The playable demo for Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is live now and can be downloaded on consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) and PC (Steam). Shape your own adventure, full of Disney’s timeless characters and stories, and change the fate of Wasteland in this re-imagination of a beloved classic!
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch on September 24, 2024.
Pre-order digitally now and receive a Costume Pack with 3 costumes and 24-hour Early Access FOR FREE (Early Access is only available on consoles and not on PC/Steam).
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, a faithful remake of the beloved classic adventure, is being developed by Purple Lamp in collaboration with Disney Games and published by THQ Nordic.
Hilton New York Times Square announced the continuation of their magical partnership with Disney Theatrical Group with the debut of THE LION KING’s Royal Suite. Thoughtfully curated by Broadway’s top dressing room designer for its most legendary stars, Devin Sparkles Design, the immersive suite draws inspiration from Disney’s award-winning THE LION KING on Broadway.
Guests who just can’t wait to be king will feel atop Pride Rock from the comfort of THE LION KING’s Royal Suite at Hilton New York Times Square, conveniently located three blocks away from Minskoff Theatre where guests can see the magic come to life on Broadway.
“Each detail of THE LION KING’s Royal Suite has been meticulously curated to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience completely inspired by Disney Theatrical Group’s iconic musical,” said Thomas Caska, general manager, Hilton New York Times Square. “At Hilton New York Times Square, we’re committed to providing guests and families with an innovative stay from check-in to check-out. Whether guests are staying with us to experience either of our two Disney on Broadway suites, witness the magic of the theatre or simply take in all that Times Square has to offer, our property offers a memorable home away from home in the heart of the Big Apple.”
The awe-inspiring spacious one-king one-bedroom deluxe suite allows guests to experience the peace and beauty of the Pride Lands. Upon arrival to the suite, guests are immediately transported to the Serengeti with details paying homage to Disney’sTHE LION KING on Broadway, including large woven basket art, plants nodding to the sweeping grass that spreads across Africa’s plains, hand-painted Rafiki-inspired patterns that embellish the room’s furnishings and a large Rafiki sketch print framing the suite’s entryway. Guests will also encounter fabrics used in the musical displayed on soft goods including rugs, pillows and bedding, with wood touches decorating the space.
Throughout the suite, Pan-Asian-inspired woven baskets adorn the walls, bird puppets fly from the ceiling and hand-painted patterned chairs provide a soft place for guests to land while taking in framed costume sketches from the musical throughout the suite. In the bathroom, guests will find a lush, vibrant jungle oasis with artificial plants, contrasted by the warm Serengeti elements in the room.
THE LION KING’s Royal Suite experience package includes:
One round of two Hakuna Manhattan cocktails or two Serengeti Sunrise mocktails
A wake-up call from the Broadway musical’s own Rafiki, Tshidi Manye\
A thematic sleep mask, specialty memento item – a one-of-a-kind autographed costume rendering from one of the musical’s actors, and complimentary Disney’s THE LION KING on Broadway merchandise
Thematic Simba S’mores dessert amenity
Daily full breakfast buffet for two people
Daily parking
Available for purchase, guests staying in the suite will receive access to a special rate exclusive to guests of this suite for Premium Seats for Disney’s THE LION KING on Broadway.
Available now, guests can visit the hotel’s website, or call (212) 913-9488 to reserve the suite. Rates for THE LION KING’s Royal Suite start from $500 per night. Terms and conditions apply.
During their stay, guests can also experience the hotel’s reimagined lobby and food and beverage offerings. Designed by Chicago-based firm, The Gettys Group, the interior public space design is inspired by old and new NYC – The Gilded Age meets MoMA in the heart of Times Square. Upon arrival to the hotel, the transformed ground and sky lobbies feature seasonal art installations curated by Celine Mo of Dinner Gallery, a contemporary gallery dedicated to developing and presenting emerging artists.
As guests take the journey to the sky lobby 15 floors above Times Square, they will be welcomed into a brand-new bar and lounge, 42nd & Sky, which overlooks Times Square and features craft cocktails and an elevated bar menu from Executive Chef Jason Routzahn. Here, guests can also indulge in the Hakuna Manhattan and Serengeti Sunrise. Additionally, the hotel has introduced Long Acre Market, an expansive gourmet market with a barista bar featuring La Colombe products, as well as freshly made and made-to-order breakfast, lunch and dinner items.
For fans of Disney’s THE LION KING on Broadway, all guests of Hilton New York Times Square can celebrate the magic of the show and enjoy the musical-inspired thematic cocktails, a Rafiki wake-up call upon request and purchase special merchandise from the show at Long Acre Market.
THE LION KING’s Royal Suite complements the hotel’s Aladdin’s Times Square Palace Suite celebrating Disney’s Aladdin the Musical. The suite launched last July also in partnership with Disney Theatrical Group and is designed by Devin Sparkles Design. Hilton offers several themed suites across its properties globally, and these two showcase why it matters where guests stay when visiting The Crossroads of the World.
The hotel is located at 234 West 42nd Street, New York, New York 10036.
Disney and Pixar’s Coco makes its vibrant return to the El Capitan Theatre! See the Fiesta of Lights featuring music from the movie before each screening. Plus see the Mariachi Divas and Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles Live on Stage as you enter the theatre! Tickets are now on sale!
The fan event screening will take place at 7:00 pm on Friday, September 20. Tickets are $35 and include a reserved seat, popcorn, fountain beverage, and event credential.
A special Family Pack is available for $75 and includes 4 tickets, 4 24oz fountain beverages and 1 El Capitan Collectible popcorn tin with refill.
