Celebrating 40 Years of EPCOT

By Courtney Potter

Friday, October 1, 1982: “To all who come to this place of joy, hope, and friendship, welcome,” said then-Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company (and future Disney Legend) Card Walker at a brand-new Walt Disney World Resort park’s dedication. “EPCOT is inspired by Walt Disney’s creative vision. Here, human achievements are celebrated through imagination, wonders of enterprise, and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all.”

He continued, “May EPCOT Center entertain, inform, and inspire—and above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man’s ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere.”

EPCOT, the acronym, was coined by Walt Disney in 1966; standing for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow,” the term was used to illustrate his interest in exploring a futuristic hamlet on a plot of land in Florida. To this day, it’s clear that two words in that acronym are still of huge importance: “community” and “tomorrow”... as evidenced by the transformation the park is currently undergoing, including the just-opened Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and the amazing neighborhoods unifying the park.

Card Walker, then-Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company (and future Disney Legend), at the lectern at the opening ceremonies for EPCOT on October 1, 1982. He’s wearing a grey suit. Spaceship Earth is seen in the background, as are some palm trees. The former EPCOT Center logo is seen on the lectern.

Recently, D23 was lucky enough to chat with several EPCOT notables about the past, present, and future of the beloved park... from favorite memories to what excites them most about what’s to come:

Scott Mallwitz, Executive Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering, on what makes the park so special—and how a new neighborhood like World Celebration fits into its ever-distinctive ideals:
“EPCOT is a park about people and their connections to distinct cultures, our extraordinary planet, and a shared belief in a better future. It’s a place that connects and amplifies the human experience. World Celebration is designed to focus these connections, creating space for guests to be immersed in personal expressions of art, performance, and food from across the globe.

“It’s a special place—a place that has always ‘been in a state of becoming.’ Our design team is thrilled by the opportunities and challenges of this historic transformation. As we continue to reveal pieces like Connections Café, Creations Shop, and the new Entry Plaza, we can see the future of this park come to life... In fact, in my EPCOT future vision, I anticipate increased connectivity, personalization, and customization. The key is creating spaces and opportunity today that allow for future activations that make use of attractions, entertainment, festivals, and food experiences. Technology will be utilized to deepen these shared experiences—and create more powerful connections with the people and stories of EPCOT.

“So stay tuned—there is much more to come; we cannot wait to reveal the entirety of World Celebration!”

Kartika Rodriguez, Vice President, EPCOT Operations, on the incredible inspiration the park provides:
“A recent memory I have is seeing a small child—probably about 7 years old—who had just finished visiting our new restaurant, Space 220. And they were really excited about the experience. But what I heard them say was, ‘I want to be an astronaut when I grow up.’ So when I think about this park in the future, for me, it’s about continuing to create memories for our families obviously—but it’s also about continuing to inspire. Whether that inspires curiosity to learn about the science and technology aspects of the world; whether that’s to beinspired, to understand different cultures or to go visit a place themselves; or to understand nature, talking about the beauty of our environment and our role in how we impact it, like with Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana... All those things—about bringing people together, understanding how we play together, how we work together—it’s about inspiring the next set of engineers or environmentalists or architects.

“As far as the next 40 years, I see EPCOT continuing to evolve—and I see us looking for ways to continue to excite and wow our guests.”

An image from the 1997 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, on a bright sunny day. The name of the festival is seen in white sparkly letters on a flowered arch over a display of light pink flowers, as well as a topiary shaped like Sorcerer Mickey and three broom figures from Fantasia.

Dave Kesting, General Manager, EPCOT Food & Beverage, on how the festivals have evolved to become fan-favorite events—including one delicious example:
“One component we hit on by accident, for Festival of the Holidays, is—we thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be fun if we did a little bake shop?’ So, we did a concept called The Cookie Nook—and our chef, Chef Crystal, made a thousand cookies. We thought that was gonna get us through the whole day, but the person who sent them out gets a call an hour later, saying, ‘I need a thousand more cookies.’ They said, ‘No, I sent you a thousand cookies.’ The people at The Cookie Nook said, ‘No, we sold a thousand cookies. We need a thousand morecookies!’ And that turned into what’s now known as the Cookie Stroll, where it’s a ‘completer’ activity where people get to dine around and taste different cookies and they get a fun prize at the end. And we went from a thousand cookies a day to last year, we sold over a quarter a million cookies because it was so popular with guests.

