D23 Expo 2022 finally resumed with gusto this year after a COVID-mandated hiatus, presenting news and upcoming events pertinent to every branch of the wildly extensive Walt Disney Company.
One of the highlights of the first day’s activities was “Disney & Marvel Games Showcase,” which revealed news about games from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios.
The program started off with rapid-fire trailers and clips from games new, coming soon, and updated, and also included short interviews with some of the game makers.
Premiering Games:
Disney Illusion Island: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy explore the mysterious islands of Monoth and embark on a quest to recover three mystical books required to save the world from disaster. From Disney and Dlala Studios, Disney Illusion Island debuts exclusively on the Nintendo Switch™ system in 2023 and is currently available to wishlist on the Nintendo eShop today.
TRON: Identity: Taking place in the world of TRON, this visual novel/puzzle mystery game from Bithell Games stars Query–a detective program engaged with crime solving. It arrives on PC and console in 2023.
Marvel | Skydance New Media Project: Set in the Marvel Universe, this first initiative from Skydance New Media, a new AAA game studio, is a narrative adventure that features an original World War II-era story. At various points in the game, players can play four different heroes: A young Steve Rogers/Captain America; Azzuri, T’Challa’s grandfather and the WWII-era Black Panther; Gabriel Jones, a U.S. soldier and member of the Howling Commandos; and Nanali, leader of the fledgling Wakandan Spy Network. Skydance New Media is helmed by award-winning writer and director Amy Hennig.
MARVEL World of Heroes: An Augmented Reality game developed in collaboration with Niantic and Marvel Entertainment, which will allow you to not only create your own Super Hero identity, but also team up with your favorite Marvel characters in the real world. World of Heroes launches globally on mobile devices in 2023, with pre-registration available now at marvelworldofheroes.com.
Gargoyles Remastered: The classic 90s platformer is getting an update to its visuals and controls with Empty Clip Studios, and coming to modern consoles and PC.
D23 Expo 2022 Games Showcase Highlights
Sneak Peeks:
Avatar: Reckoning: A mobile MMORPG shooter, players got a quick look at avatar customization and some of the new game modes and regions of Pandora. Coming soon.
Aliens: Dark Descent: A tactical squad-based action game in which gamers confront a Xenomorph outbreak with Colonial Marines. Arriving next year on PC and consoles.
Additional Content:
Disney Dreamlight Valley: The life-sim adventure game now in Early Access will be adding a Toy Story update with new quests involving Woody and Buzz Lightyear.
Disney Mirrorverse: Hades and other villains will come to the Mirrorverse at Halloween time to engage in battle with the divergent universe Disney and Pixar characters. This mobile game is currently available on the App Store and Google Play.
Disney Speedstorm: Monsters, Inc content will be added to Disney Speedstorm in a planned update with new racers Sully, Mike Wazowski, Celia Mae, and Randall, along with “The Factory, ” a new Monsters, Inc. inspired racing track. Disney Speedstorm launches soon on Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One and PC.
MARVEL Strike Force: Players will be able to recruit Red Hulk on September 13 as Apocalypse’s newest Horseman of War. MARVEL Strike Force is available on the App Store and Google Play.
LEGO Star Wars™: The Skywalker Saga: The Galactic Edition will launch on November 1st with 6 new 13-character packs including popular personalities such as Cassian Andor, Reva, Captain Rex, and more. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Galactic Edition will be available for the Xbox One family of devices including Xbox Series X, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch™ and PC.
Coming This Year:
Return to Monkey Island (September 19): A new adventure for the famous series’ Guybrush Threepwood releases on PC and Nintendo Switch on September 19, International Talk Like a Pirate Day.
MARVEL SNAP (October 18): A card battle game that utilizes the entire Marvel multiverse will launch globally on mobile and PC on October 18th. Players can pre-register for the game now.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns (December 2): A set of Prequel Shorts that set up the backstory for the formation of the Midnight Suns will premiere October 31, 2022, on the Marvel Entertainment YouTube channel. The tactical RPG that has players battling unsavory supernatural elements alongside legendary Marvel heroes will launch on December 2 for Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation® 5.
During the D23 Expo 2022, the cast and creative team of “The Simpsons” announced that season 33 of the hit animated series will stream October 5 on Disney+.
In celebration of Disney+ Day yesterday, “Welcome to the Club,” a new short from “The Simpsons,” was released on the streaming service. In the latest short, it’s Disney+ Day and Lisa Simpson has her heart set on the ultimate princess transformation. After meeting some of Disney’s most notorious villains, Lisa is surprised to learn being bad just might be more fun.
The Simpsons Welcome to the Club
“Welcome to the Club” is the latest in a collection of shorts from “The Simpsons” created exclusively for Disney+ that highlight the service’s marquee brands and most popular content. “When Billie Met Lisa” was nominated for Outstanding Short Form Animated Program at this year’s Emmy® Awards.
