Whistle While They Work—Spotlight on Dream Disney Jobs

Some kids grow up drawing Disney characters and know they want to be Disney animators. Sometimes a first visit to a Disney park is all it takes to spark a young guest toward a career as a Disney Imagineer. But the world of Disney is as vast as fans’ imaginations, and we’ve uncovered some jobs that most people wouldn’t even think existed, from overseeing all of the candy on Main Street, U.S.A. to brainstorming ideas for video games in a think tank. Mary Poppins said, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun,” and we invite you now to check out these jobs that have a whole Periodic Table full of fun!

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Sarah Day
Topiary Engineer, Disneyland Resort

D23: Can you describe your job in a sentence or two?
SD: I’m a Topiary Engineer at the Disneyland Resort, where I currently train and care for 33 topiaries. My role includes plant selection, shaping new topiaries, pruning and sheering mature topiaries, and inspecting all topiaries to ensure they are in good health.

D23: What would you say is the best, most exciting part of what you do?
SD: One of my greatest joys is seeing our Guests enjoy the topiaries! The first time I sailed on it’s a small world, I marveled about the impossibility that plants could be shaped like animals and pointed out my favorites to my family. It fills me with such a great sense of pride to know that I now help create that same magic for others!

D23: How did your schooling or early experience prepare you for this job?
SD: I grew up on a small farm in Washington state so I have always been comfortable working with plants, but I first discovered my passion for the creative side of horticulture when taking classes in high school. In order to pursue my dream of becoming a Disneyland Gardener, I enrolled at Orange Coast College and am currently earning my degree with a major in ornamental horticulture.

D23: Was there something in Disney that inspired you as a child to pursue this path?
SD: When I was 7 years old, my family took our first vacation to Disneyland—I can still recall meeting my hero, Mickey Mouse, for the first time! As our week came to a close, I declared that I would work at Disneyland when I grew up! It was a promise to my future self that I will always be grateful I kept.

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Janine Jones-Clark
Director, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion, Disney | ABC Television Group

D23: Can you describe your job in a sentence or two?
JJ-C: Our team identifies creative talent with diverse and unique perspectives for writing and directing consideration for Disney-ABC programming. In addition to introducing experienced writers and directors to creative executives across the TV group, we oversee the Disney-ABC Writing and Directing Programs, both of which are longtime creative programs that have launched the careers of many, including writer Zahir McGhee (Supervising Producer, Scandal) and director Seith Mann (Grey’s Anatomy, The Walking Dead).

D23: What would you say is the best, most exciting part of what you do?
JJ-C: It’s pretty exciting and rewarding when we see talent that we identified and cultivated launch successful careers. And, when those careers flourish at Disney-ABC, the excitement is enhanced tremendously!

D23: How did your schooling or early experience prepare you for this job?
JJ-C: I feel like my degree in journalism has been instrumental in my ability to clearly articulate myself both verbally and in writing. And, it was my writing that led me to the field of publicity where I held positions at CBS, Fox, NBC, and The WB. After several years I transitioned into current programming and later, development, which is where my passion to work with writers and directors comes from. In my current position I feel as though I have the best of both worlds—I have the chance to work with talented aspiring writers and directors—and I have the opportunity to put on my publicity hat when helping talent with identifying their personal brand so that they can better market themselves to our executives and producers.

D23: Was there something in Disney that inspired you as a child to pursue this path?
JJ-C: I recall how exciting Sunday evening TV was because I could not wait for The Wonderful World of Disney! Just thinking about it now makes me smile… and hum that opening credits song “When You Wish Upon a Star.” As a kid I loved the different stories mostly because they made me happy. Now that I am a big kid, so-to-speak, I realize that the emotional arcs of those compelling characters are what attracted me at such a young age. And, whether it is an ABC, ABC Family, or Disney Channel series, memorable characters and great storytelling make me proud to be part of the Disney-ABC team.

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Kirstin Makela
Graphic Designer, Walt Disney Imagineering

D23: Can you describe your job in a sentence or two?
KM: I am thrilled to say that I have my dream job as a Graphic Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering. As a Graphic Designer, I create a wide range of assets to support the stories in the Disney Parks, from large marquees and murals to banners, posters, and even textiles.

D23: What would you say is the best, most exciting part of what you do?
KM: Every day, I get to use Disney’s immense catalogue of beloved stories and characters as my muse. There’s never a lack of inspiration. I am continually humbled by the opportunity to add my creative voice to the Disney Parks.

D23: How did your schooling or early experience prepare you for this job?
KM: My college education was heavily based on interdisciplinary creation, so I learned how to tap into a range of different skills. Since our projects at Walt Disney Imagineering are so thematically diverse, it’s helpful to flow easily between artistic styles.

D23: Was there something in Disney that inspired you as a child to pursue this path?
KM: When I was little, I would religiously watch my VHS tape of Disney Sing-Along Songs: Disneyland Fun. I would get so excited to watch the different vignettes of the attractions. My parents took me to Walt Disney World Resort for the first time when I was 7, and I couldn’t believe that all of the magic was right there in front of me instead of on my TV screen. I was immediately captivated and it hasn’t stopped since!

