Disneyland Resort Halloween Sweets and Treats Foodie Guide

By

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August 29, 2022

Ghosts, ghouls, and foodie lovers alike – the time has come for ghoulish sweets and treats to invade Disneyland Resort. This Halloween season, which runs from September 2 through October 31, all across this magical place you’ll find goodies that have been masterfully concocted by Disney chefs and mixologists. These goodies are not to be missed!

Your tastebuds will be transported to the Halloween celebrations happening throughout the resort. At Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, the mouthwatering Rocky Road Halloween Sundae will put a spell on you. Over at the Pacific Wharf Café, the Chocolate-Espresso Bread Pudding is sure to catch your eye. And what better way to commemorate your Halloween adventure than with the Zero Light-Up Premium Bucket?

Once you see all of these eats and sips, you’ll want them all in your treat bag.

Disneyland

Disneyland Park

Alien Pizza Planet (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)

Supernova Pizza Special: Spicy blush sauce, Italian sausage, classic and crispy cupped pepperoni, mozzarella, pepper jack, red pepper flakes, and Fresno chiles
Vampire Alien Macaron filled with blackberry buttercream and lemon curd

Carnation Café (Available August 31 through November 10)

Spicy Chicken Sandwich: Hand-breaded fried chicken breast tossed in spicy chili sauce with pepper jack and mustard slaw on a brioche bun

Disneyland

French Market Restaurant (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)

Halloween Cake: Purple-colored vanilla sponge, raspberry mousse, fresh raspberries, and candied cocoa nibs (New)

Disneyland

Galactic Grill (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)

Oktoberfest-inspired Burger: Angus beef patty, bratwurst, grilled peppers and onions, sauerkraut, and house-made mustard cheese on a pretzel bun (New)
Darth by Chocolate: Layers of chocolate pudding, red velvet sponge, chocolate mousse, and crushed chocolate creme-filled cookies
Blood Orange Slush with a swirl of raspberry sauce (Non-alcoholic)

Disneyland

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)

Rocky Road Halloween Sundae: Rocky road waffle bowl, rocky road ice cream, marshmallow cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream topped with sprinkles (New)

Disneyland

Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)

Pumpkin Cheesecake: Classic pumpkin cheesecake decorated with a chocolate spider web and spiced Chantilly (New)
Mickey Bat Cookie: Citrus shortbread bat cookie dipped in dark chocolate with a vampire Mickey face

Market House (Available September 2 through November 10)

Mickey Bat Cookie: Citrus shortbread bat cookie dipped in dark chocolate with a vampire Mickey face

Disneyland

Mint Julep Bar (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)

Pumpkin-spiced Mickey-shaped Beignets rolled in pumpkin-spiced sugar

Plaza Inn

Monster Halloween Cake: Devil’s Food cake, colorful white chocolate mousse and buttercream (Available September 2 through November 10)
Classic Pumpkin Pie: Classic pumpkin pie with spiced Chantilly (Available September 2 through November 30)

Disneyland

Red Rose Taverne (Mobile order available)

Grave Stuff: Traditional grey stuff topped with chocolate tombstone and Halloween sprinkles (New) (Available September 2 through October 31)
Mickey Bat Cookie: Citrus shortbread bat cookie dipped in dark chocolate with a vampire Mickey face (Available September 2 through November 10)
Pumpkin Cold Brew: Cold brew flavored with pumpkin, vanilla, and spices topped with whipped cream (Non-alcoholic) (New) (Available September 2 through November 10)

Refreshment Corner (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)

Spicy Firefly Chips: Spicy corn chips topped with chili, cheese, and jalapeños (New)

Disneyland

Stage Door Café (Available September 2 through November 10)

Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake: Pumpkin spice-dusted funnel cake with spiced caramel drizzle, toffee bits, whipped cream, and chocolate curls

Fantasyland Churro Cart (Available September 2 through November 10)

Pumpkin Pie Dip (New)

Frontierland Churro Cart (Available September 2 through November 10)

Spicy Chocolate Churro: Cinnamon-dusted chocolate churro with a spicy cocoa dipping sauce

Disneyland

New Orleans Square Churro Cart (Available September 2 through November 10)

Pistachio-Cherry Churro: Cinnamon churro rolled in pistachio and sour cherry sugars and served with a side of ghost pepper grape sauce (New)

Tomorrowland Churro Cart (Available September 2 through November 10)

Pumpkin Spice Churro rolled in pumpkin spice flavored sugar (New)

Tomorrowland Pretzel Cart (Available September 2 through November 10)

Toffee Pretzel: Cream cheese-filled pretzel sprinkled with toffee sugar

Town Square and Sleeping Beauty Castle Churro Carts (Available September 2 through November 10)

Chocolate Cookie Crumble Churro with creamy peanut butter-vanilla dipping sauce (New)

Disneyland

Available at Various Locations Throughout Disneyland Park (COMING SOON)

Donald Candy Corn Sipper (New): Available at the following:
- Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
- Little Red Wagon
- Fantasyland and “it’s a small world” Churro Carts
- Hungry Bear
- Harbour Galley
- Tomorrowland Fruit Cart
- Rancho del Zocalo
- Red Rose Taverne
- Stage Door Café
- The Golden Horseshoe

Mickey Mummy Glow-in-the-Dark Premium Bucket (New):Available at the following:
- Ice Cream Carts
- Popcorn Carts in Town Square, near Sleeping Beauty Castle, “it’s a small world,” Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, and New Orleans Square

Zero Light-Up Premium Bucket (New): Available at the following:
- Ice Cream Carts
- New Orleans Square Popcorn Carts

Disneyland

Disney California Adventure Park

Award Wieners (Available September 2 through October 31; Mobile order available)

Footlong Spicy Pulled Pork Dog: Sweet & spicy pulled pork with a fiery tropical chutney served on a toasted bun (New)
Oogie Boogie Funnel Cake Fries dusted with crushed chocolate creme-filled cookies and topped with whipped cream, cookie pieces, gummy candies, and chocolate candies

Disneyland

Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)

Hibiscus Sangria: Red sangria, cinnamon-spiced hibiscus agua fresca, and fresh fruit with a candied hibiscus rim

Disneyland

Cozy Cone (Available September 2 through October 31; Mobile order available)

Spicy Mac & Cheese Cone: Pasta with spicy red pepper cheese sauce topped with chili-cheese puffs
Fruity Sugar Churro: Churro tossed in fruity cereal sugar, topped with a purple and green glaze

Disneyland

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)

Cereal Sundae: Vanilla and strawberry ice cream, berry compote, mixed cereal, and whipped cream served in a waffle cup and topped with fruity cereal (New)
Chocolate Brownie Sundae: Fudge brownie, rocky road ice cream, hot fudge, and a hard chocolate shell served in a chocolate-dipped waffle cup and topped with white chocolate chips (New)
Hard Apple Float: Hard apple cider and apple sorbet drizzled with caramel sauce (New)
Pumpkin Pie Hard Float: Hard pumpkin chai cider, vanilla ice cream, and a spiced pie crust cookie (New)

Fairfax Fruit Market (Available September 2 through November 10)

Blood Orange Lemonade: Blood orange agua fresca with lemonade (Non-alcoholic) (New)

Disneyland

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café (Available September 2 through November 10)

Oogie Boogie Worms and Dirt Cake: Chocolate cake filled with raspberry jam topped with mocha mousse, chocolate cookie, candy worms, and chocolate décor

Flo’s V8 Cafe (Available September 2 through October 31; Mobile order available)

Spicy Chicken and Fries: Steak fries drizzled with ranch dressing topped with chicken tenders tossed in mango-habanero sauce and finished with green onions

Disneyland

Hollywood Lounge (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)

Stone Delicious IPA Michelada with chile-lime seasoning and lime (New)
Ghost Pepper Michelada: Tomato-based michelada with ghost pepper syrup and Mala Suerte Mexican Dark Lager (New)
Modelo Especial Ghost Pepper Michelada with ghost pepper syrup, chile-lime seasoning, and lime (New)
Blue Rum Cocktail: Rum and orange liqueur with lemon-lime and cherry flavors (New)
Cranberry Sangria: Sangria and orange liqueur with cranberry juice (New)
Prickly Pear Vodka Cocktail: Vodka and prickly pear syrup mixed with lemon-lime and topped with a glow cube (New)

Disneyland

Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums (Available September 2 through October 31)

Jack-Jack Shortbread Cookie: Shortbread cookie dipped in chocolate with a Jack-Jack chocolate piece (New)

Disneyland

Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining (Mobile Walk-up Waiting List available)

Ghost Pepper Nachos: Charred ghost pepper-marinated chicken, smoky ghost pepper cheese sauce, black bean purée, avocado tomatillo salsa, and seasoned tomatoes (New) (Available September 2 through October 31)
Chile-Ginger Pork Belly Sliders: Chili-ginger-glazed crispy pork belly and Asian slaw on baguette buns (New) (Available September 2 through October 31)
Cucumber-Tamarind Cocktail: Patron Silver Tequila, cucumber simple syrup, tamarind simple syrup, and fresh lime juice garnished with a marigold (New) (Available September 2 through November 10)

Disneyland

Lamplight Lounge (Available September 2 through November 10)

Pumpkin-spiced Donuts: Warm fluffy donuts tossed in pumpkin-spiced sugar served with orange cream cheese dip and hot buttered rum sauce (New)
One Last Toast: Patron Silver Tequila, cucumber simple syrup, tamarind simple syrup, and fresh lime juice garnished with a marigold (New)

Mortimer’s Market (Available September 2 through November 10)

Vampire Mickey-shaped Sourdough

Disneyland

Pacific Wharf Café (Mobile order available)

