Freeform’s Halloween House Returns to Hollywood on Oct 2

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August 19, 2019

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.

Halloween House 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.

Halloween House 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.

Source and Photos: Freeform

Disney+ Release Dates Revealed for Worldwide Debut

By

Maverick Bohn

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August 19, 2019

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.

Halloween House — 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.

New Disney Limited-Release Subscription Box Coming Soon

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 19, 2019

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.

Movie Review: Blinded by the Light

By

Russell Tom

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August 16, 2019

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 Resistance Season 2 Sneak Peek

By

Maverick Bohn

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August 15, 2019

Star Wars Resistance is 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!

LEGOLAND CA Announces Biggest Addition in Park’s History

By

Socalthrills Staff

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August 15, 2019

The audience erupted in cheer and confetti filled the theater as LEGOLAND® California Resort unveiled its biggest gift for its 20^th 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

Knott’s Berry Farm Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary in 2020!

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 15, 2019

In 2020, Knott’s Berry Farm will present “A Knott’s Family Reunion,“ a summer-long event paying tribute to the Knott family’s transcendent history by celebrating the last 100 years of memories in the making.

The Knott family’s American dream began in the berry fields of Buena Park from a curbside berry stand in 1920 and grew into the world-renowned theme park it is today. What started with a humble farm evolved into a premier destination that has come to witness 100 years of historical and timeless memories shared among friends, neighbors, and families from around the world.

To commemorate Knott’s Berry Farm’s milestone anniversary, the park will present “A Knott’s Family Reunion,” a summer-long event paying tribute to Knott’s history and legacy of family fun. Guests will be immersed in a once-in-a-lifetime celebration featuring festive park décor, themed food items, unique entertainment, exclusive merchandise, and special surprises along the way, all paying homage to the nostalgia that surrounds the historic theme park. Details about the exciting 100^th anniversary celebration festivities will be announced in the coming months.

“The Knott family vision and values led to the birth of Knott’s Berry Farm, and through this milestone celebration it is our opportunity to honor the last 100 years of remarkable memories that have shaped our history,” said Jon Storbeck, General Manager of Knott’s Berry Farm. “The 100th-anniversary celebration embraces the farm’s rich history and signifies the importance of the Knott family’s commitment to building a place for generations of guests to create lifelong memories.”

The best way to enjoy all of the fun offered during the 100^th anniversary celebration at Knott’s along with all of the other exciting Seasons of Fun events is with a 2020 Season Pass. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2020 to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2020 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Knott’s Season passes are now available at the best offer of the year. Regular Passes are $99 or eleven easy payments of $8.00 after an initial payment and Gold Passes are $120 or eleven easy payments of just $9.50 after an initial payment. These offers end on October 27, 2019. Applicable taxes and fees apply. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.

Netflix “13 Reasons Why” Season 3 Full Trailer Debut

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 15, 2019

Who killed Bryce Walker? Everyone has their reasons… The secrets at Liberty High run deep, and in the aftermath of the Homecoming game, all of the friends have something to hide.

As the mystery of his death engulfs the town, there are numerous suspects in focus. But were any of them truly capable of murder? And who is the new girl? Police are determined to get to the truth, but with a web of secrets and lies this tangled, will anyone be found guilty?

SEASON 3 OF 13 REASONS WHY LAUNCHES AUGUST 23RD on Netflix.

Season 3 Cast: Dylan Minnette as Clay Jensen, Brandon Flynn as Justin Foley, Justin Prentice as Bryce Walker, Alisha Boe as Jessica Davis, Christian Navarro as Tony Padilla, Miles Heizer as Alex Standall, Devin Druid as Tyler Down, Ross Butler as Zach Dempsey, Timothy Granaderos as Montgomery de la Cruz, Anne Winters as Chloe, Steven Weber as Principle Bowen, Brenda Strong as Mrs. Walker, Amy Hargreaves as Mrs. Jensen and introducing Grace Saif as Ani, Bex Taylor Klaus as Casey and Tyler Barnhardt as Charlie.

A Special First Look at “World of Color- Villainous!”

By

Maverick Bohn

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August 15, 2019

If you aren’t already excited for Halloween-Time at the Disneyland Resort, prepare yourself for a spooky surprise sure to get you pumped for the holiday season. The Disney Parks Blog has just given guests their first look at the brand new World of Color Experience, “Villainous!”.

The new show will be part of the exclusive Oogie Boogie Bash- A Disney Halloween party. The show will bring in the spectacular lights, lasers, and cutting edge projection technology known from Disney California Adventure’s World of Color and tell a brand new story featuring a twisted adventure that will take a young girl name Shelley Marie on a delightfully dreadful journey through encounters with some of Disney’s most iconic villains.

It’s all part of the exciting new experiences coming to the Disneyland Resort this fall. You can learn all about what’s coming to the Oogie Boogie Bash by clicking here. Tickets are now available and can be purchased at Disneyland’s Official Event Page!

Stay tuned for more spooky updates from the Disneyland Resort as we prepare for another fun Halloween season!

Khan Academy and WDI Presents “Imagineering in a Box”

By

Maverick Bohn

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August 15, 2019

Imagineering fans are about to get the opportunity of a lifetime through a special online program that puts you right into the middle of all the magic and imagination Walt Disney Imagineering has to offer.

Partnering with the brilliant minds at Khan Academy, Walt Disney Imagineering is bringing “Imagineering in a Box” to the world of online learning through a series of 32 videos in which Imagineers share how they bring forth a variety of different skills together to create the magic guests see through Disney experiences the world over. The program will instruct passionate minds of all ages how math, science, engineering, and creativity work together to help make the impossible a reality.

