The winter chill is officially here, but Disney Channel (DStv Channel 303) is turning up the warmth with an action-packed holiday line-up perfect for kids — and anyone young at heart. From new episodes of fan-favourite shows to magical movie moments, it’s time to snuggle up and enjoy a holiday packed with fun, friendship, and unforgettable adventures.
Movie Mayhem Every Friday
Friday afternoons are all about movie magic. Disney Channel’s Movie Mayhem takes over every Friday at 17:00 CAT, starting on 4 July with the beloved ocean adventure Finding Nemo. Follow Marlin and Dory as they cross the Great Barrier Reef in search of little Nemo — a heartwarming tale that never gets old.
The underwater fun continues on 11 July with Finding Dory, as our forgetful blue tang heroine embarks on a journey to find her long-lost family. Rounding out the month is The Wonderful Summer of Mickey Mouse, where Mickey and friends look back on the wild events leading up to the Annual Summer Fireworks Spectacular — perfect for warming winter nights.
What’s New This Month
July isn’t just about classics. Disney Channel is serving up fresh episodes, exciting premieres, and hilarious hijinks with your favourite characters:
Primos returns with all-new episodes from Tuesday, 1 July at 14:25 CAT.
Proudly homegrown, Kiff Season 2 brings more laugh-out-loud adventures from Saturday, 5 July at 11:55 CAT. Don’t miss the Kiff special, “Kiff: Lore of the Ring Light”, airing 5 July at 10:15 CAT.
Big Hero 6 Season 1 makes its Disney Channel debut on 1 July at 16:30 CAT, airing weekdays.
Klik Klub is back with Season 3, premiering new episodes from Friday, 4 July at 16:50 CAT, featuring a special appearance by Olympic gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz.
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir Season 6 returns on Monday, 7 July at 15:40 CAT. Expect high-stakes drama and unexpected twists as Marinette and Adrien face family challenges that could change everything.
Mighty Med, a classic Disney Channel favourite, returns from Monday, 7 July at 17:00 CAT. Superpowered patients and hilarious hospital chaos await.
Stay Warm with Disney Magic
Whether you’re wrapped in a blanket on the couch or watching with the whole family, Disney Channel’s July line-up is the perfect winter companion. With a mix of animated adventures, live-action comedy, and heartwarming moments, there’s something new to enjoy every day.
Grab your hot chocolate, find your comfiest socks, and make Disney Channel your go-to destination for winter holiday fun.
South Africa; Johannesburg, 13 May 2025: Fans the world over are eagerly anticipating the release of “Lilo & Stitch” – a live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic – on Friday 23 May 2025 in cinemas. The family-adventure tells the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family.
Stitch On The Loose!
To celebrate, Disney Africa with VISA and Woolworths are unleashing the mischievous alien upon South Africa, with Experiment 626 (a.k.a. Stitch) appearing at locations across the country, from landmarks to well-known public spaces, and even rugby matches.
Kicking off this week on 947’s Anele and the Club, listeners will be tasked to be on the lookout for Stitch as he moves across the country, all to stand a chance to win family tickets of four to the South Africa Special Event Screening of Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” in Johannesburg. To enter, follow the action on air and on socials using the hashtag #StitchOnTheLoose and tagging @DisneyinAfrica and @947 on Facebook as well as @DisneyAfrica and @947 on Instagram.
Ohana Means Family
In the film, Stitch embarks on a journey from alien outsider to a beloved family member, validating the importance of ‘ohana: that a family can be comprised of more than just blood relatives and that no one gets left behind. From the 19th of May, Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” is celebrating all things ‘ohana, again on 947, with Visa and Woolworths on 947. Listeners and fans will be able to share their own family moments to stand a chance to win a trip for four to Hawaii and a R10 000.00 Woolworths voucher. Furthermore, listeners get double entry into the draw if they are a VISA card holder.
Binge To Catch Up
Disney+ is the home of all things “Lilo & Stitch” with the animated films “Lilo & Stitch”, “Lilo & Stitch: Stitch Has A Glitch”, “Leroy & Stitch”, “Stitch! The Movie” as well as both seasons of “Lilo & Stitch: The Series” now streaming.
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Please find a release on Stitch on the loose in South Africa, coinciding with the release of the highly anticipated live-action “Lilo & Stitch” – in cinemas from next week, 23 May 2025.