Pastrami Sandwich: Ghost pepper cheese sauce and house-made sauerkraut on a toasted French roll (New) (Available September 2 through November 10)
Chocolate-Espresso Bread Pudding with crème anglaise, whipped topping, gummy eyeball, and toasted pecans (New) (Available through November 10)

Disneyland

Pacific Wharf Cappuccino Cart (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)

Pumpkin Bundt Cake: Pumpkin-flavored cake filled with dulce de leche and cream cheese frosting finished with chocolate stem and mousse leaf (New)
Pumpkin-spiced Horchata Cold Brew: Creamy blend of cold brew, pumpkin-spiced rice, and cinnamon beverage (Non-alcoholic) (New)
Pumpkin-spiced Horchata Cold Brew with Irish whiskey (New)

Disneyland

Pym Tasting Lab (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)

Snack Molecules: Flavored popcorn, mini pretzels, honey-roasted peanuts, and popped sorghum with mini peanut butter candies (New)

Pym Test Kitchen (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)

Butter Pecan Cold Brew: Butter pecan-flavored cold brew topped with candied pecans (Non-alcoholic) (New)

Disneyland

Schmoozies! (Available September 2 through October 31; Mobile order available)

Minnie Witch Shake: Mint-chocolate chip shake with whipped topping and chocolate creme-filled cookie ears (Non-alcoholic)
Blood Orange Shake with whipped topping and strawberry sauce (Non-alcoholic) (New)

Disneyland

Smokejumpers Grill (Mobile order available)

Green Chile Double Burger: Two angus beef patties, roasted green chile salsa, and purple cabbage slaw served with poblano cheese dipping sauce (New) (Available September 2 through November 1)
Mint Shake topped with whipped cream, chocolate cookie crumbles, gummy body parts, and a chocolate-covered snack cake (Non-alcoholic) (New) (Available September 2 through November 10)
Cranberry-grape Punch: Cranberry and grape juices, ginger ale, blackberry syrup, blackberry purée, and orange flavor-filled boba (Non-alcoholic) (New) (Available September 2 through November 10)
Cranberry-grape Cocktail: Black vodka, cranberry and grape juices, ginger ale, blackberry syrup, blackberry purée, and orange flavor-filled boba (New) (Available September 2 through November 10)

Studio Catering Co. (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)

Ghost Pepper Potato Bites with ghost pepper cheese sauce, smoky bacon, and pickled jalapeños

Disneyland

Buena Vista Churro Cart (Available September 2 through November 10)

Pumpkin Spice Churro rolled in pumpkin spice flavored sugar (New)

Grizzly Peak Churro Cart (Available September 2 through November 10)

Peanut Candy Churro rolled in peanut powder, sugar, and crushed peanuts drizzled with peanut butter sauce (New)

Hollywood Churro Cart (Available September 2 through November 10; Mobile order available)

Sour Candy Churro: Sour sugar-dusted churro topped with sweet watermelon icing (New)

Disneyland

Available at Various Locations Throughout Disney California Adventure Park (COMING SOON)

Donald Candy Corn Sipper (New): Available at the following:
- Award Wieners
- Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta
- Chiller Cart in Pixar Pier
- Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream
- Corn Dog Castle
- Hollywood Churro Cart
- Pacific Wharf Café
- Paradise Garden Grill
- Smokejumpers Grill

Zero Light-Up Premium Bucket (New): Available at the following:
- Popcorn Carts in Buena Vista, Grizzly Peak, and Pixar Pier

Disneyland

Disneyland Hotel

Coffee House (Available September 2 through November 2; Mobile order available)

Halloween Seasonal Cupcake: Choice of vanilla or chocolate cupcake

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar (Available September 2 through November 2)

Bitter Daiquiri: El Dorado 15 Year Rum, Batavia Arrack, Giffard Banana, pineapple juice, Jerry Thomas Bitters, and mint, garnished with orchid, pineapple wedge, and lime wheel (New)

Disneyland

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel s Spa

GCH Craftsman Grill (Available September 2 through October 31; Mobile order available)

Halloween Pumpkin Donut: Cake donut dipped in orange-colored white chocolate
Mickey Mummy Donut: Black and white decorated cake donut
Jack Skellington Cupcake (New)

Hearthstone Lounge

Halloween Cocktail: Hanson of Sonoma Vodka, Luxardo Apricot, lemon juice, Orgeat Syrup, Peychaud Bitters, and Dr. Adam’s Teapot Bitters garnished with an orange wheel (New) (Available October 1 through November 1)
Dia de los Muertos Cocktail: Codigo Reposado Tequila, chambord, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Camparí, Angostura Bitters, and Dr. Adam’s Spanish Bitters garnished with a lemon twist (New) (Available September 2 through October 31)

Disneyland

GCH Holiday Cart (Available September 2 through October 31)

Poison Apple Cookie: Vanilla sugar cookie with white chocolate
Mickey Jack Skellington Cookie: Vanilla sugar cookie with white chocolate
Oogie Boogie Cookie: Caramel apple cookie filled with caramel (New)
Hocus Pocus Cookie: Vanilla sugar cookie dipped in white chocolate (New)
Gingerbread Zombie Cookie: Gingerbread cookie with white chocolate (New)
Halloween Cookie Box: Pumpkin Mickey sugar cookies, raspberry filled cookies, and chocolate chip cookies with chocolate candies (New)
Sanderson Sisters Crisped Rice Treat: Crisped cereal treat dipped in white chocolate (New)
Spooky Pretzel Sticks: Pretzel rods dipped in white chocolate (New)
Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat: Crisped cereal treat dipped in white chocolate (New)
Waffle Shot with Milk: Cup-shaped waffle lined with chocolate with choice of milk, low fat milk, strawberry, or chocolate milk (Non-alcoholic) (New)
Waffle Shot with Liqueur: Cup-shaped waffled lined with chocolate with choice of Baileys, Grand Marnier, Captain Morgan, Jameson, or Rumchata (New)
Halloween Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate with choice of Baileys, Grand Marnier, Captain Morgan, Jameson, or Rumchata

Disneyland

Downtown Disney District

Ballast Point Brewing Co. (Available while supplies last starting October 1)

Pumpkin Down Float: Scottish ale with hints of caramel, toffee, and a boatload of roasted pumpkin topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, pumpkin spice whipped cream, ginger snap crumbs, and a dulce de leche caramel sauce

California Churro (Available October 24 through 31)

Spooky Churro: A delicious churro rolled in cinnamon sugar, drizzled with peanut butter and chocolate sauce, and topped with peanut butter candy pieces

Kayla’s Cake (Available September 2 through 31)

Mummy Macarons with cookie and cream buttercream
Pumpkin Cheesecake Macaroons with white chocolate pumpkin ganache

La Brea Bakery Café

Kids Monster Pancakes: One orange and one green monster faced pancake with gummy worms and candy corn (New) (Available October 31 only)
The Midnight Painkiller Hard Kombucha: A tiki cocktail with pineapple, coconut, orange, and nutmeg
Ghoul’s Grog: Goslings Dark Rum and Goslings 151 with pineapple, orange, and grenadine (New)

Disneyland

Marceline’s Confectionery (Available September 6 through October 31)

Mickey Pumpkin Apple: Green Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in orange-white chocolate and green, white chocolate leaf (New)
Minnie Witch Apple: Green Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in milk chocolate and embellished with a purple skirt, orange chocolate dots, and white chocolate with hat
Mickey Sorcerer Apple: Green Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in milk chocolate and embellished with a red sugar robe, yellow sugar bow, and white chocolate sorcerer hat
Skull Apple: Green Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in red, white chocolate and green, white chocolate skull face
Mickey Mummy Marshmallow Pop: Mickey-shaped marshmallow pop covered in vanilla chocolate with dark chocolate eyes (New)
Halloween Marshmallow Wand: Marshmallows on a stick dipped in caramel, enrobed in milk chocolate, and drizzled with orange and purple, white chocolate
Minnie Cake Pop with Orange Bow: Chocolate cake pop and chocolate ears enrobed in milk chocolate and embellished with a white chocolate orange bow (New)
Dirt & Worms Cake Pop: Chocolate cake pop enrobed in milk chocolate, sprinkled with cookie crumbs, and embellished with a gummy worm (New)
Mickey Peanut Butter Rice Cereal: Mickey-shaped crisped rice treat dipped in peanut butter milk chocolate and covered in peanut butter candy
Mickey Spider Web Rice Cereal Treat: Mickey-shaped crisped rice treat dipped in orange, white chocolate with a black dark chocolate web
Oogie Boogie Rice Cereal Treat: Crisped rice treat dipped in green, white chocolate and embellished with a black dark chocolate face

Naples Ristorante e Bar (Available September 2 through October 31)

Spookychino: Naples famous cappuccino with edible scary spiders and insects (Non-alcoholic)

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen (Available September 26 through October 31)

Candy Corn Cream Soda: Monin Candy Corn Syrup, vanilla, soda, and a splash of cream garnished with candy corns (Non-alcoholic) (New)
Candy Corn Cream Cocktail with Pinnacle Cake Vodka (New)

Sprinkles (Available October 17 through 31)

Peanut Butter Cup: Chocolate cake filled and topped with peanut butter frosting ladled with chocolate ganache and finished off with mounds of mini peanut butter cups

Tortilla Jo’s (Available September 2 through October 31)

Ghostly Brew: Mi Campo Tequila Blanco, agave nectar, black activated charcoal, and refreshing cucumber organic margarita mix (New)

Uva Bar & Cafe (Available September 2 through October 31)

Bootini: Galliano, Absolut Mandarin, white chocolate, and cream garnished with blueberries (New)

Disneyland

Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party (SOLD OUT)

If you’ve already got your tickets to one of the sold-out nights of Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure park, there are tons of sinister sweets and treats for you to indulge! With items like the Loaded Buffalo Chicken Fries at Flo’s V8 Cafe, or the strawberry-flavored Pain Churro and the raspberry-flavored Panic Churro, there’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory to try. You can also take a walk on the villains side with the delicious Mistress of Evil Chocolate Cake from Wine Country Trattoria.

