Target and Disney announced a creative retail collaboration to help bring the magic of Disney to the joy of shopping at Target at this year’s D23 Expo.
This new collaboration encompasses experiential retail and merchandising including the launch of 25 Disney stores within select Target stores nationwide on Oct. 4, with 40 additional locations opening by October 2020. Guests will find an all-new, Disney focused the digital experience on Target.com which is available now. Additionally, a new Target store will open at Flamingo Crossings Town Center at the western entrance of the Walt Disney World Resort in 2021 to bring the convenience of Target shopping to Disney park guests. Target and Disney share a strong guest overlap with a focus on families.
Disney and Target worked closely to co-develop and design an experience that will bring the magic of Disney store to Target guests in new and unique ways while extending the Disney store footprint. Disney store at Target locations will be among the select places in the U.S. where guests can browse and purchase Disney store specialty merchandise from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.
Disney store at Target will launch just when the new assortment of merchandise from Disney’s Frozen 2 and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits shelves. Additional locations will be added to more Target stores over the next year to expand the Disney store retail footprint and meet Disney fans when and where they want to shop.
Disney store at Target locations will be a Target-operated, branded “shop-in-shop” layout with an average of 750 square feet, strategically located inside Target stores adjacent to kids clothing and toys, replicated online at Target.com/Disneystore and in the Target app, available for download on iOS and Android. The “shop-in-shop” will feature an enhanced Disney assortment of more than 450 items, including more than 100 products that were previously only available at Disney retail locations.
Guests will be able to browse and shop a variety of Disney Princess, Star Wars, Marvel, Disney Junior characters, classic Disney plush, apparel, home, and holiday-specific products. They’ll also be able to access collectible merchandise, including the Disney Animators’ Collection with dolls, clothing, and accessories. Items will range in price from $2 – $200, with many items under $20.
Disney store at Target will offer a welcoming and engaging shopping experience for the entire family, with music, interactive displays, photo opportunities and a seating area where families can relax and watch Disney movie clips and Park events.
Disney store at Target will launch online on Oct. 4 at Target.com/Disneystore and in the Target app. The new online experience serves as a hub for the Disney stories and characters guests love, all in one place. The collection of merchandise will include an expanded assortment of new items in October, coinciding with the in-store launch.
Disney store at Target will open in October in the following 25 Target stores:
Disney fans of all ages gathered at the 2019 Disney Legends Ceremony at the 2019 D23 Expo to welcome in its latest set of honorary inductees, sharing in moments of legacy and reflection.
Robert Downey Jr kicked things off, sharing his early Disney memories in a way only he could deliver, focusing on his checkered past, drugs, and jokes about Disney Jail. Nothing was off-limits and the laughs never ceased.
Every single legend had their opportunity to shine, bringing a heightened sense of pride well deserved. Superstar, Christina Aguilera, took the stage and sang her award-winning rendition of Mulan’s title song, Reflection, while Robin Roberts reminded us all of her inspiring work in the world of journalism and her personal triumph over cancer.
There were also quite a few legends who were unable to take part in the celebration, including Hans Zimmer and James Earl Jones. Bette Middler, who was held up from attending due to weather conditions, still managed to take the spotlight as her daughter delivered a heartfelt speech that brought tears across the showroom floor.
The event was a class act and a perfect reminder that Walt’s legacy endures through the magic of a Disney Legend.
For those of you who may have missed it, here’s a complete list of this year’s newest Disney Legends:
WING CHAO
ROBERT DOWNEY JR.
JON FAVREAU
JAMES EARL JONES
BETTE MIDLER
KENNY ORTEGA
BARNETTE RICCI
ROBIN ROBERTS
DIANE SAWYER
MING-NA WEN
HANS ZIMMER
You can catch the rest of Day One’s excitement by clicking here. Make sure to join in the fun, as D23 will be sharing special live video throughout the event direct from the Anaheim Convention Center.
Disney+ made its D23 Expo debut with its first-ever showcase presentation, announcing six new series in development and revealing key details about the highly anticipated streaming service to an enthusiastic audience at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim. The event showcased the sweeping array of talent with in-person and video appearances from the stars of Disney+’s slate of originals from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic and included sneak peeks, trailer premieres, and exclusive news about the service and its upcoming projects. Actress Yvette Nicole Brown, who stars in the Disney+ original film “Lady and the Tramp,” hosted the lively presentation, welcoming Kevin Mayer, chairman, Direct-to-Consumer & International, to the stage to kick off the show.
“With less than three months until launch, Disney+ will soon entertain and inspire audiences of all ages for generations to come, and we’re excited to preview some of the amazing original content being created for the service exclusively from our world-class brands today at the D23 Expo,” said Mayer. “Storytelling is the cornerstone of The Walt Disney Company and we’re thrilled to unveil a new slate of original shows from the Star Wars and Marvel cinematic universes, along with popular television franchises set to return with all-new series streaming only on Disney+.”