According to the Disney Parks Blog, the program “aims to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, and encourage innovation in the minds of students and teachers alike”. Modules range from tutorials on engineering software, to an interactive exercise that brings learners a chance to create something new with the items around them. Each activity is designed to be scalable, which allows learning to expand to the home or the classroom with ease. Each segment, bringing the beloved marvels of Disney innovation to life in a way never before seen.

The best part is this once in a life time experience is absolutely free. You can begin your own Imagineering experience by clicking here.

Disney “No Carve” Pumpkin Kits Cast a Spell This Halloween

By

Maverick Bohn

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August 14, 2019

Disney and Target are taking the Halloween game to a whole new level this Fall, introducing family friendly pumpkin kits that are already selling faster than pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks during rush hour.

The reusable pumpkin kits are perfect for a safe and fun family activity, bringing some of your little ones favorite characters front and center. Take a look at the full lineup of spooky Disney non-carve options below!

Mickey Mouse
Minnie Mouse
Jack Skellington
Cinderella’s Magic Carriage
Sally
Vampirina
Woody

The Pumpkin King awaits his rightful place in your Halloween display!

Though pre-orders are already sold out, it won’t be long before Target gears up for Halloween and resupplies. You can check out your local Target when the pumpkin kits hit the shelves on August 22nd. Though Target has plenty of other fun Disney Halloween treats coming to stores this year. Pre-orders are still available for Mickey and Jack Skellington inflatable decorations, which fit right in with assorted party items and fashion accessories.

This 8" Halloween Mickey plate set is getting ready to hit the shelves at the low price of $3.00 — This 8″ Halloween Mickey plate set is getting ready to hit the shelves at the low price of $3.00

Even Star Wars is getting to take part in the fun, with a special toddler tee that showcases a skeleton twist on Darth Vader and a Stormtrooper. Check out Target’s Official Halloween Shop to see all that’s coming your way for Fall 2019!

4DX Brings Audience into the Movies at Regal Edwards Irvine Spectrum

By

Russell Tom

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August 14, 2019

What’s better than watching a film in 3D at the movie theaters? It is now possible to FEEL the action come alive in the fourth dimension as well. Welcome to the world of 4DX. 4DX immerses the audience into the action as seen on screen with synchronized in-theater special effects. The seats move you into degrees of roll, sway, twist, pitch, rise, and fall as the characters do. They even vibrate to every bullet, roar, and shock.

Feel the tremble of dinosaurs in “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”, get thrust into the microverse in “Avengers: Endgame”, escape giants from “Godzilla: King of the Monsters”, and now you can swing with “Spider-Man: Far From Home”.

This marks Regal’s fourth 4DX theatre located in California. This expansion is part of a larger deal with Cineworld Group, the parent company of Regal, to bring the total number of 4DX U.S. locations in the coming years to 85 with currently more than 600 locations worldwide. Spider-Man: Far From Home was the first movie shown on Irvine Spectrum’s 4DX screen.

With “Spider-Man: Far From Home”, the theater now permits the viewer to be splashed in the face from the waters of the Grand Canal of Venice, feel web-shooters and dart guns breeze past your ears, feel the rumble of the ground erupting under your seat, debris flying past your feet, smoke billowing from thundering explosions, get punched by a villain, and feel the wind in your hair swinging through the skies. Obviously, the more bang for your buck will come from movies with the most action to offer. In other cases, snowfall and bubbles pour out to simulate winter and underwater effects. The snowfall feature has also been used as falling debris or ash as seen from “Blade Runner 2049”. Scents are also advertised, but has been the least successful feature and is unnecessary. The result is one of the most immersive cinema formats in the industry, drawing fans into the action on the big screen.

Now to be clear for Southern California residents, the 4DX option at the CGV Buena Park location features the standard package of moving seats, smoke, wind, mist, snowfall, and strobe lights. This is referred to as the “economy” class and designed for patrons who may be skeptical of the experience or prefer to pay a lower price than the “premium” class. If you’re looking for the whole package, you’ll be able to have one of TWO locations to choose from. The first flagship location is at the Regal Cinemas L.A. Live, right in the heart of Downtown L.A. For those in Orange County, the newest location just opened within the past month at the Edwards Regal Irvine Spectrum. Regal has chosen the “premium” class which includes leg ticklers, air shots by your ears, and the optional water sprays. There is a button at the armrest that allows the viewer the option to have water sprayed in their face. 3D with the 4DX relies on how the movie studio wants their films to be seen as that would be an extra cost to the ticket as well.

If you’re not anywhere near these three locations in the L.A. or Orange County areas, Regal has partnered with 4DX to bring the experience to more theaters across the country. Upcoming films slated to offer 4DX in the future include “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” and Disney’s 2019 release of “The Lion King”. The future of the movie-going experience is here!

Socalthrills.com

Freeform’s Halloween House Returns to Hollywood on Oct 2

Disney+ Release Dates Revealed for Worldwide Debut

New Disney Limited-Release Subscription Box Coming Soon

Movie Review: Blinded by the Light

Star Wars Resistance Season 2 Sneak Peek

LEGOLAND CA Announces Biggest Addition in Park’s History

Knott’s Berry Farm Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary in 2020!

Netflix “13 Reasons Why” Season 3 Full Trailer Debut

A Special First Look at “World of Color- Villainous!”

Khan Academy and WDI Presents “Imagineering in a Box”

Disney “No Carve” Pumpkin Kits Cast a Spell This Halloween

4DX Brings Audience into the Movies at Regal Edwards Irvine Spectrum

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