Freeform Promises a Gourd Time with Its “31 Nights of Halloween” Lineup

By Zach Johnson

Happy Halloween, witches!

Freeform has plenty of tricks and treats in store this year for its highly anticipated “31 Nights of Halloween,” a monthlong lineup of Halloween episodes, feature films, and specials, ranging from beloved classics to recent hits. From October 1-31, viewers can celebrate Halloween at home with haunting titles including Ghostbusters (1984), Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, Halloweentown, Maleficent, and Hocus Pocus. New to this year’s lineup are Get Out, Halloween (2018), and A Quiet Place, among other films.

Below is a list of the programming airing during “31 Nights of Halloween” (ET/PT):

Saturday, October 1
7 a.m.: Edward Scissorhands
9:10 a.m.: The Witches (1990)
11:20 a.m.: The Haunted Mansion (2003)
1:25 p.m.: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
3:05 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
5:10 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
7:15 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
9:25 p.m.: Beetlejuice
11:30 p.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)

Sunday, October 2
7 a.m.: The Witches (1990)
9:10 a.m.: Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
10:10 a.m.: Halloweentown
12:15 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
2:20 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
4:25 p.m.: Maleficent
6:30 p.m.: Beetlejuice
8:35 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
10:45 p.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)

Monday, October 3
1 p.m.: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) (Freeform Premiere)
3 p.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
5:30 p.m.: Ghostbusters II
8 p.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

In a still from Hocus Pocus, zombie Billy Butcherson, played by Doug Jones, crawls out of a manhole. His lips are sewn shut, his long black hair is gnarled, and his 17th century clothes are tattered.

Tuesday, October 4
11:30 a.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
2 p.m.: Ghostbusters II
4:30 p.m.: Edward Scissorhands
7 p.m.: Maleficent
9 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
12 a.m.: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

Wednesday, October 5
12 p.m.: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
2 p.m.: Madagascar
4 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
6 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
8-11 p.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Thursday, October 6
11 a.m.: Madagascar
1 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
3 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
5 p.m.: Shrek Forever After
7 p.m.: Halloweentown
9 p.m.: Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Friday, October 7
10:30 a.m.: Scared Shrekless
11 a.m.: Shrek Forever After
1-11 p.m.: Family Guy
12 a.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2

Saturday, October 8
7 a.m.: Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
8 a.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
10 a.m.: Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
12:05 p.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
2:35 p.m.: Ghostbusters II
5:05 p.m.: Beetlejuice
7:10 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
9:20 p.m.: Maleficent
11:25 p.m.: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

In a still from Get Out, Chris Washington, played by Daniel Kaluuya, sits with his mouth agape. Tears are streaming down his cheeks, as he is frozen in fear.

Sunday, October 9
7 a.m.: Monsters vs Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins
7:30 a.m.: Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
9:35 a.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
12:05 p.m.: Ghostbusters II
2:40 p.m.: Beetlejuice
4:45 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
6:55 p.m.: Get Out (Freeform Premiere)
9:25 p.m.: Halloween (2018) (Freeform Premiere)
11:55 p.m.: A Quiet Place (Freeform Premiere)

Monday, October 10
11:30 a.m.: A Quiet Place
1:40 p.m.: Get Out
4:15 p.m.: Halloween (2018)
6:50 p.m.: Happy Death Day (Freeform Premiere)
8:55 p.m.: Happy Death Day 2U (Freeform Premiere)
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Tuesday, October 11
12:30 p.m.: Maleficent
2:30 p.m.: The House with a Clock in Its Walls
5 p.m.: The Haunted Mansion (2003)
7 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
9 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Wednesday, October 12
10:30 a.m.: The House with a Clock in Its Walls
1 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
3 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
5 p.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)
8-11 p.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

In a still from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington wears a Santa Claus suit and stands in front of a Christmas tree. He is bent over and reaching into a toy bag as the Christmas tree lights illuminate his face and white beard. Behind him, a fire crackles, and two stockings are hung by the chimney.

Thursday, October 13 (Tim Burton Day)
10:30 a.m.: Frankenweenie (2012)
12:30 p.m.: Edward Scissorhands
3 p.m.: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
6 p.m.: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
7:30 p.m.: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
9 p.m.: Beetlejuice
12 a.m.: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

Friday, October 14
10:30 a.m.: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Family Guy Episodes
5 p.m.: Beetlejuice
7 p.m. – 11 p.m.: Family Guy Episodes
12-2 a.m.: Family Guy Episodes

In a still from Toy Story of TERROR!, Combat Carl, voiced by Carl Weathers, places his left arm behind Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack. They are in the dark and have scared expressions on their faces.

Saturday, October 15
7 a.m.: Hook
10:15 a.m.: How to Train Your Dragon 2
12:25 p.m.: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
2:25 p.m.: Toy Story of TERROR!
2:55 p.m.: Scared Shrekless
3:25 p.m.: Shrek Forever After
5:30 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
7:40 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
9:45 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
11:50 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

Sunday, October 16
7 a.m.: How to Train Your Dragon 2
9:10 a.m.: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
10:45 a.m.: Scared Shrekless
11:15 a.m.: Shrek Forever After
1:20 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
3:25 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
5:30 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
7:40 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
9:50 p.m.: Maleficent
11:55 p.m.: The Witches (1990)

Monday, October 17
12 p.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
2:30 p.m.: Ghostbusters II
5:05 p.m.: The Haunted Mansion (2003)
7:10 p.m.: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (Pop’n Knowledge)
8:50 p.m.: Hocus Pocus (Pop’n Knowledge)
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Tuesday, October 18
10:30 a.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
1 p.m.: Ghostbusters II
3:30 p.m.: Fright Night (2011)
6 p.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)
9 p.m.: Beetlejuice (Pop’n Knowledge)
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Maleficent, played by Angelina Jolie, wears black robes, black horns, and bright red lipstick. She waves her fingers, preparing to bestow a curse on the young Princess Aurora, who is sleeping in a basinet before her. Behind Maleficent are assorted guests of the royal family, aghast at Maleficent’s unexpected arrival.