New Series Revealed
As part of the presentation, some of the creative minds behind Disney+’s content slate including Sean Bailey, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production; Kevin Feige, president, Marvel Studios; Kathleen Kennedy, president, Lucasfilm; and Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channel Worldwide, gave fans a first look at the service’s upcoming originals and announced exciting new titles:
● Ewan McGregor made a surprise appearance to announce his return as Obi-Wan Kenobi in a new untitled series from Lucasfilm.
● Kevin Feige announced that Marvel Studios is developing three new live-action series: “Ms. Marvel,” “Moon Knight” and “She-Hulk,” all derived from Marvel comics.
● Hilary Duff surprised the audience when it was announced she will reprise the role she made famous in an all-new Lizzie McGuire series from Terri Minsky.
● Forty years after leaving the swamp in his big screen debut in “The Muppet Movie,” Kermit the Frog is heading upstream with Miss Piggy, and the gang, bringing a new kind of mayhem and laughter to Disney+ with their first-ever unscripted short-form series, “Muppets Now.”
World Premiere Launch Content Previews
During the 90-minute presentation, a parade of celebrities, filmmakers, and creatives treated the 6,800-person audience to the first public preview of Disney+’s original movies and shows set to stream when the service launches on November 12:
● For Lucasfilm’s “The Mandalorian,” executive producers Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni joined series stars Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers and Giancarlo Esposito, along with Taika Waititi, who brings the droid IG-11 to life, to premiere the teaser trailer for the first Star Wars live-action series. Earlier in the day at the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company, announced that new Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen will join the cast of the series. Set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order, “The Mandalorian” follows the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic.
● The talented up-and-coming cast of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” brought down the house with a live performance of the multi-platinum hit song, “We’re All In This Together.” Immediately following the presentation, cast members Joshua Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, Matt Cornett, Sofia Wylie, Julia Lester, Larry Saperstein, Dara Reneé, Frankie A. Rodriguez, Kate Reinders, Mark St. Cyr, and Showrunner Tim Federle invited 3,600 fans to watch the first episode in the D23 Expo Arena and revealed the series’ teaser trailer. The 10-episode scripted series, set at the real-life East High, where the original movie was filmed, follows a group of students as they countdown to the opening night of their school’s first-ever production of “High School Musical.”
● Host Yvette Nicole Brown joined fellow “Lady and the Tramp” cast members Rose (“Lady”) and Monty (“Tramp”)—the canine stars of the film—to premiere the first trailer from the film. In the timeless re-telling of the 1955 animated classic, a pampered house dog and a tough but lovable stray embark on an unexpected adventure and, despite their differences, grow closer and come to understand the value of home.
● “Noelle” stars Anna Kendrick and Billy Eichner joined Sean Bailey to announce their film will premiere on Disney+ on November 12 before sharing a new trailer. In the upcoming holiday comedy, Kris Kringle’s daughter is full of Christmas spirit and holiday fun, but wishes she could do something “important” like her beloved brother Nick, who will take over from their father this Christmas. When Nick is about to crumble like a gingerbread cookie from all the pressure, Noelle suggests he take a break and get away…but when he doesn’t return, Noelle must find her brother and bring him back in time to save Christmas.
● Jeff Goldblum, who stars in and hosts “The World According to Jeff Goldblum” from National Geographic, gave fans a peek inside the series including a new trailer for the show. Through Goldblum’s always inquisitive and highly entertaining mind, nothing is as it seems in this new 12-episode series.
● Executive Producer Kristen Bell shared a first look trailer and a taste of what’s to come in the unscripted series, “Encore!” that brings together former castmates of high school musicals, tasking them with re-creating their original performance years after they last performed it, in a high school reunion like no other.
● Tony Hale, who reprises his craft project turned toy role from “Toy Story 4” in the new collection of Pixar animated shorts “Forky Asks A Question,” premiered the first short (“What is Money?”). In the 10 shorts, Forky explores important questions about how the world works, such as: What is love? What is time?
Post-launch Originals
Disney+ also rolled out the red carpet for its titles set to premiere after the service launches, inviting stars to share new details for their upcoming projects:
● The audience was treated to a scene from the Disney+ original film “Togo,” an untold true story set in the winter of 1925 across the treacherous terrain of the Alaskan tundra. An exhilarating and uplifting adventure, “Togo” stars four-time Oscar® nominee Willem Dafoe and is directed by Ericson Core. The film also stars Julianne Nicholson, Christopher Heyerdahl, Richard Dormer, Michael Greyeyes, Michael McElhatton and Michael Gaston. Kim Zubick is the producer and Tom Flynn wrote the screenplay. “Togo” will launch on Disney+ in December.
