Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween Invites You to Stay in and Get Spooky

September 1, 2021September 1, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Calling all goblins, monsters, and witches!

Freeform is getting into the Halloween spirit once again with another year of wicked October programming. The highly anticipated 31 Nights of Halloween is back all month long with a lineup of Halloween films, including beloved classics and recent hits. From October 1-31, join us as we celebrate Halloween at home with haunting movies, including fan favorites Ghostbusters (1984), Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, Hotel Transylvania 2, Goosebumps (2015), and Shrek. New to the film lineup this year are Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Fright Night (2011), Jaws, Cowboys & Aliens, and Men in Black II, among several others.

In addition, fans in the Los Angeles area will get a chance to come face-to-face with some of these films at Freeform’s Halloween Road, which will be held at Heritage Square Museum from October 1-5. Tickets are on sale beginning today and can be purchased here.

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

Friday, October 1
2:30 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
5 p.m. ET/PT – The Addams Family (1991)
7 p.m. ET/PT – Addams Family Values
9 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus

Saturday, October 2
7 a.m. ET/PT – The Goonies
9:35 a.m. ET/PT – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
12:15 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
2:45 p.m. ET/PT – The Addams Family (1991)
4:50 p.m. ET/PT – Addams Family Values
6:55 p.m. ET/PT – Monsters, Inc.
9 p.m. ET/PT – Monsters University
11:30 p.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (1984)

Sunday, October 3
7 a.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
8:40 a.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (1984)
11:10 a.m. ET/PT – Matilda
1:15 p.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
2:55 p.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
4:35 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
6:45 p.m. ET/PT – Maleficent
8:50 p.m. ET/PT – Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (Freeform Premiere)
11:30 p.m. ET/PT – The Craft (1996)

Monday, October 4
12:30 p.m. ET/PT – Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
1:30 p.m. ET/PT – The Goonies
4 p.m. ET/PT – Matilda
6 p.m. ET/PT – The Craft (1996)
8:30 p.m. ET/PT – Fright Night (2011) (Freeform Premiere)
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Tuesday, October 5
10:30 a.m. ET/PT – Matilda
12:30 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
3 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek
5 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek 2
7 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek Forever After
9 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Wednesday, October 6
10:30 a.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
12:30 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek
2:30 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek 2
4:30 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek Forever After
6:30 p.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
8 p.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Thursday, October 7
11:30 a.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
1:30 p.m. ET/PT – Halloweentown
3:30 p.m. ET/PT – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
6 p.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (1984)
8:30 p.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters II
12 a.m. ET/PT – Jaws 3 (Freeform Premiere)

Friday, October 8
10:30 a.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (1984)
9 p.m. ET/PT – Family Guy Halloween Programming
12 a.m. ET/PT – Frankenweenie (2012)

Saturday, October 9
7 a.m. ET/PT – Turbo (2013)
9:10 a.m. ET/PT – Shrek
11:15 a.m. ET/PT – Shrek 2
1:20 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek Forever After
3:25 p.m. ET/PT – Hotel Transylvania 2
5:30 p.m. ET/PT – Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
7:40 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
9:50 p.m. ET/PT – The Addams Family (1991)
11:55 p.m. ET/PT – Addams Family Values

Sunday, October 10
7 a.m. ET/PT – Shrek
9:05 a.m. ET/PT – Shrek 2
11:10 a.m. ET/PT – Shrek Forever After
1:15 p.m. ET/PT – Hotel Transylvania 2
3:20 p.m. ET/PT – Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
5:30 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
7:40 p.m. ET/PT – The Addams Family (1991)
9:45 p.m. ET/PT – Addams Family Values
11:50 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)

Monday, October 11
11:30 a.m. ET/PT – Jaws (Freeform Premiere)
2:30 p.m. ET/PT – Jaws 2 (Freeform Premiere)
5:05 p.m. ET/PT – Alien
7:45 p.m. ET/PT – Aliens
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Tuesday, October 12
3 p.m. ET/PT – Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
4 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
6:30 p.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
8 p.m. ET/PT – Mrs. Doubtfire
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Wednesday, October 13
12:30 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
3 p.m. ET/PT – Halloweentown
5 p.m. ET/PT – Mrs. Doubtfire
8 p.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Thursday, October 14
1 p.m. ET/PT – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
3:30 p.m. ET/PT – Hook
6:45 p.m. ET/PT – Matilda
8:50 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus

Friday, October 15
11 a.m. ET/PT – Matilda
9 p.m. ET/PT – Family Guy Halloween Programming

Saturday, October 16
7 a.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (1984)
9:30 a.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters II
12 p.m. ET/PT – Mrs. Doubtfire
3:05 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black (1997)
5:15 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black II (Freeform Premiere)
7:15 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
9:25 p.m. ET/PT – Maleficent
11:30 p.m. ET/PT – The House with a Clock in Its Walls (Freeform Premiere)

Sunday, October 17
7 a.m. ET/PT – The Middle Halloween Episode
7:30 a.m. ET/PT – Mrs. Doubtfire
10:30 a.m. ET/PT – Men in Black (1997)
12:40 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black II
2:40 p.m. ET/PT – The House with a Clock in Its Walls
5:10 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
7:20 p.m. ET/PT – Hotel Transylvania 2
9:25 p.m. ET/PT – Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
11:35 p.m. ET/PT – Toy Story of TERROR!
12:05 a.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

Monday, October 18
2 p.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
4 p.m. ET/PT – Toy Story of TERROR!
4:30 p.m. ET/PT – Hotel Transylvania 2
6:30 p.m. ET/PT – Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
8:30 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Tuesday, October 19
12:30 p.m. ET/PT – Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
3:40 p.m. ET/PT – X-Men: First Class
6:50 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black (1997)
9 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black II
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Wednesday, October 20
10:30 a.m. ET/PT – X-Men: First Class
1:30 p.m. ET/PT – Cowboys & Aliens (Freeform Premiere)
4 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black (1997)
6 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black II
8 p.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Thursday, October 21
4 p.m. ET/PT – The Craft (1996)
6:30 p.m. ET/PT – The Huntsman: Winter’s War (Freeform Premiere)
9 p.m. ET/PT – Maleficent
12 a.m. ET/PT – Mirror Mirror

Friday, October 22
10:30 a.m. ET/PT – The Craft (1996)
9 p.m. ET/PT – Family Guy Halloween Programming
12 a.m. ET/PT – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Saturday, October 23
7 a.m. ET/PT – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
9:30 a.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
11:50 a.m. ET/PT – Shrek
1:55 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek 2
4 p.m. ET/PT – Halloweentown
6:05 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
8:15 p.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (2016)
11:30 p.m. ET/PT – Fright Night (2011)

Sunday, October 24
7 a.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
9:30 a.m. ET/PT – Shrek
11:40 a.m. ET/PT – Shrek 2
1:45 p.m. ET/PT – Halloweentown
3:50 p.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
5:30 p.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (2016)
8:45 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
10:55 p.m. ET/PT – Mrs. Doubtfire

Monday, October 25
1 p.m. ET/PT – Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
2 p.m. ET/PT – The Goonies
4:30 p.m. ET/PT – Scared Shrekless
5 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek
7 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek 2
9 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek Forever After
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Tuesday, October 26
12 p.m. ET/PT – The Goonies
2:30 p.m. ET/PT – Scared Shrekless
3 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek
5 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek 2
7 p.m. ET/PT – Shrek Forever After
9 p.m. ET/PT – Maleficent
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Wednesday, October 27
1 p.m. ET/PT – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
3:30 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
6 p.m. ET/PT – Matilda
8 p.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror
12 a.m. ET/PT – The Simpsons – Treehouse of Horror

Thursday, October 28
11:30 a.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
2 p.m. ET/PT – Matilda
4 p.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (1984)
6:30 p.m. ET/PT – The Craft (1996)
9 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
12 a.m. ET/PT – Frankenweenie (2012)

Friday, October 29
12:30 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black (1997)
9 p.m. ET/PT – Family Guy Halloween Programming
12 a.m. ET/PT – Men in Black II

Saturday, October 30
7 a.m. ET/PT – Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
8 a.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (1984)
10:30 a.m. ET/PT – Men in Black (1997)
12:35 p.m. ET/PT – Men in Black II
2:35 p.m. ET/PT – Goosebumps (2015)
5:05 p.m. ET/PT – Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (Freeform Premiere)
7:10 p.m. ET/PT – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
8:50 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
11 p.m. ET/PT – Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (Freeform Premiere)

Sunday, October 31
7 a.m. ET/PT – Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
10 a.m. ET/PT – Goosebumps
12:30 p.m. ET/PT – Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
2:35 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
4:45 p.m. ET/PT – Casper (1995)
7:15 p.m. ET/PT – Maleficent
9:20 p.m. ET/PT – Hocus Pocus
11:30 p.m. ET/PT – Ghostbusters (1984)

All programming is subject to change.