Wednesday, October 19
10:30 a.m.: Fright Night (2011)
1 p.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)
4 p.m.: Maleficent
6 p.m.: Beetlejuice
8-11 p.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Thursday, October 20
11 a.m.: The Witches (1990)
1 p.m.: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
3 p.m.: Halloweentown
5 p.m.: Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge
7 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
9 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
12 a.m.: The Witches (1990)

Friday, October 21
10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Family Guy Episodes
5 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
7 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
9 p.m. – 11 p.m.: Family Guy Episodes
12 a.m.: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

Saturday, October 22
7 a.m.: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
9 a.m.: Maleficent
11 a.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
1:30 p.m.: Ghostbusters II
4 p.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)
7:15 p.m.: Beetlejuice
9:20 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
11:30 p.m.: The House with a Clock in Its Walls

In a still from Monsters University, Mike Wazowski, voiced by Billy Crystal, is covered in reflective panels, making him look like a disco ball. Sulley, voiced by John Goodman, and other monsters are dancing and smiling around him.

Sunday, October 23
7 a.m.: The House with a Clock in Its Walls
9:30 a.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
12 p.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)
3:10 p.m.: Beetlejuice
5:15 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
7:25 p.m.: Monsters, Inc.
9:30 p.m.: Monsters University
12 a.m.: Shrek Forever After

Monday, October 24
12 p.m.: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
2 p.m.: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
5 p.m.: Shrek Forever After
7 p.m.: Haunted Mansion (2003)
9 p.m.: Maleficent
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Tuesday, October 25
10:30 a.m.: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
12 p.m.: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
3 p.m.: Halloweentown
5 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
7 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
9 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Wednesday, October 26
12 p.m.: Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge
2 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
4 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 2
6 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
8-11 p.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

Thursday, October 27
11 a.m.: Ready or Not
1 p.m.: Maleficent
3 p.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
5:30 p.m.: Ghostbusters II
8 p.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)
12 a.m.: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

Friday, October 28
10:30 a.m.: Ghostbusters (2016)
1:30–11 p.m.: Family Guy Episodes
12–2 a.m.: The Office Episodes

Saturday, October 29
7 a.m.: How to Train Your Dragon 2
9:10 a.m.: Edward Scissorhands
11:40 a.m.: Frankenweenie (2012)
1:40 p.m.: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
3:35 p.m.: Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
5:40 p.m.: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
7:20 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
9:25 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
11:35 p.m.: Ghostbusters II

In a still from The Haunted Mansion (2003), Jim Evers, played by Eddie Murphy, inspects a key in a dimly lit room. His daughter, Megan, played by Aree Davis, stands just behind him, cloaked in shadows. Behind them are the ghost Ezra, played by Wallace Shawn, and the ghost Emma, played by Dina Spybey, who are holding a crystal ball containing the glowing green head of Madame Leota, played by Jennifer Tilly.

Sunday, October 30
7 a.m.: The Witches (1990)
9:05 a.m.: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
10:45 a.m.: Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
12:50 p.m.: The Haunted Mansion (2003)
2:55 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
5 p.m.: Beetlejuice
7:05 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
9:15 p.m.: Maleficent
11:20 p.m.: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

Monday, October 31
10:30 a.m.: Ghostbusters (1984)
1 p.m.: The Haunted Mansion (2003)
3 p.m.: Beetlejuice
5 p.m.: Maleficent
7 p.m.: Hotel Transylvania
9 p.m.: Hocus Pocus
12-2 a.m.: The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Episodes

All programming is subject to change.

D23 Expo 2022 Friends of Disney

By the D23 Team

We are just about one week away from D23 Expo 2022, the Ultimate Disney Fan Event, presented by Visa! This year we have some amazing friends joining us all weekend long across the show floor and we’ve got a special “sneak peek” of what you will find! Be sure to stop by and say hello to these fan-tastic booths and check out their websites by clicking on their corresponding logo at D23Expo.com/partners.

Visa
Visa is taking D23 Expo guests on a journey to the 1920s to explore the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio at 4649 Kingswell Avenue.  Glimpse images from the Walt Disney Archives, learn about Walt and Roy’s early years and see how Visa is helping the next generation of creators dream big.

Amazon
Amazon is thrilled to be the Platinum Sponsor of this year’s D23 Expo, and to bring Walt’s Plane, Mickey Mouse One, to the event. Be sure to stop by the Ultimate Disney Fan Lounge for a gift from Amazon (while supplies last) and visit the Amazon booth, where you can take photos, play a game on Amazon's new Glow device, and explore the newest Amazon exclusives from Loungefly, Funko, Doorables, and more! www.amazon.com/Disney

Target
Join us at Bullseye's Diner! Inspired by the whimsically joyful spirit of Disney and Target stores alike, Chef Bullseye personally invites you to visit his charming pop-up shop where he's whipping up a menu of pre-release plush toys for purchase, D23 exclusive giveaways, and absolutely adorable photo ops!

Enterprise
Enterprise, the Official Rental Car of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, is the world’s largest vehicle rental business and a global leader in mobility solutions that offers car and truck rentals, car sharing, retail car sales and more through a network of nearly 10,000 locations worldwide. Coming soon, Enterprise will be the presenting sponsor of the new TRON Lightcycle /Run attraction at Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park. To celebrate the highly anticipated attraction and TRON’s 40th Anniversary, visit the Enterprise booth to hop aboard a TRONLightcycle for a unique photo opportunity.

BoxLunch
Keep the magic going with BoxLunch! Be the first to shop our D23 Expo collection before it’s available in stores or online and get your hands on some exclusive merch only available at the convention! We'll have music, games, giveaways, and special guests throughout the weekend, so make sure to follow @boxlunchgifts on social for the latest info!

Citizen
A first-time sponsor of D23 Expo, Citizen brings TIME to the forefront of their booth. The Citizen Wonder of Time space will showcase an immersive experience, museum, retail space and photo op, while sharing some of your favorite characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and more. Stay tuned for exciting show exclusives and special discounts available throughout the convention.

Twisted Wonderland
Visit Aniplex of America’s Disney Twisted-Wonderland booth and get to know the characters inspired by iconic Disney villains at the Infinity Cube, an immersive experience featuring live 2D animation.  All visitors will receive a hand fan featuring the different dorms of Twisted-Wonderland and, for those who have already downloaded the game, a special gift has been prepared, while supplies last!

Funko – Loungefly
You’ll be bounding with joy when you see the selection of D23 exclusive Disney collectibles, games, and accessories available at the Funko x Loungefly booth! Visit the booth, say hi to the team, and pick up your favorites so you can display your Disney fandom in your everyday fashion!

