, and we are honored to be creating magic every day for you,” Martina Sardelli, Vice President, Operations, The Walt Disney Attractions Ltd., said.

“Today, we celebrate the 900 millionth guest milestone. We are thrilled to have been able to share precious experiences with our guests, who hail from all over Japan and the world to visit Tokyo Disney Resort,” Shingo Kameda and Hikaru Hamanaka, 2026–2027 Tokyo Disney Resort Ambassadors, said. “We, as cast members, have been able to create many special memories with our guests. On behalf of all cast members, we would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. We will continue to keep the magic alive so that Tokyo Disney Resort forever remains a place where dreams come true.”

Tokyo Disney Resort will continue to evolve, creating more happiness and delivering unique experiences like never before for our guests.

BURBANK, Calif., July 2, 2025 – The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) will host a live audio webcast to discuss fiscal third quarter 2025 financial results beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET / 5:30 a.m. PT on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

Disney will release results before the opening of regular trading on August 6, 2025 and post earnings materials at www.disney.com/investors.

To listen to the webcast, please visit www.disney.com/investors. The webcast will be archived.

Materials and webcast may include forward-looking information.

With A Most Magical Christmas, Disney Consumer Products EMEA and Selfridges reimagined classic Disney storytelling for today’s audiences — spanning show-stopping windows, exclusive product collaborations, and innovative experiential moments across the UK.

We spoke with Claire Terry, SVP, Disney Consumer Products EMEA, about the creative vision behind the campaign, the power of Disney’s brand heritage, and what’s next for consumer products in the region.

How did A Most Magical Christmas with Selfridges come together? Why was Selfridges the perfect brand to help reimagine classic Disney storytelling? 

At Disney Consumer Products EMEA we are continually looking to raise the bar, and Selfridges is one of the most iconic department stores in the world. It is renowned for being a global fashion destination beloved by Gen Z, so it was an ideal collaborator.

We began exploring the opportunity in 2023, originally with the concept of bringing Disney storytelling through a takeover of the store windows, that evolved into the 360-campaign we have now, A Most Magical Christmas — one of the most ambitious and aspirational campaigns we have ever done.

It features an 11-metre Disney castle façade at Selfridges’ Oxford Street flagship to 30 windows inspired by Disney classics across the UK, bespoke Disney iterations of the iconic shopping bags, and more than 80 brand collaborations across multiple categories. It was driven by Disney Consumer Products and brought together teams across the entire enterprise, including Disney Theatrical Group and Disney Parks, Walt Disney Imagineering, Studios, and Disney+.

This partnership also builds on a rich heritage as Disney and Selfridges have collaborated in the past — dating back to the 1950s through the 1970s, when beloved characters including Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Mickey Mouse, and Donald Duck appeared at the store and even on the façade.

What makes the holiday collaboration with Selfridges unique, and how does it reflect Disney’s approach to creating magical experiences for consumers during the holiday season? 

Millions of people visit Selfridges every year, and this holiday season A Most Magical Christmas is the iconic retailer’s first collaborative Christmas campaign and the largest façade its Oxford Street flagship has hosted in over 50 years.

The Disney magic starts outside with a dazzling and quite literally traffic-stopping light and music show, then flows through a number of dazzling windows, each telling a classic Disney story with incredible craftsmanship, including an interactive Tinker Bell display powered by Walt Disney Imagineering.

Inside, guests discover Disney on every floor, with over 80 brand collaborations and exclusive plush inspired by Selfridges’ iconic yellow. In addition, we had a pop-up Disney Store, which has been a huge hit with fans, including selling product usually uniquely found at Parks.

There have even been special moments from Disney Theatrical Group like Genie from Aladdin making a surprise appearance, a Disney Classics afternoon tea, and curated film screenings.

It’s a fully immersive experience that brings Disney storytelling to life for fans of all ages and has driven incredible footfall and sales to the store.

How does Disney balance innovation with maintaining its iconic brand identity when developing new products and collaborations? Can you share any examples of how this approach has resonated with consumers in EMEA? 

At Disney Consumer Products EMEA, we’re at the cornerstone of Disney storytelling and reimagining what that means for today’s consumer and how we stay relevant for the next 100 years. Our product collaborations keep the brand integrity while surprising and delighting fans — as well as reaching new audiences — with fashion-forward, culturally relevant product moments.

We ensure Disney’s magic resonates across a breadth of lifestyle touchpoints that connect with all generations by collaborating with leading designers across fashion, home, beauty, food & beverage, and more.

We worked with designers such as Harry Lambert, Ahluwalia and Cole Buxton, giving each the freedom to create collections that felt personal and authentic to their brand. This creative approach unlocked products across 20+ Disney franchises, engaging Gen Z consumers who tell us that they value individuality and self-expression.

Why do leading retailers and brands consistently seek collaborations with Disney? What elements of Disney’s storytelling and brand heritage make these partnerships so compelling? 

Disney’s brand heritage and emotional connection with consumers is a unique strength. At a time when people crave comfort, escapism, and familiarity, our storytelling offers exactly that, whilst remaining relevant across generations. A Most Magical Christmas, inspired by the iconic Disney adage, ‘you’re never too old to be young,’ is a perfect example as it taps into nostalgia and iconic characters, but brings them to life in fresh, innovative ways that resonate with today’s audiences. The balance of timeless magic, emotional connection and modern creativity is what makes Disney such a compelling partner that attracts families and fans of all generations.

How is Disney Consumer Products crafting an innovative strategy to meet consumer trends where they are across EMEA? 

Experiential retail is a key way through which we balance innovation with heritage. Consumers today expect more than transaction, seeking immersive experiences that deepen their connection with a brand. With Selfridges, we delivered this on a scale that only Disney can do, by blending cutting-edge technology, theatrical performances, and curated retail moments all whilst staying true to our storytelling roots. From an interactive window featuring Tinker Bell to exclusive product collaborations inspired by classic Disney characters, the campaign honours Disney’s legacy whilst introducing fresh and unexpected ways to engage fans and shoppers alike.

We’ve been blown away by the response and level of engagement we’ve seen through organic social content, engagement, footfall and sales across the region and beyond. The power of Disney is clear throughout this campaign; the combined strength of our ecosystem creates a truly authentic emotional connection with all consumers and the industry. A Most Magical Christmas is truly an example of us activating locally but influencing globally.

What does the future hold for Disney Consumer Products in EMEA over the next few years? 

A Most Magical Christmas has shown what is within the art of the possible. We set out to do something extraordinary, and I am so proud of what our teams have achieved. It sets the bar for how we can connect with consumers across multiple touchpoints, from the largest façade to the smallest pin. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, I’m excited about our partnership with Formula 1, and how we can bring together Mickey & Friends with this phenomenally successful sport and create more products and experiences that meet our target audiences where they are.

Beyond that, we have so much more in the pipeline that will show Disney in new and unexpected ways. We have real momentum as a business and are planning even more opportunities to create happiness every day.

Each December, Walt Disney World Resort transforms into a place of healing, hope, and celebration for hundreds of families who have lost loved ones in military service or as first responders during the annual “Snowball Express” program, which is organized through the Gary Sinise Foundation.

The program brings together the children and families of fallen heroes for a five-day healing retreat filled with connection, remembrance, and the magic of Disney. Since its inception in 2006, “Snowball Express” has grown into a powerful tradition, offering comfort and joy to families who have sacrificed so much for our nation.

Since 2018, more than 23,000 children of fallen military heroes, fallen first responders, and their surviving parent or guardian have participated in the healing retreat at Disney World.

The annual retreat, held over two weeks this year, provides families the opportunity to forge new friendships and create special memories together with many meaningful activities for the families to enjoy. Some of those activities include exclusive early access to Magic Kingdom before the public and the “Walk of Gratitude” down Main Street U.S.A. at daybreak. Nearly 1,000 Disney VoluntEARS — many of them military veterans — line the route to cheer the families on as they proceed to Cinderella Castle for a heartfelt ceremony where notes to fallen heroes are placed in a magical cauldron and sent to heaven for them to read with the help of some Disney magic.

To better understand the heart and impact of “Snowball Express,” we sat down with Gary Sinise, founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation, acclaimed philanthropist and actor, best known for his Oscar-nominated portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump. His vision and dedication have transformed this program into a lifeline of hope for so many families of fallen heroes.

Can you talk about the origins of “Snowball Express?”

During the Iraq war, U.S. Army Private First-Class Jesse Givens gave his life for our country and left a letter [to his wife] saying, “if anything happens to me, take the kids to Disneyland.” And that was the snowflake that started this snowball rolling.

And then it turned into a great effort in that first year, and that effort has continued for 20 years now and helped a lot of young children through very, very difficult times. [Private Givens] wanted to help his children through a difficult time by going to a happy place and letting them remember that he was right there with them, and that’s the way it is for every single family.

It’s like they bring their loved one with them and they spend time there and they’re showing their loved one, their fallen hero, that they’re doing okay. And that’s what we want for every single family that struggles and suffers in service to our country. We want them to be okay.

And I started thinking about this quote from Calvin Coolidge that we use at the Gary Sinise Foundation, it’s even up on the wall: “the nation, which forgets its defenders, will itself be forgotten.”

How did the Gary Sinise Foundation get involved with “Snowball Express?”

I was contacted by the people that organized [the first program in 2006]. They wanted me to know that they had done this event and said, “Boy, wouldn’t it be great if I got involved.” So in 2007, I brought my band [Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band] down to Anaheim and we set up at the Grove and brought all the kids into the Grove that had lost a parent. They’re grieving children, so let’s give them a great time tonight. Let’s just lift them up and make sure that we just wrap our arms around them, give them a lot of love.

What led Disney to become part of this initiative?

I remember going to Disney in LA and having a meeting with Bob Iger and telling him about “Snowball Express,” and pitching the idea that we would love to bring this event to Disney World. But of course, we’re talking about over a thousand kids and all these volunteers. I mean, it was a massive event. So of course, we had to have Disney really endorse it, embrace it, and become a part of it.

He saw I was very passionate about trying to just tell how important this was to the kids and what it was doing for the kids. Well, of course, that’s Disney’s thing, right? Happy kids is Disney’s thing — it’s in their wheelhouse. So, it made a lot of sense. And when Bob said green light, a lot of things started to roll.

In 2018, we launched our first event at Disney World. And it’s grown ever since, and now it’s a massive program.

It’s not just a trip to Walt Disney World — it’s a healing retreat and a chance to build community.

That’s the whole point of “Snowball.” It was always that. Yeah, let’s have some fun. But let’s put these kids together with other kids who are going through the same thing… show them they’re not alone in what they’re going through. And that’s the best part about it. That’s the most helpful part about “Snowball.”

The folks at Disney really started to see what this was and what it was doing, and what the possibilities were — to make it better, more fun, more magical, all the wonderful Disney things. And so, as time has gone on each year, we have felt like we’ve had more and more support, more and more creative ideas coming at us, more and more fun things to do.

Is there a moment you look forward to the most each year, or that’s most meaningful to you?

It’s all about just happy kids to me. The “Walk of Gratitude,” is one of the most significant parts of the event, for the kids to walk down Main Street U.S.A. to all the cheering people that got up in the middle of the night and came over to support the kids, that’s very moving. I love being up there with Mickey Mouse and talking to the kids and then firing off the fireworks and letting them play.

I would watch the kids grow up in front of me. A lot of them would come and stand right in front of me every year. They’d get their special spot at the concert, and they would stand in front of me and with the t-shirt on with their fallen hero on it, and each year they would get a little bit older, a little bit bigger, and I would watch them and I’d look at them. That’s always been very, very special.

A historic date for Europe’s No. 1 tourist destination, which, upon completion of its transformation, will have roughly doubled the size of its second park, offering experiences that push the boundaries of storytelling.

In 125 days, Walt Disney Studios Park will transform into Disney Adventure World with the opening of Adventure Way — a majestic new main avenue featuring entertainment, a brand-new attraction inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Tangled, 14 new dining locations, an immense lake called Adventure Bay, and a breathtaking nighttime spectacular. The highlight of this expansion, the impressive brand-new World of Frozen, will fully immerse guests into the heart of the iconic films. The Kingdom of Arendelle, recreated on a life-size scale, will feature a new family-friendly attraction, a daytime show, a royal encounter with queens Anna and Elsa, interactions with beloved characters (including a true-to-size Olaf made possible thanks to next-generation robotic figures demonstrated today by Walt Disney Imagineering team), a tavern, and shops. This monumental expansion is set to captivate and amaze guests at every turn.

While Disneyland Park continues to evolve by bringing the magic of timeless stories and enchanted tales to life, the destination’s second park — now reimagined — will transport guests into the worlds inspired by Disney Animation, Pixar Animation Studios, and Marvel Studios films they love, where they can experience unforgettable adventures. Renamed Disney Adventure World from March 29, 2026, it will welcome guests to three spectacular immersive lands: the new World of Frozen, the colorful Worlds of Pixar, and the epic Marvel Avengers Campus, which will later be joined by a fourth world inspired by the classic Disney Animation film The Lion King.

The transformation of more than 90% of the second park’s offerings since 2002 illustrates the ongoing ambition of Disneyland Paris to reinvent itself and enhance the guest experience.