● Executive Producer and recurring guest star Gina Rodriguez joined “Diary of a Female President” lead Tess Romero to announce the series will premiere on Disney+ in January. Told using the narration from her diary, this half-hour single-camera comedy follows 12-year-old Cuban-American girl Elena’s journey through the trials of middle school, which set her on the path to ultimately become president of the United States.
● Kathleen Kennedy announced that the highly anticipated new season of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” will stream on Disney+ in February 2020. The Emmy® award-winning animated series will be returning with twelve all-new episodes and will mark the return of classic characters Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and fan-favorites Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex.
● Sean Bailey shared a first look at the original film “Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made.” Directed by award-winning filmmaker Tom McCarthy with a screenplay by McCarthy & Stephan Pastis and based on the best-selling book series by Pastis, the film follows the hilarious exploits of our quirky, deadpan hero, Timmy Failure, who, along with his 1,500-pound polar bear partner Total, operates Total Failure Inc., a Portland detective agency. “Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made” will launch on Disney+ in early 2020.
● The stars of “Stargirl,” Grace VanderWaal and Graham Verchere, were welcomed on stage to help introduce the coming-of-age film based on the critically-acclaimed, New York Times’ best-selling young adult novel. “Stargirl” is directed by Julia Hart from a screenplay by Kristin Hahn and Julia Hart & Jordan Horowitz based on the novel by Jerry Spinelli. The film also stars Karan Brar, Maximiliano Hernandez, Darby Stanchfield and Giancarlo Esposito. “Stargirl” is produced by Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Lee Stollman and Kristin Hahn. “Stargirl” will launch on Disney+ in early 2020.
● Director Kari Skogland introduced Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan, the stars of Marvel Studios’ ”The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” which finds Falcon and the Winter Soldier teaming up after “Avengers: Endgame.” Emily VanCamp came on stage and Feige revealed that she will reprise her role as Sharon Carter. Then, he introduced the crowd to Wyatt Russell who will play John Walker—a character from the comics coming to the screen for the first time. Head writer Malcom Spellman was also on hand to greet the crowd. “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” will launch on Disney+ in 2020.
● “Monsters At Work” stars Ben Feldman and Aisha Tyler unveiled the latest design of their characters Tylor and Millie. Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning feature film “Monsters, Inc.,” the new series from Disney Television Animation returns to Monstropolis and follows a new cast of monsters with special appearances from Mike and Sulley (voiced by Billy Crystal and John Goodman).
● Stars Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen were on hand for their new series, Marvel Studios’ “WandaVision.” Bettany returns as Vision and Olsen as Wanda Maximoff—two super-powered beings living their ideal suburban lives who begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems. Kevin Feige surprised the audience by bringing to the stage Kat Dennings and Randall Park who will reprise their roles from “Thor” and “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” and then he introduced Kathryn Hahn who has been cast as a new character in the series. Director Matt Shakman and head writer Jac Schaeffer joined everyone on stage to reveal that the streaming series will blend the style of classic sitcoms with Marvel Cinematic Universe. “WandaVision” premieres on Disney+ in 2021.
● Kevin Feige welcomed the director, Kate Herron, and head writer, Michael Waldron, of “Loki” to the stage. In Marvel Studios’ new Disney+ series “Loki,” Tom Hiddleston returns as the mercurial Loki, the god of mischief and everyone’s favorite villain in stories that take place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” “Loki” debuts on Disney+ in 2021.
● For Marvel Studios’ “What If…?” Hayley Atwell was on hand to greet the audience. Atwell will voice Peggy Carter in Marvel Studios’ first animated series that focuses on different heroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and imagines what would happen if the events in the films worked out differently. Kevin Feige also introduced director Bryan Andrews and head writer Ashley Bradley to the crowd. “What If…?” premieres on Disney+ in 2021.
● Stars Diego Luna and Alan Tudyk joined Kathleen Kennedy to introduce the audience to the second Lucasfilm live-action series for Disney+, which is now in development. Both actors are reprising their roles from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” and the stories follow Cassian Andor’s adventures as a rebel spy during the formative years of the Rebellion, before the events of “A New Hope.”
World-Class Product Experience
Additionally, over on the Expo show floor the Disney+ app made its debut, complete with features and functionality confirmed for the global launch dates in November.
For a monthly price of $6.99 or an annual rate of $69.99 in the U.S. (pricing varies outside U.S.), Disney+ offers viewers of all ages a compelling price-to-value proposition, with a consumer-friendly experience that’s easy-to-navigate with personalized recommendations, high-quality and commercial-free viewing, up to four concurrent streams, and unlimited downloads with no up-charges.
The Disney+ app experience, available to consumers on November 12, will feature:
● Unlimited Downloads: Subscribers have access to unlimited downloads of shows and movies on the Disney+ app to watch offline later on up to 10 mobile or tablet devices, with no constraints on the number of times a title can be downloaded per year. Once downloaded, subscribers can watch on the go and without an internet connection. The number of titles stored at one time on a device is dependent upon the available storage space on a subscriber’s device.
