R2D2 Delivers a Very Special Message to the D23 Offices

To celebrate May the 4th, everyone's favorite droid, R2D2, stops by the D23 offices to deliver a message to a very special guest. 

But before he can accomplish his mission, D23 staffers surround him to enlist his help with various tasks. 

Will R2D2 reach his destination?

Disney twenty-three Summer Issue

ANGELINA JOLIE CASTS A SPELL AS MALEFICENT ON THE COVER OF THE SUMMER 2014 ISSUE OF DISNEY TWENTY-THREE

DISNEY’S OFFICIAL FAN CLUB TALKS WITH THE ICONIC ACTRESS AND THE CREATIVE TEAM TO LEARN THE SECRETS BEHIND MAKING THE FILM; THE ISSUE ALSO TAKES A FASCINATING LOOK AT THE CREATION OF WALT DISNEY’S CLASSIC SLEEPING BEAUTY

Plus, D23.com journeys to galaxies from a long time ago—and into the future—with a deep dive into the Star Wars universe and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

BURBANK, Calif. – APRIL 29, 2014 – D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates the upcoming release of the eagerly anticipated Maleficent in the summer publication Disney twenty-three. Angelina Jolie and the creative team pull back the curtain on the surprising tale behind one of Disney’s most iconic villains. “I was afraid of her, and I loved her,” Jolie confesses in the cover story. Accompanying the piece is an in-depth look by animation historian Charles Solomon at the development of Walt Disney’s 1959 creative masterpiece, Sleeping Beauty, with rarely seen concept art and drawings.

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Disney twenty-three’s Summer issue, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23, also includes a behind-the-engine look at Walt Disney World’s newest theme park attraction, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, featuring striking images and interviews with the team responsible for creating the experience, which is based on the world’s first animated feature. Disney twenty-three also explores the Marvel universe, talking to star Chris Pratt about his wild and wacky Super Hero adventure Guardians of the Galaxy.

Also included in the Summer issue of Disney twenty-three:

• Star Wars 101: A fascinating look at the creation of the landmark films—and what’s to come
• Disney Villains: The comprehensive list—from the mild to the wild—of Disney’s best baddies
• A tour of Walt Disney’s Hollywood, with rarely seen photos and stories about his favorite spots
• A behind-the-scenes look at Dusty Crophopper’s latest thrilling adventure in the new Planes: Fire & Rescue
• Regular columns including A Walk with Walt, PHOTOfiles, D Society, and more

All D23 Members are invited to visit www.D23.com for additional members-only content, including a talk with producer Don Hahn (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast) about how Disney turned the animated Sleeping Beauty into the vibrant, live-action Maleficent.

Other features coming to D23.com include:

• A deeper journey into a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars mega fan Steve Sansweet
• The story behind Marvel’s selection of one of its lesser-known comic stories—Guardians of the Galaxy—to become its next mega-feature
• A virtual map of Walt Disney’s Los Angeles with rarely seen photos 

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership. The publication will begin arriving mid-May.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. D23 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, Silver, and Free Membership levels at D23.com and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us @DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Disney Exhibit Extended!

DISNEY EXHIBIT EXTENDED!

D23 PRESENTS: TREASURES OF THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES

TO STAY AT MSI THROUGH AUGUST 3, 2014

WHAT:           Due to popular demand, the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is extending the run of Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.  Guests will be able to enjoy the exhibit through August 3, 2014.

                        “This interactive exhibit has been so well-received by guests of all ages,” said Anne Rashford, director of temporary exhibits. “It tells the great story of the imagination and perseverance of Walt Disney and offers a rare peek into his life and the unforgettable entertainment he created. We are thrilled to be able to keep it at MSI for an additional three months.”

From Mickey Mouse to Mary Poppins to Captain Jack Sparrow, the exhibition features more than 300 artifacts from nine decades of Disney’s rich history—including props; costumes; memorabilia; and artwork from classic Disney animation, theme park attractions, television shows and live-action films. Hands-on activities allow kids and adults alike to explore animation technology from all 53 Disney animated films and learn to draw one of their favorite characters in the Animation Academy.

The exhibit is not included in Museum Entry but can be added to an Explorer ticket package. D23 Gold and Silver Members will receive a special discount on exhibit entry. For more information and to buy tickets, visit msichicago.org. For more information about D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, visit D23.com.

This exhibit is presented by Walgreens. 

