BoxLunch Unveils Exclusive Merch Lineup for Disney’s D23 2024

August 1, 2024

BoxLunch, your go-to shop for all things fandom, is thrilled to unveil an all-new booth experience at D23 Expo 2024, happening August 9th-11th. With a sophisticated black and white theme, the booth will showcase exclusive Disney merchandise you won’t find anywhere else, plus exciting giveaways.

According to Rick Vargas, Senior VP of Merchandising and Marketing at BoxLunch, “D23 is always a special opportunity to connect with our passionate fan community, and this year’s booth is our biggest and best yet. We can’t wait for fans to discover our exclusive D23 merch and immerse themselves in the fun of our elevated booth experience.”

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Be sure to check out the booth for D23-exclusive apparel, accessories, and jewelry from your favorite Disney franchises like Star Wars, Marvel’s Venom, The Nightmare Before Christmas, 101 Dalmatians, and more, all designed to complement the stylish black and white theme.

But that’s not all! This year, BoxLunch is introducing the ‘BLINKO’ game station, where you can win prizes by dropping chips onto a BoxLunch-themed game board. And don’t forget to follow BoxLunch on social media for even more giveaways during the convention.

Disney Princesses Unite in New Campaign to Inspire Girls to “Create Your World”

Robbie Bulus

July 31, 2024

Disney’s beloved Princesses have always inspired girls to dream big and be true to themselves. Now, with the launch of the “Create Your World” campaign, Disney is empowering girls to take those dreams further and turn them into reality. This multi-year initiative celebrates the unique magic within each girl and encourages them to shape their own worlds through imagination, creativity, and action.

The campaign kicks off with “The Magic Within,” a brand spot that follows a young girl’s journey as she’s inspired by Princess stories to discover her own inner magic. The spot, available on YouTube and other Disney channels, serves as a reminder that the power to create your world lies within each of us.

Music plays a central role in the campaign, with a series of reimagined Disney Princess songs. Grammy-award winning artist Coco Jones starts things off with her modern rendition of “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog, celebrating the film’s 15th anniversary. A curated Disney Princess playlist will also be available for streaming throughout August.

The campaign will honor the legacies of iconic films like Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and Pocahontas, while also introducing new content like Moana 2 and new episodes of Disney Jr.’s Ariel. Fans can experience the magic of Disney Princesses through various channels, including Disney+, Disney On Ice, and the upcoming “Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play.”

New and exclusive consumer products will be available, including a special edition vinyl soundtrack of The Little Mermaid and a range of toys and apparel focused on world-building and role-play. Fans can also find Disney Princess merchandise at Disney Store, featuring new items like the Once Upon a Story Mini Doll Playsets.

World Princess Week, taking place from August 25-31, will bring princess-themed experiences to Disney destinations worldwide, with special events, character appearances, and themed treats. The campaign’s reach extends to hospitals and pediatric care centers through Disney’s collaboration with Make-A-Wish and Starlight Children’s Foundation, delivering joy and comfort to children in need.

Disneyland Paris will celebrate with an expanded presence of beloved Disney Princess characters at Disneyland Park starting August 25, including the exclusive show “Live Your Story – a Disney Princess Celebration,” and specialty Disney Princess-themed food and beverage items. From August 1 to September 1, Hong Kong Disneyland will also join the festivities with the celebratory “Royal Enchantment: A Princess Processional” every Friday to Sunday featuring beloved Disney Princess characters in Fantasyland and new princess-themed cupcakes at Royal Banquet Hall.

Additionally, guests may find fan-favorite princess characters appearing daily in Adventureland. Over at Walt Disney World, guests will have a chance to experience the new attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and may also feel like royalty with delectable food and beverage items available throughout August. At Disneyland Resort, princess-themed novelty sippers may be purchased while supplies last.

Through a diverse range of offerings, the “Create Your World” campaign aims to inspire and empower girls to embrace their individuality, pursue their passions, and create their own unique stories. It’s a celebration of the limitless potential within every girl, and a reminder that with courage, kindness, and a little bit of magic, they can truly create the world they envision.

