This Just In!! DISNEY STORE TO UNVEIL NEW PRODUCT COLLECTIONS AND COLLECTIBLES AT D23 EXPO 2017 #145

This Great news just came in from the desk of D23EXPO
DISNEY STORE TO UNVEIL NEW PRODUCT COLLECTIONS AND COLLECTIBLES AT D23 EXPO 2017

 

Disney Store Collections to Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries and Beloved Characters across Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars

 

Disney Publishing Worldwide Announces D23 Expo 2017 Exclusive Titles, Presentations, and Author Signings

 

Pasadena, Calif. — June 20, 2017 – Disney Store today announced the new collections and Limited Edition sets to launch at this year’s D23 Expo 2017, Disney’s ultimate fan event held at the Anaheim Convention Center July 14–16. The never-before-seen collections celebrate milestone anniversaries and everyone’s favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars characters.

 

D23 Expo 2017 attendees will be introduced to the new Disney Designer Collection and get a first look at the newest collections debuting at this year’s event, including exclusive Disney Store pieces from Her Universe, the Art of Snow White collection, MXYZ Vinyl Mini Blind Box Collectibles, and, for the first time ever, a D23 Expo Marvel collection from Disney Store.

 

In addition to the chance to shop special products not yet available to the general public, fans will have the opportunity to meet some of the artists and designers who created these exciting new collections.

 

Highlights of the collections include:

 

·       Disney Designer Collection: Formerly known as the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection, the Disney Designer Collection takes the classic assortment beyond the fairytale to tell the iconic stories of Disney’s legacy of film history and introduces three series: Fairytale Series, Folktale Series, and Pixar Animation Studios Series. At the event, Guests will have the opportunity to purchase three of the new Limited Edition dolls:

o   Fairytale Series: Pinocchio (limited to an edition size of 1,023)

o   Folktale Series: Mulan (limited to an edition size of 523)

o   Pixar Animation Studios Series: The Incredibles (limited to an edition size of 1,023)

 

Guests at the event also will have the opportunity to preview and pre-purchase a set of the five Limited Edition dolls releasing at Disney Store locations and DisneyStore.com September – November (each limited to an edition size of 6,000):

o   Fairytale Series: The Little Mermaid, Tangled, Robin Hood

o   Folktale Series: Moana, One Hundred and One Dalmatians

 

·       Disney•Pixar: In partnership with John Lasseter and the Pixar Animation Studios team, the Disney Store shop at D23 Expo 2017 will offer a special collection featuring some favorite Pixar characters.

 

·       MXYZ Vinyl Mini Blind Box Collectibles: The newest vinyl blind box collection features eight iconic characters in the Disney Store MXYZ art style—perfect for collecting and trading. Retailing at $5 each, the mini-sized characters come with a key chain attachment to add a pop of fun and personalize accessories, bags, and more.

 

·       Star Wars: Fans won’t have to go to a galaxy far, far away to find an expansive assortment of Star Wars merchandise at D23 Expo 2017. The Disney Store shop will feature Star Wars apparel, accessories, drinkware, and, of course, collectibles. Notable highlights of the assortment are the Limited Edition Star Wars Elite Series Premium Action Figures, featuring iconic Hero and Villain duos: Princess Leia and Darth Vader; Rey and Kylo Ren; and Jyn Erso and Director Orson Krennic. Each duo retails for $79.95 and is limited to an edition size of 1,000.

 

·       Milestone Anniversaries: Disney Store will celebrate three milestone anniversaries at D23 Expo 2017: Oswald the Lucky Rabbit’s 90th, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ 80th, and Bambi’s 75th. Each anniversary will be celebrated with a special assortment.

 

·       Disney Tsum Tsum: Disney Tsum Tsum fans will be delighted with a new Limited Edition set released each day. Each unique set will bring Guests’ favorite characters and stories to life through adorable mini and micro Tsum Tsums.

 

·       Minnie Mouse Signature Collection: The next product installment of the beloved fashionista Minnie Mouse features a collection of apparel, accessories, and a Limited Edition doll of Minnie, stylish as always.