WHERE:         5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60637 

CONTACT:    Renee Mailhiot, renee.mailhiot@msichicago.org (773) 947-3133

                        Beth Boston, beth.boston@msichicago.org (773) 947-6003

D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind

DISNEY LEGENDS AND LUMINARIES CELEBRATE THEME PARK FAVORITES OF YESTERYEAR AT D23 DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND

FROM AMERICA SINGS AND IF YOU HAD WINGS TO DISNEY’S GROUNDBREAKING PARTICIPATION IN THE 1964–65 WORLD’S FAIR, GUESTS WILL ENJOY PRESENTATIONS, SCREENINGS, UNIQUE SHOPPING, AND MUCH MORE, NOVEMBER 22 AND 23 AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

BURBANK, Calif. – March 26, 2014 – Walt Disney once said, “We keep moving forward—opening up new doors and doing new things—because we’re curious. And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” It’s in that spirit that guests this fall will have the opportunity to visit—or revisit—some of the most beloved Disney attractions of yesteryear. D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind presented by H2O Plus will take place November 22 and 23 at Walt Disney World Resort. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will bring Disney archivists, Imagineers, Legends, and luminaries together to celebrate fan favorites such as Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with rarely seen concept art and images; vintage video clips; and hours of revealing stories. In addition, there will be a full day of presentations dedicated to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, which debuted beloved attractions like it’s a small world and Carousel of Progress.

Presenters and panelists include Disney Legends Marty Sklar, Bob Gurr, and Alice Davis; Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline; Disney and World’s Fair historians Bill Cotter, Stacia Martin, and Michael Kelley—and more to be announced.

During the weekend, guests will be able to explore a special exhibit designed by the Walt Disney Archives in honor of the event.

The weekend will end with an exciting evening event—Pleasure Island: Rewind. This celebration of the Downtown Disney nightlife district will include areas dedicated to the Adventurers Club, Comedy Warehouse, Mannequins, and 8 Trax. And of course there will be a “New Year’s Eve” celebration to cap the night.

Plus, for the first time, Mickey’s of Glendale, the famed Walt Disney Imagineering store, will set up a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, T-shirts, and collectibles themed to the event. The shop will also carry a special line from H2O Plus, whose products are featured at Disney Resort Hotels. 

Highlights of D23 DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H2O Plus will include*:

• Disney Goes to the World’s Fair: A look at how Disney became a part of the landmark event
• Lost on the Way to the Fair: Pavilion concepts for the World’s Fair that never came to be
• Retro Rewind References: Nods to favorites of the past in current Disney Parks attractions
• That Was Entertainment: Revisiting beloved theme park parades, shows, and spectacles 

The weekend event will take place in the convention center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Tickets, available Wednesday, April 16, are $190 each and available exclusively to D23 Gold and Silver Members for a limited time. Any remaining tickets will be made available to D23 Free Members on May 28 for $250 per ticket. All guests will receive a special gift in honor of Disney’s contributions to the 50th anniversary of the 1964–65 World’s Fair in New York City. A limited number of “Top of the World” tickets will be available featuring reserved seating, early shopping on November 21, an exclusive dinner reception, special collectibles, gifts from H2O Plus and Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, and more. 

More details about the program and tickets for D23 DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H2O Plus, as well as a special offer just for members of D23, can be found at D23.com/Events. Additional schedule announcements will be made in the coming months. 

D23 Spring 2014 Issue Celebrates Disney Contribution to the 1964-65 New York World's Fair!

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DISNEY TWENTY-THREE CELEBRATES DISNEY’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE

1964–65 NEW YORK WORLD’S FAIR IN SPRING 2014 ISSUE

FEATURING RARELY SEEN CONCEPT ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE FAIR,
AS WELL AS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH CHRIS EVANS, TINA FEY, AND THE MUPPETS

Plus, D23.com online exclusives include extended celebrity interviews and additional stories, artwork, and photography from the World’s Fair.

BURBANK, Calif. – FEBRUARY 13, 2014 – The 1964–65 World’s Fair in New York celebrated a time of optimism, growth, and progress. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club captures all the excitement of this epic event in the Spring issue of its publication, Disney twenty-three. The Fair, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marked the creation of landmark Disney technology, music, and attractions including it’s a small world, Audio-Animatronics^® technology, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, and the Carousel of Progress—with its memorable theme song “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.” Disney twenty-three sat down with several Disney Legends responsible for these iconic landmarks including Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, and Bob Gurr. Stunning concept art and rarely seen photography from the Fair complement the stories in this issue, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23.