● High-Quality Viewing: Subscribers will enjoy an ultra-high-definition viewing experience with up to 4K Ultra HD video playback in Dolby Vision ultra-vivid imaging, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos immersive audio on supported devices for available programming.
● Commercial-free Viewing: Subscribers can access unlimited viewing of Disney+ content without having to watch a single commercial.
● Profile Customizations: Subscribers can set up to seven different profiles and choose an avatar tailored to their favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel or Star Wars characters, with over 200 avatars available.
● Concurrent Streaming: Disney+ allows subscribers to concurrently stream video content on up to four registered devices with no up-charges.
● Multiple Languages: At launch, Disney+ will offer support for English, Spanish, French and Dutch languages, including both user interface as well as audio support and/or subtitles for library content, with additional languages available for Disney+ Originals.
● Accessibility: The app offers support for closed captioning, descriptive audio, and navigation assistance to help subscribers with disabilities discover and enjoy their favorite stories.
During a special event at D23 Expo, Ricky Strauss, president, Content & Marketing for Disney+ and Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts announced One Day at Disney, a spectacular collaboration between Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney’s new streaming service. The new, 224-page coffee table book and the documentary series will both arrive on December 3, highlighting the talented men and women who bring life to some of Disney’s most beloved stories.
On February 21 of this year, 76 unique photo shoots took place around the world, as Disney dispatched photographers to capture images of the employees and cast members who drive creativity and innovation at The Walt Disney Company. From Shanghai Disneyland and ESPN to Pixar and the set of Modern Family, these spectacular photographs—and the stories behind them—will be featured in the hardbound, collectible book, written by Bruce Steele, which is now available for pre-order.
On December 3, the same day the book arrives in stores, Disney+ will debut it’s new, 52-episode short-form series One Day at Disney, launching with a feature-length documentary. This exciting new series takes an in-depth look at the unique and surprising roles these men and women call their daily jobs. The series and documentary are from Endeavor Content’s Non-Scripted Division and executive produced by Michael Antinoro and David Chamberlin and produced by Victoria Chamlee.
Following the debut of the special, which features such talent as Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts and legendary animator Eric Goldberg, more than 50 One Day at Disney shorts, ranging in length between 4 to 7 minutes long and each profiling a single remarkable person and their fascinating job, will debut each week.
Profiled in the Disney+ docu-special (in alphabetical order):
Eric Baker: The Walt Disney Imagineer who has overseen the creation of many of the intricately detailed props and lifelike creatures that inhabit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the newest lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts
Ashley Girdich: A talented Walt Disney Imagineer who, as a Research and Development Project Manager, drives plans and helps teams execute some of the innovative robotics technology projects being created for our Parks around the world
Eric Goldberg: The legendary animator known for creating the Genie in Aladdin and Phil in Hercules, directing Pocahontas, as well as for animating Mickey Mouse in the Academy Award-nominated short Get a Horse!
Mark Gonzales: A Los Angeles native who works on the world-famous Disneyland Railroad
Grace Lee: A senior illustration manager at Disney Worldwide Publishing who has worked on titles from Zootopia to Fancy Nancy
Zamavus “Zama” Magudulela: The talented South African actor currently playing Rafiki in the Madrid production of phenomenally successful musical The Lion King
Ryan Meinerding: Marvel Studio’s head of visual development who has worked on films including Avengers: Endgame and Guardians of the Galaxy
Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko: The veterinarian who cares for creatures large and small at Walt Disney World Resort, including a number of endangered and threatened species.
Jerome Ranft: The skilled Pixar artist who created detailed sculptures for animators to use as reference for such films as Finding Nemo, Toy Story 3, and Ratatouille
Robin Roberts: The former ESPN sportscaster has been co-anchor of the Emmy® Award-winning, top-rated morning show, Good Morning America, since 2005
The D23 Expo is more popular than ever, preparing for a sell out convention that is sure to rock the house of Mouse to its core and for the first time ever, fans from around the world are being welcomed in from around the globe to take part in a brand new live stream experience that is set to debut at this year’s big event!
Prepare to take a peek behind the curtains of Anaheim’s biggest Disney event with front row seats to some of D23’s most exclusive panels. Take a look at what you can expect from the new live stream below:
Friday August 23rd
2019 Disney Legends Ceremony
10:30 AM PT / 1:30 PM ET
Since 1987, The Walt Disney Company has honored as Disney Legends those special few who embody the Company’s unique creative spirit best personified by its founders. Once again, for the sixth time in the 30 plus-year history of the Disney Legends program, the induction ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will take place at D23 Expo. This year, we honor Christina Aguilera, Wing T. Chao, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, James Earl Jones, Bette Midler, Kenny Ortega, Barnette Ricci, Robin Roberts, Diane Sawyer, Ming-Na Wen, and Hans Zimmer.