Three Artists Reimagine a Sherman Brothers Classic in Honor of the New Reimagine Tomorrow Digital Destination

September 1, 2021September 1, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Today, The Walt Disney Company launched the Reimagine Tomorrow digital destination, its first large-scale platform for amplifying underrepresented voices and untold stories. The Reimagine Tomorrow endeavor builds on Disney’s long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The effort, announced to employees in 2020, reflects the actions and innovations Disney employees have taken across the Company to affect workplace representation, content, and the communities in which the Company operates.

As part of this fantastic endeavor, Disney approached three remarkable artists to put their own spin on “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” written by Disney Legends Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. Watch each artist’s music video (below), and visit the Reimagine Tomorrow digital destination to get the inside scoop on their creative processes.

Bardo
Originally from Chicago’s South Side, Bardo brings wildly diverse influences to his music, inspired by his Cape Verdean heritage and his time living all over the world, from Michigan to Italy, Spain, and Japan. “Living abroad did wonders for me in terms of being able to approach music from different angles,” he says. He continues to evolve his sound, studying classic soul, reggae, and more, aiming to craft classics of his own and give people music that just feels good: “I’ve had that type of exposure that allows me to weave those different elements in and out, make my music more interesting and feel more fresh.” Nowhere is that more evident than in his reimagining of “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.” The original, released in 1964, is “a completely different style of music,” Bardo says. “It’s got a completely different bounce to it. One of the hardest parts was just rapping those lyrics, because those lyrics were not written with a rapper in mind; they were written to be sung.” Ultimately, Bardo was able to add both a “hip-hop twist” and a “Latin flair” to his rendition.

Caleigh Cardinal
Caleigh Cardinal is the winner of the 2020 Juno Award for Indigenous Artist of the Year, one of many honors bestowed upon this self-described “soul-funk” songstress. She’s also a host on Alberta’s CKUA Radio Network and prioritizes using her visibility to pave the way for other indigenous artists. When Cardinal was asked to reimagine “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” she says she “couldn’t believe that it was really happening to me.” In fact, she says, “What’s been really great about this project is it’s led me to this place where I realize that not only am I enough, but that I’m doing the work that I need to do to make this world a better place for Indigenous people.” As such, Cardinal’s reimagining of the Sherman Brothers classic is reflective of her own journey. Her “hopeful” rendition has “a little bit of darkness,” she explains, “because the Indigenous experience hasn’t been easy.”

Jeremy Passion
Hailing from San Francisco, Filipino-American Jeremy Passion is a self-taught musician who began playing piano at age 4 and was writing songs by the time he was 15. “I love R&B/Soul, so that’s kind of my niche,” Passion says. He has released two R&B songs on YouTube, “Lemonade” and “Well Done,” which now boast a combined 5 million-plus views.

“When I was first contacted about participating in Reimagine Tomorrow, the first thought that I had was, ‘Whoa,’” Passion says. “As an independent artist, as a Filipino-American, as an Asian-American, this is a really important project to be in.” After he first heard the Sherman brothers’ “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” Passion says he wondered how to “flip this classic big band showtune and still bring honor to the original song.” He conceptualized a beat, then added to the melody. All of a sudden, he says, “I saw colors—just straight-up colors—as I was creating this progression. I wanted it to feel like sunshine.”

Visit the Reimagine Tomorrow digital destination to go behind the scenes with each artist and to learn more about Disney’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Go on the Ultimate Pixar Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt on Disney+

September 1, 2021December 10, 2021

By the D23 Team

All month long, our friends at Pixar and Disney+ are ringing PixarFest, a celebration full of out-of-this-world fun featuring your favorite films and characters, along with all-new stories. To help kick off the festivities, we here at D23 have teamed up with our pals at Disney+ to craft the ultimate challenge of your Pixar knowledge: A Pixar scavenger hunt! To play, just download the worksheet below and start streaming. Grab your friends and family to watch each Pixar film, keeping an eye out for the detail or Easter egg in the movie that shouts out a previous or future Pixar movie. Write down your answers, then come back at the end of the month for the reveal of the answer key to see how you did!