The Simpsons Collection
The previously released shorts “Maggie Simpson in ‘The Force Awakens from Its Nap,’” “The Good, The Bart, and The Loki” and “The Simpsons in Plusaversary” are currently available on Disney+. All of these and more can be found in “The Simpsons” collection on the streaming service: https://www.disneyplus.com/franchise/the-simpsons
The magical teaser trailer for the all-new live-action musical comedy “Disenchanted,” which premiered at the D23 Expo 2022 in the Anaheim Convention Center, is here! The eagerly-anticipated sequel to “Enchanted,” which reunites original cast members Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Idina Menzel, and James Marsden and also stars Maya Rudolph, Gabriella Baldacchino, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Jayma Mays, is directed by Adam Shankman and features new songs from Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. “Disenchanted” begins streaming November 24, exclusively on Disney+…just in time to brighten up the holiday season.
It has been 15 years since Giselle (Amy Adams) and Robert (Patrick Dempsey) wed, but Giselle has grown disillusioned with life in the city, so they move their growing family to the sleepy suburban community of Monroeville in search of a more fairy tale life. Unfortunately, it isn’t the quick fix she had hoped for.
Suburbia has a whole new set of rules and a local queen bee, Malvina Monroe (Maya Rudolph), who makes Giselle feel more out of place than ever. Frustrated that her happily ever after hasn’t been so easy to find, she turns to the magic of Andalasia for help, accidentally transforming the entire town into a real-life fairy tale and placing her family’s future happiness in jeopardy. Now, Giselle is in a race against time to reverse the spell and determine what happily ever after truly means to her and her family.
“Disenchanted stars Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Maya Rudolph, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jayma Mays, Gabriella Baldacchino, with Idina Menzel and James Marsden. Directed by Adam Shankman from a screenplay by Brigitte Hales and a story by J. David Stem & David N. Weiss and Richard LaGravenese, “Disenchanted” is produced by Barry Josephson, Barry Sonnenfeld, and Amy Adams, with Jo Burn, Sunil Perkash, and Adam Shankman serving as executive producers. The movie features songs with music by 8-time Oscar®-winning composer Alan Menken and lyrics by three-time Oscar-winning lyricist Stephen Schwartz, whose work on “Enchanted” garnered three Academy Award® nominations and a score by Alan Menken.
Disney’s “Disenchanted” begins streaming November 24, 2022, only on Disney+.
Amazon is thrilled to be the Platinum Sponsor of this year’s D23 Expo, and to bring Walt’s Plane, Mickey Mouse One, to the event.
The historic aircraft will be on display at the Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California, from September 9 through 11 in an all-new exhibit from D23, the Walt Disney Archives, and Amazon.
Disney and Amazon have restored the plane’s exterior for guests to see in a specially curated exhibit in the Arena of the Anaheim Convention Center called Mickey Mouse One: Walt’s Plane presented by Amazon. The exhibit will highlight the history of the plane—also known as “The Mouse”—and showcase its significance in The Walt Disney Company’s history.
Be sure to stop by the Ultimate Disney Fan Lounge for a gift from Amazon (while supplies last) and visit the Amazon booth, where you can take photos, play a game on Amazon’s new Glow device, and explore the newest Amazon exclusives from Loungefly, Funko, Doorables, and more!
Amazon also has a dedicated page just for Disney fans including one for D23 Expo. Check it out here: www.amazon.com/Disney
Walt Disney – Personal, travel bag, Gulfstream N732G logo printed on both sides. “Walt Disney Productions'” 1964
Disney fans attending D23 Expo are invited to shop, browse and play at Amazon’s immersive space on the showroom floor with in-person peeks at custom merchandise related Mickey Mouse One: Walt’s Plane.
In anticipation of Disney+ Day on September 8, fans are invited to join the Disney+ community with a special introductory offer and receive even more value with their subscription with the ultimate collection of limited-time offers, experiences, and perks. Starting Sept 7, 2022 at 9pm PT through Monday, September 19, 2022 at 11:59pm PT, new and returning subscribers can get one month of Disney+ for $1.99 here.
The Disney+ Day celebration leads into D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA from September 9 through September 11, where subscribers in attendance can receive access to even more onsite perks and expect exciting announcements and first-looks at upcoming Disney+ Originals.
Subscriber Perks in Honor of Disney+ Day
Both existing and new subscribers can receive the following perks in celebration of Disney+ Day starting September 8 at 12:00am PT / 3:00am ET:
• Special Access to shopDisney Merchandise: Disney+ subscribers can receive special access to a curated collection of shopDisney merchandise. This custom selection of designs is inspired by favorite Disney+ Day premieres, Disney+ Originals, and more.