Pandora
Shop the latest Disney x Pandora collections including our 2022 limited edition D23 jewelry. Discover more about the Disney x Pandora partnership through the years, take a one-of-a-kind photo and enter for a chance to win something special!

Ravensburger
Ravensburger and Disney have collaborated to launch Ravensburger’s first-ever collectible trading card game, Disney Lorcana. In Disney Lorcana, your favorite Disney characters will appear both as familiar friends and as spectacularly reimagined “glimmers” created by magic ink. Visit Ravensburger booth No. 164 to learn more and pick up the Disney LorcanaD23 exclusive collector’s set, containing the first six cards ever created for this groundbreaking new game.

Sunglass Hut
Discover Ray-Ban x Disney sunglasses! Choose from over 20 styles, including Wayfarer, New Wayfarer, Aviators and more. Explore all the different patterns and styles available for adults and children, plus, Disney-themed care kits!

D23 Gold Members get an incredible gift of a Sensational 6 collectible pin with any Ray-Ban x Disney sunglass purchase. There are only 300 of this jumbo size pin in existence… so get yours at Expo! Limit of 1 per Gold Member customer per day.  Disney + subscribers also get a GWP! Each Ray-Ban x Disney sunglass purchase will receive a mystery gift of one of the Sensational 6 characters. Collect them all!

Art of Entertainment
Art of Entertainment showcases renditions from your favorite movies, characters, and stories. At D23 Expo they will be unveiling all new officially licensed Disney, Marvel and Star Wars art, and fans can meet their favorite Thomas Kinkade Studios artists, who will sign and create a character sketch on the back of their art purchase! Guests are invited to enter for daily giveaways and participate in a fun selfie station opportunity, with exclusive show specials offered to D23 Gold Members and Disney+ subscribers.

Beast Kingdom
Story Book Series Snow White & Grimhilde Special Edition Set

    • Bringing the magical innocence of books to life, the Storybook series recreates famous scenes in carefully crafted and painted designs. For fans, this is a diorama full of joy that must be seen to be believed. In this special edition set, they are adding new elements including, but not limited to, character, dressing, designs and special effects which make it a nice combination set that you can't miss.

Stitch Series Special Edition

    • There are three different figures in this Stich special edition series. One presents Stitch with beautiful starry sky skin, one has a pearlescent coating, and one features a body that is a transparent gradient blue. Each figure sports a delicate coating with finely textured color matching.

Besame
Bésame Cosmetics has imagined villains’ personal effects in a stunning new collection—from Ursula’s golden shell to The Evil Queen’s magic spell book.

The booth experience includes a visit to Villains’ Alley, featuring six original photo opportunities, mobile ordering, and order kiosks so guests can order and pick up their purchases anytime without long lines and wait times, plus they are offering a special gift for every participant. D23 Gold members and Disney + subscribers also receive a free gift with purchase of a show exclusive Platinum Gloss in mint julep Flavor to start Disney’s 100 year celebration in style! 

Brother
If you're an avid sewer, crafter, and lover of all things Disney, then Brother has something magical for you! Check out the incredible lineup of Disney-inspired machines or browse the imaginative projects you can create. Brother Ambassadors May Flaum (@CraftWithMay) and Nephi Garcia (@designerdaddy_) bring Disney magic to all their projects, from whimsical art for gift giving to inspired costumes for cosplayers. It's sew easy to bring your favorite Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel characters to life with Brother Sews! See them live at the Brother booth No. 1901 for even more inspiration!

Collectors Editions
Collectors Editions, publishers of Disney Fine Art, is excited to offer a colorful array of inspiring limited edition and original art pieces by a talented portfolio of Disney artists! They’re also proud to feature Cyclops Print Works, a collection of impeccably crafted Disney screen-print editions that celebrate this historic and timeless method of fine art print making. Gold Members & Disney+ subscribers are eligible to receive 23% off members-only pricing on all artwork!

* Exclusive D23 launch of 999 Happy Haunts, by Shag. Come meet Shag, in the Collectors Editions booth on Friday, September 9,  at 2:00 p.m.

Corkcicle®
Corkcicle designs cool products that insulate your favorite things and elevate your every day. Drinkware, coolers, and bags made to go wherever you go and look good doing it. Whether you’re commuting, caravanning, cycling, catching some rays, or strolling through Disney parks, Corkcicle wants to be there to keep you cool every step of the way.

FiGPiN

  • FiGPiNS are 3" tall fully licensed hand-crafted enamel pins constructed from cast zinc alloy inlaid with hard synthetic color enamel and is finished with an electroplated nickel coating and feature a patent pending backer that serves as a pin clasp and display stand-up.
  • Every FiGPiN ever manufactured has a unique serial number laser-engraved on the back. With the FiGPiN App you can unlock that serial number to discover the sequence, volume, and edition.  

PopMinded by Hallmark
PopMinded by Hallmark will be selling the Disney Mickey Mouse Radio, a repainted version of a Keepsake Ornament first offered in stores in 2021. Turn the dial to see the radio illuminate and hear a variety of fun and festive holiday broadcasts. 

House of Sillage
Be the first to experience the newest limited edition fragrance celebrating Minnie Mouse by House of Sillage, launching at the D23 Expo! Discover the Disney x House of Sillage Collection including their Mickey Mouse fragrance, luxurious cosmetics, and scented candles; in celebration of the greatest love story between Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Stop by for a free gift, snap a selfie, and enter for a chance to win a HOS Fragrance!

Iron Studios
Iron Studios makes a glorious return to D23 Expo this year, bringing more amazing Marvel and Star Warscollectibles! Fans fell in love with their X-Men vs. Sentinel sets last time and now everyone can come by booth No. 1620, to take pictures with their menacing life-sized Thanos statue, get some unique Spider-Man 60th anniversary posters and add their Wanda and Vision Halloween MiniCo "Glow in the Dark" D23 exclusive versions to their collections. They’ll be waiting for you! 

Enchanted Disney Fine Jewelry
Enchanted represents the forever after magic that touches lives everywhere. They specialize in honing that magic into unique fine jewelry inspired by the iconic esthetic and personalities each character represents. From sparkling diamonds to dazzling colored gemstones and of course all high-quality metals, they guarantee you will find a piece that is the perfect fit for you! Also, come check out their D23 Exclusive Necklace that comes in rose gold and sterling silver, with sparkling diamonds to make your day shine! Only 100 available so stop by to grab yours today! 