A Spanish Dubbed screening will be available on Saturday, September 21st at 4 pm.
Daily showtimes for “Coco” from September 17 through September 22 are 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 7:00 pm.
As part of its 14th-anniversary celebration, POP MART is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest blind box collection, the “Matchless POP MART 14th Anniversary Series Figures.” This highly anticipated collection will be available starting August 30 across all POP MART stores and online, featuring a Wuxia-inspired theme that pays homage to the brand’s Asian roots.
Global Strategy Yields Impressive Results
POP MART’s global strategy has proven successful, as evidenced by the brand’s strong revenue distribution across various regions. While Southeast Asia and East Asia remain key markets, contributing 41.1% and 35.4% of global revenue respectively, North America has emerged as a significant growth driver, accounting for 13.2% of the total revenue. This robust performance in the North American market is underscored by the opening of eight new stores across key locations including Las Vegas, California, and Seattle in the first half of the year.
“As we celebrate our 14th anniversary, we are thrilled to see the remarkable growth and success of POP MART globally, especially in the North American market,” said Larry Lu, Head of POP MART North America. “Our commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation continues to resonate with fans around the world. The launch of our ‘Matchless’ 14th Anniversary Series is a testament to our dedication to blending tradition with modernity, offering our collectors a unique experience that honors our roots while looking towards the future.”
Artist IPs Lead the Charge
At the heart of POP MART’s success is its commitment to artist-forward IP development. Artist-created characters such as MOLLY, THE MONSTERS, SKULLPANDA, and DIMOO continue to resonate with fans worldwide, driving an increase in revenue share from 76.9% in H1 2023 to 81.0% in H1 2024. This focus on original and innovative design has propelled the brand’s revenue from Artist IPs to $516.9 million USD (3.69 billion RMB), a 70.4% year-on-year growth.
Expanding Licensed IPs and Plush Category
In addition to its strong performance in Artist IPs, POP MART has also seen substantial growth in its Licensed IP segment. Revenue from Licensed IPs increased by 64.9%, rising from $59.1 million USD (422 million RMB) in H1 2023 to $97.4 million USD (695 million RMB) in H1 2024. This growth is a testament to POP MART’s successful partnerships with licensors and its ability to expand into new licensing regions, bringing an ever-expanding range of products to consumers worldwide. The plush toy category also emerged as a standout performer in H1 2024, with revenue skyrocketing by 993.6% to $62.5 million USD (446 million RMB). This category has become a blockbuster for POP MART, capturing the hearts of collectors with its high-quality, imaginative designs.
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Unveiling the “Matchless” 14th Anniversary Collection
In celebration of its 14th anniversary, POP MART introduces the “Matchless POP MART 14th Anniversary Series Figures.” This exclusive collection reimagines the brand’s beloved characters within the rich and vibrant world of traditional Wuxia swordplay. Fans can look forward to 12 distinct figures, including SKULLPANDA, Hirono, Labubu, MOLLY, Zsiga, KUBO, Crybaby, DIMOO, HACIPUPU, PUCKY, Pino Jelly, and Sweet Bean, with a potential secret figure adding an element of surprise. Each figure in this collection embodies the spirit of martial heroes, bringing a unique blend of tradition and modernity to POP MART’s celebrated character lineup.
Priced at $16.99 USD per blind box, the “Matchless” collection will be available at https://www.popmart.com/us from 10pm ET on August 29, inviting collectors and fans alike to embark on a journey through the mystical Wuxia world.
The Sunset Luau is a memorable event, held on the shores of Mission Bay (photo by Greg Aragon)
My six-year-old son has never left California. So when he said the Catamaran Resort and Spa (www.catamaranresort.com) in San Diego is more fun than Hawaii, I took it with a grain of salt.
But then I started thinking. He has a good point. The tropical island-inspired Catamaran has everything a kid and his family loves. It offers a big, beautiful swimming pool, a sandy beach, spacious rooms and suites, bike rentals, a video arcade, an onsite restaurant, and lots of opportunities to make new friends.
The Catamaran Resort and Spa is a Tropical paradise on the shores of Mission Beach
Our getaway to the Catamaran Resort began recently when we checked into a gorgeous Bayfront Suite overlooking San Diego’s stunning Mission Bay. Spanning 438 sq-ft, the room was highlighted by a large patio that is literally steps from the sandy beach.
The suite also boasts a big private bedroom, with two queen beds and a large TV; a separate living area with another big TV, a pull-out sofa, a wet bar with a refrigerator, and a dining area. A large, spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower, completes the room’s layout.
Hotel rooms are steps from beautiful Mission Beach (photo by Greg Aragon)
Beyond the suite, the rest of the property is just as impressive. Featuring 310 rooms, the sprawling Polynesian-themed resort is surrounded by palm trees, waterfalls, koi ponds, exotic birds and lush vegetation.
One of my family’s favorite spots at the resort was Mission Bay’s sandy beach, located steps from our patio. Here the kids made sand castles and played in the water, while we relaxed in lawn chairs, soaking rays and admiring the coastline.
The resort offers boat and bike rentals from it’s private dock (photo by Greg Aragon)
The beach was also where we rented a 21-ft Hurricane powerboat and cruised around the bay for a fun-filled hour. We got the boat from Action Sports Rentals (www.actionsportrentals.com/catamaran-resort-hotel-spa/), which has a booth on the dock in front of the Catamaran Resort.
It was an epic voyage. After learning how to control the vessel and the proper speed for the bay, we cruised into the morning sun. Along the way, we waved to boaters and paddle boarders, sailed beneath an old bridge and past expensive condos and luxury hotels. The boat was easy to maneuver, had lots of seating and shade, and was a perfect family outing for the afternoon.
