Gabby Duran & the Unsittables Premieres This October—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Prepare to meet the best babysitter in the galaxy, and find out some incredible new details about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Disney Channel Welcomes Gabby Duran & the Unsittables

 She’s the best babysitter in the galaxy, and she’s coming to watch over some truly unique charges in just a few weeks… Premiering Friday, October 1, at 9 p.m. EDT/PDT on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW, Gabby Duran & the Unsittables stars multitalented actress, musician, and YouTube sensation Kylie Cantrall as the aforementioned Gabby—who inadvertently lands a job babysitting an unruly group of VIP extraterrestrial children disguised as everyday kids. Resourceful and courageous, Gabby steps up to the challenge to protect these youngsters and their secret identities, no matter what it takes!

Starring alongside Cantrall is Maxwell Acee Donovan (Good Kids) as Gabby’s bestie (and resident conspiracy theorist) Wesley; Coco Christo (We Take the Low Road) as Gabby’s overachieving little sister Olivia; Nathan Lovejoy (The Code) as the wacky Principal Swift; Valery Ortiz (Switched at Birth) as Gabby’s caring and career-driven mom Dina; and Callan Farris (Kings) as Jeremy, a shape-shifting alien and Gabby’s first babysitting assignment. See you in October for some intergalactic fun!

Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
September 9, 2019
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23
September 21, 2019
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom at Walt Disney World
September 28, 2019
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom on the Lot
October 1, 2019
Freeform’s Second Annual Halloween House at the Hollywood Athletic Club, Los Angeles
October 4, 2019
The Muppets Take Manhattan—Exclusive Screening in Manhattan
October 13, 2019
D23 Heads to the Hollow
October 29, 2019
D23’s Mostly Ghostly Halloween on The Walt Disney Studios Lot
January 17, 2020
Get VIP Tickets to Disney’s Frozen The Hit Broadway Musical
Parks
August 30; September 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29; October 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31, 2019
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park
August 29—November 23, 2019, 2019
2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
September 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, 2019; October 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31, 2019
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure park
November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24; December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 2019
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom park
November 29-December 30, 2019
2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Studios
October 18, 2019
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil opens in U.S. theaters
November 22, 2019
Frozen 2 opens in U.S. theaters
December 20, 2019
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in U.S. theaters
March 6, 2020
Onward opens in U.S. theaters.
March 27, 2020
Mulan opens in U.S. theaters.
May 29, 2020
Artemis Fowl opens in U.S. theaters.
Television
September 1-30, 2019
Freeform’s 30 Days of Disney
September 16, 2019
Dancing with the Stars kicks off newest season on ABC (8-10 p.m. EDT)
September 29, 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—Adventure Awaits premieres on Freeform (8 p.m. EDT)
November 5, 2019
ABC airs The Wonderful World of Disney presents The Little Mermaid Live! (8-10 p.m. EST)

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: Incredible Details Announced!

Can you believe it? The time has come… Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is now open at Walt Disney World Resort! And just in time, our friends at the Disney Parks Blog have revealed some truly incredible new details about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance—the highly anticipated attraction coming in December to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (and in January to Disneyland park).

When Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens, the harrowing adventure—one of the most ambitious, advanced, and immersive experiences ever undertaken by Walt Disney Imagineering—will blur the lines between fantasy and reality, putting guests right in the center of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance! Guests will join the Resistance and depart from Batuu in a transport ship to meet General Leia Organa at a secret rendezvous point; along the way, they’ll be captured by a First Order Star Destroyer. The action will ramp up as guests try to escape the clutches of Kylo Ren and the First Order… aided by their fellow Resistance heroes, of course.

One of the largest attractions ever created, its building is gigantic enough to house two full-sized AT-AT walkers and a Star Destroyer hangar bay—complete with a TIE fighter and a veritable fortress of Stormtroopers!

We can’t wait to experience it all in person! But until then, no matter where we reside, we can all enjoy the replay of this week’s awesome Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge dedication ceremony—which aired live on the Disney Parks Blog this past Wednesday morning. Click here to check it out.

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Scream, Hocus Pocus

Scream Into October with Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween Programming Event

Time for a little Halloween-related binge-watching, right? Thankfully, Freeform just announced their schedule for their frightfully enjoyable 31 Nights of Halloween programming event. (We’re especially excited for the day-long Hocus Pocus marathon on Halloween itself. We simply cannot get enough Sanderson Sisters!) Find out when your favorites will be airing by clicking here.