Magical World of Disney Trivia
The Magical World of Disney Trivia is perfect for your next game night! Play as fan-favorite Disney and Pixar characters with the whole family! This collectible trivia game features a unique box and board with original sketch art alongside beautifully sculpted 3D points of interest! 

McFarlane Toys
Get the first in-person look at McFarlane Toys’ Avatar movie lineup, featuring many of your favorites from the first film. You can even enter to win a Todd McFarlane signed prize pack of the entire Avatar collection or maybe even meet Todd himself!

Milk Snob
Seen on Shark Tank, the Milk Snob Cover is the No. 1 product on baby registries in the United States and a proud licensing partner for both Disney and Star Wars! At D23 Expo, they are launching an event exclusive design “Star Wars™ Legends”  in both their multifunctional covers and child blankets.

Monogram International
Monogram International, Inc. will be offering a plethora of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Golden Girls collectibles and gift items.  Check out the variety of blind bags to choose from with trading post option after purchase, as well as banks, mugs, exclusives, and more surprising finds.  Throughout the show, there will be free stickers available and a prize offering of a Monogram logo zipper pouch for every attendee that follows Monogram on Instagram @monogram_collectibles and tags it in their Instagram story.

NEFF
Oh boy, this is good! Neff Headwear, the No. 1 beanie brand in the world, will be selling a limited supply of exclusive pre-release Mickey Mouse peek-a-boo beanies to D23 Gold Members only at booth No. 2874. Many other Disney T-shirts and hoodies will also be available for sale, so don't miss out!

Rock ‘Em Socks
Shop at the World’s Largest Sock Store by Rock ’Em— with over 100 designs featuring characters from Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Disney Princess, Mickey and Friends and much more. Shop early to get your hands on the D23 show exclusive Platinum Mickey Design (Limited Edition of 200) or hit the lights with an entire section dedicated solely to The Muppets! Tons of fun on foot, you won’t want to miss out! 

RockLove Jewelry
RockLove celebrates the wondrous women of Disney, Star Wars and Marvel at D23 Expo 2022. Available online and live at the event, RockLove is launching dozens of brand new jewelry designs, all dedicated to empowering female characters. Join us at Booth No. 2950 for an unforgettable event, including a RockLove D23 Expo 2022 event exclusive that celebrates the true original Disney gal: Minnie Mouse! 

The RSVLTS
RSVLTS (ROSE-UH-VELTS) is a creative brand and apparel company dedicated to making everyday fashion bold and fun with refined designs and high-quality products. Collections are officially licensed with some of the biggest names in pop culture, sports, and entertainment, including Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm and Marvel among others. Playing with “food/beverage” as its D23 Expo inspiration, RSVLTS will showcase some of its latest and greatest collections within the Disney portfolio, including three exclusive button-down shirts— for Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney classic— being offered only at the RSVLTS booth (No. 2370).   

Select Brands
Select Brands is excited to launch the all-new Mickey & Friends kitchen appliance collection at the 2022 D23 Expo. Stop by Select Brands booth No. 2978 in Hall A to be among the first to purchase the new Mickey & Friends appliances at a special D23 Expo price. When you stop by, you’ll also have the chance to enter our daily D23 Expo giveaway and win one of the new Mickey & Friends appliances.

Steiff
Plush collectibles and D23 exclusives from the company chosen by Walt Disney himself to make the first commercially produced Mickey Mouse toys in 1931. Featuring a range of favorite characters. Free gift and 10% discount for Gold Members. 

Super7
Founded in 2001, Super7 is the premier pop-culture design house and producer of lifestyle-oriented collectibles, toys, and apparel. Super7 is excited to showcase new releases from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Disney’s Haunted Mansion, and other great products from your favorite Disney properties, from 3.75" scale ReAction Figures to Supersize premium vinyl figures and more will be featured!

The Topps Company
Topps will be showcasing its suite of Disney-inspired digital collectible apps— Disney Collect!, Marvel Collect!, and Star Wars™: Card Trader! Fans will have a chance to play three types of games at the booth— Trivia, Make Your Own Card, and Memory Game. All offer a chance to win Topps giveaways and a special edition Topps Collector poster!

 

The Walt Disney Family Museum
The Walt Disney Family Museum, co-founded by Walt's daughter Diane Disney Miller, will showcase the slate of current exhibitions, exclusive merchandise, and engaging programs and education opportunities. D23 Expo guests are invited to learn more about their latest special exhibition, Walt Disney’s The Jungle Book: Making a Masterpiece by picking up a free—and exclusive to D23 Expo—commemorative poster each day, Disney+ subscribers can also claim a new, exclusive postcard celebrating the art of The Jungle Book (1967). Throughout the weekend, visit Talent Central for special signings with Andreas Deja, Disney Legend, animator, and exhibition curator; Floyd Norman, Disney Legend, animator, and story artist; and Bruce Reitherman, filmmaker and voice of Mowgli.

Jimmy Chin on the Thrill of Exploring the Edge of the Unknown

By Zach Johnson

For the world’s top adventure athletes, the line between triumph and tragedy is razor thin. So, in the crucial moments when life hangs in the balance, what drives them to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s humanly possible? The answer to that question can be found in National Geographic’s Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin, which hails from Academy Award®-winning executive producers E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. Through intimate interviews and archival footage with the world’s top big wave surfers, climbers, big mountain snowboarders, polar explorers, and kayakers, the epic 10-part series—debuting Monday, September 5—will give viewers a front-row seat to adrenaline-filled adventures, uncovering how athletes adapt and evolve, even after being confronted by fear, devastating personal loss, and Mother Nature at her worst.

“I’ve always been really interested in stories about the human potential,” Chin says. “I was compelled to tell these stories because I was surrounded by people whom I really admired and was truly inspired by, which is the impetus of this series. These friends and peers are extraordinary, talented athletes—people who have extraordinary stories, who are performing at the top levels of athleticism.” Chin adds that he was inspired by the “commitment level” each of the adventure athletes demonstrates. “These aren’t sports; these are lifestyles,” he says. “People oftentimes have to make extraordinary sacrifices to be able to do what they do, and they face some extraordinary challenges.”

Filmmaker and climber Jimmy Chin films an interview for Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin. He is wearing a navy blue baseball cap with a brown leather patch, a white T-shirt, and navy blue Northface hoodie. He is looking to his right at a crew member, who is holding a black and white slate for scene 101, take 5.