The pool area is an oasis of fun for the whole family (photo by Greg Aragon)Next to the pool is a free video arcade for the kids (photo by Greg Aragon)
After mooring the boat, we went to the resort’s large pool area, where my kids played in the water and made new friends. Secluded behind tall palm trees, the pool is a tropical oasis, with lots of seating, a Jacuzzi, and a bar. Each day, the pool area offers a free kids program for hotel guests.
Next to the pool is also a video arcade, full of free games for kids and their parents. My son and I had a great time here, shooting basketballs, racing cars and playing foosball.
From the pool, we walked along a lush, tropical path to Oceana Coastal Kitchen, the resort’s onsite signature restaurant. Boasting beachfront dining, with spectacular views of Mission Bay, Oceana serves creative, coastal California dishes with an eclectic flare. The restaurant, led by Executive Chef Paul Arias, won TripAdvisor’s 2023 Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” Restaurants for Everyday Eats, ranking 10th best in the U.S.
Our dinner at Oceana began with a delicious bowl of New England style clam chowder, with bacon, red bliss potato, thyme, cream, and steamed little neck clams on top and mixed in. I am a major chowder fan and this bowl had the perfect amount of creaminess, along with clam and potato ratio, making it one of the best I’ve had.
Oceana Coastal Kitchen offers creative, coastal California dishes (photo by Greg Aragon)
The restaurant also specializes in sushi and when we sampled the Oceana House Roll, we fell in love. The rolls are exquisitely filled with eel, tempura shrimp, crab, nori, avocado and unagi sauce. This dish is a work of culinary art.
We completed our dinner at Oceana with a succulent grilled prime hanger steak with smoked potato puree, watercress, cippolini and macadamia chimichurri; and a tasty Hawaiian style pad thai with stir fried vegetables, tofu, pineapple, chili, macadamia nuts, cilantro and soy.
After dinner we strolled along the beach and watched the sun fall into Mission Bay.
Mission Bay is perfect for a family bike ride (photo by Greg Aragon)
The next morning we had potatoes and eggs, and a plate of Chilaquiles for breakfast at Oceana, and then rented a surrey bike from Action Sports Rentals. We then pedaled around the bay. Along the way we saw sailboarders fling over waves, and then stopped at a park for the kids to play.
Back at the resort we watched a demonstration featuring the hotel’s exotic parrots, including vibrant macaws, beautiful cockatoos, and a lilac-crowned amazon. Some of the birds talk and can say things like “hi,” “hello” and “goodbye.” The parrots are available to view outside daily, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. pacific time, depending on the weather.
We concluded the day at the resort’s Sunset Luau. Held on the shores of Mission Bay, the luaus are a festive celebration of Polynesian food, music, and dances perfect for family and friends. The party begins with a lei with real flowers and a delicious Mai Tai. This was followed by an all-you-can-eat buffet with Hawaiian-inspired rice and salads and various succulent meats, including pork, chicken and fish.
The Sunset Luau is a memorable event, held on the shores of Mission Bay (photo by Greg Aragon)
Local luau group Pride of Polynesia provided authentic island music and dance, featuring hula and fiery torch dancers. Kids also got a chance to hula dance and participate in activities at the Kids Corner, where they made flowered leis, festive crafts, colored and played with stick-on tattoos.
Catamaran Resort and Spa is located at 3999 Mission Boulevard, San Diego Ca 92109. For more information and reservations call 858. 488-1081 or visit: www.catamaranresort.com
Starting this month at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, and next month at Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore, guests will discover terrifying new merchandise offerings showcasing ‘where horror lives.’ This year’s Halloween Horror Nights collection introduces the largest line-up yet of apparel, souvenirs, homeware, collectibles, accessories, and more at Universal Studios theme parks globally as well as retailers outside of the theme parks.
“Halloween Horror Nights is the ultimate destination for thrills and chills, and we’re providing fans the opportunity to express their affinity or bring some of their favorite frights home with them,” said Vince Klaseus, President, of Universal Products & Experiences, a division of Universal Destinations & Experiences. “From coast to coast, Japan and Singapore, as well as retailers like Amazon and Hot Topic, guests around the globe are able to celebrate their fandom of the dark side like never before with merchandise inspired by horror hits and eerie original stories.”
Universal Orlando Resort & Universal Studios Hollywood
At Halloween Horror Nights, guests at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood can elevate their experience with a variety of new merchandise collections featuring their favorite fiends and most-anticipated haunted houses, including:
Fan favorite character, Lil’ Boo – an adorable yet creepy baby pumpkin – comes to life in an all-new collection featuring a popcorn bucket, shoulder plush, backpack, headwear, and much more.
The all-new Halloween Horror Nights collection featuring bright, vibrant neon colors and skulls will debut featuring sickening house tees, a pierced, reversible bucket hat, a bat-eared beanie, skull shot glass, and much more.
Everyone’s favorite killer doll Chucky is back with an updated popcorn bucket featuring new phrases and a stitched-up look inspired by Bride of Chucky.
The return of Ghostbusters is here with two new collections featuring vintage artwork inspired by the classic film as well as chilling new designs based on Sony Pictures’ latest installment of the Ghostbusters franchise, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
Universal Monsters, a fan-favorite staple of Halloween Horror Nights, is back with a twist as Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines drips onto tees, wine glasses, and more.
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Guests also won’t want to miss out on spine-tingling products inspired by iconic films like Blumhouse’s M3GAN, The Black Phone, and The Purge as featured in Enter the Blumhouse, Paramount Pictures’ A Quiet Place, Sony Pictures’ Insidious: The Further and more.
