Nintendo’s Latest Direct Presentation was Massive

September 24, 2021

Nintendo Switch owners are in for quite the year ahead! In the latest Nintendo Direct video presentation, Nintendo detailed a wide variety of games coming to the system this year and into 2022 – with some games that have already been launched.

The video outlined something for everyone, including:

… the next games in franchises like Bayonetta 3, Splatoon 3 and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, a new 3D platforming-adventure in the Kirby series.
… massive expansion DLC for MONSTER HUNTER RISE and free downloadable content for Mario Golf: Super Rush.
… a new membership plan for Nintendo Switch Online that includes access to a growing library of classic Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games, as well as all the current benefits of the service, such as NES and Super NES games, exclusives like Tetris^®99 and PAC-MAN 99, and more.
… several exciting new games from SQUARE ENIX like Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars, Chocobo GP and TRIANGLE STRATEGY.
… remakes and compilations of nostalgic classics, including the HD remastered Actraiser Renaissance, Shadowrun Trilogy and Castlevania Advance Collection, a compilation featuring classic Castlevania games from the Game Boy Advance and Super NES systems.

“Heading into its sixth year, Nintendo Switch and its wide variety of games continue to offer experiences for various types of players,” said Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Communications. “In this latest Nintendo Direct, we are looking ahead to a year packed with new games in well-known franchises, as well as unique and exciting titles from our development and publishing partners.”

Nintendo Direct Highlights

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: A new membership plan is coming to Nintendo Switch Online in late October with classic Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games. In addition to all the benefits of a Nintendo Switch Online membership such as online play, access to a growing library of NES and Super NES games, and more, members can play select titles like Mario Kart 64 online with up to four players for the first time ever (additional accessories required; sold separately)! The full list of classic games launching for the expanded service, with more Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis titles coming in the future, is as follows:

Launch Lineup of Nintendo 64 Games

Super Mario 64
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Mario Kart 64
Star Fox 64
Sin and Punishment
Dr. Mario 64
Mario Tennis 64
WinBack
Yoshi’s Story

Upcoming Nintendo 64 Games (With More To Come!)

Banjo-Kazooie
Pokémon Snap
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
Mario Golf
Paper Mario
F-Zero X

Launch Lineup of SEGA Genesis Games

Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Streets of Rage 2
Ecco the Dolphin
Castlevania: Bloodlines
Contra: Hard Corps
Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
Golden Axe
Gunstar Heroes
M.U.S.H.A.
Phantasy Star IV
Ristar
Shining Force
Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
Strider

Nintendo Switch Online members will also be able to pre-order two new controllers that resemble the original Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis controllers at a later date.

These wireless controllers can be used to play these classic games on Nintendo Switch Online. More details about Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, including release timing and price, will be revealed at a later date.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land: The next Kirby adventure on the Nintendo Switch system is going 3D! In this new 3D platforming game, players can freely navigate areas using familiar Kirby copy abilities. What lies in store for Kirby as he explores a mysterious setting filled with abandoned structures from a past civilization? Find out when Kirby and the Forgotten Land launches for Nintendo Switch in spring 2022.

Bayonetta 3: A new trailer for this stylish, action-filled sequel showed off gameplay for the first time, revealing a new look for Bayonetta and new mechanics, including the ability for Bayonetta to directly control demons. Bayonetta 3 will launch for Nintendo Switch in 2022. More information about the game will be released at a later date.
MONSTER HUNTER RISE: SUNBREAK: Capcom is currently working on a massive, paid DLC expansion for the hit Nintendo Switch game MONSTER HUNTER RISE. The expansion will include newly added stories, locales and monsters, as well as newly added hunting actions and quest rank. MONSTER HUNTER RISE: SUNBREAK is scheduled to be released in summer 2022. More information about this massive expansion will be revealed in the future. In the meantime, soar into MONSTER HUNTER RISE during the game’s first sale – happening now through 11:59 p.m. PT on Oct. 3.
Splatoon 3: The next game in this INK-redible series features new and returning stages in 4-v-4 battles, as well as new weapons never before seen in the Splatoon games. In the game’s single-player campaign, mammals might be returning … but what does this mean? Find out more when additional details about Splatoon 3, which is scheduled to release in 2022, are revealed in the future.

Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars: A spellbinding experience from the creative minds of YOKO TARO and Yosuke Saito is about to unfold. In Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars from SQUARE ENIX, players will square off in experiences that reveal themselves through cards, including turn-based battles, where their skills – and a little bit of luck – will determine the victor. This fresh take on tabletop RPGs launches for Nintendo Switch on Oct. 28. Players can try out the free demo and pre-order Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars later today!
Chocobo GP: Get ready for a new racing experience! Race as familiar FINAL FANTASY characters like Chocobo and Gilgamesh using special character abilities and Magicites to speed past the competition. Engine customization options will also be available, as well as local* and online** multiplayer. Up to 64 players can compete in a bracket-style tournament to determine the racing champion! Chocobo GP launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch in 2022.
TRIANGLE STRATEGY: In February, SQUARE ENIX sent out a survey for the demo version of TRIANGLE STRATEGY. Since then, the developers have been updating the game, with a focus on adjustments to the difficulty, as well as improvements to on-screen visuals, camera controls and the ability to view past conversations. The stunning HD-2D strategy RPG TRIANGLE STRATEGY launches for Nintendo Switch on March 4, 2022.
Actraiser Renaissance: The classic Super NES game Actraiser returns on the Nintendo Switch system, now remastered in HD! In Actraiser Renaissance, strike down monsters in the side-scrolling action phase, Realm Acts, and cultivate lands in the world-building creation phase, Realm Management. Enjoy the much-loved original score and a rearranged soundtrack featuring new music. New stages and boss battles also await. Actraiser Renaissance launches for Nintendo Switch … later today!

Dying Light 2 Stay Human – Cloud Version: In Dying Light 2 Stay Human – Cloud Version, master both parkour and tactical combat to survive in this brutal open-world action RPG. Explore alone or with up to three others in online co-op.** Unravel the dark secrets of those in power during the day, then plunder the lairs of the infected at night. Choose sides and decide the fate of the City. Dying Light 2 Stay Human – Cloud Version launches for Nintendo Switch on Feb. 4, 2022. A free demo for the game will also be available on the same day. But that’s not all: The prequel, Dying Light: Platinum Edition, is also coming to Nintendo Switch on Oct. 19. Pre-orders for the prequel start today!
DELTARUNE Chapter 2: The new expansion to DELTARUNE Chapter 1 has arrived! Enter DELTARUNE Chapter 2 and once again experience a hilarious and emotional story in the mysterious Dark World. Players will dodge everything, from balls of yarn to ambulances and missiles, in creative attacks that appeal to beginners and not-so-beginners alike. DELTARUNE Chapter 2 will be available as a free update for owners of DELTARUNE Chapter 1 later today!
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update: A new free update is coming to Animal Crossing: New Horizons this November! More details will be revealed in Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct airing in October. Follow Isabelle on Twitter for more information!

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Expansion Pass DLC: On Oct. 29, the second wave of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Expansion Pass content arrives with a newly playable character duo, additional stages and emotional new story sequences. Defend Hyrule as the quirky duo character, Purah & Robbie, and their array of ancient technology. See how places like the Coliseum and Kakariko Village looked 100 years in the past in new story stages. Learn more about the Champions and the mysterious Guardian in emotional new story sequences as the fight for Hyrule’s future continues! Players who purchase the Expansion Pass will also gain access to Wave 1 of the DLC, which is already available.
The Final DLC Fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is…: …going to be revealed soon! Masahiro Sakurai, the director of the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate game, will host a final “Mr. Sakurai Presents” video on Oct. 5 revealing the final DLC fighter. This will be the last presentation about Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC, so make sure to tune in!
Mario Party Superstars: It’s almost time for Mario Party Superstars, which launches for Nintendo Switch on Oct. 29! In addition to the main Mario Party mode, which will see the return of several classic boards from the Nintendo 64 era, including Woody Woods, Yoshi’s Tropical Island and Horror Land, Mario Party Superstars will also feature the minigame mode Mt. Minigames, which includes the competitive Survival course and the cooperative multiplayer course Tag Match, among other courses.