Disney twenty-three’s Spring issue also includes a look ahead at some of the latest entertainment coming from Disney. Ty Burrell, Tina Fey, Kermit the Frog, and Miss Piggy give readers a peek “behind the felt” at Muppets Most Wanted, which opens this March. Chris Evans talks about suiting up once again for April’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Plus, Jonathan Freeman discusses taking his characterization of the villainous Jafar from screen to stage, as Disney Theatrical Productions prepares to open Aladdin on Broadway this March.

Also included in the Spring issue of Disney twenty-three:

• We celebrate D23’s fifth anniversary with a look at some of the club’s most memorable events
• “Ask Dave” with Disney Legend and Chief Archivist Emeritus Dave Smith returns to print in the U.S. for the first time in nearly a decade
• Disney trendsetters are all the rage—and on the page—in “The Hippest Place on Earth”
• Regular columns including A Walk with Walt, PHOTOfiles, D Society, and more 

All D23 Members are invited to visit www.D23.com for additional members-only content, including extended Q&As with Kermit, Fey, Burrell, and the irrepressible Miss Piggy from Muppets Most Wanted.

Other features coming to D23.com include:

• A closer look at the artwork from it’s a small world’s Tower of the Four Winds at the New York World’s Fair
• Details on which parts of the World’s Fair attractions made their way to Disneyland
• A drive though the Ford Magic Skyway, with an extensive photo gallery 

Also in the Spring issue, D23 Gold Members will receive a reproduction of the “Souvenir Map and Small World Guide” from the centerfold of the commemorativeit’s a small world, guide book.

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 90-year history. D23 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, Silver, and Free Membership levels at D23.com and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us @DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

D23 2014 Special Events Release

D23 UNLOCKS THE MAGIC OF DISNEY WITH A NEW YEAR OF SPECTACULAR MEMBER EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

In 2014, The Official Disney Fan Club Will Travel to New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Other Cities as Well as Walt Disney World Resort

BURBANK, Calif. – January 21, 2014 – This year, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will reach out to fans across the country with a wide array of uniquely magical Disney experiences for members.

DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H20 Plus: Walt Disney once said, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” It’s in that spirit that guests this summer will have the opportunity to visit—or revisit—some of the most beloved Disney attractions of yesteryear. Destination D: Attraction Rewind, held July 26 and 27 at Walt Disney World Resort, will bring Disney archivists, Imagineers, Legends and luminaries together to celebrate fan favorites such as Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with rarely seen concept art and images; vintage video clips; and revealing stories. In addition, several presentations will be dedicated to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, which spawned beloved attractions like it’s a small world and Carousel of Progress.

MARY POPPINS 50th ANNIVERSARY SCREENING: On August 24, 2014—nearly 50 years to the day on which this beloved classic premiered—D23 will celebrate with a very special screening event.

D23’S DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: For the third year in a row, D23 will hit the road, visiting cities across the U.S. to commemorate dozens of magical Disney milestones celebrating landmark anniversaries this year. Hosted by Disney archivists and the D23 Team, D23’s Disney Fanniversary Celebration events will be held in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Orlando, Seattle, and other cities in fall 2014. Fanniversary 2014 will revisit some of the most beloved theme park attractions, animated and live-action films, characters, TV series, and more than 90 years of Disney history including Donald Duck, the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, Sleeping Beauty, Haunted Mansion, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Little Mermaid, and many more. Fanniversary events will be open to the public, with special admission prices and surprises created for D23 Members in attendance.

D23’S LUNCH WITH A LEGEND: A limited number of D23 Members will join Disney Legend Marty Sklar for a private luncheon on The Walt Disney Studios lot, where Marty will talk about his extraordinary 54-year career with Disney. Look for additional “Legendary” lunches later this year.

DISNEY STORE MEMBER MIXERS: After giving members a peek at the reimagined stores in Florida, Kansas, New Jersey, California, and Nevada in 2013, Disney Store will once again invite D23 Members for exclusive mornings of shopping, discounts, games and goodies.

MICKEY’S OF GLENDALE: The Walt Disney Imagineering employee store in Glendale, Calif., will open its doors to D23 Members on April 26, June 21, and other dates throughout the year, with special guests and surprises. Members will have an opportunity to purchase limited-edition merchandise and view the park-like grounds at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts’ creative “think tank.”

SCREENINGS ON THE DISNEY STUDIO LOT: Throughout the year, D23 will continue its popular movie screenings inside the historic Studio Theatre at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. The 2014 roster includes Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, and The Little Mermaid.

