WDW Daily News

An all-new original Halloween special, “Muppets Haunted Mansion,” will debut exclusively on Disney+ starting Oct. 8. Check out the trailer for this funny and thrilling production featuring the Muppets as we’ve never seen them before:

“Muppets Haunted Mansion” takes place on Halloween night, when Gonzo is challenged to spend one very daring night in the most grim grinning place on Earth … the Haunted Mansion. This marks the Muppets’ first-ever Halloween special and features three new original songs, “Rest In Peace,” “Life Hereafter” and “Tie The Knot Tango,” a star-studded Muppets cast, celebrity guest stars and special appearances, and frightful fun for the entire family.

But Guests don’t have to wait until Oct. 8 to celebrate the fun and excitement of this new special. If visiting the Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort, make sure to check out these spooky activities:

At Disneyland Resort:

Currently at the Magic Key Holder event at Disneyland Park, Key Holders can find some fun photo opportunities. Starting Oct. 1, there will be additional photo opportunities near the Esplanade. Check out the uniquely themed Honda Ridgeline that is wrapped to resemble the wallpaper designs that were created especially for “Muppets Haunted Mansion.” Honda is the official vehicle of the Disneyland Resort.

Also beginning Oct. 8, Guests can visit an exhibit with exclusive content from “Muppets Haunted Mansion” inside the Main Street Opera House, near the pre-show area for Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.

At Walt Disney World Resort:

Available now at PizzeRizzo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Guests will want to try one of four different and delicious eclairs, some of which were inspired by the Muppets stretching portraits featured in “Muppets Haunted Mansion.”

Also at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, starting on Oct. 1, Guests can see exclusive content from “Muppets Haunted Mansion” in the pre-show for Muppet*Vision 3D.

Over at Magic Kingdom Park, beginning Oct. 8, look out for a special Magic Shot that the Disney PhotoPass photographer in front of the Haunted Mansion can add to the photo. Guests might spot a familiar face floating around the photo as Madame Pigota!

Disney Music Group:

Disney Music Group will feature the songs from “Muppets Haunted Mansion” on their Halloween playlist, starting Oct. 8. Visit disneymusic.co/DisneyHalloweenPL for more information.

And make sure to watch “Muppets Haunted Mansion” starting Oct. 8, and streaming only on Disney+!

For additional information on Disney+, please visit disneyplus.com.

Jim Shooter, the former editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, Matt Hawkins, President/COO of Top Cow since 1998, Angel Medina, artist on The Incredible Hulk, Avengers and The Amazing Spider-Man, and Mike Grell, writer and artist on iconic strips and characters from Superboy to Tarzan to Batman, headline Artist Alley at Wizard World Chicago on October 15-17. The three will be joined by more than 100 others of international, national and local acclaim at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.  Among the other notables on hand will be Dan Parent (Archie Comics), Dan Didio (DC Comics), Kevin Maguire (Justice League, Batman Confidential), Pat Broderick (Firestorm,  Green Lantern), Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Stephane Roux (Harley Quinn, Zatanna), John Delaney (DC Adventures, Simpsons, Futurama), Tone Rodriguez (Simpsons, Futurama ), Jeremy Clark (Broken Gargoyles, TMNT: The Last Ronin), Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology, Doctor Who Psychology), Meg Bonney (Everly), Greg Peters (Animaniacs) and Joe Wos (Mazetoons). Shooter, the founder of valiant, Defiant and Broadway Comics, wrote Superboy, Legion of Super-Heroes, Superman and other titles. He will appear on Saturday only. Hawkins has created or written more than 30 new franchises for the publisher of titles such as Witchblade, Death Vigil and Aphrodite IX. Medina has worked on dozens of titles for Megaton, Marvel, Image and others. Grell has been in the industry for nearly a half-century, most famously revamping Green Arrow, writing and occasionally drawing a redesigned look for the hero.  Artist Alley at Wizard World also features the dedicated Creative Stage, where many artists and writers will share tips and techniques in fun, interactive sessions throughout the three days.  Chicagoland will again be well represented, with numerous local creators in Artist Alley. Among those are: Chris Ness (prints/paintings), Adam Michaels (watercolors and inks), Josh Dizon (fine art), Scott Welninsk (3D prints), Megan Rosenberg (prints, cross stitches), Patrick Olsen (pencil art, digital art),  Amanda Mayer (metal jewelry), Vheto Gutierrez (illustrations), Darryl Young (art prints), Arthur Lashkiba (digital art), Christine Chang (traditional, digital media), Nicky Poblador (Chicago themed fan art), Luis Colindres (illustrations), Tristan Young  (fine art, illustrations), Coleton Mastick (illustrations), John Anthony Rodriguez (canvas, comics), David Stankowicz (illustrations), Jerry Willoughby (comic books), Justin Lowe (accessories), Darrel Damper (illustrations and comics), Rich Kunz (canvas prints), Marcus Lucas (“The Chronicles of Ebonics”) and Kris Voss (illustrations and comics).  Wizard World Chicago will also feature non-stop live entertainment, gaming, exclusive Q&A sessions with top celebrities, movie screenings hosted by stars and directors and more. Details to follow soon, along with programming and entertainment stage schedules. Wizard World events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, cosplay, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Show hours are Friday, October 15, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, October 16, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, October 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Kids 10 and under are admitted free with paid adult.  Wizard World Chicago is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday evening. Wizard World Chicago 2021 will also mark the final event under the Wizard World brand name. As previously announced, beginning in 2022, former Wizard World events held in Chicago as well as New Orleans, Portland, Cleveland, St. Louis and Philadelphia will be produced under the FAN EXPO name. Wizard World will continue to operate the Wizard World Vault and will be participating at all FAN EXPO events. Tickets start at $39.99. About Wizard World: Wizard World Live produces comic, gaming, and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, cosplay, tech, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests, and more. Each event features topical programming and entertainment with celebrity Q&A’s, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more.