Starting August 26 at Universal Studios Hollywood, fans can shop the latest and greatest including exclusive products inspired by The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy, a new Dia de Los Muertos-inspired collection, and more at Universal Studios Store, Animation Studio Store, Jurassic Outfitters and Production Central as well as the Universal Studios Store, Cartooniversal and Production Central at CityWalk.
Plus, beginning August 28 at Universal Orlando Resort, guests will enter a dystopian city where an ancient evil has been unleashed in this year’s all-new Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida. Fans visiting the highly-themed retail space will venture through a variety of haunted urban-themed locations, from an abandoned warehouse to a creepy subway station and beyond, while shopping for the latest Halloween Horror Nights merchandise and treats.
For those who are dying to get their hands on this year’s merchandise now or are too scared to take on the horror in real life at Halloween Horror Nights, select products are available now on shop.UniversalOrlando.com, with more coming soon.
Universal Studios Japan
The thrills don’t stop here, over at Universal Studios Japan, Halloween Horror Nights returns from Sept. 6 to Nov. 4 with an exclusive, new collection inspired by Hami-Kuma, the grotesque but cute ruler of Halloween Horror Nights, and his alter-ego, Hami-Kuma Soul. The first-ever collaboration with “Chainsaw Man” will also bring new merchandise offerings to help fans overcome their fears and face off against the demons of Halloween Horror Nights.
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Universal Studios Singapore
Southeast Asia’s biggest Halloween event is back at Universal Studios Singapore with new nightmares including bloody accessories and drinkware featuring the iconic Halloween Horror Nights logo. Also, straight from U.S. destinations is the infamous Chucky popcorn bucket featuring a range of killer phrases. Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights 12 will span 18 event nights on select dates from Sept. 27 to Nov. 2.
Amazon
Horror fans can also find select Halloween Horror Nights merchandise on Amazon, including art directly from Monstrous 2: The Nightmares of Latin America and Luchadores Monstruosos at Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as an assortment of designs from years past.
For more information on Halloween Horror Nights and to purchase tickets to the events, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.
WARNING: EVENT MAY BE TOO INTENSE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 13. COSTUMES SUBJECT TO COSTUME POLICY. NO COSTUME MASKS ALLOWED.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event took center stage at the Anaheim Convention Center. From August 9 to 11, 2024, the weekend was filled to the brim with every corner of The Walt Disney Company represented in pavilions, shopping, experiences, shows, costumes, panels, celebrity sightings, signings, photo opportunities, artwork, music, sneak peeks, debuts, and more.
With so much to do and see, the weekend can be the most exhausting Disney experience across the street from the Disneyland Resort. The bi-annual extravaganza has grown so large that the nearby Honda Center even got involved for the biggest productions to close each evening.
Show Floor Photo Gallery
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No doubt many fans partake in dressing up as their favorite characters. Strangers become immediate friends upon meeting matching stories. Groups of friends and family unite to share their creativity. Photo backdrops enhance the experience. Some walk thru themed experiences come with special giveaways at the end like pins, posters, and free digital photo downloads. Pin collectors even got to participate in pin hunting via QR codes. The D23 Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest was your one-stop shop for the biggest and brightest costumes put on display.
Photo Op and Cosplay Photo Gallery
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Themed experiences and pavilions highlighted potential adventures and streaming opportunities to celebrate and await. Disney Junior, National Geographic, ESPN, Honda, Disney Cruise Line, Storyliving by Disney, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons, Disney Theatrical Productions.
Experiences Photo Gallery
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Major branches of the studio divisions got to show off new technology with popular and upcoming environments and shows. Live your Star Wars dream with Lucasfilm setting foot in the Volume for a unique one of a kind keepsake. The world of Avatar brought a slice of Pandora to Anaheim with costumes, props, set designs, and even a life-size banshee. Moana 2, Inside Out 2, and Zootopia 2 take the lead of photo ops and panels for Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios.
Production Studio Pavillion Photo Gallery
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Streaming services Disney+, Hulu, and FX gave fans opportunities to put themselves into the setting of their favorite shows. A full experience of Marvel’s Time Variance Authority (TVA) was just as jaw-dropping of a themed walk-through as any Disney Park could provide in the limited scale. Portals opening into different Marvel costumes across the saga, interact with Rocket Raccoon from Guardians of the Galaxy, and a sneak peek at costumes for the upcoming series “Agatha All Along”. No wonder a visit to the TVA gnarled an hour long wait. Too bad this is only a limited temporary offering.
Streaming Services Photo Gallery
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Walt Disney Archives also strives to display something different and unique at every D23 event. A Great Big Beautiful Car Show was an inspiration this year with automobiles displayed across movie and television appearances from Herbie the Love Bug, Cruella de vil’s motorcar, Disneyland parking lot tram, to a TRON Lightcycle.
Car Show Photo Gallery
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If you thought the main show floor had it all, wait until you see the North side of the Anaheim Convention Center. World of Disney: The Product Experience extends the footprint of your shopping spree with the D23 Marketplace, Disney Store, Disney Publishing, Disney Princess, Marvel, and more. Some playful respite to be had with a Pixar mini-golf and Star Wars themed arcade.
Product Experience Photo Gallery
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The crème de la créme of D23 pavilions, the not-to-be-missed showcase will always belong to Imagineering. The creators and builders of Disney Parks and Experiences open the secretive veil to reveal what goes into constructing favorite Disney adventures to life. Imagineers from across different levels of disciplines share stories and inspire dreamers of past and future projects.