 

·       Marvel: For the first time ever, Disney Store will offer a Marvel collection at D23 Expo. The assortment includes Limited Edition collectibles, including a pin set, lithograph set, and ornament set.

 

·       Her Universe: Ashley Eckstein, founder of Her Universe, created exclusive pieces for Disney Store that will be available for the first time at D23 Expo 2017. The never-before-seen products are featured within the Minnie Signature, Star Wars, Pixar, and Marvel collections.

 

D23, the official Disney fan club, is once again partnering with Disney Store to offer an array of fan favorite items at this year’s D23 Expo. Many items will proudly boast a D23 Expo 2017 stamp of approval seal, indicating it was made specifically for this year’s event, celebrating Disney’s amazing fans and the special Disney anniversaries and iconic collectibles Guests love—available first to all Guests at D23 Expo.

 

Artist Signings: Learn About the Magic Makers Behind Some of the New Collections

The product designers and artists will be available for autograph signings following their respective panels at the Oh My Disney stage, exclusively for Guests who purchase select products from the Disney Store shop at D23 Expo 2017:  

·       Friday, July 14

o   Jessica Fuchs and Steve Thompson, Disney Folktale Series Artists

§  4:30 p.m. – Interview at Oh My Disney Stage

§  5 p.m. – Product signing

·       Saturday, July 15

o   Jessica Fuchs and Steve Thompson, Art of Snow White Artists

§  5 p.m. – Interview at Oh My Disney Stage

§  5:30 p.m. – Product signing

 

Disney Store will offer a limited quantity of StorePass tickets per day in an effort to minimize wait times for our Guests who wish to shop. StorePass tickets will be available beginning at 9 a.m. each day at the StorePass desk located adjacent to the StagePass distribution area in Hall A. The StorePass will provide Guests with a shopping experience timeslot, between 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Guests can visit the Things to Know page at D23expo.com for more details.

 

Additional details and updates about Disney Store D23 Expo events and activities will continue to be updated on www.D23expo.com, on the forthcoming D23 Expo app, and on Facebook and Twitter @DisneyD23.

 

The Disney Store shop at D23 Expo 2017 comprises more than 5,000 sq. ft. of retail space and is located directly across from the Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI) Pavilion.

 

Disney Books in the DCPI Pavilion

Fans and collectors will be able to purchase the latest bestselling books and D23 Expo-exclusive titles in the DCPI Pavilion and the Disney Dream Store. After experiencing Disney Publishing Worldwide’s series of panels and presentations, Guests can bring home Disney’s featured Disney Editions and Disney books that celebrate the artistry, history, and legacy of The Walt Disney Company.

 

In addition, the DCPI Pavilion will also be home to select titles available for purchase only to D23 Expo 2017 Guests before they go on sale to the public this summer, including:

 

A Kiss Goodnight (Richard Sherman, Floyd Norman)

On sale August 22, 2017

 

Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation (Mindy Johnson)

On sale September 5, 2017

 

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Disney Cartoons (Dave Bossert)

On sale August 29, 2017

 

Art of Coloring: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

On sale July 18, 2017

 

Throughout the weekend, Disney Publishing Worldwide authors, illustrators, artists, and Imagineers will meet with Guests and host book signings at Talent Central and in the Disney Dream Store:

 

Friday, July 14

Alex Hirsch, Rob Renzetti, Stephanie Ramirez (Gravity Falls: Journal 3)

12:30 – 1:45 p.m.

Talent Central

 

Daron Nefcy, Dominic Bisignano (Star vs. The Forces of Evil: Star and Marco’s Guide to Mastering Every Dimension)

12:30 – 1:45 p.m.

Talent Central

 

Pam Brandon (Delicious Disney)

3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Disney Dream Store

 

Michael Singer (Disney Pirates: The Definitive Collector’s Anthology)

5:30 – 7 p.m.

Talent Central

 

Mindy Johnson (Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation)

6 – 7 p.m.