“Every festival is different—and when people say, ‘I'm going to a festival,’ they at least know there's going to be some kind of ‘anchor’ entertainment; there’s going to be unique merchandise that goes along with it; there’s going to be some unique family experiences. And then, at the same time, the food's going to be different. Every festival is unique. It keeps it fresh.”

Jackie Herrera, Producer, Collections Management, Walt Disney Imagineering, on how the different EPCOT exhibits and galleries add to the unique mystique of the park:
“Like most things at WDI, we start with brainstorming. We find a great story that we think our guests would really enjoy and we develop an exhibit around it. From there we begin our research and work with cultural consultants. I’ve said in the past that working on one of these exhibits is like taking a college class; our team really immerses itself in research and talking to as many people as we can that have the knowledge we want to share with our guests.

“In the galleries around World Showcase, we exhibit real artifacts to tell the stories of different cultures around the world. So much of what we do at Walt Disney World is created from imagination and new technology—but the galleries are a tangible representation of people around the world. Whether our story is told with historical antiquities or contemporary objects, those items are real and authentically represent the people of that country... The gallery program at WDI is so diverse in the stories we tell and the different artifacts we get to work with, I’m doing something new every single day of my career.” 

Tom Fitzgerald, Creative Portfolio Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, on 40 incredible years of memories from working at EPCOT and what the future holds:
“It’s hard to believe that four decades have passed since EPCOT Center opened its doors. For me, it’s been an incredible journey—starting with CommuniCore, then leading to Horizons, Spaceship Earth scripts, and numerous films and shows. I love this park and was fortunate to have been inspired and mentored by [Disney Legends] Marty Sklar, Xavier “X” Atencio, John Hench, and other incredible Imagineering icons in those early days... Over the decades, as my role changed, I’ve had a chance to work on updating several of the original World Showcase shows, from the American Adventure to Mexico and the Circle-Vision films at China and Canada pavilions. More recently, I helped guide the transformation efforts for EPCOT—including the World Showcase story.

“Walt Disney promised that EPCOT would ‘always be in a state of becoming.’ As we look to the future, our Imagineering team is continuing to dream up new shows, attractions, and experiences that will support EPCOT’s vision of Walt’s celebration of our world and its promise—A world of discovery; of nature; of cultures; of people; and optimism for the future.”

Artist rendering of World Celebration from EPCOT’s current transformation. Spaceship Earth is seen at the top of the image, and below it there is lush, green space for guests to relax. The central location will also include Communicore Hall and Communicore Plaza.

Zach Riddley, Creative Portfolio Executive / New Experience Development, Walt Disney Imagineering, on where EPCOT goes from here:
“EPCOT has always been about big ideas that inspire. Walt’s original vision for EPCOT—Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow—was a living city at the center of his ‘Florida Project’ that would have housed R&D labs, experimental technologies, homes, and new modes of transportation and urban living that would be a test bed for new American communities. That idea evolved in the years after Walt’s passing and as the company built and then expanded Walt Disney World Resort. The spirit of Walt’s idea for EPCOT inspired the park Imagineers opened in 1982 and our teams today—a park dedicated to big ideas that inspire potential, that inspire possibility.

“We are staying true to that original spirit in the ideas we are bringing to EPCOT in this unprecedented transformation... EPCOT’s ideas will never go out of style as long as they serve to inspire—and I like to think at its essence that was Walt’s idea all along.”

5 Things You Need to Know About Hocus Pocus 2

By Zach Johnson

Come, sisters! We fly!

This Friday, the highly anticipated film Hocus Pocus 2 will debut exclusively on Disney+, bringing back the Sanderson sisters for another night of mischief and mayhem. Earlier this week, actors Disney Legend Bette Midler (Winifred Sanderson), Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson), Whitney Peak (Becca), Belissa Escobedo (Izzy), Lilia Buckingham (Cassie), Doug Jones (Billy Butcherson), and Sam Richardson (Gilbert), as well as director Anne Fletcher, executive producer Adam Shankman, and producer Lynn Harris, shared behind-the-scenes details about the spook-tacular sequel during a virtual press conference. Read on for highlights before you stream the movie.