Mario Golf: Super Rush DLC: FORE! More free content is coming to Mario Golf: Super Rush. Later today, two new playable characters will be added to the game: Koopa Troopa and Ninji! In addition to these characters, two new courses will be added – the snowy Blustery Basin and the desert-set Spiky Palms – as well as the ability to change the difficulty level of the CPU opponents. Download all this new content in Mario Golf: Super Rush starting later today!
Disco Elysium – The Final Cut: In this groundbreaking role-playing adventure, interrogate people and uncover clues with the help of 24 inner skills. The player’s behaviors and available choices will change depending on how they develop these skills, directly impacting how the story progresses. Disco Elysium – The Final Cut launches digitally on Nintendo Switch on Oct. 12. The physical version of the game launches in early 2022. Pre-orders for the digital version start today!
STAR WARS: Knights of the Old Republic: A beloved Star Wars game is coming to Nintendo Switch! Blast off to captivating planets and join forces with Jedi, droids and outcasts in this blend of action, role-playing and adventure. STAR WARS: Knights of the Old Republic launches for Nintendo Switch on Nov. 11. Pre-orders for the game start later today!
Castlevania Advance Collection: Castlevania Advance Collection brings together four classic Castlevania games – Castlevania: Circle of the Moon, Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow and Castlevania: Dracula X – with deathly beautiful graphics and hauntingly epic music. Rewind, Quick Save and Button Mapping features will also ramp up the fight against evil. All regional versions of each game, as well as a gallery mode with never-before-seen artwork, are included. Castlevania Advance Collection launches for Nintendo Switch … later today!
Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition: Players are invited to live in a magical world with Mickey Mouse and dozens of Disney characters! Spend time with Disney friends, craft whimsical costumes and furniture, and explore delightful Disney-themed worlds. All downloadable content from the original Nintendo 3DS version will also be included when Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition launches for Nintendo Switch this holiday season.

Shadowrun Trilogy: Cyberpunk meets fantasy in this three-game collection of cult classic RPGs. As a Shadowrunner mercenary, players will explore a dystopian future where magic has reawakened and fantasy creatures have come back to life. Immersive branching narratives, skill-based character growth and gripping turn-based tactical combat await in Shadowrun Trilogy, launching for Nintendo Switch in 2022.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Players excited to dive into this next title in the acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei series can pre-order the game starting today! Shin Megami Tensei V launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch on Nov. 12.
Rune Factory 5: In Rune Factory 5, players can grow crops, tame monsters and team up with townsfolk to explore a massive world. But when they aren’t off on adventures, they can also find friendship and love among a colorful cast of characters. Rune Factory 5 launches for Nintendo Switch on Mar. 22, 2022.
Arcade Archives PAC-MAN / Arcade Archives XEVIOUS: Two classic NAMCO games are coming to Nintendo Switch as part of the Arcade Archives series. Play arcade hits PAC-MAN and XEVIOUS at home or on the go when they both launch for Nintendo Switch … later today!

The Nintendo Direct presentation also featured a montage of upcoming Nintendo Switch games, including HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED, a high-speed racer launching on Sept. 30 that lets players collect the best vehicles in the Hot Wheels universe, build spectacular tracks and dive into high-octane races; Surviving the Aftermath, a procedurally generated world-building game set in a post-apocalyptic future, launching this winter; and Wreckfest, a demolition derby-themed racing game with soft-body damage modeling, sophisticated driving dynamics and in-depth vehicle upgrading, launching for the Nintendo Switch system this fall.
Remember that Nintendo Switch features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/.

* Additional games and systems required. Sold separately.

** Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Not available in all countries. Internet access is required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online

Celebrate Disney+ Day on November 12

Socalthrills Staff

September 21, 2021

On Friday, November 12, The Walt Disney Company will host Disney+ Day, a global celebration that will come to life across all dimensions of the Company. Subscribers to Disney+ will be treated to new content releases across the service’s iconic brands, Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Star in international markets, along with a special presentation on Disney+ for fans with sneak peeks into what’s to come. Additionally, the service will continue to engage new audiences around the world, as Disney+ expands into new Asia-Pacific markets on November 12.

In honor of the second anniversary of Disney+, subscribers will have access to promotions and experiences across the Company. Disney Parks and Resorts around the world and Disney Cruise Line will roll out the blue carpet for Disney+ fans with some surprise and delight moments including photo opportunities, character moments, and more; shopDisney.com will have special offers; popular network shows and syndicated series will join in the celebration along with talent and series across ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN and ESPN+, Freeform, FX, Hulu, National Geographic in the U.S., and on owned channels abroad.

“The inaugural Disney+ Day will be a grand-scale celebration of our subscribers across the entire company,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This day of appreciation brings to life our mission to entertain, inform, and inspire fans and families around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, and will become an annual tentpole event to be amplified across our global businesses.”

Disney+ Day Content

Premieres from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic

Disney+ Day will feature content premieres from all of the marquee brands on service, including:

The streaming premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings”
The beloved Disney family-friendly adventure film “Jungle Cruise,” available to all subscribers
The new Disney+ Original movie “Home Sweet Home Alone,” a reimagining of the popular holiday franchise
An all-new original series of shorts from Walt Disney Animation Studios called “Olaf Presents,” which sees Frozen’s beloved snowman retelling several classic Disney tales as only he can
The domestic Disney+ streaming debut of fan-favorite shorts from Walt Disney Animation Studios including “Frozen Fever,” Oscar®-winning shorts “Feast” and ”Paperman,” Oscar-nominated Mickey Mouse short, “Get A Horse!” and more
An animated short film “Ciao Alberto” from Pixar, featuring characters from this summer’s animated hit breakout film “Luca”
A new short from The Simpsons that pays tribute to Disney+’s marquee brands
The first five episodes from season 2 of “The World According to Jeff Goldblum” from National Geographic
A special celebrating the origins and legacy of Star Wars’ legendary bounty hunter, Boba Fett
A special celebrating the Marvel Cinematic Universe on Disney+ with an exciting look towards the future
“Dopesick,” an original series starring Michael Keaton, which will be released in international markets as part of the Star general entertainment content offering

Subscribers to the service will be entertained with an inaugural Disney+ Day fan celebration on Disney+, which will include breaking news, first looks, new trailers, exclusive clips, and appearances from Disney+ creators and stars.

Global Launches in South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong

In honor of Disney+ Day, Disney+ will make its debut in South Korea and Taiwan on November 12, and in Hong Kong on November 16, bringing Disney’s iconic characters and stories into the homes of new audiences around the globe.

More exciting content premieres, consumer offers, and news will be announced leading up to Disney+ Day.

Disney/Pixar’s COCO at El Capitan Theatre September 24 – 27

Socalthrills Staff

September 20, 2021

Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents Disney/Pixar’s “Coco” September 24 -September 27, 2021, shown in brilliant Dolby Vision^TMLaser Projection & Dolby Atmos® Audio Technology. Before every show, El Capitan guests can enjoy “The Fiesta of Lights” featuring music from the film.