Just Roll With It

Just Roll With It: You Decide Live!—This October on Disney Channel

Disney Channel’s Just Roll With It is already known for its hilarious, improvised shenanigans—and now the show is getting even more interactive! This October, Just Roll With It: You Decide LIVE! will offer fans a live telecast of the series on Friday, October 4 at 9 p.m. EDT/6 p.m. PDT. During the Halloween-themed special—the first of its kind for the channel—viewers nationwide can join the studio audience in the fun of determining plot twists in real-time. As they watch the special live on Disney Channel, they’ll be able to vote on certain elements of the show via the DisneyNOW app or DisneyNOW.com—and, as they do in each episode, the talented cast will improvise and “just roll with it”… live!

Raven-Symoné (Raven’s Home) and Miranda May (BUNK’D) are set to guest star—while Issac Ryan Brown (Raven’s Home), Ruby Rose Turner (Coop & Cami Ask the World), and Ruth Righi (Sydney to the Max) will host the special, which will also feature a musical performance and other awesome surprises. So mark your calendars and get ready for some memorable comedy mayhem!

D23 Expo 2019

All the Expo News That’s Fit to “Print”…

Hard to believe D23 Expo 2019 has come and gone, especially considering how much incredible news came out of the event. (Honestly, did they somehow create more hours in a day? It’s sorcery!) In case you weren’t within a WiFi signal this past weekend—or even if you were and you want a refresher—check out our ridiculously robust coverage of all things Expo by clicking here.

Behind-the-Scenes Look at Oogie Boogie Bash’s DescenDANCE Party

For those of you as excited for Halloween season as we are, you’ll be happy to know that Disney California Adventure park’s Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party—a separately ticketed event on select nights—kicks off this September 17. And just this week, the Disney Parks Blog offered up a super-cool behind-the-scenes look at one of the party’s marquee events: the “DescenDANCE Party” in the Backlot area of Hollywood Land. Take a peek at the killer VK dance crew in action, above.

Inspired by the fan-favorite Descendants movie series on Disney Channel, it combines the entertainment of a show with the interactivity of a dance party. But that’s not the only “way to be wicked” at the Oogie Boogie Bash… should you find yourself at this sure-to-be-spooktacular event, you’ll also get to enjoy some immersive new treat trails; the Frightfully Fun Parade (now including the Cheshire Cat); a Halloween celebration with Mickey Mouse and friends at the Disney Theater in Hollywood Land; and the debut of the new World of Color show Villainous!… find out more information by clicking here.

The Most Fantastic News from D23 Expo 2019

By Beth Deitchman

For a Disney fan, it’s hard to find a more exciting place to be than Anaheim, California, during a D23 Expo. Last week, fans filled the Anaheim Convention Center to celebrate the magic, wonder, and adventure of Disney—and to find out what’s next—during D23 Expo 2019.

And what does the future hold, across the worlds of Disney? In the coming months and years, we can look forward to slinging webs with Spider-Man and strolling along Cherry Tree Lane in Disney theme parks; streaming new adventures for beloved characters, such as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Lizzie McGuire, on Disney+; and discovering new favorite characters on the big screen, among them a mythic dragon and the brave warrior who sets out to find her. And that’s just a taste of the new magic that was revealed during D23 Expo 2019—the biggest and best Expo yet!

One Day at Disney
Ricky Strauss, president, Content & Marketing for Disney+, and Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts unveiled a spectacular collaboration from Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney’s new streaming service, Disney+. The new 224-page coffee table book and documentary series One Day at Disney will shine a dazzling light on the creative forces in front of the cameras and behind the scenes at The Walt Disney Company. Click here to learn more about the book and series launching on December 3.

Avengers Campus Artist Concept

Avengers Campus
The Super Hero-themed lands Disney Parks, Experiences and Products is building at Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Paris will be called Avengers Campus—and guests who visit these campuses will become part of an interconnected, global story spanning from California to Paris to Hong Kong, as the Avengers recruit new extraordinary people to join them.  Among the exciting offerings being assembled for Avengers Campus are the first Disney ride-through attraction to feature Spider-Man, and Pym Test Kitchen, where Pym Technologies is using the latest innovations to grow and shrink food. Guests can suit up alongside their favorite Super Heroes at the Avengers Campus, beginning in 2020 at Disney California Adventure park and later at Disneyland Paris.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Concept

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
We’ve got a really good feeling about this all-new Star Wars vacation experience coming to Walt Disney World Resort. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser invites guests to embark on a two-night adventure aboard a glamorous starship. During this first-of-its-kind vacation experience—which includes a “spaceport” day on Batuu at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—you’ll interact with characters and become an active participant in immersive stories that unfold over the course of an unforgettable galactic journey on board the starcruiser (to be called the Halcyon).

The Return of Obi-Wan Kenobi

The Return of Obi-Wan Kenobi
In a Force-filled moment that literally brought fans in Hall D23 to their feet, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy welcomed Ewan McGregor to the stage to announce his return to an iconic role in an untitled Obi-Wan Kenobi series from Lucasfilm for Disney+.