There you have it – all the ghoulish goodies coming to Disneyland Resort this Halloween season. Which ones are you most excited to indulge in?

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

Disney Cruise Line update to Health & Safety Policies

By

Socalthrills Staff

-

August 29, 2022

Disney Cruise Line has just update it’s Health & Safety Policies. Here is the latest info.

Beginning Sept. 23, 2022, for sailings aboard the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish and Disney Wonder and beginning Nov. 7, 2022, for sailings aboard the Disney Magic, fully vaccinated Guests are no longer required to participate in COVID-19 testing in order to sail.

Guests who are NOT fully vaccinated must continue providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken one to 3 days before the sail date. However, Guests who are not fully vaccinated will no longer be required to complete a second test at the terminal on embarkation day.

Acceptable vaccines and testing information for Guests ages 11 and younger can be found in the Know Before You Go section of DisneyCruise.com.

It is also recommended that Guests bring a copy of their proof of vaccination or negative COVID- test result with them to the port. Guests who fail to upload proof of vaccination and/or COVID-19 test results may be delayed or denied boarding.

Back-to-Back Sailings

Guests who are not fully vaccinated and traveling on back-to-back sailings will be required to complete a COVID-19 test between sailings, paid for by Disney Cruise Line.

Guests Recently Recovered from COVID-19

In some cases, people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may still test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If Guests have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 11 to 90 days of their sail date, they may qualify to be considered as “90-Day-Recovered,” with the appropriate documentation and subsequent approval. Not-fully vaccinated Guests who are considered “90-Day-Recovered” are not required to participate in COVID-19 testing during the pre-embarkation phase of their voyage. For details on what documentation is required, please visit Before Leaving Home: Know Before You Go.

Online Check-in

Guests must complete Online Check-in beginning 30 days prior to your sailing. You will need to submit the required documents as well as select a Port Arrival Time. All Guests, including our Platinum Castaway Club Guests, will need to select a Port Arrival Time. Please be aware that Guests will not be permitted at the terminal or in parking areas before their scheduled arrival time.

Guests who arrive early will be asked to return at their scheduled arrival time, and Guests arriving after their scheduled time may be delayed and asked to wait behind those arriving at their scheduled time. Online Check-in can be completed or modified up to one day prior to sailing. After completing Online Check-in, you will receive a Port Arrival Form by email. Bring this with you to the port to expedite your arrival.

As our health and safety protocols and operational guidelines are subject to change, please visit the Know Before You Go section of our website for the latest information and answers to many frequently asked questions.

Guests booked on the Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy or Disney Wish September 23, 2022, through December 31, 2022 may modify or cancel their sailing by September 12, 2022 without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees. Please contact your travel agent for details on how to cancel or modify your booking.

Please note that change fees and cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers, such as airlines and hotels, as well as travel insurance, are not refundable. Refunds will be processed back to the original form of payment. Standard cancellation policies and terms and conditions apply for any cancellation or modification requests received on or after September 13, 2022.

D23 Expo 2022 LIVE Panels Announced

By

Socalthrills Staff

-

August 27, 2022

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is proud to announce the official livestream schedule for D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa^® from September 9 through 11. D23 Expo [LIVE] will bring the incredible content of The Ultimate Disney Fan Event to people all over the world, including the Disney Legends Award Ceremony, Mousequerade, and celebrity trivia, as well as panels from Disney Parks, Experiences and Products; Disney Branded Television; Disney Games and Marvel Games; National Geographic; and more.

Every day, D23 is bringing eight hours of non-stop wonder, including must-see panels from D23 Expo featuring the brightest stars, enchanting entertainment, and first looks. In between these panels will be exclusive curated content to keep fans engaged with surprise-and-delight moments, including:

Appearances from the casts and creators of favorite films and shows
A sneak peek at new merchandise
Tours of the one-of-a-kind experiences on the show floor
An inside look at the newest Disney Games releases
Interviews with Disney Publishing authors
Daily D23 Expo highlights from the D23 Inside Disney podcast hosts
Special announcements
And much more!

D23 Expo [LIVE] will captivate a global audience with hosts Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Her Universe), Mark Daniel (Disney Parks Live Entertainment), Bret Iwan (official voice of Mickey Mouse), Juju Green (Your Movie Guy), Ryan March (Disney Vacation Club), and Alyssa Navarro (Walt Disney Studios).

Disney fans can watch D23 Expo [LIVE] at D23Expo.com/live, D23.com, and on all D23 social platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Twitch.

Highlights of the D23 Expo [LIVE] schedule are as follows (all times are PT):

Friday, September 9

10:30 a.m. – Disney Legends Awards Ceremony

Disney100 kicks off at D23 Expo with an epic presentation that includes the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, featuring Disney CEO Bob Chapek. The event will once again honor those visionaries and artists who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. This year’s honorees include Anthony Anderson, Kristen Bell, Chadwick Boseman, Patrick Dempsey, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Idina Menzel, Ellen Pompeo, Tracee Ellis Ross, and more.

1 p.m. – Disney & Marvel GAMES SHOWCASE

Tune in to the Disney & Marvel GAMES SHOWCASE for announcements, trailers, and reveals for new and upcoming games from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios.

2:30 p.m. – Disney For Scores Podcast Live Celebrates Marvel Music

Celebrate the powerful music of Marvel storytelling when Variety’s Jon Burlingame hosts Disney For Scores Podcast Live. Jon will bring the format of the popular Disney For Scores Podcast to life as he interviews composers of some of your favorite Marvel series and films. Listen in as they fill us in on the secrets of creating the amazing music that helps build the Marvel Universe!

4 p.m. – Disney Legends in Conversation

Listen in as members from the newest class of Disney Legends partake in an enlightening conversation about their storied careers.

6 p.m. – D23 Expo Mousequerade 2022

The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest returns to D23 Expo! Join host Nina West and guest judges Yvette Nicole Brown, Ashley Eckstein, and Ally Maki as we showcase the most magical makes and quintessential creations of the Disney cosplay fan universe. And new this year, fans watching the show at D23 Expo and at home will be able to cast their vote for “Fan Favorite” and see who will be named the winner!

Saturday, September 10

10:30 a.m. – Talkin’ Pets with the Vets of National Geographic

Join National Geographic’s vet sensations Dr. Jan Pol and his wife Diane (The Incredible Dr. Pol); Dr. Vernard Hodges (Critter Fixers: Country Vets); Dr. Geoff Pye, Dr. Jen Flower, and animal keeper Rain Westgard (Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom); and Alfonso Ribeiro (America’s Funniest Home Videos: Animal Edition) for a heartwarming look behind the scenes of their popular series, moderated by Tamron Hall (Tamron Hall Show).

12 p.m. – Bob’s Burgers

The Emmy^® Award-winning animated series Bob’s Burgers joins D23 Expo hot off the critically acclaimed release of The Bob’s Burgers Movie! The cast and creators will break news and have you howling with laughter during a lively panel discussion.

2 p.m. – MARVEL COMICS: Celebrating 60 Years of the Amazing Spider-Man

Celebrate 60 spectacular, sensational, web-slinging years of Spider-Man! From his humble debut in 1962’s Amazing Fantasy #15, he wall-crawled his way to international super-stardom. Now, join Executive Spider-Editor Nick Lowe and Editor in Chief C.B. Cebulski as they team up to trace the comics history of the web-head across six decades—and BEYOND! Tantalizing trivia about the webbed wonder will be shared in this can’t-miss panel, so be sure to swing by!

3:30 p.m. – Disney’s Epic Entertainment Showcase: The Musical: The Extravaganza!

Join Disney Branded Television for an exclusive showcase that highlights a legacy of excellence in storytelling and includes talent appearances, performances, and never-before-seen previews of original content for Disney+, Disney Channel, and Disney Junior.

6 p.m. – D23 Disney Stars Trivia Showdown

Join the iconic Nina West (RuPaul’s Drag Race, Hairspray on Tour, D23 Mousequerade 2022) as she hosts hopeful celebrity contestants and audience members through a kaleidoscopic world of larger-than-life Disney Games, including Disney Trivia, physical challenges, and so much more!

6:30 p.m. – The Making of Disney100: The Exhibition

Producers from Walt Disney Archives, Semmel Exhibitions, and Studio TK reveal illuminating details about the all-new exhibition celebrating 100 Years of Disney Wonder, scheduled to premiere at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in February 2023.

Sunday, September 11

10:30 a.m. – A Boundless Future: Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

Join Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro for a look at Disney’s boundless future. With announcements and updates on the magic happening around the world in parks, on the high seas, at home, and beyond, attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at the big dreams of Disney Imagineers. Every Disney fan will want to be a part of this special presentation full of exciting news and surprises.

1 p.m. – Walt Disney Imagineering: 70 Years of Making the Impossible, Possible

For 70 years, Walt Disney Imagineering has blended imagination with cutting-edge technology to create groundbreaking experiences. Join Imagineers past and present as they discuss the core elements of storytelling and innovation that bring dreams to life for guests from all around the world.

3:45 p.m. – Explore the World with the Next Generation of National Geographic!