Daily showtimes for Disney/Pixar’s “Coco” starting Friday, September 24 – September 26 are 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and Monday, September 27 at 10:00 AM. Showtimes and dates are subject to change.

Tickets are now on sale at www.elcapitantickets.com and at https://www.fandango.com/el-capitan-theatre-aacon/theater-page. All seats for this engagement are reserved: $15 Adult, $12 Child (3-11)/Senior(60+)

The El Capitan Theatre has taken enhanced health and safety measures for its guests and cast members. All guests must follow posted instructions while visiting the El Capitan Theatre. For health and safety information including theatre policies and procedures visit https://elcapitantheatre.com/safetyinformation/

“Hawkeye” from Marvel Studios starts November 24, 2021

Socalthrills Staff

September 17, 2021

Disney+ and Marvel Studios invite you on an unexpected holiday getaway, unwrapping the official trailer and teaser poster for “Hawkeye,” a new series set in post-blip New York City. Former Avenger Clint Barton has a seemingly simple mission: get back to his family for Christmas. Possible?

Maybe with the help of Kate Bishop, a 22-year-old archer with dreams of becoming a Super Hero. The two are forced to work together when a presence from Barton’s past threatens to derail far more than the festive spirit.

About Hawkeye

Starring Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton/Hawkeye and Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop, “Hawkeye” also features Vera Farmiga, Fra Fee, Tony Dalton, Zahn McClarnon, Brian d’Arcy James and newcomer Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez. Helmed by Rhys Thomas and directing duo Bert and Bertie, “Hawkeye” debuts exclusively on Disney+ on November 24, 2021.

“Among the Stars” launching all episodes exclusively on Disney+

Robbie Bulus

September 17, 2021

Disney+ has revealed its newest original series “Among the Stars,” launching all episodes of the six-part series exclusively on Disney+ on Monday, October 6. As seen in the newly released official trailer, the docuseries, produced by Fulwell 73, embeds viewers with NASA astronaut Captain Chris Cassidy as he embarks on one last mission. Through intimate footage, personal video diaries, and live stream footage — stationed both on Earth and in space — viewers are given a first look at the critically important team of engineers, flight controllers, and specialists who take on these dangerous and awe-inspiring missions for the greater good.

Following the teams’ successes and failures over the course of two years, “Among the Stars” provides behind-the-scenes access to the critically important NASA mission of repairing a $2 billion science experiment, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS), which aims to reveal the origins of the universe. To repair the AMS, former Navy Seal Captain Cassidy and his team must undertake a series of complex spacewalks, but the story quickly becomes a tale about the broader team at NASA, their roles on this daring mission, and the collective quest to succeed.

Filmed with different space agencies across the globe — from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to the European Space Agency in Cologne to the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency outside of Tokyo and the Russian Space Agency in Star City — viewers are transported around the world as they follow Captain Cassidy in his training to depart to the International Space Station. With his team on the ground and under immense pressure to finalize everything, his last mission quickly becomes uncertain as the world goes into lockdown from COVID-19.

The series goes beyond the spacesuit, introducing viewers to astronauts and engineers from around the world, including Captain Cassidy’s partner astronaut, Luca Parmitano from the European Space Agency; Drew Morgan, a rookie NASA astronaut who gets the chance of a lifetime to repair the AMS; Emily Nelson, AMS flight director and the 10th female flight director at NASA; Heather Bergman, AMS spacewalk tools manager at NASA who leads a team dedicated to creating spacewalk tools; professor Samuel Ting, Nobel Prize winner for discovering the subatomic particle and AMS Inventor; and Ken Bollweg, AMS project manager who has worked hand-in-hand with professor Ting on the AMS experiment from its inception 25 years ago.

“Among The Stars” captures the last bastion of the previous era of space travel through shuttle astronauts, traverses into what the future holds with NASA’s plans to return to the moon, and its new commercial partnerships pushing the agencies further into space.

“Among the Stars” is produced by Fulwell 73 Productions for Disney+. Ben Turner directs and executive produces for Fulwell 73. Executive producers on this series include Gabe Turner, Leo Pearlman, Will Gluck, and Richard Schwartz.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Hollywood is a Scary Good Time

Russell Tom

September 17, 2021

Blessed be our New Founding Fathers for bringing back Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. Eager to return after missing out last season, our terrors of the night frightfully scream loud enough to wake the dead.

The 2021 season resurrects a few classics in new locations and new experiences. Michael Myers, Leatherface, The Exorcist, The Walking Dead, and Bride of Frankenstein come together with Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House for scary fun. Parents should be aware this special ticket event is not recommended for children as this will be a much bloodier experience than the daytime operation.

The Universal Plaza has been transformed into a Day of the Dead Celebration. The wide-open space is ready with specialty snacks, drinks, games, and colorful backdrops.

The scare maze located nearest the park entrance is Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers. Despite having a Halloween-themed maze in previous years, 2021 offers a new take on an old favorite.

Taking over the previous location of Universal Monsters comes a semi-follow-up found in Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein LIVES. Enter inside an oversized illustrated storybook that outlines the plot of the scenes guests will partake in. It appears not only does the Bride want to resurrect a lover, but must do battle with vampires to volunteer in her experiments.

The one other scare zone in the park beside the entrance is at the exit of this Universal Monsters maze.

A new path has revealed itself past the gates of The Wizarding World leading to a new and welcomed backstage location for two mazes. The Curse of Pandora’s Box returns from 2019. This original maze transport guests from a dusty curios shop to a backlit supernatural realm.

The neighboring attraction is Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House. Not being familiar with the series myself, this was still a dark and moody walk through the creepy hallways. Many of the walls reveal ghostly encounters. This is a very accessible maze to be scared in for those concerned about not understanding any references to the series it’s based on.

Jabbawockeez returns with their hip-hop dance performances. Nothing anything special if you want anything Halloween. But for those that need a 20-minute break from horror, this is a sufficient high-energy show that focuses on music and dance.

With two mazes in their new location behind the Wizarding World, this allows the Terror Tram to return for The Ultimate Purge. Trams drive guests to a Purge Party that supposedly provides and fun and safe place until the annual Purge concludes. But that is not the case as it would seem. After its debut in 2015, the Purge is back for more. Not as many chain link fences and utilizing wide open show scenes. And good news, Norman Bates is waiting for a picture with you at the Psycho house. Bringing back the Terror Tram makes a lot of sense as it is essentially a long outdoor scare zone.

The Lower Lot sizzles up returning mazes, new refreshments, and extra seating. A Leatherface-themed BBQ smokes up the smells of a tasty dinner. Isla Nu-bar mixes up specialty drinks which can also be found at an outdoor lounge following a green-lit stairway upstairs. No scare zones here perhaps as to not clog up the congested walkway.

Approaching either side of the Transformer Ride entrance are the maze entrances for The Exorcist and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Although reworking most of what was seen from its 2016 debut, the black hallways had scares laid out that didn’t feel lackluster. It was here that we noticed most of the scare mazes didn’t use a lot of curtains and hanging corpses that guests would normally bypass. It was actually less annoying and let us enjoy the mazes more.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre has made a number of appearances to Halloween Horror Nights, the maze design still serves up a fresh plate. Just being able to have the Halloween season back just puts everyone in a good mood.

While the Jurassic Park: The Ride queue was used for scare mazes before, the popularity of Jurassic World: The Ride naturally prevents a maze from being built here for the time being.

The Walking Dead scare maze attraction arises with no noticeable changes inside. The entrance outside was redesigned with The Secret Life of Pets nearing completion.

Horror Nights seasonal merchandise is available to remember the scariest moments from your terror-filled evening.