“March 29, 2026, will mark a historic milestone for Disneyland Paris with the transformation of our second park into Disney Adventure World, and the opening of its spectacular new expansion, featuring World of Frozen,” Natacha Rafalski, President of Disneyland Paris, said. “With this step, we’re pursuing the most ambitious transformation in our resort’s history, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and inviting guests to live their own adventures in the extraordinary worlds of Disney Animation, Pixar, and Marvel.”

Rafalski continued, “This marks a new era for Europe’s No. 1 tourist destination, filled with deeper storytelling, stronger emotions, and unforgettable moments. Supported by our €2 billion investment plan, this expansion reflects a bold creative vision, made possible thanks to the talent of Walt Disney Imagineering and the passion of our Cast Members who bring our stories to life through their dedication and creativity. Together, we’re reinventing how our guests experience Disney Animation, Pixar, and Marvel worlds, bringing to life the emotions that only Disney can inspire.”

Extraordinary Adventures Await

At Disney Adventure World, the greatest Disney Animation, Pixar, and Marvel stories come to life. After experiencing the excitement of a Hollywood premiere in World Premiere — the new themed entrance unveiled last May — and celebrating these tales in the dazzling shows at World Premiere Plaza, guests can now dive into their favorite stories, becoming the heroes of their own adventures in the immersive lands of Disney Adventure World.

A Unique Immersion Into the World of Frozen

World of Frozen will push the boundaries of storytelling. Every detail has been designed to recreate the iconic scenes and locations of the Frozen films, one of the most popular stories ever produced by the Walt Disney Animation Studios.

During their visit, guests will participate in a one-of-a-kind celebration: the Snowflower Festival, bringing the entire village of Arendelle to life, specially decorated for the occasion.

“World of Frozen is more than just inspired by the film; it truly brings the kingdom of Arendelle to life. Working together across disciplines, our Imagineers combined creativity and attention to detail to craft a world that captures the spirit of the story and feels real and immersive. We’re very proud to see the castle, the village, and the North Mountain become reality, and we can’t wait for our guests to step into this world and be part of the story,” said Michel den Dulk, Vice President and Portfolio Executive Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering Paris.

Immersive Architecture

Architecturally, guests will discover the majestic 118-foot-tall North Mountain, crowned by Elsa’s Ice Palace. At its base lies the village of Arendelle, with its lively town square framed by colorful Nordic-inspired buildings and sparkling water spots. Villagers, accompanied by a symphonic reinterpretation of the films’ iconic songs played throughout the village, will guide guests to Arendelle Bay, the Fountain of Friendship, or Arendelle Castle decorated with its iced decorations, designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and brought to life by UK Loco, a British company specializing in immersive decor. Subtle floral motifs and rosemaling, a traditional Norwegian decorative art, will adorn facades and moldings with refined craftsmanship. Inspired by Scandinavian landscapes, the landscaping will contribute to storytelling with conifers, birches, beeches, and crocuses, recreating the atmosphere of the animated films’ settings.

A New Family Attraction

At the heart of the village, beneath the Clock Tower, the Frozen Ever After attraction will take guests of all ages on a boat ride full of adventures alongside Anna, Elsa, and their friends. This journey, punctuated by beloved songs such as “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Let It Go” will reunite visitors with some of the kingdom’s most beloved characters: Olaf, Sven, and Kristoff. The ride will travel from the snowy forest to the Valley of the Trolls, through Elsa’s dazzling Ice Palace, before ending with a spectacular finale in Arendelle Bay lit by snowflake-shaped fireworks.

Frozen Ever After will feature cutting-edge technology, including state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics figures delivering breathtakingly lifelike performances. Numerous lighting and sound effects, along with new immersive projection technologies currently being programmed by Walt Disney Imagineering, will provide a visually and emotionally stunning experience for all.

Interactions with Frozen Characters

In World of Frozen, guests will have the unique opportunity to meet Anna and Elsa during a Royal Encounter in Arendelle Castle. After passing through the famous Portrait Gallery, whose final decorative details are being completed in the coming weeks, they will join the sisters for an exclusive moment, with personal interaction and photo opportunities to create memories that last a lifetime.

The festivities will continue in Arendelle Bay with “A Celebration in Arendelle,” a 15-minute colorful show, presented several times a day for the Snowflower Festival. Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and villagers will take part in the celebrations aboard three majestic Viking longships, developed with Couach Construction Navale, a renowned French shipbuilder from the Bordeaux region. Boat decoration, has been entrusted to artisans who have long collaborated with Disneyland Paris. Kristoff’s longship, for example, was painted by artisans from Prelud, a historic supplier based near Dijon. This participatory show will invite the audience to sing along with characters from Frozen to iconic songs from the franchise such as “Let It Go” or “Show Yourself.”

Exclusively for World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the multi-award-winning songwriting duo, Oscar® winners for Best Original Song for “Let It Go,” have composed new music especially for the show presented on the Bay. They are also behind other iconic songs from the Frozen franchise, including “For the First Time in Forever” and “Into the Unknown,” which have been streamed billions of times worldwide.

Throughout the village streets, guests may also encounter other beloved characters such as Oaken, the cheerful shopkeeper and sauna owner with his famous “Hoo-hoo!”, or Mossie, an adorable baby troll who is as curious as he is endearing.

During a press conference held on November 24 at Disneyland Paris, Bruce Vaughn, President and Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, unveiled a next-generation robotic character representing Olaf, the lovable snowman from Frozen. This new Olaf character was created by Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development in close collaboration with Disney Live Entertainment and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Olaf will make appearances in the Arendelle Bay show in World of Frozen, the new immersive world coming soon to Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris, and special limited-time appearances in World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. These advancements in robotics enable Disney to bring iconic characters to life at an unmatched level of believability, engaging with guests and other characters around them, just as they did in the films that won the hearts of millions of viewers around the world.

To explore how this innovation came to life, take a look behind the scenes in the latest episode of We Call It Imagineering, available now on the Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube channel.

The Gastronomy of Arendelle

The quick-service restaurant Nordic Crowns Tavern will be the perfect spot to take a break and recharge after adventures throughout World of Frozen, while enjoying the warm and welcoming spirit of Arendelle. The decor will trace the history of the kingdom and its royal family through galleries of paintings and many decorative objects.

Open for both lunch and dinner, the restaurant will offer a customizable dining experience inspired by Nordic cuisine, with dishes guests can compose to their liking. In total, 16 combinations will be available: a base consisting of mashed potatoes or quinoa; a protein like grilled salmon or Nordic meatballs; seasonal vegetables such as carrots or peas; and one of two sauces to top it all off, tangy cranberry or creamy dill. Nordic Crowns Tavern will also feature a wide range of frosty desserts, from a blue sorbet to vanilla ice cream with customizable toppings, a snowflake dessert, and a selection of Nordic pastries. Gluten-free options and vegan alternatives will also be available, reflecting the diverse culinary offering at Disneyland Paris.

Souvenirs from Arendelle

Arendelle Boutique, the village’s iconic toy shop, whose decoration and furnishings progress week by week, will offeran exclusive selection of creations inspired by Scandinavian craftsmanship, alongside must-have Frozen merchandise. Guests will find wooden sculptures, clothing, and objects adorned with elegant rosemaling motifs. For those wishing to stroll through Arendelle in style, a collection reinterpreting Nordic dress codes will be available, featuring embroidered garments and accessories with floral patterns. Before continuing their adventure, guests will also be able to share their experience by sending a postcard from the village mailbox located beside the shop.

Befriend Rúna Baby Troll Toy

Just steps from the boats moored in Arendelle Bay, the Fjord View Shop will feature a unique experience: meeting Rúna, an interactive baby troll toy. After a meeting ceremony, guests will acquire and head home with their new interactive companion. Equipped with the latest technology, Rúna will react to touch, blink its eyes, move its ears, light up, and communicate with other trolls it encounters. Exclusively in World of Frozen, it will also interact with the iconic locations of Arendelle, the villagers, and Queens Anna and Elsa. In this new shop, a special area will invite guests to get ready for the festival with themed make-up and hairstyles, the perfect way to wander the village in style and festive spirit.

Adventure Bay: A Majestic 7.5-Acre Lake

At Disney Adventure World, immersive lands such as World of Frozen will be set around Adventure Bay, the beating heart of the park’s expansion. This central lake will offer breathtaking vistas, and its shores, extending from Adventure Way, will come alive with unforgettable character experiences during the day. As night descends, the lake will come alive with reflections of light and color, inviting visitors to linger along its tranquil shores before it transforms into a dazzling open-air stage for a new nighttime spectacular.

Character Activations Throughout the Day

On the banks of Adventure Bay, the West Pavilion will provide a relaxing space inspired by early 20th century architecture, where guests can meet Mickey or Minnie, dressed in their brand-new Victorian outfits currently being crafted by Cast Members at the Disneyland Paris Costume Workshop. Shortly after its opening on March 29, additional Disney characters will join the lakeside fun, making this new space a place of enchantment both day and night.

“Disney Cascade of Lights,” the Second Nighttime Show at Disneyland Paris

At nightfall, as Adventure Bay falls into darkness, something extraordinary will awaken. Barges, quietly gliding into position, will set the stage for a brand new, never-before-seen nighttime spectacular: “Disney Cascade of Lights.” More than just a show, this spectacular is designed as an emotional journey – an invitation for every guest to believe in their own inner strength, to embrace wonder, and to feel the power of storytelling in a way only Disney can deliver.

Designed as the grand finale to each day at Disney Adventure World, the show will deliver an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. Designed in a 360° configuration, with tiered viewing areas, it will allow visitors to enjoy exceptional views from around the bay. Pushing the boundaries of innovation, the production will feature the world’s first integration of a revolutionary aquatic drone system along with next-generation aerial drones, creating breathtaking choreographies that unfold simultaneously across the sky and the water.

This new production will invite every guest to step into the story and embrace their own heroic journey, inspired by the courage and determination of stories including Disney Animation’s Mulan, Hercules, Moana, and Zootopia; Pixar’s Up; and the Marvel Universe.

This show will combine immersive staging with cutting-edge effects to create an experience unique to Disneyland Paris. Guests will enjoy unprecedented proximity to a wide range of elements, including water screens, choreographed fountains, large-scale projections, dynamic lighting, special effects, and pyrotechnics. At its centerpiece, a world-exclusive ballet of 379 drones, developed in collaboration with official technology provider Dronisos, will illuminate the sky and water with intricate formations and dazzling choreography. New aquatic drone technology has been created exclusively for the new show, in keeping with the resort’s continued focus on innovation in entertainment.

The experience will be brought to life with a powerful soundtrack, recorded by a 90-piece orchestra. Featuring new arrangements of beloved Disney music, the score includes an original adaptation of “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana as well as an entirely new anthem created for the show, “We Can Be Heroes.” Together, these elements will showcase an unprecedented blend of technology, artistry, and storytelling, establishing the production as a new milestone in Disney nighttime entertainment.

In the coming months, the entertainment team will undertake extensive rehearsals to perfect the seamless choreography of aerial and aquatic drones, combined with cutting-edge special effects, ensuring a breathtaking experience from the very start of the expansion.

Adventure Way: The New Main Avenue of Disney Adventure World

A true prelude to Disney Adventure World’s experiences, Adventure Way will link World Premiere Plaza and its many theatrical shows to the park’s various lands: Marvel Avengers Campus, Worlds of Pixar, and World of Frozen. This new main avenue will feature a brand-new attraction, a wide array of dining with 14 culinary experiences, lush green spaces perfect for relaxation, and a rich variety of entertainment.

The New Attraction: Raiponce Tangled Spin

Adventure Way will host Raiponce Tangled Spin, a brand-new family attraction inspired by the Disney Animation film Tangled. Designed for dreamers of all ages, this ride will bring to life one of the film’s most iconic moments: the Lantern Festival.

Seated in finely sculpted gondolas, guests will whirl gracefully beneath a sky illuminated with floating lanterns, surrounded by frescoes depicting Rapunzel’s adventures. Accompanied by legendary music from the film, including “I See the Light,” guests will spin and twirl, immersed in the romantic atmosphere of the Festival. Mandy Moore, the original voice of Rapunzel, has specially recorded audio announcements for the attraction, adding an authentic touch.

A Culinary Experience with Disney Princesses

Before continuing their adventures in Disney Adventure World, guests can relax and enjoy a delicious meal at the new table-service restaurant located on Adventure Way: The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge. This elegant venue will welcome guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a refined atmosphere, decorated with embroidered drapes, floral tapestries, delicate wood moldings, and impressive murals illustrating Disney Princesses such as Snow White, Tiana, Moana, and others.

Guests of all ages will also have the chance to meet some of these Disney Princesses—such as Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Merida (Brave), Jasmine (Aladdin), Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Mulan (Mulan), or Ariel (The Little Mermaid) —to share unforgettable moments. Some Princesses, such as Aurora or Ariel, will be wearing stunning never-before-seen looks at Disneyland Paris.

Every detail has been meticulously designed by Imagineers, such as the ornamental plates reflecting the world of each Disney Princess. These were hand-crafted by Royal Delft, the renowned Dutch porcelain manufacturer and official supplier to the Dutch royal family. The magnificent canopy above the restaurant’s entrance was created by Schaffner workshops in Alsace, whose expertise in artistic ironwork dates back to the early 19^th century. This new restaurant will also offer some tables with ideal views of Adventure Bay, making it a perfect spot to enjoy dinner while admiring “Disney Cascade of Lights,” the new nighttime show set to illuminate Disney Adventure World. The chef and culinary team are currently finalizing the menu to ensure it harmonizes perfectly with this exceptional new setting.