Hilary Duff Return of Lizzie

Lizzie McGuire is Back
“It is so great to be home,” Hilary Duff said to 6,800 ecstatic fans in Hall D23 who learned that she is reprising the role she made famous in an all-new Lizzie McGuire series from Terri Minsky, who created the original series.

Marvel Studios Disney Plus

Even More Streaming Magic from Marvel Studios
Marvel Studios President (and proud D23 Member!) Kevin Feige announced three new live-action series that originate from Marvel comics, which are currently in development for Disney+. Stay tuned for more details about Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight, and She-Hulk.

Kermit the Frog, Here
The Muppets are coming to Disney+! Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the gang will appear in their first-ever unscripted short-form series, MuppetsNow.

Marvel's Moon Girl

Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur Announced for Disney Channel
Disney Channel will soon have a new smartest character when Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur lands on the network. Executive producer Laurence Fishburne announced the new original animated series on Saturday during the Disney Television Animation panel, which featured the world’s smartest amphibian, Kermit the Frog.

Marvel's Black Panther 2

Wakanda Forever
Ryan Coogler—director and co-writer of the only Marvel Studios film to be nominated for an Oscar® for Best Picture—joined Feige to reveal that a sequel to Black Panther is officially in the works. The film is slated for release on May 6, 2022.

Soul-ful Casting

Soul-ful Casting News
Pixar’s upcoming film Soul journeys from the streets of New York City to the never-before-seen cosmic realms and “The You Seminar,” the fantastical place where we all discover our unique personalities. Pixar Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, who directs Soul, revealed the film’s stellar cast during The Walt Disney Studios presentation in Hall D23. Jamie Foxx stars as Joe Gardner, a middle-school band teacher whose true passion is playing jazz; while Tina Fey is 22, a soul-in-training who has an unexpected encounter with Joe when he accidentally finds his way to the “The You Seminar.” Together, they embark upon finding a way to get Joe back to Earth, making him think again about what it truly means to have soul. Rounding out the cast—and joining Foxx and Fey today—are Ahmir Questlove Thompson as Curly; Phylicia Rashad as Libba; and Daveed Diggs as Paul. Soul will also feature original jazz music from globally renowned musician Jon Batiste and an original score from Oscar® winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross from Nine Inch Nails. Soul opens in U.S. theaters on June 19, 2020.

Disney's Raya and The Last Dragon

Introducing Raya and the Last Dragon
A stunning new fantasy-action-adventure from Walt Disney Animation Studios is slated for release on November 25, 2020. Directors Paul Briggs and Dean Wellins (Big Hero 6, Frozen), producer Osnat Shurer (Moana), and writer Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians) joined Jennifer Lee, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, on stage to set up the film, which introduces Raya, a lone warrior from the fantasy kingdom of Kumandra who teams up with a crew of misfits in her quest to find the Last Dragon and bring light and unity back to their world. Awkwafina lends her voice to Sisu, the Last Dragon, who was left on Earth in case dark forces return to the world, and Cassie Steele voices the lead character, Raya.

New Magic at Disneyland

New Magic at Disneyland Park
The new Magic Happens parade is coming to Disneyland park, featuring stunning floats, beautiful costumes, and beloved Disney characters from Moana, Coco, and Sleeping Beauty, along with a new song produced in partnership with singer-songwriter Todrick Hall. Mickey Mouse and his friends will lead the way down Main Street, U.S.A. when the parade debuts next spring.

Disney Wish Come True

Wish Come True
Disney fans in Hall D23 were the first to learn the name of the first of three new ships coming to the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek revealed that the Disney Wish will set sail in January 2022, and Rapunzel will grace its stern. He also said that guests can look forward to a signature island experience that celebrates nature and the spirit and culture of The Bahamas at a new Disney port of call located on the breathtaking island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point.

The Timeless Transformation of Epcot

The Timeless Transformation of Epcot
Chapek thrilled the crowd inside Hall D23 with exciting updates about the transformation that’s underway at Epcot. Epcot will stay true to its original vision while bringing timeless Disney storytelling to life with the magic of possibility. The park will be unified with four neighborhoods that each celebrate a unique aspect of what makes Epcot so special: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery.

Dick van Dyke Ovation

Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke received a standing ovation when he made a surprise appearance on the Hall D23 stage to help announce that World Showcase will welcome the first attraction inspired by Mary Poppins in Cherry Tree Lane, which will join the United Kingdom pavilion as an entirely new neighborhood.

Journey of Water

For another first—but far from the last—Chapek announced the first-ever attraction based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit film Moana is coming to Epcot. When Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opens, it will let guests interact with magical, living water in a beautiful and inspiring setting.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

And the thrilling, family-friendly Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction will feature the first reverse launch into space when it opens in the World Discovery neighborhood in Epcot.

You can check out our recap of this unforgettable presentation here.

Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween Lineup is Scary Good!

By Zach Johnson

Do you have the chills? Because we do! Freeform has just announced its annual 31 Nights of Halloween programming lineup, and it’s a scream! From October 1-31, fans of the most spooktacular time of year can conjure up a scary good time with hit films, a new special, marathons of The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror, and more. The original special 31 Nights of Halloween Fan Fest will tape September 12 at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and celebrate the holiday’s biggest pop culture moments. It will honor the icons of the season by highlighting the movies, television shows, and musical artists who’ve become synonymous with All Hallows’ Eve. Additional details about the special will be announced at a later date.

Freeform is also adding more chills and thrills to its film lineup. Marking its 35th anniversary, the classic hit Ghostbusters and its sequel, Ghostbusters II, will be airing throughout the month. The first three Scream movies will also be joining 31 Nights of Halloween staples including Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Addams Family. Of course, Freeform is still the home for Hocus Pocus, airing throughout the month and in a back-to-back-to-back marathon on October 31. For the second year, Freeform’s Halloween House is opening its ghoulish gates for fans, offering an interactive experience in the heart of Hollywood. Open to the public from October 2-7, it will feature buzzed-about photo opportunities and new activations. Tickets are available to purchase here; D23 Gold Members can take advantage of a special discount and go early on October 1.

Drew Barrymore in Scream

Below is the complete list of the programming airing during 31 Nights of Halloween:

Tuesday, October 1
12:30 p.m. – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
3 p.m. – Monster House
5:05 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
6:45 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
8:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus

Wednesday, October 2
11:30 a.m. – Scared Shrekless (Freeform Premiere)
12 p.m. – Monster House
2:05 p.m. – R.L. Stine’s Mostly Ghostly: One Night in Doom House (Freeform Premiere)
4:10 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
5:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
8 p.m. – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Marathon (Freeform Premiere)

Thursday, October 3
12:30 p.m. – Edward Scissorhands
2:40 p.m. – ParaNorman
4:45 p.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
6:50 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
8:55 p.m. – Addams Family Values

Friday, October 4
11 a.m. – Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins (Freeform Premiere)
11:30 a.m. – Hook (1991)
2:35 p.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
4:40 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
6:45 p.m. – Addams Family Values
8:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus

Saturday, October 5
7 a.m. – ParaNorman
9 a.m. – Hocus Pocus
11:10 a.m. – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Marathon
1:40 p.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
3:45 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
5:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
8 p.m. – 31 Nights of Halloween Fan Fest (Freeform Premiere)
9 p.m. – Goosebumps (Freeform Premiere)
11:30 p.m. – Monster House

Monsters, Inc.

Sunday, October 6
7 a.m. – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
9:30 a.m. – Monster House
11:30 a.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
1:30 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
3:35 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
5:45 p.m. – Goosebumps
8:15 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
10:20 p.m. – Hocus Pocus

Monday, October 7
11:30 a.m. – Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
12:30 p.m. – 31 Nights of Halloween Fan Fest
1:30 p.m. – Dark Shadows (2012)
4:10 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
6:20 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
8:25 p.m. – Ghostbusters (1984)

Tuesday, October 8
11 a.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
1 p.m. – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
3 p.m. – Ghostbusters (1984)
5:30 p.m. – Ghostbusters II
8 p.m. – Iron Man

Wednesday, October 9
11 a.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
12:40 p.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
2:45 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
4:55 p.m. – Iron Man
8 p.m. – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Marathon

Thursday, October 10
11 a.m. – Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins
11:30 a.m. – R.L. Stine’s Mostly Ghostly: One Night in Doom House
1:40 p.m. – Monster House
3:45 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo
6:15 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
8:25 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
10:30 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story of TERROR!

Friday, October 11
11 a.m. – Scared Shrekless
11:30 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo
2 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
4:05 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s The Incredibles
6:45 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story of TERROR!
7:15 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
9:20 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

Saturday, October 12
7 a.m. – Ghostbusters (1984)
9:30 a.m. – Disney and Pixar’s The Incredibles
12:10 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
1:50 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
3:55 p.m. – Addams Family Values
6 p.m. – Scream (Freeform Premiere)
8:40 p.m. – Scream 2 (Freeform Premiere)
11:20 p.m. – Scream 3 (Freeform Premiere)

The Haunted Mansion

Sunday, October 13
7 a.m. – Ghostbusters II
9:35 a.m. – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
11:10 a.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
1:15 p.m. – Addams Family Values
3:20 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Finding Dory
5:25 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
7:30 p.m. – Disney’s Moana
10 p.m. – Hocus Pocus

Monday, October 14
11:30 a.m. – Hocus Pocus
1:40 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
3:45 p.m. – Matilda
5:50 p.m. – Mrs. Doubtfire
8:55 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania

Tuesday, October 15
11:30 a.m. – Matilda
1:40 p.m. – Mrs. Doubtfire
4:45 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
6:50 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
8:55 p.m. – Addams Family Values

Wednesday, October 16
11 a.m. – Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
1:40 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
3:50 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
5:55 p.m. – Addams Family Values
8 p.m. – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Marathon

Thursday, October 17
11 a.m. – ParaNorman
1:05 p.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
3:10 p.m. – Disney’s 101 Dalmatians (1996) (Live Action)
5:15 p.m. – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
6:50 p.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
8:55 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed 

Friday, October 18
11 a.m. – 31 Nights of Halloween Fan Fest
12 p.m. – National Treasure
3 p.m. – Scream
5:40 p.m. – Scream 2
8:20 p.m. – Scream 3

Saturday, October 19
7 a.m. – ParaNorman
9:05 a.m. – Hocus Pocus
11:15 a.m. – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Marathon
4:15 p.m. – Disney’s Zootopia
6:45 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
8:55 p.m. – Ghostbusters (1984)
11:25 p.m. – Ghostbusters II

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Sunday, October 20
7 a.m. – 31 Nights of Halloween Fan Fest
8 a.m. – Hocus Pocus
10:05 a.m. – Disney’s Zootopia
12:35 p.m. – Ghostbusters (1984)
3:05 p.m. – Ghostbusters II
5:35 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
7:45 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
9:50 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
11:55 p.m. – Addams Family Values

Monday, October 21
11 a.m. – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
12:35 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
2:40 p.m. – Addams Family Values
4:45 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
6:25 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
8:30 p.m. – Goosebumps

Tuesday, October 22
11 a.m. – Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
12:03 p.m. – Scared Shrekless
12:35 p.m. – Monster House
2:40 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
4:20 p.m. – Goosebumps
6:50 p.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
8:55 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed

Wednesday, October 23
11 a.m. – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
1:30 p.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
3:30 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
5:30 p.m. – Disney’s Moana
8 p.m. – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Marathon

Thursday, October 24
11 a.m. – Matilda
1:10 p.m. – Disney’s Moana
3:40 p.m. – Ghostbusters (1984)
6:15 p.m. – Ghostbusters II
8:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus

Friday, October 25
11 a.m. – Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins
11:32 a.m. – Ghostbusters (1984)
2:05 p.m. – Ghostbusters II
4:40 p.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
6:45 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
8:55 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.

Saturday, October 26
7 a.m. – Monster House
9:10 a.m. – Hocus Pocus
11:20 a.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
1:25 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
3:30 p.m. – Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
5:35 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
7:40 p.m. – Addams Family Values
9:45 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
11:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus

Scooby Doo

Sunday, October 27
7 a.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
9 a.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
11:05 a.m. – Hocus Pocus
1:15 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
2:55 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
5 p.m. – Addams Family Values
7:05 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
9:10 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
11:20 p.m. – Dark Shadows (2012)

Monday, October 28
7 a.m. – Dark Shadows (2012)
11:30 a.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
1:30 p.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
3:10 p.m. – Scream
5:40 p.m. – Scream
8:20 p.m. – Scream 3

Tuesday, October 29
7:30 a.m. – The Haunted Mansion (2003)
11 a.m. – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
12:35 p.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
2:40 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
4:45 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
6:50 p.m. – Addams Family Values
8:55 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania

Wednesday, October 30
7:30 a.m. – Scooby-Doo (2002)
11 a.m. – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
12:30 p.m. – Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
2:35 p.m. – The Addams Family (1991)
4:40 p.m. – Addams Family Values
6:45 p.m. – Hotel Transylvania
8:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus

Thursday, October 31
11:30 a.m. – 31 Nights of Halloween Fan Fest
12:30 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
2:35 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
4:40 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
6:45 p.m. – Hocus Pocus
8:50 p.m. – Hocus Pocus

You Have to See These Celebrity Photos from D23 Expo 2019

By Karina Schink

While we were all privy to jaw-dropping announcements at D23 Expo 2019, we were also treated to celebrity sightings galore! From your favorite Star Wars cast members, to brand-new casts from upcoming films and series, there were so many amazing actors and creators to meet. We went backstage, where we had the opportunity to snag some scrapbook-worthy photos and notes from the talent over the weekend. Check them out below.

Explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Through the Black Spire Novel

By Zach Johnson

Your own adventure awaits in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—but in Delilah S. Dawson’s new novel Black Spire, it’s all about Vi Moradi’s exploits on the planet Batuu. The story explains how the Resistance and the First Order came to inhabit the remote outpost planet and reveals why the First Order is keen to track down the plucky Resistance spy.