If you require anything further, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Stitch On The Loose In South Africa
Experiment 626 – a.k.a. Stitch – Appearing Across South Africa
New Live-Action Film, Products Join Disney+ To Celebrate The Mischievous Alien
South Africa; Johannesburg, 13 May 2025: Fans the world over are eagerly anticipating the release of “Lilo & Stitch” – a live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic – on Friday 23 May 2025 in cinemas. The family-adventure tells the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family.
Stitch On The Loose!
To celebrate, Disney Africa with VISA and Woolworths are unleashing the mischievous alien upon South Africa, with Experiment 626 (a.k.a. Stitch) appearing at locations across the country, from landmarks to well-known public spaces, and even rugby matches.
Kicking off this week on 947’s Anele and the Club, listeners will be tasked to be on the lookout for Stitch as he moves across the country, all to stand a chance to win family tickets of four to the South Africa Special Event Screening of Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” in Johannesburg. To enter, follow the action on air and on socials using the hashtag #StitchOnTheLoose and tagging @DisneyinAfrica and @947 on Facebook as well as @DisneyAfrica and @947 on Instagram.
Ohana Means Family
In the film, Stitch embarks on a journey from alien outsider to a beloved family member, validating the importance of ‘ohana: that a family can be comprised of more than just blood relatives and that no one gets left behind. From the 19th of May, Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” is celebrating all things ‘ohana, again on 947, with Visa and Woolworths on 947. Listeners and fans will be able to share their own family moments to stand a chance to win a trip for four to Hawaii and a R10 000.00 Woolworths voucher. Furthermore, listeners get double entry into the draw if they are a VISA card holder.
Binge To Catch Up
Disney+ is the home of all things “Lilo & Stitch” with the animated films “Lilo & Stitch”, “Lilo & Stitch: Stitch Has A Glitch”, “Leroy & Stitch”, “Stitch! The Movie” as well as both seasons of “Lilo & Stitch: The Series” now streaming.
Continue The Adventure
Fans can be immersed in the fun and mayhem of “Lilo & Stitch” with an array of classic Stitch and live action products to choose from. The expansive assortment of merchandise, now in retailers nationwide, categories include accessories and apparel, plush, toys, travel, jewellery, collectibles, games and puzzles, books and much more.
Highlighted products include Stitch live-action and Disney Classics Stitch (Scent and Sound) Plush, an assortment of Disney’s Stitch Squishmallow, Lego® Disney’s “Stitch Beach House”, Disney Stitch 1961 VW Bug and a host of collectible figurines. Aside from toys, there are also Stitch apparel and accessories at leading retailers from t-shirts to hoodies, bags and Pandora charms.
“Lilo & Stitch” will crash into cinemas nationwide from 23 May 2025, presented by VISA and Woolworths.
A live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, “Lilo & Stitch” is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the Oscar®-nominated filmmaker behind the animated feature film “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On,” the film stars Maia Kealoha, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, with Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis. “Lilo & Stitch” is produced by Jonathan Eirich and Dan Lin, with Tom Peitzman and Ryan Halprin serving as executive producers.
“Lilo & Stitch” will open in cinemas nationwide from 23 May 2025, presented by VISA and Woolworths.
About The Walt Disney Company EMEA:
The Walt Disney Company has been in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for over 90 years and employs thousands across the region. Between Disneyland Paris and its other iconic brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, 20th Century Studios and ESPN, The Walt Disney Company EMEA entertains, informs and inspires millions of consumers in more than 130 countries through the power of unparalleled storytelling. Disney+, the company’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, is currently available in 85 markets across EMEA.
Jessie on Saturdays, 7-21 September at 14:00 CAT Bunk’d on Sundays, 7-21 September at 14:00 CAT
Get ready for back-to-back marathons of Jessie and Bunk’d every weekend this September! Follow Jessie, a Texas teen who moves to New York City and becomes a nanny for a high-profile couple’s children. On Sundays, dive into the adventures at Camp Kikiwaka in Bunk’d, a spin-off from Jessie. Enjoy the laughter, fun, and friendship as the camp counselors take on new challenges.
Catch these beloved shows on Disney Channel every Saturday and Sunday at 14:00 CAT, until 21 September.