Featured in the series are mountain climbers Conrad Anker and Alex Honnold; big mountain freestyle skier Angel Collinson; big wave surfer Justine Dupont; mountain athlete Will Gadd; big mountain freeride snowboarder Travis Rice; professional whitewater kayaker Gerd Serrasolses; and Chin himself. Chin, of course, knows a thing or two about leading a life of adventure. As a professional climber, skier, mountaineer, longtime member of The North Face Athlete Team, and National Geographic Explorer, he has worked with many of the greatest modern explorers, adventurers, and athletes, documenting their exploits in the world’s most challenging conditions and locations.

“Part of what this series examines is this close-knit community, because a lot of the crews have to be world-class athletes,” Chin says. “They’re not my crew; they’re everybody’s crew. Travis has his crew. Justine Dupont has her crew. Angel has her crew. These are people who are oftentimes considered family, and there’s so much trust involved when you go into these places where the stakes are really, really high.”

It’s an adrenaline rush, to be sure—one that viewers will be able to experience vicariously at home. “A big part of this series really highlights the joy of what we do: those mystical, transcendent experiences,” Chin says. “We go into the mountains to seek out and explore the edge because that’s the way that we find those experiences.”

Gerd Serrasolses kayaks down a waterfall.

Ultimately, Chin hopes Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin presents a realistic view of the determination and grit required to embark on the adventures seen onscreen. “We want people to understand what the real stakes are, the sacrifices people make, and the challenges people face,” Chin says. “Angel, Travis, and Justine, they make the extraordinary look easy—and it’s not. Sometimes people forget that. We want to show people what’s really happening beyond what you normally see on TV. We want them to see the decisions people have to make, the risks they’re assessing, and how they’re calculated. Only in that way can people understand the mastery of what we’re doing.”

Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin premieres Monday, September 5, at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on National Geographic, and all episodes will be available on Disney+ beginning Wednesday, September 7. The broadcast airings are as follows:

  • Monday, September 5: “Before Free Solo” (9:30 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Monday, September 5: “The No Fall Zone” (10 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Tuesday, September 6: “Fight or Die” (10 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Tuesday, September 6: “Return to Life” (10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Tuesday, September 13: “Riding the Avalanche” (10 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Tuesday, September 13: “Will Power” (10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Tuesday, September 20: “Eaten by Jaws” (10 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Tuesday, September 20: “Live Another Day” (10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Tuesday, September 27: “Deadly Waters” (10 p.m. ET/PT)
  • Tuesday, September 27: “Hunted in the Arctic” (10:30 p.m. ET/PT)

Disney Legend Bob Gurr Shares First-Hand Tales About Flying on Walt’s Plane

By Alison Statemann

In just over a week’s time, Disney fans at D23 Expo 2022 will be able to view an artifact steeped in Disney history—Walt Disney’s treasured Grumman Gulfstream I. The aircraft was the last of three company planes Walt employed during his lifetime and played a pivotal role in Company milestones, including its participation in the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, the development of Walt Disney World Resort, and other promotional and goodwill activities. Often known simply as “Walt’s Plane” or “The Mouse,” it was a source of pride and joy to Walt as well.

The newly refurbished aircraft is the centerpiece of the exhibit Mickey Mouse One: Walt’s Plane Presented by Amazon created in collaboration with D23 and the Walt Disney Archives, which is being staged at the Anaheim Convention Center for the Expo. The all-new exhibit will feature specially selected items that represent the history of the aircraft, including a customized instrument panel that was originally located near Walt’s favored onboard seat where he would use it to monitor flight conditions; a telephone handset with a direct line to the cockpit; and flight bag adorned with an image of Mickey Mouse sitting on the tail of the famed plane.

D23 recently spoke to Disney Legend, retired Walt Disney Imagineer, and frequent Gulfstream passenger Bob Gurr for a first-person account of what the plane meant to Walt and The Walt Disney Company.

D23: You were there from the beginning. Can you share some of the experiences you had on Walt’s Plane?
Bob Gurr: Well, very shortly [after purchasing it] we were using the plane primarily for transporting a lot of Imagineers back and forth, almost daily it seemed to New York [for the 1964-1965 World’s Fair]. The airplane became the most highly utilized Gulfstream—because other corporations bought them, but boy we bought it and we used it. We ran the wheels off the thing! It was busy all the time, and that’s why we had to have several flight crews because there’s time restrictions for flights and stuff. It was enjoyed by us executives and the Disney family.

D23: You were also a passenger on follow-up trips to Orlando for the development of Walt Disney World. What was that like?
BG: I was on one flight. There were several people on it. I think Edna Disney was on it and they said, “We’re going to show you what we bought.” I remember being so impressed with the pilot, Jim Stevenson. He said, “We’re going to go down 2,000 feet and we’re going to slow down, put the flaps out, and we’re going to drive around the property lines so you can see what we’re going to do.”

And I remember taking photographs out the window and it was all swamps. What on earth? That left an impression on me so strong as to what we are going to do down there in Orlando. That was quite a ride in The Mouse that day.

D23: What role would you say The Mouse played?
BG: The Mouse was central to the whole idea of entertainment—that the plane was a very special team member. It would go to different cities for promotions of movies. The pre-publicity for these flights is very well-planned in advance. The local news people are all well-briefed; they know what’s coming, and why and who the people are that will be there. People are in a place where they see the plane drive up because it usually goes to the smaller airports. So, the airplane arrives in a grand style. In the world of corporate airplanes, The Mouse was very special. It almost had its own character, its own personality. And it got noticed all the time.

D23: How did the plane get its nickname?
BG:  The Mouse got the name primarily because when you’re a pilot and you use your [plane’s] tail number to identify yourself to [air traffic controllers], you call “Gulfstream 234 metro, metro”—but it didn’t take long for our guys to test it a bit. So, you call “Gulfstream 234 metro, metro,” and then the controller comes out, “Yeah, metro, metro,” and then on your next call you say “Gulfstream 234 Mickey Mouse.” You are not supposed to do that because all airplanes are on the same frequency. It’s like a party line. And the other corporate pilots said, “Well that’s not fair. How come Mickey Mouse gets a free pass to not use ‘metro, metro’?” So, it was a very sweet arrangement. The airplane just began to be called The Mouse. It became really easy to say, “Where’s The Mouse going today?”