Descanso Gardens announces the return of Carved

Socalthrills Staff

July 31, 2024

Get ready for a “gourd-geous” experience as Descanso Gardens announces the return of Carved, running from October 4-30, 2024. This year’s event promises to be more spectacular than ever, filled with delightful surprises and captivating displays that will enchant visitors of all ages.

Tickets for this much-anticipated event will go on presale for members beginning August 6 at 10 am. Non-members can purchase tickets starting August 13 at 10 am. Please note that advance tickets are required for entry and will not be available for purchase on-site.

Carved is set to light up the night, transforming Descanso Gardens into a mesmerizing pumpkin wonderland filled with returning favorites and exciting new additions. Guests will enjoy strolling through the enchanting displays of luminous jack-o’-lanterns, hand-carved giant pumpkins, and whimsical installations. This year’s highlights include an expanded “Rhizome” installation by Tom&Lien Dekyvere in the Rose Garden Labyrinth and a large-scale Día de los Muertos ofrenda altar, providing a serene space for reflection and remembrance.

New this year is the Beer Garden on the Main Lawn, where visitors can enjoy drinks and bites, explore the hay maze, and snap photos at the pumpkin house. The Descanso Railroad’s model trains will also be running and lit up for the occasion. A special treat awaits as Chainsaw Jenna from Frizzleburg, Pennsylvania, brings to life a family of wood spirits carved from five enormous logs, adding a touch of playful mischief to the event.

“We are thrilled to bring even more fun and wonder to our visitors with this year’s Carved event,” said Juliann Rooke, CEO of Descanso Gardens. “From the dazzling pumpkin displays to the new Beer Garden and whimsical wood spirits, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience for families and friends alike.”

Carved will take place rain or shine, ensuring that the magic continues regardless of the weather. Tickets are non-refundable and feature timed entry slots every half hour from 6 pm to 9 pm, with the event running from 6–10 pm each night.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adults: $28–38 (members), $35–45 (non-members)
Children: $18–23 (members), $25–30 (non-members)

For more information about Descanso Gardens and to purchase tickets, please visit www.descansogardens.org.

Celebrate Donald Duck’s 90th Anniversary with New Board Game

Robbie Bulus

July 30, 2024

Maestro Media, in partnership with Disney, is thrilled to unveil Donald Duck: Happy Camper, a board game celebrating Donald Duck’s 90th anniversary. Designed by renowned game creators Wolfgang Kramer and Daryl Andrews, this immersive experience invites players to join Donald Duck on a camping adventure filled with exploration, laughter, and unforgettable moments, honoring nine decades of this beloved character.

“We are honored to join the fun of Donald Ducks’ 90th anniversary and to launch our first game in collaboration with Disney,” says Javon Frazier, Founder, and CEO of Maestro Media. “Happy Camper is crafted to encapsulate the joy of camping adventures, and we are anticipating the moment when fans get to immerse themselves in this experience.”

Game Details:

Explore the Wilderness: Players will reveal part of the board at the start of their turn, then use actions to explore, gather resources, and set up camp.
Strategic Gameplay: Balance is key! The more you carry in your bag, the slower you go. Will you race to the best photo spot, set up tents in different terrains, or craft gadgets to make camping life easier?
Earn Badges and Bonuses: Complete tasks to earn badges and gain bonuses. There are bigger rewards for being the first to complete a task, so plan carefully.
Race Against Time: The game ends as soon as Donald Duck, the troop leader, completes his trip. Race to become the best Junior Woodchuck out there!

Donald Duck: Happy Camper is the first board game Maestro Media has done with a Disney character and fans can look forward to additional board game releases next year based on other Disney franchises and characters.

Pre-order now at HappyCamper.Game

Her Universe and Mattel Celebrated 10 Years of Geek Couture

Socalthrills Staff

July 29, 2024

The 10th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show, presented by Mattel, electrified this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, captivating a packed audience with a fusion of fashion and fandom. Within moments, the show dazzled as Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein unveiled a groundbreaking projection mapping dress blending technology with 65 years of Barbie fashion, while Broadway’s Michael James Scott ignited the crowd with a vibrant performance. Co-hosts further wowed with geek couture inspired by Mattel icons like Barbie, Polly Pocket, and more.