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Jennifer Bull
Associate 2D Artist, Disney Interactive

D23: Can you describe your job in a sentence or two?
JB: As an artist in the Think Tank [a Disney Interactive intern program dedicated to new concept creation, product ideation, and talent development], I was a creative resource for all of Disney Interactive! I mostly worked on the art side of things—e.g., concept painting, mock-ups, UI/UX, and visual targets—but collectively, the Think Tank touched nearly every aspect of the game-making process.

D23: What would you say is the best, most exciting part of what you do?
JB: The most exciting part of being in the Think Tank is that every day is unique. One day you’re working on a project and the next you’re brainstorming for something completely different. The ability to shift gears quickly or wear many different hats is a part of the culture here, but no matter what we’re doing it’s rooted in creativity and passion for games.

D23: How did your schooling or early experience prepare you for this job?
JB: School prepared me for this job like a decent trailer for an amazing movie. I learned just enough to know what to expect, but no idea how incredible it would be and how much I’d learn about myself in the process. In short, school gave me potential. This job actualizes it.

D23: Was there something in Disney that inspired you as a child to pursue this path?
JB: Like so many others, Disney movies sparked my imagination by showing me worlds beyond anything I could experience in day-to-day life. Games provided me with exactly the same. So combining the two is not only intuitive—it’s a dream come true.

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Natividad Ayon
Creative, Candy Production Area Manager, Disneyland Resort

D23: Can you describe your job in a sentence or two?
NA: I oversee the production team of Candy Makers in five kitchens in Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney that support the entire Disneyland Resort. I also lead the team on creativity on new items.

D23: What would you say is the best/most exciting part of what you do?
NA: Creativity of new offerings. Seeing the process through from idea or concept to actual finished product—for instance, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Day of the Dead apples, cake pop, and crispy treats…

D23: How did your schooling or early experience prepare you for this job?
NA: It helped me to know what the Guests are looking for, what the next “on trend” item is… To be creative.

D23: Was there something in Disney that inspired you as a child to pursue this path?
NA: I wanted to be a part of something that brings joy and happiness no matter what age you are.

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Quincy Strattman
Merchandise Presentation Manager, Disneyland Resort

D23: Can you describe your job in a sentence or two?
QS: I am responsible for the creation, direction, and implementation of new creative visual techniques that promote exciting shop environments for our Guests.

D23: What would you say is the best/most exciting part of what you do?
QS: The best part of my job is getting to be creative in our storytelling, introducing new visual techniques, finding and designing new props and fixtures that will help us to convey the message or story about a specific product, film character, or attraction.

D23: How did your schooling or early experience prepare you for this job?
QS: I went to school for Interior design and that really gave me a great starting foundation. I use my knowledge about balance, spacing, flow, and colors every day in my role. I have always been a creative, problem-solving person, and I use those traits to develop creative displays and maintain the necessary standards to tell incredible stories through our merchandise.

D23: Was there something in Disney that inspired you as a child to pursue this path?
QS: Disney inspired me to dream the impossible dream as a child. I hired into Disney thinking it was going to be a part-time job for me. That part-time job has turned into a full-time career that is better than anything I could have imagined.

Danny Elfman to Bring the Pumpkin King to Life at Hollywood Bowl

If you are as wickedly enchanted by Danny Elfman and his music as we are, then the opportunity to witness his brilliance in person is one you won’t want to miss! For two days only (October 31- November 1), Elfman will take to the concert stage at the Hollywood Bowl for a spine-tingling live performance, during which he will revisit his role of Jack Skellington, singing live to film for a very special screening of Disney’s Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Joining Elfman will be a cast of singers and special guest artists performing the film’s acclaimed songs live, and Conductor John Mauceri will conduct a full orchestra and choir performing the film’s classic score and songs live to picture.

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Step into Jack Skellington’s world as the Hollywood Bowl transforms into Halloween Town for the eerie event, which also will include an audience participation costume contest (naturally, Tim Burton-inspired costumes are encouraged) and other pre-show activities.

Click here to purchase tickets or call (800) 745-3000—and hurry, we bet these tickets will be gone before you can say “There’s children throwing snowballs, instead of throwing heads!” For a special Halloween treat, D23 Members can receive 15% off through October 28 by using coupon code Disneyatthebowl!

Want more Danny Elfman? See the moment he became a Disney Legend here!

The Doc Is In… The White House—Plus More in News Briefs

The First Lady Meets the First Toy Doctor on Doc McStuffins

Forget “Mr. Smith”—this time, Doc goes to Washington! Yes, everyone’s favorite toy doctor brings a few of her patients to Washington, D.C., to meet guest star First Lady Michelle Obama in a very special episode of Disney Junior’s acclaimed animated series Doc McStuffins! Premiering on Child Health Day—Monday, October 5 (9 a.m. ET/PT)—on Disney Channel, the show follows Doc as the First Lady invites her and other kids who are making a difference in their community to the White House to be honored in a special ceremony. While there, Mrs. Obama even appoints Doc the official “toy doctor” for the White House! Totally cool, right? The episode also incorporates key messages from the First Lady’s “Let’s Move!” initiative, which helps kids and families lead healthier lives through eating smart and staying active.

Wanna see the episode a few days early? You’re in luck: Both the WATCH Disney Junior website and WATCH Disney Junior app just debuted a full-length preview. Now, take two healthy snacks and call us in the morning—and stay tuned for Doc and the First Lady on October 5.