1. The cast always wanted to do a sequel—even before it was officially in the works.
Over the years, the principal cast members often said they would jump at the chance to reprise their roles—but, in some cases, they weren’t so sure it would ever happen. “I didn’t [think the movie would be made] until the day finally came,” Midler said. “And then I realized, ‘Oh, we’re really going to do this.’ This was kind of a dream come true.”

From left to right: Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham, and Belissa Escobedo in character as Becca, Cassie, and Izzy, respectively. Becca is looking straight ahead, while Cassie looks to Izzy, who is speaking. Becca is wearing a striped shirt, a green sweater and matching pants, and a burgundy vest. Cassie is wearing a pink tie-dye shirt, pink sweatpants, and an oversized sweater. Izzy is wearing red-framed glasses, a plaid shirt, and red sweater.

2. The new director brings a fresh take to the Sanderson sisters’ story.
Disney Legend Kenny Ortega helmed the first film in 1993, which is now a cultural phenomenon. Adam Shankman was set to direct the sequel, but ultimately decided to direct Disenchanted instead; he remained on as an executive producer and suggested Fletcher, a longtime friend of his and a handful of cast members, should take the reins. “This is like my fourth or fifth project with Anne,” Najimy said. “She was one of the hugest reasons that we got through this thing. She is one of the best people, one of the best directors, one of the best artists ever in the world. I’m madly in love with her.”

3. Working with Hocus Pocus veterans was surreal for the new cast members.
Peak, Escobedo, and Buckingham were major fans of the original Hocus Pocus, so to be cast in the sequel and to share the screen with Midler, Parker, and Najimy was a spellbinding experience. “I don’t think I really had any expectations. I was just happy to have a job,” Buckingham said. “It was the coolest thing. I found out I booked the role when we were all on Zoom together. Right when we hopped off and we were done screaming, I fell to my knees and I was like, ‘Finally!’ I was supposed to be moving into college in two weeks [before production began], so it was a huge life change. But it was the best thing I could have asked for. I worked with legends and learned so much, and I made best friends along the way, too… I’m very grateful. This is a fabulous team.”

Doug Jones, in character as the zombie Billy Butcherson, stands in a doorway. His hair is messy and his lips are sewn shut, and he is wearing tattered 17th-century style clothing. He is backlight by a yellow light. Assorted merchandise is just inside the door.

4. Sisterhood is a running theme throughout the film and the franchise.
“We talked a lot about leaning on each other and counting on each other, and [showing] loyalty to each other,” Midler said. “There’s so much going on in this world that we never really realized until maybe in the last 25, 30, maybe 50 years. Things have changed for women—but things have not changed fast enough for women. And I think these three characters are really, in a strange and an odd way, quite positive for women. First of all, they’re very funny, which women are not allowed to be—or are not supposed to be. And they’re intensely loyal to each other, even though their relationships are [complicated]. It’s a very broad range of emotions they live through. In a funny way, their bond is very strong. In any situation where women are together that bond of friendship and of sisterhood is really important. This movie sort of shores it up.”

5. No one knows how to play a zombie quite like Doug Jones.
To reprise his role as Billy Butcherson, Jones spent about two hours each day in hair and makeup. “The prosthetic pieces are made ahead of time, so getting them on me is the last step,” he explained. “I got to hide behind a layer of rubber.” The role is “very physical,” Jones added. “I was 32 when I played him the first time. I was 61 playing him the second time—a big difference. My first scene in the movie is stumbling up a staircase into a doorway. I’m like, [gasp], ‘I don’t remember it being this tiring before!’”

Top Coffee Drinks to Try at Disneyland Resort for National Coffee Day

By Sarah Sterling

Today is National Coffee Day—and sometimes even the most seasoned theme park visitor needs a pick-me-up! We’ve compiled a list of some of the most unique, delicious, and (most importantly) caffeinated beverages at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park to help you celebrate this brew-tiful day.