Hercules’ Muses Coach Daisy Duck in This Mickey Mouse Funhouse Sneak Peek

By Zach Johnson

Come on, ev’rybody, shout out loud: A star is born!

In this week’s episode of Mickey Mouse Funhouse, Roz Ryan and Lillias White reprise their roles as Thalia and Calliope, respectively, from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ feature film Hercules. As Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and friends are crafting, Daisy Duck becomes intrigued by her friends’ whistling—which, try as she might, she cannot do. Her friends reassure her that she doesn’t need to whistle to join in their song; she can sing, or maybe even yodel! But Daisy wants to whistle, just like her friends. Luckily, Daisy’s friend Funny knows who can help her: the Muses! When Daisy visits them in the Land of Myth, Thalia and Calliope try to coach her, but ultimately teach her that it’s OK to do different things than her friends, as there are many other amazing things she excels at.

Watch how things unfold when the episode, “Daisy and the Muses,” airs Friday, September 2, at 8 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and 12 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior, followed by another story, “Keep on the Ball.” And good news for fans of the Muses: They will return in future Mickey Mouse Funhouse stories! Select episodes from Mickey Mouse Funhouse Season 1 are now streaming on Disney+ and in the DisneyNOW app.

5 Things to Watch This Weekend Presented by State Farm®

By: Andie Hagemann

We’re going back-to-school this holiday weekend! So, whether you’re currently a student or your school days are far behind you, this marathon is sure to bolster your school spirit. From the gridiron to detention and everywhere in between, we’re highlighting beloved school-centered films. We present five feature films to binge watch on Disney+…

Left to right, actors Corbin Blue and Monique Coleman, and Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron, dance on the wooden gym floor in front of a play set. Bleu wears an all-white suit with a black shirt and shoes. Coleman wears a black and white patterned dress with black shoes. Hudgens wears a white dress with decorative flowers sporadically scattered around the hem. Efron wears a black suit, a white shirt, and a black tie with black and white sneakers. Behind them is a fake tree and other couples seen dancing.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year—Available on Disney+
It’s senior year and the Wildcats are eager to leave their mark on East High. Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) grapple with the idea of attending different universities than the other. As they attempt to suppress pre-graduation nerves, the Wildcats decide to stage a spring musical capturing their hopes and fears about the future and their unforgettable experiences together. Directed by Disney Legend Kenny Ortega, the beloved musical also stars Ashley Tisdale as Sharpay, Corbin Bleu as Chad, Lucas Grabeel as Ryan, and Monique Coleman as Taylor.

Raven-Symoné and Martin Lawrence wear red skydiving jumpsuits with blue stripes down the sleeves with white stars. Both are screaming and are strapped together. A man in a matching jumpsuit stands in the background behind them. They are all seen in the opening of a plane as they’re about to skydive.

College Road Trip—Available on Disney+
Melanie (Raven-Symoné) is an overachieving high school student who is anxious to begin the next phase of her life: college. She decides to travel around the country touring her top choices in the hopes of finding the perfect fit. However, when her overprotective father, James (Martin Lawrence), decides to join her, he cooks up a plan to convince her to attend a school closer to home. This hilarious comedy also stars Brenda Song as Nancy, Kym Whitley as Michelle, and Donny Osmond as Doug.

Left to right, actors Hayley Kiyoko, Naomi Scott, Adam Hicks, Blake Michael, and Bridgit Mendler look to their left. They all sit at desks in a classroom with stacks of boxes and books seen behind them.

Lemonade Mouth—Available on Disney+
Five misfit high school freshmen—Olivia (Bridgit Mendler), Stella (Hayley Kiyoko), Wen (Adam Hicks), Charlie (Blake Michael), and Mohini (Naomi Scott)—meet in detention and seemingly have nothing in common. However, the teens bond over their love of music and decide to form a garage band.

Animated character Mei Lee wears a red beanie with white maple leaves and red sweater. She has wiry glasses and is hiding her face with her right hand. She sits at a table with notebooks and assorted writing utensils. Behind her is a large window where her mother and a security guard are seen near a tree.

Turning Red—Available on Disney+
Mei Lee (voiced by Rosalie Chiang) is a confident, dorky 13-year-old who is torn between being a dutiful daughter and embracing the chaos of adolescence. Meanwhile, her mother, Ming (voiced by Sandra Oh) is a little overbearing… and never far from Mei Lee. As if navigating adolescence, friendships, and school weren’t enough, Mei Lee transforms into a giant red panda when she gets excited… which is practically ALWAYS.

Actor Denzel Washington wears a maroon polo shirt and black shorts as he squats and leans forward. He looks at two football players tackling each other on a large green football field. Behind him are tall, leafy, green trees lining the field.

Remember the Titans—Disney+
After leading his team to 15 winning seasons, high school football coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton) is demoted and replaced by Herman Boone (Denzel Washington). Boone—the school’s first-ever Black head coach—is tough, opinionated, and vastly different from Yoast. However, the two men must put their differences aside as they work to turn a group of hostile young men into champions. Based on a true story, the ensemble cast includes Donald Faison as Petey, Hayden Panettiere as Sheryl, Kate Bosworth as Emma, Wood Harris as Julius, Ryan Gosling as Alan, and Kip Pardue as Ronnie aka Sunshine.

Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I Airplane Makes Its West Coast Return for D23 Expo 2022

Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I plane is making a cross-country journey to Anaheim, California, where it will be on display for fans attending the sold-out D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa from September 9 through 11. D23 and the Walt Disney Archives, along with D23 Expo Platinum sponsor Amazon, have restored the plane’s exterior for guests to see in a specially curated exhibit in the Arena of the Anaheim Convention Center called Mickey Mouse One: Walt’s Plane presented by Amazon. The exhibit will highlight the history of the plane—also known as “The Mouse”—and showcase its significance in The Walt Disney Company’s history.

Walt Disney greets children in front of his Grumman Gulfstream I Airplane, which sits on a runaway with its door open.

The newly repainted plane with updated wing edges and windows will be on view along with never-before-exhibited items from the aircraft’s interior, including a customized instrument panel originally located near Walt’s favorite onboard seat that allowed him to monitor flight conditions; a telephone handset that gave Walt a direct line of communication to the pilot in the cockpit; a flight bag featuring an image of Mickey Mouse sitting on the tail of the iconic plane; and more.