• Disney Cruise Line Offer: Watch the stories you love come to life on a Disney cruise with a special offer for Disney+ subscribers. Third and fourth guests sail free with two full-fare guests in the same stateroom. Disney+ subscribers can book up to two staterooms with this offer. Offer available starting September 8 on select sailings aboard the Disney Magic, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy departing January – April 2023, in select stateroom categories*
• Walt Disney World Resort Offer: Experience holiday fun during the Walt Disney World® 50th Anniversary Celebration! Disney+ subscribers can be on the lookout for a special holiday offer at select Disney Resort hotels. Visit www.disneyworld.com/disneyplus starting September 8 for additional details. To learn more about the benefits of staying at a Disney Resort hotel, visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resort-hotels-benefits.
• National Geographic Digital Subscription Offer: Disney+ subscribers can get a 6-month free trial to Nat Geo Digital. Enjoy subscriber-exclusive content, every page of every issue ever published in our digital archive, and access stories anywhere with the ad-free Nat Geo mobile app.
• Uber One Offer: Extended in celebration of Disney+ Day, Disney+ subscribers get 6 free months of Uber One membership, plus $25 off their first Uber Eats order.
• Disney Movie Insiders Bonus Points: When subscribers link their Disney+ account to their Disney Movie Insiders account by September 30, they earn 150 bonus points and continue to earn 50 points per month as long as their active accounts are linked. It’s free to join Disney Movie Insiders, and members can redeem points for rewards, experiences, and more.
• Disney Parks Early Entry: On September 8, Disney+ subscribers and their party with theme park admission and reservations are invited to enter the theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, and Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris 30 minutes before regular park open to extend the celebrations.**
• Disney+ Fan-Favorite Screenings at AMC Theatres: From September 8-19, select AMC Theatres will celebrate Disney+ Day with screenings of fan-favorite movies including Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto”, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”, Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok,” Disney and Pixar’s “Cars” and “Newsies.” Tickets are $5 per screening and are available to everyone. Attendees will receive a free Disney+ poster, while supplies last. Plus, a special concessions offer will be available for Disney+ subscribers.
Perks for Disney+ Subscribers at D23 Expo
Disney+ subscribers attending D23 Expo can continue the Disney+ Day celebration with special experiences, giveaways, and offers at the convention. To access the following perks, subscribers can pick up their Disney+ Subscriber Pass September 8 through September 11 from 7am to 7pm at D23 Expo Will Call and the Arena Box Office at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena. To confirm your subscriber pass, guests will need to scan their valid D23 Expo badge.
• Subscriber Screening (September 8): On Thursday, September 8, subscribers and their families heading to D23 Expo are invited to celebrate Disney+ Day with a special screening under the stars of the Disney+ Day Premiere, “Pinocchio” at the Hilton Anaheim located adjacent to the Anaheim Convention Center. This subscriber-only event will jumpstart the celebration through D23 Expo weekend with special content, live DJ, a volunteer opportunity, refreshments, giveaways, and more. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the screening will begin at 7:00 p.m. To access the screening, subscribers must show their Disney+ Subscriber Pass. Space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Offer Spots: Throughout the weekend, Disney+ subscribers attending D23 Expo will be able to unlock special giveaways or promotions at Offer Spots on the show floor when they present their Disney+ subscriber pass. In the Disney+ Innovation Lounge, Disney+ subscribers and D23 Gold Members will receive a Disney+ Collectible Card pack featuring custom illustrations celebrating some of the most popular current and upcoming Disney+ movies and shows.
• Early Access to Adidas Ultraboost DNA x Marvel Legacy Black Panther Shoe: Subscribers at D23 Expo can sign up for early access to the new Adidas shoe inspired by Wakandan symbols and the iconic costume of the legendary Marvel character Black Panther. Subscribers can stop by the Disney+ Innovation Lounge for a sneak peek at the new shoe, plus get on the list for a limited drop available soon.
• Citizen: Citizen invites guests at D23 Expo to celebrate “moments in time,” and in celebration of the D23 Expo and Disney+ Day, will be offering select products available just for Disney+ Subscribers, including a new watch inspired by the Disney+ Day premiere Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Love and Thunder.” Attendees can stop by the Disney+ Innovation Lounge or the Citizen booth to learn more.
• Corkcicle: Experience hero hydration with select Corkcicle products available at D23 Expo, just for Disney+ Subscribers. Subscribers will be able to purchase 24oz tumblers inspired by popular Marvel characters Thor and Loki. Corkcicle will also be offering Disney+ Subscribers early access to a new collection inspired by Snow White. Attendees can stop by the Disney+ Innovation Lounge or the Corkcicle booth to learn more.