Meet the exciting next generation of National Geographic stars—Kristen Kish (Restaurants at the End of the World), Bertie Gregory (Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory), Mariana van Zeller (Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller), Jeff Jenkins (travel blogger), and Dwayne Fields (7 Toughest Days)—who are taking viewers to the most remote locations on Earth in pursuit of breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, exotic foods, epic challenges, and undercover storytelling.

5 p.m. – D23 Disney Stars Trivia Showdown

Join the iconic Nina West (RuPaul’s Drag Race, Hairspray on Tour, D23 Mousequerade 2022) as she hosts hopeful celebrity contestants and audience members through a kaleidoscopic world of larger-than-life Disney Games!

Schedule and talent are subject to change.

D23 Expo is sold out. For more information, visit D23Expo.com.

Haunted Hayride Returns to Griffith Park for 2022 Season

By

Socalthrills Staff

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August 25, 2022

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride returns to Los Angeles’ as it’s Premiere Halloween Event. Officially open to the public on Friday, September 23rd and open select nights through Halloween, Haunted Hayride is returning to the iconic Griffith Park, featuring returning fan favorite attractions, reimagined mazes, and more.

“Haunted Hayride is a Halloween staple in Los Angeles, and one of the nations most recognized Halloween attractions, we’re thrilled to be bringing it back to Griffith Park” stated Christopher Stafford, CEO and Founding Partner of Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group. “We’re excited to bring fans back into Midnight Falls with an experience that just keeps getting better every year!”.

Guests can expect a return to Midnight Falls – a strange town that’s Halloween year round, featuring fan favorite mazes including the Hayride, Trick or Treat, Midnight Mortuary, and (S) Laughterhouse – a newly revamped maze for 2022. Monte Revolta – the self appointed Mayor of Midnight Falls – will be also making a triumphant return with his highly anticipated nightly Town Square performances.

Presale tickets go on sale beginning Thursday, August 25th, with general public sales beginning Thursday, September 1st. General admission tickets start at $39.99, with limited presale tickets available at a discount while supplies last. For more information and to sign up to register for early access to tickets visit losangeleshauntedhayride.com. Haunted Hayride is located at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles CA 90027.

“Pinocchio” Live Action arrives on Disney+ September 8

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 24, 2022

Academy Award® winner Robert Zemeckis directs this live action retelling of the beloved tale of a wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy. Tom Hanks stars as Geppetto, the wood carver who builds and treats Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his own son.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his “conscience”; Academy Award® nominee Cynthia Erivo is the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key is “Honest” John; Academy Award® nominee Lorraine Bracco is Sofia the Seagull, a new character, and Luke Evans is The Coachman. Also in the cast are Kyanne Lamaya as Fabiana and Jaquita Ta’Le as her marionette Sabina, Giuseppe Battiston as Stromboli and Lewin Lloyd as Lampwick.

In addition to beloved songs from the original animated classic, including “When You Wish Upon a Star” performed by Cynthia Erivo, the film features new original songs composed by Academy Award® nominees Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard (“The Polar Express”). The soundtrack from Walt Disney Records will be available on Sept. 8 and is available for Pre-Save/Pre-Add https://presave.umusic.com/pinocchio-presave

The screenplay for “Pinocchio” is by Robert Zemeckis & Chris Weitz. Andrew Miano, Chris Weitz, Robert Zemeckis and Derek Hogue are the film’s producers, with Jack Rapke, Jacqueline Levine, Jeremy Johns and Paul Weitz the film’s executive producers.

Cemetery Lane Rises From The Grave Oct. 19-30

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 24, 2022

The Cemetery Lane trick-r-treat experience returns to Heritage Square Museum in Los Angeles for select dates between October 19-30, 2022. Costumed visitors of all ages will make their way from home to home in the safely gated ‘neighborhood’ of Heritage Square Museum’s Victorian manors, which have been reimagined into a Halloween night from an era when the Addams Family, the Munsters and residents of the Twilight Zone joined millions of 1950’s and 1960’s American families in their homes each week.

“This year, guests will step back into the ‘50s and ‘60s when pop culture became obsessed with monster movies, as well as fascinated with the ‘horror hosts’ who permeated television airwaves late at night,” said David Markland, event Creator and Co-producer.

The mid-century theme of this year’s Cemetery Lane will transport guests young and old to a time when horror comics and magazines like Famous Monsters of Filmland flew off the shelves, and the real-life fears generated by the Cold War caused many a nightmare.

After a completely sold out event for its first year in 2021, Cemetery Lane has expanded to two weekends, with hourly timed ticketing including daylight hours on Saturdays and Sundays so the younger ghouls and boils will have plenty of time to fill their candy buckets before darkness falls and the eeriness intensifies in the neighborhood of Cemetery Lane.

Guests should expect a 45-minute to one hour immersive experience, including 13 trick-r-treat stops, character interactions, photo-ops, a selection of spooky vendors to shop from, and a curated selection of food trucks, along with other surprises.

Cemetery Lane is resurrected by David Markland (Co-Founder and Executive Director of Midsummer Scream) and Claire Dunlap (Co-Founder/Supervising Producer of Midsummer Scream and Co-Creator/Producer of Spooky Swap Meet), with decor and effects provided by Jeff Schiefelbein (creator of Sinister Pointe Haunted Attraction).

Tickets go on sale Saturday, August 27 at 9 a.m PST. Admission cost before 6 p.m. is $27 and from 6 p.m on is $32. Toddlers two years and under, not trick-or-treating, are admitted for free.

Event entry is located at 3515 Pasadena Avenue, Los Angeles, 90031. Absolutely no parking or entry is available for Cemetery Lane from Homer Street.

To learn more or purchase tickets, visit www.CemeteryLane.com

Artist Lance Inkwell (“Cuphead”) designed Cemetery Lane’s 2022 premium trick-r-treat bag featuring Heritage Square’s Valley Knudsen House, available for purchase with tickets!

Press Conference Highlights: “Andor”

By

Jeanine Yamanaka

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August 24, 2022

Premiering exclusively on Disney+ September 21st, is Andor–the prequel to Rogue One, which is itself the prequel to A New Hope.

Set five years prior to the events of Rogue One, Andor follows the path of Cassian Andor as circumstances mold him into the consummate spy/warrior the Rebellion desperately needs. The first season of twelve episodes covers the first year of the interval, and the second season of twelve will finish the rest of the four years.

To discuss the process of revisiting the galaxy of Star Wars during a time of fomenting rebellion, Andor filmmakers Diego Luna (“Cassian Andor” and Executive Producer,) Genevieve O’Reilly (“Mon Mothma,”) Kyle Soller (“Syril Karn,”) Denise Gough (“Dedra Meero,”) Adria Arjona (“Bix Caleen,”) and Tony Gilroy(Executive Producer / Writer / Showrunner) came together for a virtual press conference.

Andor Press Conference highlights:

On starting up the project:

Gilroy: “I think the main idea, is we have a character in Rogue One, and we know where he ends up and we know how accomplished and complicated he is. The idea that we can do a story that takes him literally from his childhood origins and walk him through a five-year history of an odyssey that takes him to that place, during a revolution, during a moment in history in a place where huge events are happening and real people are being crushed by it–the fact that we could follow somebody as an example of a revolution all the way through to the end, that was the walk-in for me.”

On revisiting old characters:

Luna: “First of all, just the chance to be back working with this family, getting to do more stuff with Tony, who is someone I admire, and I love his company…collaborating with him is amazing. So just being back felt great.

“But I think Rogue One is a film about an event, you know? You don’t get to know those characters. You don’t get to understand exactly where they come from, what needed to happen. For me, it’s quite relevant today to tell the story of what needs to happen for a revolutionary to emerge, to exist, to come to life, you know. What gives meaning in the life of someone to be willing to sacrifice everything for a cause? What needs to happen? That journey matters to me. The character says stuff that haunts me in Rogue One. You know that he started to fight since he was six years old. What does that mean, exactly? You know, why a six-year-old would miss his childhood and start a fight? That, to me, is really interesting to know. He talks about a dark past. He talks about doing terrible stuff for the Rebellion. What is he referring to? I think that story matters. That story is interesting. And there is a lot of material there for us to play. So I was really excited to be able to go into that journey and give those answers you know?”

O’Reilly: “You know…we’ve met Mon Mothma before in different iterations, in different versions of the Star Wars storytelling. And each time we’ve met her, we’ve met this kind of composed, regal, dignified woman who often…like with Cassian in Rogue One, she is to send people out on a mission.

“I think what’s extraordinary about how Tony has written Andor and where he has chosen to begin this story is so very different to where we find Mon Mothma in Rogue One. She is still that very dignified senator, but for the first time, we get to see the woman behind the role. We get to see a private face of Mon Mothma. We get to flesh out not just the senator, not just the would-be leader of a Rebel Alliance, but also the woman.

“We meet a woman steeped in Empire, navigating a very male-dominated Empire with a very powerful Emperor Palpatine at the top of it. Previously, in Rogue One or at other times, we’ve seen her surrounded by…people with different opinions but with like-minded Rebels.

“We find her in Andor very alone, living in a world of orthodoxy and construct. We see a woman who has had to navigate her ideals and her beliefs within systems of oppression, and so, we find her in a place we’ve never seen her before. We find her in a bit of a gilded cage, and so, what I’m excited for, is for us to travel that story with her.”

On introducing new characters:

Arjona: “Well, I liked a lot of things about Bix. I think she’s fearless. She’s bold, yet really deep inside, she’s incredibly loyal and compassionate and cares a little too much for the people around her, and I think that’s sometimes at her own detriment. I think this boldness and powerful thing is sort of like a facade that she puts on for… She almost puts that as a show. But deep down, she cares deeply about the people around her, and I think that’s the part that I love the most about Bix.”