“They’ve heard Vi Moradi is there and might be trying to make a Resistance Base,” Dawson teases. “They got their intel correct. They’re hunting for her.” A prequel to the Disney Parks experience, Black Spire bridges the gap between Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (in theaters December 20, 2019), and Moradi’s mission is central to the story. General Organa has tasked her with setting up a hidden camp and recruiting potential allies to rebuild the Resistance—no easy feat, seeing as they’re still licking their wounds after back-to-back losses at D’Qar and Crait.

Black Spire Book Cover

Guests at Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort can mimic Moradi’s escapades when they visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—and they might even see her roaming the land! “We’ll start with the forest surrounding Batuu. We’ll see the ancient ruins, we’ll visit Oga’s Cantina, we’ll go to Mubo’s Droid Depot, we’ll have a brief time in Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, we’ll drink the Blue Milk, and we’ll enjoy Ronto Roasters,” Dawson promises. “We’ll see a little bit of everything, because Vi and her people are all over the world.” Readers will also learn about the Black Spire itself, which is steeped in lore. “Everybody tells a different legend about the Black Spire,” she says. “In the book, depending on whether you’ve talked to someone who lives in the heart of the city or someone who has just gotten on planet, they all have different perspectives. No one knows for sure, so it’ll be fun to make up different legends and let the readers and visitors consider which one they think might be true.”

A version of this story also appears in the Summer 2019 issue of Disney twenty-three magazine, which is sent to D23 Gold Members. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Black Spire is available now. Dawson will go on tour on the East Coast in early October.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Has an Out of This World Dedication Ceremony at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Zach Johnson

Bright suns, D23 Members and Star Wars superfans!

Today marked the highly anticipated grand opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, was joined by Hondo Ohnaka, R2-D2, Chewbacca, BB-8, and Vi Moradi as fireworks exploded overhead during the land’s dedication ceremony. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will officially open to the public August 29, 2019.

Rey at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opened at Disneyland Park in California on May 31, 2019, is the largest and most technologically advanced single-themed land expansion in Disney history. The 14-acre land takes guests to the remote planet of Batuu, full of unique sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. In the new land, you’ll become part of your own Star Wars story as you experience galactic food and beverages, like the iconic Blue Milk and Green Milk. You can craft your own lightsabers or build your own droids in immersive, interactive retail experiences. You can also explore an intriguing collection of merchant shops and may even cross paths with Star Wars characters, like Rey and Kylo Ren—not to mention the garrison of Stormtroopers patrolling Black Spire Outpost!

Millenium Falcon at WDW Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

“With the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, we’ve set a new standard for the most immersive storytelling in the galaxy,” Chapek said. “Every experience in Batuu—from piloting the Millennium Falcon to building your own droid—puts guests deeper into their own Star Wars story.” It’s for those reasons—and many more—that TIME magazine recently named Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge one of the “World’s Greatest Places 2019.”

In one of the land’s signature attractions, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, guests take the controls of the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” as pilots, gunners, or flight engineers in an experience that responds in real time to the actions they take. A thrilling and ambitious second attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, opens December 5, 2019, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and January 17, 2020, at Disneyland. In the most immersive and advanced attraction ever imagined, you’ll join the Resistance’s fight against the First Order for an experience that blurs the line between fantasy and reality!

Rise of the Resistance

You Have to See These D23 Expo Cosplays

Download high resolution photos from the cosplay photo shoots here.

By Karina Schink

Sadly, D23 Expo 2019 has come to an end. It was a weekend filled with magical announcements, surprise guests, exclusive items to buy, and of course, the most fantastical cosplays to gasp at around every corner.

From life-size Baymaxes, to groups representing Donald’s famous adventuring nephews, the D23 Expoers really came out and showed off their best Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Marvel looks.

For the first time ever, we held three cosplay photo shoots over the weekend, and were able to capture some of the creations. Check them out below, and get inspired for your next sartorial design.

A Marvel Fan’s Guide to Disney+

By The D23 Team

We have a good feeling about this. Disney+ gives subscribers access to their favorite Marvel Studios titles, including brand-new live-action and animated series, classic films, and documentaries. Disney+ has a lot of out-of-this-world entertainment, so here’s a look at what to watch—and what  to look forward to:

Marvel

Marvel fans, assemble! Disney+ is bringing the greatest team-up of shows and films from Marvel Studios. It’s a lineup that fans of all ages will love 3,000.

What’s available to stream now?

Marvel’s Hero Project
Not all superheroes wear capes. This new series explores the remarkable change several young heroes make in their own communities and their selfless acts of bravery.