Mark your calendar with upcoming Disney events in 2015

Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
Fall 2015
D23 Member VIP Nights at The Lion King
October 3
D23’s Sip & Stroll
October 9
Lunch with a Disney Legend: Kathryn Beaumont
October 25
Haunted Gingerbread House Building Workshop
November 6
VIP Studio Experience with Disney Legend Andreas Deja
November 7
D23 Day at the Walt Disney Studios and Archives
November 14
Pinocchio: 75 Years of a Disney Classic
November 14
Mickey’s of Glendale Orlando Shopping Event
December 13
Holiday Gingerbread House Building Workshop
Studios
November 25
The Good Dinosaur opens in theaters.
December 18
Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in theaters.
January 29
The Finest Hours opens in theaters.
March 4
Zootopia opens in theaters.
April 15
The Jungle Book opens in theaters.
 Parks
September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27; October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31; and November 1
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park
September 25, 28, 30; October 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
Mickey’s Halloween Party 2015 at Disneyland
September 25-November 16
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
November 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29; and December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park
Television
November 30
It’s Your 50th Christmas, Charlie Brown airs at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

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Facebook Debuts 360-Degree Videos with The Force Awakens Sneak Peek

Just the other day, we were ruminating on how fun it’d be to speed across the Jakku desert in some kind of Star Wars space vehicle. We later realized that, unfortunately, it’s nigh on impossible. Well, leave it to Facebook to prove us wrong—at least virtually. Last week, the social media giant debuted their new 360-degree News Feed videos, and Disney and Lucasfilm were proud to help them make their big announcement by premiering an exclusive 360 experience from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Now, online content creators around the world will be able to upload and share 360 videos of their own. Publishers, networks, and shows like Discovery, GoPro, LeBron James & Uninterrupted, NBC’s Saturday Night Live, and Vice also got in on the early action.

Check out the video —just be sure to keep an eye out for fellow Jakku “drivers.” They can get a little impatient…

Cookie Construction at Haunted Mansion Holiday

Jack Skellington and his Halloweentown pals have brought their Nightmare Before Christmas decorations to The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland park once again—but this time, they’ve installed a new addition to the infamous dining room scene!

Our buddies over at the Disney Parks Blog created this time-lapse video (above), taped inside Haunted Mansion Holiday, as Disneyland bakers (and other “construction workers”) built a nearly 10-foot-tall replica of the Haunted Mansion out of delicious gingerbread! Watch as they put the finishing touches on their spooky (and sugary) house of cards.

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Making It Official: Walt Disney World Resort Welcomes Disney Springs

We first clued you in to the changes coming to Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort a little over a year ago—and now, the transition is fully underway. By the time it’s complete in 2016, the newly rechristened Disney Springs will double the number of shops and restaurants currently found at Downtown Disney, and will expand to more than 1 million square feet.

Disney Springs is set to feature four unique outdoor neighborhoods, with a wide range of high-quality retail shops and delicious restaurants. In fact, Disney Springs newest restaurant, Morimoto—the latest restaurant from Iron Chef America’s Masaharu Morimoto, and his first location featuring Pan-Asian cuisine—opens this week, on September 30; and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar made its debut last week. Disney foodies can start making reservations at Morimoto via 407-WDW-DINE beginning November 1. “Allez cuisine!”

You can see all that Disney Springs has to offer at disneysprings.com or follow the district on Twitter at @DisneySprings.

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Ready Those Lightsabers: Season of the Force is Coming!

It’s news that rocked the galaxy: Just last week, the Disney Parks Blog revealed some amazing new details about Season of the Force, the mega Star Wars event coming to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. And if that wasn’t galactic enough, West Coast-area Jedis have only a few more weeks to wait, as Season of the Force will debut at Disneyland Park on November 16!

Special exhibits and characters from the new film? Check. An amazing new scene added to Star Tours? Amazing! An X-wing battle while flying through Hyperspace Mountain? C’mon, that’s almost too much awesome to handle! Read more about it here.

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September Spectacular with Marvel Super Heroes

Hot on the heels of last year’s big “Marvel Super Hero September” campaign, Disney Consumer Products kickstarted its second annual celebration on September 25; it’s five weeks of thrilling new products and activities for fans of all ages—including the launches of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron on DVD and Blu-ray, and the super-buzzworthy Playmation Marvel’s Avengers.

National chains like Walmart, Target, Toys R Us and Party City—as well as Disney Store locations and DisneyStore.com—have all designed programs to help fans celebrate their passion for all things Marvel. There’s a little something for everyone, from new footwear and costumes, to Funko collectables, to healthy Marvel-themed snacks. And at Disney Stores around the country, little ones (ages 3 and up) can get creative at several Marvel-themed events every Sunday until October 25. (Contact your local Disney Store for more info.) Avengers, assemble!

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Disney Parks Welcomes Military with New Rates for 2016

Are you (or a family member) active duty or retired U.S. military personnel? First off, thank you for your service! Secondly, we’ve got great news: Disney Parks just announced special new pricing on theme park tickets and accommodations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

From now through mid-December 2016, active and retired U.S. military can purchase (and use) multi-day tickets—for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends—for a deeply discounted price. And military folks can also take advantage of specially priced rooms at select Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort hotels, from early January through mid-December 2016.