Additional Disney+ Day Celebrations from Across the Company
• shopDisney Free Shipping: In celebration of Disney+ Day, shopDisney will offer free shipping using Code: FREESHIP in the U.S. on September 8 for all guests.***
• Disney Parks Celebrations: On September 8, guests of Disneyland Resort in California, Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will discover festive décor, special character sightings and photo opportunities. The morning will be “plussed” with more pixie dust as guests staying in select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels and Hotels of the Disneyland Resort will have the opportunity to enter 60 minutes before regular park open at any Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort theme park (with valid park admission and reservations). Fans can also join the celebration digitally with Disney PhotoPass Lenses featuring a Disney+ Day Mickey ear hat and Groot – available in-park or at-home in the U.S. through the My Disney Experience app and Snapchat during Disney+ Day. Hong Kong Disneyland will celebrate with guests visiting the park on September 10.
• Disney and Pixar’s “Cars on the Road” Products: “Cars” enthusiasts can get revved up for the new “Cars on the Road” series, debuting on September 8 on Disney+, with the “Cars on the Road” book and some new products from Mattel including the Radiator Springs Tour Playset, the Color Change Whale Car Wash Trackset, Salt Flats Super Speed Playset and the Showtime Loop Trackset.
• “Obi-Wan Kenobi™” Products: Fans revisiting Lucasfilm’s original limited series, “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” via the new documentary, “Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return,” can choose their destinies and show their light side or dark side affiliation via products honoring both sides of the Force, including the Star Wars The Black Series Darth Vader™ Force FX Elite Lightsaber™ collectible from Hasbro, the Obi-Wan Kenobi in Jedi™ Robe Funko POP! bobblehead and much more.
• “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” Product: Today, Funko unveiled the new POP Marvel: She-Hulk – Wong vinyl figure as part of their “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” product line-up. The figure depicting the Master of the Mystic Arts is now on pre-order.
• “Thor: Love and Thunder” Products: One can’t embark on an epic cosmic journey without the proper gear. As “Thor: Love and Thunder” arrives on Disney+, voyagers can choose from a variety of new products inspired by the latest Marvel Studios film, including, Loungefly Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder Glow-In-The-Dark Cosplay Mini Backpack, Funko Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder – 2pk Thor & Mighty Thor, Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder Strongest Avenger Cosplay Trucker Hat, LEGO Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder The Goat Boat Building Kit and Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder Toothgnasher and Toothgrinder Plush Goat Set.
• Star Wars™: Galaxy of Heroes: Players can gather ‘round the holotable in September for various promotional specials. Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes is celebrating Disney+ Day with an exclusive in-game calendar. New and returning fans can log in every day to get Iden Versio shards and additional rewards such as Ability Materials, Credits and Training Droids from September 8 to October 1. Galaxy of Heroes is also offering 50% off their Hyperdrive Bundle, which unlocks 65 characters and 13 ships to a 5-star level, as well as Core Gear, Ability Materials, Currencies, and Energy. This limited-time sale starts on September 7 and lasts for one week. Finally, new and returning players can celebrate the premiere of “Andor” on September 21 by logging in to receive free Cassian Andor shards.
• Disney Publishing Worldwide: Disney Publishing Worldwide will offer select discounted eBooks today through September 18th, giving fans the opportunity to discover the stories behind their favorite Disney+ series, including “Women of Walt Disney Imagineering” and National Geographic’s “COSMOS: Possible Worlds.” Or to explore the worlds of your favorite Disney+ series even further in hardcover or e-book editions, check out “Marvel’s Wandavision: The Art of the Series, “Star Wars: Brotherhood”, and “The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian.”
*Excludes taxes, fees and port expenses of approximately $89–$202 per person depending on the itinerary selected (all amounts subject to change). Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses for all guests are not included and are due at time of final payment. Offer excludes suites and categories with restrictions (VGT, OGT and IGT). Offer only available to Disney+ subscribers who are residents of the U.S. and Canada. Disney+ subscriber can book up to two staterooms with this offer; two full-fare guests must stay in each stateroom.
The Disney+ subscriber must be the primary guest on the reservation and must sail in one of the staterooms booked with the offer. Proof of Disney+ subscription required. If Disney+ subscription cannot be verified, reservation will be cancelled with applicable cancellation fees. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotions. Valid on new and existing reservations. Offer is subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. Stateroom accommodations for four or more guests are limited and based on availability at the time of booking. Offer valid through March 1, 2023
**Guests may be required to verify that they are a Disney+ subscriber by displaying their logged-in home screen on the Disney+ app via their phone to enter early and to receive special benefits at the parks. Please be sure to download the Disney+ app and sign in prior to arrival.
***shopDisney Free Shipping Promotion Restrictions: Valid September 8, 2022 (12:00 am PT) through September 8, 2022 (11:59 pm PT) on select, in-stock items purchased via phone orders and orders placed online at shopDisney.com. Not valid on purchases made at Disney Store retail and outlet locations or Disney Parks and Resorts locations.
Free Shipping applies to Standard Delivery on orders sent to a single shipment address in the United States. Offer excludes Additional Shipping & Handling charges, D23 Memberships, gift wrap & gift boxes. Additional Shipping & Handling applies for select items or shipments to more than one shipment address. Merchandise subject to availability. Valid packing slip required for returns and exchanges. Offer subject to restrictions and change without notice. Void where prohibited.