Disneyland Park

Jolly Holiday Bakery Café
What’s better than taking in the sights and sounds of Main Street, U.S.A. with a fresh coffee and a Matterhorn Macaroon? Have a supercalifragilisticexpiali-delicious morning at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café, where you can enjoy a variety of iced or hot coffee beverages like espresso, lattes, and macchiatos.

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
Right now, the talk of the town—or should we say galaxy—at Disneyland Resort is the wildly popular Cold Brew Black Caf! This iced cold brew is served at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and comes topped with sweet cream cheese and chocolate puffs.

If you’ve already tried the classic Black Caf, stop by to try the latest iteration: Cold Brew Black Caf with Taro Topper! A twist on the original, this version has a sweet taro cream topping.

Maurice’s Treats
In a rush for a caffeine jolt? Head to Maurice’s Treats inside Fantasy Faire, where the lines are short but the coffee is strong! Maurice is serving up his very own Nitro Cold Brew, which is a classic rich cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen to give the drink a smooth finish.

Disney California Adventure

Cappuccino Cart presented by Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co.
The Cappuccino Cart recently re-opened with a new selection of beverages from Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co.! Joffrey’s is the official specialty coffee provider for Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney Vacation Club. If you visit Florida frequently, you’ve surely seen Joffrey’s kiosks throughout the parks—and we’re so excited to see this fan favorite come to Disney California Adventure in a big way! The Cappuccino Cart serves a selection of espresso drinks, cold brews, teas, and baked goods.

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat while you get your caffeine fix, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop is the place for you. Take your pick of indulgent Ghirardelli chocolate treats—from sundaes, shakes, and ice cream cones to delectable coffee concoctions! Mochas and lattes are made with Ghirardelli’s signature Frappe Mix, chocolate sauce, espresso, and all the toppings you could ever want.

Cozy Cone Motel – Cone 1
A recommendation for adults 21 and over looking to get their fix on Route 66: Head to Cars Land for a special Espresso Cocktail! Available at Cone 1 (the churro cone), the Espresso Cocktail contains vodka, Irish cream, coffee liqueur, espresso, vanilla syrup, and almond milk. There’s a latte to love in this delicious drink!

Starbucks (Disneyland & Disney California Adventure)
Finally, if you’re in the mood for your tried-and-true coffee order, you can find Starbucks locations at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, as well as Downtown Disney District. At Disneyland, you can visit Starbucks at Market House on Main Street, U.S.A.; at Disney California Adventure, Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café on Buena Vista Street is where you can find your perfect blend.

Whether you like your coffee sweet, strong, or with a dash of spirit, you can find it all at Disneyland Resort. Let us know your favorite coffee spot at the Parks—and have a very happy National Coffee Day!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend Presented by State Farm®

By Andie Hagemann

From devious villains to a spooktacular drag special, this weekend is jam-packed with fantastical content. On Saturday, don’t miss Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, airing on Freeform, followed by a presentation of Iron Man on FX and the premiere of Huluween Dragstravaganza on Hulu. Watch Disney Parks decorate for Halloween with Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic, airing Sunday on Freeform, as well as a spellbinding new episode of The Villains of Valley View on Disney Channel.

A skeleton-like man wears a red Santa Claus suit and hat, both with white fur piping. Behind him is a stone fireplace with three stockings hanging from the mantle. A young boy faces the skeleton and holds a large present. He wears blue, plaid pajamas. A tall green Christmas tree is in the righthand corner of the room. It is lit with red, yellow, and green lights.

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas—Saturday, October 1, at 1:25 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform 

Attention all ghosts and ghouls because Freeform’s “31 Nights of Halloween” kicks off with this boo-loved classic. Halloweentown’s pumpkin king Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon) is bored with his annual routine of frightening people in the real world. However, when Jack accidentally discovers Christmastown, he plots to take over Christmas and assume the role of Santa Claus. The all-star voice cast includes Catherine O’Hara as Sally, Glenn Shadix as the Mayor, William Hickey as Dr. Finkelstein, and Ken Page as Oogie Boogie.

Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr. stands with his arms extend outward. He is surrounded with desert-like terrain with a large mountain range seen in the distance. He wears a dark blue suit with a white pinstripes, blue patterned tie, and white shirt. He also wears large sunglasses.

Iron Man—Saturday, October 1, at 2 p.m. ET/PT on FX

Billionaire and genius inventor Tony Stark (Disney Legend Robert Downey Jr.) is conducting weapons tests abroad when he’s kidnapped by terrorists. Instead of complying with their demands to build a devastating weapon, he builds an armored suit to overtake his captors. Upon returning to the United States, Stark uses the suits to fight crime as Iron Man.

Drag queen Lady Bunny holds her hands up in shock and mouth agape. She wears black gloves with blood splattered on them and a loose white blouse under a gold jumper.

Huluween Dragstravaganza (2022)—Saturday, October 1, on Hulu

Two world-famous drag superstars, Ginger Minj and Monét X Change, are trapped in the TV—and the only way out is to host a special. Jam-packed with wit and incredible looks, the show features Mo Heart, Jujubee, Manila Luzon, Lady Bunny, Jackie Beat, Selene Luna, Landon Cider, and Mario Diaz. But that’s not all! Recording artist Kesha performs, all while this amazing troupe of queens and kings takes the stage in original musical numbers, sketch comedy, and more.

A woman wears a black shirt, green work vest, and green helmet. She stands next to a cement pole adorned with a large wreath with fall leaves and orange pumpkin. Three adults stand around a tall cement pole as they hang a large fall wreath. They wear black shirts and green work vests along with green helmets. 

Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic—Sunday, October 2, on Freeform

Ever wondered how Disney Parks becomes boo-tiful? Well, this beloved special is a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney Parks transforms for the spooky season. Watch cast members add pumpkins, ghosts, and other delights to the magical destinations.

Actors Isabella Pappas, Reed Horstmann, and Mariah Iman Wilson stand facing each other. Pappas wears a large gray wig and dress. Horstmann wears a pumpkin costume that appears to look like it is exploding. Behind them is a table with candy and orange tablecloth. Wilson wears a shiny yellow-gold dress with large puffy sleeves.

The Villains of Valley View—Sunday, October 2, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel

It’s Halloween in Valley View and there’s no shortage of tricks and hijinks. Amy (Isabella Pappas) brings her mischievous body-snatching grandma to a party. Meanwhile, Vic (James Patrick Stuart) and Eva (Lucy Davis) scam kids out of their candy until they come across a villain even bigger than themselves.

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge!

As a member of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, you know your magic! This week we’re putting your Hocus Pocus knowledge to the test to see if you are the ultimate Disney fan.

Why was Hocus Pocus released in July instead of October?

Correct! Wrong!

Hocus Pocus was released in July so it would not compete with Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge!
You are the ultimate Disney fan!
Looks like you are a Disney expert! Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Challenge. We’ll see you next week for your chance to uphold your title as the ultimate Disney fan!
Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!
Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Challenge! These questions are tricky, so don’t stop swimming yet. We’ll see you next week for your chance to earn the title of the ultimate Disney fan!

The Magic Continues with the D23 Expo Shop by Mickey’s of Glendale

Mickey’s of Glendale, the Walt Disney Imagineering campus store, created an exclusive shop for D23 Expo 2022, bringing together the worlds of Disney and kicking off The Walt Disney Company’s Disney100 celebration. D23 Gold Members now have the chance to shop these D23 Expo exclusives through an amazing online event!

The event is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at 7 a.m. PT.

You must be signed in as a D23 Gold Member in order to access this online event.

Take your Disney fandom to the next level

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D23 Expo Shop by Mickey’s of Glendale

Mickey’s of Glendale joined forces with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club to present a one-of-a kind collection of D23 Expo 2022 official merchandise.

D23 EXPO 2022 LOGO CAP– This baseball cap with platinum liquid metal Mickey Mouse patch is the perfect way to show you were at D23 Expo, the Ultimate Fan Event.

D23 EXPO 2022 HOODIE– Celebrate D23 Expo, the Ultimate Disney Fan Event, and the start of the Disney100 celebration with this White Tech Full Zip Hood. Features contrast sleeve insert and tonal embroidered Mickey Mouse on the pocket.