To find out more, check out a detailed rundown of pricing and information over at the Disney Parks Blog. Go have some fun—you deserve it!

All in the Disney Details: Disneyland Resort Mailboxes

There are so many things that catch your eye while strolling around the Disneyland Resort. There’s the dazzling Sleeping Beauty Castle, the vibrant it’s a small world, the majestic Matterhorn, the colorful Mickey’s Fun Wheel, and the breathtaking Ornament Valley in Cars Land… just to name a few! But if you take a closer look, there are many other little Disney Details to be found around every corner.

One little Disney Detail that you may not have noticed at Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure park is the assortment of mailboxes. There are real functioning mailboxes spread around the resort and themed to blend in with the surroundings. They’re perfect for sending a postcard to commemorate your trip!

Below we have a photo gallery of mailboxes from around the Disneyland Resort. Next time you visit, be sure to keep an eye out for the mailboxes and other wonderful Disney Details.

Season of the Force Details Revealed!

Our friends at the Disney Parks Blog have just released some exciting new details about Season of the Force—which is coming to both Disneyland Park in Anaheim beginning November 16 and in the coming months to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. The intergalactic goings-on will include meet-and-greets with favorite Star Wars characters, an exciting twist on a favorite attraction—and more!

Opening at Disneyland park on November 16 will be:

  • Star Wars Launch Bay – This new area will offer opportunities to visit with favorite Star Wars characters, special exhibits, peeks at the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens and much more.
  • Star Tours—The Adventures Continue: This popular attraction will feature a new scene inspired by the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
  • Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple: Coming in December, a twist on the Jedi Training experience will introduce new characters and a new villain from the popular Disney XD series, Star Wars Rebels.
  • Hyperspace Mountain: For a limited time, guests will join an X-wing starfighter battle in this reimagining of the classic Space Mountain attraction.
  • Other limited-time experiences include:
    • An opportunity to revisit favorite scenes from classic Star Wars films at Tomorrowland Theater.
    • Special themed food and beverage, merchandise, and entertainment.

Stay tuned for more information about Season of the Force at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.

Disney Parks is also preparing to take guests to a galaxy far, far away with new Star Wars-themed lands. With groundbreaking scheduled to take place in 2016 for the largest single-land expansions ever, building the new 14-acre lands will be major projects at both Disneyland park in Southern California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.

Work to make room for this new land at Disneyland park in California will require the Rivers of America and the Disneyland Railroad to close temporarily. The following will suspend operations at the end of the operating day on January 10:

  • The Disneyland Railroad, including all stations
  • Attractions along the Rivers of America, including:
    • Fantasmic!
    • Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia
    • Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
    • Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes

We look forward to all of these attractions reopening in the future.

Elsewhere in Frontierland, Big Thunder Ranch—including Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue, Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm and Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree—will close permanently at the end of the operating day on January 10.

D23.com will continue to bring you all of the latest news about Season of the Force at Disneyland park and exciting Star Wars experiences coming to Disney Parks in Anaheim and Orlando. May the force be with you!

UPDATED, 5:30 p.m. PT

The Disney Parks Blog just provided an update with information about Star Wars Launch Bay, where you can meet and greet favorite Star Wars characters—and even choose between the Dark Side and Darth Vader himself or the Light Side, where Chewbacca will be on hand for a wookiee greeting.

The Dark Side Gallery will showcase stormtrooper armor and Sith lightsabers, while the Light Side Gallery will feature Rebel flight helmets and the lightsabers of Jedi Knights.

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Props from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be on display in the Preview Gallery, famous starships and their pilots from throughout the Star Wars saga will be docked in the Starship Gallery, and you can play the latest games from the Star Wars galaxy, including Disney Infinity 3.0 in the Star Wars Game Center.

Coming in December, experience a twist on the Jedi Training experience with Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. You’ll encounter new characters and a new villain from the popular Disney XD series, Star Wars Rebels.

Star Tours—The Adventures Continue will feature a new scene inspired by the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

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And for limited-time experiences, climb aboard Hyperspace Mountain, a reimagined Space Mountain attraction, in which guests will join an X-wing starfighter battle. The Tomorrowland Theater will let you revisit favorite scenes from classic Star Wars films, plus new themed food will ensure that all of your senses experience the Season of the Force to the fullest!

Season of the Force begins November 16 at Disneyland park in California, and D23 will bring you all of the details as they’re announced!

All Treats, No Tricks: Halloween at Disney Parks and Resorts

Halloween is almost upon us! The fall holiday is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when folks would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming (grim-grinning) ghosts. Over the years, Halloween’s evolved into a totally family-friendly event—filled with fun festivities and plenty of food. Thankfully, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has got their fall-season guests covered on all fronts, with lots of special events (and not-so-scary excitement) leading up to the big day.

Take a look below at some spooky, spectacular Disney Parks and Resorts shindigs that’ll delight guests of all ages!

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“Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” at Walt Disney World

Appearing exclusively during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park (a separately ticketed event with special fireworks, the Boo to You Halloween Parade, and trick-or-treat fun for everyone), the all-new “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” brings the supernatural Sanderson Sisters to a Disney Park for the very first time! Run “amuck” with Winifred, Mary, and Sarah as they create a “party potion” for the biggest Halloween bash this side of Salem. With a little help from The Princess and Frog’s Dr. Facilier, The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Oogie Boogie, and a slew of classic Disney villains, the Sandersons will “put a spell on you” now through November 1.