Disney Dream Store

 

Saturday, July 15

Pam Brandon (Delicious Disney)

1:15 – 2:15 p.m.

Disney Dream Store

 

Ridley Pearson (Kingdom Keepers)

4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

Talent Central

 

Victoria Saxon (Poster Art of Cars)

4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

Talent Central

 

Dave Smith (Disney Facts Revealed)

6 – 7 p.m.

Talent Central

 

Sunday, July 16

Dave Smith (Disney Facts Revealed)

10 – 11 a.m.

Talent Central

 

Dave Bossert (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Disney Cartoons)

1 – 2 p.m.

Talent Central

 

Marty Sklar, Vanessa Hunt (Maps of the Disney Parks)

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Talent Central

 

Floyd Norman (A Kiss Goodnight)

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Talent Central

 

Talent will only be signing titles purchased at D23 Expo 2017. Proof of purchase will be required. Presentations, locations, and talent and artist signings are subject to change.

 

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3 – 9. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3 – 9. Multi-day tickets are also available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23expo.com.

 

To find a local Disney Store, Guests can visit www.DisneyStore.com/storelocator or call (866) 902-2798. Guests can also sign up for email alerts at www.DisneyStore.com/Register, become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/DisneyStore, or follow along on Instagram www.instagram.com/DisneyStore and Twitter www.twitter.com/DisneyStore.

 

About Disney Store

The Disney Store retail chain, which debuted in 1987, is owned and operated by Disney in North America, Europe, and Japan. Disney Store is the retail merchandising arm of Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and its affiliates that extends the Disney brand to merchandise. Disney Store carries high-quality products, including exclusive product lines that support and promote Disney’s key entertainment initiatives and characters. Disney Store opened its first store in Glendale, California, and, in doing so, originated the themed retail business model. There are currently more than 200 Disney Store locations in North America; more than 40 Disney Store locations in Japan; one flagship location in Shanghai, China; and more than 70 Disney Store locations in Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, plus online stores www.DisneyStore.com, www.disneystore.co.uk, www.disneystore.fr, www.disneystore.de, www.disneystore.se, www.disneystore.dk, www.disneystore.it, www.disneystore.es, and www.disneystore.co.jp. Each Disney Store location offers a magical shopping experience that can only be delivered by Disney, one of the world’s largest and most successful entertainment companies. For more information, please visit dcpi.disney.com/disney-store or follow us at www.facebook.com/DisneyStore, www.instagram.com/DisneyStore and www.twitter.com/DisneyStore.

 

About Disney Publishing Worldwide

Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world’s largest publisher of children’s books and magazines, igniting imagination through storytelling. DPW creates and publishes books and magazines both vertically in-house and through an extensive worldwide licensing structure. Headquartered in Glendale, California, within the Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media business segment, DPW publishes books, magazines, and digital products in 85 countries in 75 languages. For more information, visit disneypublishingworldwide.com.

 

About D23 Expo 2017

D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which will take place July 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2017 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.

 

About D23

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

 

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

 

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com. ©2017 MARVEL

 

Pirate Treasure Inspires 50th Anniversary Collection For Beloved Swashbuckling Voyage at Disneyland Park #115

The beloved swashbuckling voyage to a long forgotten time when pirates wrought havoc on the high seas celebrates its 50th anniversary this year at Disneyland Resort. The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction opened on March 18, 1967, in New Orleans Square, and quickly became an instant classic. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are releasing commemorative apparel and collectible pins this month in Disneyland park. I recently spoke with Graphic Designer Quynh Kimball, an 18-year Cast Member who works for Disney Design Group, about the inspiration behind the pin collection.
“We wondered what kind of pins would be released if Disney Pin Trading had been available in 1967,” explained Quynh. “The merchandising team and I watched the ‘Wonderful World of Disney’ opening day television special. We loved seeing pirates invading New Orleans Square to officially open the attraction. I could only imagine the delight guests felt as they experienced for the first time what have become iconic Disney attraction scenes. We included several of those scenes in the pin designs.”