Disney+ has unveiled the key art and trailer for the sophomore season of the Original series, “The Mysterious Benedict Society,” from Disney Branded Television and 20th Television, which will return with a two-episode premiere on Wednesday, October 26 on Disney+.
This season, Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance, the four gifted orphans who were recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict (Tony Hale), embark on another mission to save the world from the nefarious plans of his twin brother Dr. L.D. Curtain (also Hale). The Original series, based on the New York Times bestselling book series by Trenton Lee Stewart, will debut new episodes weekly on Wednesdays, streaming on Disney+.
When the kids discover that Mr. Benedict and Number Two have been kidnapped, they must piece together the riddles and clues within a perilous scavenger hunt set by Mr. Benedict to foil Curtain’s latest scheme. Relying on only their wits, intellect, and empathy, the charming group of misfits embark on a globe-trotting adventure by air, land, sea and pie truck, calling upon their special skills to solve the mysteries and rescue their lost comrades.
Along the way, the kids experience the growing pains that come along with being part of their new “found family”, while remaining true to their unique selves. In the process, they discover what true happiness really means.
In addition to Hale, “The Mysterious Benedict Society” stars Kristen Schaal as Number Two; MaameYaa Boafo as Rhonda Kazembe; Ryan Hurst as Milligan; Gia Sandhu as Ms. Perumal; Seth B. Carr as George “Sticky” Washington; Emmy DeOliveira as Kate Wetherall; Mystic Inscho as Reynie Muldoon; and Marta Kessler as Constance Contraire.
The Disney Branded Television series is executive produced by Halcyon Studio a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Company and 20th Television. Jamie Tarses, Karen Kehela Sherwood, Deepak Nayar, James Bobin, Matt Manfredi (writer/creator) and Phil Hay (writer/creator) serve as executive producers. Showrunners for the series are Darren Swimmer and Todd Slavkin.
Disney Vacation Club (DVC) announced the development of the first-ever Member Lounge coming to the Disneyland Resort in Californiaand anticipated to open in the first half of 2023, the “Disney Vacation Club Star View Station.”
The new Member Lounge will reside inTomorrowland at Disneyland Park, in the space on the second floor of the Star Wars: Launch Bay building. The sleekly designed “space” will be home to a dedicated Disney Vacation Club Member Services team, plenty of casual seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, device-charging stations and more.
Exclusive Member spaces have long been part of what Disney Vacation Club proudly calls “Membership Magic.” These Member-favorite locations include the Top of the World Lounge atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the Member Lounge inside the iconic glass pyramid of the Imagination! pavilion at EPCOT, both at Walt Disney World Resort.
When it opens the new lounge will be available to eligible*Disney Vacation Club Members with valid park tickets and reservations to Disneyland Park.
DVC Info
Today, there are a total of 15 Disney Vacation Club properties across four states, including Disney’s Riviera Resort, the newest Disney Vacation Club property at Walt Disney World Resort, the recently expanded Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. Construction is underway at the proposed new Disney Vacation Club Resort at Disneyland Resort, the 12-story tower, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel.
Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I plane is making a cross-country journey to Anaheim, California, where it will be on display for fans attending the sold-out D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa from September 9 through 11. D23 and the Walt Disney Archives, along with D23 Expo Platinum sponsor Amazon, have restored the plane’s exterior for guests to see in a specially curated exhibit in the Arena of the Anaheim Convention Center called Mickey Mouse One: Walt’s Plane presented by Amazon. The exhibit will highlight the history of the plane—also known as “The Mouse”—and showcase its significance in The Walt Disney Company’s history.
The newly repainted plane with updated wing edges and windows will be on view along with never-before-exhibited items from the aircraft’s interior, including a customized instrument panel originally located near Walt’s favorite onboard seat that allowed him to monitor flight conditions; a telephone handset that gave Walt a direct line of communication to the pilot in the cockpit; a flight bag featuring an image of Mickey Mouse sitting on the tail of the iconic plane; and more.
Walt’s plane will return to the West Coast for the first time since October 8, 1992, when the plane landed on World Drive in Orlando, Florida, at Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios), where it resided as a part of the Studio Backlot Tour until 2014. The recent exterior repaint and finishing work, along with the cross-country move of the aircraft, was made possible thanks to collaboration and support from Walt Disney Imagineering.
In 1963, Walt acquired the iconic Gulfstream that would come to be known as “The Mouse.” The interior of the plane, initially designed with creative input from Walt and his wife, Lillian, seated up to 15 passengers and included a galley kitchen, two restrooms, two couches, a desk, and nods to the mouse who started it all, including matchbooks and stationery adorned with a silhouette of Mickey Mouse.