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Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort—Expanded!

Don’t worry, West Coast friends: There’s tons of spooky fun to be had at Disneyland Resort, too. This year, Mickey’s Halloween Party has been expanded to 17 nights! The special event (also separately ticketed) features creepy twists on classic attractions and all your favorite Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best. And don’t forget the fan-favorite “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular each night—it’s a Mickey’s Halloween Party exclusive!

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Hatbox Ghost at Haunted Mansion Holiday

Speaking of Disneyland Resort, we’d be remiss not to include the latest happy haunt inside the Haunted Mansion Holiday—Jack Skellington and his Nightmare Before Christmas crew’s yearly takeover of the Haunted Mansion attraction. Mr. Ghost has a brand-new hat to put in that hatbox, and it’ll last him through the next several holidays! (And keep your eyes peeled for a new gingerbread house in the attraction’s big “dinner” scene; it’s been constructed by some well-meaning, albeit accident-prone, gingerbread men.)

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Halloween on the High Seas on Disney Cruise Line

If you’re taking to the water this fall aboard Disney Cruise Line, you’re in for a wickedly wonderful time! Halloween on the High Seas, which takes pace on most voyages aboard all Disney Cruise Line ships from September through October, features Halloween-themed parties (for both kids and adults), special entertainment, and amazing themed décor everywhere you look—including The Pumpkin Tree, which magically transforms throughout each cruise. Special experiences include a family costume party with Disney characters, a Nightmare Before Christmas—Sing and Scream interactive movie experience, and lots of ghost stories under the stars.

Disneyland Paris’s Halloween Festival

“Ooh la la!” Even Disneyland Paris is getting in on all the harvest-hoopla fun with their Halloween Festival! From October 1 through November 2, guests can watch the Maleficent Disney Villains Promenade show and Mickey’s Halloween Celebration parade (both featuring Disney characters resplendent in Halloween costumes), visit their favorite villains in Maleficent’s castle courtyard briar bush, or take some photos in one of the Park’s seasonally decorated photo locations.

Disney’s Halloween at Tokyo Disney Resort

Guests at Tokyo Disney Resort are in for a ghostly good time, whether they visit Tokyo Disneyland (featuring the Happy Halloween Harvest parade and special fireworks) or take in a trip to Tokyo DisneySea. This year, the New York area of Tokyo DisneySea’s American Waterfront is home to a special “Villains Halloween Party”; at Sailing Day Buffet, guests will enjoy a variety of delicious dishes (including dessert, of course) inspired by the Disney Villains, and decorations themed to the villains (and the holiday) will fill each corner of the restaurant… not to mention the Resort itself!

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Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s Haunted Halloween

Frightful fun is in store at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Their Disney Haunted Halloween event welcomes guests to “lose their way” through their ghostly lands, “where the long-since dead come hauntingly alive” each night through October 31. The Ghost Town dares even the bravest amongst us not to lose their souls to the mesmerizing spirits at Mystic Point, while all manner of (deceased) cowboys and miners have overtaken Grizzly Gulch. And take heed: The Jungle River Cruise could turn into a dark and foreboding journey…

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Dia de los Muertos Treats at Disneyland Resort

The day after Halloween (November 1) is known as Day of the Dead, or “Dia de los Muertos”—when families honor those who’ve passed before them with festivals and other celebrations. Disneyland Resort has already debuted some delectable fall treats themed to that special day, including “sugar skull”-inspired candy apples, cake pops, and krispies.

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Take the Halloween Fun Home…

Disney fun and Halloween go together like hand in costumed glove—but if you want to take home an extra-special memory from All Hallows Eve, there are several brand-new souvenirs available at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Look for a spooky Poison Apple Stein (you’ll feel just like the old crone in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs), a Vampire Mickey Premium Popcorn bucket (arriving in October), and a new version of the Zero Premium Popcorn bucket flying in directly from Halloweentown.

“Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular”: The Inside Scoop

By Courtney Potter

Catch Hocus Pocus on Freeform during their “31 Nights of Halloween,” October 1-31.

“Come little children, the time’s come to play!” Disney’s Hocus Pocus, starring Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker, has attained near-mythic pop culture status since its big screen debut in July 1993. Directed by Kenny Ortega (High School Musical), the film introduced the world to the spooky, kooky Sanderson Sisters—three resurrected witches who wreak hilarious havoc on present-day Salem, Massachusetts. Four years ago, Walt Disney World Resort joined the frightful fun by making Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson the stars of the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular”—a spine-tingling, funny-bone-tickling, live musical show presented during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park!

The “Spelltacular” not only brought the sisters to a Disney park for the very first time, but it also gives them a chance to interact with some classic Disney characters. And this year is especially memorable, considering the film is celebrating its 25th anniversary—a fact Winifred herself mentions during this year’s installment of the show! There’s more Hocus Pocus merchandise available (at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts) than ever before, and even D23 is getting into the action with our upcoming Spooktacular Fanniversary events!

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

D23: Were you familiar with Hocus Pocus before taking on this (very cool) job?