Z-O-M-B-I-E-S: The Re-Animated Series – Season Premiere
Monday – Friday from 16 September at 16:30 CAT
The Z-O-M-B-I-E-S universe is back with an exciting animated twist! Join Zed, Addison, and the Seabrook crew as they use alien technology to relive their senior year in a brand-new series filled with fun and adventure.
Don’t miss Z-O-M-B-I-E-S: The Re-Animated Series starting 16 September at 16:30 CAT on Disney Channel. Plus, catch the live-action Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 2 on 21 September at 10:40 CAT and Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 3 on 22 September at 10:40 CAT.
Descendants: The Rise of Red – New Movie
Friday, 27 September at 17:00 CAT
The next chapter of the Descendants saga is here! Watch as Red, the daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe, Cinderella’s perfectionist daughter, team up to stop a coup in Auradon. Together, they travel back in time to undo the event that set Red’s mother down her villainous path.
Catch the new movie Descendants: The Rise of Red on 27 September at 17:00 CAT, followed by a Descendants movie marathon all weekend long, starting at 15:00 CAT on 28 and 29 September.
Klik Klub – New Episodes
Friday, 27 September at 16:50 CAT
Brand-new episodes of Klik Klub are coming this month, with a special Heritage Day episode on 27 September featuring TV presenter Hulisani Ravele. Watch as teams cook up exciting dishes based on childhood food memories in a fun-filled mystery box challenge.
Tune in every Friday for new episodes of Klik Klub at 16:50 CAT on Disney Channel.
Miraculous Ladybug & Cat Noir: Miraculous Day
Monday, 30 September from 06:00 CAT
Spend the day with everyone’s favorite superhero duo! Miraculous Day brings you back-to-back episodes of Season 5 and the Miraculous World movies, including the exciting adventures in New York, Shanghai, and Paris.
Celebrate Miraculous Day on 30 September from 06:00 to 16:00 CAT on Disney Channel.
Disney Junior
Marvel Spidey and His Amazing Friends – New Episodes
Monday – Friday from 2 September at 09:30 CAT and weekends at 10:30 CAT
Join Spidey, Miles Morales, and Ghost-Spider as they team up with heroes like Hulk and Ms. Marvel to defeat villains and learn the importance of teamwork.
Catch all-new episodes of Marvel Spidey and His Amazing Friends from 2 September on Disney Junior.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures – New Episodes
Monday – Saturday from 16 September at 09:25 CAT
The younglings return for even more intergalactic missions! Follow Kai Brightstar, Lys Solay, and their friends as they explore the galaxy and learn the ways of the Force.
Don’t miss the new episodes of Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures from 16 September at 09:25 CAT on Disney Junior.
SuperKitties: Su-Purr Charged – New Episodes
Monday – Friday from 23 September at 15:00 CAT
The SuperKitties are back with new episodes filled with action, adventure, and purr-fectly adorable moments! Join Ginny, Sparks, Buddy, and Bitsy as they save Kittydale from mischievous villains.
Watch new episodes of SuperKitties: Su-Purr Charged starting 23 September at 15:00 CAT on Disney Junior.
Binding generations together more than any other animated characters, Mickey and Minnie Mouse are global icons who remind people of all ages of the benefits of laughter, optimism and hope. From 18 November, Disney Junior (DStv Channel 309) celebrates the duo’s birthday with special programming and a unique sculpture activation in Johannesburg.
Remaining the channel home of all things Mickey and Minnie, together with all their friends, Disney Junior will have fun-filled episodes and specials throughout the month. From 07:30 every weekday, Mickey Mouse Funhouse promises amusement for the young ones withFunny, an enchanted talking playhouse that takes Mickey and his pals on adventures to unique lands that inspire the imagination. On Friday, 17 November, there’s a song-filled special, Mickey’s Monster Musical at 11:00AM, where Mickey and the gang meet Count Mikula after they are stranded near a castle. On the big day itself, Saturday 18 November, from 10:30AM, there are back-to-back episodes and specials of Mickey Mouse Funhouse and Minnie’s Bow-Toons: Camp Minnie.
From Monday 20 November, special episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse will kick off at 11:00AM, with Mickey’s Pirate Adventure, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Rally on 21 November, A Goofy Fairy Tale on 23 November and The Wizard of Dizz on 24 November. And finally, on Disney Channel (DStv 303) on 24 November, we have the adorable special, The Wonderful Autumn of Mickey Mouse at 17:00, where Mickey Mouse is determined to undo the failures of his family’s past after inheriting a rundown pumpkin farm from a distant relative.