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Twinkling lights, festive décor, and magical celebrations will fill Magic Kingdom Park when “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” begins. The event will take place on 24 select nights Nov. 8 through Dec. 21 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. This year’s holiday celebration coincides with the Walt Disney World 50^th anniversary – “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” We can’t wait to unwrap all that festive fun!

Event dates are:

November: 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 28, 30

December: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21

We are so excited to let you know that “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” will include the nighttime spectacular “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” and the special holiday-themed parade “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”. That’s right, a parade! Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be joined by pals from Disney’s “Frozen” and many other favorite Disney characters including the very popular Toy Soldiers. This festive parade will, of course, also feature Santa Claus himself!

Tickets for the festive 4-hour “Disney Very Merriest After Hours” will grant admission to Magic Kingdom Park as early as 7 p.m., giving Guests more time to enjoy some of their favorite Magic Kingdom attractions. They can also take in some of the EARidescent magic that will be part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” from the brand-new fireworks spectacular “Disney Enchantment” to the transformation of Cinderella Castle into a “Beacon of Magic,” all in honor of the 50^th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. And, yes! That means Guests could be able to experience two different and unique fireworks shows in one night!

That’s not all that it’s in store. Here are additional details of what Guests can experience during this limited-capacity, separately ticketed event:

• Holiday attraction overlays are also making a comeback! The Jungle Cruise transforms into the Jingle Cruise, and Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor will get new jokes perfect for this joyful season.
• After the park closes to day Guests, event Guests can enjoy less time waiting in line for more than 20 attractions including favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, The Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain and more.
• Sightings of Disney characters throughout the park all dressed in their holiday best.
• While Guests are walking down Main Street, U.S.A. they should be sure to look up to the sky, they might catch some magical snowfall!
• Guests can dance and boogie the night away at themed Club Tinsel dance party in Tomorrowland.
• Guests can enjoy complimentary snacks like ice cream novelties and popcorn, seasonal treats and select bottled beverages.
• Specialty holiday food and drinks will be also be available for purchase.
• Disney PhotoPass will offer holiday magic shots throughout the night.

Tickets will go on sale Aug. 20, 2021 and can be purchased online via the Disney Travel Agents website, or by calling 407-939-7947. Guests of Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, as well as Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort can book their tickets as early as August 17 (online via the Disney Travel Agents website, or by calling 407-939-7947). Tickets range from $169 to $229 plus tax for select November/December nights, and $249, plus tax on December 19 & 21. These dated event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic Concert at Magic Kingdom Park will undergo a refurbishment from Oct. 11 through Nov. 11. The attraction will reopen on Nov. 12 with several new enhancements, including a digital projection system to provide the highest-quality viewing experience for our Guests. And, as was announced earlier this summer, a new scene from Disney and Pixar’s “Coco” featuring the song “Un Poco Loco” will join in on Donald’s musical misadventures. Guests will enjoy this new scene alongside all of the show’s current fan-favorite musical numbers.