Universal Studios Hollywood brings to life one of Southern California’s most immersive Halloween events. Halloween Horror Nights 2021 is open on select nights now until Oct 31. Tickets are available for purchase by clicking here.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort: Hot Air Balloons, Horse Carriages, Great Wine & Food

Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway

September 15, 2021

Just when we thought breakfast couldn’t get any better, we heard a gentle puffing sound in the sky. Looking up we saw a giant, colorful hot air balloon slowly rising above our bungalow like a red, blue, and yellow planet. It was an awesome sight and it made our breakfast in the middle of a lush vineyard even more memorable.

Our recent getaway to 109-acre Carter Estate Winery and Resort (www.carterestatewinery.com) began when we checked into a luxurious bungalow overlooking rows of beautiful vineyards and rolling hills. Designed to complement the natural surroundings, all 60 of the spacious rooms at the resort are open and airy, with classy furnishings and colorful decor.

Our vineyard bungalow featured a marble and granite bathroom with soaking tub and separate shower, an electric fireplace, large TV, comfy king bed, sofa bed, and a kitchenette area with mini-fridge, microwave, sink, and Keurig coffee maker. There was also an elegant dining table with chairs.

My favorite aspect of the room was the private patio, looking out to the Temescal Mountains and the Santa Ana Mountains in the distance, and vineyards teeming with grapes of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer a few feet away. From the patio, we could have breakfast or dinner with an incredible view or we could stroll through the vineyards and immerse ourselves in the serene beauty of the estate and the Temescal Valley.

Known for its year-round temperate climate, Temecula Valley has become Southern California’s premier wine capitol. Winemaking in this region dates back more than 50 years, and today you can find nearly every varietal – from chardonnay to syrah. And when it comes to making great local wine, Carter Estate is one of the best. In fact, the winery has become one of California’s preeminent méthode champenoise sparkling wine producers and is also known for acclaimed still wines and other varietals including Viognier, malbec, chardonnay, Sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and merlot.

We got a great sampling of some of the estate’s grapes with a wine tasting of reds and whites featuring Brut, Viognier, Penrose, Malbec, and Daybreak. Each wine is produced from the best varietals and aged to perfection in European oak barrels to ensure enjoyment.

After the wine tasting, I took a free shuttle from the winery across the street to its sister property, South Coast Winery, where I worked out at a state-of-the-art fitness center at the property’s elegant spa. Back at Carter Estate, we had dinner on our private patio and watched a horse and carriage roll past us. It was a beautiful sight as giant Clydesdales clip-clopped along pulling a white buggy through the vineyards, as the sun fell behind the mountains.

The next morning the sights and sounds continued to amaze. While enjoying a delicious complimentary continental breakfast on our patio, we heard what sounded like a fire-breathing dragon in the sky. Looking up from my breakfast burrito, I saw a giant hot air balloon hovering over the vineyards with a basketful of sightseers. In a couple of minutes, a couple more hot air balloons appeared above the vineyards. It was a memorable sight and a wonderful way to begin a day.

For those interested in taking a hot air balloon ride over wine country, while staying at the Carter Estate, the resort is offering the Hot Air Balloon Package. This special offer, which starts at $489, includes one night stay for two, complimentary continental breakfast, a shared hot air balloon ride for two with California Dreamin’ Balloon Adventures, and a bottle of Carter Estate Wine.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort and its sister winery, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, are the recipients of over 3,000 awards and medals for outstanding wines over the years, and The Vineyard Rose Restaurant at South Coast Winery Resort has been cited as a “Best Winery Restaurant” by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice awards.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort boasts 60 beautifully designed private bungalows and suites, a luxurious swimming pool with cabanas, a poolside restaurant, a working winery, a private tasting room and in-room spa services. Additionally, guests at Carter Estate have access to all spa services and other amenities at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, located across the street.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort is located at 34450 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California. For more information, call (844) 851-2138 or visit: www.carterestatewinery.com

“West Side Story” New Trailer, Poster and Still revealed

Socalthrills Staff

September 15, 2021

The Walt Disney Company has released a new trailer, poster, and stills for Academy Award-winning director Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation of the musical “West Side Story,” which will open in U.S. theaters on December 10, 2021.

Directed by Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Tony Kushner, “West Side Story” tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony); Rachel Zegler (María); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); Ana Isabelle (Rosalía); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); and Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works).

Moreno – one of only three artists to be honored with Academy, Emmy, GRAMMY®, Tony, and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film’s executive producers.

Bringing together the best of both Broadway and Hollywood, the film’s creative team includes Kushner, who also serves as an executive producer; Tony Award® winner Justin Peck, who choreographed the musical numbers in the film; renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor and GRAMMY Award® winner Gustavo Dudamel, who helmed the recording of the iconic score; Academy Award®-nominated composer and conductor David Newman (“Anastasia”), who arranged the score; Tony Award®-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (“Fun Home,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie”), who supervised the cast on vocals; and Grammy®-nominated music supervisor Matt Sullivan (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Chicago”), who served as executive music producer for the film.

The film is produced by Spielberg, Academy Award®-nominated producer Kristie Macosko Krieger and Tony Award®-winning producer Kevin McCollum. “West Side Story” has been adapted for the screen from the original 1957 Broadway show, with book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and concept, direction and choreography by Jerome Robbins.

From 20^th Century Studios, The Walt Disney Company will release “West Side Story” in U.S. theaters on December 10, 2021.

Oogie Boogie Bash 2021 is a Wickedly Good Time!

Patrick O'Connor

September 13, 2021

The Oogie Boogie Bash has returned to Disney California Adventure after taking a year off for reasons we don’t need to explain. This reincarnation of the amazing Halloween party has so much to offer – your night will be filled to the brim with spooky happenings!

Arriving at the Halloween After Hours Party early is recommended as your ticket to the event will allow early access to the park at 3 pm while the real festivities will not occur until 6 pm. This will allow you to grab a bite to eat or experience an attraction or two before the villains take over the park. This separately ticketed event lasts until 11 pm allowing you plenty of time to explore all of the offerings and walk away with copious amounts of candy!

If you are looking for a good meal before your excursion throughout the park, make sure you snag some reservations at the Wine Country Trattoria where you can request to have the Oogie Boogie Dining Package for $55 per adult or $40 for children. If you are familiar with the World of Color Dining Experience, this is very similar to a three-course dinner which also includes a specific reserved area for the Frightfully Fun Parade (More on that below).

Our group had several options from the menu which included our starters – Salad or Italian Wedding Soup. You could also upgrade your starter for $4 more and get the classic Caprese Salad or Rustic Bruschetta.

For our main course, we had the Roasted Vegetable Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, and Ribeye Steak (for a $10 upcharge). The dessert was an apple-flavored cauldron which was a nice and refreshingly light ending to our meal.

Allow plenty of time for this meal as our service took about an hour for the full meal – but we did not leave disappointed!

Once 6 pm rolls around an announcement is heard throughout the park and we as guests of Oogie Boogies are free to start the candy collecting process. You must have a valid wristband to attend which can be received at the main gate or at Blue Sky Cellar (the former Imagineering location which looks like it has not been touched in years).

With your wristband, you will gain access to the Treat Trails around the park. We recommend working your way through all the trails from the front of the park to the back. Starting with the master of Scaremony himself – Oogie Boogie! Located inside the Animation Building, this was possibly the best-themed Treat Trail. Projections on the large “pages” above show off classic Oogie Boogie scenes including his giant Jackpot and gunslingers. Oogie himself is on a raised platform not seen by day so this transformation is quite fun. After leaving the Animation Building, we got in line for one of the 3 newest villains to join the festivities – Cruella!