To continue the celebrations, Disney Junior will be at Maponya Mall in Soweto, Johannesburg from 18-30 November with a unique garden installation featuring Mickey and Minnie sculptures. The interactive installation will be open from 9am – 6pm every day and visitors are invited to have their pictures taken with the sculptures. Those who share these pictures on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #HBDMICKEYANDMINNIE will stand in line to win 1 of 20 Disney Junior hampers.
So join in on the celebration this month and share your love and birthday wishes with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, tag @DisneyAfrica and use the hashtag #HBDMICKEYANDMINNIE.
Disney has today launched a holiday campaign called ‘May Your Wishes Come True’ focusing on the power of wishes for its 100th anniversary. The campaign includes the first live-action festive ad, titled ‘A Wish For The Holidays,’ which takes inspiration from the soon-to-be released Walt Disney Animation Studios’ movie Wish and will launch in more than 50 countries.
The ad is directed by Grammy Award-winning Nigerian/British director Meji Alabi and was fully shot in Cape Town, South Africa and features scenes representing six geographical locations and languages. It tells the stories of families and friends from around the world, who are united by a universal wish to be together with their loved ones during the Holidays, recognising a range of festive traditions.
Director Meji Alabi said: “I feel lucky to have collaborated with such a diverse group of people on Disney’s Holiday campaign this year. There were so many stand-out moments for me during the filming, but I think the most memorable was watching the South African kids choir sing their lines. It truly gave me goosebumps.”
The ad includes the globally recognisable song ‘A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes’ from Cinderella, rearranged to enable multiple performers to come together with one united voice. English-language voice of Asha and Academy Award-winning actress and singer Ariana DeBose delivers the opening line in the English version, and voice actresses in markets around the world sing it in other languages.
The ad has been globally produced by Ridley Scott Associates across the US, UK and South Africa and developed in collaboration with the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products internal advertising agency Yellow Shoes.
Joss Hastings, VP Global Marketing, Disney Consumer Products, Games & Publishing, said: “Holiday traditions may look different around the world but however and wherever you’re celebrating, we all share the wish to be with the ones we love during this special time of year. Inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new movie ‘Wish,’ the advertisement brings voices from around the world together as a global choir for a powerful rendition of the iconic ‘A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes.’ We hope fans enjoy the new twist on a Disney classic as we celebrate 100 years of storytelling and the integral role that music has played.”
The global premiere of the advert comes hot on the heels of the recent unveiling of a co-branded celebratory aircraft livery in collaboration with LIFT airlines, to kick-off “May Your Wishes Come True”. With a host of surprise elements for customers planned, the Disney-inspired plane is currently serving customers and routes between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Travellers are encouraged to share their pics on social media, using the hashtag #DisneyandLIFT and tagging @DisneyAfrica and @LIFT__SA.
“Following the collaboration with LIFT airlines, what better way to continue the launch of our biggest retail campaign to date in South Africa than with this locally-shot advert.” Says Luke Roberts, General Manager, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing, The Walt Disney Company Africa. “Inspired by the universal truth that they wish to be together during the holidays, we look forward to celebrating with South African families and fans throughout the festive period.”
This holiday season, Disney’s “May Your Wishes Come True” will offer the perfect opportunity to stock up on those gifts for every member of the family – bringing stories and characters to life through innovative products across multiple categories: from toys and apparel to jewelry, technology and consumables, including brand-new products from the movie Wish, including Lego and figurines.
South African shoppers can also look forward to various activations at shopping malls around the country, including Disney-plush-adorned Christmas Trees. Proudly presented in association with VISA and Investec, with support from Toys R US, the trees will feature the opportunity for visitors to give back through donations to Reach for a Dream.
With much more to share, this festive season is set to be an unforgettable one as we wish together for the holidays.
The Walt Disney Company Africa and LIFT today unveiled a co-branded celebratory aircraft livery to kick-off Disney’s biggest festive campaign to date in South Africa, “May Your Wishes Come True”.