Guests will find several individual limited edition pins, each with an edition size of 2,500. The individual limited edition pins will also be offered in a boxed set containing one completer pin (500 edition size).

“My favorite scenes include the man playing a banjo on his porch and the plunge down two waterfalls into Dead Man’s Cove,” said Quynh. “I thought the treasure chests with colorful gems were a great nod to the pirates in the latter scene. Those pirates are frozen in time and will never take home those chests filled with jewels, but our guests can with these pins [laughs].”

In addition to pins, guests will find two commemorative “I Was There” shirts.
One shirt was designed specifically for Annual Passholders, who may also find a collectible limited edition pin (3,000 edition size). Passholders should present a valid Annual Pass in order to purchase the exclusive shirt and pin.

The limited edition pins, Annual Passholder pin, and boxed pin set will be released on March 16 in the following Disneyland park locations: Westward Ho located in Frontierland; 20th Century Music Co. on Main Street, U.S.A.; and Little Green Store Command in Tomorrowland. Guests may also find these items at Disney’s Pin Traders in Downtown Disney District.

The “I Was There” Shirts will be offered in both Disneyana on Main Street, U.S.A., and Pieces of Eight in New Orleans Square on March 18. Guests may also find a version of the red-colored shirt via DisneyStore.com/ParkEvents from March 20-26. Please allow 3-5 weeks for delivery.

The park also offered a Pirates 50th anniversary Stein, it sold out by noon on Thursday, but will be restocked Today on the Anniversary of the ride POTC.
I want to thank Steven Miller of Disney Parks Blog, for sharing this.
Happy 50th Anniversary Pirates!! YoHo YoHo a Pirates life for me.

YOU ASKED FOR MORE POTC AND ERIN DELIVERS: VIDEO: 50 Years of Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland Park. #114

Our Friend ( Erin Glover) who writes for the Disney Parks Blog, has brought you even more treasures, from Davy Jones Locker.
Maybe I should let her explain. This is a Great St. Patrick's Day Treat on the eve of the 50th Anniversary of the Attraction.

I want to Thank Disney Avenue for the pictures. 1968

Fifty years ago, on March 18, 1967, a Disney Parks classic first set sail at Disneyland park. Throughout the next 50 years, Pirates of the Caribbean went on to become an iconic fan favorite, pillaging and plundering at Disney Parks around the world, with Pirates of the Caribbean attractions at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and most recently, the award-winning Pirates of the Caribbean – Battle for the Sunken Treasure at Shanghai Disney Resort. Take a look at some fun facts about this Disneyland original in the video below!
https://youtu.be/3RKemRnFYyM

Yo Ho! Yo Ho! a Pirates Life for me.

Come celebrate this historic milestone with us here at Disneyland park! Click here to find out more.

One more picture , This is one of my favorite scenes in the ride. I want to thank Pintrest for the picture.

Remember you can enlarge the pictures just by clicking on them.

Celebrate 50 Years of Pirates of the Caribbean with New Specialty Food and Beverage Items at Disneyland Park Starting Today #112

UPDATE 3/16/17: The Pirates of the Caribbean souvenir stein will be available while supplies last, beginning March 18, 2017.

Avast there! Ye come seeking adventure and salty old pirates, eh? Beginning March 16, you can celebrate 50 years of Pirates of the Caribbean with new Food and Beverage items, inspired by the beloved attraction at Disneyland Park!

Start yer mornin’ with a Caribbean Breakfast Burrito, filled with scrambled eggs, Andouille sausage, rice, sweet potatoes, black beans and cheddar cheese available at Mint Julep Bar and Royal Street Veranda. At lunchtime, Royal Street Veranda and Harbour Galley will serve a hearty Calypso Caribbean Chicken Stew featuring Caribbean-spiced chicken stewed with carrots, onions, celery, potatoes and yucca. At French Market Restaurant, the Buccaneer Pulled Pork Sandwich is piled high with jerk-spiced pork, topped with sweet and tangy barbecue sauce and pineapple Caribbean-style slaw, and served with fried yucca.