Behind the Art of Disney Costuming
4 PM PT / 7 PM ET
Celebrate the imagination, passion and attention to detail invested in each Disney costume! Go behind the scenes on the Expo show floor with the team that crafted the dazzling new Walt Disney Archives exhibit and its accompanying coffee-table book.
Saturday August 24th
WOMEN OF IMPACT: Meet the Nat Geo Explorers Changing the World
10 AM PT / 1 PM ET
Meet the extraordinary women on the front lines of exploration, conservation and storytelling. They pilot submarines, get up close with lions, tigers, and bears—and even breakdance! See what it takes to become the next game-changing Explorer!
Marvel Comics: Marvel’s 80th Anniversary
5:30 PM PT / 8:30 PM ET
Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and Executive Editor Tom Brevoort take you through the amazing, incredible, and uncanny history of Marvel Comics! Get the inside scoop on the House of Ideas—from Captain America to Captain Marvel!
Sunday August 25th
Heroines of the Disney Galaxies Presented by BoxLunch
10 AM PT / 1 PM ET
Join Ashley Eckstein and some very special guests for a celebration of some of the most inspiring and empowering female characters from the worlds of Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm and more!
The Art of Disney Storytelling
3 PM PT / 6 PM ET
John Stamos and Caitlin McHugh Stamos host a panel of master storytellers—including Disney Legends Tony Baxter and Floyd Norman, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Paul Briggs (head of story, Frozen and Big Hero 6), and legendary producer Don Hahn—discuss Walt Disney’s impact on their careers and the entertainment industry, highlighting the ways they leverage those lessons to spark creativity today.
What live stream panels are you most excited for? Make sure to stay tuned, as the fun is just beginning for the 2019 D23 Expo!
To promote the highest-grossing horror movie of all time opened in theaters, a haunted house sprung up on the corner of Hollywood and Vine. And then suddenly, vanished. Two years later, a carnival rolls into the very same spot. It’s as if something decided to return… for revenge.
Located at the northwest corner of Hollywood and Vine
Everyone’s favorite red-headed terror, Pennywise the Dancing Clown is back for seconds. Let the carnival barker be your host in the funhouse of horror as he guides you to almost certain death. Navigate through mirrors, sewers, and the unknown.
Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!
But first, let’s play carnival games to win a red ticket for a chance to spin the wheel for a prize! Best be quick as you only have less than ten minutes to score.
Try your luck!
Time’s up! The carnival barker beckons everyone to enter the giant clown mouth for the fun is about to begin inside.
And here… we… go…
The swinging clowns were a fitting nod to the original 1990’s “IT” TV mini-series. Georgie gets lost in the hall of mirrors with you. A blue room filled with clown faces disorients from minions blending in with the wall. Granny invites you to some cookies and is right out to greet you. The barker has a woman from our 20-person group to wind up a crank to reveal jack-in-the-boxes popping up in the darkened room. The remaining Losers Club members meet at a Chinese restaurant with crawling bugs and roaming rats on the tabletop. A severed limb rests beside the self-cracking fortune cookies. Should you dare read the message? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves as we bump by little poor Georgie in the sewers. He leads us to an inflating red balloon where we must “float” between two balloons in an airbag hallway. Meet under the bleachers were the seats shake violently and flashing lights. The exit sign only leaves the letter “I” and “T” lit up. Pennywise bursts inside for a snack. And here you escape into the gift shop.
The IT Experience Chapter Two Photo Gallery
1 of 32
Circus! Circus! I love the circus!
Post no bills
Enter if you dare
You'll float, too!
Open wide!
Do you want a balloon?
Hit me!
The bottles spell "IT2"
Take a spin
"Welcome to a magical journey through my mouth."
Just hanging out and clowning around
Wrong turn
Which way, Georgie?
Could this be the way out?
Feeling blue in the face
Granny would like you to stay for cookies
Are you afraid of the dark?
Who's hungry?
Nothing has ever "gong" wrong
Getting ahead
Goosebumps
An inflating red balloon
Time to "float" between the red balloons in this airbag hallway
Meet me under the bleachers
Catch you later
Hurry back! Hurry back!
Exclusive event merchandise includes a pin, stickers, and shirts
Trick or treat?
One of a kind shopping opportunity
No sightings of any killer clowns from outer space
The overall experience is very well done. The pacing progresses nicely and showcases significant scenes and locations that would be expected from the new sequel coming to theaters September 9. There’s a lot more emphasis on having live characters in the maze compared to the first incarnation with the Neibolt House. Rather than Georgie being your guide, a barker from the carnival acts as your host and keeps the rest of the group pressing forward inside. There were minimal efforts at having an escape room feel to certain rooms. Everyone had to read the clues from the open fortune cookie to complete a message. Having people step through a classic airbag hallway but themed to the red balloons was very memorable. The shaking bleachers with flashing lights occurred for quite a while. Not really sure if there was anything else that was supposed to happen other than people may not notice the small detail of the “EXIT” sign only lighting up as “IT”.