D23 DAY AT THE WALTDISNEY STUDIOS AND ARCHIVES: D23’s members-only tours of the historic Studio Lot and Walt Disney Archives in Burbank return, highlighting historic moments from Disney film, television, and theme parks—as well as showcasing many of the external locations used for filming Saving Mr. Banks. Tours will take place April 5, May 31, August 2, and November 8.

SIGNATURE EVENTS: Look for the return of some favorites, including the popular holiday offering DISNEY AND DICKENS (in Burbank in December), as well as other D23 traditions. 

Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2014 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at www.D23.com/events. All events and dates are subject to change.

Current event calendar:

• January 31: D23’s Lunch with a Legend — Marty Sklar, Burbank, Calif.
• February 15: The Jungle Book, Burbank, Calif.
• March 22: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
• April 26: Mickey’s of Glendale shopping event, Glendale, Calif.
• May 31: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
• June 21: Mickey’s of Glendale shopping event, Glendale, Calif.
• July 26 & 27: Destination D: Attraction Rewind presented by H20+, Walt Disney World Resort
• August 2: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
• August 24: Mary Poppins 50th Anniversary Celebration, Los Angeles Area
• Fall: D23’s 2014 Disney Fanniversary Celebration, locations to be announced mid-2014
• September 13: The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, Burbank, Calif.
• October 11: Sleeping Beauty, Burbank, Calif.
• November 8: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
• November 15: The Little Mermaid, Burbank, Calif.
• December: Disney and Dickens, Burbank, Calif.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s more than 90-year history. D23 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, Silver, and Free Membership levels at D23.com and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us @DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Looking Back: Mickey's Christmas Carol

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Two weeks ago I did a 'Looking Back' entry on Scrooge and Marley from Disney's classic, animated short, Mickey's Christmas Carol.

Another favorite release by the Walt Disney Classics Collection from that short was Scrooge McDuck (as Ebenezer Scrooge) and Daisy Duck (as Isabelle). 

This year, I added a new twist to the scene adding the Jiminy Cricket ornament. It was a perfect fit both in size and moment from that short, as Ebenezer was visiting his past and Jiminy was the Ghost of Christmas Past.

Scrooge and Daisy, sculpted by Ruben Procopio were Limited to Production Year 2010 and released in December of that year. It was a two-piece set release. 

Jiminy Cricket, sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons, was released as an Open Edition release in July, 1997 and retired in July, 1999. Jiminy was released along with Mickey Mouse (as Bob Cratchit), Minnie Mouse (as Mrs. Cratchit) and Scrooge McDuck as Ebenzer Scrooge.

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'Tropical Holiday Decorating '

Hawaiian Holiday, a favorite Disney short was the subject of a Walt Disney Classics Collection scene release in February, 2009.

The Open Edition scene release, sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales featured Donald Duck (pictured at right), Goofy, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

This year, decided to give the scene a holiday feel, so seeked out holiday palm trees and came across these 4" resin ornaments, complete with tree lights (resin lights and string) and packages. 

I wish they would have been slightly taller but very content with the detail, well done paint job and the subtle holiday feel they gave the scene. 

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Looking Back: Scrooge & Marley

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It was rather bittersweet this year unpacking our seasonal Walt Disney Classics Collection pieces. The line officially ended December 2012 and over the past couple years, we've anticipated the next release in Mickey's Christmas Carol and sadly we won't see what next release would be planned or figure how to work into our existing pieces :(

"Tonight You Will Be Visited By Three Spirits" featuring Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer Scrooge and Goofy as Marley, sculpted by Ruben Procopio was a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750 released in 2009.

The sculpture was plussed with pewter, resin, brass and brass wire. In addition to being one of my favorite moments in the film, the standout for me is Goofy as Marley. 

We're not used to seeing Goofy in this light and can you really imagine Goofy putting the fear into someone as depicted in the sheer terror on Scrooge's face? I also like the detail of Scrooge's chair, showing want a tightwad he was, very apparent by the various rips and tears in the chair's upholstery. 

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Diane Disney Miller (1933 - 2013)

Diane Disney Miller

1933 - 2013

"It is with deep sadness that The Walt Disney Family Museum must share that Diane Disney Miller has passed away. Diane died of complications from a fall.

Diane was the eldest daughter of Walt and Lillian Disney, wife to Ron Miller, mother of seven children, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and an inspiration to us all.

Words cannot begin to express our sadness at Diane’s death. She was an extraordinary philanthropist and enthusiastic supporter of the arts. Diane carried on her father’s legacy with dignity, grace, and devotion.