The First Bar Inside the Parks

The Regal View Lounge, the very first bar located inside either of the two Disneyland Paris parks, will offer guests a relaxing break in a bright space adorned with royal-blue hues. An elegant wooden bar with golden accents will anchor the room, surrounded by paintings and illustrations honoring the beloved animal companions of Disney Princesses, such as Heihei (Moana), Pascal (Tangled), and Mushu (Mulan). Guests can sip a signature cocktail or explore a variety of drinks inspired by Disney Princesses’ personalities, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the lake and World of Frozen, accompanied by piano renditions of Disney classics.

More Flavors to Discover

At Disney Adventure World, guests will embark on a culinary journey of creativity, innovation, and discovery. The 14 food and beverage locations along Adventure Way will showcase new and exclusive offerings at Disneyland Paris. La Terrasse Panoramique will invite guests to enjoy bread bowls, New York rolls, and a selection of hot beverages. Café Luminosity will debut an original hot dog concept with four signature recipes, complemented by sweet treats like cinnamon rolls. To round out the experience, three kiosks, five chalets, and several mobile carts will line the area, offering diverse creations such as filled brioche rolls, stuffed potato waffles, and whimsical Disney Princess-inspired desserts.

Poetic Gardens and Entertainment

Adventure Way will also feature themed gardens celebrating some of Disney and Pixar’s most beloved stories, blending nature and poetry. Guests of all ages can stroll through charming, landscaped areas such as the Tangled Garden or Toy Story Garden, the latter adorned with two monumental statues of Woody and Jessie. Trees and shrubs carefully trimmed into toy shapes will create playful scenery, naturally leading into Toy Story Playland.

At The Gazebo Garden, guests will enjoy peaceful moments in an English-style setting, complete with bronze statues honoring Disney Animation films inspired by classic British stories such as Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, and One Hundred and One Dalmatians. Throughout the year, this garden will come alive with music: Rapunzel and Flynn’s Musical Encounter in spring; Mary Poppins and the Pearly Band in summer; Miguel’s Fiesta Latina in fall; and, starting November 2026, character greetings with other Disney icons.

The Disney Marching Band, a lively marching band led by Minnie Mouse and her 12 musicians on percussion and brass, will parade down Adventure Way, delighting guests with pop and modern renditions of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel songs, adding a festive touch to an already magical promenade.

A Bespoke Soundtrack

Upon entering Adventure Way, guests will be welcomed by a brand-new musical score composed especially for this promenade. This original 40-minute theme, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, will offer guests a truly magical interlude at the heart of Disney Adventure World

The Future of Disney Adventure World Is Already Taking Shape

“Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” – Walt Disney

Starting March 29, 2026, Disney Adventure World will offer guests a rich journey of adventures. But the story doesn’t end there: Disneyland Paris is already preparing the next chapters, always guided by the ambition to continually enrich the guest experience.

A New Attraction Inspire by Up

Coming next, a family-friendly attraction inspired by Pixar’s Up will join Adventure Way. This flying carousel will add motion and energy to the promenade, offering families yet another whimsical experience to enjoy together.

An Immersive World Inspired by The Lion King

Later, Disney Adventure World will welcome the first themed area dedicated to The Lion King, one of Disney Animation’s most beloved films worldwide and especially in Europe. This new universe, whose construction began in Fall 2025, will feature a major attraction combining water-based thrills with next-generation Audio-Animatronics figures, plunging guests deep into the Pride Lands to follow Simba’s adventures, set to the unforgettable songs of the 1994 masterpiece.

On Monday, Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) released the latest episode of its hit series, “We Call It Imagineering,” taking audiences inside the global Research & Development efforts driving the next wave of Disney innovation. This group represents the very beginning of the development process, where Imagineers blend creativity and technology to spark ideas for the innovative Disney experiences of tomorrow. This team has worked on some of the most exciting advancements at Disney parks, including interactive attractions, innovative projection systems, and advanced robotic characters.

And in this episode, WDI reveals its latest brand-new innovation — a real-life robotic character of Olaf from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen films.

To unpack the latest exciting innovations coming from Walt Disney Imagineering, we spoke with Kyle Laughlin, SVP, Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development.

Walt Disney himself constantly strove for technological innovations that would service storytelling. How does WDI Research & Development today blend creativity with technological innovation to advance Disney storytelling?

Like everything at Disney, we always start with the story. We think about how we want the guest to feel and what kind of emotional experience we want them to have. Our number one priority is always to build storytelling technology that empowers our Imagineers to truly breathe life into our characters. The technology should be advanced enough to make it invisible to our guests, so they aren’t thinking about all the work and tech that went into making something real, they’re just focusing on having an emotional experience with the characters they care about.

The BDX droids were a significant step forward in advanced robotic character technology — what did you learn while creating them about what it takes to make a robot not just a robot, but a character? 

Disney’s roots are in animation — using motion to create the illusion of life. Walt did it with his early hand-drawn animated films, Pixar and Disney Animation Studios use it for computer-generated animation, and at Imagineering we bring physical characters to life through motion and emotion.

A key technology in our platform is deep reinforcement learning that enables robotic characters to learn to imitate artist-provided motion in simulation. This has enabled us to iterate extremely quickly between mechanical design and animation. Because we can iterate so rapidly and bridge the gap between art and science with physical AI, we can achieve this unmatched level of believability.

Tell us about the work you’re doing with NVIDIA and Google DeepMind to create the simulation framework Newton. How does that allow for robots to utilize reinforcement learning?

It takes humans years to perfect our motor skills for walking, and it takes additional years of practice to perform acrobatic motions that only a few of us can master. Deep reinforcement learning is a technology that helps robots acquire such skills in a shorter amount of time — for example, a BDX Droid or an Olaf learning to walk in a stylized way in the physical world. To make this technology scale well, we need fast and parallel simulation.

Together with our partners at NVIDIA and Google DeepMind, we are working on a new open-source simulation framework called Newton. At the core of Newton are building blocks that enable the rapid development of Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-accelerated simulators. One of our contributions to this framework is a simulator called Kamino, which will unlock the potential of reinforcement learning for robotic systems of unmatched complexity. This will help us take a huge step forward in our mission to build robotic characters that perform in-character, just as we know them from the films.

Talk to us about the amazing Olaf robotic character. How does the robot utilize the breakthroughs made for the BDX droids, but then go beyond those innovations to create a character who isn’t meant to appear as a robot?

The BDX Droids and our latest Olaf bring story and emotion to life through their movements and interactions with guests. However, BDX Droids in the films are literally robotic characters. Olaf is an animated character that is far more challenging to bring to life in the physical world. To get Olaf to move as authentically as possible, we’ve made fundamental additions to our reinforcement learning framework to boost the believability of the character by enabling motion at the limit of hardware. Olaf has a “snow” costume which deforms and moves differently from the BDX Droids hard shells, and he has the ability to fully articulate his mouth, eyes, and (removable) carrot nose. And, most of all, Olaf can speak and engage in conversations.

What unique challenges are presented when creating robotic figures based on an animated character? How did you innovate to meet those challenges? 

When bringing an animated character to life through advanced robotics, the most important thing is that we stay true to the vision of the character created by the filmmakers. Translating these characters from the screen to the real world requires pushing the boundaries of not only technology, but also creativity. We want to bring these characters to life in ways our guests have imagined, but never seen before. Our latest Olaf is a fantastic example of representing an animated character as authentically as possible in the physical world — a challenging task because animated characters most often move in non-physical ways. For example, to make Olaf’s snowball feet move along his body, we paired state-of-the-art deep reinforcement learning with an artistic interface and advances in mechanical design.

How do you see the breakthrough you made on Olaf being applied for future innovations?

What’s so exciting is that we’re just getting started. The BDX Droids, self-balancing H.E.R.B.I.E., and now our latest Olaf all represent increasing levels of performance and innovation in bringing our Disney characters to life through advanced robotics. The speed at which we’re able to create new characters — and get them in front of our guests — is unprecedented. We are working to scale even bigger, to bring more emotive, expressive, and surprising characters to guests at our parks and ships around the world.

The Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s newest and most innovative ship, embarked on its maiden voyage Thursday from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This marks another major milestone in The Walt Disney Company’s ambitious global expansion of its cruise business.

Building on the successful launches of the Disney Wish in 2022 and Disney Treasure in 2024, the Disney Destiny reinforces Disney Cruise Line’s role as a key growth driver for the company. With plans to double its fleet by 2031 —including its first sailings from Asia next year with the Disney Adventure — Disney Cruise Line is positioned to capture new markets and deepen engagement with Disney fans worldwide.

The debut of the Disney Destiny also reflects the unprecedented scale of investment across Disney Experiences, which currently has more projects underway than at any other time in company history. Featuring an all-new theme inspired by legendary heroes and villains, the Disney Destiny exemplifies Disney’s ability to extend its storytelling beyond the screen and deliver immersive experiences that resonate with guests of all ages.

To learn more about the launch and what’s next for Disney Cruise Line, we spoke with Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences.

What new experiences and innovations can guests anticipate on the Disney Destiny that both align it with the Disney Cruise Line fleet and set it apart as unique?

The Disney Destiny is truly something special. As the seventh ship in our fleet, it builds upon the many experiences that Disney Cruise Line has brought to life over the years to immerse guests in the magic of Disney storytelling in innovative new ways at sea.

Each ship in our fleet has a unique identity. The Destiny stands out with an all-new heroes and villains’ theme — a first for Disney Cruise Line — which allowed us to bring plenty of stories and characters from the Disney library to life. From the moment you step into the Grand Hall, you’re a greeted by a Wakanda-inspired design and the Black Panther, setting the tone for a ship that’s all about immersive storytelling. We’ve introduced the Lion King as a full dining experience for the first time and anchored the entertainment with a brand-new Broadway-style Hercules show. Throughout the ship, you’ll find hidden details, unique art pieces (my personal favorite is the Black Panther artwork on deck three), and exclusive experiences like Dr. Facilier’s parlor and a Cruella de Vil themed lounge. These touches create a sense of magic and connection you won’t find anywhere else, while still delivering the high-quality service from our incredible crew.

The Destiny is focused on heroes and villains. How does the ship help integrate the villains’ brand with other company segments, such as the upcoming Disney Villains-themed land at Walt Disney World Resort?

The heroes and villains’ theme on the Destiny gives us a unique framework to tell stories in new ways. By featuring characters and experiences centered around both heroes and villains, we’re able to create immersive environments that resonate with fans. This approach not only enhances the cruise experience but also builds on other ways we are leveraging some of these iconic characters for our experiences, like the upcoming Disney Villains land at Walt Disney World. It’s all about leveraging our rich storytelling to create incredible experiences that also deepen guests’ connection with the brand.

Disney Cruise Line is rapidly expanding — approaching a total fleet comprising 13 ships by 2031. Why is this a perfect industry for Disney to continue investing in?

We’re seeing incredible demand for Disney Cruise Line, and we’re meeting that demand during this period of rapid growth and expansion. The cruise industry allows us to welcome guests who already know and love Disney from our parks, in addition to new and first-time guests. In that way, our ships are incredible ambassadors for the Disney brand throughout the world. Disney Cruise Line is among the highest rated experiences we offer in the Disney Experiences portfolio, which shows how much guests love what we’re doing here.

There’s also tremendous opportunity for growth, given our current fleet is still relatively small compared to the rest of the industry. With the addition of our recent ships, we’ve doubled the number of available passenger days – allowing us to welcome even more guests to experience the magic of Disney at sea. Our expansion gives us the opportunity to reach new audiences and create more magical moments and emotional connections with guests, which is great for both our company and the industry as a whole.

What are you learning and developing for Disney Cruise Line that can then be used at other Disney experiences around the world?

Storytelling is at the core of everything we do at Disney, and you can see how our cruise ships and theme parks inspire each other. On the Disney Destiny, spaces like the Haunted Mansion Parlor and Cask & Cannon are directly inspired by stories and experiences from our parks. This connection can be seen in our guests too — many who visit our parks also choose to sail with us, and vice versa.

We’re always learning and sharing across our teams, whether it’s about using technology to enhance the guest experience, advancing sustainability, or innovating in food and beverage. Every new ship, attraction, or dining concept is a chance to build on what we’ve learned and deliver that special Disney feeling — no matter where our guests encounter us.

How does the Disney Cruise Line uniquely grow the Disney brand in new locations around the world?

What’s really special about Disney Cruise Line is how it extends everything Disney is known for to new regions around the world — from our legendary guest service, storytelling, and attention to detail. Whether you’re at one of our theme parks or sailing on the Destiny, every moment is thoughtfully crafted in a way only Disney can do.

As our ships travel to new destinations around the world, they bring that Disney magic with them, introducing new guests to our brand and deepening the bond for longtime fans. Every time a guest enjoys our service, our stories, and our experiences — whether on land or at sea — it strengthens their relationship with Disney and inspires them to keep exploring everything we have to offer.

What makes Disney Cruise Line a preferred vacation choice for a diverse range of consumers?