Go in with less expectations of finding out any secretes beyond what the company has previously released. Go in more with what sort of skills can be applied through education and imagination to do what imagineers do best. Through trade schools and internships, the possibilities can be endless. Everyone has a unique journey where they were able to find success. From costume design, model making, sculpting, technological illusions, software engineering, robotics, and more.
Imagineering Photo Gallery
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D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event truly does attract the biggest fans from around the world through different divisions of The Walt Disney Company. Over 100 years of history come together under “one” roof to celebrate the entertainment conglomerate. 2024 has certainly seen enhancements in crowd control, more seating, lots of shopping, plenty of experiences, and ultimately, making new memories.
There’s still other areas left to improve for 2026. One unexpected surprise discovery for myself was finding the major shopping venues open to standby about an hour before closing time due to a majority of attendees making their way to the big evening events at Honda Center. Although the Disney Parks and Experiences show itself was split with one half just wanting quick announcements and the other half enjoying flashy musical numbers with every topic, I was happily part of the later crowd opinion.
Overall, I had a better experience this year compared to past frustrating experiences at D23. Maybe it helped I did not concentrate on shopping or getting to and from the Honda Center. The individual value of D23 is what you make of it. See you in 2026, D23!
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event brought the Anaheim Convention Center to its knees with every facet of The Walt Disney Company mere steps away from the Disneyland Resort. The bi-annual event has grown so large that the nearby Honda Center was also included for the first time in 2024 for high-end production scales and presentations.
From August 9 to 11, 2024, everything from Disney Parks, studios, animation, television, streaming, theatrical, music, archives, and more got in on the action. This is also the place and time to share your favorite fandom with others. Panel discussions provided great venues to sit, relax, listen, and absorb the different fascinations. Not every Disney fan is the same. That’s why these panels are pinnacle to focusing on particular aspects of the love we have for what The Walt Disney Company does to provide quality entertainment.
The following panels we managed to attend barely scratch the surface of the schedules, space, and guest appearances that were able to make time for these fascinating appreciations.
The Costuming Artistry Behind Disney Experiences panel brought Disney Live Entertainment costume designers to share inspiration, creative process, and details behind costumes across Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line. Exclusive to the panel was new concept art for The Little Mermaid show returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. New costume details were also revealed for the Haunted Mansion Parlor and Periscope Pub aboard the Disney Treasure. A personal favorite included character concept art for Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Tyler Lenn Bradley leads with Harmony McChesney, Josh Winchester, and Yonit Olshan.
Costumes Photo Gallery
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Unusual Artwork from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library showcased not every collection in the archives were pencil and paper. They came in small and large sizes, dimensional, and unidentified. Fox Carney and Tori Cranner curated the gallery of oddities.
Research Library Photo Gallery
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Anaheim Convention Center arena stage was turned into the Premiere Stage for the D23 weekend hosting the event’s biggest performance venue.
Team members from Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios joined onstage in a discussion “Bringing the Worlds of Disney Animation to Life in Disney Parks”. Jeanette Lomboy lead the global panel with Roger Gould, Charita Carter, Daniel Jue, Dustin Schofield, Emily (Emo) O’Brien, and Michel Den Dulk from Tokyo Disney Sea Fantasy Springs, Shanghai Disneyland’s Zootopia, to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Disney Animation to Life Photo Gallery
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Even with outstanding national tours, Disney Princess – The Concert is a returning favorite to D23. Bringing together a who’s who of voices from Disney on Broadway and animated films performing the music of Disney Princesses, heroes, and villains. Appearances included Susan Egan, Courtney Reed, Syndee Winters, Benjamin Rauhala, Coco Jones, Jodi Benson, and Adam J. Levy. A highlight of the evening was Paige O’Hara joining Susan Egan for a Beauty and the Beast medley. Powerhouse performances leaving behind heartwarming cheers and tears.
Disney Princess Concert Photo Gallery
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Jolly Holiday: A D23 Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman. From “Mary Poppins” to “Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room”, a heartwarming and joyous musical tribute to beloved Disney songwriting legend Richard M. Sherman. Joining host John Stamos onstage were the people who worked, knew, and admired him best. From Disney CEO Bob Iger, singer Ashley Brown, imagineer Tony Baxter, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, animator Floyd Norman, film critic Leonard Maltin, his daughter Jessie Maltin, and via recorded video “Saving Mr. Banks” actor Jason Schwartzman.
After reminiscing about their working relationship with the Disney legend, actresses Haley Mills and Lesley Ann Warren sang a duet tribute of “Let’s Get Together” from the Disney classic “The Parent Trap”. Jeff Sherman, Richard’s son, spoke a few words about his father while Richard’s granddaugther Meg Rose Wolf sang a redenition of “The Age of Not Believing”. It wouldn’t be a proper celebration of life to a legendary songwriter without a sing along to “Let’s Go Fly a Kite”. A touching tribute put together only a mere couple months after Richard’s passing.
Jolly Holiday Photo Gallery
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“Donald Duck’s 90th Quacktacular” celebrated 90 years of Donald Duck with special screenings, never-before-seen artwork, and behind the scenes photographic history. Adorned with Donald Duck apparel, voice actor Jenny Lorenzo hosts animator Mark Henn, producer Dorothy McKim, and Tony Anselmo, the voice of Donald Duck. The panel ended with singing happy birthday and a surprise appearance by Donald himself!
Donald Duck 90th Photo Gallery
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“Magic After Dark – The Story of Disney’s Nighttime Spectaculars” joins nighttime magicians to share stories behind favorite and iconic after-dark shows from fireworks above castles and colorfully lit stage of water. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology of the time from computer programming, lasers, and drones, it’s not always easy to make memories last a lifetime.