Download the scavenger hunt worksheet here

Download the scavenger hunt answer key here

“We’re Going to Disney World”: Step by Step

September 1, 2021September 20, 2021

By Matt Moryc, Walt Disney Archives

If you grew up watching television in the 1980s and 1990s, there is an objective argument to be made that some of the greatest family sitcoms of all-time were produced during this era.

The American Broadcast Company (ABC) was at the forefront of this golden age of adolescent television with their Friday night programming block titled TGIF (short for “Thank Goodness It’s Funny”). Debuting in 1989, TGIF became a staple in millions of homes across America, and would continue to be throughout 1990s as audiences tuned in weekly to watch classic shows such as Full House (1987-1995), Boy Meets World (1993-2000), Family Matters (ABC: 1989-1997; CBS: 1997-1998), and Sabrina the Teenage Witch (ABC: 1996-2000; WB: 2000-2003)

For Disney fans, these titles are memorable not only for their place in ABC history, but also for the episodes each show filmed at Walt Disney World Resort. The idea to send family sitcoms to the vacation kingdom could not have come at a better time for The Walt Disney Company as it was in the midst of vastly expanding its hold on ‘90s popular culture with a string of hit animated films and new theme park attractions that were ripe for promotion via television programming created for families.

Step by Step aired on ABC as a part of the TGIF television line up from 1991 to 1997. The show stars Patrick Duffy as Frank Lambert, a divorced father with three kids, and Suzanne Somers as Carol Foster, a widow with three kids. After Frank and Carol get remarried to each other—without informing their kids!—they decide to move both of their families under one roof in suburban Wisconsin. This large, blended family is seemingly always at odds, but each episode provides the opportunity for them to learn to live with and love each other via funny and heartwarming interactions that sitcoms are known for.

In February 1996, the cast of Step by Step traveled to Walt Disney World to film a two-part episode, which aired in May of that year. The story sees the family vacationing to Walt Disney World for one week thanks to a generous gift from Frank’s mother, Helen (June Lockhart). Because the show featured such a large cast, there are plenty of storylines to follow: JT Lambert (Brandon Call) and his best friend Rich (Jason Marsden) spend all of their joint apartment savings to impress two girls they meet at the Magic Kingdom; Frank and Carol struggle to find some alone time together to celebrate their anniversary; Karen Foster (Angela Watson) finds her confidence to compete in a country western singing contest at Pleasure Island thanks to encouragement from her sister Dana (Staci Keanan) and stepsister Al (Christine Lakin); and Grandma Helen falls for a Frenchman she meets on the ferryboat to the Magic Kingdom.

By far the most engaging storyline—and the one that ties everything together— belongs to Jake “Flash” Gordon (Jeff Juday), a bumbling and hyperactive handyman who makes a detour on his road trip so he can return a hammer to Frank. After deciding to join the family’s vacation, Flash learns that a man from Uzbekistan holds the world record for visiting every Walt Disney World attraction, restaurant, snack stand, and merchandise location in under four days. This doesn’t sit well with Flash and he declares that the record needs to be brought back to American soil. Utilizing help from Mark Foster (Christopher Castile) and Brendan Lambert (Josh Byrne), Flash succeeds in his quest to reclaim the record, and caps off the achievement with a celebration in front of Cinderella Castle with the rest of the cast.

The following behind-the-scenes and publicity photos—provided by our partners at ABC—are from the 1996 Step by Step episodes “We’re Going to Disney World, Part 1,” and “We’re Going to Disney World, Part 2,” now streaming on Hulu.

Celebrate even more Walt Disney World nostalgia with the 2021 D23 Gold Member Collector Set, exclusively available to D23 Gold Members!

Marvel Comics Reveals First Look at Eight New Tentpole Titles

August 31, 2021

By Jim Frye

In celebration of Marvel’s birthday today, August 31, Marvel Comics revealed its first look at eight new tentpole titles that will shape the future of the Marvel Universe in the months to come.

All hell breaks loose in the Marvel Universe as The Kingpin finally declares all-out war on the heroes in Devil’s Reign! Having set the stage in their Eisner-nominated Daredevil epic, Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto’s far-reaching crossover event finds Mayor Fisk outlawing all Super Heroes in New York and unleashing intel on all their dark secrets, while pitting Daredevil, Elektra, Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and many more against his Thunderbolt agents. But in the end…Who Will Reign?