While the family appreciates your thoughts and prayers, we kindly request that their privacy is respected at this time.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations may be made to the memorial fund that The Walt Disney Family Museum has created in honor of Diane Disney Miller. Donations will support the museum's ongoing education efforts, exhibitions, and programs. Donations and cards can also be sent to the family through The Walt Disney Family Museum, attn: Director's Office; 104 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94129. 

Services will be private and the museum has not yet planned a public commemoration of Diane, but a possible program or event may be scheduled in the future."

More information is available here.

Statement Regarding the Walt Disney Classics Collection

I received the following statement from Precious Moments regarding the future of the Walt Disney Classics Collection:

"We truly appreciate the fans and collectors who have been eagerly awaiting the Walt Disney Classics Collection product launch by Precious Moments Incorporated®.  After extensive consultation with Disney®, we have jointly decided not to move forward with the release of the collection.  The Walt Disney Classics Collection will be placed into the “vault” alongside other cherished Disney classics.  

We invite you to continue to celebrate Disney characters and stories with the beautifully crafted collectibles available in the Disney Showcase Collection by Precious Moments.  These exquisite pieces are available at Disney Theme Parks, DisneyStore.com, PreciousMoments.com, and specialty retailers.

Thank you for your continued support of Precious Moments Incorporated."

Mary Poppins 'Takes Flight' in D23 Winter Issue!

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MARY POPPINS TAKES FLIGHT IN THE WINTER ISSUE OF DISNEY TWENTY-THREE

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH SAVING MR. BANKS STARS TOM HANKS AND

EMMA THOMPSON HIGHLIGHT A SPECIAL ISSUE DEDICATED TO THE

WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS NANNY

Plus, D23.com online exclusives include video of the 1964 Mary Poppins premiere, 

galleries of the film’s matte paintings, and an interactive map of the Walt Disney Studios

featuring locations used in Saving Mr. Banks.

BURBANK, Calif. – November 4, 2013 – To celebrate the release of Saving Mr. Banks and the upcoming 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has dedicated the entire winter issue of its flagship magazine, Disney twenty-three, to our beloved nanny. The publication, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23, includes exclusive interviews with Saving Mr. Banks stars Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, and Bradley Whitford, as well as director John Lee Hancock. It takes readers behind the scenes of the making of this spectacular new film, which opens this Christmas and looks at the creation of Disney’s Mary Poppins and the sometimes combative but respectful relationship between the character’s creator, P.L. Travers (Thompson), and Walt Disney (Hanks).

Disney twenty-three’s Winter issue also offers a look inside the fascinating life of P.L. Travers, with a personal reminiscence by her friend, author Brian Sibley, whom she once told, “I don’t feel for a moment that I invented her. I feel visited by her.” And original film composer Richard M. Sherman, visual consultant Tony Walton, and choreographers Marc Beaux and Dee Dee Wood offer exclusive insight into the creation of the 1964 Disney classic, which will officially celebrate its 50th anniversary next August.

Also included in the Winter issue of Disney twenty-three:

• A first-person account of the creation of the stage musical Mary Poppins from Disney Theatrical Productions president Thomas Schumacher
• “Elements of Fun,” looking at 50 years of unique “Mary merchandise”
• An in-depth look at the film’s groundbreaking special effects
• A walk down the red carpet for the Mary Poppins premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

 All D23 Members are invited to visit www.D23.com, where the fan club is kicking off its year-long celebration of Mary Poppins’ 50th anniversary with a unique video reconstruction of the Mary Poppins world premiere, containing five minutes of never-before-released material. Although the original telecast of the event appears to have been lost forever, this 22-minute segment includes audio from the premiere’s two separate interview locations, combined with all the surviving color film and black-and-white newsreel footage—re-creating the excitement and glamour of this stellar premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on August 27, 1964.

Other features planned for D23.com’s online celebration include:

• Extensive Mary Poppins galleries, including a look at the film’s breathtaking matte paintings.
• An interactive map of the Walt Disney Studios with photo locations from Saving Mr. Banks
• Rarely heard audio files from the making of Mary Poppins
• An in-depth Mary Poppins production timeline
• A look at the sodium screen/traveling matte process, which gave the film its unique visual look
• An exclusive interview with Mary Poppins visual consultant Tony Walton

Also in the Winter issue, D23 Gold Members will receive a reproduction of the ticket mailed to invitees for the Mary Poppins premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership.