D23 To Celebrate Milestone Anniversary of "101 Dalmatians" at Walt Disney World

A special event will mark the 65th anniversary of a Walt Disney Animation Studios classic, while also bringing a Disney Legend to the stage to discuss the film. 

What’s Happening: 

• D23 will be hosting a special 65th anniversary screening of the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic, 101 Dalmatians, at the AMC Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. 
• The event, which will take place on Saturday, February 21st, will also include a discussion with Disney Legend Floyd Norman ahead of the film. 
• It all starts at 2:30 PM that day, and those attending will also receive a limited edition Cruella pin, an event-exclusive cookie from Gideon’s Bakehouse, and a special credential for the event, along with vouchers for popcorn and a drink. 

• The doors for the event will open at 1:30 PM ET, ahead of the discussion with Disney Legend Floyd Norman prior to the screen, slated to begin at 2:30 PM ET. The screening will take place at approximately 3:00 PM ET. 
• 101 Dalmatians has been a classic story for generations, following a pack of pups (and their owners) as they are kidnapped by the certifiably evil Cruella De Vil, who is ready to turn them all into a fur coat, sending their parents - Pongo and Perdita - on a dramatic quest to save them all. 
• D23 Gold Members can get tickets for the event for $39 (+$3 processing fee), with General Member tickets for $49 (+$3 processing fee) going on sale at the official site starting on Friday, January 16th at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET. 

Floyd The Animator: 

• Disney Legend Floyd Norman is widely regarded as a pioneering animator, storyboard artist, and writer who is also known for breaking racial barriers in the animation industry - especially at Disney. 
• In 1956, he became the first Black animator at the studio, working with Walt Disney himself, and contributing to classics like Sleeping Beauty, 101 Dalmatians and The Jungle Book - which he took a big part in developing the story of. 
• While he came and went at the Disney studio, he was known for his strong sense of humor and gags, and character, making him a perfect fit for story work.
• In fact, his story work is so strong that Pixar brought him in, not as an animator, but as a story consultant and veteran voice with decades of experience, contributing to Toy Story 2 and Monsters, Inc. 
• Norman has spoken openly about what made Pixar special, noting that Pixar felt like a place where story ideas mattered more than hierarchy, which contrasted with old studio systems.
• Fans, students, and younger folks in the industry love hearing what Floyd has to say, as he is a living bridge between the old world of animation and the new. This is likely to shine in full force at this special D23 event.