The beloved Electrical Water Pageant joins in the fun of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” with new celebratory scenes featuring a towering castle, swirling pixie dust and a version of the celebration anthem song, “The Magic is Calling,” bookending the full traditional show as it sails nightly across Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Stay tuned for more on the EARidescent updates to the Walt Disney World Resort classic.

From bright suns to rising moons, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge continues to call travelers to the magic of Batuu, especially with the excitement of Walt Disney World Resort’s 18-month anniversary celebration getting closer and closer. As Disney ramps up to The World’s Most Magical Celebration honoring our 50^th anniversary, they’re continuing to enhance experiences thanks to the feedback from Guests. 

They know Guests love choice and flexibility when planning their time in a theme park—which is why, starting September 23, they will pause the use of virtual queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios may experience this incredible attraction using a traditional standby queue for the first time since it opened in 2019.

Virtual queues continue to be helpful with attraction access, merchandise launches, grand openings and more, and Guests should continue to check the My Disney Experience app for the latest on how we’re using virtual queues across Walt Disney World Resort including its potential use at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at a later date, or from time to time.  

In addition to virtual queues, we’ve been investing a lot into the Guest experience in other ways, including exciting new attractions on the horizon like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opening soon at EPCOT, and coming this fall, the new Disney Genie complimentary and convenient digital planning service designed to create your best Disney Day.

So, are you ready to rise up with the Resistance like never before? Whether it’s their first time vising the Black Spire Outpost or their 50^th, we can’t wait to welcome our Guests on their next trip to a galaxy far, far away. 

From Disney:

We can’t wait to welcome Guests to Walt Disney World Resort as we kick off the 50^th anniversary celebration on Oct. 1! For Guests staying in the magic at one of our Disney Resorts Collection hotels, we have extra pixie dust waiting during this celebration.

We’ve previously announced theme park entry benefits for Disney Resort hotel Guests and Guests of other select hotels, which will give Guests the first chance to enjoy select attractions at every theme park, every day. And for Guests staying at one of our Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort hotels, they can also enjoy extended evening hours on select nights in select theme parks beginning in early October.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! In addition to this special access to our theme parks, our Disney Resorts will be serving up some special moments, with surprise appearances from some of our favorite Disney friends, donning their dazzling EARidescent best. These pals have a lot of character, and they’re not the only ones! With shimmering new nametags, our legendary Cast Members are the heart of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration and are eager to share a little bit of their world with you during this special time. 

To check out all this ‘world’ has to offer, Guests can enjoy the ease and comfort of complimentary on-site transportation. Soon they may even get to ride in sparkling style with new 50^th artwork on select Disney Skyliner cabins, Disney Transportation buses and one of our special monorails. Wave hello if you see these shimmering vehicles whizzing by!

Haven’t decided where to stay yet? Check out some of our newly reimagined Guest rooms at our two original hotels. There’s an all-new retro-modern flare at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. All rooms in the tower will feature a sleek Monorail motif with some favorite characters from Pixar Animation Studios’ Incredibles films that will carry through Guest corridors. Meanwhile, the resort lobby will display a collection of modern art along with historical photographs of this beloved resort while under construction before opening to Guests in 1971.

Or for Guests looking for an iconic stay that will let them relax with the colors and vibes of the Pacific, consider sailing over to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, with newly reimagined rooms where Guests will find details inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.” The resort’s brand-new entrance was completed earlier this week as well, welcoming Guests with Pacific island accents that they’ll notice in the newly decorated Monorail station before riding high in the sky to their next destination. 

And when relaxing back in a Guest room, take in the ambiance while enjoying a cup of coffee, brewed right from the comfort of your room with a special Joffrey’s Coffee blend made just for the Walt Disney World 50^th celebration! This blend is also available to purchase to keep the celebration going after returning home.

There are lots of special touches to be found at these and all our Disney Resort hotels during our Walt Disney World 50^th celebration. On behalf of our more than 65,000 Cast Members, we hope you choose to stay in the magic with us soon!

Welcome to Creations Shop, the new flagship merchandise destination at EPCOT! Officially debuting today, the grand opening marks another key milestone in the historic transformation journey of EPCOT.

Creations Shop celebrates Disney’s legacy of creativity by honoring the nostalgia of EPCOT’s past and the exciting promises of EPCOT’s future. Disney Imagineers used one-of-a-kind art installations, meaningful souvenirs and a contemporary architectural design to bring the story of EPCOT and Disney creativity to life. Each thoughtful detail within Creations Shop was purposefully chosen to represent story elements and foster a memorable shopping experience for Guests.