Walt’s plane will return to the West Coast for the first time since October 8, 1992, when the plane landed on World Drive in Orlando, Florida, at Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios), where it resided as a part of the Studio Backlot Tour until 2014. The recent exterior repaint and finishing work, along with the cross-country move of the aircraft, was made possible thanks to collaboration and support from Walt Disney Imagineering.

In 1963, Walt acquired the iconic Gulfstream that would come to be known as “The Mouse.” The interior of the plane, initially designed with creative input from Walt and his wife, Lillian, seated up to 15 passengers and included a galley kitchen, two restrooms, two couches, a desk, and nods to the mouse who started it all, including matchbooks and stationery adorned with a silhouette of Mickey Mouse. Mickey’s initials were eventually included in the tail number of the plane, too, as N234MM, in 1967. Throughout its 28 years of service to The Walt Disney Company, the plane flew 20,000 hours and transported an estimated 83,000 passengers before it was grounded.

D23 Expo will kick off Disney100, a celebration of the 100-year history of The Walt Disney Company, and in this all-new exhibit, guests will be invited to “take to the skies” and learn about the role this iconic plane has played throughout the company’s history. Fun facts include:

  • In 1963, Walt, members of his family, and company executives took off on a demonstration Gulfstream aircraft to explore potential locations, including Central Florida, for a proposed development often referred to as “Project X.” After Walt received his own Gulfstream in early 1964, he made several trips to Florida that ultimately laid the foundation to bring the magic of Walt Disney World to life.
  • Walt’s plane flew a total of 277,282 miles back and forth between Burbank and New York to oversee preparations before and during the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair, an event that brought iconic attractions such as “it’s a small world” to an East Coast audience and, later, to Disneyland.
  • The plane also took Disneyland to new heights as Walt found inspiration for the look of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction as he flew over the El Moro fortress in San Juan, Puerto Rico, while conducting research for the now fan favorite.
  • “The Mouse” has a star-studded past, having been used for promotional tours for and in classic movies such as The Jungle Book (1967), as well as making appearances in The Walt Disney Studios films The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969) and Now You See Him, Now You Don’t (1972), both of which starred Disney Legend Kurt Russell. The aircraft has also transported notable guests including Disney Legends Julie Andrews and Annette Funicello, as well as former U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.
  • Painted blue and white in 1985, Walt’s plane embarked on goodwill tours and character visits to children’s hospitals, adding to the company’s history of giving back to the community. 

A square, brown bag with a white border and white text that says, “Walt Disney Productions Gulfstream N7326.” The bag also features a white and orange logo of Mickey Mouse sitting on the tail of the plane.

Disney fans attending D23 Expo are invited to shop, browse, and play at Amazon’s immersive space on the showroom floor with in-person peeks at custom merchandise related Mickey Mouse One: Walt’s Plane.

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

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Top D23 Expo 2022 Guest Tips

By the D23 Team

Can you believe it? D23 Expo 2022 is only a few days away! If you’re joining us in person, we’re offering up some top tips and the latest, greatest information you need to know before attending:

OVERNIGHT QUEUES

For the health and safety of all guests, overnight queuing is not available for D23 Expo 2022, and will not be allowed around the perimeter of the Anaheim Convention Center.

STANDBY QUEUES

For guests who do not get reservations for panels or presentations, standby queues will be available for presentations at all D23 Expo stage venues, Talent Central, and for most experiences across the show floor.

SHOW ENTRY

Show hours for all guests are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day of the Expo. There will be five entry points starting at 5 a.m. There is no queuing at entries before 4:30 a.m.

D23 Expo 2022 - Parking Map

After entering the plaza of the Anaheim Convention Center, follow signs and event staff directions for entry to the show floor and D23 Expo stages. Hall D23 Preferred Seating, StagePass, and standby queues are in Hall E. Those with a StagePass for Hall D23 will be directed to Hall E to queue.

There will be security screening at all event entrances, including bag check and metal detection. Please allow ample time when planning your arrival. View the D23 Expo Policies for details about prohibited items.

Please show common courtesy to fellow guests and our cast members by not using profanity or engaging in unsafe, illegal, disruptive, or offensive behavior; jumping lines; or saving places in lines for others. For your safety and the safety of others, please refrain from running or operating your mobility device at an unsafe speed. 

GUEST PARKING

D23 Expo is being held at the Anaheim Convention Center:

800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA  92802

Parking is available for $20 at the Anaheim Convention Center starting at 5:00 a.m., payable by credit or debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay (cash is not accepted). Please allow ample time for parking, as some lots may be off-site. Accessible parking is on a first-come, first-served basis at Car Park 1 and Car Park 4. 

Please note: Overnight parking is prohibited at the Anaheim Convention Center. For those parking at the Anaheim Convention Center, all vehicles must be cleared by 10 p.m. to avoid being towed. Anaheim Resort Transportation may be utilized from local public transit hubs, including the ARTIC station. Please visit rideart.org for local transportation routes and schedules. Additionally, there are ride-share drop-off and pick-up locations at the north side of the convention center on Katella Avenue and at the south side on Transit Plaza. 

SAFETY

The health and safety of our attendees is our utmost priority. The following guidelines are based on information currently available regarding the behavior and characteristics of the COVID-19 virus. As more clarity with respect to these variables emerges, it is expected that these guidelines may need to be adjusted accordingly. Any updates to these guidelines for D23 Expo will be available in Safety Guidelines.

Anyone experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19 such as cough, headache, fever, body aches, chills, etc., should remain home and isolate.

Vaccination & Testing

  • Proof of vaccination or a negative test will NOT be required for guests.

Masks

  • Masks are recommended for ALL GUESTS at all times throughout D23 Expo weekend.
  • Masks will be strictly enforced for ALL GUESTS in certain areas where talent is present.
  • If the spacing between talent and guest is 6 feet or MORE, guests may remove masks while taking their photo.
  • If the spacing between talent and guest is LESS than 6 feet, guests must REMAIN masked.

Areas where masks are required for all guests will be clearly marked and enforced. Those who refuse to wear a mask will be asked to leave the area. Signage will be present at the event regarding masking and symptoms.

SHOPPING VIRTUAL QUEUES

In order to use the virtual queues at D23 Expo, you’ll need to download both the D23 Expo 2022 app and the Disneyland Resort app. And don’t forget: Guests do not need to be in the Anaheim Convention Center to join a virtual queue.

