LEONARD MALTIN PENS A TRIBUTE TO MICKEY, AND STARS INCLUDING KURT RUSSELL, MARK HAMILL, AND WHOOPI GOLDBERG SHARE THEIR FAVORITE MEMORIES OF THE MOUSE

PLUS, PREVIEWS OF THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS, DISNEY CHANNEL’S STAR WARS RESISTANCE, AND A BRAND-NEW PORT COMING TO TOKYO DISNEYSEA

BURBANK, Calif. — 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 Movie Freaky 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.