Iron Man

Iron Man

Thor

Iron Man 2

Captain America: The First Avenger

Marvel’s The Avengers

Iron Man 3

Thor: The Dark World

Captain America: The Winter Solider

Guardians of the Galaxy

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Ant-Man

Captain America: Civil War

Doctor Strange

Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2

Thor: Ragnarok

Black Panther

Captain Marvel

Avengers: Infinity War

Avengers: Endgame

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (animated series)

Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man (animated series)

Marvel’s The Runaways

Agent Carter

Inhumans

Marvel Rising (animated series)

X-Men the Animated Series

Spider-Woman (animated series)

Spider-Man (animated series)

The Incredible Hulk (animated series)

Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (animated series)

Avengers Assemble (animated series)

What’s Coming Soon?

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier
Sam Wilson (otherwise known as The Falcon) and Bucky Barnes (aka The Winter Soldier) are setting off on new adventures, and we can’t wait! The duo will hit the streaming service in Fall 2020.

Marvel’s 616
An anthological documentary series from Marvel New Media in partnership with Supper Club that explores the intersection between Marvel’s rich legacy of stories, characters and creators and the world outside your window. Each documentary will dive into the rich historical, cultural and societal context that has become inseparable from stories of the Marvel Universe. Marvel’s 616 is set to be released during year one of Disney+. 

Loki

Loki
Tom Hiddleston is back! Because really, is the God of Mischief ever really gone? Who knows, but we’ll soon find out what Loki’s been up to in Spring of 2021.

WandaVision
Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany return as Wanda Maximoff and The Vision, respectively, in this unique series coming in Spring of 2021. The duo will be joined by Kat Dennings and Randall Park, reprising their roles from Thor and Ant-Man and the Wasp, along with MCU newcomers Teyonah Parris (playing an adult Monica Rambeau, first seen in Captain Marvel) and Kathryn Hahn.

Marvel’s What If…?
Marvel Studios unveiled their first animated series, inspired by the namesake comic books. Fans will get to explore iconic moments from the films being turned on their heads to answer the questions of what if? Jeffrey Wright will voice The Watcher along with a star-studded cast from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe to reprise their roles as voice talent in this brand-new series premiering in the Summer of 2021.

Hawkeye

Hawkeye
This brand-new series brings Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye and a popular character from Marvel comics, Kate Bishop, together for the first time. The series is set to premiere in Fall 2021.

And that’s not all! Assembling an impressive roster of shows, Marvel Studios recently announced at D23 Expo 2019 three new shows coming exclusively to Disney+Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight, and She-Hulk. And of course, the Marvel Studios lineup could not be complete without the groundbreaking Avengers: Endgame, coming soon.

Want more Disney+ news? Click here to stay up-to-date with what’s streaming!

The Disney History Buff’s Guide to Disney+

By Savannah Salazar

Launching on November 12, Disney+ is the one-stop streaming service for all things Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, giving fans access to a variety of favorite titles. When it comes to being an ultimate Disney history aficionado, the anticipated streaming service has everything you need—from exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary series to fresh-from-the-vault Disney classics made and produced by Walt Disney. For all the Disney history buffs—and those looking to become one—here’s a look at what is coming to Disney+.

What’s available to stream at the launch of Disney+?

Untitled Walt Disney Imagineering Documentary Series
For fans of the Disney parks, this documentary series takes you behind-the-scenes of the 65+-year history of Walt Disney Imagineering. You’ll see exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage from Disney parks all over the world, and discover what it takes to bring Disney stories to to life in the parks.

Clear your schedules, because these quintessential Disney classics will also be available to stream on the day of launch:

101 Dalmatians
Bambi
Fantasia
Fun and Fancy Free
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Mary Poppins
Sleeping Beauty
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Steamboat Willie
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (short)
The Sword in the Stone
The Three Caballeros

Released in Year One

Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2
Trek into the unknown with this multi-episode documentary series on the making of the highly-anticipated sequel to 2013’s Frozen. Like never before, Walt Disney Animation Studios has opened its doors to take viewers through the intimate process of making Frozen 2 with the film’s cast, directors, and team of artists.

Magic of Animal Kingdom
Coming soon to your screens is an all-access pass to go behind-the-scenes with the animal caretakers who run one of the most advanced veterinary facilities in the world, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park and Epcot’s SeaBase aquarium.

Prop Culture
A look at the greatest props of pop culture, this anthology series hosted by film historian and collector Dan Lanigan will take a unique look at some of our favorite films and talk to the craftspeople who made them, the actors who interacted with them, and the collectors and archives who cherish them. The first eight episodes will feature five films—Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Mary Poppins, The Muppet Movie, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, and Tron.

Released in Year Two  

Ink & Paint
Based on the book of the same name, this documentary series tells the story of Animation at Disney and spotlights the unsung group of trailblazing women who helped create some of the best animated films of all time.

Want more Disney+ news? Click here to stay up-to-date with what’s streaming!