Gough: “So Dedra is an ISP officer. When we meet her, she’s at the kind of low end of the ladder. She’s incredibly ambitious and meticulous. What I love about playing her is that, you know, she’s in this very male-dominated world and she’s seeing around her the way that people are missing what she can see is happening.

“We’ve been talking a lot about this today, both about Dedra and Syril and how they come into this world–they’re sort of outsiders within the ISB, so yes, she’s clawing her way up the ladder. I love portraying the effect that power just has on a person, like the danger of that pursuit of power and control, regardless of gender.

“I mean, I do kind of love that you’re thinking ‘oh, go girl!’ And then you remember, she’s in a fascist organization.”

Soller: “Well, what attracted me to the role was Tony’s writing. He had created a character that was really three-dimensional and had a big question mark over him…he could kind of go either way. He could go into the Empire. He could go into the Rebel Alliance. He’s got a lot of gray areas, and he came from a place of such lack and such pain in his home life, that he’s trying to fill this void within himself through the fascist, corporate, bureaucratic structure, where he finds order. He finds a place to be seen if he can supersede his station and climb those ranks.”

On what Cassian represents:

Luna: “How far can someone be from learning he could be a tool of change? How far can you be from that and still find your way into acknowledging that you are capable of big stuff, you know? I think it was that: It was like, how far can we find Cassian? You see the guy in the first episode and you don’t see any possibility of that happening, you know. That, to me, gives me hope in the world we live in.

“If that’s possible, anyone can do something. We can all find what we are capable of and it’s about the reference, it’s about what we find and the people we meet in our journey. I always thought of him as a character that has been forced to move therefore he brings a pain that he’s carrying that is making him very cynical about life, you know.

“Exploring that person and then finding a way to get the clarity of someone that suddenly starts believing, that goes through a process of acknowledging that articulating something in community can give you enough strength to be useful and to bring change, you know. I thought that story matters too much.

It’s a story I would like to tell to my kids, to my friends. It’s a story I would like to see as an audience. Again, that’s why we have to be so real because it doesn’t matter that we pretend to be in a galaxy far, far away. This story matters today in the world we live in, you know. Otherwise, I wouldn’t care and I always saw this potential in this story.”

On getting back into the saddle:

Luna: “Oof, yeah…probably this was like the first or second day that I arrived to Pinewood at the very beginning when we were in preproduction, and I go to the stunts, where they have an amazing facility and stuff for you to climb and to jump and to, you know, fall and roll.

“And I go like, ‘Let’s do a very simple one. I need to get back into this.’ And I pretend I was 10 years younger, you know, than what I had to play in this show. And the next morning, I was like, shit, I’m gonna have to quit this job. I can’t handle this anymore. Like every part of my body ached, and I felt like I went into a battle, and it was just the first rehearsal, you know? And I was talking to my family, saying I don’t know if I’m gonna be able to do this. No one’s gonna believe, I mean, I’m gonna have to spend the first two months in a chair, you know?

“Clearly, time passed, and gladly, there was a fantastic stuntman that helped me and managed to do all the stuff I can’t do anymore.”

On diversity and representation in casting:

Luna: “I think the industry is reacting to some things happening out there, you know? We’re supposed to be a mirror for audiences to be able to see themselves, and I think with the platforms and these new ways to connect with audiences, I think audiences are sending the right messages. And the industry is reacting. I think when you buy a ticket, you send a message. When you don’t buy it, you also send a message. When you click, you send a message. When you don’t, you send a message. And the industry will respond to that and it’s responding.

“I think it makes sense if we’re talking about a galaxy where there are so many planets that people come from different places. And if we’re talking about refugees, they come from different places and they gather in one place and they sound different, they look different. That diversity, I mean, it’s what makes this, the reality I live in, very rich, you know? So I mean, I celebrate that the stories we see reflect on that.”

On how Andor stands out from the rest of Star Wars:

Luna: “Well, first of all, this one is written by Tony Gilroy, which makes it very special and I’ll tell you why: Tony’s not a writer that lives in the language of right and wrong, you know? Or like black and white. He spends of his time in the complexity of the gray areas. In the contradictions of characters. That’s where I think this real thing comes out of, because it’s full of that experience of just being someone trying to live your life and having to make choices.

“And this is a show about people, about real people, you know? It’s very dark times in the galaxy, there are no Jedis around, these people having to articulate a reaction to oppression and it’s the most grounded kind of Star Wars you’ll get. It is a show about us, it is a show about these people finding the strength to come up with a reaction, to change and bring change to their reality. It’s very inspiring, I think. It’s huge, it’s big as Tony says. It’s adventure and action at its best, what you expect from Star Wars, but then it goes very intimate and it’s very subtle and it takes time to understand each character and it has time for each storyline.

“I just think it’s very rich, it’s powerful, and people are gonna like it hopefully.”

Lucasfilm’s Andor will debut exclusively on Disney+ on September 21, 2022.

“Avatar” Returns to Theaters for a limited Time

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 23, 2022

James Cameron’s Academy Award®-winning 2009 epic adventure “Avatar,” the most successful film of all time, returns to theaters September 23 in stunning 4K High Dynamic Range.

Check out the new trailer and new poster art to celebrate the rerelease of the 2009 film.

Written and directed by Academy Award® winner James Cameron, “Avatar” stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez and Sigourney Weaver. The film was produced by James Cameron and Jon Landau. Nominated for nine Academy Awards® including Best Picture and Best Director, the film won three Oscars®, for Best Cinematography, Production Design and Visual Effects.

Disney+ Day to Deliver Exciting Premieres and Experiences

By

Robbie Bulus

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August 22, 2022

Disney+ Day will deliver even more excitement to subscribers with additional content premiering globally on September 8 as well as celebrations across Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. New titles include Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Love and Thunder” and “Assembled: The Making of Thor: Love and Thunder,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return,” “Remembering,” “Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances,” “Tierra Incógnita,” the “Frozen” and “Frozen 2” Sing-Alongs, and “Welcome to the Club,” a new short from The Simpsons.

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will join in the Disney+ Day festivities with perks for subscribers including early entry to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, celebratory photo opportunities, entertainment, culinary delights, and more. Additionally, Disney+ Day special screenings will return to select AMC Theatres from September 8-19.

Disney+ Day Content Premieres:

The Disney+ Day lineup will feature anticipated global premieres from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, The Simpsons, and more. In addition to the previously announced “Pinocchio,” a new episode of “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” “Cars on the Road,” “Growing Up,” and ““Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory,” the new content coming to the service will include:

“Thor: Love and Thunder”
Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Love and Thunder” finds the God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced – one of self-discovery. But his efforts are interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who seeks the extinction of the gods. To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi) and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who – to Thor’s surprise – inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjolnir, as the Mighty Thor. Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late.

“Thor: Love and Thunder” joins 15 other Marvel Cinematic Universe movies now streaming in IMAX Enhanced on Disney+. With IMAX Enhanced, subscribers can enjoy IMAX’s expanded aspect ratio at home, which provides up to 26 percent more picture for an immersive viewing experience. (No additional cost or device required. Content availability varies by region.) More information about IMAX Enhanced on Disney+ is available here.

“Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Thor: Love and Thunder”
Settle in with the likes of Taika Waititi, Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale, and Tessa Thompson, as they divulge the secrets behind the creation of Thor: Love and Thunder. Through in-depth interviews with cast and crew, along with raw, unseen footage from the set and beyond, ASSEMBLED pulls back the curtain on the God of Thunder’s fourth feature film.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return”
With never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes footage, colorful personal stories and meaningful moments, “Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return” showcases the making of Lucasfilm’s original limited series for Disney+, “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” an epic story that begins 10 years after the dramatic events of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.” This insightful documentary from Lucasfilm and Supper Club explores the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to the screen—and Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen to their respective classic roles.

Director Deborah Chow, cast and crew reflect on their journey to tell a new story with iconic Star Wars characters Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader and Princess Leia, while introducing new heroes and villains into the saga along the way. Complete with visits to the creature shop, props department and more, “Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return” features the side of filmmaking that makes Star Wars so unique—the respect and passion for the generation-spanning legacy and the beloved characters.

“Frozen” and “Frozen 2” Sing-Alongs
Disney+ will release new Sing-Along versions of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen” and “Frozen 2.” As subscribers watch the Sing-Along version of these films, they will be able to fully immerse themselves in the music with on-screen lyrics.

“Remembering”
Where do ideas come from? And where do they go when they’re forgotten? These central questions are brought to life in “Remembering”, an original short film by Emmy® Winning director Elijah Allan-Blitz. The story follows a writer (played by Academy Award® winner Brie Larson) who loses a very important idea when her phone rings. Personified as golden light, this lost idea is found by the writer’s inner child, who takes us on a journey through The World of Imagination.

It is easy to lose touch with this world, but each of us can be inspired by it—if we just remember. With a first of its kind companion Augmented Reality app, where the AR experience is triggered by the film’s moving image, select Disney+ subscribers in the U.S. can interact with the story by scanning the TV to extend The World of Imagination, into their living room.

“Welcome to the Club” (a new short from The Simpsons)
Heart set on becoming a princess, Lisa Simpson is surprised to learn being bad might be more fun.

“Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances”
“Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances” is a look back on the 20 most memorable dances of thirty seasons of Dancing with the Stars’ chosen by the Pro-Dancers. Hosted by Derek Hough, Kym Johnson, Cheryl Burke, and Brandon Armstrong, we’ll see them countdown to their most unforgettable performance – highlighting everything from the best Mirrorball-winning performances over the years, to iconic opening numbers, Emmy-winning dances, and unforgettable celebrity mishaps. It all leads up to season 31 premiering live only on Disney+. Dancing with the Stars is produced by BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions.

“Tierra Incógnita” (Original Series Produced in Latin America)
“Tierra Incógnita” follows Eric Dalaras (Pedro Maurizi), a teenager who discovers a hair-raising world while searching for the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of his parents eight years before. Raised by his maternal grandparents along with his sister Uma (Mora Fisz), Eric decides to run away from home and go back to his childhood town, Cabo Qwert, to find answers where his parents were last seen: the Tierra Incógnita horror theme park. Together with his friends, his sister and his aunt, Eric must overcome his fears in order to find answers and solve the mystery in a dark and unfamiliar world.

Previously announced titles include:

“Pinocchio”
Academy Award® winner Robert Zemeckis directs this live-action retelling of the beloved tale of a wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy. Tom Hanks stars as Geppetto, the wood-carver who builds and treats Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his own son. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his “conscience”; Academy Award® nominee Cynthia Erivo is the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key is “Honest” John; Academy Award® nominee Lorraine Bracco is Sofia the Seagull, a new character, and Luke Evans is The Coachman.

“She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” (New episodes streaming Thursdays)
In Marvel Studios’ “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany)—an attorney specializing in superhuman-oriented legal cases—must navigate the complicated life of a single, 30-something who also happens to be a green 6-foot-7-inch superpowered hulk. The nine-episode comedy series welcomes a host of MCU vets, including Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky/Abomination, and Benedict Wong as Wong, as well as Ginger Gonzaga, Josh Segarra, Jameela Jamil, Jon Bass, and Renée Elise Goldsberry.

Directed by Kat Coiro (Episodes 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9) and Anu Valia (Episodes 5, 6, 7) with Jessica Gao as head writer. Executive producers are Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum, Kar Coiro and Jessica Gao.

“Cars on the Road”
The series follows Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and his best friend Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) as they head east from Radiator Springs on a cross-country road trip to meet up with Mater’s sister. Along the way, every stop is its own adventure, with outrageous roadside attractions and colorful new characters. “Cars on the Road” is produced by Marc Sondheimer. The series’ episodes are directed by Steve Purcell (Eps 1, 2, 8), Bobby Podesta (Eps 5, 6, 9) and Brian Fee (Eps 3, 4, 7). Composer Jake Monaco created the score for all nine episodes.

“Growing Up”
Created by Brie Larson and Culture.House, “Growing Up” is an innovative hybrid docu-series that explores the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of adolescence through ten compelling coming of age stories. From Disney Branded Television, the series uses narrative, experimental, and documentary filmmaking to follow one casted individual, ages 18-22, as they tell their story. They represent a wide range of lived experiences, giving audiences emotionally powerful narratives that offer an engaging look at teenage-hood and the diverse social, familial, and internal obstacles young people face on their path to self-discovery and acceptance.

Each 30-minute episode features one young person, or “hero,” and their experience growing up. Each episode is anchored by a deeply personal interview that allows our heroes to walk us through their childhood and teenage years. Alongside these interviews, creative cinematic reenactments help bring their major inflection points to life.

“Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory”
The face of a new generation of aspirational adventurers and natural history filmmakers, 29-year-old National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory takes viewers on epic and nail-biting journeys that push into the most spectacular and secretive corners of our wild world. Armed with leading-edge film technology, the Disney+ original series “Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory,” from National Geographic, breaks the mold of the traditional natural history program by telling extraordinary, real-life animal stories and taking viewers with him for every beat of the action.

For weeks at a time, the charismatic BAFTA Award-winning cinematographer immerses himself into the animals’ lives to capture the untold stories of iconic creatures living in some of the harshest environments on our planet. This season, we will see Bertie braving the icy worlds of Antarctica in search of the biggest gathering of whales ever filmed and coming face-to-face with specialist buffalo-hunting lions in Zambia. In this multipart adventure series, he will take audiences on an ambitious odyssey across the globe, showcasing the natural world at a time when it faces its greatest challenges.

Disney Theme Parks, Experiences and Products Celebrate Disney+ Day:

In celebration of Disney+ Day, guests at Disney theme parks will discover new ways to “plus” up their experience with special offerings and fan-favorite fun. On September 8, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California will usher in the festivities with Disney+-inspired character meet-and-greets, photo opportunities and more. Disney+ subscribers and their party with theme park tickets and reservations are once again invited to enter the theme parks at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort 30 minutes before regular park open on September 8. Subscribers will also enjoy complimentary Disney PhotoPass digital download(s) at select locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Disneyland Resort theme parks that day.*

Fans are invited to join the celebrations digitally by stepping up their selfie game with Disney PhotoPass Lenses for Disney+ Day. These new limited-time lenses will be available to those celebrating in the parks or at home in the U.S. through Snapchat and the My Disney Experience app.

Disneyland Paris will delight guests with new surprises including special entertainment, dedicated photo opportunities and a blue-themed dessert on September 8. For more fanfare, Disney+ subscribers* and their party with theme park tickets and reservations are invited for the first time to enter Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris at 9:00am (30 minutes before regular park opening) only on September 8, 2022. Hong Kong Disneyland will celebrate with guests visiting the park on September 10.

During the Aug. 29-Sept. 5 Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise, Members aboard the Disney Wonder will be treated to special gifts from Disney+ and 9 exclusive shows and experiences supporting current and upcoming Disney+ programming.

Around the world, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing will also be celebrating Disney+ Day. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details on how to join in on the fun.

*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.

AMC Theatres Disney+ Day Screenings

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. Tickets will be on sale on September 1.

Additional special subscriber perks will be announced in the lead-up to September 8.

This year, Disney+ Day will lead into D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA that runs from Friday, September 9 to Sunday, September 11.

Topps joins Disney’s World Princess Week Celebration

By

Socalthrills Staff

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August 22, 2022

The Topps Company, Inc., a division of Fanatics Collectibles, a next-gen physical and digital trading card company, announced a weeklong celebration taking place in the Disney Collect! by Topps digital collectibles app in conjunction with Disney’s World Princess Week. From Monday, Aug. 22 through Monday, Aug. 29, Toppswill surprise Disney fans everywhere with a wide-range of brand new digital collectible content featuring Disney Princesses, heroines, featured films, guests of honor, and more!

“We’re grateful to be working with Disney to celebrate such iconic characters through new digital collectibles and community engagement programs,” said Tobin Lent, VP & Global General Manager of Topps Digital. “This event shines a light on characters that continue to bring joy and delight to fans around the world, and we’re thrilled for the opportunity to participate in Disney’s World Princess Week by releasing unique Topps collectable content.”

Collections featuring some of Disney’s most beloved princesses, such as Belle, Mulan, Tiana and more will be released each day in the Disney Collect! by Topps app. These new collections will bring fan favorite princesses to life in a whole new way through digital collectibles featuring animations, parallax effects, and even opportunities to dress up princesses in a variety of outfits.

Topps will release new digital collectibles each day from Monday, Aug. 22 through Monday, Aug. 29, complete with two in-app Watch Party Events to kick-off the weekend’s festivities. The current schedule of releases include:

Kingdom Keepsakes Collection (8/22)
- Collect iconic items representing each of the Disney Princesses to earn their commemorative Ultimate Princess Celebration Cards.

Princess in Action Collection (8/22)
- Get ready for action with this exciting collection highlighting the adventurous side of your favorite Disney Princesses, including Parallax “Hometown Heroes” Cards.

Disney Princess – Dress & Play Collection (8/23)
- This unique experience allows users to build their very own Collectibles by combining costumes and backgrounds to create complete Cards featuring their favorite Disney Princesses.

Frozen Fantasy Collection (8/24)
- Guests of honor Elsa and Anna, as well as their lovable friends, join the celebration with a special Frozen Collection!

Royal Visions Collection (8/26)
- Imaginative interpretations of your favorite Disney Princesses can be found in this beautiful illustrated Collection!

[videopress ZA7kXyrr]

Living Posters – Sleeping Beauty (8/26)
- Posters from the animated classic film come to life in this animated Collection of motion Cards.

Brave – 10th Anniversary Celebration & Watch Party (8/27)
- Celebrate 10 years of Brave with the Disney Collect community by joining our Watch Party for your chance to earn free Coins and Cards commemorating the anniversary of the beloved animated film.

Aladdin 30th Collection & Watch Party (8/28)
- The celebrations continue on Sunday where the Disney Collect community commemorates the 30th anniversary of Aladdin, including a Watch Party for your chance to earn free Coins and Cards!

[videopress D2cRVN7C]

Raya and the Last Dragon – Kumandra Adventures Collection (8/29)
- World Princess Week concludes with another guest of honor: Raya, from Raya and the Last Dragon! Collect Cards featuring the titular protagonist, as well as fan-favorites Sisu, Boun, Tong, and more!

For more information on DigiCon 2022 and Topps, visit the Topps App’s website.

D23 Expo 2022 to Open with Epic Kick-Off Ceremony

By

Robbie Bulus

-

August 20, 2022

D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa^® will kick off Friday, September 9, with a fantastic spectacle that includes the Disney Legends Awards ceremony and an early look at Disney 100 Years of Wonder—an extraordinary celebration 100 years in the making. The opening ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. in Hall D23 inside the Anaheim Convention Center.

“For nearly a century, Disney has been entertaining and inspiring people around the world,” said Bob Chapek, CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “I can’t wait to give fans a first look at what we have in store for our hundredth anniversary, and how we’re using this occasion to celebrate all the fans and families who have welcomed Disney into their lives.”