Denise Case: Oh, yes! I have two daughters, one is a teenager, one is a young adult now, and she’s in college. My kids grew up watching Hocus Pocus every Halloween. That was always on Freeform or Disney Channel—it was Hocus Pocus, Halloween Town; that whole generation grew up with those movies. It was a holiday classic so I was well aware of the witches.

D23: How does it feel now that the show has become a “staple” for the Halloween season at the Magic Kingdom?

Denise: Four years in, “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” is still wildly popular. Our fans really love it and are so happy we call forth our favorite sisters every year. We’re so proud it’s become one of the true highlights of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

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D23: Did you have a hand in writing the script for the show, or choosing which other villains would be appearing alongside the Sandersons?

Denise: Yes, yes. Actually, Reed Jones—who is our creative director—and Allison Hirsch, our show writer, the three of us brainstormed together and came up with what you now see as the current stage show. We knew that we wanted to incorporate the villains, and we knew we wanted to do a new “castle” show. We loved the Sanderson Sisters. The movie came out when Allison, our writer was a child, so she became a huge fan of the film—and she bought in right away to using the Sanderson Sisters. She loved the idea.

We also love the fact that the sisters are so funny and they play nicely against this sometimes serious, dark side of the classic villains. We thought, “How great, these are our own witches!” These are Disney witches, because of course it’s a Disney film. We have our Disney witches, it’s Halloween—we need to get them in this event! By pairing them with the villains, we just thought, “How fun!” We definitely wanted them to be in a new story; we didn’t want to try and retell the movie at all. We wanted them in a new way, telling a new story, out there with a new mission. No eating children; no sucking the life-force out of children like they do in the film. [laughs] We decided to throw a party instead! That’s “not so scary!”

D23: From the clips we’ve seen online, it looks like a lot of amazing costumes were created for this show. Can you speak a little bit about that?

Denise: Well, the witches had to be perfect, so we were able to procure the original costumes from the Walt Disney Archives [for inspiration]. I know they’ve been on display at the D23 EXPO before… We were able to get the clothes, and our costuming partners did an amazing job recreating the sisters’ dresses. They had to be perfect, and they are! I always tell everyone I talk to, “If I could give an award to our costuming department, I think I would,” because their attention to detail and how they created the sisters’ clothes has just been remarkable. They’re really beautiful. Even down to Winifred’s shoes, which are all hand-embroidered. There’s a tremendous amount of detail that was given to the sisters, as well as the other costumes. The dancers’ costumes, and the villains…

I’ve wanted to bring the Sanderson Sisters to the event for quite some time and it just so happened that we finally had the perfect opportunity.

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D23: What about the projections and other special effects?

Denise: I love projection; I’m a huge advocate of projection. It really changes the environment that you’re in. Luckily at Walt Disney World Resort, we already have projections that appear on Cinderella’s Castle, so the technology was already in place. What I love about it is, it really creates a new environment. With the scenic elements that we’ve put in the show—between that and using projection on the castle—you really feel like you’re in Doctor Facilier’s lair from The Princess and the Frog. You know? And with Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas, we’re able to really use the castle as a set piece, if you will, and help it tell our story. And of course, it’s at night. That’s the great thing. Especially here in Florida, because it’s so hot, it’s great that the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is at night, so we’re able to capitalize on some of the technology—lighting and projection—that works so well in the dark.

D23: Are there any fun stories you recall from putting this whole show together, and getting it ready for the public to see?

Denise: I always tell everybody, the greatest challenge was [initially] keeping the whole thing under wraps! Keeping a big secret, that really wasn’t a secret, has always got its challenges. Also, the day the Sanderson Sisters’ dresses arrived. Everybody was just in awe. “Ahh! Bette Midler wore that, that’s so incredibly cool!”

We were also able to connect with Jason Marsden, the voice of Binx the cat [in the film]. We utilize his talents to do some show voiceovers, which was great fun. That’s one of those little hidden “easter eggs”; if you’re a Hocus Pocus fan, you’ll hear his voice and you may recognize that it’s him.

D23: We saw that Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega himself posted a picture from the first year of the “Spelltacular” on his Instagram account!

Denise: He did, he “Instagrammed” about it! Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson) also commented because he tagged her… It was really crazy. The [very] first show happened and social media just blew up. It was really quite phenomenal!

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D23: Ultimately, what do you hope audiences take away from the show?

Denise: Obviously, we want guests to have fun—and we want them to take away the feeling that they have truly experienced the Sanderson Sisters live. I think the cast [does] a great job of capturing the relationship the Sandersons have with each other. They’re an incredibly funny dysfunctional family. I think our writer Allison did a great job capturing the comedy. I hope guests just really feel like they’ve had their Sanderson fix!

The “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” appears exclusively during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party inside Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort—now through October 31! Don’t miss all the “tricks and treats” they have in store…

Viola Davis Makes History—And More in News Briefs

Primetime Emmy® Awards: ABC’s Big Wins!

History was made at the 67th Primetime Emmy® Awards, held on Sunday, September 20, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles: Viola Davis was named Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her work on ABC’s hit series How to Get Away with Murder—making her the first African American actress ever to take home this award! As if that weren’t cool enough, Regina King was honored in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie for her role on ABC’s American Crime. Viola and Regina’s wins, coupled with Uzo Aduba’s award for HBO’s Orange is the New Black, ties a record set in 1991 for most acting Emmys awarded to black women in a single year. Kudos!