Step 1: Open the D23 Expo app and navigate to the retail location. Guests may alternatively use their mobile device camera to scan a QR code located at the entrances of the locations listed above.

Step 2: Tap “Join Virtual Queue” at your retail location. Guests can request to join a D23 Expo virtual queue at 6 a.m. or 1 p.m. PST.

Step 3: You will be navigated to the Disneyland Resort app where you’ll be prompted to log in if you haven’t already. Once you’re logged in, select the number of Guests and tap “Join Virtual Queue”. Guests may join for up to 2 people and may only join one queue at a time. 

Step 4: You will see a confirmation screen with an estimated wait time. While you wait for your boarding group to be notified, enjoy other D23 Expo experiences.

Step 5: You’ll receive a push notification when your group is ready. Notifications are expected to begin after 10 a.m. PST, and you’ll have one hour to arrive back at your selected retail location after you have been notified.

Note: We think you’ll love virtual queues because you’ll be able to explore the show floor while you wait—but there may still be a queue outside of your retail location. Joining a virtual queue does not grant any or immediate access to the D23 Expo or any experience. Virtual queues are limited in capacity and subject to availability.

Shoppers eager to begin exploring the shelves of D23 Expo Marketplace, Disney Studio Store Hollywood, Mickey's of Glendale Main Store, Mickey's of Glendale Pin Store, D23 Expo Shop x Mickey's of Glendale, and D23 Expo Marketplace Limited Edition Annex will also have the option to join a standby physical queue. Access to the standby queues will begin with show entry on a first come first serve basis, and line capacity is limited.

Visit Things to Know to access additional information regarding D23 Expo 2022.

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Disney+ Docuseries Growing Up Helps Remedy Life’s Growing Pains

By Andie Hagemann

Growing up is hard to do, but the new innovative hybrid docuseries Growing Up, debuting exclusively on Disney+, seeks to alleviate those embarrassing and challenging moments of adolescence.

Created by Brie Larson and Culture House, the series explores the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of adolescence through 10 compelling coming of age stories. The series uses narrative, experimental, and documentary filmmaking to follow one casted individual, ages 18-22, as they tell their story. They represent a wide range of lived experiences, giving audiences emotionally powerful narratives that offer an engaging look at teenage-hood and the diverse social, familial, and internal obstacles young people face on their path to self-discovery and acceptance. Each 30-minute episode features one young person, or “Hero,” and their experience growing up. All 10 episodes debut on Disney+ Day, Thursday, September 8, on the streaming service.

Gavin Arneson sits on a tan couch and speaks to Heroes Sofia Ongele, Alex Crotty, Amiri Nash, Athena Nair, and Isabel Lam, who also sit adjacent to him on the couch. The room is bright and has a light tan ottoman in front of the couch.

“It all started with a thought while I was driving, where I realized that I was living with shame about who I was,” says Larson, who also serves as an executive producer and directed the “Clare and Isabel” episode. “I was noticing how I was presenting myself in the world, either shielding certain parts of myself or living in fear. I thought, ‘If I’m feeling this way, other people must feel this way.’”

Larson brought on Nicole Galovski as showrunner and executive producer to help bring the illuminating project to the screen. “We highlighted the topics that we knew we wanted to address—what was really affecting young people—and we started to research and do a lot of Instagram reaching out and looking at local newspapers for young people who had stories within the kind of range of topics represented in the series,” Galovski says.

“[Growing Up] is about sharing, and at the same time, it’s about celebrating and recognizing that we have more similar than different,” Larson says. “It set us on this glorious path meeting so many wonderful young people as well as our incredible directors.”

In Growing Up, viewers will meet the fascinating Heroes—Alex Crotty; Clare Della Valle and Isabel Lam; Amiri Nash; Athena Nair; Sofia Ongele; Emily Flores; Sage Dolan-Sandrino; Gavin Arneson; Vanessa Aryee; and David Puma—as told through the lenses of directors Galovski and Kishori Rajan, Elegance Bratton, Smriti Mundhra, Yara Shahidi, Ashley Eakin, Sydney Freeland, Bernardo Ruiz, Ekwa Msangi, and Rudy Valdez.Additionally, the directors each have a shared lived experience with their respective Hero.

Gavin Arneson wears a blue graduation gown and matching square mortarboard with a yellow tassel hanging on the right side of it. He stands at a wooden podium and has one arm raised, giving emphasis during his speech. A group of students sit in chairs in front of him. They all wear matching gowns and mortarboards.

“As a longtime documentary filmmaker, it was such a pleasure to jump into something like this, and I got to direct an episode with Gavin,” Ruiz says. “Gavin had done so much work already, in thinking about his life and his story so my job was to shape those elements that I felt were most potent.”

Adds Ruiz, “Without spoiling anything, Gavin and I have similar histories—we both lost our fathers when we were teenagers. For me, I think telling a story about the processing of grief, but also how someone can rely on people and resources to grow and become stronger, felt very important.”

For Della Valle, participating in the group sessions with her fellow Heroes was a cathartic experience, and she hopes viewers will hold similar conversations with their friends after watching the series. She says, “I hope they’ll say, ‘I was watching the show, and they said this thing, do you feel that way, too?’”

Lam feels participating in Growing Up illuminated how relatable each story is, despite each Hero’s differences. “When we first got on set, and we met all the Heroes, we knew nothing about each other,” Lam says. “But once we started spending some time together, it was amazing how each of us could pull something from each other’s stories. By the end, you feel like you have a place.”

Clare Della Valle and Isabel Lam lay next to each other on their stomachs with their knees bent, elevating their legs with dark lighting. In front of each of them are books.

From the directors to the Heroes and the crew, filming Growing Up was a transformative experience, according to Larson. “I’ve never had an experience where people felt seen, transformed, and connected to what it was that they were doing,” Larson says. “I remember finishing this, thinking, ‘Even if no one ever sees this, I feel like there was a lot of healing that happened here and a lot of connections.’ We realized how much we all have in common, and no one can escape the growing up experience.”

She continues, “I cannot say, sitting here as an adult, that my growing up is done. I have so much love and gratitude for our incredible Heroes who had the courage to say things that I’m not sure if I would have had the courage to say—and do it in a way that brings so much love, joy, and celebration to things that are painful, but part of life.”