Located in the Hollywood Backlot area, Cruella from the Emma Stone live-action film can be seen showing off her latest collection and commenting with guests on their outfits and appearances. It was so much fun to watch this live actor utilize the entire stage while also keeping a very personal feel.

The soundtrack and lighting in this area just enhanced the overall experience while getting handfuls of candy and other non-candy items including rice crispy treats. This line was a long one but moved quickly as each guest began to fill their bags with the treats. Be advised Cruella does take breaks and may not always be on stage when you pass by so timing here needs to be factored in!

After passing through Hollywoodland, your next Trail is within the outdoor queue of the Hyperion Theater. Here you will find the Tim Burton Mad Hatter. While this was not our favorite interaction, the Mad Hatter did have some great poses as you passed. There seemed to also be more non-candy treats at this location than others including applesauce and temporary tattoos from Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween.

We passed through this line in a breeze and headed to our next new character over in Avengers Campus. While there are no other decorations for Halloween in Avengers Campus, taking over the Ancient Sanctum is Agatha Harkness from WandaVision. Another long line but well worth the wait as Agatha is just as sassy as you would expect while interacting.

Over in the Bountiful Gardens, you will find the next trail featuring Dr. Facilier. This was another long line but it moved with ease. Note that this is the only trail that will close off for the parades each night so make sure you either hit this early or between the two parades. Behind Soarin’ over the World is where you will find the mistress of evil – Maleficent. This trail leaves a lot to be desired but the interactions are some of the best with Maleficent knowing she is the bad witch she is.

The most hidden trail is the Grizzly Bear Rapids trail featuring the Evil Queen. We also found this was the best-themed treats with Apple Slices and Applesauce along with the candy offerings. We also loved the Evil Queens interactions as you walked by.

Due to this trail not being as popular, the Cast Members will give out a bit more candy than other trails. At this point, your bag provided should be practically full. If you do fill up a bag, you can always head back to the entrance and get another bag to fill up. Pros will know to bring their own bags for maximum efficiency.

The last trail – and one of the new face characters is Sid from the original Toy Story. Located in the Pixar Promenade on Pixar Pier, Sid is the angsty child we all know and love to hate. Sid has a circus feel to his area as it is the Sid Show!

We could have stayed and watched his interactions for the entire night as he had so many good one-liners and would even take questions from the crowd. We even asked him where his rocket was and of course, he said he was saving it for the big finale!

Returning this year is the Villains Grove which takes over the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. This area is popular and if you do not know what you are walking into, it can be a disappointment for some. There is no candy trail or characters to meet here but you will find a visually stunning experience of light and projection throughout. It is stunning at night and while the line can get up to an hour-long, some may find this to be underwhelming for the wait. If you have other things you want to do, we recommend hitting this as the last thing to do at night!

There is so much entertainment in the park it’s almost too much for only one night. From rare characters out by Grizzly Bear Rapids/San Francisco Street, the Villainous Duos on Buena Vista Street, Carsland Characters, and the Paradise Pier (World of Color Viewing) Area featuring more of the classic characters, you will find something fun for everyone.

The highlight of the event though is the Frightfully Fun Halloween Parade! This is the first full parade back at Disney Park and we were so excited to see it again even with some minor changes. The parade happens at 7:45 pm and 10 pm with the Headless Horseman and Ichabod Crane providing a pre-parade appearance. The parade is just as fun as we remember and packs a lot of villains! Check it out below!

Well, that wraps up another fun-filled event at Disney California Adventure. While the Oogie Boogie Bash is currently sold out, make sure you check back as some dates may open up in the future.

Legoland CA Brick-or-Treat is Back in October 2021

Robbie Bulus

September 3, 2021

LEGOLAND California Resort transforms into the ultimate family Halloween party during its Brick-or-Treat Halloween celebration, every Saturday in October (2, 9, 16, 23 & 30). Guests are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes, boogie down with the Midnight Monster Jam, enjoy tasty treats from one of 15 treat stations, take photos surrounded by all the fall décor and interact with Spooktacular entertainment.

The popular Brick-or-Treat celebration is back with a new digital Pop Badge Challenge! With video clues scattered throughout the Park, guests will go on a spook-filled adventure as they become Halloween detectives and help find a missing party guest while also uncovering an exclusive 2021 Brick-or-Treat pop badge.

Even more spooks and not too frightening frights can be expected during Brick-or-Treat with the first-ever LEGOLAND Scare Zone! Located in Adventure Club, the scare zone will take guests through ancient Egypt, a jail cell, the rainforest, and a bone-chilling ice cave. Creepy crawlers, eerie music, and not-too-terrifying actors will make it a scream-worthy experience.

The family-friendly Halloween event welcomes back fan-favorite LEGO characters which include LEGO Witch, LEGO Frankenstein, LEGO Mummy, and all the fall-time favorite characters at the Resort for festive photo opportunities. There is no better way to get into the Halloween spirit than by boogieing down to the intergalactic beats at Club Astrobash or by joining in on the most frighteningly fun dance party, Midnight Monster Jam! Kids can also partake in the interactive Frankenbrick’s Lab show by using their imagination to bring his LEGO^® Monsters to life.

Four Costume Contest Parades will take place every Saturday during Brick-or-Treat giving guests a chance to win some awesome prizes! With three categories: Best LEGO Costume, Most Creative Homemade Costume and Best Group Costume, there is a chance for everyone to strut their stuff during the Halloween celebration.

Brick-or-Treat is a special event and admission can be purchased for as low as $98.99 if purchased online in advance. Regular park admission is included with the purchase of a special event ticket. Halloween activities kick off at 3pm and continue after dark, until 8pm, every Saturday in October.

Special event ticket holders can enjoy costume contests, decorations, character meet and greets, trick-or-treating, live music, tons of frightfully festive entertainment as well as all the Resort has to offer. For exclusive savings and more information, visit LEGOLAND.com/California or call 760-918-5346.

Halloween Time 2021 at Disneyland Resort Food Guide

Socalthrills Staff

September 2, 2021

Halloween is back at the Disneyland resort and the chefs and candy makers have conjured up all sorts of eerie eats and treats for Halloween Time this year – all frightfully delicious! From Mummy Marshmallow Wands and Halloween Grey Stuff to Blood Orange Slushes and Ghost Pepper Potato Bites, there’s something scary good for everyone! And be on the lookout for all the creepy-cool novelties this year!

This Foodie Guide is seriously jam-packed with all the yummy details on where to find all of this year’s offerings available at Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, which runs Sept. 3 through Oct. 31, 2021. Happy Hauntings!