The incredible opening event, which will be streamed as part of D23 Expo [LIVE], will feature musical performances, special guests, and surprises for the audience, including a special performance by cast members from Disney On Broadway’s productions of Aladdinand The Lion King, and The North American Tour of Frozen.

The Disney Legends Award is given to an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to the Disney legacy, and this year’s honorees include Anthony Anderson, Kristen Bell, Chadwick Boseman, Rob’t Coltrin, Patrick Dempsey, Robert Price “Bob” Foster, Jonathan Groff, Don Hahn, Josh Gad, Doris Hardoon, Idina Menzel, Chris Montan, Ellen Pompeo, and Tracee Ellis Ross. Emmy^® Award winner Tamron Hall will host, bringing her signature warmth and humor to the fan-favorite ceremony.

The Disney Legends Awards program is a 35-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company, which began when Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire) was honored in 1987. The awards ceremony is just one of the many spectacular events fans can enjoy during the three-day D23 Expo.

The 2022 Disney Legends Award honorees (listed alphabetically) are:

Anthony Anderson grew up in Los Angeles. While pursuing his acting career, he continued his education by attending the High School for the Performing Arts, where he earned first place in the NAACP’s ACT-SO Awards. His performance, along with a dedication to his craft, earned him an arts scholarship to Howard University. Anthony has appeared in more than 20 films, and his performance on Law & Orderearned him four consecutive NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series. He starred in and executive produced ABC’s Emmy-nominated sitcom black-ish, winning seven NAACP Image Awards and earning seven Emmy and three Golden Globe^®nominations for his role as Andre “Dre” Johnson in the series. He also executive produced and appeared in the black-ish spinoff series grown-ish and mixed-ish. His recent credits include ABC’s Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’ (2019), host of ABC’s game show To Tell the Truth (2016–), and Detective Kevin Bernard in Law & Order. In 2020 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Kristen Bell is an award-winning actor, author, and producer, who landed her first role with Disney by lending her voice to Hiromi in the Studio Ghibli classic The Cat Returns, for the U.S. DVD release in 2005. Her voice-acting expertise would soon come in handy once again, for the two highest-grossing animated features of all time, Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2(2019). Anna, the optimistic, comical, fearless princess (who became Queen) of Arendelle, was a spot-on role for the seasoned actor, whose singing talents and personality effortlessly shines through her performance of the character. Kristen reprised the role in Frozen Fever (2015), Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017),Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018), and Once Upon a Snowman (2020), along with numerous video games, theme park experiences, and consumer products. Kristen also voiced Priscilla the sloth in 2016’s Oscar^®-winning Zootopia and in the upcoming Disney+ series Zootopia+. She has also starred in several Disney live-action films, such as When in Rome (2010) and You Again (2010), TV specials such as Lady Gaga & The Muppets’ Holiday Spectacular (2013) andMickey’s 90th Spectacular (2018), and myriad series from 20th Century Fox, including The Simpsons and Family Guy.

Chadwick Boseman was fueled by purpose and sought to fulfill that through writing, directing, acting, and activism. His breakout performance came playing Jackie Robinson in42, followed by his next role as James Brown inGet On Up. He then starred in the title role ofMarshall, which followed a young Thurgood Marshall. Boseman joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the African Super Hero Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War before bringing the character to the forefront of his own solo film, Black Panther, which received critical acclaim, broke global box office records, and had a social and cultural impact felt globally. The film received seven Academy Award^®nominations, including Marvel’s first-ever Best Picture nomination. Boseman won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture alongside the film’s ensemble. In 2019, Boseman starred in 21 Bridges. In 2020, he appeared in Da 5 Bloods, directed by Academy Award winner Spike Lee. In Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, his captivating performance as “Levee” garnered an Academy Award nomination, and he won the NAACP Image Award and the Critics Choice and Screen Actors Guild awards, among numerous others. On television, he most recently received an Emmy nomination for his work in the Disney+ animated series What If…?

Rob’t Coltrin joined Walt Disney Imagineering in 1990 in the Show Set Design group and over time progressed through multiple disciplines—including show design, concept design, and art direction—before landing in his final role as an executive creative director. Early in his career he had a hand in the creation of several attractions that have delighted Disney fans for decades, such as Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Muppet*Vision 3D, and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin. More recently, he was a major creative force behind some of our most ambitious projects, including Radiator Springs Racers, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and recent expansions at Tokyo Disney Resort. In addition to his boundless creative talents, Rob’t is also well known for his passion to elevate the work of fellow Imagineers and help further their careers. Even following his retirement in 2019, he continues to keep in touch with and inspire many of his friends and colleagues at Imagineering.

Patrick Dempsey is a two-time Golden Globe^®nominee and SAG Award^® nominee for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series. Early in his career he appeared in 1980s nostalgia films such as Touchstone’s Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) and has since become a Hollywood star with numerous iconic television and film roles. Other Disney credits include an appearance on The Magical World of Disney as Kellin Taylor in A Fighting Choice (1986), the Hollywood Pictures film Run (1991), Touchstone’s Sweet Home Alabama (2002),Brother Bear 2 (2006) as the voice of Kenai,Enchanted (2007), and the upcoming Disney+ film Disenchanted (2022). He is perhaps best known to fans as Dr. Derek Shepherd in ABC’sGrey’s Anatomy, a role he portrayed for 11 seasons. Grey’s Anatomy won the 2007 Golden Globe for Best Television Series–Drama as well as the 2007 SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. In addition to acting, Patrick is an avid racing enthusiast, participating in sports car events and produced the film The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019). In 2008, with the intention of giving back to the community where he grew up and where his mother first received cancer treatment, Patrick founded the Dempsey Center to help make life better for people managing the impact of cancer.

Robert Price “Bob” Foster began his Disney career in 1956, joining the Walt Disney Productions legal department. He later served as a member of the Park Operations Committee for Disneyland and was promoted to Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel in 1958. Two years later, he was named Assistant Secretary, Walt Disney Productions, and Resident Counsel for Disneyland. In 1963, Walt and Roy O. Disney selected Bob to head the land search for their top-secret “Florida Project.” Bob took extraordinary measures to ensure that the identity of Walt Disney Productions remained classified while initiating and executing the property research and acquisition effort. He acquired 43 square miles of land for what would eventually become the Walt Disney World Resort. Bob was later named Vice President (Legal), Secretary, and General Counsel for the Walt Disney World Co. and in 1970 was promoted to President of the Buena Vista Land Company. In this role, Bob was responsible for overseeing development of the resort community of Lake Buena Vista. In 1974, Bob retired from Walt Disney Productions as Vice President, Real Estate.

Josh Gad is a Tony Award^®-winning actor and singer who has warmed the hearts of countless viewers around the globe as Olaf, the loveable snowman from the 2013 box office hit Frozenand its popular follow-up, Frozen 2 (2019). To audiences’ delight, Gad has reprised the role numerous times, each time sharing more of the sun-loving character’s endearing personality and vivacious songs. Olaf has appeared in Frozen Fever (2015), LEGO^® Disney Frozen: Northern Lights (2016), Olaf’s Frozen Adventure(2017), At Home with Olaf (2020), Once Upon a Snowman (2020), and Olaf Presents (2021). Gad’s memorable performances in Frozen and Frozen 2 earned him two Annie Awards for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production. In 2017, Gad starred as LeFou, the memorable and iconic sidekick to Gaston, in the live-action Beauty and the Beast, and in 2020, he portrayed Mulch Diggums in Artemis Fowl. Some of his other notable Disney credits include Mickey’s 90th Spectacular (2018), The Disney Family Singalong (2020), Murder on the Orient Express(2017), Modern Family (2011), and Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom (2020). Gad’s Broadway talent is also showcased as both a creator and star of the Emmy-nominated 20th Television Animation musical series, Central Park (2020–).

Jonathan Groff has made memorable performances in theater, film, and television since his award-winning breakout performance in Broadway’s Spring Awakening (2006). Popular with Disney fans the world over, Jonathan voiced the character of Kristoff in both Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2 (2019)—the top two highest-grossing animated films of all time—as well as in Frozen Fever (2015), LEGO Disney Frozen: Northern Lights (2016), Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017), Once Upon a Snowman (2020), and numerous video games, consumer products, and theme park experiences. He also appeared as Jesse St. James on the Emmy- and Golden Globe-award-winning television series Glee. Additional notable Disney television credits include The Story of Frozen: Making a Disney Animated Classic and Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2. Groff originated the role of King George III in the Pulitzer Prize-winning production of Hamilton on Broadway, receiving a Tony Award nomination for his performance, and was part of the featured cast immortalized in the Emmy-winning Disney+ Original release of the hit show. Groff also received an individual Emmy nomination for his performance in the filmed production.

Don Hahn joined The Walt Disney Studios in 1976 in the Art Props Morgue. His animation career took off when he worked as an inbetweener on Pete’s Dragon (1977), and later as assistant director on The Fox and the Hound(1981). He was Production Manager of The Black Cauldron (1985) and The Great Mouse Detective (1986), then turned to producing on Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Beauty and the Beast (1991), and The Lion King (1994). His other credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), The Emperor’s New Groove (2000), Maleficent (2014), and the live-action Beauty and the Beast (2017). He executive produced the Disneynature films Earth (2009), Oceans (2010), African Cats(2011), and Chimpanzee (2012). Don is also the author of several Disney Editions books, including The Alchemy of Animation, Before Ever After, and Yesterday’s Tomorrow: Disney’s Magical Mid-Century. As director, Don has helmed such acclaimed documentaries as Waking Sleeping Beauty (2010) and Howard(2020). His most recent Disney credits include hosting the documentary Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives (2020).