 

If ye be seekin’ gold, the Lost Treasure Beignets are for you! These lemon-flavored beignets shimmer as good as gold, and can be found at Mint Julep Bar and Café Orleans. Or try the Golden Churro, from the nearby churro cart—it’s said to lure the most stubborn sailor to its call.

Sorry there are no Vegan dishes pictured, But you can ask your server if there are any specials on the menu.

 For an extra special treat, try Fruits de Mer at the Disneyland original, Blue Bayou Restaurant – featuring pan-seared red snapper, sautéed shrimp, scallop and hush puppy, served on a bed of spinach with spicy shrimp sauce and rémoulade.

 At Café Orleans, try the Steak Sandwich, topped with white cheddar sauce, bacon jam, arugula and cherry tomatoes, and served with sweet potato waffle fries.

Drink up me hearties, yo ho! The Jolly Roger Punch features a blend of tropical fruit juices—pineapple, orange and mango. You can find the special punch at French Market Restaurant, Mint Julep Bar, Harbour Galley and Royal Street Veranda. A limited edition, souvenir Pirates of the Caribbean stein will also available at the same locations.
I want to thank Rachel Bshero, Food & Beverage Marketing Communications Coordinator at Disney Parks Blog for sharing this update.

 

These specialty items are only available for a limited time – so be sure to drop anchor in New Orleans Square Today!

DISNEY SHOWCASES LIVE ACTION SLATE WITH EXCITING NEWS EXCLUSIVELY FOR FANS AT D23 EXPO 2015 #35

DISNEY SHOWCASES LIVE ACTION SLATE WITH EXCITING

NEWS EXCLUSIVELY FOR FANS AT D23 EXPO 2015

STARS AND FILMMAKERS OF UPCOMING DISNEY, MARVEL STUDIOS AND LUCASFILM MOVIES FEATURED AT TODAY’S LIVE ACTION EVENT

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Aug. 15, 2015) — Disney, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm presented their live action film slates this morning at the D23 EXPO 2015 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. The presentations, which revealed exclusive news and details about the upcoming live action films, were aided by live and video appearances from talent and filmmakers. Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn hosted the highly anticipated biennial event.

“It’s quite something to be able to have Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm all on the same stage, and it’s tremendously gratifying to unveil our upcoming projects to our most dedicated fans first,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “We always have an incredible time at the D23 EXPO.”

After welcoming the crowd to D23 EXPO 2015, Horn introduced Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, and Sean Bailey, President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, to present overviews of the Marvel Studios and Disney live action slates. Later Horn returned to the stage to present the Lucasfilm film slate to the enthusiastic audience.

A recap of the presentation follows:

·        Kevin Feige led off with a glimpse into the world of Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” featuring  a video greeting by Benedict Cumberbatch, who stars as the title character, followed by a pre-production piece that offered fans a taste of the look and feel of the upcoming  film, opening in U.S. theaters on October 26, 2016.

·        Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” marched into D23 EXPO with an introduction by its producer, Kevin Feige. To the delight of the audience, Chris Evans and Anthony Mackie showed up on stage to help Feige show never-seen-before footage from the movie. Before the footage rolled, Feige revealed that there was a special “Easter egg” for fans to find: it was aptly a nod to D23 EXPO.

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” picks up where “Avengers: Age of Ultron” left off, as Steve Rogers leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain.

The movie stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Emily VanCamp, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Frank Grillo, Tom Holland, with William Hurt and Daniel Brühl. Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” is directed by Anthony & Joe Russo and produced by Kevin Feige. Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Patricia Whitcher, Nate Moore and Stan Lee serve as executive producers and the screenplay is by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” opens in the U.S. on May 6, 2016.

·        Sean Bailey took the stage to introduce the first film in the Disney live-action lineup, “The Finest Hours,” which is based on the remarkable true story of the most daring rescue mission in the history of the Coast Guard. Chris Pine, who plays Bernie Webber, the captain of the rescue boat, joined Bailey on stage to give fans a peak at the heroic action-thriller.

Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, the film, which is directed by Craig Gillespie and also stars Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz and Eric Bana, transports audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale.

“The Finest Hours” is produced by Jim Whitaker and Dorothy Aufiero and Doug Merrifield is the executive producer. The film is based on the book by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman and the screenplay is by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson.  “The Finest Hours” storms into U.S. theaters on January 29, 2016.

·        After an introduction by Sean Bailey, Jon Favreau, director of Disney’s upcoming “The Jungle Book,” welcomed to the stage newcomer Neel Sethi, who was selected from thousands of candidates to play man-cub Mowgli; plus Oscar® winners Ben Kingsley, who helps bring panther-turned-mentor Bagheera to life, and Lupita Nyong’o, who lends her voice to the protective mother wolf Raksha. Favreau treated fans to a sneak peek of footage from the film, and each guest received a copy of the dramatic teaser poster following the presentation. The all-new, live-action epic adventure showcases Mowgli’s journey of self-discovery when he’s forced to abandon the only home he’s ever known.

Based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s 1967 animated classic, the film features state-of the-art technology that immerses audiences in the lush world like never before. “The Jungle Book” also features the voices of Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito and Christopher Walken. Jon Favreau and Brigham Taylor produce and the screenplay is by Justin Marks. “The Jungle Book” hits theaters in stunning 3D and IMAX 3D on April 15, 2016. 

·        Bailey welcomed Mia Wasikowska to the stage, where she thrilled fans with a preview of the all-new spectacular adventure, “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” featuring the unforgettable characters from Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories. Director James Bobin brings his own unique vision to the spectacular world Tim Burton created on screen in 2010 with “Alice in Wonderland,” in which Alice (Wasikowska) returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter. The film, which once again features Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter and the voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall, introduces several new characters as well: Zanik Hightopp (Rhys Ifans), the Mad Hatter’s father, and Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen), a peculiar creature who is part human, part clock.

Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd and Jennifer Todd, and Tim Burton produce and John G. Scotti is the executive producer. The screenplay is by Linda Woolverton. Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” opens in U.S. theaters on May 27, 2016.

In addition to attending the film’s presentation in Hall D23 at the Convention Center, fans had the opportunity to transform themselves into their favorite characters from Underland with an interactive experience, Travel Through the Looking Glass. By means of a first-to-market face-tracking application, D23 EXPO participants entering one of four photo booths located on the show floor were able to become the Mad Hatter, the Red Queen, the White Rabbit or the Cheshire Cat with full digital-makeup and cinematic 3D objects seamlessly—and instantly—applied to their reflections, and in real time. They were then emailed a 10-second video and still image, which they could share on their favorite social media platforms.

·        Bryce Dallas Howard joined Bailey on stage to talk about her starring role in “Pete’s Dragon,” a reimagining of Disney’s cherished family film. The heartwarming adventure of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who just so happens to be a dragon, “Pete’s Dragon” is directed by David Lowery, produced by Jim Whitaker, and executive-produced by Barrie Osborne, and also stars Oakes Fegley, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban, Oona Laurence and Robert Redford. “Pete’s Dragon” opens in U.S. theaters on August 12, 2016.

·        Bailey, with the help of Lupita Nyong’o, introduced the crowd to the upcoming film “Queen of Katwe,” which is based on the inspirational true story of a girl from the poverty-stricken slums of rural Uganda who dreams of becoming a champion chess player. Directed by Mira Nair from a screenplay by William Wheeler based on the book by Tim Crothers, “Queen of Katwe” stars Nyong’o, David Oyelowo and newcomer Medina Nalwanga.

·        Bailey next presented “Beauty and the Beast,” including a musical greeting from stars Emma Watson, Josh Gad and Luke Evans—sent from the London set where they are currently filming. The live-action musical, a retelling of the studio’s animated classic, stars Watson,  Dan Stevens, Evans, Gad, Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Audra McDonald and newcomer Nathan Mack. The film is directed by Bill Condon.  Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the animated classic, provides the score, which will include new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Tim Rice, as well as several new songs. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.

