Big news out of the D23 EXPO in Anaheim, CA this past weekend for upcoming films from Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios!! John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, introduced an array of talent – actors, singers, and filmmakers – to show us what’s currently being created in the studios. Our family was so excited to hear about some of the exciting movies coming out in the next 2 years! Take a look:
The Good Dinosaur – November 25, 2015
“The Good Dinosaur” asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo (voice of Raymond Ochoa) makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.
ZOOTOPIA – March 4, 2016
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.

ZOOTOPIA – Pictured (L-R): Nick Wilde, Judy Hopps. “It’s a nod to the great Disney animated animal films we all grew up with, but with a funny, contemporary twist,” said director Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”). “Our artists and animators did tons of research to integrate true animal behaviors into each of our characters. The world of Zootopia is fantastic, infused with international flavor that will be relatable to everyone.” ©2015 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
Audiences at D23 EXPO heard from Ginnifer Goodwin (ABC’s “Once Upon a Time,” “Something Borrowed,” “Walk the Line”), the voice of the film’s rookie rabbit officer Judy Hopps, Directors Byron Howard (“Tangled”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph”), and Producer Clark Spencer (“Wreck-It Ralph”) where they announced that international superstar, Shakira will be playing the part of Gazelle, the biggest pop star in ZOOTOPIA.

ANAHEIM, CA – AUGUST 14: (L-R) Director Byron Howard, actress Ginnifer Goodwin, director Rich Moore and producer Clark Spencer of ZOOTOPIA took part today in “Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films” presentation at Disney’s D23 EXPO 2015 in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
FINDING DORY – June 17, 2016
Our favorite characters from Finding Nemo are back next summer, reuniting Dory with friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale?
I’m so excited to see the all-star line up for this Disney PIXAR film who will introduce us to a whole new cast of under the sea characters – Ed O’Neill (“Modern Family”), who lends his voice to Hank, a cantankerous octopus; Ty Burrell (“Modern Family”), the voice of Bailey, a misguided beluga whale; and Kaitlin Olson (“Always Sunny in Philadelphia”), who voices Destiny, a kind-hearted whale shark. And of course, our beloved Ellen DeGeneres is back as kind-hearted, yet forgetful Dory.

ANAHEIM, CA – AUGUST 14: (L-R) Actors Ed O’Neill, Ty Burrell, Kaitlin Olson and Ellen DeGeneres of FINDING DORY took part today in “Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films” presentation at Disney’s D23 EXPO 2015 in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
MOANA – November 23, 2016
Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast South Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one today knows why.
From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, she meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds.

ANAHEIM, CA – AUGUST 14: Actor Dwayne Johnson of MOANA took part today in “Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films” presentation at Disney’s D23 EXPO 2015 in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
TOY STORY 4 – June 16, 2017
Can you believe it has been 20 years since the first Toy Story came out? Even though my kids are younger, they have grown up with Buzz and Woody and love all the movies. It was announced at D23 EXPO that in 2017, Toy Story 4 will be released with a love story between Woody & Bo Peep!! So adorable!

ANAHEIM, CA – AUGUST 14: Composer Randy Newman of TOY STORY 1, 2 and 3 and director John Lasseter of TOY STORY 4 (C) took part today in “Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films” presentation at Disney’s D23 EXPO 2015 in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
GIGANTIC – 2018
Jack and the Beanstalk comes to life in GIGANTIC. Set in Spain, Jack explores a life up in the clouds and befriends an 11-year old girl/giant. I can’t wait to see how this one plays out!

ANAHEIM, CA – AUGUST 14: Producer Dorothy McKim (L) and director Nathan Greno of GIGANTIC took part today in “Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films” presentation at Disney’s D23 EXPO 2015 in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)