Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort Adds Spookiness To the Sparkle of the Diamond Celebration

Frightfully good fun adds to the excitement of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration this autumn, as the Halloween season arrives at the resort Sept. 11 and runs through Nov. 1. The annual, family-friendly Halloween experience includes spooky transformations of Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain, plus special décor, themed foods and merchandise. In addition, the separate-ticket Mickey’s Halloween Party offers guests an opportunity to visit in costume and trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland Park, on 17 selected nights.

Haunted Mansion Holiday in New Orleans Square has become a thrilling Disneyland Halloween tradition, with Jack Skellington from the Walt Disney Pictures classic “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” moving into the Mansion to spark a collision between Halloween and Christmas. As in past years, some eerie new touches have been added to the Haunted Mansion Holiday experience. The Hatbox Ghost, who recently rejoined the Mansion’s happy haunts, is staying to celebrate Halloween and Christmas with Jack Skellington and his friends.

Inside the Mansion, the 15th annual Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house resembles a leaning and careening “house of cards” this year. A corps of zombie gingerbread men in orange-frosting safety vests stands beneath the towering confection to supervise construction while a team of “helicopter bats” hover above the teetering tower. The “helicopter bats” are lowering spiders that will add the final gingerbread cards to the tower from their sticky, suspended webs.

Another Halloween favorite is Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, a Halloween-themed reimagining of the popular thrill ride in Tomorrowland. Guests on board the speeding Space Mountain vehicles are thrust into a ghostly galaxy where they are bombarded with eerie screams, sound effects and music. Spine-chilling spirits pop out of the darkness, appearing to reach out and menace space travelers.

In Frontierland, guests will enjoy the observation of the traditional Mexican “Dia de los Muertos” celebration with a skeleton display near Rancho del Zocalo restaurant.

The popular separate-ticket, after-hours Mickey’s Halloween Party returns this year, expanding to 17 nights beginning Friday, Sept. 25, with an array of special entertainment. For the first time, the “Paint the Night” parade, which made its debut in May for the Diamond Celebration, will be presented during this special event. In addition, the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular and the “Monsters U Dance Party” at Tomorrowland Terrace are exclusive to Mickey’s Halloween Party.

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party* may be purchased online and on mobile devices at Disneyland.com/party, as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400. Guests may check online for availability for the 17 nights: Friday, Sept. 25; Monday, Sept. 28; Wednesday, Sept. 30; Friday, Oct. 2; Monday, Oct. 5; Wednesday, Oct. 7; Friday, Oct. 9; Monday, Oct. 12: Wednesday, Oct. 14; Friday, Oct. 16; Monday, Oct. 19; Thursday, Oct. 22; Friday, Oct. 23; Sunday, Oct. 25; Tuesday, Oct. 27; and Thursday, Oct. 29. Online and mobile purchases are not available the day of the event.

Tickets purchased in advance are available at a discount on select nights. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $77 each. All tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party on Thursday, Oct. 29, are $84 each. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a non-smoking event. Smoking will be permitted only in the Esplanade outside the Disneyland main entrance.

Throughout Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, guests also will be able to enjoy the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration with its sparkling enhancements on Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland and the Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure, plus a dazzling array of after-dark shows. In Disneyland, the “Paint the Night” parade creates a river of color down Main Street, U.S.A., with spectacular special effects, sensational floats, energetic performances and unforgettable music. The “Disneyland Forever” fireworks show in Disneyland lights up the resort with dynamic pyrotechnics and magical projections that surround the audience.

In Disney California Adventure, the Diamond Celebration comes alive in “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney.” The magical water show – filled with film, lasers, music and special effects – pays tribute to Walt Disney with colorful fun and surprises, honoring the man whose fertile imagination led to the creation of Disneyland and so many beloved characters.

Halloween thrill-seekers will enjoy visiting Disney California Adventure to sample year-round excitement on California Screamin’ roller coaster, Radiator Springs Racers, Soarin’ Over California and Grizzly River Run. Guests may also mingle with the ghosts in The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror, or dance the night away in the after-dark Diamond Mad T Party.

For more information about Halloween at the Disneyland Resort, see www.Disneyland.com/Halloween.  This site will be updated with frightfully fun details.

The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc., and is used with permission pursuant to a license from CBS, Inc.    ©Disney/CBS, Inc

*Tickets are subject to availability and are valid only for specific event dates and hours. Each ticket is valid for admission to the event and parking for one (1) vehicle (larger vehicles may require an additional fee) on the specified event date. Online and mobile purchases unavailable on day of event. Space is limited. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be resold. Costumes subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive. Ages 2 and under: no ticket required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a nonsmoking event. Smoking will be permitted in designated areas outside Disneyland® Park in the Main Entrance Plaza.