Doris Hardoon joined Walt Disney Imagineering in 1979 as a junior designer, then quickly rose through the ranks to lead designer, art director, and producer on a variety of groundbreaking projects around the globe. Included were EPCOT Center, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, as well as Disney Cruise Line and Disney entertainment centers nationwide. She additionally served as executive art director, producer, and creative portfolio lead for projects including Hong Kong Disneyland, the proposed-but-never-built WESTCOT Center in Anaheim, and the unbuilt DisneySea in Long Beach. Doris left the Company in 2000 to pursue other innovative projects but returned in 2009 to help conceive, design, and build Shanghai Disney Resort. In her role as executive director and producer, Doris provided overall creative direction to her design and production teams, while establishing culturally relevant, “authentically Disney, distinctly Chinese” elements in all aspects of her assignments. Doris is the 2022 recipient of the THEA Buzz Price Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements Award.

Idina Menzel is an accomplished actor, singer, songwriter, and philanthropist, who rose to fame on the Broadway stage. Winning a Tony Award in 2004 for her legendary performance as Elphaba in Wicked, she famously went on to voice Queen Elsa in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen (2013) and reprised the role in Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) and Frozen 2(2019), along with numerous animated shorts, theme park experiences, and consumer products. Idina’s performance of the Oscar- and Grammy^®-winning song “Let It Go” became an international phenomenon, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and helped launch Frozen and Frozen 2 on their way to becoming the two highest-grossing animated movies of all time. Idina also appeared as Nancy Tremaine inEnchanted (2007) and is soon to reprise the role in the Disney+ sequel, Disenchanted. As a songwriter, Idina’s original song “Dream Girl” (from 2021’s Cinderella) made it to the Academy Awards’ Best Original Song short list. Some of her notable Disney TV credits include Lisa King in ABC Studios’ Private Practice (2009), Disneyland 60: The Wonderful World of Disney(2015), Mickey’s 90th Spectacular (2018), and The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II (2020), as well as the recurring role of Shelby Corcoran in Glee for 20th Century Television.

Chris Montan joined The Walt Disney Company in 1984, and within three years was named vice president of music for motion pictures and television. In 1997, Variety named him “musical supervisor of the decade” after he oversaw such classic and best-selling film soundtracks as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Pretty Woman, Sister Act, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Hercules. Chris was named President of Walt Disney Music in 1999 and was responsible for overseeing music for Disney and Pixar animated feature films, Disney Theatrical stage productions, and Disney Parks and Resorts, worldwide. He served as executive music producer for all of the Studios’ animated features during his tenure, working closely in the story development process as well as helping to select musical talent. His work has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, winning Best Original Cast Recording for Aida and Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media for Frozen, with additional films receiving 45 musical Academy Award nominations and 16 Academy Awards in the Best Original Song and Best Original Score categories.

Ellen Pompeo leads the longest-running primetime medical drama in television history, Grey’s Anatomy. As one of television’s most beloved actresses, Ellen’s turn in the title role continues to help elevate the series as ABC’s highest-rated drama and earned the actress a Golden Globe nomination in 2007. Audiences remain glued to screens week after week watching Dr. Meredith Grey and her colleagues face relatable and emotional hardships. In real life, Ellen similarly confronts adversity and works for positive change both on and off the screen. Whether it is encouraging women to pursue their dream careers—medical or otherwise—or advocating for normalizing gender and racial equality in the workplace, the actress has inspired generations. Some of Ellen’s other notable credits include Moonlight Mile (2002), Old School (2003), and Daredevil (2003). Next up, Ellen will star in and executive produce an eight-episode Hulu Original limited series currently titled Untitled Orphan Project through her production banner Calamity Jane, which she launched in 2011.

Tracee Ellis Ross starred in the groundbreaking ABC comedy series black-ish. The Emmy-winning show ran for eight seasons, during which she also served as a producer and director. For her role as Dr. Rainbow “Bow” Johnson, Tracee was nominated five times for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and won the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2020 NAACP Image Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series. In addition, Tracee was honored and acknowledged at the 2016 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, receiving the Fierce and Fearless award. Her other Disney television credits include roles on grown-ish and mixed-ish—the latter of which she was both co-creator and executive producer—The Premise, and Private Practice. Tracee is the founder and CEO of PATTERN, a haircare brand that launched in 2019.

Honorees receive a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity, and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients will also participate in a handprint ceremony at the end of the event, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.

Admission to the ceremony will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is included in the price of a ticket to D23 Expo 2022.

Including this year’s honorees, a total of 304 Disney Legends have been named. Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Julie Andrews, Howard Ashman, Robert Downey Jr., Annette Funicello, Whoopi Goldberg, Sir Elton John, Angela Lansbury, George Lucas, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Robin Roberts, Marty Sklar, Dick Van Dyke, Barbara Walters, Ming-Na Wen, Betty White, and Robin Williams, among many others. Beginning with the inaugural D23 Expo in 2009, thousands of Disney fans have been able to enjoy the Disney Legends Awards ceremony in-person.

D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo Live! For more information, visit D23Expo.com.

Schedules and talent are subject to change.

Six Flags Fright Fest 2022 Returns Scarier Than Ever

By

Socalthrills Staff

-

August 18, 2022

Six Flags Magic Mountain’s 29^th season of Fright Fest is back with 23 terrifying nights of monsters, ghouls, and creepy characters ready to strike fear in any one who crosses their path. The bone-chilling lineup of attractions features a daunting new haunted house, two new spine-tingling scare zones, an ominous new show, and a new haunted happy hour. Six Flags Magic Mountain leaves no tombstone unturned to deliver what guests want most—an all-out terrifying experience, on select nights September 10 through October 31.

Fright Fest, presented by Snickers^®, boasts a grand total of 14 electrifying haunted houses and dare-to-enter scare zones with nightmarish zombies lurking around every corner. Six Flags Magic Mountain also adds a sinister element to some of the park’s monster coasters by turning off the lights, leaving riders to face their fears in total darkness. And, for the little monsters, BooFest offers frightfully fun family activities during the day with a Trick-or-Treat Trail in Bugs Bunny World.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring this legacy Halloween event back to the park. Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest is upping the scare factor with an all-new haunted house, two new scare zones, an eerie new show, plus a new haunted happy hour and buffet,” said Park President Don McCoy. “Spooky season is back in Los Angeles, and Fright Fest is the scariest event in town!” added McCoy.

Highlights of this year’s new Fright Fest lineup include:

Truth or Dare – A haunted facility that leaves guests questioning their every move, with never-before-done scares and effects in a warped game of Truth or Dare. Located near Full Throttle;
Devil’s Triangle – The deepest, darkest depths of the ocean haunted by the many souls lost to the Devil’s triangle, who prey on guests as they enter the park;
CarnivHELL – One of the largest scare zones in the park featuring the carnivorous band of carnies from a once-thriving circus. Located in Bugs BunnyWorld, step right up and enter if you dare;
The Rising – An ominous show set on the remains of a sunken pirate ship revealing the battle of good versus evil and the power of the demonic Devil’s Claw. Located in the Devil’s Triangle; and
Spirits with Spirits – An evening of monstertainment featuring music, spirits of both natures, and devilish treats located in the West Picnic Pavilion. Plus, don’t miss other ghoulish grub only available during Fright Fest at select locations around the park.

Popular returning haunted houses and mazes that incorporate state-of-the-art makeup, props, and special effects, include:

Willoughby’s Resurrected is where evil spirits roam the once-affluent Willoughby’s Family mansion;
Condemned – Forever Damned is full of horrific haunts of a dilapidated home where the walls are alive and the spirits of those who once lived there unleash their fury on anyone who dares enter;
Vault 666 Unlocked is where demonic relics are locked in a dark and sinister antique shop, casting spells and haunting those who try and steal them;
Sewer of Souls takes guests into an underground world of lost souls and terrifying tunnels where evil oozes; and
Aftermath 2: Chaos Rising is the region’s largest outdoor maze, covering more than 40,000 square feet where the spirits of the dead and the near-dead inhabit a post-apocalyptic city with larger-than-life props, fire, fog, and other special effects.

Additional scare zones around the park which leave guests nowhere to hide and screaming to get out unscathed include:

The Deadzone unleashes a renegade group of cyberpunk zombies that feed on unsuspecting visitors;
Terror Rising – Dark Developments haunts guests for all eternity as their worst nightmares rise up from the depths of hell and prey on the innocent who dare to enter this abandoned cemetery;
City Under Siege is full of clowns who are loose and running rampant through the streets;
TERRORtory Twisted is home to steam-spewing mechanical beasts who relentlessly hunt down their victims;
Nightmares – A Twisted Fantasy is where childhood favorite bedtime stories take on a perverse twist; and
Exile Hill makes guests freak out when unimaginable sinister souls appear without warning.

More spooktacular shows include:

Unleashed located in City Under Siege, takes place at 7:00pm nightly when the monsters of Fright Fest break free;
VooDoo Nights returns where ghoul rock goes pop with today’s hits. Guests will want to dust off those thriller moves and join in the fun in the Full Throttle Plaza.

Fright Fest operating days include:

Fridays: September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28

Saturdays: September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Sundays: September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Monday: October 31

For more information on Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest, visit the website at www.sixflags.com/magicmountain.

Six Flags Magic Mountain is currently hiring ghouls and scare actors for Fright Fest. Team Members receive in-park discounts, rewards and recognitions, exclusive Team Member events, and more. Applicants, age 16 and older, can apply online at www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/jobs.

Socalthrills.com

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