Disneyland Park

Alien Pizza Planet (mobile order available)

Deconstructed Lasagna – Campanelle pasta tossed in ricotta cream sauce topped with Bolognese sauce and bread crumbs
Supernova Special – Spiced marinara sauce topped with sausage, salami, assorted cheeses, onions, olives, and tomatoes drizzled with pesto
Halloween Alien Macaron filled with blackberry buttercream and lemon curd

Café Orleans

Chocolate-Praline Mousse Cake – Decadent praline mousse, dark chocolate brownie, vanilla creme anglaise, and ganache

Candy Palace (mobile order available)

Jack Skellington Apple
Poison Skull Apple
Mummy Marshmallow Wand
Jack Skellington Cake Pop
Minnie Witch Crispy
Spider Web Crispy
Pumpkin Brittle (available Oct. 1-31)
Pumpkin Fudge

Carnation Café (opening Sept. 16)

Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich – Sriracha-glazed fried chicken breast on a brioche bun with spicy sandwich spread, pepper jack cheese, creamy mustard slaw, and cilantro served with fries

French Market (mobile order available)

Haunted Mansion Holiday Wreath Cookie (limited offering available while supplies last)
Chocolate Cherry Cake – Chocolate cake with buttercream frosting, sour cherries, and cream cheese filling finished with a splatter of cherry sauce

Galactic Grill (mobile order available)

Blood Orange Slush – Blood orange slush with a swirl of raspberry sauce and a glow cube
Loaded BBQ Pork Fries – Crisscut fries topped with slow-cooked BBQ pork, cheddar, chipotle ranch, and spicy slaw
Chocolate & Red Velvet Parfait – Layers of red velvet cake, ganache, cookies, dark chocolate mousse, and chocolate cake topped with chocolate flakes, a chocolate Darth Vader helmet, and a mini chocolate lightsaber

Gibson Girl (mobile order available)

Halloween Candy Sundae – Two sundaes in one: sour gummy ice cream with raspberry sauce, gummy treats, and fruit candies; and chocolate ice cream with hot fudge and pieces of chocolate candy bars

Hungry Bear (mobile order available)

Honey Cream Cold Brew – cold brew coffee and honey-flavored cream poured over ice
Pumpkin Cheesecake Funnel Cake – Pumpkin cheesecake filling and vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream
Loaded French Fries – French fries topped with a creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and green onions
Loaded Onion Rings – Onion rings topped with a creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and green onions
Loaded Bowl – Choice of french fries or crispy onion rings topped with a creamy cheesy sauce, crispy bacon, and green onions in a Zero Dog Bowl

Hunny Spot at Pooh’s Corner (mobile order available starting Sept. 2)

Jack Skellington Apple
Poison Skull Apple
Mummy Marshmallow Wand
Jack Skellington Cake Pop
Minnie Witch Crispy
Spider Web Crispy
Haunted Mansion Holiday Wreath Crispy (available Oct. 1)
Pumpkin Brittle (available Oct. 1-31)
Pumpkin Fudge

Jolly Holiday Bakery Café (mobile order available)

Toasted Salsa Roja Chicken Sandwich – Salsa roja shredded chicken on rustic bread with jack and cotija cheeses served with tortilla soup
Pumpkin Muffin
Dark & White Chocolate Mousse Brownie – Chocolate brownie with black and white chocolate mousse
Cookie & Cream Macaron – Mummy mickey macaron shell with cookies and cream filling
Bat Cookie – Shortbread bat cookie dipped in dark chocolate with a Vampire Mickey face
Pumpkin Cheesecake – Classic pumpkin cheesecake decorated with a chocolate spider web and a Halloween decoration

Market House

Bat Cookie – Shortbread bat cookie dipped in dark chocolate with a Vampire Mickey face

Mint Julep Bar (mobile order available)

Mickey-shaped Strawberry Chocolate Beignets topped with strawberry-chocolate powdered sugar (3 and 6 Packs)

Plaza Inn

Halloween Cake – Chocolate cake with multi-colored mousse, green buttercream, royal icing, and Halloween sprinkles

Rancho del Zocalo

Milk Mamey – Vibrant tropical mamey fruit with flavors of persimmon, sweet potato, stone fruit, and vanilla served over ice
Creamy Horchata – Sweet creamy cinnamon rice and milk beverage served over ice

Red Rose Taverne (mobile order available)

Halloween Grey Stuff – Traditional Grey Stuff with tombstone cookie and holiday sprinkles
Candy Apple Cold Brew – Cold brew coffee, apple syrup, whipped cream, and caramel sauce

Refreshment Corner (mobile order available)

BBQ Bacon Dog – All-beef, a foot-long hot dog with bacon slices, BBQ sauce, fried onions, jack and cheddar cheese, and chives served with choice of sliced apples or small bag of chips

River Belle Terrace

Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread
Chicken & Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Brisket grilled cheese, hot chicken, and pickled pepper relish

Stage Door Café (mobile order available)

Spicy Corn Dog – Spicy beef frank hand-dipped and fried, drizzled with cheese sauce and crushed spicy chips served with fries
Chocolate-Hazelnut Funnel Cake with Halloween Sprinkles – House-made funnel cake topped with chocolate-hazelnut spread and whipped cream dusted with chocolate- espresso powder

Churros

Churro Cart near Casey Jr. Circus Train
- Churros with Pumpkin Dipping Sauce
Critter Country Fruit Cart
- Chocolate Dusted Churro – Classic churro dressed in a duo of dark and milk chocolate
New Orleans Churro Cart
- White Chocolate Churro – Elegantly dressed churro in a bouquet of vanilla and sugar
Tomorrowland Churro Cart
- Pumpkin Spice Churro – Chocolate churro rolled in pumpkin spice sugar with brown butter cream cheese dipping sauce
Town Square Churro and Churro Cart near Sleeping Beauty Castle
- Chocolate Cookie Churro – Churro covered with chocolate cookie crumbles blended with colored sugar

Disney California Adventure Park

Award Weiners (mobile order available)

Halloween Candy Funnel Cake Fries – Dusted in crushed chocolate cream-filled cookies with cream cheese sauce, cookie pieces, gummy candies, chocolate-coated candies, and whipped cream
Halloween Candy Funnel Cake Fries in Mickey Ear Hat Bowl

Bing Bongs

Jack Skellington Apple
Poison Skull Apple
Mummy Marshmallow Wand
Minnie Witch Crispy
Oogie Boogie Crispy
Pumpkin Fudge

Boudin Bakery/Boudin Bread Cart

Vampire Mickey-shaped Sourdough

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (mobile order available)

Cookies & Candy Sundae – Scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream, hot fudge, chocolate cookie crumbles, and gummy candies in a chocolate-dipped waffle cone
Halloween Ice Cream Bar – Ice cream bar dipped in chocolate with chocolate accents and sprinkles
Spiked Hard Apple Float – Hard apple cider and apple sorbet drizzled with caramel sauce

Corn Dog Castle (mobile order available)

Pepper-Jack Cheese Stick – Pepper jack cheese stick dipped in corn dog batter and topped with raspberry sauce

Cozy Cone Motel (mobile order available)

Fruity Sugar Churro – Churro tossed in fruity cereal sugar topped with a purple and green glaze
Spicy Mac & Cheese Cone – Pasta with spicy red pepper-cheese sauce topped with crushed chile-cheese puffs served in a bread cone
Cozy Cone Macaron filled with peanut buttercream and pretzels

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café

Oogie Boogie Macaron – Black macaron filled with green apple buttercream, caramel, brownies, cookie crumb dust, and gummy candy

Flo’s V-8 Café (mobile order available)

Spicy Chicken & Fries – Steak fries drizzled with ranch dressing topped with chicken tenders tossed in mango-habanero sauce and finished with green onions
Loaded Buffalo Chicken Fries – Steak fries topped with cheddar cheese, chicken tenders tossed in buffalo sauce, and celery bits drizzled with ranch (available at Oogie Boogie Bash)
Loaded Gravy Fries – Steak fries topped with chicken tenders, jack cheese, and smothered in gravy (available at Oogie Boogie Bash)
Loaded Chili Fries – Steak fries topped with cheddar cheese, Walt’s Chili, diced onions, and sour cream (available at Oogie Boogie Bash)

Hollywood Lounge (mobile order available)

Fanta Spooky Spirit – Fanta Piña Colada with white rum and melon liqueur
Worms, Dice & Everything Nice – Midori, peach schnapps, crème de menthe, orange juice, and pineapple juice topped with gummy worms and Oogie Boogie dice glow cubes
PBJ & W – PB & raspberry jam hard cider with peanut butter whiskey
Howl-o-Ween Concoction – Pineapple michelada with white tequila and pineapple chamoy topped with spicy candy
My Bugs! My Bugs! – Limeade with grenadine float and gummy worms
Orange Cream Fanta-sy – Fanta Orange infused with vanilla topped with whipped cream and black sprinkles
Various refreshing bottled Micheladas

Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums

Shortbread Halloween Cookie

Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining

Ghost Pepper Nachos – House-made green tortilla chips, ghost pepper cheese sauce, ghost pepper-marinated steak, refried black beans, tomatillo avocado salsa, tomato, and cilantro
Specialty Cocktail – Añejo tequila, mezcal, agave, hibiscus, and lemon juice

Mortimer’s Market

Mickey Bat Sourdough Bread

Pacific Wharf Café (mobile order available)

Vampire Mickey-shaped Sourdough

Paradise Garden Grill (mobile order available)

Plaza de la Familia – Celebrate the everlasting bonds of family and the spirit of Día de los Muertos from September 3 to November 2, 2021

Pollo Verde Wet Burrito – Chicken cooked in grilled salsa verde, golden rice, black beans, and crema
Traditional Tamale Plate – Red chile pork tamales with golden rice and black beans
Tacos with Estilo Callejero – Trio of sirloin beef tacos with pickled vegetables, golden rice, and black beans
Tortitas de Papa – Plant-based crispy potato cakes with sautéed spinach, ranchero salsa, golden rice, and pickled onion salsa
Ensalada de Frutas – Jicama, watermelon, cucumber, pineapple, and mango with chili-lime salt and chamoy
Kid’s Offerings – Cheese Quesadilla or Street-style Taco
Coco Cake – Layers of vanilla cake filled with a cinnamon “churro” flavored mousse and covered in sweet cream cheese frosting
Mexican Hot Chocolate – Cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate topped with whipped cream
Aqua de Jamaica Slush – Sweet hibiscus tea slush

Schmoozie’s Smoothies (mobile order available)

Mint-Chocolate Cookie Shake with whipped cream and chocolate cream-filled cookie ears
Chocolate Chip Shake topped with whipped cream and a chocolate cookie stick

Smokejumpers Grill (mobile order available)

Green Apple Lemonade with sour green apple syrup, cherry pearls, and raspberry sauce
Jalapeño Bacon Cheeseburger – Angus beef patty, pickled jalapeños, bacon, pepper jack, beer-battered onion rings, jalapeño popper, jalapeño chips, and chipotle mayo

Studio Catering Truck (mobile order available)

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken with Fanta pineapple-infused fried rice and soy-ginger glaze
Ghost Pepper Potato Bites – Potato bites, ghost pepper cheese sauce, smoky bacon, and pickled jalapeños
The Backlot Carnitas Nachos with house-made tortilla chips, red pepper cheese sauce, chipotle crema, and green onions
Plant-based Backlot Nachos – Soy chorizo with house-made tortilla chips, dairy-free cheese, and crema topped with green onions

Trolley Treats (mobile order available)

Jack Skellington Apple
Poison Skull Apple
Mummy Marshmallow Wand
Jack Skellington Cake Pop
Minnie Witch Crispy
Oogie Boogie Crispy
Pumpkin Brittle (available Oct. 1-31)
Pumpkin Fudge

Churros

Cozy Cones
- Fruity Sugar Churro – Churro tossed in fruity cereal sugar topped with a purple and green glaze
Grizzly Peak Churro Cart
- Caramel Apple Churro – Churro rolled in green apple-flavored sugar topped with a caramel drizzle
Hollywood Churro
- Chocolate-Marshmallow Churro – Classic churro rolled in crushed chocolate cookies and “mummified” in marshmallow icing “bandages”
Willie’s Churros (Buena Vista)
- Chocolate & Matcha Churro – Churro rolled in chocolate cookie crumbs and drizzled with a matcha cream cheese buttercream and strawberry sauce

Downtown Disney District

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes

Halloween CrazyShake – Chocolate shake with a vanilla frosted rim with candy corn topped with a “spider-web” chocolate cupcake, orange and white twisty pop, orange rock candy, whipped cream, orange sprinkles, and a chocolate drizzle (available Oct. 28-31)

Ballast Point Brewing Co.

Victory at Sea Braised Short Rib – Slow braised short rib in Victory at Sea, cheddar grits, and bacon greens

Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs

Cheddar Pickle Dog – Kosher pickled corn dog rolled in a cheddar cheese blend

Jamba

Pumpkin Smash – Made with our original pumpkin spice blend with your choice of either classic or plant-based

Kayla’s Cake

Mummy Macarons with cookies and cream buttercream (available Sept. 9-Oct. 31)
Pumpkin Cheesecake Macarons with white chocolate pumpkin ganache (available Sept. 9-Oct. 31)

Marceline’s Confectionery (mobile order available starting Sept. 9)

Minnie Witch Apple
Jack Skellington Apple
Poison Skull Apple
Mummy Marshmallow Wand
Jack Skellington Cake Pop
Minnie Witch Crispy
Oogie Boogie Crispy
Pumpkin Brittle (available Oct. 1-31)
Pumpkin Fudge

Naples Ristorante e Bar

Spookaccino – Cappuccino with edible scary paper spiders and insects

Splitsville Luxury Lanes

Crouching Dragon Sushi Roll – fresh tempura shrimp, asparagus and creamy avocado. Before serving, the roll is topped with a spicy krab mix and drizzled with eel sauce, spicy mayo, and sriracha

Sprinkles Cupcakes

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup – Chocolate cake filled (and topped) with peanut butter frosting dipped in chocolate ganache and finished off with mounds of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (available Oct. 4-10)
Double Stuffed OREO – Orange vanilla buttercream filled chocolate cake lined with Halloween orange OREO cookie crust topped with orange vanilla buttercream frosting, OREO crumble rim, and black bat (available Oct. 18-31)
Bewitched – Signature Red Velvet is rolled in our exclusive Halloween inspired decorations by fancy sprinkles (available Oct. 26-31)

Uva Bar & Cafe

Trick or Treat – A spooky cocktail with bourbon, pumpkin spice syrup, lemon juice, and soda water

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

GCH Craftsman Grill (mobile order available)

Mickey-shaped Pumpkin Cupcake
Mickey-shaped Pumpkin Donut
Mickey-shaped Mummy Donut

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Holiday Cart

Jack Skellington Cookie
Mickey-shaped Monster Cookie
Minnie-shaped Halloween Cookie
Oogie Boogie Cupcake Treat
Oogie Boogie Cupcake Trick
Mickey-shaped Whoopie Pie
Skull-faced Cookie
Oogie Boogie Crispy Treat
Chocolate Chip Cookie Shot Glass with Milk

Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party

If you have tickets to Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure park, be sure to check out the dinner and dessert packages for a grim, ginning good time!

Oogie Boogie Bash Dining Parade Package at Wine Country Trattoria

Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party at Sonoma Terrace

And while you travel down the moonlit Treat Trails at Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party, be sure to get your fill of M&M’s Milk Chocolate candies, SNICKERS Original, and SKITTLES while meeting up with your favorite Disney Villains! Yum!

Reminder to download or update the Disneyland mobile app*, as this is the primary way to order food and beverages at most quick-service dining locations. Here is a link for additional details on mobile orders.

Guests with confirmed theme park reservations and tickets for the same park can make dining reservations on the same date 60 days in advance with mobile check-in and mobile wait-list at select full-service locations, available on the Disneyland mobile app.

Visit the Dining: Know Before You Go for more information. Be sure to have the latest version of the app downloaded and installed on your mobile device.

Check out the Know Before You Go blog post to learn more about theme park reservations, tickets, and more.