Hot Topic gift shop at the exit
We were hoping for maybe some sort of effect at the end where it was revealed the carnival barker was Pennywise the Dancing Clown all along. Perhaps using a pepper’s ghost effect. The barker could have waved to guests as he transitions into Pennywise. A final jump scare and finish by walking through a dark hallway blinded with a bright spinning white “dead-light” shining down at you.
Limited time magic
Free online reservations for the IT experience were sold out within the hour it opened. But a standby queue is still available daily 2pm-11pm until September 8.
For the second year, Freeform opens its ghoulish gates to Freeform’s Halloween House, an interactive experience in the heart of Hollywood and the ultimate destination for Halloween lovers. Bringing cult classics to life including “Hocus Pocus,” “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “The Addams Family” and other fan-favorite movies from Freeform’s “31 Nights of Halloween” programming stunt, the network will transform the historic Hollywood Athletic Club into an immersive, multiroom Halloween sanctuary. Open to the public from WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2, through MONDAY, OCT. 7, the limited time encounter will bring back buzzed-about photo opportunities, as well as new activations that will surely give guests the chills. Tickets are now available here.
Going bigger and bolder, Freeform has created new environments, heightened interactions, and unexpected twists. The Halloween House will resurrect the iconic Sanderson Sisters’ cottage, where virgins (or not) can test their purity with the notorious black-flame candle, recreate the moonlit photoshoot on a vacuum and visit hallowed ground next to an updated Winifred statue. Oogie Boogie returns to incite a wild night of gambling and the scenic spiral hill reappears for the photo opportunities that are simply meant to be.
Once guests enter through the Halloween Town tree portal, they can explore their favorite worlds and new must-see additions. Interact with an animatronic Thackery Binx, call for another glorious morning from Winifred’s window, and climb even deeper into Billy’s Grave. Plus, guests can explore the Mayor’s town while driving his car or visiting the green fountain, get into trouble with Lock, Shock, and Barrel as they chute down from their treehouse into Oogie’s lair, and even make themselves feel at home in the Addams Family living room.
Tickets begin at $27 at 31NightsofHalloween.com. A special 21+ Sanderson Sister drag-themed night will be hosted on Oct. 3, which will allow the biggest “Hocus Pocus” fans to enjoy witchy cocktails while being serenaded by Winifred, Sarah, and Mary. Visitors will also enjoy tricks and treats by presenting sponsors Butterfinger and Party City. Now better than ever, Butterfinger returns for their second year to bring a sweet Halloween game to guests, and Party City has joined in on the fun to make Halloween come alive with décor, costumes and a haunting photo opp.
In its opening year, over 8,000 guests signed up for limited slots, with over 30,000 people on the waitlist, for “Freeform’s Halloween House.” The event garnered over 13 million impressions on social media across its six-day run.
Also returning this year is Freeform’s “31 Nights of Halloween” which will house the return of fan favorites “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “The Addams Family,” and will welcome “Ghostbusters,” “Ghostbusters 2” and “Scream,” “Scream 2,” and “Scream 3” to the annual programming event. Plus, Freeform will air cult classic “Hocus Pocus” a record 30 times throughout October. Additional programming will be announced at a later date.
Disney released big details for its upcoming Disney+ streaming service, unveiling the official dates that the new service will be available in countries across the world that include Canada, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. The news also broke that Disney has reached global agreements with nearly all major distributors needed to bring Disney+ to television and mobile devices around the globe. Apple, Google, Microsoft, Roku, and Sony are among them.
A new Chip and Dale series of shorts, among other exclusive reveals are coming to Disney+
November 12th will mark Disney+ global rollout, with hopes coming from the house of mouse that the new streaming giant will launch in most major international markets within two years. The United States, Canada, and the Netherlands will be the first to get Disney+ on November 12th, while Australia and New Zealand will be able to stream starting November 19th.
Here’s what the initial price breakdown will be:
US: $8.99 USD per month / $89.99 per year
Canada: $8.99 CAD per month/ $89.99 per year
Netherlands: €6.99 per month/ €69.99 per year
Australia: $8.99 AUD per month/ $89.99 per year
New Zealand: $9.99 NZD per month/ $99.99 per year
Also later this week at the D23 Expo 2019, attendees will have the opportunity to be the first to subscribe to Disney+ with a special “Founders Circle” offer that grants $23 off per year with a three-year commitment (averages out to be 33% off the standard annual price) and receive an exclusive “Founders Circle” pin (while supplies last at the Expo). The offer is open to all D23 members and D23 Expo Attendees for a limited period during the Expo event running August 22rd – and extended online to Sept 2nd for D23 members.