Mickey’s initials were eventually included in the tail number of the plane, too, as N234MM, in 1967. Throughout its 28 years of service to The Walt Disney Company, the plane flew 20,000 hours and transported an estimated 83,000 passengers before it was grounded.
D23 Expo will kick off Disney100, a celebration of the 100-year history of The Walt Disney Company, and in this all-new exhibit, guests will be invited to “take to the skies” and learn about the role this iconic plane has played throughout the company’s history:
In 1963, Walt, members of his family, and company executives took off on a demonstration Gulfstreamaircraft to explore potential locations, including Central Florida, for a proposed development often referred to as “Project X.” After Walt received his own Gulfstream in early 1964, he made several trips to Florida that ultimately laid the foundation to bring the magic of Walt Disney World to life.
Walt’s plane flew a total of 277,282 miles back and forth between Burbank and New York to oversee preparations before and during the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair, an event that brought iconic attractions such as “it’s a small world” to an East Coast audience and, later, to Disneyland.
The plane also took Disneyland to new heights as Walt found inspiration for the look of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction as he flew over the El Moro fortress in San Juan, Puerto Rico, while conducting research for the now fan favorite.
“The Mouse” has a star-studded past, having been used for promotional tours for Disneyland as well as for classic movies such as The Jungle Book(1967), as well as making appearances in The Walt Disney Studios films The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969) and Now You See Him, Now You Don’t (1972), both of which starred Disney Legend Kurt Russell. The aircraft has also transported notable guests including Disney Legends Julie Andrews and Annette Funicello, as well as former U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.
Painted blue and white in 1985, Walt’s plane embarked on goodwill tours and character visits to children’s hospitals, adding to the company’s history of giving back to the community.
Walt Disney – Personal, travel bag, Gulfstream N732G logo printed on both sides. “Walt Disney Productions'” 1964
Disney fans attending D23 Expo are invited to shop, browse and play at Amazon’s immersive space on the showroom floor with in-person peeks at custom merchandise related Mickey Mouse One: Walt’s Plane.
D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo [LIVE]. For more information, visit D23Expo.com.
Freeform just released the The highly anticipated “31 Nights of Halloween” schedule for the month of October with Halloween films, including beloved classics and recent hits.
From Oct. 1-31, viewers can celebrate Halloween at home with haunting movies, including fan favorites “Ghostbusters” (1984), “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride,” “Halloweentown,” “Maleficent“ and “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.” Films new to the lineup this year include Academy Award® winner “Get Out,” “Halloween” (2018) and “A Quiet Place,” among others. The network also released a trailer for the programming event; check it out below. Last October, “31 Nights of Halloween” propelled Freeform to rank No. 1 among primetime cable networks in entertainment across Adults 18-34, Women 18-34, and Men 18-34 (excludes sports).
Here is a night-by-night list of the programming airing during “31 Nights of Halloween”:
Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights is back in 2022 with an all new Terror Tram and thrilling haunted house experiences. This year’s iconic “Terror Tram” expands to include a cinematic twist on Jordan Peele’s blockbuster films in a crossover experience that reimagines Us, featuring The Tethered, a revolutionary army of vengeful doppelgängers, whose uprising invades the all-new Jupiter’s Claim set from the filmmaker’s latest pop nightmare, Nope, as part of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, which kicks off on Thursday, September 8.
We had the opportunity to walk through two Haunted Houses with mastermind creative director and Executive Producer John Murdy at a special behind the scenes tour. Here are all the details and photos. ***SPOILER ALERT***
“The Horrors of Blumhouse” brings to life Blumhouse’s supernatural thriller The Black Phone and horror-comedy Freaky. In past years, the Blumhouse scare experience has relied on a movie theater motif of triple features from the latest of movie production Blumhouse’s horror film library. Spinning off from a passing joke during planning for this year’s design in the Waterworld stunt show queue, a new facade theme in the shape of an abandoned rental video store now takes hold. The first 2/3 of the maze is based on 2020’s horror-comedy Freaky starring Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton. A supernatural dagger switches the bodies of a 17-year-old girl with that of a murderous serial killer.
Trying to come up with ways to convey the slasher and comedy nature of the movie was especially a challenge for the team to find a balance in bringing to life. The Universal Studios theme park maintenance and engineer teams even wanted a hand in creating the gags to be used for the maze. Our tour didn’t see much blood or webbing as those details will come later on just before opening night. Even the walls still had color testing pallets posted to try out the evening lighting package later in the work schedule.
The set design took us from a home, to the bedrooms of our main characters, high school hallway, and the wood shop. The last third of the attraction transitioned to the world of The Black Phone. In that movie, a man known as The Grabber has been kidnapping children in the neighborhood, only for the victims to meet a grisly end. A wooden fence will have postings for the missing children and then turn to the The Grabber’s house; complete with living room and kitchen.