D23 EXPO 2022 DENIM VARSITY JACKET– If you’re the Ultimate Disney Fan, then this Denim Varsity Jacket is a must-have. Custom stripe knit ribbed cuffs, collar, Mickey Mouse printed on the back, and a bit of magic with D23 Expo adorning the sleeve in rhinestones.

D23 EXPO 2022 PUZZLE– Piece together the Magic of D23 Expo 2022 with this 500-piece puzzle featuring Mickey Mouse.

WONDERFUL WORLD OF DREAMS LOGO TEE – Walt Disney once said, “We keep moving forward—opening up new doors and doing new things—because we’re curious. And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”  Wear the quote and become the dreamer.

WONDERFUL WORLD OF DREAMS MUG- Start your day off by staying curious and dreaming big with this mug featuring Walt the Dreamer looking out across some of the most recognizable park icons.

SHOP NOW

*D23 Expo Shop by Mickey’s of Glendale is available only to D23 Gold Members and will be available for purchases starting October 4, 2022—while supplies last. Must enter your D23 Gold Membership number to be eligible to purchase. Only one order per D23 Gold Member; any duplicate orders will be cancelled. Items not eligible for additional promotional discounts or offers. Offer subject to restrictions and change without notice. Void where prohibited.

Stars Run Amuck, Amuck, Amuck at Hocus Pocus 2 Premiere

By Andie Hagemann

The cast and filmmakers from Disney’s Hocus Pocus 2 were in frightfully good spirits at the premiere of the Disney+ Original live-action comedy and haunting sequel to the Halloween classic at AMC Lincoln Square Cinemas in New York City.

In attendance were the film’s stars, including Disney Legend Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Sam Richardson, Doug Jones, Tony Hale, Froy Gutierrez, Whitney Peak, Belissa Escobedo, Lilia Buckingham, Taylor Henderson, Nina Kitchen, Juju Brenner, Kahmora Hall, and Ginger. Director Anne Fletcher, screenwriter Jen D’Angelo, producer Lynn Harris, and executive producer Adam Shankman, along with guests Kristin Chenoweth, Sunny Hostin, and Ralph Macchio also walked the purple carpet. Hocus Pocus 2 premieres Friday, September 30, exclusively on Disney+.

“I’ve waited a long time,” Midler said, “we all did—me, Kathy, and Sarah Jessica. It’s been something that we’ve always wanted to do. Every now and again when we’d see each other, we’d agitate and wring our hands, and finally our dream came true.”

Added Parker, “The longevity of this particular film in people’s lives and the generational transition is very touching, and I think we all feel very lucky.”

It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th-century Sanderson sisters, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high-school students to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve.

“The love for Hocus Pocus is infectious,” Fletcher said. “You can see [that,] with all these gorgeous people dressed up as our Sanderson sisters. We made this sequel for the fans, and they showed up in droves. They love these witches. Who can’t help but love them? They’re amazing.”

See more photos from premiere by clicking the photo below:

Another Glorious D23 Gold Member Exclusive Pin, Spell-ebrating Hocus Pocus 2!

By Peyton Liebler

Someone must have lit the Black Flame Candle, because the Sandersons are back in this D23 Gold Member Exclusive pin! Thou hast not seen a pin as glorious as this one, and it’s sure to put a spell on you, and anyone who lays eyes on it with its ghoulish glow-in-the-dark features and stylized likenesses of the Sandersons themselves.

Inspired by the Disney+ Original movie, Hocus Pocus 2. It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th-century Sanderson sisters, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high school students to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve. Stream Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+ Starting September 30.

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is taking things to the next level this Halloween, and you won’t want to miss a single spell! To make the candle’s magic last throughout the haunted holiday, read up on the magical movie-making journey leading up to the premiere of Hocus Pocus 2, with exclusive devilish details from D23. Keep a wary watch for more Halloween surprises, headed your way!