Marvel Comics’ Avengers Forever pulls together archeologist Tony Stark aka the Invincible Ant-Man and Avengers from across the multiverse to bring order to timelines where “hope” is a four-letter word. Jason Aaron and Aaron Kuder present an all-new series that will redefine the Avengers as… The Multiverse’s Mightiest Heroes.

The future of the Marvel Universe is here, and Timeless is where it all begins. When a threatening new timeline emerges, Kang the Conqueror must fight his way through the coming year to protect the main 616 timeline he’s worked centuries to solidify as his own. Jed MacKay, Kev Walker, Joe Bennett, Mark Bagley, and more provide a first look at what’s coming to the Marvel Universe in 2022 in a story that will prove… The Future is Timeless.

House of X and Powers of X ushered in The First Krakoan Age of the X-Men. Now, Marvel Comics’ X Lives of Wolverine and X Deaths of Wolverine will test “the best there is at what he does” before any mutant can survive to The Second Krakoan Age. Benjamin Percy, Joshua Cassara and Federico Vicentini tell two interlocked tales about what happens to Wolverine when… His Pasts Meets His Future.

Marvel Comics’ She-Hulk, from Rainbow Rowell and Rogê Antônio, throws the book at Jennifer Walters as she tries to put her rage-filled days behind her and return to practicing law in defense of the innocent. But when a friend from her past comes knocking with a mystery she can’t resist, She-Hulk gets… Back To Bashing.

Dan Slott is joined by Carlos Pacheco and Rachael Stott for Marvel Comics’ Fantastic Four: Reckoning War, an epic saga over 15 years in the making. The original secret war of the Marvel Universe has been reignited and every living being in reality is in danger, for we are finally at… Our Day Of Reckoning.

Lunella Lafayette and her lovable 20-foot dinosaur are back in Marvel Comics’ Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. But what shape will their partnership take in this exciting new era? Keep your eyes peeled in the coming months for more news about the next adventure of the biggest brain in the world that will send dino-sized shockwaves throughout the Marvel Universe. In 2022, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur will bring new meaning to the term “Marvel Team-Up” in a tale that promises to… Shake Your World.

For more information, visit Marvel.com.

The Magic Is Calling! New Walt Disney World Annual Passes Available September 8

August 30, 2021August 30, 2021

By Zach Johnson

There’s one kind of magic that’s different from the rest. It’s Annual Passholder magic, which lets you revisit the spots where your favorite memories were made and feel them wash over you again and again. As the countdown continues for the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort, the magic is calling—and new Walt Disney World Annual Passholders are invited to be a part of this beloved program, beginning September 8, 2021!

Walt Disney World is introducing four new Annual Passes, which offer the flexibility and choice to meet guest needs, each designed based on Passholder feedback. These passes will help Disney fans experience “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” to its fullest, from new attractions and nighttime spectaculars, to dazzling decorations and much more!

Here are some highlights of the new Annual Passes:

Hold More Park Reservations: Depending on their pass type, Passholders may now hold up to five Disney Park Pass reservations at a time. “Bonus reservations” will be added to the calendar from time to time, so Passholders can make an additional park reservation without it counting against their applicable reservation hold limit. Plus, when Passholders stay at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels, they will also be eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their stay—in addition to the reservations you can hold based on your pass type!
Customize Your Pass: Choose different add-on options based on your preferences, from the Water Park and Sports option to Disney PhotoPass downloads. These add-on options will be available for purchase with any of our four new passes.
Access a New Integrated Calendar: Planning will be easier with enhancements to the reservation system, including a new integrated calendar that lets Passholders quickly see blockout dates for each pass type; view available days; and make, modify, or cancel a reservation all in one place.
Enjoy Passholder Perks: Passes will continue to offer benefits you know and love including the Park Hopper option; standard theme park parking; and discounts on merchandise and dining. Plus, there will be a few special surprises throughout the 50th anniversary celebration!

Click here for more information on the Annual Pass options.

The Annual Passholder program is also introducing a new look to honor its past while looking forward to the future. Using a piece of the original Walt Disney World Resort logo as a foundation for bright colors and energetic design, the program’s new look puts Passholders right in the middle of the magic.

Current Annual Passholders may continue to use them as you do today; when it is time to renew, you will be able to renew into one of our new passes (at a special price). Plus, starting September 8, 2021, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Plus Annual Passholders will also be able to hold more reservations at a time. Visit DisneyWorld.com/AnnualPass to learn more… and be on the lookout for a new and exclusive magnet, coming your way soon!