Twenty-five designers showcased their extraordinary creations throughout the night, drawing inspiration from beloved fandoms and pop culture icons like Barbie, Beetlejuice, and others. From intricate details to innovative designs, each look celebrated the power of imagination and honored milestones like the 65th anniversary of Barbie.

This year’s winning designers will not only collaborate on a collection with Her Universe but also each receive a $10,000 prize to mark the show’s 10th anniversary.

Judges winner – Wes Jenkins, Orlando, FL
Audience winner – Candice Miller, Louisa County, VA

“It’s been my dream to open up the show with a projection mapping look since 2017, but I didn’t have the right team to help me pull it off—until now!” gushed Eckstein.

Ashley Eckstein’s groundbreaking opening Barbie look was a marvel of collaboration, involving over twenty designers, engineers, and artists. A 40,000 lumens projector illuminated a single dress with seven iconic Barbie fashions, celebrating 65 years of the iconic doll.

The fusion of fashion and technology was led by AOA and Live Everyday Studios, who created a life-size Barbie box illusion and custom virtual Barbie fashions. Renowned music team Nathan and Andrea Padgett scored the opening with a moving rendition of “Roar,” adapted to showcase the music of each Barbie era.

Polly Pocket also took center stage with a lobby transformed into a nostalgic Polly Pocket experience. Eckstein even appeared as Polly Pocket herself, emerging from a life-size compact in a heart-shaped skirt.

Other Mattel-inspired fashion highlights included Eckstein and Scott as Totally Hair Barbie and Ken, and in matching outfits made from Uno cards. Scott also sported a custom-made Hot Wheels suit.

Throughout the night, audience members won prizes ranging from Barbie dolls to Uno card decks, keeping the fun and excitement going.

The Her Universe Fashion Show footage will be available online next week exclusively at www.youtube.com/user/HerUniverseChannel.

First Look Legendary’s “Trick ‘r Treat” Haunted House at Six Flags Fright Fest

Russell Tom

July 29, 2024

Six Flags, the world’s largest regional theme park company and largest operator of water parks in North America, recently unveiled Fright Fest Extreme – presented by SNICKERS, featuring an expansive lineup of terrifying horror franchises ahead of the brand’s highly anticipated annual event. Beginning shortly after Labor Day, thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts are invited to immerse themselves in the pulse-pounding excitement and terror that only Fright Fest can deliver with Six Flags’ largest investment and expansion yet.

During Midsummer Scream 2024, the world’s largest horror convention, acclaimed director Michael Dougherty (Godzilla vs. Kong, Krampus, X-Men: Apocalypse) gave audience members a sneak preview inside the bone-chilling Trick ‘r Treat haunted house that will creep its way into Six Flags Fright Fest this fall.

“I love Halloween. The idea of doing a maze with [Six Flags] was something I couldn’t pass up that opportunity. There are several graphic novels and comic books that expand the lore of this film with a lot of cool environments. I told them just grab characters and scenarios and environments from those other stories, and they did, and they’re turning out wonderfully.” – Trick ‘r Treat Writer/Director Michael Dougherty

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 only a blood-stained candy bag, learn the rules of Halloween before entering a world where tricks dominate treats. Shocking candy, jump scares, and illusions will spin you into a frenzy of terror as you trail through fear-inducing light. This spine-chilling experience will test your bravery and make you think twice before trick-or-treating again.

Navigate through 11 twisting paths filled with the tantalizing scent of sweet candy, as whispers haunt and pursue you. Confront Principal Wilkins, evade the vengeful spirits of the School Bus Massacre, and endure the werewolf’s attack under a full moon. Shadows dart past, while whispers lead you to the guardian of All Hallows’ Eve—Sam.

Trick ’r Treat will be open at Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Six Flags Over Texas starting September 7, 2024, and running through November 3, 2024.

Apple TV+ announces season two for “Camp Snoopy”

Socalthrills Staff

July 27, 2024

Apple TV+ announced a season two for acclaimed kids and family series “Camp Snoopy,” based on the classic Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz and directed by Rob Boutilier (“The Snoopy Show,” “Snoopy in Space”). The complete first season of “Camp Snoopy” is now streaming globally on Apple TV+.