Freeform is Bringing Back Another Year of ‘31 Nights of Halloween’

Socalthrills Staff

September 1, 2021

Freeform is Calling all witches, goblins and monsters! Freeform is getting into the Halloween spirit once again with another year of wicked October programming. The highly anticipated “31 Nights of Halloween” is back all month long with a lineup of Halloween films, including beloved classics and recent hits.

https://youtu.be/utCCH9vm358

From Oct. 1-31, viewers can celebrate Halloween at home with haunting movies, including fan favorites “Ghostbusters” (1984), “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride,” “Hotel Transylvania 2,” “Goosebumps” (2015) and “Shrek.” Films new to the lineup this year include “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” “Fright Night” (2011), “Jaws,” “Cowboys & Aliens” and “Men in Black II,” among others. The network also released a trailer for the programming event; check it out above. Last October, “31 Nights of Halloween” propelled Freeform to rank No. 1 among primetime cable networks in entertainment across Adults 18-34, Women 18-34, Adults 18-49 and Women 18-49 (excludes news and sports).

Additionally, fans in the Los Angeles area will get a chance to come face-to-face with some of these films at “Freeform’s Halloween Road,” which will be taking place at Heritage Square Museum from Oct. 1 until Oct 5. Tickets are on sale starting today and can be purchased at 31nightsofhalloween.com.

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

Friday, Oct. 1

2:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Addams Family” (1991)

7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Addams Family Values”

9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

Saturday, Oct. 2

7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Goonies”

9:35 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”

12:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

2:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Addams Family” (1991)

4:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Addams Family Values”

6:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters, Inc.” (Disney and Pixar)

9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters University” (Disney and Pixar)

11:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)

Sunday, Oct. 3

7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”

8:40 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)

11:10 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Matilda”

1:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”

2:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”

4:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

6:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent”

8:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” – Freeform Premiere

11:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Craft” (1996)

Monday, Oct. 4

12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic”

1:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Goonies”

4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Matilda”

6:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Craft” (1996)

8:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Fright Night” (2011) – Freeform Premiere

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”

Tuesday, Oct. 5

10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Matilda”

12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek”

5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek 2”

7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek Forever After”

9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”

Wednesday, Oct. 6

10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek”

2:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek 2”

4:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek Forever After”

6:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”

8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”

Thursday, Oct. 7

11:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”

1:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”

3:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”

6:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)

8:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters II”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Jaws 3” – Freeform Premiere

Friday, Oct. 8

10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)

9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Family Guy” Halloween Programming

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Frankenweenie” (2012)

Saturday, Oct. 9

7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Turbo” (2013)

9:10 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek”

11:15 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek 2”

1:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek Forever After”

3:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”

5:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation”

7:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

9:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Addams Family” (1991)

11:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Addams Family Values”

Sunday, Oct. 10

7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek”

9:05 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek 2”

11:10 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek Forever After”

1:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”

3:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation”

5:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

7:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Addams Family” (1991)

9:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Addams Family Values”

11:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

Monday, Oct. 11

11:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Jaws” – Freeform Premiere

2:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Jaws 2” – Freeform Premiere

5:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Alien”

7:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Aliens”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”

Tuesday, Oct. 12

3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic”

4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

6:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”

8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Mrs. Doubtfire”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”

Wednesday, Oct. 13

12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”

5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Mrs. Doubtfire”

8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”

Thursday, Oct. 14

1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”

3:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hook”

6:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Matilda”

8:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

Friday, Oct. 15

11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Matilda”

9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Family Guy” Halloween Programming

Saturday, Oct. 16

7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)

9:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters II”

12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Mrs. Doubtfire”

3:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Men in Black” (1997)

5:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Men in Black II” – Freeform Premiere

7:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

9:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent”

11:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The House with a Clock in Its Walls” – Freeform Premiere

Sunday, Oct. 17

7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Middle” Halloween Episode

7:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Mrs. Doubtfire”

10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Men in Black” (1997)

12:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Men in Black II”

2:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The House with a Clock in Its Walls”

5:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

7:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”

9:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation”

11:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Toy Story of TERROR!” (Disney and Pixar)

12:05 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”

Monday, Oct. 18

2:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”

4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Toy Story of TERROR!” (Disney and Pixar)

4:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 2”

6:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation”

8:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”

Tuesday, Oct. 19

12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”

3:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “X-Men: First Class”

6:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Men in Black” (1997)

9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Men in Black II”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”

Wednesday, Oct. 20

10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “X-Men: First Class”

1:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Cowboys & Aliens” – Freeform Premiere

4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Men in Black” (1997)

6:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Men in Black II”

8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”

Thursday, Oct. 21

4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Craft” (1996)

6:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Huntsman: Winter’s War” – Freeform Premiere

9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Mirror Mirror”

Friday, Oct. 22

10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Craft” (1996)

9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Family Guy” Halloween Programming

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”

Saturday, Oct. 23

7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”

9:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

11:50 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek”

1:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek 2”

4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”

6:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

8:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (2016)

11:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Fright Night” (2011)

Sunday, Oct. 24

7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

9:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek”

11:40 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek 2”

1:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”

3:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”

5:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (2016)

8:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

10:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Mrs. Doubtfire”

Monday, Oct. 25

1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic”

2:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Goonies”

4:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Scared Shrekless”

5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek”

7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek 2”

9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek Forever After”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”

Tuesday, Oct. 26

12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Goonies”

2:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Scared Shrekless”

3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek”

5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek 2”

7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Shrek Forever After”

9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”

Wednesday, Oct. 27

1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”

3:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

6:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Matilda”

8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Simpsons” – “Treehouse of Horror”

Thursday, Oct. 28

11:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

2:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Matilda”

4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)

6:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Craft” (1996)

9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Frankenweenie” (2012)

Friday, Oct. 29

12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Men in Black” (1997)

9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Family Guy” Halloween Programming

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Men in Black II”

Saturday, Oct. 30

7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic”

8:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)

10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Men in Black” (1997)

12:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Men in Black II”

2:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps” (2015)

5:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween” – Freeform Premiere

7:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”

8:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

11:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Mrs. Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” – Freeform Premiere

Sunday, Oct. 31

7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Mrs. Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”

10:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps”

12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”

2:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

4:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

7:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent”

9:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

11:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters” (1984)

All programming is subject to change.

1...969798...382 Page 97 of 382

-Advertisement-

Socalthrills.com

Nintendo’s Latest Direct Presentation was Massive

Nintendo Direct Highlights

Celebrate Disney+ Day on November 12

Disney+ Day Content

Disney/Pixar’s COCO at El Capitan Theatre September 24 – 27

“Hawkeye” from Marvel Studios starts November 24, 2021

About Hawkeye

“Among the Stars” launching all episodes exclusively on Disney+

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Hollywood is a Scary Good Time

Carter Estate Winery and Resort: Hot Air Balloons, Horse Carriages, Great Wine & Food

“West Side Story” New Trailer, Poster and Still revealed

Oogie Boogie Bash 2021 is a Wickedly Good Time!

Legoland CA Brick-or-Treat is Back in October 2021

Halloween Time 2021 at Disneyland Resort Food Guide

Freeform is Bringing Back Another Year of ‘31 Nights of Halloween’

Latest Posts

Lights, Camera, Summer Fun! Universal Mega Movie Summer Opens June 13

Disneyland Turnstiles Upgraded to New Entry Gates

Disney’s Snow White Comes to Digital May 13

Tickets for Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” On Sale Now

Diego Luna from Disney+ Series Andor Makes Surprise Appearance

Review “Legally Blonde: The Musical”