From the very beginning, Disney Cruise Line has focused on delivering a family-friendly experience that appeals to guests of all ages. The comfort of cruising, the magic of Disney, and spectacular destinations combine to set us apart. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, there’s really something for everyone. That trust and emotional connection are a big part of why guests love sailing with us — and why many choose to come back again and again.

You’ve worked at Disney locations around the world. What insights did you bring from your experiences in places like Shanghai, Tokyo, and Paris to your leadership of Disney Signature Experiences?

Having spent much of my career in international Disney parks, I’ve learned that while the core essence of the Disney experience is universal, adapting to local markets is essential. Whether it’s language, food, or entertainment, we tailor our offerings to meet the needs of each audience. We always need to be authentically Disney and distinctly local based on where in the world we are meeting our guests. Leading Disney Signature Experiences, my goal is to empower my team to deliver exceptional experiences around the world by always listening to our guests and continuing to innovate. Having a global perspective helps us deliver world-class service and create magical moments for guests everywhere, no matter what experience they are choosing.

How is Disney Cruise Line giving back to the community as part of the launch of Disney Destiny?

“Discover Your Destiny” is a community outreach program we just launched alongside the Disney Destiny, designed to inspire and empower young people in the ports and regions we visit. Through this initiative, we partner with local organizations and schools both in our Florida homeport communities and the Bahamas to provide educational experiences and hands-on learning in areas like the arts, sciences, and hospitality.

Could you provide a preview of the Disney Adventure, the newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet? What sets it apart and what does it bring to the overall fleet?

The Disney Adventure is a big milestone for our fleet. This ship launches out of Singapore in March and represents a major step forward in our commitment to reaching guests in new regions of the world. By homeporting in Southeast Asia for the first time, we’re able to introduce the Disney Cruise Line experience to families and fans who may never have had the opportunity to sail with us before.

The Adventure is designed to reflect the vibrant diversity of Southeast Asia, with unique food, entertainment, and experiences tailored to local cultures and preferences — all while maintaining the core Disney magic that guests expect. This expansion allows us to welcome new guests and share our storytelling and service with an entirely new audience. It’s a testament to our focus on growth, innovation, and creating magical moments for guests wherever they are in the world. We’re just a few months away from the launch, and I can’t wait to introduce this latest addition to our fleet to our guests and crew.

There is more growth happening across Disney Experiences worldwide than ever before. What other projects are you excited about beyond Disney Cruise Line?

In addition to Disney Cruise Line, our portfolio within Disney Signature Experiences includes several businesses that extend the reach of our brand beyond the theme parks — many of which are in high growth mode. There’s a lot to be excited about including new itineraries for Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions; two Storyliving by Disney communities in development, Cotino and Asteria; and a new Disney Vacation Club resort, Disney Lakeshore Lodge, coming to Walt Disney World in 2027.

I’m also looking forward to seeing some of the projects from other destinations within our segment. There are so many stories we are bringing to life around the world, on land and sea, and I can’t wait for our guests to experience it all.

Once the Disney Destiny officially sets sail as the next member of the legendary Disney Cruise Line fleet, a new wave of immersive entertainment is poised to redefine what it means to bring beloved animated characters to life.

At the heart of this innovation is the collaboration between Disney Live Entertainment and Walt Disney Animation Studios — two creative powerhouses working in tandem to transform iconic stories into unforgettable experiences at sea. And that goes well beyond the Broadway-style shows staged inside the Walt Disney Theater aboard the ship.

“When [we’re] developing new entertainment for Disney Cruise Line, we really view the entire ship as our stage,” Denise Case, Director of Entertainment Creative with Disney Live Entertainment, said. “This allows us to look beyond the theater setting and bring entertainment to the other immersive venues on board.”

As part of that entertainment, guests on the heroes- and villains-themed ship can expect to encounter some of their favorite animated stories brought to life in new and exciting ways, in theatrical productions like Disney Hercules and Frozen, A Musical Spectacular; via dining experiences like “Pride Lands: The Feast of the Lion King;” and through character interactions with the likes of Hero Minnie, Cruella de Vil, Maleficent, and others.

A Ship-Wide Stage for Storytelling

From Broadway-caliber stage shows to multi-sensory dining adventures, the Disney Destiny promises to be a showcase of storytelling that engages guests in ways no other cruise line can replicate.

This includes experiences like “Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King,” where guests are able to experience the powerful songs and storytelling of the iconic 1994 Disney Animation classic right from their table in a restaurant inspired by the African savanna.

“The dining experience is just one of the ways we are continuing to push the boundaries of what cruise ship entertainment means,” Case added.

In this first-of-its-kind dining experience, while families dine, they’ll be treated to a colorful ensemble of live performers taking the stage to present a musical journey through the award-winning soundtrack of Disney Animation’s The Lion King.

The immersion doesn’t stop at the performances, as the dinner food menu will balance the wide-ranging flavors of African cuisines with familiar fare that will satisfy the whole family. Diners will be able to expand their horizons with traditional dishes from across the continent and discover new spins on Disney Cruise Line guest-favorite dishes that incorporate authentic spice blends, regional sauces, and customary grains and produce.

And for slightly more adult fare, De Vil’s piano bar — named for the wickedly stylish Cruella de Vil of One Hundred and One Dalmatians — allows guests to wind down with an avant-garde selection of designer drinks inspired by Cruella herself and other icons from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ history.

Hear from Roger Gould, Creative Director, Walt Disney Animation Studios

Innovation in Scale and Technology

Among the most anticipated productions aboard the Disney Destiny is Disney Hercules, a show exclusive to the ship that promises to push the boundaries of scale and spectacle.

“Disney Hercules is really going to blow people away,” Case noted. “The show features massive Titan puppets that our team designed using new technology developed by Walt Disney Imagineering. These giants literally tower over our Hercules performer as they battle him. They are even packed with special effects like fog.”

And, while Disney has a long tradition of adapting its animated classics for the stage, doing so aboard a cruise ship presents unique challenges.

“Translating a beloved story to the stage is never an easy task, and we definitely face some unique challenges at sea that most people may not think of,” Case explained. “One of our biggest hurdles that we need to figure out early on in the show development process is space. The Walt Disney Theatre rotates through three shows with massive set pieces each sailing. Fitting all of these sets, costumes, and props backstage in a way that allows us to transform the theater each night is like a giant puzzle.”

This logistical complexity is met with ingenuity and precision, ensuring that each performance feels seamless to guests while backstage teams orchestrate nightly transformations.

Bringing these productions to life requires a symphony of talent across multiple disciplines.

“Collaboration is so important to what we do here at Disney Live Entertainment,” Case said. “Bringing a single show to life on one of our ships involves teams of set designers, choreographers, show writers, musicians, lighting designers, sound technicians, schedulers, and so many others.”

Why Disney Does It Differently

On land, Case’s team partnered with the iconic Walt Disney Animation Studios to ensure that their famed characters are accurately brought to life onstage and reflect their onscreen personas.

These partnerships across Disney’s various iconic brands and innovative lines of business ensure that every detail honors the source material while adapting it for a new medium.

“Disney has created some of the greatest stories ever told, and when you combine that legacy with our passion for making dreams a reality, it creates something truly special,” Marcus Gibson, Disney Signature Experiences Producer of Shipwide Entertainment, said. “We’re uniquely positioned to connect with guests through environments and characters that go deeper into the stories they love. On the Disney Destiny, we take that idea even further by creating interactive experiences that guests won’t find anywhere else — ones that are immersive, emotional, and unforgettable.”

This philosophy is evident across the ship, where every venue becomes a portal to one of Disney’s timeless animated stories, and every moment is thoughtfully crafted to resonate with guests of all ages.

As Disney Cruise Line prepares to launch its newest ship, the Disney Destiny, on November 20, a bold new chapter in immersive storytelling is unfolding — one that brings Disney, Pixar, and Marvel’s most iconic heroes and villains to life on the high seas in ways only Disney can.

Through a dynamic collaboration between Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Marvel, guests will step into the Marvel Universe like never before, surrounded by characters, environments, and innovative experiences that are beloved across generations.

“The cruise environment is such a unique canvas to play in,” Brian Crosby, Executive, Marvel Experiences Development, said. “We have our guests staying with us for multiple days, and [they] come with the expectation of being fully immersed in these stories with the opportunity to spend some quality time with our characters.”

Hear from Brian Crosby, Executive, Marvel Experiences Development

And fully immersed they will be: from the Wakandan-inspired Grand Hall to multi-day narrative arcs featuring Spider-Man and Loki, the Disney Destiny is more than a cruise ship — it’s a floating stage for epic adventures.

Creating the World at Sea

The Disney Destiny is a heroes- and villains-themed ship, and with part of the inspiration coming from Marvel — complete with Spider-Man and his Spider-bots as the ship’s stern characters — selecting which of the brand’s vast universe of over 8,000 characters to bring onboard was no small feat.

As Crosby noted, the priority is always the story and experience — choosing characters that resonate widely and offer rich storytelling potential. For the Disney Destiny, Marvel focused on iconic figures such as Black Panther, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, and Loki.

“When I think about those characters… I recognize that we get Wakanda, Asgard, the Sanctum, the Mystic Arts, trickery, heroism, sometimes even some villainy,” Crosby said.

Jen Bascom, Creative Director for Disney Cruise Line Creative, added, “Inspired by the Grand Hall design, we developed exciting new shows that pay tribute to the music and stories of King T’Challa, the Black Panther… And when it came to choosing a villain, we were energized by developing material for Loki. Who better to explore the concept of ‘destiny’ than this villain in search of his ‘glorious purpose?’”

And it’s not just about having the characters onboard.

“Guests who sail on the Disney Destiny will be surrounded by incredible design and architecture from the lore, myths, and films,” Bascom said.

Guests stepping aboard the Disney Destiny are immediately welcomed into the Wakandan Grand Hall — a striking space that sets the stage for total immersion.

“Imagine a villain like Loki walks into the Grand Hall,” Beth Burkhardt, Manager of Interior Design at Walt Disney Imagineering, suggested. “We can completely change the look and feel of the space with lighting and color so the whole space is washed in his iconic green palette… As a hero like T’Challa or Spider-Man enters the space, we can have the lighting and color feel more optimistic and strong.”

From there, guests can explore a variety of themed environments, including the Sanctum inspired by Doctor Strange, the Saga lounge echoing Black Panther’s throne room, Marvel Super Hero Academy, and the Worlds of Marvel restaurant.

Crosby added, “I’m always blown away by the innovation and creativity [Imagineers] bring to the table… I often present them with seemingly impossible characters, stories and magic to bring to life, and they never disappoint!”

A Unique Canvas for All Ages

Marvel’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect across generations.

“Parents and even grandparents grew up with these characters… and then a new generation was introduced to them through the lens of the Marvel Cinematic Universe,” Crosby said. “We always try to stay true to [Walt Disney’s] goal by finding experiences that will entertain all audiences regardless of age and depth of knowledge of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”

Entertainment experiences were designed for all ages in mind: interactive youth programs, immersive theatre shows, surprising spectacles, sophisticated intimate villain engagements, and adults-only comedy shows. This way, kids can go off on their own adventures, parents and adult friends can share a laugh, and the whole family can come together and create memories on board they’ll cherish for years to come.

Marcus Gibson, Disney Signature Experiences Producer of Shipwide Entertainment, explained that bringing these experiences to life connects with him personally, much like many others who worked on turning the dream of the ship into reality.

“Marvel stories have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Gibson shared. “Our goal was to craft experiences that are exciting, immersive, and meaningful for guests of all ages — whether they’re longtime fans or encountering these heroes for the first time.”

A Marvel Experience Only Disney Could Create

The Disney Destiny offers 4- and 5-night sailings, and as Bascom explained, “we have an incredible opportunity to create durational stories. On the Disney Destiny, we’ve created some multi-day narrative threads for guests to follow along or catch up on.”

Jay Abruzzese, Production Designer Principal, Walt Disney Imagineering, added, “Whether it’s one evening rounding the corner after dinner and coming face to face with Loki, or another day taking a family photo with the powerful sculpture of T’Challa in our Grand Hall, each one of our guests will experience their own stories in their own unique way.”

These may be unique and innovative storytelling experiences, but for guests onboard, they’re also memories that last a lifetime.

The Disney Destiny is more than a cruise ship — it’s a storytelling platform that brings Marvel’s rich universe to life in ways that are immersive, emotional, and unforgettable. Through the combined efforts of Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Marvel, guests will not only witness the stories of heroes and villains — they’ll live them.

A hero’s welcome awaited the new Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Destiny, Monday evening during a sensational christening celebration at its homeport of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Disney Destiny Christening combined the spirit of a high-energy concert with the theatricality of a Disney spectacular, including a multi-tiered set, drone special effects and scenic projections on the ship itself, alongside a live band and a dozen dazzling vocal performers. The waterfront production featured a custom, pop rock-inspired arrangement of iconic music from Hercules, The Lion King, Frozen, Pirates of the Caribbean, Black Panther and more — a tribute to the legendary Disney, Pixar and Marvel stories guests can experience aboard the new ship.

“For more than 100 years, we have entertained our fans in new and innovative ways, connecting them to the Disney stories they love,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, during the celebration. “Disney Cruise Line is a powerful part of that legacy because our ships become brand ambassadors that travel the globe and bring joy to our guests in ways only Disney can. Now, the Disney Destiny makes its own extraordinary entry into our growing fleet.”