Nighttime Spectaculars Photo Gallery
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There were growing concerns of the space limitations from making online reservations to highly sought after panels. But from personal observations, online reservations either did not meet even half of the allotted space for each room, or not every reservation showed up. Thus allowing a majority of seating going to the standby queue.
In past D23 events, the panels were often chaotic and frustrating leaving a bad impression among attendees. But for the most part in 2024, getting into the panels were met with ease and professionalism. Less panic-inducing and more time for enjoyment. If panels is what you want from your convention experience, panels you will get.
POP MART, the renowned global designer toy and entertainment brand, is transforming the global blind-box industry with the launch of POP CUBE. POP CUBE is POP MART’s new innovative product line featuring creatively designed characters in the shape of a cube with magnetic capabilities. POP CUBE will be available to purchase on POP MART’s online store from August 15, 10 pm ET, and across all POP MART US stores in September.
POP CUBE is the first-of-its-kind blind box line, with the magnetic feature allowing collectors to stack these figures in endless combinations. Standing at 4.5cm, the POP CUBE launch showcases POP MART’s dedication to creativity, artistry, and innovation as a pioneer of blind boxes. Following the launch, POP MART has plans to release additional collections across a range of IPs.
The first three POP CUBE collections contain nine blind boxes featuring characters from a mix of Pixar’s classic and recent movies including Toy Story, WALL-E, The Incredibles, Up, Monsters Inc., Soul, Inside Out, Coco, and Turning Red.
Larry Lu, Head of POP MART North America shares, “We are thrilled to offer collectors a new way to enjoy blind boxes and their favorite characters from Pixar with the launch of POP CUBE. This new iteration of blind boxes allows us to continue to pioneer the designer toy industry while expanding our US and global audience”.
POP CUBE Series 1-3 Product Overview:
Series 1 characters include: Buzz Lightyear, Little Bo Peep’s Sheep, Slinky Dog and Chuckles the Clown of Toy Story, WALL-E, Up’s Russel, Lightning McQueen, The Incredibles’ Violet, and Soul’s Joe.
Series 2 characters include Woody, Zurg, Little Bo Peep, Jessie and Bunny of Toy Story, Inside Out’s Sadness, Mike Wazowski, Up’s Carl Fredricksen, and WALL-E’s EVE.
Series 3 characters include Rex, Hamm, Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear and Aliens of Toy Story, Sulley, Inside Out’s Anger, Coco’s Ernesto de la Cruz, The Incredibles’ Dash, and Red Panda Mei.
The LEGO Group stumbles into Christmas Town with the reveal of the highly anticipated LEGO Ideas Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas set. Based on the iconic 1993 film, the intricately designed set brings the eerie charm and playful details of the movie to life in brick-form.
Prepare to be immersed in a ghoulishly delightful world and give the holidays a macabre makeover with three iconic locations from the beloved animated classic: Disney’s Spiral Hill, Jack Skellington’s house, and Halloween Town Hall. Build nostalgia and revel in authentic details which include a lift-off roof revealing Disney Jack Skellington’s Christmas formula, a detailed graveyard, a walking bathtub and the Town Hall lectern where Jack delivered his famous speech.
This collector’s set includes eight beloved Disney characters: Jack Skellington, Sally, Santa Claus, Lock, Shock, Barrel, Zero the Dog, and a two-faced brick-built figure of The Mayor.
The set was designed by UK-based LEGO fan Simon Scott as part of the LEGO Ideas program. Once designed, 10,000 people voted for it to be made into a real set. Talking about his design, Simon said, “I’m a massive fan of LEGO builds and Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas film so I’m honored to see my creation come to life in physical brick form. The film is such a family hit with young & old fans from around the world. The ideas team have done a fantastic job creating a wonderfully playable set that is just as appealing as a display piece.”
With 2,193 pieces, the LEGO Ideas Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas set offers a rewarding building experience for fans and collectors.
The LEGO Ideas Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas set is available for LEGO Insiders from 3rd September at www.LEGO.com/Nightmare and LEGO Stores and for all from 6th September priced at $199.99.
Six Flags Magic Mountain goes EXTREME this Fall with the park’s 31st annual Halloween event — Fright Fest Extreme, presented by SNICKERS. With 32 nights of fright on select Thursdays through Sundays, from September 7 to November 3, Fright Fest Extreme establishes Six Flags Magic Mountain as California’s largest haunt featuring 11 terrifying haunted houses and nine bone-chilling scare zones.
Fright Fest Extreme transforms the 260-acre theme park into a haunted scream park of epic proportions, captivating horror enthusiasts and thrill-seekers with a record combined total of 20 haunted attractions, including five new haunted houses inspired by Stranger Things, Trick ‘r Treat, Army of the Dead, The Conjuring, Annabelle, The Nun, and the SAW franchise.
“This year marks a significant milestone for Six Flags Magic Mountain as we go extreme and embark upon our largest investment and expansion of Fright Fest to date,” said Jeff Harris, Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President. “By expanding our highly anticipated event with some of the largest horror brands in the world, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures, Netflix, and Legendary Entertainment, we’re raising the bar and pushing the boundaries of fear to create an unforgettable, immersive, and all-out terrifying experience like never before. It’s an honor to say that Fright Fest Extreme is the largest haunt in California, delivering an unmatched lineup of spine-tingling attractions and experiences,” he added.
Six all-new haunted houses and three scare zones coming to Fright Fest Extreme include:
Stranger Things – The students of Hawkins High decide to team up to create a little innocent Halloween fun for their community – but things quickly turn upside down and morph into something far darker.