At launch, consumers will be able to subscribe to Disney+ directly or via an in-app purchase. The following platforms will be available for streaming (Specific partners and availability will range depending on country):
Apple (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple TV, and fully integrated with the Apple TV app; customers can subscribe to Disney+ via in-app purchase);
Google (Android phones, Android TV devices, Google Chromecast and Chromecast built-in devices);
Microsoft (Xbox One);
Sony / Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation®4 and all Android based Sony TVs);
Roku (Roku® streaming players and Roku TV™ models)
For US consumers, a special offer will also be available through a bundled offer through Disney’s new partnership with Hulu. Subscribers will be able to bundle Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu’s standard streaming for $12.99 USD. You can learn more about what’s coming to Disney+ by visiting Disney’s official site. Make sure to stay tuned for more details, as exciting surprises are sure to come at this year’s D23 Expo.
Launching this month at D23 Expo 2019 and available for order in September, subscribers can delight in rare artwork from Disney animated films and theme parks, turning up their fandom with untold backstories from our animators and archivists.
Fans can now celebrate the rich heritage of The Walt Disney Company and get an exclusive peek behind-the-curtain with the newest subscription box service from shopDisney.com: Disney Backstage Collection.
For as low as $34.99 per monthly shipments, customers will receive a retro keepsake canister with a limited-release t-shirt, pin, behind-the-scenes story card and a mystery storytelling detail included in every box.
The first box in the series is a throwback to the earliest beginnings of Disney Brother Studios, predating Mickey Mouse himself!
Pricing/Frequency:
Pre-paid 3 boxes: $39.99/box/month for 3 months
Pre-paid 6 boxes: $37.99/box/month for 6 months
Pre-paid 12 boxes: $34.99/box/month for 12 months
*Note: a new version of the welcome canister releases every 6 months. All other releases are retired once they sell out. Disney Backstage Collection releases are available for US delivery only, while supplies last. $34.99 per delivery price based on one-year (12 deliveries) subscription purchase. Additional subscription options are available.
Remember when you first heard your favorite music artist for the first time? The sensation of your mind opening up to the rhythm of the beat and words of the lyrics. Changed your life forever and seeing the world with new eyes? Well, now you can relive that moment with Warner Brothers’ new non-musical musical “Blinded by the Light”. There’s been a somewhat recent trend in music artists taking on cinema screens in the last couple years: Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman, and Yesterday taking the music of Queen, Elton John, and the Beatles to the big screen rocking out the theater with timeless music. Now we have the music of Bruce Springsteen, but through the eyes and hears of an inspiring writer while in high school in 1987 United Kingdom.
Inspired by true-life events, this coming-of-age story revolves around Javed, a British-Pakistani Muslim teenager who dreams of becoming a writer and getting away from home to accomplish his goals. Dealing with his identity as a South Asian growing up in Britain has its challenges. Along with his lack of self-confidence, he befriends a fellow schoolmate who shows him the light, pun intended, with the music of Bruce Springsteen. The film takes brings to life how one’s mind could open to new territories. The visuals decide to project lyrics on screen as if it were a music video or karoke sing-along. This is not so much of a distraction as it helps emphasize Javed’s emotional journey as if he’s seeing the words coming to life. Javed strives to live and breath the rest of his life though Springsteen’s music, despite the artist being seen at the time as “old news” and “irrelevant”.
“Blinded by the Light” packs in multiple layers of story that goes deeper than what the movie trailers may lead you to think. The movie is Javed’s story just as much as it is for the character of his father. On top of being a movie about a young boy’s self-discovery, his father also unwillingly goes along with the journey. Both father and son have deep emotional arcs with the generational gap that pulls them apart and later binds them. Javed was practically living a double life, but what teenager didn’t do that with their parents? They also must face the reality of prejudice and hate from white supremacy groups; making the film even more relevant for today’s audience. From American eyes, even racism can not escape from time or place and thus we are doomed to repeat history over and over again. I was especially invested when the father broke down in tears while having his hair dyed by his over-worked wife. The scene must have been purposely chosen to reflect an aging father having his wife working on making him look younger and trying to act as everything will turn out for the best in the end despite the hardships of unemployment and maintaining the status of the head of the household. The pressure can be unbearable. And truly displays the sacrifices parents would make for their family.
Even if you are not familiar with the music of Bruce Springsteen, there is so much more to admire about this feel-good flick. Dance your way into the theater with optimism, hope, an open mind, and heart for this bright comedy-drama. The best non-musical musical film of the year!