·        A surprise visit by Johnny Depp, who showed up on stage completely decked out as Captain Jack Sparrow, brought down the house and thrilled fans at Sean Bailey’s presentation of the next exciting film in the “Pirates of the Caribbean “ franchise, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” 

Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar (Bardem), escape from the Devil's Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea...including him.  Captain Jack's only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas.

The film is directed by Espen Sandberg & Joachim Rønning and stars Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Brenton Thwaites, Kevin R. McNally, Kaya Scodelario, Golshifteh Farahani, Stephen Graham, David Wenham and Geoffrey Rush. Jerry Bruckheimer is the producer and Chad Oman, Mike Stenson, Joe Caracciolo, Jr. and Brigham Taylor serve as executive producers. Jeff Nathanson wrote the screenplay. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” releases in U.S. theaters on July 7, 2017.

·        Alan Horn took the stage again to present the Lucasfilm slate and timeline to the D23 EXPO fans.  Horn told the audience that there were only 124 days to the release of Episode VII, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” on December 18, 2015 and added that there have been record-breaking trailer views and fantastic fan response. Touching on “Star Wars: Episode VIII,” Horn reminded the audience that Rian Johnson will be directing the film slated for release on May 26, 2017. Then in a surprise announcement, Horn informed everyone that Colin Trevorrow (“Jurassic World”) has signed on to direct “Star Wars: Episode IX,” which is scheduled for release in 2019.

Moving on to the new Star Wars stories series, Horn touched on the “Untitled Han Solo” stand-alone film, slated for release on May 25, 2018 by reminding everyone that it  will be directed by Christopher Miller & Phil Lord, with Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jon Kasdan writing the screenplay.

·        Horn then took the audience by surprise, announcing the cast for “Rogue One,” the first of the standalone Star Wars stories to hit the big screen, which has commenced principal photography. Gareth Edwards (“Godzilla,” “Monsters”) is directing “Rogue One,” which tells the story of resistance fighters who have united to steal plans to the dreaded Death Star.

The filmmakers have assembled a stellar cast, including Felicity Jones, nominated for an Academy Award® for her leading role in “The Theory of Everything”; Diego Luna, who was featured in 2008’s Oscar®-winning “Milk” and the critically acclaimed “Killing Them Softly”; Ben Mendelsohn, recently nominated for an Emmy® for his leading role in “Bloodline” and co-starring  in the upcoming “Mississippi Grind”; Donnie Yen, Hong Kong action star and martial artist who starred in “Ip Man” and “Blade II”; Jiang Wen, who co-wrote, produced , directed and starred in the award-winning “Let the Bullets Fly” and “Devils on the Doorstep”; Forest Whitaker, recently featured in the critically-acclaimed Lee Daniels’ “The Butler” and winner of an Academy Award® for his leading role in 2006’s “The Last King of Scotland; Mads Mikkelsen, who starred in “The Hunt” and was the memorable villain from 2006’s “Casino Royale”;  Alan Tudyk,  who plays a performance-capture character in “Rogue One,” stars in the soon-to-be-released “Con Man” series and “Trumbo,” which releases this November; and Riz Ahmed, who was recently featured in “Nightcrawler” and starred in the BAFTA-winning film “Four Lions.”

The film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy and is slated for a December 16, 2016 release.

·        “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” ended the live-action presentation with a bang as J.J. Abrams  introduced stars John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and Lupita Nyong’o. The crowd cheered when John Boyega announced that everyone there would get a Drew Struzan D23 EXPO commemorative poster to take home. Then, in a bringing-down-the house surprise moment, Harrison Ford, who is reprising his role as Han Solo, joined Abrams on stage to wild applause.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max Von Sydow. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk are producing with Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by J.J. Abrams & Lawrence Kasdan.  “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” releases in U.S. theaters on December 18, 2015.