Trick ‘r Treat – Enter a dark and twisted candy trail nightmare on a jack-o-lantern-lit path of supernatural encounters that tap into your deepest fears. With Sam, the infamous Spirit of Halloween, as your guide, learn the rules of the spooky holiday before entering a world where tricks dominate treats.
Army of the Dead – The City of Las Vegas is under lockdown following a recent viral outbreak and survivors must look for an escape while battling the undead.
The Conjuring Universe – Strap in for a tour of the Warrens’ most hair-raising and gruesome cases, including those that inspired The Conjuring, Anabelle and The Nun. In each investigation, encounters with cursed artifacts make you the target of the possession.
The SAW Franchise – Celebrate the 20th anniversary of SAW with an all-new experience honoring the franchise’s legacy of terror by plunging guests into the depths of Jigsaw’s twisted mind. Guests will endure torturous trials and come face to face with some of John Kramer’s most diabolical contraptions before time runs out.
Aftermath: Nocturnal Hunt – Three hundred years after a devastating zombie outbreak, Ash City lies in ruins. Guests will stumble into the breeding grounds of the Nocturnals, the former infected who have evolved into bioluminescent predators. In a desperate attempt to escape, will you be hunting them or are they hunting you?
Plaza de la Muerte – Step into the spectral celebration of Día de los Muertos, where vibrant colors blend with eerie shadows in an immersive dance of spirits and traditions.
Underworlds of Oz – Journey through the dark side of Emerald City and the mystical realms of Oz, where twisted enchantments and ominous shadows consume the golden path, and the line between fantasy and nightmare blurs into a chilling adventure unlike any other.
Grimmlore Ridge – Enter a chilling realm where fear takes root and grows wild, leaving the daunting calls of ravens and crows echoing through the twisted branches and shadowed alleyway.
Five returning guest-favorite haunted houses featuring state-of-the-art makeup, props and special effects, include:
Condemned Forever Damned – In this dilapidated home where the walls are alive and terror crawls in every corner, guests are left trying to escape the spirits of those who once lived there as they unleash fury on anyone who dares to trespass.
Willoughby’s Resurrected – Evil spirits roam the once-affluent Willoughby’s family mansion that now echoes with whispers and footsteps of these restless spirits, creating an atmosphere of perpetual dread.
Sewer of Souls – Stumble into an underground world where the air is thick with the despair of lost souls and the darkness is alive with unseen terrors. Guests will be left to navigate through the terrifying tunnels where evil oozes and fear thrives with every step.
Truth or Dare – In a warped game of Truth or Dare, guests find themselves questioning their every move. The stakes are perilously high as the dares become increasingly dangerous and the truths reveal hidden fears and dark secrets. Can you handle the pressure, or will the game unravel your sanity?
Vault 666 Unlocked – Demonic relics are locked in a dark and sinister antique shop, waiting to be unleashed upon anyone foolish enough to disturb their rest. Haunting and inexplicable occurrences plague those who dare to enter, for the relics do not forgive or forget.
Six additional scare zones around the park that leave guests nowhere to hide and screaming to get out include:
City Under Siege – The clowns are back and spreading havoc in every inconceivable manner. As their twisted grins and sinister laughter fill the air, no place is safe from their deranged antics.
CarnivHELL – Visitors are invited to step right up and enter if they dare into a once-thriving circus now taken over by a carnivorous band of carnies.
Nightmares: A Twisted Fantasy – In this perverse twist on childhood favorite bedtime stories, your worst nightmares come to life, taunting you to sleep with one eye open.
Devil’s Triangle – Succumb into the deepest, darkest depths of the ocean, haunted by the many souls lost to the Devil’s Triangle that prey on guests drifting by.
The Deadzone – A renegade group of cyberpunk zombies are unleashed and feed on unsuspecting visitors.
Exile Hill – Unimaginable sinister souls appear without warning and send chills down the spines of guests that dare to journey through this dark and ominous passage.
For those looking revel in the Halloween spirit during Fright Fest Extreme, an exciting selection of exclusive merchandise and culinary delights will enhance the spooky experience. Guests can scream louder with limited-edition apparel, collectibles and unique souvenirs inspired by Six Flags Fright Fest and some of the park’s haunted attractions. In addition, a variety of themed food and drinks will be available throughout the park for those looking to satisfy an eerie appetite including sangria blood bags and more.
Tickets for Fright Fest Extreme at Six Flags Magic Mountain are available online now and include:
Single Day Admission – A separate admission event ticket will be required for Fright Fest Extreme admission with access to all haunted attractions, entertainment and the world’s largest collection of thrilling rides and coasters. Guests can purchase an express upgrade for priority entry to all haunted houses.
Pass Holder Admission – Fright Fest Extreme park admission is included for all 2024 Gold, Platinum and Diamond Six Flags Season Pass Holders, Six Plus Members and Legacy Six Flags Members with a valid Pass. An additional fee for entry to haunted houses will still be required.
V.I.SCREAM Tour – Enhance your visit with a guide to the fright! Experience the VIP treatment with a private guided tour featuring unlimited priority express access to all eleven haunted houses, priority express access to select rides and attractions, VIP parking, Fright Fest Extreme exclusive food and beverages, and more. All Tours must be booked a minimum of 48 hours in advance online. Some restrictions may apply.
As the countdown to Fright Fest Extreme begins, guests are invited to prepare for the largest, scariest and most extreme Halloween event ever. For more event details, including operating dates and times or to purchase tickets, visit sixflags.com/magicmountain/events.