After discovering their troop is in danger of disbanding, Snoopy and the Beagle Scouts set off to immerse themselves in nature and the Great Outdoors, with the Beagle Scout Manual as their guide. Meanwhile, Charlie Brown and friends enjoy their summer at Camp Spring Lake, crossing paths with Snoopy as they experience hiking, swimming, sitting around campfires and everything summer camp and the outdoors have to offer.

Produced for Apple TV+ by Peanuts and WildBrain, “Camp Snoopy” is based on the Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz and is directed by Rob Boutilier (“The Snoopy Show,” “Snoopy in Space”). Executive producers are Craig Schulz, Paige Braddock, Boutilier, Josh Scherba, Stephanie Betts and Logan McPherson.

“Camp Snoopy” joined an exciting slate of new offerings for kids and families on Apple TV+ this summer featuring the second season of beloved animated series “Frog and Toad,” based on the Caldecott and Newbery Honor-winning books; animated adventure trilogy “WondLa,” based on the New York Times bestselling book series “The Search for WondLa” by Tony DiTerlizzi; highly anticipated kids and family series “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!,” inspired by the hit, Emmy Award-nominated cultural phenomenon “Yo Gabba Gabba!”; “Me,” an elevated cinematic coming-of-age story from Barry L. Levy; and, the first-ever television adaptation of the cult classic film, “Time Bandits,” starring Lisa Kudrow.

Award-winning all-age offerings now streaming globally on Apple TV+ include celebrated live-action animated hybrid special, “The Velveteen Rabbit”; the Academy Award and BAFTA Award-winning animated short film “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse”; Oscar-nominated and BAFTA Award-winning animated film “Wolfwalkers”; the BAFTA Award and Humanitas Prize-winning “El Deafo,” BAFTA Award-winning “Lovely Little Farm,” “Duck & Goose,” “Get Rolling With Otis,” Spin Master Entertainment’s “Sago Mini Friends,” GLAAD Media Award-nominated “Pinecone & Pony,” “Frog and Toad,” The Jim Henson Company’s Emmy Award-winning “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock,” “Harriet the Spy” and “Slumberkins,” Sesame Workshop’s “Helpsters,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Entertainment’s “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory,” Jack McBrayer and Angela C. Santomero’s Emmy Award-nominated “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show,” Peanuts and WildBrain’s Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy in Space,” “The Snoopy Show,” Scholastic’s “Eva the Owlet” and Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series “Stillwater.”

Live-action offerings include Bonnie Hunt’s DGA and WGA Award-nominated “Amber Brown,” DGA Award-winning “Best Foot Forward,” “Surfside Girls,” WGA Award-winning “Life By Ella,” Sesame Workshop and Sinking Ship’s Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter,” Emmy Award and Environmental Media Association Award winning “Jane,” and Scholastic’s “Puppy Place.”

Also included are “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times bestselling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers, and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown,” “Snoopy Presents: Lucy’s School,” Humanitas and Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love,” “Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie,” “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” Emmy Award-winning “Snoopy Presents: Who Are You, Charlie Brown?” and “Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne.”

Movie Review: Deadpool & Wolverine

Robbie Bulus

July 26, 2024

“Deadpool & Wolverine” is a riotous homecoming for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, delivering a much-needed jolt of adrenaline after an eight-month hiatus. Ripping through the multiverse with gleeful abandon, this R-rated romp not only lives up to fan expectations but may be the most exhilarating MCU entry since “Avengers: Endgame.”

Ryan Reynolds’ return as the Merc with a Mouth is a masterclass in manic energy and impeccable comedic timing. At the same time, Hugh Jackman’s reprisal of Wolverine adds a gravitas and world-weariness that perfectly complements Deadpool’s unhinged antics. Their chemistry is electric, sparking off each other with hilarious and surprisingly touching results.

The plot hinges on Deadpool’s quest to save his reality by recruiting a Wolverine, leading him to a version deemed “the worst” by Paradox, a disgruntled TVA employee. This sets the stage for a multiversal adventure that takes full advantage of the MCU’s expansive lore, culminating in a trip to the Void, a desolate purgatory overflowing with forgotten characters from past superhero films.

This “trash heap” of the multiverse is a treasure trove of Easter eggs and nostalgic nods, a veritable playground for fans to revel in. The unexpected cameos are not just gratuitous fan service but woven into the narrative with surprising ingenuity, offering laugh-out-loud moments and genuine emotional beats.

Emma Corrin is chilling as Cassandra Nova, the telepathic twin sister of Professor X, proves to be a formidable antagonist with her mind-bending abilities. Corrin’s performance is a mesmerizing blend of icy composure and simmering rage, adding a layer of menace to the film’s otherwise comedic tone.

“Deadpool & Wolverine” is a film that knows exactly what it is and revels in its own irreverence. It gleefully pokes holes in the convoluted multiverse logic that has plagued Phase 4 of the MCU, while simultaneously offering a loving homage to the remnants of 20th Century Fox’s superhero franchises. It’s a self-aware celebration of comic book absurdity, unafraid to skewer the tropes and clichés of the genre.

This is a film that succeeds where many of its Phase 4 counterparts have faltered. It adheres to a tried-and-true formula while simultaneously critiquing and parodying its own shortcomings. It’s a bold, refreshing approach that breathes new life into the MCU, reminding us why we fell in love with these characters in the first place.

In a genre that often takes itself too seriously, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is a breath of fresh air. It’s a bloody, bawdy, and surprisingly heartfelt adventure that will leave you laughing, cheering, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. It’s a must-see for fans of the genre and a promising sign of what’s to come for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Rating: 9/10

NBC Sports Grill & Brew at CityWalk Hollywood Debuts Limited-Time Specials

Socalthrills Staff

July 26, 2024

NBC Sports Grill & Brew at Universal CityWalk Hollywood is now serving limited-time dishes along with an exclusive cocktail for the commencement of the Summer Games.

Champions’ Sampler – A sharable plate featuring boneless wings, onion rings, BBQ Nachos, Pretzel Bites with Queso and Champ dipping sauces

The Torch – A refreshing cocktail crafted with Corazon Blanco Tequila, orange juice, apricot brandy, agave and grenadine

Closing Ceremony – Cinnamon sugar shortcake rings served with vanilla ice cream whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate syrup

Paramount+ Debuts ‘Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Title Sequence at Comic-Con

Socalthrills Staff

July 25, 2024

During the TALES OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES panel at San Diego Comic-Con, Paramount+ revealed the official main title sequence for the series. The sequence is composed by EMMY® nominee, Matt Mahaffey, known for his work on Sanjay and Craig, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie, and much more.

From the studios of the Mutant Mayhem film, the all-new Paramount+ original series TALES OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLESexplores the adventures of everyone’s favorite pizza-loving heroes as they emerge from the sewers onto the streets of NYC. Leo, Raph, Donnie, and Mikey are faced with new threats and team up with old allies to survive both teenage life and villains lurking in the shadows of the Big Apple. The series is produced by Nickelodeon Animation and Point Grey Pictures.

TALES OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES is executive produced by Chris Yost (The Mandalorian, Thor: Ragnarok) and Alan Wan (Blue Eye Samurai, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [2012 Series]). Production is overseen for Nickelodeon by Claudia Spinelli, Senior Vice President, of TV Series Animation, Nickelodeon, and Nikki Price, Director of Development and Executive in Charge of Production.

In addition to the upcoming new series, stream all things Turtles on Paramount+.

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Socalthrills.com

BoxLunch Unveils Exclusive Merch Lineup for Disney’s D23 2024

Disney Princesses Unite in New Campaign to Inspire Girls to “Create Your World”

Descanso Gardens announces the return of Carved

Celebrate Donald Duck’s 90th Anniversary with New Board Game

Her Universe and Mattel Celebrated 10 Years of Geek Couture

BREAKING: Apple’s “Silo,” returns for season two on November 15

First Look Legendary’s “Trick ‘r Treat” Haunted House at Six Flags Fright Fest

Introducing the LEGO Travel Moments Set

Apple TV+ announces season two for “Camp Snoopy”

Movie Review: Deadpool & Wolverine

NBC Sports Grill & Brew at CityWalk Hollywood Debuts Limited-Time Specials

Paramount+ Debuts ‘Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Title Sequence at Comic-Con

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