The evening culminated in a sparkling pop of champagne and the ceremonial christening blessing bestowed by Susan Egan, godmother of the Disney Destiny. The prolific Broadway performer who embodies the spirit of the ship with her close ties to beloved Disney stories — from lending her distinctive voice to bring to life the witty banter and dry humor of Megara in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Hercules to originating the role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway — recited the blessing to kick off a glittering grand finale of heroic proportions and ready the ship to set sail.

“The Disney Cruise Line team, alongside our Disney Imagineers, have invested years of their expertise, creativity and dedication into this beautiful ship,” emphasized Joe Schott, President of Disney Signature Experiences. “They have created something truly spectacular.”

Inspiring Students to Discover Their Destiny through Arts

To further celebrate the launch of the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line is working with local organizations in Florida and The Bahamas to inspire students through the arts with the “Discover Your Destiny” initiative. This program brings the magic of theater into classrooms, offering students a behind-the-scenes look at entertainment careers. By engaging with Disney Cruise Line’s creative professionals, students will explore their talents, learn about exciting opportunities in the industry, and be encouraged to dream boldly about their futures.

Disney Cruise Line Continues Expansion Plans

The Disney Destiny is the newest ship to join Disney Cruise Line’s growing fleet, marking a significant milestone in the cruise line’s multi-year expansion plans to bring the magic of Disney cruises to new audiences around the world. This expansion will grow the fleet to 13 ships by 2031, and also includes the Disney Adventure, which will homeport in Singapore beginning in March 2026; a fourth ship in the Wish class expected in 2027; the introduction of a brand-new class of ships in 2029; and an agreement with Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC) to introduce Disney cruise vacations to Japan in 2029.

The sister ship to the Disney Wish (2022) and the Disney Treasure (2024), the Disney Destiny draws on the legacies of larger-than-life heroes and villains from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel to offer new and guest-favorite experiences steeped in legendary Disney lore. Highlights include an original Broadway-style adaptation of Hercules; entertaining dining experiences inspired by The Lion King and Marvel Super Heroes; immersive meet-and-play experiences with beloved characters; a Mickey Mouse-themed water attraction; one-of-a-kind lounges inspired by Cruella de Vil and Doctor Strange; imaginative kids’ clubs; and signature fireworks at sea.

The Disney Destiny embarks on its maiden voyage on November 20, followed by an inaugural season of four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale — home to Disney Cruise Line’s newest year-round terminal, which opened in November 2023 and offers even more options for guests.

The all-new show Zootopia: Better Zoogether! opens today at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a story inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia and Zootopia 2. In this new 4D show at the Tree of Life Theater, familiar faces and new friends come together for a special watch party in celebration of Zoogether Day — a holiday that celebrates unity across the diverse biomes of Zootopia, from Tundratown to Marsh Market.

“It’s authentically Zootopia as a quick-witted and fast-paced adventure, but distinctly Animal Kingdom with the message that we are all connected to our shared environment,” Danny Handke, Senior Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering, said of the nine-minute show. “The 4D elements — sights, sounds, smells, and unexpected special effects — immerse guests into the story as the excitement enfolds around them.”

All in This Zoogether

The directors of Zootopia 2 — Oscar®-winning filmmakers Jared Bush (who helped write the script) and Byron Howard (who directed the animation in the show, all of which was done by Disney Animation artists) — worked closely with the Walt Disney Imagineering team to bring Zootopia: Better Zoogether! to life. “As we were working on Zootopia 2, our partners at Imagineering were also working on Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, which opens just a few weeks before the film,” Howard said. “We’re very proud of it. It’s a great warmup before you go to the theater to see Zootopia 2.”

Handke added that Bush and Howard “were instrumental in collaborating with us on developing our story to complement Zootopia 2,” especially with “bringing in new characters like Nibbles [voiced by Fortune Feimster] and locations like the Marsh Market.”

Bush — who was named Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios just over a year ago — noted, “It’s so rare to have something open in the parks around the same time the movie is coming out. Fans can look forward to not only seeing some of their favorite characters from the first film, but also some of the new characters in Zootopia 2.”

Fun for the Whole Herd

Thanks to special “Carrot Vision” glasses that guests wear during the watch party experience, characters “jump” off the screen, such as detectives Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman). Meanwhile, fellow ZPD officer Benjamin Clawhauser (voiced by Nate Torrence) appears in the theater via an all-new Audio-Animatronics® figure. As a Gazelle superfan, he wants to be picked as the V.I.Z. (Very Important Zootopian) who gets special access to the Zoogether Day performers. This leads into an all-new original song, “We Are Zoonited,” performed by Judy and Clawhauser.

Bringing Clawhauser to life with even more realism and charm was an exciting challenge for Imagineers. One key innovation was new functionality for his body movement — creating a dynamic, interactive presence that feels like the beloved cheetah is popping right off the screen and into the theater. Imagineers also enhanced the expressiveness of his face by developing practical eyes, capturing Clawhauser’s excitement and emotion. To fully convey his character and enthusiasm — especially for the Gazelle concert scene — Imagineers paid additional attention to details like his custom Gazelle shirt and glow necklaces, ensuring every aspect of his personality shines through in the guest experience.

Zootopia: Better Zoogether! introduces a character original to the show, Heidi Howler —a slick-talking wolf who hosts the Zoogether Day LIVE! broadcast. “We discussed many different types of mammals as the host of the show. We landed on a wolf character because, like in the first film, when a wolf starts a howl, others can’t resist to join in,” Handke said. “That felt like the perfect mammal choice, and then to give her a larger-than-life personality made her feel like a natural host for one of the biggest events in Zootopia.”

Just as they did with Zootopia at Shanghai Disney Resort, Disney Imagineers and Disney Animation worked “paw-in-paw” to ensure that this immersive Zootopia experience continues the adventures of Judy, Nick, and the other animals in authentic, engaging ways.

“We have the greatest artists and animators in the world, who deeply know these characters,” Bush said. “When you see the subtleties in Jason’s performance, you need people who know how to translate that. It was fun to work with them again, as well as the Imagineers, so that guests will say, ‘That is Nick. I know Nick, and that is him right there!’”

Ultimately, Handke said, “I hope guests feel like they get to spend time with their favorite characters, get in some good belly laughs, and feel exhilarated by the fast-paced adventure and effects. True to the franchise, the show is stacked with layers of storytelling, from the Zoogether Day celebration to Clawhauser’s role inside the theater to the mystery Judy and Nick try to solve. The animation is gorgeous and chock full of rich details. There are so many things to see in this show. I hope guests want to come experience it again and again.”

Bush added that he can’t wait to experience Zootopia: Better Zoogether! “again and again” with his family.

“Zootopia: Better Zoogether! is one of the most fun things that I’ve ever been able to help work on,” Bush said. “To get a film made at all feels like winning the lottery. To have those characters then become tangible in the parks is the most amazing thing. I cannot wait to take my family to visit and experience it. This is the biggest dream come true in the world.”

Global Pawprint

Zootopia: Better Zoogether! is the just the latest example of how Disney Animation and Disney Imagineers teamed up to bring the bustling animal metropolis to life in the parks.

In 2023, Shanghai Disney Resort opened Zootopia, its most immersive land to date. It was designed to accommodate animals of all shapes and sizes, from large giraffes to tiny rodents. That meant Imagineers got to play with the scale of everything, from crosswalk signs and benches to drinking fountains and doors — just like those who animated the film.

Not only that, but next-generation Audio-Animatronics figures appear throughout the land, including in the signature attraction Zootopia: Hot Pursuit and its queue. Imagineers worked closely with animators to ensure that characters such as Judy, Nick, and Chief Bogo behave and look exactly as guests remember them from the movie. The Audio-Animatronics figure for Gazelle is particularly advanced, considering that all the internal mechanics needed to fit inside her slender frame while she performs complex choreography. Zootopia: Hot Pursuit is also unique in that it is the first trackless ride vehicle system in Mainland China.

Shanghai Disney Resort is gearing up for the release of Zootopia 2 by turning its one-of-a-kind Zootopia land into a living extension of the sequel. By working closely with Disney Animation, on Tuesday, November 18, the resort will debut film-inspired décor, immersive embedded details, reimagined entertainment, and limited-time experiences that will collectively activate the continued story of the vibrant metropolis in a new, immersive way.

At Disney Animation and Disney Imagineering, the inspiration goes both ways.

Bush was so inspired after he visited the Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Disney Resort that he incorporated locations such as the fitness club and the barber shop for sheep into Zootopia 2.

Shanghai Disney Resort is embarking on another ambitious expansion project, unveiling plans for a fourth themed hotel and a vibrant extension of Disneytown’s shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. This announcement marks a historic moment, as the resort celebrates the welcoming of its 100 millionth guest — solidifying its place as China’s most visited theme park.

The new hotel, located just steps from the entrance to Shanghai Disneyland, will serve as a gateway to unforgettable adventures and lifelong memories. Guests will be immersed in Disney’s signature storytelling and innovation from the moment they arrive, with unique accommodations and exclusive access to areas that extend the magic beyond the park.

Today, there are more projects underway at Disney Experiences than at any other time in the company’s history. The ongoing expansion and development efforts at Shanghai Disney Resort are fueled by growing demand from guests and fans from across China and around the world, and have included: Toy Story Land, Ignite the Dream nighttime spectacular, the highly popular Zootopia-themed land, which will soon debut Zootopia 2 hidden gems, the upcoming Spider-Man themed land, and the expanded popular attraction Soaring Over the Horizon. The Resort’s commitment to creativity and excellence has made it one of the top five most visited theme parks in the world, according to the TEA Global Experience Index 2024 recently released by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) on October 23, 2025.

“Shanghai Disney Resort’s extraordinary momentum reflects our unwavering commitment to bringing more Disney stories and characters to new audiences around the world,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “This dedication, coupled with our global investment in innovation and expansion, fuels a future where the Resort continues to inspire, delight, and set new standards as a landmark destination for generations to come.”

“Our guests inspire us to dream bigger and innovate further,” said Andrew Bolstein, President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort. “With every new experience, we reaffirm our promise to deliver the magic of Disney in ways that resonate with families across China and around the world.”

The new hotel will join the resort’s existing accommodations — including the Art Nouveau-inspired third hotel under construction on Wishing Star Lake — offering even more options for guests seeking immersive stays and breathtaking views.

Unforgettable experiences at Shanghai Disney Resort are brought to life by dedicated Cast Members. Demonstrating an ongoing commitment to their well-being, a multifunctional residential community is being developed with thoughtfully designed living spaces, recreational amenities, and vibrant communal areas — all created to support, celebrate, and enrich the Disney employee community and workplace culture.

As Shanghai Disney Resort continues to expand, it invites guests from near and far to discover new adventures, create unforgettable memories, and experience the wonder that only Disney can deliver.

The Walt Disney Company has announced an exciting new chapter for one of its most beloved attractions: next summer, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will debut Soarin’ Across America, in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.

“When production wrapped almost a decade ago on Soarin’ Around the World, we started thinking about where we might go next with the format,” Tom Fitzgerald, Portfolio Executive Creative Director and Chief Storytelling Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, said. “A trip across the United States felt like a natural next flight for Soarin’ to take, and the 250th anniversary of our nation provided the perfect opportunity to ‘book the flight.’”

This immersive new flight experience will take guests on a breathtaking journey from coast to coast, highlighting some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.

Soarin’ Across America is set to launch at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort Summer 2026, offering guests a unique opportunity to celebrate America’s diversity and grandeur from a bird’s-eye view.

“As always with Soarin’ films, the biggest challenge is choosing where to go, and what locations would work best in this unique film format,” Fitzgerald said. “Now with the 250 celebration, we’ll immerse our guests in a celebratory flight that spans from sea to shining sea!”

From Sea to Shining Sea: New Sights and Aerial Technology

The popular attraction format raises guests high into the air in front of an immersive, 80-foot projection dome for a virtual tour of spectacular aerial footage that simulates the graceful motion of flight.

Bernice Howes, Executive Creative Media Producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, stepped in to oversee how the new sights and scenes would be captured for Soarin’ Across America.

Before hunkering down with advanced camera and aerial technology to capture new stunning scenes of America, Howes and team mapped out which locations to capture and tested equipment.

“We sought out satellite maps to display a realistic visual of the locations,” Howes said, “and set up aerial paths in order to understand our filming location needs and how one location transitions into the next to tell the story.”

From there, Howes and Scott Sohan, Principal Visual Effects Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering, and team set out on a series of camera, lens, helicopter, and heavy-lift drone equipment tests to figure out the exact specifications needed to use a unified set-up for filming all the new scenes.

“We then gathered all the needed equipment to go on location — 33 cases in total! — to ensure we had everything we needed while we are out in the middle of nowhere, including spares on all the equipment,” Howes said.

Crafting an American Story

“Our goal was to offer guests a sampling of the diversity of America’s beauty and urban wonders with the hope it would paint an emotional portrait for the nation’s Semi-quincentennial celebration,” Fitzgerald said.

For Howes, there was a specific roadmap of how to construct the new film for the attraction to deliver on that creative vision.