During the 2nd day of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro hosted an extraordinary musical celebration for Disney’s biggest fans as he unveiled the future for Disney parks, cruise ships and beyond, including the future of storytelling made possible through a groundbreaking collaboration with Epic Games. Major announcements, surprise celebrity guests, and special musical performances closed out day two of the mega fan event. ,
“Disney Experiences is embarking on an accelerated path of ambitious growth and innovation,” said D’Amaro. “With so many great Disney stories to tell, we’re excited to bring an unprecedented number of new projects to life in the near future, whether it be in our theme parks, on our cruise ships, or through our partnership with Epic Games in the digital space.”
Among the many announcements were plans for four new cruise ships and details about six new themed lands and areas that will bring guests deeper into the stories they love, including Monsters, Inc., Cars, Indiana Jones, Encanto, Avatar, The Lion King, and the classic Disney Villains fans know and loathe.
D’Amaro announced plans for 14 all-new attractions featuring those stories and more, such as The Avengers, Spider-Man, and the first-ever ride-through attraction themed to Coco coming to Disney California Adventure Park at the Disneyland Resort, inviting guests to join Miguel on a trip through the Land of the Dead. Among the five new shows and nighttime spectaculars coming to Disney parks around the world is “Disney Starlight,” an all-new nighttime parade coming to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
D’Amaro was joined onstage by Disney Imagineers and creative leads across Disney’s film studios to share breaking news, as thousands of fans heard from stars and storytellers in an unexpected show only Disney could deliver. Celebrities, surprise guests, and award-winning recording artists joined the fun.
Billy Crystal announced a Monsters Inc.-themed land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. Meghan Trainor surprised the audience with a moving rendition of “Feed the Birds.” D’Amaro also announced the largest expansion in history for the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, before Shaboozey brought the house down with a new rendition of “Life Is a Highway” to announce a Cars-themed area and Rita Ora joined the Magic Mirror to perform “Trust in Me” as part of the announcement of a Villains-themed land.
“Today we unveiled an extensive slate of new experiences that only Disney can deliver,” D’Amaro said. “Work is well underway on all of the new projects we announced, and fans will start to see them come to life in the near future.”
Top 10 Announcements from the Disney Experiences Showcase:
Expansion of Disney Cruise Line– Disney Cruise Line will add four new vessels to its growing fleet between 2027 and 2031. Once these ships are built, guests will have 13 different ways to experience Disney’s world-class entertainment, renowned dining, and impeccable guest service in more parts of the world.
Monsters, Inc. at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Construction begins next year on the first full land dedicated to Monsters, Inc., coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. The land will feature the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park, where guests can experience what it’s like to zoom through the door vault in the factory, just like Mike and Sulley.
Cars at the Magic Kingdom– Pixar Animation Studios’ beloved Cars franchise is coming to a reimagined area of Frontierland with two all-new attractions taking guests into the wilderness beyond Radiator Springs – a thrilling off-road rally race and a family friendly attraction even the youngest racers will love. Construction on this area will begin early next year.
Villains Land at the Magic Kingdom– Work is already underway on a new land dedicated to Disney Villains coming to the Magic Kingdom – complete with two attractions, dining, and shopping – where happily ever after may feel like just a distant dream. It will be a fearless new vision of what a Disney experience can be on a grand scale that only Disney can deliver.
Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will feature two new signature attractions – a thrilling adventure following the heroic Indiana Jones into an ancient Maya temple and a journey through the Casita Madrigal from “Encanto” following Antonio’s story on the day after he received his magical gift. It will also feature a beautiful carousel featuring animals from many favorite Disney stories, perfect for young families to enjoy. Tropical Americas is set to open in 2027.
Avatar at Disney California Adventure – An all-new Avatar experience will come to Disney California Adventure including an innovative new attraction that will bring all the action, the excitement, and the wonder of Avatar to life in a completely new and thrilling way.
First-everAudio-AnimatronicsFigure of Walt Disney – Next year, a new show based on the life of Walt Disney, “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” will play at the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland park and feature the first-ever Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney. After the show’s debut run, it will play in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.”
Avengers Experiences in California, Shanghai and Hong Kong – The presence of Super Heroes is expanding at Disney parks around the globe. The original Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort will double in size with the addition of two new attractions, Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab. Shanghai Disney Resort will introduce its first major Super Hero attraction, a Spider-Man-themed, high-energy thrill coaster. At Hong Kong Disneyland, the presence of the Avengers will continue to expand with a major new attraction coming to Tomorrowland featuring Spider-Man and one of his most formidable villains.
Lion King Area at Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris – On the heels of the highly anticipated World of Frozen, set to open in 2026, the first-ever ride through attraction themed to “The Lion King” will come next to Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris in a new Lion-King themed area of the park, complete with dining, shopping and character meet & greets. This water attraction will go down into the caves beneath Pride Rock to follow Simba on his journey from cub to king, following the story from the classic Walt Disney Animation Studios film.
Epic Games Collaboration – While livestreamed in Fortnite, D’Amaro was joined live on stage by creative leads from across The Walt Disney Company — Jennifer Lee from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pete Docter from Pixar Animation Studios, Kevin Feige from Marvel Studios, and Dave Filoni from Lucasfilm — to discuss Disney’s expansive collaboration with Epic Games and how the full power of Disney storytelling will come to this dynamic, new environment. They shared how the world’s most notable characters and stories will converge in one connected universe where fans can watch, play and even create Disney stories. The group also announced new characters and skins coming soon to Fortnite, from Disney Villains to The Incredibles and The Mandalorian, and showed a trailer for the next Marvel season featuring Doctor Doom which debuts on August 16.
These experiences will give fans around the world even more to be excited about, and more ways to be captivated by the joy and magic of Disney’s iconic stories.
