NEWS: DISNEY TWENTY-THREE CELEBRATES 90 YEARS OF MICKEY MOUSE

August 9, 2018 – 2018 is a big year for Mickey Mouse, who celebrates his 90th anniversary this year, and D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is bringing the celebration to the pages of the fall issue of Disney twenty-three. Film historian Leonard Maltin honors Mickey’s enduring optimism and youthful spirit. Celebrities and luminaries including Kurt Russell, Mark Hamill, Whoopi Goldberg, Alan Menken and Hayley Mills recall their fondest Mickey memories. The cover features the latest tribute to Mickey—his new birthday portrait, titled Spreading Magic Around the World, painted by legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios animator Mark Henn—and Walt Disney Archives director Becky Cline looks at the long-standing tradition of Mickey portraits over the decades.

Actress and fashion designer Ashley Eckstein pays tribute to Minnie Mouse—who is also celebrating 90 years of stardom—by spotlighting Minnie’s enduring place as a role model and fashion icon. And Disney twenty-three goes behind the scenes on the making of the new Disney Channel Original MovieFreaky Friday, for exclusive interviews with stars Heidi Blickenstaff and Cozi Zuehlsdorff.

Plus, D23 is kicking off its annual Fanniversary honoring two beloved films celebrating their 25th anniversary: Hocus Pocus and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Director Kenny Ortega talks about the making of Hocus Pocus and all of the on-set excitement working with Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker. This month’s “Character Analysis” examines the frightfully fun denizens of Nightmare, along with a first look at the new Nightmare-themed gingerbread house coming to Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction overlay this year. For more Fanniversary fun, visit D23.com/Fanniversary beginning October 1.

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

Animation historian Fox Carney dives into the vaults of the Animation Research Library to show off stunning paintings and drawings from Mickey’s rich history
From the Desk of: Mickey’s portrait painter Mark Henn
A preview of The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
An advance look at the new Disney Channel series Star Wars Resistance
Regular features including D Society and Ask Dave

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

About the Author: DBTN - FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF DBTN

My enthusiasm for all things Disney all started when my parents took our family to WDW for a vacation. My first trip was at age 13. Since that first time, I have made a trip to WDW almost every year from age 13. As far as I knew there was only one place to vacation! My fascination with WDW began on that first trip. I wanted to know how things at WDW operated and what made it so magical. I wanted to know details like how many people worked there and the length of the monorail track. It is that fascination that fueled my interest in WDW. Each year that my family vacationed at WDW, I learned more about WDW as they built more parks and added more attractions. I am not the average fan; I want to know all the details and I love researching the facts of WDW. I research facts through the Internet, books and DVDs. To me, the best part is to conduct research trip at WDW. After college, my father was transferred to Orlando and I moved with my parents. Seeking employment, I applied for a job at WDW. I passed the first rounds of interviews and was proud to join the Disney family as a security cast member! The job was great. It included Disney-specific training and security training before assuming four duties: driving a security vehicle, standing a post, working in a resort or walking a park or other area. Sometimes I even had special duties like working the Epcot Christmas Processional. I would escort the celebrity guests from backstage to onstage. Interestingly, every cast member is given a WDW fact book monthly to aid in answering guest questions. The pocket book contained great Disney facts that added more fuel for my thirst of Disney facts. Well, all-good things must come to end so we moved back to NJ. In the summer of 2010 I moved back to Florida I am now living in Orlando less then 15 minutes from WDW and living the dream and have fun along the way. Favorite Park – Magic Kingdom Favorite Character – Mickey Mouse Favorite restaurant – California Grill Favorite attraction – Toy Story Mania Favorite resort – Bay Lake Tower / Contempoary First time at a disney park – 1976 & have been every year since Who was on your first disney trip – My entire family Favorite disney memory – My first trip and my first trip with my kids How far do you live from disney now – 15 minutes When is your next Disney trip? – every weekend Favorite Disney Movie – Jungle Book & Toy Story