“Contrasting shots of different American locales — scenic wonders, amazing cities, and the beauty of the coasts. The use of the physical landscape of the United States as a unifying element,” she explained. “Then, using continuous camera movement to smoothly transition between these scenes, linking them together to show the geographical ‘whole’ of the nation, from natural locations to large cities to national monuments that represent America the beautiful.”

Howes concluded, “The film’s creation is designed to embody America’s spirit for today’s guests and future generations.”

Soarin’ Across America is a tribute to the country’s past, present, and future. As Disney continues to innovate and celebrate milestones, Soarin’ Across America stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to storytelling, technological excellence, and honoring the spirit of the United States.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) has been delighting guests from around the world for two decades, and to celebrate this milestone, a spectacular year-long celebration, “The Most Magical Party of All,” is in full swing across the resort. Since opening in 2005, the resort has become a beloved destination for locals and international guests, blending Disney magic with Hong Kong’s vibrant culture. “We remain agile and committed to providing innovative experiences and exceptional service for our guests,” Michael Moriarty, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, said in a recent interview. “Those are a testament to the ideals that have guided us for the last 20 years.”

A Key Tourism Driver in Hong Kong

Woven deep into the fabric of the city, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort plays a vital role in the city’s tourism industry. With its lush landscapes and immersive experiences, the resort attracts millions of guests annually from mainland China, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Whether it’s a first visit or a family tradition, the park continues to be a place where lifelong memories are made.Let’s take a trip down memory lane and discover how the resort came to hold such a special place in the hearts of the local community and Disney fans around the world.

The Origins of Hong Kong Disneyland

The concept of Hong Kong Disneyland first leapt into the public’s imagination in 1999. As the first Disney theme park coming to China and second to Asia, the first being Tokyo Disney Resort, this was a big moment in Disney’s global expansion. The vibrant and multicultural city of Hong Kong seemed a promising location for the Company’s next venture abroad. Within five hours of flight time, Hong Kong is accessible to half of the world’s population.When master planning began for the resort, Wing Chao, the Disney Legend and former Vice Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for Asia Pacific Development, consulted with a feng shui master because of how “important [feng shui is] in terms of site orientation to bring positive qi, or good luck and prosperity,” he said.

The resort opened in 2005 to a warm welcome from the people of Hong Kong with four classic lands — Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland — and two hotels — Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel.

Expanding the Magic: New Lands and Attractions

Over the years, Hong Kong Disneyland has introduced several exclusive attractions:  

• Toy Story Land opened (2011) 

• Grizzly Gulch opened (2012) and brought with it an exciting coaster, Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, featuring Audio-Animatronics bears and a surprise backwards section

• Mystic Point opened (2013) with an award-winning attraction called Mystic Manor

• • Following the story of the mischievous monkey, Albert, his playful nature has endeared him to guests with affinity for Albert extending beyond Mystic Manor as year-to-date sales of Albert-related merchandise have recorded a threefold increase year-over-year 

• Iron Man Experience (2017) marked the first Super Hero theme park ride for Disney parks, before being joined by Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! (2019) 

• • These two heroic attractions are inter-connected with both stories set in present-day Hong Kong featuring iconic landmarks recognizable to any local

• Disney Explorers Lodge (2017) with rooms and decor themed to the unique tropical climates of Asia, Oceania, South America and Africa

A New Decade Emerges: Castle of Magical Dreams and World of Frozen

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort saw no sign of slowing down as it entered a new decade.

In celebration of the resort’s 15th anniversary in 2020, the resort unveiled the spectacular transformation of Sleeping Beauty Castle into the majestic Castle of Magical Dreams. Inspired by 13 stories of Disney Princesses and Queens, this architectural marvel blends elements from Chinese, European, and Southeast Asian cultures, symbolizing courage and hope and serves as a beacon of the park.“The castle is the heart and soul of any given Disney Magic Kingdom-style park,” Kelly Willis, Executive Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering Hong Kong who oversaw the transformation, said. “We wanted to transform the image of Hong Kong Disneyland to mark a new era of the resort.”

In tribute to 100 years of Disney, in 2023, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort unveiled a first-of-its-kind bronze statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. Shortly after the debut of the statue, the resort’s largest and most ambitious expansion opened its gates to guests — World of Frozen.As Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences, noted on opening day, “our theme parks always grow and evolve with new stories and experiences, and it is exciting to make all these new worlds come to life for our guests.”

As the world’s first land themed to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ , one of the most successful franchises in Disney history, guests are now able to step foot into a real-life kingdom of Arendelle at World of Frozen, in which every inch of the land was thoughtfully considered and researched to create a fully immersive experience and where they can encounter their favorite characters from the film.

Giving Back: Disney Magic in the Community

And while the land unlocked countless treasured moments for guests, it also opened the door to granting unique Frozen-themed wishes for children facing illness. In fact, the first wish in World of Frozen was granted just one month after its opening, showcasing the resort’s commitment, from its cast members, Disney VoluntEARs and Imagineers in Hong Kong, to making dreams come true.

What’s Next for Hong Kong Disneyland?

On September 12, the resort officially turns 20, and everyone is invited to join “The Most Magical Party of All.” Guests can plan their visit with the resort’s ultimate guide to all the fun. The vibrant celebration, which unfold as a day-to-night adventure, includes:

• New entertainment alongside Mickey Mouse and friends, as well as Duffy and Friends, all dressed in festive new outfits

• Exclusive anniversary-themed merchandise and food

• Festive new character outfits

Looking ahead, guests can expect:

• A major new Super Hero attraction

• A Pixar-themed entertainment offering, funded entirely by the resort

“We are incredibly proud of our success and the strong contributions and positive impact to Hong Kong,” Michael Moriarty, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland, recently shared. “As we celebrate 20 years of bringing happiness and moments of joy to guests, we couldn’t be more excited for what guests can experience during the ‘Most Magical Party of All’ and beyond.”

Plan Your Visit to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort  

Whether you’re local or planning a trip from abroad, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort offers unforgettable experiences for all ages. With easy access from Hong Kong International Airport and proximity to iconic landmarks like Ngong Ping 360 and Tung Chung, it’s the perfect destination for a magical getaway and we can’t wait to see what new and one-of-a-kind experiences the next 20 years and beyond will bring.

For decades, filmmakers and Imagineers have worked together to perfect the art of taking the company’s iconic characters and stories beyond the silver screen.Major acquisitions like Pixar (2006), Marvel Studios (2009) and Lucasfilm (2012) have spurred even more opportunities to deliver classic and new stories to fans in incredible ways.As new stories are created and films produced, Disney teams around the globe come together to bring those stories to life. The years or months long process often culminates with the collective story and experience hitting theaters, the parks, cruises and products on the same day — giving fans a multitude of ways to be part of the story.This is connective storytelling that only Disney can create. Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps is no exception.

Beginning with the film’s release in July 2025, Disneyland Park guests have stepped into the 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world to meet Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing, along with their robot assistant H.E.R.B.I.E. Guests at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris also can see members of Marvel’s first family.We spoke to David Lightbody, who heads up Disney Live Entertainment, and Kyle Laughlin, leader of Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development (R&D), about how teams across the company came together to take The Fantastic Four: First Steps from the big screen to the parks.  How early do park teams begin to work with filmmakers to bring the characters to these parks day and date with the movie premiere? Lightbody: It’s incredibly exciting to collaborate with the filmmakers to bring to life the stories and characters they create for the big screen in our parks. We partner with them early on, while they are still in development or in production, to ensure we can deliver the most authentic guest experience that translates from the set to the parks. As is often the case, Imagineers and Disney Live Entertainment cast members got the chance to visit the set of the film to get a feel for the environments, sets, props, and more, providing amazing inspiration to design and create experiences true to the source material.What is the most important factor in creating a seamless transition from the big screen to the parks? Lightbody: The partnership with the filmmakers is so key, as we want guests to have similar emotions with the parks experience as they do when they see the film — through the story, characters, themes, or even music. With The Fantastic Four: First Steps, we had the opportunity to lean into all of these with these parks’ experiences. For example: in Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland it was essential to bring these characters to Tomorrowland, which felt more in line with the design and aesthetic of the film. Music plays such an important role in our experiences, and Michael Giacchino’s score for this film is the perfect fit for our parks and experiences worldwide.

What did it take to bring H.E.R.B.I.E. to life? Laughlin: Just like in the film, H.E.R.B.I.E. started as an experiment — only this time, the experiment was ours. The R&D team jumped at the chance to bring this character to life using the latest in robotic self-balancing technology. We collaborated closely with the film’s design team to make sure every detail translated from screen to real-world and even partnered with the original voice talent to keep things as true to character as possible.What’s wild is how quickly it all came together — from concept to park-ready in just 90 days. Fastest we’ve ever done it. And honestly, seeing H.E.R.B.I.E. roll through the parks in real life? It’s just plain cool.How many cast members did it take to bring The Fantastic Four: First Steps to life in these parks?  Laughlin: It was an amazing collaboration across Disney Experiences to bring these characters and experiences to Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. So many talented individuals joined together fromWalt Disney Imagineering, WDI R&D, Disney Live Entertainment, Operations, Food & Beverage, Merchandise, and Disney Photo Imaging to create these experiences for our guests, and we have amazing partnerships with our marketing and synergy teams across the company. So, it would not be an exaggeration to say that hundreds of people had a part in this incredible effort.For more details on all the ways to see Fantastic Four heroes in our parks, see theDisney Parks Blog story.

As Disneyland Resort continues to celebrate its 70th anniversary, a groundbreaking new show and attraction is taking center stage at the Main Street Opera House: “Walt Disney — A Magical Life.”

This immersive experience honors the legacy of Walt Disney through a blend of storytelling, innovation, and heartfelt tribute — culminating in the debut of the first-ever Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt himself.

“The 70th anniversary of Disneyland gave us an incredible opportunity to create this show — ‘Walt Disney — A Magical Life’ — to remind the public about Walt Disney, his life, his career, his incredible journey,” Tom Fitzgerald, Senior Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, said.

Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz, Portfolio Executive Creative Producer, Walt Disney Imagineering, added, “This fitting tribute gives millions of our guests a moment of wish fulfillment to feel what it was like to be in Walt’s presence.”

The Imagineers worked very closely with the Walt Disney Archives and The Walt Disney Family Museum to ensure an accurate portrayal of the details of Walt and his office.

“But, most importantly,” Shaver-Moskowitz added, “we were passionate about creating an Audio-Animatronics portrayal that had all of his nuances, his facial expressions, his hand gestures, all those things that made this performance, this theatrical presentation, feel uniquely Walt.”

The show begins with a film adaptation of “One Man’s Dream,” largely narrated by Walt himself, tracing his journey from humble beginnings in Marceline, MO, to global icon. The finale reveals the Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt in a recreation of his Burbank office, where he shares stories and philosophies drawn from decades of archival recordings.

“Creating an Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney is something that the team took very seriously, likely as seriously as Walt Disney did in creating the Audio-Animatronics figure of Abraham Lincoln decades ago,” Fitzgerald said.

Audio-Animatronics technology was pioneered in the 1960s by Walt Disney and his Imagineers and made a major impression at the 1964 World’s Fair with — among other figures — Abraham Lincoln in the show “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” which now shares a home with “Walt Disney — A Magical Life.” In the six decades since, the technology has only improved.

“For ‘Walt Disney — A Magical Life,’ the team at Walt Disney Imagineering has created the most lifelike figure we have ever created,” Fitzgerald said.

To achieve this, Imagineers developed what they call “moonshots” — leaps in technology for a humanoid figure that include soft eyelids, expressive eyebrows, and even the twinkle in Walt’s eye.

“All of these things bring the personality of Walt Disney to life in a way that could never have been done before,” Fitzgerald added.

The attraction is more than a technical marvel — it’s a message of perseverance and creativity.

“Walt Disney’s story is an amazing one. What a journey. Throughout his career, he had setbacks, but he never gave up. He kept moving forward and we thought that was a message that was an important one to share with our audience today. Follow your dreams. Never give up. Yes, you will have setbacks. Turn them into success and give the world your best,” Fitzgerald said.

Seventy years ago, on July 17, 1955, Walt Disney welcomed scores of people — both in person and across the airwaves on ABC — to the opening of his latest and greatest creation: Disneyland.

Disneyland not only created a new kind of entertainment industry centered on immersive storytelling and visionary design, but it was also the dynamic embodiment of a business strategy that Walt had been honing for the three decades prior.

“Disneyland was a truly revolutionary concept,” Rebecca Cline, Director of the Walt Disney Archives, said. “It was the first themed park, and that theming was very special. It was based on things that had already been done at Disney’s studio.”

It Was All Started By a Mouse

The roots of Disneyland were planted decades before Opening Day.

As Walt said in “The Disneyland Story,” the first episode of the Disneyland TV series which aired October 27, 1954, on ABC, “The story of Mickey is truthfully, the real beginning of Disneyland.”

That’s because Mickey didn’t just live in movie theaters.

“When Walt Disney founded the company, he almost immediately created the concept of synergy,” Cline explained. “Mickey Mouse was a very popular character in films, but then almost immediately they started doing ancillary products, character merchandise development, live events — all kinds of things that supported the character of Mickey Mouse and made him a superstar.”

From the moment Mickey Mouse captured hearts on screen, Walt envisioned a world where characters could leap from celluloid into real life — where families could step into the stories they loved.

Walt began dreaming up Disneyland as early as the 1940s, and in the early 1950s, as concepts for the park were beginning to take shape, he also leaned into the potential power of television as another way to share his stories… and his upcoming park.

“Walt would create a television series for ABC that was called Disneyland,” Cline explained. “He knew that if he could get his message about his park into homes all across the nation, that his audience would want to come to Disneyland.” As Walt himself put it, “Disneyland the place and Disneyland the TV show are all part of the same.”

Designing a New Kind of Experience

“There were actually more than 100 layouts for Disneyland,” Emily (Emo) O’Brien, Portfolio Executive Creative Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, said. “Ultimately Marvin Davis, who did those layouts, landed on this central area that became the core. And it made it easy for people to traverse around the park from land to land and still know where that common center was.”

The Central Plaza, or “the hub,” as Walt referred to it on TV, remains the heart of Disneyland to this day.

To bring his vision to life, Walt couldn’t use traditional architects. To essentially create a film in real life, he turned to familiar faces to help design the park.

“He hired away his own artists from their own jobs and used them to develop the look of the park and develop the attractions,” Cline said.

This team would become the foundation of Walt Disney Imagineering — a group dedicated to blending science, art, and creative imagination to tell stories in ways guests had never experienced before.

That ingenuity continues to this day and Imagineers often work with partners at Disney around the world to develop new and innovative experiences. And, as O’Brien notes, “If we don’t have the technology in one of those units, we’ll just invent it.”

Storytelling in Every Detail

Walt’s commitment to storytelling extends to every corner of Disneyland.

“He really understood that immersing people and moving beyond just the attraction… making sure the cast members were dressed to be within that story, making sure our food and beverage and our merch all added to that story,” Kris Theiler, Vice President, Disneyland Resort, said.

That philosophy has continued as new lands and attractions have been added since the founding of the park.

“A land like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge really epitomizes how we have continued to hold that dear to us and advance all of those aspects of his vision,” Theiler added. “I don’t think we’ve ever built a land quite that immersive.”

As 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.”

Theiler noted that his philosophy carries through to his day, noting, “The cast members are really our differentiator and the people that bring the story to life.”

A Legacy That Continues to Grow

The early success of Disneyland paved the way for global expansion.

“It was so successful very early on the company was able to move forward and do a lot of the bigger projects that Walt had in mind,” Cline explained. “That eventually became Walt Disney World and later EPCOT… and parks in Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai… and coming up, a new park in the Middle East.”

The ripple effect extended beyond the parks.

“It gave the audience of Disney a taste for immersive and live entertainment which gave birth to things like the Disney Cruise Line,” Cline said. “And all of these places where you can go and involve yourself in-person with Disney, not just in a theme park.”

“In many ways, Disneyland is a global ambassador for American creativity and innovation and imagination,” Theiler noted. “Walt Disney was a master storyteller… In creating Disneyland, he wanted a place to bring his stories to grow and come to life in new and unique and different ways.”

That vision still rings through the halls of The Walt Disney Company 70 years later.

“Walt Disney’s philosophies have always been what the company has focused on,” Cline said. “It’s all about great storytelling told using the finest and highest level of technology available and innovative concepts.”

Today, Disneyland Resort, known as The Happiest Place on Earth, commemorated seventy years by honoring the people who have made those memories possible: Disneyland Resort cast members.

Disneyland Resort kicked off the 70th anniversary with an early morning cast member-only celebration in Disneyland park, filled with unique photo backdrops, such as the 70th Anniversary Hot Air Balloon, live entertainment, and a flag raising ceremony in Town Square featuring veteran cast members.

The Walt Disney Company’s Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger, and Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro addressed the cast on Main Street, U.S.A., before joining them alongside Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to ceremoniously ring the New York Stock Exchange opening bell and pose for a once-in-a-lifetime cast photo. After, Bob Iger opened Disneyland before joining Disneyland Resort cast members along Main Street, U.S.A., to welcome guests into the park.

“It was on this day in 1955 that Walt Disney opened the gates of Disneyland for the first time and introduced the world to this very special place,” Iger said to guests. “70 years later, Disneyland remains one of Walt’s greatest achievements — a place where generations of people from all over the world have stepped through these gates and entered a world of joy and imagination.”

70 years and counting of The Happiest Place on Earth

With the opening of Disneyland park in 1955, Walt Disney transformed the theme park industry, creating an immersive destination where families could create happy memories and spend time together. With its 70-year history, Disneyland Resort has expanded to include two theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney District which reflect the power of Disney storytelling — which includes Pixar, Star Wars, and stories featuring fan-favorite Super Heroes. The resort is adding even more new experiences, including the Avengers Campus expansion, Avatar and Coco in the coming years providing guests with more options to immerse themselves in their favorite Disney stories — creating moments that become timeless memories and stories that are shared again and again with friends and family. More information about these projects can be found in the “We Call it Imagineering” series on YouTube.

In that spirit, July 17 marks the debut of a new advertising campaign highlighting how after 70 years, Disneyland Resort continues to be the place that people come to celebrate their happiest moments, featuring authentic guest stories and photos.

How Guests Are Celebrating the 70th Anniversary

Guests visiting Disneyland Resort on July 17 will not only get to experience the limited time offerings available for the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration but also get the opportunity to experience the debut of the groundbreaking attraction “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” and new additions to the Main Street Cinema and it’s a small world attraction. In addition, for one day only, guests can collect a souvenir guide map and anniversary button (subject to availability) and experience a special 70th anniversary cavalcade in the afternoon.

When Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, Walt Disney said he hoped it would be “a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” It’s been that and more for generations of guests, who today join The Walt Disney Company in celebrating the theme park’s 70th anniversary.

To mark the momentous occasion, Disney created a brand spot that showcases the tender memories and the distinct feeling of happiness that guests feel when they enter Disneyland and see their favorite stories come to life. In the Q&A (below), Asad Ayaz, Chief Brand Officer, The Walt Disney Company, and President, Marketing, The Walt Disney Studios and Disney+, shares the ethos behind the campaign, aptly titled “The Happiest Place on Earth.”

What inspired the creative direction behind the 70th Anniversary campaign for Disneyland — and how did you determine this was the right narrative to lead with?

For generations, Disneyland has been a place of magic and joy both for the young and the young at heart. Throughout the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration, we wanted to celebrate the moments that truly make Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth. The goal for the spot is authenticity, capturing real moments from guests over several days — that feeling you get when you see elephants fly, super heroes assemble, or the night sky light up in a cascade of beautiful fireworks. The spot is about capturing that feeling, and the immense joy you get each time you return with your loved ones to make new memories to cherish together.

What emotional resonance do you hope this campaign leaves with audiences, from lifelong Disney fans to first-time park visitors?

From its opening in 1955 until today, Disneyland has always created extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences for guests of all ages. These experiences have evolved through the years, but at their core, they always provide a source of pure fun, allowing families to be happy together. The spot our team created beautifully showcases the timelessness of Disneyland. This campaign shows these moments of joy and evokes a sense of nostalgia, bringing viewers back to their own memories of spending time with the people they love at Disneyland.

Experiencing Disneyland for the first or 70th time is always better when you are surrounded by loved ones. Being together — laughing, smiling, dancing, and singing — is the dream Walt Disney had for Disneyland.

The campaign features deeply personal, unscripted moments from real guests. How did your team approach capturing that authenticity on film?

All of the moments you see in the spot are truly candid, happening in real time with real people and real feelings. We wanted it to feel as if these guests captured each moment themselves — as if the viewers are watching their home videos, taking them on a stroll down memory lane as they remember similar instances themselves. We filmed over several days with a small crew, allowing us to capture intimate and sometimes imperceivable moments that happen every day at Disneyland.

Throughout the spot, we see the way Disneyland’s appeal spans generations, from David and Shelly visiting the park with their grandchildren nearly 50 years since their first visit, to first-timers June and Anne jumping out of their wheelchairs to dance with their grown children. The love for Disneyland, and all of Disney, is rooted in generations of shared memories and a common understanding of the happiness it brings to people around the world.

In what ways does this campaign reflect not only the spirit of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, but also its year-round promise to guests and fans?

Disneyland has been, and always will be, a source of happiness for guests of all ages. “The Happiest Place on Earth” campaign reminds all of us of the power of joy and the incredible way it brings us all together. The campaign encapsulates all of this and more. It captures not just a moment in time, but a sensation that lasts a lifetime.

It extends beyond this campaign, and it’s our promise to our guests that Disneyland will always be a place of hope, belonging, and happiness. Since its opening, Disneyland has been “a source of joy and inspiration for all the world,” and today we continue to invest in creativity, technology, and innovation to bring the power of Disney storytelling to new heights. As we look to the future, there is so much to look forward to at the Disneyland Resort, including new attractions coming in the next several years from Marvel, Pixar, Avatar, and more.

What makes Disneyland 70 a distinct celebration, and how do you convey that uniqueness in the brand spot?

Disney is one of the most beloved companies in the world, and we are fortunate to have incredible fans that are unlike any other. The Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration, along with “The Happiest Place on Earth” spot our team created, puts our guests and fans front and center since they are at the heart of everything we do.

Our 70th Anniversary Celebration blends the best of the old and the new — returning favorites that bring back cherished memories and original experiences to create new ones. We wanted this spot to reflect that same sentiment and ignite a familiarity that brings you back to that happy place.

In conjunction with “The Happiest Place on Earth” spot, we are also inviting fans around the world to share their favorite Disneyland memories using #Disneyland70, creating a wave of authentic social media posts that allows fans to connect with one another through a shared feeling of happiness and an unspoken understanding of what it means to be truly happy.

Kicking off Thursday, July 17, at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California, the Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide Tour will be a one-of-a-kind interactive concert experience. Featuring Descendants: The Rise of Red‘s Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, Dara Reneé, and Joshua Colley and ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires‘ Freya Skye, Malachi Barton, and Mekonnen Knife, the North American arena tour will feature popular songs from the Descendants and ZOMBIES films that families and fans can experience together.

“There are so many incredible songs in these franchises,” said Cantrall, who plays Red in Descendants. “Getting to perform them live is an amazing way for us to connect with fans.”

While Descendants: The Rise of Red celebrated its first anniversary on July 12 and ZOMBIES: Dawn of the Vampires premiered just last week, the joint tour has actually “been a long time in the making,” Darryl Franklin, VP Business Affairs, Business Development & Legal Counsel, Disney Music Group/Disney Concerts, revealed.

What began as just a ZOMBIES tour morphed into something more all-encompassing.

“The teams at Disney Branded Television and Disney Concerts thought a live musical celebration focusing on the many hits from both franchises would make for a more unique and exciting concert experience for fans,” Franklin explained. “[Touring company] AEG confirmed they were excited about that concept — and just over a year later, here we are.”

Given how beloved each franchise is, Disney is pulling out all the stops.

“With Descendants and ZOMBIES being two crown jewel franchises of Disney Branded Television, the Disney Concerts team knew we had to deliver something truly world class,” Franklin explained. “For many fans, this might be their first in-person, arena-sized concert. For other fans, they might have been to see Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, or Olivia Rodrigo concert in the past year. Either way, the pressure has been on all of us to create a concert experience of the highest level — something memorable that everyone involved can be proud of and that all the fans will walk away from saying, ‘That was awesome!’”

From Screen to Stage

With a set list that includes approximately 30 songs across the two franchises, the Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide Tour will be a “giant pop concert celebration,” Franklin said. Over the span of 10 weeks, a touring party of 90 people, 13 trucks, and eight buses will visit 43 arenas across North America, playing to thousands of families and fans.

“The magic of ZOMBIES and Descendants is that you already feel so immersed when you’re watching it on a screen at home,” said Skye, who plays Nova in ZOMBIES. “You’ll feel even more immersed — like you’re actually in the world — when you see the concert. It’s going to be such a fun experience. There are new songs and throwbacks that feel nostalgic, but also super fresh. We’ll be keeping people on their toes, because there is a lot going down.”

Just don’t expect to see actual characters, like Red or Nova, taking the stage.

“The seven talented artists from the two franchises are performing as themselves, not as their characters, and they sing and dance on most of the songs,” Franklin said. “We do have clips from the films, as well as behind-the-scenes and other moments, but all as part of the amazing original concert put together by creative director Amy Tinkham, video director and choreographer Scotty Nguyen, wardrobe Stylist Zerina Akers, and assistant creative director Jaimie Selkie. Fans will get to enjoy all their favorite hits in a way and at a scale that one would normally find only at concerts by some of the biggest and best pop artists.”

“The concert showcases these talented artists in a whole new way and proves that these songs deserve to be the hits they are,” Franklin continued. “I also suspect the parents bringing the kids will have a great time and be equally thrilled at the quality of the show.”

An Elevated Experience

Barton, who plays Victor in ZOMBIES, can’t wait to perform for two hours each night.

“This show is nuts,” Barton said. “It’s got a ton of numbers, with some intense dancing and some crazy props. The dancers are absurdly good. I can’t wait to get out on the road, get onstage, and finally show everyone what we have been cooking up in the rehearsal studio.”