Other Disney and ABC Emmy wins (by category) included:

Outstanding Structured Reality Program
Shark Tank

Outstanding Choreography
Dancing With the Stars: Derek Hough, Julianne Hough,Tessandra Chavez

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (half-hour) and Animation
Modern Family

Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Limited Series, Movie or a Special
The Oscars

Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation
Gravity Falls, Alonso Ramirez Ramos, Storyboard Artist, “Not What He Seems” (Disney XD)

Huge congratulations to all!

Mark your calendar with upcoming Disney events in 2015

Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
Fall 2015
D23 Member VIP Nights at The Lion King
September 26
The Art of Disney—Featuring 75 Years of Pinocchio
October 3
D23’s Sip & Stroll
October 9
Lunch with a Disney Legend: Kathryn Beaumont
October 25
Haunted Gingerbread House Building Workshop
November 6
VIP Studio Experience with Disney Legend Andreas Deja
November 7
D23 Day at the Walt Disney Studios and Archives
November 14
Pinocchio: 75 Years of a Disney Classic
November 14
Mickey’s of Glendale Orlando Shopping Event
December 13
Holiday Gingerbread House Building Workshop
Studios
November 25
The Good Dinosaur opens in theaters.
December 18
Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in theaters.
January 29
The Finest Hours opens in theaters.
March 4
Zootopia opens in theaters.
April 15
The Jungle Book opens in theaters.
 Parks
September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27; October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31; and November 1
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park
September 25, 28, 30; October 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
Mickey’s Halloween Party 2015 at Disneyland
September 25-November 16
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
November 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29; and December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park
Television
September 26
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy premieres at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on Disney XD.
November 30
It’s Your 50th Christmas, Charlie Brown airs at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

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Fan Girl Rocks Its Way Onto ABC Family

We’re big Meg Ryan fans (can you say Sleepless in Seattle?!), so we were thrilled to hear she’s costarring in ABC Family’s newest TV movie event! The Golden Globe®-nominated actress plays Mary Farrow, whose sarcastic teenage daughter Telulah (Mad Men’s Kiernan Shipka) is obsessed with only two things in life: the pop-punk band All Time Low, and filmmaking. Unfortunately, Mary’s newfound (and, according to her daughter, irrational) love of social media initially distracts Telulah from coming up with an amazing final-film project for school.

But as it turns out, Mary’s new social media savvy has an unexpected perk—she reconnects with an old acquaintance that happens to have a big connection to All Time Low! Telulah’s whole life changes in just one night, as she goes after exactly what she wants… and learns a little about life, family, and herself in the process.

Also starring Kara Hayward (Moonrise Kingdom), Scott Adsit (Big Hero 6), and newcomer Joshua Boone—and featuring appearances (and music) by All Time Low—Fan Girl premieres on ABC Family on Saturday, October 3, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

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Disney Publishing Worldwide Introduces “Star Darlings”

As Cinderella once sang, “If you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true.” Well, Disney Publishing Worldwide aims to bring that message to tween girls like never before with the debut of their newest “multiplatform” property—“Star Darlings.” Initially conceived by designer Shana Muldoon Zappa, along with her husband, New York Times bestselling author Ahmet Zappa (Because I’m Your Dad), “Star Darlings” features 12 unique girls who encourage tweens to celebrate their individuality, make positive choices, and show that they can make any wish a reality!

The story begins on Starland, the brightest star in the sky. Twelve girls from the prestigious Starling Academy are chosen to be the first student Starlings to venture to Earth; determined to succeed, the girls show courage and ingenuity—and have a ton of fun—as they guide others on Earth to discover happiness and fulfillment…

“Star Darlings” recently launched with two novels, available everywhere books and eBooks are sold, and all-new content and products will be released through November—including an accompanying storytelling and lifestyle app; music from Walt Disney Records; the first shorts in an animated series on YouTube; and even a fashion dolls line created in collaboration with JAKKS Pacific and available at Justice stores nationwide.

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“Frozen Free Fall” Freezes Over Big Milestone!

“Frozen Free Fall,” Disney’s frosty-cool puzzle game for all manner of platforms, just celebrated its whopping 100 millionth download! Since its release, fans have spent over 62 billion minutes (yes, billion with a “b”) playing the game… that’s more time than people have watched the movie in theatres. Amazing, right?

On average, about 4.2 billion ice crystals are cleared per minute—and 25 billion levels have been played around the world. The special Elsa “Power Up” has been used more than 162 million times, and Olaf has spent 1.6 billion minutes in the game’s “summer” levels. It would take over 26,000 actual Nordic summers to catch up to him!

Don’t know what on snowy Earth we’re talking about? Then download “Frozen Free Fall” post haste! See all the ways the app can be downloaded, and played, here.

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Phone Cases Get Personal with D-Tech on Demand at Disneyland Resort

Up until recently, you could only get your Disney smartphone accessory case personalized at Walt Disney World—but West Coast fans, your time has come! D-Tech on Demand just debuted at D Street in Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney District.