Share this:

Imagining Potential for Film Growth at Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch

Film industry people, studio and movie ranch owners and operators, and members of the Santa Clarita Economic Development Corporation executive committee and board gathered to tour the Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch – the land that Walt Disney first acquired in 1959.

Full Story

Share this:

Kabam, Disney Interactive, and Lucasfilm Launch Star Wars™: Uprising

Kabam, in collaboration with Disney Interactive and Lucasfilm Ltd., today announced the launch of Star Wars™: Uprising, the first mobile role-playing game that takes place between Star Wars™: Return of the Jedi™ and Star Wars™: The Force Awakens, following the death of the Emperor. The game is available now for free on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Google Play for Android devices.

Star Wars: Uprising introduces players to the Anoat Sector, where they can band together with smugglers, freedom fighters, bounty hunters and gangsters to rise up against the Empire as it tries to maintain control of the galaxy. They can also create unique characters, go on missions, develop skills, build up their gear, and recruit crewmembers for sector battles, all in an effort to create their own version of a Star Wars hero.

“Star Wars: Uprising introduces players to a whole new Star Wars storyline in a deeply immersive RPG experience,” said Aaron Loeb, Senior Vice President of Studio, Kabam. “The community will be excited for massive sector battles that will shape the game’s future. It’s an amazing design that has a lot of surprises in store.”

Key features include:

  • Create the Hero the Galaxy Needs: Choose from a wide range of special skills, species, visual customizations and classic Star Wars gear to become the next Han Solo, Boba Fett or unique hero of your own design.
  • Shape the Future of the Game Universe: Join players worldwide in massive sector-wide battles to dictate the expansion of in-game content, including new planets, exclusive gear and unique crew members.
  • Real-Time Co-op Against the Empire: Explore the secrets of the sector, build a powerful crew with allies, and play alongside friends in synchronous cooperative play.
  • Brave Challenges on Classic and New Worlds: Battle your way through missions on Hoth, Cloud City and more, fighting against powerful bosses led by an ominous new adversary.

The creative power behind the game comes from Kabam RPG Studio in San Francisco. The studio is made up of the top art, design and storytelling talent from the RPG world, and technical masters from across the video game industry. The team is dedicated to bringing the best RPG experiences to mobile and includes Daniel Erickson, former creative director of Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ and Danny Keller, Emmy award nominee for Star Wars™: The Clone Wars™. The studio’s most recent game, Spirit Lords, received the highly coveted Editors’ Choice Award on the App Store.

For more information on Star Wars: Uprising go to: https://www.playstarwarsuprising.com/

Share this:

Disney Debuts Minnie-Inspired Instagram

Disney is bringing all things Minnie Mouse-inspired to Instagram with the launch of @MinnieStyle, a new account showcasing her signature style and ongoing influence on the world of fashion, beauty and pop culture. Minnie’s iconic style including polka dots, bows and instantly recognizable color palette will also be celebrated this month with events at both New York and London fashion weeks.

@MinnieStyle will showcase Minnie-inspired looks from the global fashion community, everyday fashion inspiration, couture and ready-to-wear designer collaborations, celebrities, bloggers and more. The first portfolio on @MinnieStyle will feature a series of inspirational fashion images as well as a behind-the-scenes look at events during September’s international fashion weeks.

At New York Fashion Week, Disney is collaborating with Refinery29, the leading digital lifestyle media company for millennial-minded women, and CONFETTISYSTEM, to create a Minnie Mouse-inspired room, as part of 29Rooms, Refinery29’s interactive funhouse celebrating style and culture, which is open to the public in Brooklyn, NY, on September 11 and 12. Then from September 18 to 20, during London Fashion Week, Disney and the British Fashion Council will host the Minnie: Style Icon exhibition. The exhibition, which has been curated with the help of model and photographer Georgia May Jagger, will bring together photographs from the 1930’s through present day including archive imagery and sketches, celebrity portraits and fashion spreads. Images from the event will also be shared on the @MinnieStyle Instagram.

Georgia May Jagger said: “I’ve always been a Minnie fan, so I’m really excited to be working on this campaign showing how pop culture can influence fashion in a way that encourages excitement and creativity.”

The character of Minnie Mouse was created by Walt Disney and she made her debut alongside Mickey Mouse in Disney’s “Steamboat Willie” animation in 1928. Patterned after the 1920’s flapper as portrayed by actress Colleen Moore, her trademark polka dot skirt was inspired by Coco Chanel and her “Easy Jersey” collection. From her early pillbox flower hat, which inspired ladies hat trends to her famous bow and ears, Minnie has been looked to for style inspiration since her inception and has celebrity fans all over the world including Victoria Beckham, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kourtney Kardashian and Lady Gaga to name a few.

Follow @MinnieStyle on Instagram and visit the Disney Style blog for more updates on all things fashion and Minnie-style inspired.

Share this:

Photos – Life size Lego Figures at Downtown Disney

Check out some of the cool life size Lego creations around Downtown Disney.

Downtown Disney Construction (2)

Downtown Disney Construction (4)

Downtown Disney Construction (5)

Downtown Disney Construction (6)

Downtown Disney Construction (7)

Share this:

Mystical Spirits of the Blue Bayou – New Premium Dining Experience During Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park

During this fall’s Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland® Resort, guests will be able to take part in a new premium dining experience – Mystical Spirits of the Blue Bayou.

The evening begins with an intimate, spooky dinner featuring a themed three-course menu. During dinner, Dr. Facilier, from the Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog,” will conjure his friends from the other side, bringing them to life in Blue Bayou Restaurant for a wickedly good time.

After dinner, guests will receive a limited-edition custom lithograph featuring art from a Disney Animator. Finally, the Shadow Man bids his guests adieu as they are escorted to a special viewing area for the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular

Mystical Spirits of the Blue Bayou will run from 7-9:45 p.m. during Mickey’s Halloween Party nights Sept. 25-Oct. 31, 2015. The cost is $150 per person for adults and children (ages 3-9). Tax and gratuity are included. Admission to Mickey’s Halloween Party is not included and must be purchased separately.

Share this:

Photos: Around Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Part 1

Take a look around Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney's Hollywood Studios (8)

Disney's Hollywood Studios (9)

Disney's Hollywood Studios (10)

Disney's Hollywood Studios (11)

Disney's Hollywood Studios (12)

Read more

Share this:

Cruise smackdown: Disney Magic vs. Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas

Which cruise line has the best ship for families? Readers, we want to hear what you have to say!

Full Story

Share this:

Marvel Music To Release Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Soundtrack

Marvel Music is releasing the soundtrack for Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. physical CD on October 9, 2015.  The digital album is available now.  EMMY Award® winner Bear McCreary (Outlander, The Walking Dead) composed the music for the series.

“I’ve always adored superheroes and their musical fanfares,” said McCreary. “Collaborating with Marvel, Joss Whedon and his creative team is truly a dream come true.  Together, we craft a score each week that I hope measures up to the insanely high standards of Marvel fans around the world.”

“The first season of Marvel‘s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was the most ambitious season of television I have ever been involved in. The sheer scope of this project was daunting: to score 22 episodes in 22 unique orchestral sessions, with orchestras ranging from 55 to 95 players, at the best sound stages in Los Angeles, with each episode requiring minimally 30 minutes of score!”

Included on the soundtrack are some of Marvel and McCreary’s favorite cues, including the main title theme, “Aftermath of the Uprising” and “0-8-4,” and “Cello Concerto” from the episode “The Only Light in the Darkness,” an episode that centered around Coulson’s ex-girlfriend, a cellist.

“My musical fascination with Coulson’s ex began in Episode 11 [The Magical Place]. There was a scene where Raina mentions The Cellist to Coulson and strikes a deep, emotional nerve,” said McCreary. “I was thrilled as I read the script for ‘The Only Light in the Darkness’, realizing that the episode would not only provide a chance for me to expand the Cellist Theme, but that the character herself would actually play it on screen.”  McCreary worked closely with the actress who played The Cellist, Amy Acker, on set to make sure it appeared she was a cello virtuoso.

The episode ‘0-8-4’ blends grandiose orchestral writing with intense synths.  McCreary is also noted for his use of ethnic instrumentation in his scores.  He described, “this episode is almost entirely one giant action cue (or so it felt when I was writing it) so I relied on the heavy synths and pounding percussion to cut through the chaos during moments when the orchestra alone would be unable to compete with the sound design. The South American setting of “0-8-4″ gave me an excuse to bring an ethnic component to the score.”

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. track list follows:

1.  “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Overture”
2.  “Showdown at Union Station”
3.  “0-8-4”
4.  “Rocket Launch”
5.  “The Obelisk”
6.  “Aftermath of the Uprising”
7.  “Gravitonium”
8.  “Cal”
9.  “Cello Concerto”
10.  “Willing to Sacrifice”
11.  “Alien DNA”
12.  “FZZT”
13.  “Garrett”
14.  “Hail Hydra”
15.  “Helicopter Rescue”
16.  “Terrigen Crystals”
17.  “The Big Bang”
18.  “The Rising Tide”

Written by Bear McCreary, Steven Kaplan
Album Produced by Joe Augustine & Bear McCreary
Score Produced by Bear McCreary & Steve Kaplan

Share this:

Disneyland designers face pressure to ensure Star Wars Land doesn’t flop

As Disneyland engineers tinker on top-secret designs for the park’s new Star Wars Land, a mothballed attraction at nearby Disney California Adventure provides….

Full Story

Share this: