Sneak Peek: Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights Food & Merch

August 29, 2024

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood lures guests deeper into this year’s terrifying event with a curated menu of devilish bites and beverages plus exclusive merchandise, all inspired by this year’s horrifying slate of haunted houses and original shows. Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights from Thursday, September 5 through Sunday, November 3, 2024.

“Late Night with Chucky,” an all-original live talk show located in the DreamWorks Theatre, will feature the notorious doll infusing his self-deprecating sense of humor as takes over Late Night. The interactive attraction will invite guests to submit questions for Chucky to answer via a QR code available in the lobby of the theatre, but if this temperamental host doesn’t appreciate the question, guests may end up like his production team who have been eliminated from their position…permanently.

With such haunted houses as “The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy,” “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Legacy of Leatherface,” “Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines” and “Monstruos 2: The Nightmares of Latin America,” tapping into guests darkest fears, these experiences will also send them spiraling for a reprise with a selection of tempting treats and drinks. Guests must be 21+ and have a valid photo ID to purchase alcoholic beverages.

This year’s terrifying event menu will include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items for those with every type of appetite. The following is a sample of what fans can expect:

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The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy Bar (located in Lower Lot by “Jurassic World—The Ride”)

Saw Blade Flatbread (Short Rib) – braised short rib, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, spicy tomato sauce and ranch drizzle
Saw Blade Flatbread (Mushroom) – mushrooms, roasted tomato, mozzarella cheese, green pepper, crispy onion and spicy tomato sauce
Too Late – tequila, raspberry puree and peach and lime juice garnished with a grenadine-filled syringe and red light up cube
Out of Time – cola, raspberry and ginger syrup and a red light up cube, topped with strawberry heart jellies
How Do I Make you Love Me? – rum, peach and passion fruit puree and lemonade served with an orange light up cube and dark chocolate butterfly
Is There Someone Else? – vodka, blue curaçao, lime juice and Sprite soda garnished with a multicolor light up cube and a gummy eyeball

Chucky’s Dive Bar (located behind Animation Studio Store)

Cult of Chucky – spicy tamarind vodka, strawberry syrup, lemon juice and club soda with a chamoy and tajin, topped with chamoy gummy bears
Friend Till the End – tequila, Sprite soda, blue curaçao, lime juice and orange popping pearls with an orange sugar rim and a rainbow lollipop
Chucky’s Got Jokes – bourbon, amaretto, corn simple syrup, lime juice and ginger beer topped with chamoy drizzled corn and cinnamon powder

City Snacks featuring “A Quiet Place” (located in Upper Lot)

Wooden Board Éclair – dark chocolate mousse filled éclair dripped in chocolate ganache
Abbot’s Corn Chowder – creamy stew with shrimp, corn, vegetables and cornbread croutons

Dia de Los Muertos (located in Universal Plaza)

Carne Asada Nachos – fried corn tortilla chips topped with carne asada, pico de gallo, queso fresco and guacamole
Beef Birria Tacos with Red Sauce – corn tortilla tacos with birria de res served with onions, cilantro and red consomé sauce
Pineapple Spears – pineapple spears with chamoy
Esquites – Corn off the Cob – corn sliced off the cobb topped with grated cotija cheese, cilantro and tajin
Nachos Muertos – cinnamon sugar chips, strawberry topping, oreo bits, chocolate sauce and whipped cream
El Cadejo Mangorita – tequila, triple sec, mango puree, lime juice and margarita mix served with chamoy, tajin and a dried chili covered mango
Muerte Michelada – Modelo beer, michelada mix, jalapeno syrup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce garnished with chamoy, tajin and a lime wedge
El Charro – spicy tamarind vodka, pickle brine, margarita mix and triple sec served with chamoy, tajin and a chocolate dipped pickle spear
Horror-Chata – rum, horchata, banana syrup served with whipped cream and dried banana chips
Spicy Strawberry Vodka Margarita – spicy tamarind vodka, strawberry syrup, lemon juice served with chamoy, tajin and a tamarind straw
Piña Margarita – reposado, cucumber jalapeno tequila, triple sec, agave syrup, lemon juice, pineapple juice garnished with a chamoy drzzled pineapple spear

Monster Eats (located in Lower Lot)

Into the Fog Fish ‘n Chips – crispy beer battered cod nuggets with tartar sauce and chips
The Fiery Bite Corn Dog – spicy Korean-style corn dog with spicy ketchup and chips
She-Wolf Midnight Delight Cheesecake – fried cheesecake dusted with powdered sugar and strawberry claw marks
The Bride’s Cookie – black and white cookie

Leatherface’s BBQ (located in Lower Lot)

Pam’s Brisket Sandwich – smoked brisket sandwich with Coca-Cola BBQ sauce and creamy coleslaw served with a side of potato salad and BBW baked beans
Franklin’s BBQ Ribs – Coca-Cola BBQ ribs served with a side of potato salad and BBQ baked beans
Drayton’s Chili Cheese Dog – all-beef hot dog topped with chili and cheddar cheese and served with a side of potato salad
Grandpa’s Porch Pounder – vodka, mezcal, passionfruit puree, Sprite soda, citrus sour and grenadine topped with bloody bone candy

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Halloween Horror Nights guests and fans can elevate their experience with a variety of new merchandise collections featuring their favorite fiends and most-anticipated haunted houses. Fan favorite character Lil Boo – an adorable yet creepy baby pumpkin – will come to life in an all-new collection, including a popcorn bucket, shoulder plush, backpack and headwear. The new Halloween Horror Nights collection features sickening house tees, a pierced, reversible bucket hat, 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.

From apparel and accessories to souvenirs and homeware, fans can also shop exclusive products inspired by “The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy” haunted house and the Dia de Los Muertos activation at Universal Plaza, only at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk Hollywood.

The horror extends to Universal CityWalk with a selection of limited-tie offerings at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, VIVO Italian Kitchen, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, Voodoo Doughnuts and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.

With eight all-new terrifying haunted houses, a reimagined Terror Tram, multiple scare zones and live entertainment, Halloween Horror Nights is Southern California’s scariest Halloween event that features a killer line-up, inspired by the biggest names in horror.

At a glance, this is Halloween Horror Nights 2024 at Universal Studios Hollywood:

“The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy,” an immersive experience curated by the multi-award-winning artist.
“A Quiet Place,” a terrifying new experience based on Paramount Pictures’ critically acclaimed franchise that will incorporate American Sign Language (ASL) into a haunted house for the very first time.
“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” inspired by Sony Picture’s horror-comedy.
“Insidious: The Further” based on Blumhouse Production’s hit supernatural horror film series.
“Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines” an all-female monsters led haunted house inspired by Universal Pictures’ classic monsters.
“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Legacy of Leatherface,” which pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the iconic maniacal monster.
“Monstruos 2: The Nightmares of Latin America,” a sequel to the 2023 hit haunted house.
“Dead Exposure: Death Valley,” an original concept house with petrifying radioactive zombies.
“Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse,” a Terror Tram experience taking fans on a close encounter with characters from Blumhouse Production’s popular franchises, including M3GAN, The Black Phone, Freaky, The Purge and Happy Death Day.
“The Purge: Dangerous Waters,” a live stunt show that takes visitors on a fiery, rock-fueled adventure while they fight to survive the night.
“Luchadores Monstruosos,” an all-new scare zone.
“Skull Lordz,” a scare zone featuring a gothic inspired royal court of the dead.
“Chainsaw Punkz,” a troop of chainsaw killers will confront guests as they enter the event.
“Murder of Crowz,” a flock of menacing crow stilt-walkers will terrify guests.

Tickets are on sale now with a variety of ticket offerings available. Click here to purchase tickets and for Terms and Conditions. Details for each ticket type are subject to change.

General Admission: General Admission ticket to Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Express: One-time (per day) express access to each participating haunted house, ride and attraction. Does not include early event access.
Universal Express Unlimited: Unlimited express access (per day) to each participating haunted house, ride and attraction. Does not include early event access.
Frequent Fear Pass: Experience up to 33 nights (based on your selected first visit date during purchase) of General Admission to this year’s event. Valid on select nights only; blackout dates apply. Does not include early event access.
Ultimate Fear Pass: Experience the scares over and over for up to all event nights (based on selected first visit date during purchase). No blackout dates on return visits. Does not include early event access.
After 2 PM Day/Night: Daytime General Admission to the Theme Park after 2:00 p.m. and same day evening General Admission to Halloween Horror Nights.
Early Access Ticket: Early access, beginning at 5:30 p.m.(subject to change) to select haunted houses prior to event opening. A Halloween Horror Nights admission ticket must be purchased separately.
R.I.P. Tour: Enjoy V.I.P treatment with an evening of first-class horror, expert shared guided tour of the haunted house, exclusive experiences along the way and a gourmet dinner.
Platinum Annual Pass Members: Platinum Annual Pass Members can reserve their complimentary Halloween Horror Nights General Admission ticket; select nights apply.

Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween’ Is Serving All the Thrills and Chills

Socalthrills Staff

August 29, 2024

Freeform’s “31 Nights of Halloween” returns for a delightful lineup of Halloween favorites that will keep viewers entranced all month long.

Eerily epic Halloween films ranging from classics like “Casper,” “Beetlejuice,” “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Edward Scissorhands” to modern fan favorites like 2023’s “Haunted Mansion” (broadcast debut), “Cruella” and “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” fill Freeform’s beloved lineup.

Dastardly double features include “Hocus Pocus”/”Hocus Pocus 2” (broadcast debut), “Monsters Inc.”/”Monsters University” and “The Incredibles”/”The Incredibles 2.”

Timeless favorites include the Freeform premieres of “Arachnophobia,” “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” and “Muppets From Space.”

Tim Burton fans, rejoice! The lineup features a marathon of Tim Burton’s ghoulishly grand films on Sunday, Oct. 13, including 2019’s live-action “Dumbo,” “Frankenweenie” and “Dark Shadows,” among other classics.

In need of a good binge session? Season one of the Disney+ hit series “Goosebumps” will air in its entirety on Friday, Oct. 25.

Last year’s event reached 24 million viewers, and Freeform ranked as a Top 5 cable entertainment network among Adults 18-34 (#2) and Adults 18-49 (#5).**

So take a peek inside the cauldron to experience a month’s worth of opportunities to watch all of these spine-chilling films and shows. It’s Halloween time!

Below is a night-by-night list of the programming airing during “31 Nights of Halloween”:

Tuesday, Oct. 1
1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”
3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)
5:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”
6:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
8:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

Wednesday, Oct. 2
1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Arachnophobia” – Freeform Premiere
3:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
5:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)
8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”

Thursday, Oct. 3
11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”
1:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)
4:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
6:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters, Inc.” (Disney-Pixar)
8:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters University” (Disney-Pixar)

Friday, Oct. 4
10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”
12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge”
2:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” (Disney Animated) – Freeform Premiere
4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”
6:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Cruella”
9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)

Saturday, Oct. 5
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Spooky Buddies”
9:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Toy Story of TERROR!” (Disney-Pixar)
9:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”
11:35 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Edward Scissorhands”
2:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The House with a Clock in Its Walls”
4:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
6:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
8:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Haunted Mansion” (2023) – World Television Premiere
11:30 p.m EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

Sunday, Oct. 6
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Mrs. Doubtfire”
10:05 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The House with a Clock in Its Walls”
12:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)
2:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”
4:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)
6:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus 2” – World Television Premiere
11:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”

Monday, Oct. 7
1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Mrs. Doubtfire”
4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Edward Scissorhands”
6:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)
8:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”

Tuesday, Oct. 8
12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” (2010)
2:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”
4:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)
6:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
8:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

Wednesday, Oct. 9
1:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Mansion”
3:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Frankenweenie” (2012)
5:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” (Disney Animated)
7:10 p.m. EDT / PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”
8:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Encanto” (Disney Animated)

Thursday, Oct. 10
10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”
12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge”
2:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The House with a Clock in Its Walls”
5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)
7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus” – Pop N’ Knowledge
9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice” – Pop N’ Knowledge
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Twitches”

Friday, Oct. 11
10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The House with a Clock in Its Walls”
1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Spooky Buddies”
3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Toy Story of TERROR!” (Disney-Pixar)
3:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)
5:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Twitches Too”

Saturday, Oct. 12
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Toy Story of TERROR!” (Disney-Pixar)
7:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996) (Disney Animated)
9:35 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)
11:40 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)
2:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”
5:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters, Inc.” (Disney-Pixar)
7:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters University” (Disney-Pixar)
9:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
11:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Something Wicked This Way Comes” – Freeform Premiere

Sunday, Oct. 13
8:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Black Cauldron” (Disney Animated)
10:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Dumbo” (2019) (Live Action) – Tim Burton Marathon
12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Frankenweenie” (2012)
2:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Dark Shadows” (2012)
5:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”
6:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
8:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Edward Scissorhands”
11:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Arachnophobia”

Monday, Oct. 14
11:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Dark Shadows” (2012)
2:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Edward Scissorhands”
4:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”
6:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
8:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

Tuesday, Oct. 15
11:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Twitches”
1:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Frankenweenie” (2012)
3:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)
5:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Incredibles” (Disney-Pixar)
8:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Incredibles 2” (Disney-Pixar)

Wednesday, Oct. 16
1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Spooky Buddies”
3:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”
5:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” – Pop N’ Knowledge
6:50 p.m. EDT / PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)
8:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

Thursday, Oct. 17
11:00 am. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”
1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”
3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge”
5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Despicable Me”
7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Despicable Me 2”
9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Despicable Me 3”
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Muppets From Space” – Freeform Premiere

Friday, Oct. 18
12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Despicable Me”
2:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters, Inc.” (Disney-Pixar)
4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters University” (Disney-Pixar)
6:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
8:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus 2”
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)

Saturday, Oct. 19
7:30 a.m. EDT / PDT – “Edward Scissorhands”
10:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”
1:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
4:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
8:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”
11:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Dark Shadows” (2012)

Sunday, Oct. 20
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Mrs. Doubtfire”
9:40 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
11:50 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Arachnophobia”
2:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Dark Shadows” (2012)
5:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Haunted Mansion” (2023)
7:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Cruella”
11:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”

Monday, Oct. 21
11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Alice in Wonderland” (2010) (Live Action)
1:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Alice Through The Looking Glass”
4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”
6:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”
8:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

Tuesday, Oct. 22
10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”
12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Arachnophobia”
3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Spider-Man: Far From Home”
7:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Spider-Man: No Way Home”

Wednesday, Oct. 23
12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Spider-Man: Far From Home”
3:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Spider-Man: No Way Home”
6:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)
8:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Dark Shadows” (2012)

Thursday, Oct. 24
1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Edward Scissorhands”
3:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Dark Shadows” (2012)
5:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Aladdin” (2019) (Live Action)
8:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus” – Pop N’ Knowledge
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”

Friday, Oct. 25
1:30-11:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps” (2023) – Season One Marathon
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge”

Saturday, Oct. 26
8:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”
10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge”
12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”
2:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)
5:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
7:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus 2”
9:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Haunted Mansion” (2023)
12:25 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” (Disney Animated)

Sunday, Oct. 27
7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”
9:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Spooky Buddies”
11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)
1:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Frankenweenie” (2012)
3:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
5:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”
7:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters, Inc.” (Disney-Pixar)
9:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters University” (Disney-Pixar)
11:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)

Monday, Oct. 28
11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Frankenweenie” (2012)
1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)
3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Incredibles” (Disney-Pixar)
5:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Incredibles 2” (Disney-Pixar)
8:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”

Tuesday, Oct. 29
11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” (Disney Animated)
12:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”
2:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”
5:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Cruella”
8:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

Wednesday, Oct. 30
11:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”
1:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Arachnophobia”
4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
6:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)
8:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Haunted Mansion” (2023)

Thursday, Oct. 31 – HALLOWEEN
12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
2:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)
4:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”
6:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”
8:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus 2”
12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)

All programming is subject to change.

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed Demo is Live NOW!

Socalthrills Staff

August 28, 2024

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!

Play the demo:
Steam: https://shorturl.at/9WGj5
PS5 SIEE: https://shorturl.at/6kwWF
PS5 SIEA: https://shorturl.at/e0dMR
PS5 SIEJ: https://shorturl.at/6Xatm
Xbox: https://shorturl.at/1GzIu

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 Launches THE LION KING’s Royal Suite

Robbie Bulus

August 28, 2024

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.

See “Coco” at the El Capitan Theatre with the Mariachi Divas

Socalthrills Staff

August 22, 2024

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.

Tickets are on sale now at www.elcapitantickets.com and https://www.fandango.com/el-capitan-theatre-aacon/theater-page or by calling 1-800 Disney-6 (347-6396). All seats are reserved. Tickets are $16 for all ages.

Polynesian Paradise at Catamaran Resort and Spa in San Diego

Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway

August 20, 2024

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.

Universal Studios — 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.

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.

The hotel is located in San Diego’s Pacific Beach community and sits on the shores of Mission Bay, a large, artificial saltwater bay created for recreational activities such as wakeboarding, jet skiing, sailing, camping, cycling, jogging, roller skating, skateboarding, and sunbathing.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

First Look at All-New Halloween Horror Nights Merchandise

Socalthrills Staff

August 19, 2024

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.

Recap: D23 A Disney Fan Dream Come True

Russell Tom

August 18, 2024

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 Panels Take Disney Fans Behind the Ears

Russell Tom

August 18, 2024

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.

Disney “POP CUBE” Collection Now Available

Robbie Bulus

August 15, 2024

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.
Price: $13.99 per blind box