According to Franklin, “We have left nothing on the table in terms of production: great video, lighting, special effects, and a lot of great wardrobe and props, all of it brought to life by our seven stars from the films and the six incredible dancers. The teams at Disney Branded Television and Disney Music Group/Disney Concerts — as well as the amazing leading creative and production teams from across the industry that we have assembled for this project — have worked incredibly hard over the past year to make this all happen.”

The seven stars also recorded a brand-new song for the tour, the aptly titled “Worlds Collide.” As for other surprises, Franklin said, “You just have to come and see and hear for yourself. What I can say is you will be impressed by the vocal talent of these stars. They also dance at a [high] level and at a pace throughout the show, which is pretty astounding.”

There are plenty of reasons to be excited for the Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide Tour, Franklin said, from “watching young artists who have not previously done anything like this really deliver” to “bringing the music from eight films together in one concert. My own first concert experience led to me wanting and having an entire career in the music industry. I am excited at the thought of this concert igniting a passion in the fans who might get inspired to say, ‘I want to do that,’ or, ‘I want to be that,’ or who simply will tell their own children, ‘I still remember my first concert — Worlds Collide — and it was great.’ That would be something magical. After all, aren’t we all in the business of delivering magic to our guests in everything that we do? I think this concert and tour delivers on that promise.”

For tour dates, visit www.descendantszombiestour.com.

Nearly 70 years after Disneyland launched the modern theme park industry, Disney continues to play a vital role in driving economic growth, job creation, and small businesses across the United States. Disney Parks & Resorts generated a historic $67 billion in annual economic impact from coast to coast, standing as a cornerstone of America’s tourism economy and beyond, supporting more than 403,000 direct and indirect jobs in California, Florida and in all 50 states.

“Disney defines the themed entertainment business in America, and our presence is felt across the country,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “Our destinations create economies far beyond the gates of our parks, and when we invest in the groundbreaking experiences that only Disney can deliver, growth follows.”

For the last 20 years, Disney has conducted studies on how it impacts local economies where it does business, and a new report prepared by economists from Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, sheds light on the profound economic impact of the theme park that started it all. Key findings show that Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. generated $16.1 billion in annual economic impact across Southern California and supports more than 102,000 jobs in the Southern California region (directly and indirectly).

“As we celebrate 70 incredible years in Southern California, we are deeply proud of the lasting impact Disneyland Resort has made — creating thousands of jobs, fueling the local economy and welcoming the world to this extraordinary region,” said Thomas Mazloum, president, Disneyland Resort. “And we’re just getting started — the decades ahead hold even greater promise, and we look forward to growing, evolving and contributing more to the community we call home.”

For the first time, Disney is combining total economic impact and total job creation data from Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort to emphasize the company’s significant contributions to the U.S. economy, across all 50 states.

The report — which builds on previous research about the economic impact of Disney’s operations in Florida in fiscal year 2022 — emerges as Disney advances its plans to accelerate and expand investment. The company’s plan to ‘turbocharge’ the growth of Disney’s domestic parks will increase capital expenditures in the U.S. to $30 billion through 2033, including:

• The largest-ever expansion of the Magic Kingdom, including a reimagined section of Frontierland inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios film Cars and a new land themed around Disney Villains from classic Walt Disney Animation Studios films
• A new Tropical Americas land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, featuring attractions based on Encanto from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Indiana Jones
• The first-ever land based on Pixar Animation Studios’ Monsters, Inc. at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Doubling the size of Avengers Campus at Disney’s California Adventure park
• Also at Disneyland Resort: New attractions based on Disney and Pixar’s Coco and Avatar
• And more…

“Disney is an iconic economic engine powering entire ecosystems of jobs, small businesses and public revenue. What began as a single destination has evolved into one of the most impressive examples of local and national economic growth — generating more than $16 billion in economic impact across Southern California alone in 2023.” said Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company.

Other cumulative highlights from the Disneyland and Walt Disney World reports include:

• Nearly 1 out of every 20 jobs in Orange County, Calif. and 1 out of every 8 jobs in Central Florida can be attributed to Disney.
• Disney’s operations power a massive small business ecosystem across the country. Disney works with thousands of small businesses in all 50 states, which employ workers and provide a wide range of goods and services — from the paint used on Sleeping Beauty Castle to specialty popcorn served in the theme parks, towels and linens provided for guests across Disney Resort hotels and more.

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in 1955, no one could have predicted the effect it would have on Anaheim, let alone America and the world. Today, the impact of Disney Parks in the U.S. is profound, attracting millions of visitors and fostering thriving local economies by supporting thousands of small businesses, hotels and service industries.

By producing captivating content and experiences, Disney not only creates happiness but also generates employment, stimulates tourism and contributes to charitable endeavors that enrich communities.

Darth Vader, the infamous villain from Star Wars, appeared in Fortnite on Friday in an entirely new way as a conversational AI-experience, powered by the iconic voice of Disney Legend James Earl Jones.

In close consultation with the family of James Earl Jones (who passed away last year), Disney, and Lucasfilm, Epic Games used groundbreaking AI technology to allow fans to interact with this renowned character in ways that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.

“James Earl felt that the voice of Darth Vader was inseparable from the story of Star Wars, and he always wanted fans of all ages to continue to experience it,” the family of James Earl Jones said. “We hope that this collaboration with Fortnite will allow both longtime fans of Darth Vader and newer generations to share in the enjoyment of this iconic character.”

Epic Games and Disney have worked together to thoughtfully develop this innovative feature with a strong focus on transparency, consent, and safety — ensuring that creators, Disney IP, and players are protected in interactive experiences.

“James Earl Jones’ legendary vocal performance is a defining element of what makes Darth Vader one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history,” Sean Shoptaw, EVP, Disney Games and Digital Entertainment, said. “Disney, Lucasfilm, and Epic Games are honored to bring his voice to Fortnite for millions of players to experience — showcasing how we responsibly embrace emerging technologies to expand storytelling while keeping people at the heart of the creative process.”

“We just launched the most expansive Star Wars collaboration Epic and Disney have ever done, and we are excited to introduce a new and immersive way for players to interact with a legendary Star Wars character,” said Adam Sussman, President of Epic Games. “Now players have a chance to chat in real time with Darth Vader in Fortnite, one of the most memorable characters in cinematic history.”

Players under the age of 13, or below their country’s digital age of consent (whichever is higher), will need parental permission to engage in conversation with the character. When players talk to Vader, Epic Games securely processes the voice audio to generate Vader’s responses, but audio and transcriptions of the conversation are not stored. Players can also report anything Darth Vader says.

To learn more, head to Fortnite.

The Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, announced an agreement to create a landmark Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The waterfront resort will be located on Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This seventh Disney theme park resort will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.

“Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future,” His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, said. “The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence. What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever. Through the development of unique attractions and experiences, Abu Dhabi continues to be a destination of choice for the world.”

The new resort will be fully developed and built by Miral. Disney and its legendary Imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight to provide a world-class experience. Miral, which has developed a number of family entertainment destinations on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi in collaboration with American and European brands, will operate the resort.

“This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come.”

The UAE is located within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, making it a significant gateway for tourism. The UAE is home to the largest global airline hub in the world, with 120 million passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year.

“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.”

“Bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marks a historic milestone in our journey to further advance the island’s position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral. “Together, we are creating a place of boundless innovation, where the vision of our leadership continues to inspire the world.” The development of unique experiences will support sustained economic growth in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Upon completion, the new theme park resort will offer signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and storytelling in a way that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.

Plus, Players Can Link Their Epic Accounts with Their MyDisney Accounts to Unlock a First Order Stormtrooper Outfit

Epic and Disney are embarking on their most expansive Star Wars collaboration in Fortnite to date with the first entirely Star Wars-themed Battle Royale Season and the in-game premiere of Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld on May 2, two days ahead of its Disney+ launch. This marks the first debut of a Disney+ series in a game.

Recently announced at Star Wars Celebration, Fortnite: GALACTIC BATTLE begins May 2 and introduces new Star Wars content and gameplay to Battle Royale each week. Fans can play as Darth Jar Jar or Emperor Palpatine, while piloting ships like X-wings and TIE Fighters. The season will culminate in an epic in-game live event, Death Star Sabotage.

The Star Wars Watch Party island will also go live on May 2, and beginning at 10am ET, players will have a chance to view the first two episodes of Lucasfilm Animation’s Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld, an all-new anthology series of animated shorts from creator Dave Filoni focusing on the criminal underbelly of the Star Wars galaxy through the experiences of two iconic villains: Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane. Beyond the Star Wars Watch Party theater, players have the opportunity to fight off incoming waves of Stormtroopers using blasters and lightsabers. The standalone Star Wars Watch Party island was built in Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) and uses official Star Wars assets to create a breathtaking environment inspired by a galaxy far, far away.

To further bridge the worlds of Fortnite and Disney, starting today players and fans can link their Epic Games and MyDisney accounts. Eligible players who choose to link their Epic and MyDisney accounts will unlock a First Order Stormtrooper Outfit to further celebrate the upcoming Star Wars season of Battle Royale — with more benefits to come. This is a first step to enable Fortnite players and Disney fans to seamlessly move between Epic and Disney’s ecosystems, bringing more value to streaming subscribers as we work to build an all new Disney games and entertainment universe connected to Fortnite.

“For the first time, Disney+ is premiering a show inside a game, launching alongside our largest Star Wars collaboration with Fortnite to date — giving fans and players an exciting first look at the kinds of experiences they can expect as we shape a new future together,” said Sean Shoptaw, Executive Vice President, Disney Games & Digital Entertainment. “We’re building the next era of digital entertainment, where fans can play, watch, create and connect — and we’re just beginning to tap into what’s possible.”

“Disney and Epic are pioneering the future of social entertainment together, and this expansive Star Wars collaboration offers a glimpse into the type of interactive experiences we envision,” said Adam Sussman, President, Epic Games. “We are reimagining what’s possible with immersive storytelling in Fortnite with one of the world’s most beloved franchises — stay tuned for a lot more to come.”

You can read more about how to join the Star Wars Watch Party island and Epic and MyDisney account linking on the Fortnite Blog here.

About Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld

From creator Dave Filoni comes Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld, an all-new anthology series of animated shorts which will premiere May 4, 2025, exclusively on Disney+. The popular series, which began in 2022 with Tales of the Jedi and continued in 2024 with Tales of the Empire, this time focuses on the criminal underbelly of the Star Wars galaxy through the experiences of two iconic villains. Former assassin and bounty hunter Asajj Ventress is given a new chance at life and must go on the run with an unexpected new ally, while outlaw Cad Bane faces his past when he confronts an old friend, now a Marshal on the opposite side of the law.

Produced by Lucasfilm Animation, Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld is executive produced by Dave Filoni, Athena Yvette Portillo, and Carrie Beck. Dave Filoni is supervising director, Josh Rimes is co-executive producer, Alex Spotswood is the senior producer, and Matt Michnovetz is the writer. Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld stars Nika Futterman, Corey Burton, Artt Butler, Lane Factor, AJ LoCascio, Clare Grant, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, and Eric Lopez.

Every day, for almost 70 years, Disney has paid homage to those who serve and defend the nation through daily flag ceremonies.

As a company founded by strong supporters of the U.S. military, Disney has long had an affinity for those who have served in uniform. Long before they started The Walt Disney Company, Walt and Roy O. Disney both served their country during the First World War. Roy was a petty officer in the U.S. Navy and Walt drove an ambulance for the Red Cross Ambulance Corps.

Held at both Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. and Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., the popular Flag Retreat offerings give Disney the opportunity to offer sincere gratitude to those who safeguard the nation. The important tradition even continued while both theme parks were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Disneyland Daily Flag Ceremony

Since the opening day flag raising on July 17, 1955, Disneyland Park’s daily flag ceremonies in Town Square have become a proud tradition. Throughout that time, security cast members have diligently raised and lowered the American flag each day.

Today, this storied ceremony continues with entertainment cast members from the Disneyland Band and Dapper Dans regularly contributing musical performances to bring emotion to the time-honored ritual.

Disneyland has honored countless service members, veterans and their families over the years, including recently saluting 101-year-old World War II veteran, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. “Papa Jake” Larson.

Magic Kingdom Park Daily Flag Retreat Ceremony

Magic Kingdom’s tradition, which has taken place every day since its opening day in 1971, includes cast members selecting a service member or veteran to honor as the “U.S. Armed Forces Representative of the Day” from among that park’s daily visitors. After the flag is lowered, Magic Kingdom cast members line up to shake hands with the special honoree and share their gratitude.

Many special moments have taken place at Magic Kingdom flag ceremonies since opening day, including the chance to honor World War II heroes such as 101-year-old veteran, U.S. Army Col. William “Bill” Connelly.

Cast Members Following in Walt’s Footsteps

Just as this tradition grew from Walt Disney’s patriotism, today, Disney cast members from coast to coast take part in the reflection and gratitude.

Members of Disney’s SALUTE veteran employee resource group often attend these ceremonies, sharing stories from their own time in service.

Every year these veterans are honored at Flag Retreat ceremonies in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom as part of Disney’s Veterans Day celebrations. The tradition is particularly important to cast members who have served or continue to serve their country today.

As Disney continues to enchant visitors worldwide, the flag ceremonies remain a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of America.

Opening of World Premiere on May 15 — The Gateway to the Existing and Future Immersive Worlds at Disney Adventure World