Mickey Mouse, who has inspired creativity for generations around the world, serves as a symbol of Disney’s creativity and can be seen prominently in a number of homages to him throughout the space, including large, dynamic murals and a collection of 10 original sculptures created by Disney Imagineers.

Creations Shop will feature unique merchandise dedicated to EPCOT. Exclusive to Creations Shop is the EPCOT Light & Color Collection, an assortment of futuristic gear inspired by EPCOT’s historic transformation. In the same way that Disney Imagineers implemented color, materials and light throughout the design of Creation Shop, the EPCOT Light & Color Collection explores the story of EPCOT through the whimsical application of light, the playful use of bold color and iconic EPCOT landmarks and characters. 

Guests can head towards the park’s newly designed World Celebration neighborhood to express their own creativity at Creations Shop!

“Finding Nemo — The Musical” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has been delighting our guests since 2007, and we’re excited to tell you a reimagined show, based on the same beloved characters, will debut in 2022. 

Although our Disney Live Entertainment team is still in the early stages of development for the show, the musical retelling of this underwater tale of family, friendship and kindness will feature new story material, as well as fan favorite songs such as “In the Big Blue World” and “Go with the Flow.”

Stay tuned for updates on this new show as we get closer to its debut next year.

Guests can get ready to let their taste buds take (a simulated!) flight 220 miles above Earth’s surface as Space 220 Restaurant at EPCOT officially begins virtual departures on Sept. 20 for walk-up diners. Reservations will be available to book on Sept. 20, with the first reservation date available on Sept. 27.

The out-of-this-world dining experience will take diners on a journey from Earth to the stars, a simulated 220 miles above Earth’s surface, for an immersive experience that will delight all the senses. This experience is unique to EPCOT, where the magic of human imagination and possibility come to life. 

Serving upscale, contemporary fare, Space 220 Restaurant offers a two-course prix fixe menu for lunch and a three-course prix fixe menu for dinner. Guests will enjoy a selection of “lift-off” appetizers, “star course” main entrées, and a choice of “supernova sweets” for dessert. “Satellite sides” will also be available à la carte.

Diners can expect unique beverages with a colorful lineup of atmospheric spirits, zero-proof (non-alcoholic) cocktails, big dipper brews, and worldly wines.

Below is a sampling of the prix fixe menus – the Space 220 crew favorites!

Two-Course Lunch

Includes one Lift-Off appetizer and one Star Course entrée

Lift-Offs

• Big Bang Burrata 
• Starry Calamari 
• Blue Moon Cauliflower
• Neptuna Tartare
• Space Greens

Star Course

• Bluehouse Salmon
• Centauri Burger
• Flat Iron Steak
• Seared Tuna 
• Baked Maccheroni

Three-Course Dinner

Includes one Lift-Off appetizer, one Star Course entrée, and one Supernova Sweet

Lift-Offs

• Big Bang Burrata 
• Starry Calamari 
• Blue Moon Cauliflower
• Neptuna Tartare 
• Space Greens

Star Course

• 8 oz. Filet Mignon 
• Slow Rotation Short Rib
• Florida Red Snapper
• X2 Duck
• Terra-Bolognese 
• Roasted Free-Range Chicken 

Supernova Sweets 

• Lemon Mousse 
• Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake 
• Chocolate Cheesecake

Drinks

Atmospheric Spirits  

• Stargarita
• Atmospritz – Served with a cotton candy cloud 
• The Big Tang – Served with “Astronaut Ice Cream”
• Planetary Punch – Served over dry ice
• Celestial Cosmopolitan

Zero Proof Cocktails

These drinks come in a special Space 220 collectible cup:

• Lightyear Lemonade – Made with butterfly pea tea
• The Milky Way – Served with a fun-size “Milky Way” garnish
• Moon Rocks – Served with a pack of popping candy garnish

With the purchase of any zero proof (non-alcoholic) cocktail or children’s meal, Guests will receive a pack of Space 220 Collectible Trading Cards. Designed exclusively for and only distributed at Space 220 Restaurant, these limited-edition packs of cards feature original artwork and trivia facts about space exploration, food in space, and the sky-high innovations at Space 220 Restaurant.

Space 220 Restaurant is another exciting milestone within the EPCOT transformation, showcasing that real worlds truly are made fantastic, and it will open just in time for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” on Oct. 1. Stay tuned for more details on reimagined EPCOT.