The distinctive floor tile from the movie’s basement was significant enough for the design team to incorporate. This is not done very often as most people would not notice the floors while walking through the dark hallways of the maze. The room with a bed mattress, victim, and kidnapped boy on the black phone concludes this part of the tour.
Blumhouse: Freaky/The Black Phone - Photo Gallery
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“Universal Monsters: Legends Collide” expands on the thrilling legacy from Universal Pictures as the most notorious horror icons, The Wolf Man, Dracula and The Mummy, come together for the first time ever in an epic battle.
Both Universal Studios Orlando and Hollywood were tasked to put on this project. Project leaders in Orlando wanted to set everything in Egypt, and Hollywood wanted a London setting. The marketing department wanted something consistent for both coasts. Finally the decision was made to do both as a two part story. Orlando will setup the monster showdown in Egypt while Hollywood concludes the match in London.
This will also give die-hard fans who travel to both coasts an opportunity to experience the theme in a unique way. What makes the Hollywood version even more special is the fact that is on a real movie studio lot. The Halloween Horror Nights team was able to dig out screen-used movie props from The Mummy (1999) film franchise out of the world-famous prop warehouse and re-use them for Universal Monsters: Legends Collide.
The “Alucard” name on the facade is Dracula spelled backward. Providing a clue that the head vampire himself is the owner of the shipping business. The terrifying trio of Dracula, The Mummy, and the Wolfman has never depicted on screen. Making this original story concept extra special and a prefect blend for both Universal Monsters movie fans and scare maze enthusiasts come to undead life. Our main antagonists are linked by their respective curses symbolized by a colored moon.
The red blood moon for Dracula’s thirst for blood. The orange moon for The Mummy’s suffering of immortality and unrest. The blue moon haunts The Wolfman into an uncontrollable beast. They are all after one object to ease their tortured souls, an Egyptian burial amulet: The Amulet of Amun-ra. Often depicted in the maze a scorching ray of light beaming out of a glowing chest.
A nod to one of John Murdy’s favorite films, “Pulp Fiction”. Guests navigate their way into the shipping warehouse on the London docks, winding through the holding room full of Egyptian artifacts from their crates, funneling past the storage racks, the ransacked curator’s office, a suspenseful graveyard inspired by Highgate Cemetery in London, and finally the museum where the high priest of Karnak meets his doom. Each legend brings with them a special surprise.
Dracula keeps pleasant company with his brides. The mummy brings to life an army of the undead. And a mistranslation reveals the Egyptian god of Anubis was not depicted as part jackal, but rather part wolf. The final scare should be a great highlight to a mesmerizing and well-detailed must-do attraction on everyone’s scare maze list for the 2022 season.
Universal Studios Hollywood has been prepping for Halloween Horror Nights leaving day time visitors a glimpse into what is to come. Decorations have been spotted in Universal Plaza, New York, Little Europe, and Animal Actors. “Sideshow Slaughterhouse” turns New York Street into a battle zone as the performers and workers from a seedy carnival sideshow are on a murderous rampage.
“El Pueblo del Terror” is an extension of “La Llorona: The Weeping Woman” as the horror continues once guests exit the haunted house and discover there is no escaping the frightening legend along with other supernatural characters from Latin America’s most frightening myths.
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Halloween Horror Nights tickets can be purchased online or at the Universal Studios Hollywood front gate, providing guests with Early Event Admission to select mazes, beginning at 6pm each night of the event (subject to change). Various ticket options are available for purchase:
R.I.P. Tour is a premium product, inviting guests to scare with a VIP treatment that includes an expert guided tour of the event with exclusive experiences along the way.
Universal Express includes one-time express to each scare maze, Terror Tram, ride and attraction. Express access is a separate line with a shorter wait time and does not apply to food and retail locations.
After 2 P.M. Day/Night
Popular passes: Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass, which allow guests to experience the scares again and again.
General Admission
Halloween Horror Nights begins on Thursday, September 8 at Universal Studios Hollywood with eight frightening scare mazes. The event will run select nights through Monday, October 31. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.
Six Flags Magic Mountain, the undisputed “Thrill Capital of the World,” today announced a new thrilling lineup of special events for Fall 2022 and the 2023 season, plus the return of the guest favorite dining pass and membership programs. In addition to the park’s world-record 20 coasters, plus over 100 games and attractions for thrill-seekers of all ages, returning guest favorite events and new offerings create endless opportunities for fun all year long.