SOLD OUT

D23-Exclusive Hocus Pocus 2 – Glow-in-the-Dark Pin

Form a calming circle because this pin will make you run AMUCK with glee! This D23 Gold Member exclusive Glow-in-the-dark pin is a great way to usher in the Halloween season and “spell-ebrate” the release of Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+. The pin features the three Sanderson sisters in all their sinister glory, and it’s the perfect way to show off how you are the head witch in charge. Spend a little Black Flame magic and nab this special pin!

Our Hocus Pocus 2 glow-in-the-dark pin, offered in a limited edition of 1,500, is available to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney at 7AM PST on Monday, October 3.

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. These pins are sold for $13.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pins of this style for purchase per D23 Gold Member for online orders. Shipping not available to PO boxes; shipping and handling fees may vary for all online orders. Other restrictions may apply. All information is subject to change including, but not limited to, artwork, release dates, editions sizes, and retail prices.

No Tricks, Only Treats with Pin Commemorating 70 Years of Trick or Treat!

By Peyton Liebler

Grab your broomsticks and put on those costumes, because this pin is absolutely spinning with Halloween delight! Trick-or-treat yourself to this adora-boo pin reflecting on 70 years of spooky memories with the classic short, Trick or Treat!

Inspired by Walt Disney's classic Halloween short, Trick or Treat, which made its debut on October 10, 1952. The film follows Huey, Dewey, and Louie on Halloween night as they are treated to a trick by Donald Duck. A prankish Witch named Hazel sees this and decides to help the boys get even with “Unca” Donald using all the magical mischief at her disposal. You can stream the Halloween classic, Trick or Treat now on Disney+.

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is ready to treat you with a series of Hokey-Halloween tricks during this spooktacular season of the witch. Trust us when we say the tricks and treats have only just begun!

SOLD OUT

D23-Exclusive “Trick or Treat” 70th Anniversary – Commemorative Pin

Get your tricks and treats early with this spell-perfected pin! This D23 Gold Member-exclusive celebrates 70 years of Halloween fun with Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Witch Hazel, co-stars of Walt Disney's cartoon classic Trick or Treat. Donald's nephews are costumed for the holiday, as the mischievous witch “flies” over their heads. Keep your spells “double grim” and celebrate the spookiest season with this soon-to-be-coveted pin!

Our Trick or Treat 70th Anniversary pin, offered in a limited edition of 1,000, is available to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney at 7AM PST on Monday, October 10.

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. These pins are sold for $15.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pins of this style for purchase per D23 Gold Member for online orders. Shipping not available to PO boxes; shipping and handling fees may vary for all online orders. Other restrictions may apply. All information is subject to change including, but not limited to, artwork, release dates, editions sizes, and retail prices.

Celebrate the Fantastical and Magical With This Encanto Pin!

By Peyton Liebler

The miracle is not some magic that you’ve got, the miracle is you! Celebrate the miracles in your life with this magically-madrigal pin! D23 is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Madrigals and this special pin, featuring the beloved casita of the family Madrigal, and exquisite details of the door they helped to create together.

Inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto which tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal—every child except one, Mirabel (voice of Stephanie Beatriz). But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family’s last hope. Releasing on Nov. 24, 2021, the film features all-new songs by Emmy®, GRAMMY® and Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “Moana”) and is directed by Byron Howard (“Zootopia,” “Tangled”) and Jared Bush (co-director “Zootopia”), co-directed by Charise Castro Smith (writer “The Death of Eva Sofia Valdez”), and produced by Clark Spencer and Yvett Merino; Bush and Castro Smith are screenwriters on the film. You can stream the worldwide phenomenon Encanto now on Disney+!

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D23-Exclusive Encanto Family Madrigal Pin – Limited Edition

We don’t talk about Bruno but just try and get us to stop talking about this amazing pin! This D23 Gold Member exclusive pin es la manera perfecta to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month and your own Familia mágica.

Our Encanto Family Madrigal pin, offered in a limited edition of 1,000, is available to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney at 7AM PST on Monday, October 10th.

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. These pins are sold for $17.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pins of this style for purchase per D23 Gold Member for online orders. Shipping not available to PO boxes; shipping and handling fees may vary for all online orders. Other restrictions may apply. All information is subject to change including, but not limited to, artwork, release dates, editions sizes, and retail prices.