The livery features some of the most iconic and memorable characters from Disney, MARVEL and Star WarsTM, including: Disney’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Moana, Black Panther, GroguTM, Elsa, Spidey. A brand new character also makes an appearance, Asha, from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming “Wish”, which releases in cinemas nationwide from 22 November. The Disney inspired plane (tail number ZS-GAS) will appear in South African skies and at airports from 20 October and service routes between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
On board, customers can expect special Disney and LIFT surprises, as well as kiddies activity packs to make flying with little ones a breeze during the busy holiday season, with giveaways and more treats. The excitement won’t stop there, because LIFT has additional surprises between 1 and 12 December for lucky travelers on select flights, as South Africans get ready for the festive season.
Fans and travellers who spot or travel on the Disney-inspired Plane can share their pics on social media, using the hashtag #DisneyandLIFT and tagging @DisneyAfrica and @LIFT__SA.
Says Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa: “To mark our 100th year anniversary (16 October 2023), The Walt Disney Company is celebrating the fans and storytellers who have sparked the joy and magic that embodies Disney over the last century. We hope that this exciting and unique collaboration with LIFT will bring delight to travellers of all ages this holiday season as we mark this milestone anniversary.”
Says Luke Roberts, General Manager, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing, The Walt Disney Company Africa; “Rolling out in stores nationwide from November, “May Your Wishes Come True” is Disney’s biggest retail campaign to date. With the holiday season approaching and “Wish” releasing in cinemas nationwide from 24 November, we are inspired by the universal truth of wishing to be together at this special time. This collaboration with LIFT truly celebrates this togetherness with families and fans.”
Says Jonathan Ayache, CEO of LIFT.: “As a beloved family brand, Disney is a perfect fit for LIFT. With our new livery, together we celebrate the love, magic and family togetherness that signals the festive season. We’re proud to link arms with Disney, through this collaboration, our hope is to ignite a sense of fun, wonder and excitement for the whole family during the upcoming season of school holidays and family celebrations.”
Customers can visit www.lift.co.za to book flights and stand a chance of flying on the #DisneyandLIFT aircraft. Travellers aboard the airline will continue to enjoy all the perks LIFT has to offer including complimentary snacks, coffee from vida e caffè and extra-friendly service from the stylish cabin crew. LIFT has flexible flight changes with unlimited penalty-free changes and no cancellation fees up to 24 hours before departure.
From November, Disney’s “May Your Wishes Come True” will offer the perfect opportunity to stock up on those gifts for every member of the family – from stocking fillers, toys, apparel, books and so much more – featuring the very latest and greatest from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. With much more to share, this festive season is set to be an unforgettable one as we wish together for the holidays.
Disney+ Original Anthology Series Of Animated Films To Air on Disney Channel
After its global premiere on Disney+ last month, The Walt Disney Company Africa today announced that the Disney+ Original anthology series “Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire” will be broadcast across Africa when it lands on Disney Channel (DStv, Channel 303) this August.
Featuring stories from the continent, a double bill of films will be broadcast at 17:00 CAT each weekday from 28 August – 1 September with 5-film marathons airing at 15:15 CAT on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September respectively.
“Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire” is an action-packed animated sci-fi anthology that presents ten futuristic visions from Africa, inspired by the continent’s diverse histories and cultures. Creators hailing from South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Uganda, Kenya and Zimbabwe present uniquely African perspectives to imagine brave new worlds of advanced technology, aliens, spirits, and monsters.
Says Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa: “We are excited to be bringing this innovative and celebrated series to viewers across the continent, giving those without access to Disney+ the chance to be part of an unforgettable ride into Africa’s future, presenting visions of the continent as never before seen.”
The ten creators include Ahmed Teilab (Egypt), Simangaliso ‘Panda’ Sibaya and Malcolm Wope (South Africa), Terence Maluleke and Isaac Mogajane (South Africa), Ng’endo Mukii (Kenya), Shofela Coker (Nigeria), Nthato Mokgata and Catherine Green (South Africa), Pious Nyenyewa and Tafadzwa Hove (Zimbabwe), Tshepo Moche (South Africa), Raymond Malinga (Uganda) and Lesego Vorster (South Africa).