Fall 2022 events and offers include:
NEW – Coca-Cola® Dreamworld Experience (Weekends through September 5) – Six Flags and Coca-Cola present the launch of a new multi-platform Dreamworld Arcade to help inspire park guests to discover the magic of dreaming through a whimsical digital experience. The experience, as well as Coca-Cola’s limited-edition Dreamworld beverage, will be available at the park during this event;
NEW – Tailgate Weekends (Weekends through February 12) – Catch your favorite college and professional football games at the Full Throttle Sports Bar and METRO PARK™ Pub. Indulge in game-day food and drink specials, and more;
Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS® (Select nights September 10 – October 31) – One of Los Angeles’ scariest Halloween events returns with a new bone-chilling lineup of 14 terrifying attractions including a new haunted maze, two new dare-to-enter scare zones, an eerie new show, and all-new haunted happy hour experience. Plus, face your fears in total darkness on some of the park’s most popular monster coasters…without the lights;
NEW – Kid’s Boo Fest (Select days September 10 – October 31) – A frightfully fun daytime Trick-or-Treat trail, located in Bugs Bunny World, provides families with a not-so-scary Halloween experience;
NEW – Oktoberfest (Select days September 10 – October 31) – Join in the festivities with this Fall’s selection of craft and seasonal beers, delicious German fare, themed music and activities;
NEW – Veterans Day Celebration (November 11 – November 13) – Join us as we honor and celebrate veterans who have served and made sacrifices for our country through ceremonies and military presentations;
Holiday in the Park (Select evenings November 24 – January 1) – Six Flags Magic Mountain transforms into a magical winter wonderland featuring over two million twinkling lights, holiday-themed areas throughout the park, meet and greets with Santa, and festive food and treats; and
NEW – Merry Marketplace (Select evenings November 24 – January 1) – Find the perfect gift for the holiday season. Encounter festive foods, handcrafted wares, and more while surrounded by fanciful décor.
For the 2023 season, Six Flags Magic Mountain will be offering several new events throughout the year for revelers of all ages. The wide variety of events features everything from family-friendly fun to the perfect foodie paradise. New events and celebrations include Lunar New Year, Mardi Gras, Cinco de Mayo, Six Flags Pride, Celebrate America and many more. Visit sixflags.com/magicmountain for more details.
The popular Seasonal Dining Pass is back! The re-launched dining program offer guests with a Seasonal Pass or Membership a convenient way to fuel up for their day. The Seasonal Dining Pass allows up to two meals per visit with a 3-hour window between meals. And those who purchase their pass or membership by September 5, 2022 will receive a 10% discount off the new Seasonal Dining Pass as well as FREE drinks for the rest of the 2022 Season. For complete details and a full list of benefits, visit sixflags.com/magicmountain or use the Six Flags App.
Membership returns with three tiers of benefits! The Gold Thrill Seeker includes admission to Six Flags Magic Mountain plus parking and in-park benefits. The Platinum Thrill Seeker levels up and is ideal for guests that like to visit multiple Six Flags venues, including Hurricane Harbor and other outdoor properties.
The Diamond Thrill Seeker is the best value with the best benefits; it includes all of the advantages of Platinum, plus deeper discounts on food and merchandise, extra discounted tickets for friends, and more skip-the-line passes! Best of all, there are no block out dates! Guests may also select the flexible payment plan for the Thrill Seeker annual memberships. Six Flags also offers a Seasonal Pass for frequent home park only visitation.
Six Flags Pass Program:
Seasonal Pass
Provides admission to Six Flags Magic Mountain for the rest of 2022 through Labor Day 2023 for only $99.99
Gold Thrill Seeker Annual Membership includes:
Admission to Six Flags Magic Mountain for one year beginning on date of purchase
General parking
10% discount on most food and retail items
One skip-the-line pass
Two specialty rate friend tickets
Only $9.99 per month after initial payment of $65.11
The countdown is on! Disney’s original live-action comedy “Hocus Pocus 2” debuts one month from today, September 30, 2022. The film will premiere exclusively on Disney+ as a part of the streaming service’s Hallowstream celebration.
Check out the new key art for the haunting sequel to the Halloween classic for a new look at Bette Midler (“The First Wives Club,” “Beaches”), Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sex and the City,” “Divorce”), and Kathy Najimy (“Sister Act,” “Younger”) as the delightfully wicked Sanderson sisters.
It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th-century sisters, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high-school students to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve. “Hocus Pocus 2” also stars Sam Richardson (“The Tomorrow War”), Doug Jones (“The Shape of Water”), Whitney Peak (“Gossip Girl”), Belissa Escobedo (“American Horror Stories”), Lilia Buckingham (“Dirt”), Froy Gutierrez (“Teen Wolf”), with Tony Hale (“Veep”) and Hannah Waddingham (“Ted Lasso”).
The film is directed by Anne Fletcher (“Dumplin,’” “The Proposal”), produced by Lynn Harris (“King Richard,” “The Shallows”), with Ralph Winter (“Hocus Pocus,” “X-Men” franchise), David Kirschner (“Hocus Pocus,” “Chucky”), and Adam Shankman (“Disenchanted,” “Hairspray”) serving as executive producers.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. during a special panel at San Diego Comic-Con unveiled an all-new dynamic lineup inspired by iconic franchises including Super Mario, The...