Star Wars Resistanceis returning to Disney Channel this Fall for its second and final season, taking fans into the events of The Last Jedi through the road to the highly anticipated finale to the Skywalker Saga, The Rise of Skywalker. Take a look at the new teaser trailer below, bringing forth some of the exciting moments coming this Fall!
The story picks up after a harrowing escape from the clutches of the First Order, as the Colossus and its residents find themselves lost in the vast reaches of space. All the while, they are pursued by Agent Tierny and Commander Pyre. Yet, Kaz and the team will have even bigger challenges, including run ins with bounty hunters, a suspicious member of the Hutt family, and the terrifying Supreme Leader, Kylo Ren.
Meanwhile, Tam will face a more personal battle, as she grapples with her future and where her loyalty truly lies. Will she choose her friends or the First Order? So many answers await in the final moments of the new season.
Joining the voice cast in guest starring roles for season two are Joe Manganiello (“Magic Mike”) as Ax Tagrin, Daveed Diggs (“Hamilton”) as Norath Kev, Matthew Wood (“The Clone Wars”) as Kylo Ren and Lucy Lawless (“Xena: Warrior Princess”) as the Aeosian Queen. “Star Wars Resistance” stars Christopher Sean (“Days of Our Lives”) as Kazuda Xiono; Suzie McGrath (“East Enders”) as Tam Ryvora; Scott Lawrence (“Legion”) as Jarek Yeager; Myrna Velasco (“Elena of Avalor”) as Torra Doza; Josh Brener (“Silicon Valley”) as Neeku Vozo; Donald Faison (“Scrubs”) as Hype Fazon; Elijah Wood (“The Lord of The Rings”) as Rucklin; Jim Rash (“Community”) and Bobby Moynihan (“DuckTales”) as Flix and Orka, respectively; Liam McIntyre (“Spartacus”) as Commander Pyre; Jason Hightower (“Victor & Valentino”) as Captain Doza; and Sumalee Montano (“Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny”) as Agent Tierny.
Make sure to tune in on Sunday, October 6th at 10:00PM EPT/PDT on Disney Channel and in the DisneyNOW App. May the Force be with you!
The audience erupted in cheer and confetti filled the theater as LEGOLAND® California Resort unveiled its biggest gift for its 20th birthday by announcing the largest addition in the Park’s history: The LEGO® Movie™ World. General Manager Peter Ronchetti is excited to take guests from theater to theme park in 2020.
“The LEGO MOVIE WORLD is LEGOLAND California Resort’s largest Park addition ever and we are thrilled to create an interactive experience that fully immerses guests into a world that was so brilliantly created by LEGO and celebrated by the hugely popular LEGO film franchise from our friends at Warner Bros.,” said Ronchetti. “We can’t wait to see the faces on all the children as they interact within the creative world of Bricksburg and experience the incredible Masters of Flight ride which is taking the traditional soaring-type of ride to new heights.”
On the flagship ride Masters of Flight, guests hop aboard Emmet’s triple-decker flying couch for a thrill-seeking adventure. The flying theater attraction whisks guests away on a suspended ride with a full-dome virtual screen, giving the sensational feeling of flying above memorable lands such as Middle Zealand, Cloud Cuckoo Land, Pirates Cove, and Outer Space. Along the way, riders will see some familiar faces along with some new ones like Sweet Mayhem, a star character from THE LEGO® MOVIE 2: The Second Part. Masters of flight features cutting edge technology including a 180-degree turn in the ride experience.
The LEGO MOVIE WORLD is based on the blockbuster films The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part. The new land fully immerses guests into the LEGO Movie universe and places them onto the streets of Bricksburg. In addition to Masters of Flight, kids and families will get to enjoy the rush of falling from Unikitty’s Disco Drop and experiencing the many personalities of the fearless feline. The new ride launches guests to the top of Cloud Cuckoo Land, then drops, spins and bounces them back down to earth, creating a thrilling and fun experience. The adventure doesn’t stop there as guests can explore Benny’s Play Ship, ride a fully reimagined carousel, and meet Emmet and all of his friends in Emmet’s Super Suite apartment.
The LEGO MOVIE WORLD will be included in the price of admission to LEGOLAND California Resort. For LEGOLAND California Resort ticket prices, operating schedule and additional information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com
Disney+ has announced that an all-new episode of “The Simpsons” is now streaming exclusively on the streaming service. The full-length episode, titled “Yellow Planet,”...
Once guests enter through the Halloween Town tree portal, they can explore their favorite worlds and new must-see additions. Interact with an animatronic Thackery Binx, call for another glorious morning from Winifred’s window, and climb even deeper into Billy’s Grave. Plus, guests can explore the Mayor’s town while driving his car or visiting the green fountain, get into trouble with Lock, Shock, and Barrel as they chute down from their treehouse into Oogie’s lair, and even make themselves feel at home in the Addams Family living room.
Tickets begin at $27 at 