The sci-fi series features an exciting cast from across the globe and includes the voices of Florence Kasumba (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”), Kehinde Bankole (“Blood Sisters”), Pearl Thusi (“Queen Sono”), Hakeem Kae-Kazim (“Hotel Rwanda”, “Godzilla vs. Kong”), Sheila Munyiva (“Rafiki”), Stycie Waweru (“Supa Modo”, “Supa Sema”), Candice Modiselle (“Generations: The Legacy”), Lillian Dube (“Soul City”), Clementine Mosimane (“Poppie Nongena”), and Mandisa Nduna (“Blood Psalms”), as well as comedians Tumi Morake (“Serious Single”), Sne Dladla (“Black Tax”) and Tyson Ngubeni (“A Royal Surprise”) and rappers Nasty C (“Blood & Water”) and Gigi Lamayne (“Temptation Island: South Africa”).
Oscar®-winning director Peter Ramsey (“Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse”), Tendayi Nyeke and Anthony Silverston all serve as executive producers. Triggerfish is the lead studio for the anthology, working in collaboration with animation studios across the continent and globally.
“Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire” will premiere on Disney Channel (DStv, Channel 303) with double bills each weekday from 28 August – 1 September at 17:00 (CAT), with special 5-film marathons on 2 and 3 September at 15:15 (CAT).
About The Walt Disney Company EMEA: The Walt Disney Company has been in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for over 80 years and employs thousands across the region. Between Disneyland Paris and its other iconic brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, 20th Century Studios and ESPN, The Walt Disney Company EMEA entertains, informs and inspires millions of consumers in more than 130 countries through the power of unparalleled storytelling. Disney+, the company’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, is currently available in 60 markets across EMEA.
Disney and Virgil Abloh Securities unveil a one-of-a-kind sculpture of Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey to mark Disney’s 100th anniversary and launch a creative celebration that brings together some of the world’s most inventive minds including Beyoncé, Christian Louboutin and Lang Lang
South Africa, July 28, 2023 – Today marks the launch of Create 100, a global celebration of creativity marking 100 years of Disney storytelling. Some of the world’s most renowned visionaries and next generation talent across fashion, music, art and more have donated artworks, items and experiences inspired by their personal connection to stories and characters across Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and 20th Century, to benefit Make-A-Wish®. To begin, Disney is commemorating the launch with a $1 million donation to Make-A-Wish to support the granting of life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
The unveiling of The Structural Sorcerer – a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Sculpture, inspired by original artwork by Virgil Abloh, brought to life by Virgil Abloh Securities’ design firm, ALASKA ALASKA, at the Royal College of Art in Battersea, London for Disney’s Create 100. To mark its 100th anniversary, Disney has invited creative visionaries and next generation talent to donate artworks and experiences for the Create 100 initiative, each inspired by their personal connection to Disney stories and characters. Disney is commemorating the launch with a $1 million donation to Make-A-Wish® to support the granting of life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. (Vianney Le Caer/AP Content Services for Disney)
“Disney’s timeless stories and characters have made an indelible mark on pop culture around the globe, transcending borders, industries and generations,” said Consumer Products, Games and Publishing President Tasia Filippatos. “We couldn’t think of a better way to honor 100 years of Disney storytelling than by collaborating with this outstanding collective of visionaries in support of Make-A-Wish.”
To kick off the campaign, Disney worked with Virgil Abloh Securities to reveal a 6-foot structural sculpture of Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey from Disney’s Fantasia at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London. The life-size piecetitled‘Structural Sorcerer — a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Sculpture’ was commissioned by Disney and designed by ALASKA ALASKA. “Paying homage to the everlasting legacy of Virgil Abloh, the Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey sculpture takes inspiration from his work on the grid furniture series and the Mickey Mouse illustration he created in 2018 in celebration of Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday,” said the late artist’s wife, Shannon Abloh.
In line with Create 100’s goal to inspire and champion next generation talent, the ‘Structural Sorcerer —Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Sculpture’ will be on display at the RCA over the summer. Virgil Abloh had a close relationship with the RCA, which recently announced a scholarship in his name to support talented but financially restricted Black British students. In a continued effort to amplify the next generation of creators, Virgil Abloh Securities also enlisted multidisciplinary artist Favour Jonathan, who created a sculpture of Dr. Facilier from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, to be part of Create 100.