Now is the perfect time to be an Annual Passholder, as unforgettable experiences are coming during the 50th anniversary celebration. Soon, you’ll be able to check out two new nighttime spectaculars with Disney Enchantment and Harmonious, each debuting on October 1! That same day, you can also experience the new attraction Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT, which will soon offer Passholder previews for those who registered.

Please note as we continue to manage attendance to provide a great experience for everyone, at any time, Annual Passes may be unavailable for purchase. Annual Passholders will also still be required to make park reservations for each day of their visit. Please visit DisneyWorld.com/Pass for additional information and details about the new Annual Passes.

A Glittering, New Walt Disney Archives Exhibit Premieres at Bowers Museum in Winter

August 30, 2021August 30, 2021

By the D23 Team

This winter, prepare to behold a collection fit for royalty—Disney royalty, that is! Our friends at Walt Disney Archives are once again partnering with Bowers Museum to debut a spectacular exhibition on December 12, 2021: All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives.

archives bowers — King Brian’s Crown
*Darby O’Gill and the Little People* (1959)
(Walt Disney Productions),
Walt Disney Archives, ©Disney

The all-new exhibition, All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives, showcases the sparkling side of The Walt Disney Archives’ collection, including jewelry and accessories from Titanic, The Princess Diaries, and some of your favorite Disney and 20th Century Studio films. The exhibition explores how jewelry is used to tell stories, with the displays divided into three sections:

“Jewelry Informs Character” explains what wearable accessories tell viewers about characters.
The “Feature Vault” offers a jaw-dropping look at the most prized jewelry and accessories inside the Walt Disney Archives.
“Reflections on Reality” includes displays that tie earrings, cuff links, rings, tie pins, and more back to the Disney films and parks where they originated.

When costume design is done well, small pieces of jewelry blend inseparably into the style of the characters that wear them, but these objects are what make Disney characters timeless. All That Glitters looks at crowns, tiaras, watches, rings, bracelets, and more that were designed by some of the biggest names in fashion to create our favorite moments in entertainment throughout The Walt Disney Company.

Some of the iconic pieces in the exhibit include:

A rare merchandise locket from the 1960 film Pollyanna
The stunning “Heart of the Ocean” necklace from James Cameron’s Titanic (1997).
Anne Hathaway’s crowns and tiaras from the Princess Diaries movies (2001 and 2004).
Mulan’s matchmaking outfit from Disney’s 2020 live-action film, on display for the first time.
Genie’s lamp from Aladdin (2019), on display for this first time.

Advanced ticket sales for All that Glitters will launch to Bowers Members starting October 1 and to the general public starting November 1. Details at bowers.org. All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives is curated by the Walt Disney Archives in conjunction with the Bowers Museum.

Meet the Characters of Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings

August 30, 2021August 27, 2021

By the D23 Team

It’s almost time! In just a few days, Marvel Studios will debut Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings… an all-new, totally epic adventure that introduces the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s newest Super Hero—Shang-Chi—in an origin story that blazes across the big screen with never-before-seen, ultra-mind-blowing action; stunning visuals; and the MCU’s signature spectacle, with lots of heart and humor to boot.

The film stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, whom we first meet as Shaun—a young man living in San Francisco and working as a parking valet when a group of assassins abscond with a pendant that his mother gave him when he was young. Shang-Chi and his best friend Katy (Awkwafina) then leave their comfortable Bay Area lives and journey to Macau, in an effort to warn Shang-Chi’s sister Xialing (Meng’er Zhang) that danger is coming for her as well. As the film unfolds, Shang-Chi is forced to confront the past he thought he’d left behind. And when he’s drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization led by his estranged father, Shang-Chi realizes he must stop him and his dangerous cabal once and for all.

Before we enter the world of The Ten Rings, let’s take a gander at the cast of characters we’ll soon be meeting—and learn a little bit about ’em:

Shang-Chi/Shaun (Simu Liu)
At the beginning of the film, we first meet Shang-Chi in present day San Francisco—and he seems like an everyday guy. Shaun, who is working at a hotel as a parking valet, has an unknown backstory. But very soon, Shang-Chi’s past returns, and things change quickly and irrevocably. Trained since childhood by the mysterious Ten Rings organization, Shang-Chi must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn back into his father’s web.