Watch All the Disney+ Trailers Unveiled at D23 Expo 2019

By Zach Johnson

During the Disney+ First Look Showcase at D23 Expo 2019 Friday, attendees were the first to see trailers for original movies and series premiering on Disney+, the ultimate streaming destination for films and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Disney+ will launch in the U.S. November 12, available for $6.99 per month. D23 Members can take advantage of a special “Founders Circle” offer, priced at $23 less per year with a three-year commitment—or 33 percent off the standard annual price. This limited-time offer is open to D23 Members until September 2, 2019.

As part of the presentation, some of the creative minds behind Disney+’s content slate—including Sean Bailey, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production; Kevin Feige, president, Marvel Studios; Kathleen Kennedy, president, Lucasfilm; and Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channel Worldwide—gave guests a first look at the service’s upcoming originals and announced exciting new titles. Here are the trailers shown at the Disney+ First Look Showcase, all available at launch:

Encore!
Executive producer Kristen Bell brings together former high school musical castmates, tasking them with re-creating their original performance in a reunion unlike any other. Emotions run high as the former students face faded friendships, former flames, self-doubt, and killer choreography. Through it all, each unlikely group of friends—with the help of Broadway’s biggest and brightest stars—just might pull off a standing-ovation-worthy performance of musicals like The Sound of Music and Beauty and the Beast.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
The 10-episode scripted series, set at the real-life East High, where the Disney Channel Original Movie and its sequels were filmed, follows a group of students as they count down to opening night of their school’s first-ever production of High School Musical. With meta references and some docu-style elements, it’s a modern take on the “classic” from 15 years ago. Show-mances blossom; friendships are tested, while new ones are made; rivalries flare; songs are sung; and lives are changed forever as these young people discover the transformative power only high school theater can provide. Joshua Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, Kate Reinders, Sofia Wylie, Matt Cornett, Dara Reneé, Julia Lester, Frankie A. Rodriguez, Larry Saperstein and Mark St. Cyr star in the fresh take.

Lady and the Tramp
This is a timeless re-telling of the 1955 animated classic about a prim and proper house dog and a tough, but lovable stray. Despite their different upbringings, they grow closer and come to understand the true meaning of “home.” Directed by Charlie Bean, from a screenplay by Andrew Bujalski, it stars Tessa Thompson (voice of Lady) and Justin Theroux (voice of Tramp), Kiersey Clemons (Darling), Thomas Mann (Jim Dear), Janelle Monáe (voice of Peg), Yvette Nicole Brown (Aunt Sarah), and Sam Elliot (voice of Trusty).

The Mandalorian
Written and executive-produced by Emmy®-nominated producer, actor and Disney Legend Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian is the first ever live-action Star Wars series. Set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order, the series follows a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic. The cast includes Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito, Emily Swallow, Omid Abtahi, Werner Herzog, and Nick Nolte. Executive producer Dave Filoni directed the first episode, with Deborah Chow, Rick Famuyiwa, Bryce Dallas Howard and Taika Waititi directing subsequent episodes. Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson are producers and Karen Gilchrest is co-executive producer.

Noelle
Nick Kringle (Bill Hader) may be first in line to become Santa Claus, but he struggles every step of the way. His little sister, Noelle (Anna Kendrick), enjoys all the perks of being a Kringle without any of the expectations or responsibility. As Christmas draws near, Nick caves to the pressure and disappears just weeks before the big day. Now it’s up to Noelle to scour the globe to find him, bring him home, and save the holiday. Kingsley Ben-Adir, Billy Eichner, Julie Hagerty, and Shirley MacLaine round out the cast. 

The World According to Jeff Goldblum
Through the prism of Jeff Goldblum’s inquisitive and highly entertaining mind, nothing is as it seems in this new series. Each episode is centered around something everyone loves—like sneakers or ice cream—as the actor pulls the thread on these deceptively familiar objects and unravels a wonderful world of astonishing connections, fascinating science and history, amazing people, and countless surprising big ideas and insights.

One Day at Disney
On February 21, 2019, more than 70 unique photo shoots took place around the world, as Disney dispatched photographers to capture images of the employees and cast members who drive creativity and innovation at The Walt Disney Company. From Shanghai Disneyland and ESPN to Pixar and the set of Modern Family, these spectacular photographs—and the stories behind them—will be featured in the hardbound, collectible book by Bruce Steele, out December 3 (available for pre-order).

The magical trailer was unveiled during a media preview Thursday night. The same day the book hits shelves, the feature-length documentary will debut on Disney+, followed by a new, 52-episode short-form series, with episodes ranging in length between four and seven minutes. Debuting weekly, each will profile a single remarkable person and their unique job at The Walt Disney Company—including new Disney Legend Robin Roberts!

The Disney+ app will include unlimited downloads, high-quality and commercial-free viewing, profile customizations, and concurrent streaming. Available in multiple languages, it also offers closed captioning, descriptive audio, and navigation assistance.

Want more Disney+ news? Click here to stay up-to-date with what’s streaming!