The location will introduce over 10 new designs, including art inspired by the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration and selections from WonderGround Gallery artists including Jasmine Becket-Griffith and Jerrod Maruyama. D Street at Downtown Disney District offers cases compatible with iPhones 4 through 6+, as well as a host of Samsung (Android) phones. From start to finish, the whole personalization process only takes around 10-15 minutes… so the next time you’re down at the Disneyland Resort, check ’em out! Your phone will thank you.

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First Look at Marvel’s Jessica Jones

By now, we hope you’ve marked your calendar for the hotly anticipated new Netflix series Marvel’s Jessica Jones. (We certainly have!) Fans clamoring for a sneak peek, ahead of the show’s November debut, will be thrilled to know that our friends at Marvel.com have the first five images from the series.

See Krysten Ritter (Breaking Bad) in action! Marvel (get it?) at David Tennant’s decidedly non-Doctor Who fashion sense! Speculate on just what Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix) has to do Jessica’s detective career! We’ll find out more when all 13 episodes of Season 1 come to Netflix on November 20.

Once Upon a Time Season Five Preview

From “Dark Swan” and the Wicked Witch to Camelot and the arrival of Merida, catch what the cast and creators had to reveal about the upcoming season of Once Upon a Time, premiering on ABC Sunday, September 27.

The Muppets Arrives on ABC: Let’s Get Things Started!

It’s time to play the music, it’s time to light the lights… After a legitimately-too-long absence from our collective television set, the Muppets are back in primetime! Their new ABC series, The Muppets, premieres tonight—and D23’s got a big “Muppet News Flash” from the show’s producers on what hilarious hijinks lie in store, and what makes their return so special.

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Created by Bill Prady (The Big Bang Theory) and Bob Kushell (3rd Rock From the Sun), The Muppets is a documentary-style series that follows the gang as they take on present-day Hollywood. Our amphibian pal Kermit the Frog is now the executive producer of a late night TV talk show—and the rest of the Muppet gang fills in as his staff. The Great Gonzo is Kermit’s head writer, ably assisted by Pepé the King Prawn and Rizzo the Rat; Fozzie Bear is, naturally, the show’s warm-up comedian (and Ed McMahon-style sidekick). Scooter, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker, and the rest of the Muppets all have roles on the show too. The only hitch? We’ll give you a hint: The talk show’s title is Up Late with Miss Piggy! Yes, Kermit’s now-former paramour is the show’s prima donna host. A star in “moi’s” own right, Piggy spends more time canoodling with Hollywood’s elite (including guest stars like Castle’s Nathan Fillion and singer Josh Groban) than actually working—much to her executive producer’s chagrin. After work, the crew usually heads over to Rowlf the Dog’s Tavern to unwind… but mega Muppet mayhem follows wherever they go.

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“Miss Piggy and Kermit—they’re in a very interesting place right now,” Bob Kushell says. “They’re obviously broken up, and they are seeing other people. Kermit has found Denise, who is head of marketing for the network… And Miss Piggy is off dating celebrities, and having a grand ol’ time with her life. The fun of it, though, is watching them having to work together, knowing that there is so much history there… It’s a difficult situation for them—but as much as they’ve gone through, they love each other. They will always love each other.” The “show within a show” concept of The Muppets also opens the door for plentiful star cameos—a nod to the gang’s TV (and film) history. As Bill Prady explains, “The Muppets have always existed in a world of show business and entertainment. And because Piggy has a late night talk show, there are guests on that talk show—like actresses Elizabeth Banks and Reese Witherspoon, and musical guests like Imagine Dragons. But they also have the ability to run into people in professional situations. For example, Fozzie is invited to a party at Jay Leno’s house, and we get to have the fun of Fozzie and Jay together… I think one of the real joys of this show has been bringing celebrities in, bringing actors and musicians in—and letting them play with these characters, and letting them exist in a world where these characters are real. And that’s an absolute joy to watch.”

These characters touch us because they touch on aspects of who we are. These characters, who aren’t human, are incredibly human.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for Prady, who actually got his TV-writing start with Jim Henson back in 1983; he not only wrote for the animated Fraggle Rock series and the Disney Parks attraction MuppetVision 3-D, but he also contributed to The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson, a posthumous tribute to the late puppeteer (for which he received one of his four Emmy® nominations). “Jim was my first teacher when it came to writing [TV] and writing characters,” recalls Prady, “and to be able to come back to this family years later is just an indescribably wonderful experience.”

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“What captivates us about the Muppets is, it’s a combination of nostalgia—everybody grew up with them,” Kushell explains. “No matter how old you are, you grew up with the Muppets. It’s also the fact that they are tangible—they exist. They’re not created in a computer; they’re not animated; they’re not special effects. They’re real, and you feel that reality,” Prady agrees, adding, “I think that the thing that makes these characters special is, there is heartbreaking honesty to them. They are our aspirations, and our dreams, and our foibles. These characters touch us because they touch on aspects of who we are. These characters, who aren’t human, are incredibly human.”

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“There’s a real hunger to see them back where, I think, the Muppets belong,” says Kushell, “which is on television. That’s where they started, and that’s where they’re returning to… That’s their home.” You can catch Kermit, Piggy, and all The Muppets right at home on ABC starting tonight—Tuesday, September 22—at 8 p.m. PT/ET.