“Shang-Chi’s core issue is rooted in not knowing who he really is,” says director Destin Daniel Cretton. “Over the course of the film, he must learn how to own every part of himself. There’s residue left inside that he hasn’t dealt with from the traumatic things that happened to him as a kid.” Liu adds, “The movie is about that evolution and personal growth of self-acceptance and self-love. And it’s something that I absolutely think will be relatable, whether you’re Chinese or Asian or not.”

Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung)
Shang-Chi’s father, Xu Wenwu, is the feared leader of the Ten Rings Organization, which has lurked in the shadows of the MCU since the very beginning. As Leung explains, “I had a phone meeting with [director Cretton] and, of course, he couldn’t tell me much about the story at that time, so I had only little hints about my character and the story. But I felt very good talking to him, and I thought I could trust him.”

“Tony sees Wenwu as by no means a villain,” Cretton adds, “but as a broken human who is chasing after things that were torn away from him, that he desperately wants back. I’m so thankful that Tony came on board. It’s so subtle and so brilliant, the way that he can create a character who can be so brutal, but show us that it’s rooted in Wenwu’s desperation to be loved and to show love.”

Katy (Awkwafina)
As Shang-Chi’s oldest, closest friend, Katy—a Chinese American—is free-spirited, carefree, and fiercely loyal. But she’s only ever known him as Shaun, and knows nothing about his past as the movie’s story begins. Describing Katy, Awkwafina explains, “Katy is Shang-Chi’s reckless Asian American friend who he meets when he relocates to the States in San Francisco. Katy and her family kind of take him in, and he has a very close relationship with her and her family… She almost feels like she needs to protect [him], which is ironic because he is more than necessarily equipped to take care of himself. But Katy meets him in school by taking down a bully who is picking on him. Since then, their relationship has kind of evolved, and they bicker a lot. But I think that it’s very obvious that they have a lot of love for each other.”

While she’s a very dependable companion, and is willing to accompany Shang-Chi on his quest, Katy’s also got her own journey of self-discovery to contend with. “I think Katy, throughout the movie, is really questioning her own mission in life, her goals and her sense of identity,” says Awkwafina. “I think that’s something that we all ask ourselves at some point, and we all kind of struggle with. So, she is a very real character to me, and I relate to her a lot.”

Li (Fala Chen)
Li, an independent spirit and skilled martial artist, is the compassionate and devoted mother of Shang-Chi and Xialing. The Julliard-trained actress describes Li as “a warrior and a Kung Fu master. Her power lies not only in her physical form but also in her ability to bring out the best in everyone who’s around her.” Cretton adds, “The quiet strength she brought to this character was exactly what was needed to stand face to face with Tony Leung’s Wenwu.”

“Fala is a wonderful actress, super-talented,” says Liu. “She was such a joy to work with. [She] brings a loving, warm beauty to the film. Her grace is something intrinsic to the story. That comes from Fala’s heart, and she brought so much love to the character of Li.”

Xialing (Meng’er Zhang)
When her estranged brother Shang-Chi suddenly shows up in her life, Xialing must choose between the solitary life she’s created for herself or join her brother in the fight against the Ten Rings. As Cretton says, “Shang-Chi needed to be surrounded by two strong female characters who represented the two worlds that he’s from. It was very important to us to find an actor [to play his sister] who was from China, who grew up there, who speaks Mandarin as their primary language. Meng’er, from the first time I met her, was pure magic.” After an exhaustive international search, Zhang rose to the front of the line as the perfect choice for Xialing. Trained in theater and musical theater, Zhang had never appeared on film before!

Describing her character, Zhang says, “Xialing is someone you don’t want to mess with, even Shang-Chi knows not to cross her. She is a very tough and independent woman, cold on the outside, but has a warm and fragile part deep down inside. She had a traumatic childhood, but she didn’t sink—she got stronger. She’s like a flower that survives the coldest winter.”

Razor Fist (Florian Munteanu)
One of Wenwu’s most loyal soldiers, Razor Fist found family and purpose in the Ten Rings. He rose through the ranks to become one of the organization’s strongest and most brutal fighters. Razor Fist, as his name suggests, wears a prosthetic for his amputated left arm, in the form of a giant razor. “Razor Fist could have easily been a one-dimensional villain with a sword for an arm until Florian showed up,” says Cretton. “Florian just nailed it. When you first meet Razor Fist, he may seem somewhat of a cliché cutout of a villain, but you’ll soon have a different view of Razor Fist, and you’ll learn to love him like I did.”