Additional incredible artworks, items and experiences, together with the stories behind them, will be revealed over the summer. The Create 100 contributions feature everything from musical elements to comic books to recreations of iconic movie props and more from renowned talent such as global icon Beyoncé, famed French fashion designer Christian Louboutin, Italian Global Creative Director for Swarovski Giovanna Engelbert, Chinese virtuoso pianist Lang Lang, American fashion pioneer Tommy Hilfiger and celebrated Brazilian artist Vik Muniz. Global partners such as adidas, Pandora and Coach will also be contributing one-of-a-kind pieces to the celebration.
“Wishes are generated by the imagination of our wish children and that creative spark inspires their journey with us,” said Luciano Manzo, President and CEO, Make-A-Wish International. “Create 100 showcases the power of creativity to bring hope. This inspirational initiative will help grant life-changing wishes for children around the world who are living with critical illnesses. We are so grateful to Disney and all the artists involved for their support.”
For more than 40 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have granted wishes together for more than 150,000 children with critical illnesses worldwide. The life-changing wishes include shopping sprees, studio visits, theme park and resort vacations, cruises, talent meet-and-greets, sports-themed experiences and more. Many Disney cast members are also wish-granting volunteers, parents of wish children or wish alumni themselves.
ABOUT DISNEY100
Disney100 commemorates The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary through an offering of unparalleled content, experiences, and collections. This once in a lifetime event celebrates the storytellers, fans and families who together spark the wonder and magic of Disney.
ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH®
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in 1980, Make-A-Wish is the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization, having granted more than 550,000 wishes in 50 countries worldwide. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 30,000 volunteers around the globe, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. For more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit wish.org, and for more information about Make-A-Wish International, visit worldwish.org.
The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) today announced that it has joined forces once again with The Walt Disney Company Africa to bring awareness to and celebrate children and youth across the country.
Inspired by the Marvel retail campaign of the same name, the Marvel Heroes Unite initiative kicks off this month with a call for all South Africans to show their support for youth with disabilities. From 16 May 2023, fans are able to purchase specially branded wristbands from www.ncpd.org.za for R30.00 each.
On Youth Day, 16 June 2023, those who have purchased the wristbands are invited to wear them, showing their support and celebration of inclusion and equity for children and young persons with disabilities. Schools in particular are invited to show their support with learners encouraged to wear their wristbands on 15 June 2023, with a chance to win prizes for both the schools and individual learners. Wristbands will be available to purchase throughout the remainder of 2023.
Participants are welcome to share their support on social media by using the hashtag #NCPDHeroesUnite #Marvel and tagging @vavaiyouth on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. It is through these channels that you can enter the photo competition with fabulous prizes to be won.
Driven by the youth-focused project of the NCPD, Vava iYouth, the campaign seeks to further build on the long-term objective of facilitating full economic and social participation, rights and enjoyment for youth with disabilities. Funds raised from the campaign will go towards funding, education and training, as well as seeking opportunities for self-representation for this sector of the population. Ultimately, the long-term goal is ensuring that youth people with disabilities have equal access to resources and opportunities, leading to meaningful and fulfilling participation in society.
“Marvel Super Heroes showcase attributes such as heroism, relatability and community, with an openness in an interconnected world,” says Luke Roberts, General Manager, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing, The Walt Disney Company Africa Consumer. “We are excited to lend our support to the NCPD, after two successful collaborations under the Disney Princess banners, and bring this powerful campaign to life, all in an effort to showcase and celebrate young South Africans with disabilities.”
“The Heroes United campaign is a reminder that when we join in unity we can achieve great things and make the world a better place for everyone. It demonstrates that age, gender, race or ability do not have to be barriers to working together towards a common goal. Indeed, real life heroes do exist, they are ordinary people who show kindness and who are not afraid to advocate for social justice. So, let’s stand hand-in-hand and work to create an inclusive society that values and celebrates diversity.” Ado Bakasa, NCPD Coordinator Youth Affairs: Vava iYouth.
Inspired by the diverse, heroic, inspirational Marvel Super Heroes, the campaign seeks to show that the attributes that make the characters who they are – strength, endurance, kindness, courage, etc. – are found in all of us. In addition, it is when our characters unite that they are able to overcome all obstacles. Retailers are currently celebrating Marvel Heroes Unite across the country.
Marvel Heroes Unite wristbands are available online at https://ncpd.org.za for R30 and bulk orders are available to organisations and schools who would like to support. All funds will go directly to the NCPD.