Ying Nan (Michelle Yeoh)
Ying Nan, aunt to Shang-Chi and Xialing, is a respected leader and warrior of Ta Lo—and she represents a positive, nurturing connection to their mother. “Ying Nan is able to impart upon them their strength, and their ability to embrace who they really are,” says the celebrated actress. “She understands that Xialing and Shang-Chi have been running away from their identity. My character teaches them that we cannot run away from who we are, from the people who come before us. Our ancestors, our parents make us who we are—and we have to learn to embrace the good and the bad. I think the theme of the film is embracing your destiny and truly making yourself and the world around you a better place.”

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

August 30, 2021September 3, 2021

By Zach Johnson

Jump-start the week by joining us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of First Kid, available to stream on Disney+. The streaming fun doesn’t end there, as the new comedic murder-mystery series Only Murders in the Building debuts Tuesday on Hulu, followed by Dug Days, a new series of shorts, debuting Wednesday on Disney+. On Thursday, ABC will present CMA Summer Jam, featuring performances from the biggest names in country music. Last but not least, the FXX network premiere of 20th Century Studios’ Breakthrough airs Friday.

First Kid—Monday, August 30, on Disney+
Secret Service agent Sam Simms (Sinbad) is assigned to protect the President’s rebellious 14-year-old son Luke (Brock Pierce)—but he would much rather be protecting the President. Luke, meanwhile, would prefer to live like a regular kid without a watchdog trailing his every move. But a genuine friendship develops between the two when Simms volunteers to teach Luke how to deal with a school bully (Zachery Ty Bryan) and how to win over a cute girl in class. But when Like’s mysterious Internet buddy convinces him to ditch his bodyguard in a busy mall, the fun and games become a matter of life and death.

Only Murders in the Building—Tuesday, August 31, on Hulu
Upper West Side residents Charles (Disney Legend Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez) bond over a shared love of true crime. After a neighbor dies in their building, they resolve to solve the mystery and also record an accompanying podcast.

Dug Days—Wednesday, September 1, on Disney+
You’ll be howling with laughter thanks to this new series of five shorts that follows the humorous misadventures of Dug, the lovable dog from Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award^®-winning feature film Up whose high-tech collar translates his thoughts into speech. Bob Peterson, the voice of Dug then and now, wrote and directed all episodes of Dug Days.

CMA Summer Jam—Thursday, September 2, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Filmed amidst the skyline of downtown Nashville, the three-hour, artist-curated primetime special will feature individual performances and collaborations from more than 20 of the biggest stars in Country Music. Artists featured include Jimmie Allen, Gabby Barrett, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Florida Georgia Line, Mickey Guyton, Miranda Lambert, Carly Pearce, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, and Dwight Yoakam—all performing from Ascend Amphitheater. Additional performances include Bentley with Breland and Hardy, live from Bentley’s Whiskey Row nightclub on Broadway; Eric Church from the center of the city’s John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge overlooking the Cumberland River; and Darius Rucker taking the outdoor stage at Nashville’s brand-new Fifth & Broadway complex downtown.

Breakthrough—Friday, September 3, at 1 p.m. ET on FXX
After Joyce Smith’s (Chrissy Metz) adopted son John (Marcel Ruiz) falls through an icy Missouri lake, all hope seems lost as he lies lifeless. In the face of every bleak medical case history and dire scientific prediction, Joyce’s unwavering belief inspires her community to pray for John’s recovery. Based on the incredible true story, Breakthrough is a reminder that faith and love can create a mountain of hope—and sometimes even a miracle. Mike Colter, Topher Grace, Dennis Haysbert, Josh Lucas, and Sam Trammel round out the cast.

Celebrate the Rise of Marvel Studios’ Next Super Hero with the D23-Exclusive Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Pin

August 30, 2021August 30, 2021

By the D23 Team

D23-Exclusive Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Pin

Celebrate the debut of Marvel Studios’ newest hero in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings with this pin created just for D23. Set in retro soft enamel and featuring Shang-Chi in a striking pose against his insignia in a pin-on-pin design, this D23 Gold Member exclusive is the perfect way to channel this new Super Hero!

Our Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings pin, offered in a limited edition of 1,500, will be available exclusively to D23 Gold Members on shopDisney at 7 a.m. PT on August 30, 2021.

*Available while supplies last. To purchase, you must log in to shopDisney.com with the Disney account tied to D23 Gold Membership. Pins are sold for $14.99 each, plus applicable sales tax. Maximum of two (2) pin 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.