Happy Halloween!

Ghosts and goblins, spooks galore,

Scary witches at your door,

Jack-o-lanterns smiling bright,

Wishing you a haunting night!

🎃 Happy Halloween! 🎃

Photo of the Week

This year, we actually remembered to carve the pumpkins!

Hawkeye Is The Event Of The Season

Marvel

With each new trailer, Marvel's Hawkeye just looks better and better. All poor Clint Barton wanted was a fun family Christmas. Unfortunately for him, he's in for quite an adventure. But Kate Bishop is definitely enjoying her time with the Avenger.

Hawkeye's first two episodes arrive on DisneyPlus on November 24. New episodes will debut each Wednesday.

Here's Your First Look At The Man Behind The Toy: Lightyear

All images: Pixar

Pixar's upcoming animated film is the story of the man who's adventures to infinity and beyond inspired a toy: Lightyear. 

Here's the synopsis from Pixar:

The sci-fi action-adventure presents the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear—the hero who inspired the toy—introducing the legendary Space Ranger who would win generations of fans. Chris Evans lends his voice to Buzz.

Lightyear arrives in theaters on June 17, 2022.

The Eternals In 60 Seconds

Marvel

So you want a basic overview of Marvel's Eternals before you head to the theater? No problem. The cast is ready to tell you everything you need to know in 60 seconds. 

Marvel's Eternals arrives in theaters on November 5th. 

Tie The Knot Tango From Muppets Haunted Mansion

Jim Henson Company

I absolutely adore the Muppets Haunted Mansion. I must admit I've watched it at least 3 or 4 times since it arrived on DisneyPlus and I'll probably watch it a few more before Halloween. It is so funny and Muppety and has several delightfully spooky new songs. This song is a love song of sorts between serial bride Constance Hatchaway and her latest victim, I mean groom, Pepe the King Prawn.

Muppets Haunted Mansion is available now on DisneyPlus.

Pumpkin Cupcake Recipe From Disney

Disney

It's nearly Halloween so it must be time for a delicious pumpkin treat or two. This recipe for Pumpkin Cupcakes comes from the Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Yield: 24 cupcakes

Cupcakes:

2 c sugar

1 c unsalted butter

2 c flour

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp ground cinnamon 

1 tsp baking soda 

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp salt

4 eggs

1/2 c canned pumpkin puree

2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350°. Line 2 muffin pans with paper liners and set aside.

Cream sugar and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer at medium-high speed, about 4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, allowing each one to fully incorporate after each addition, scraping sides of bowl after each addition. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla, mixing until combined, about 1 minute.

Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. Add flour mixture in two additions on low speed. Mix 2 minutes until completely combined. 

Pour batter into lined muffin pans, filling 3/4 full. Bake approximately 20 minutes, or until cupcakes spring back when lightly pressed. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Filling:

2 8 oz blocks cream cheese

1 Tbsp unsalted butter 

1 Tbsp confectioners sugar

3 Tbsp sour cream

1 tsp vanilla extract 

Cream butter, confectioners sugar, and cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer until smooth, about 4 minutes. Add sour cream, mixing to combine. Add vanilla extract, mixing until completely incorporated, about 2 minutes. Put into a piping bag and set aside for filling cupcakes.

Cinnamon Buttercream Icing:

1 c unsalted butter

2 c cream cheese

4 c confectioners sugar 

2 tsp vanilla extract 

4 tsp ground cinnamon 

Cream butter and cream cheese until fluffy in the bowl of an electric mixer. Add confectioners sugar in 4 additions. Beat on medium-high speed about 5 minutes, scraping sides of bowl as needed, until light and fluffy. 

Add vanilla extract and cinnamon, mixing to combine, about 1 minute. Put into a piping bag and set aside.

To assemble cupcakes: 

Remove the center core of each cupcake by cutting into the center with a small serrated knife, 1/4 inch from the edge, at a 45-degree angle. Cut about 1/3 of the way through the cupcake, being careful not to cut all the way to the bottom. Gently move the knife in a circle, creating a cone shaped piece. Gently remove the center from the cupcake and reserve. Repeat with remaining cupcakes.

Pipe cream cheese filling into the hollow center of each cupcake. Place cupcake cones on each cupcake, upside down so the flat side is touching the filling. Pipe cinnamon buttercream icing onto cupcakes, fully covering cones. Top with a mellowcream pumpkin.

Quote of the Week

Pixar

The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.

- Eden Phillpotts, A Shadow Passes

Photo of the Week

Have you ever looked closely at the horseshoe prints near the Tangled restrooms in the Magic Kingdom? Each print bears Maximus' name embossed into it.

Disney Pumpkin Carving Ideas

Disney

If you're looking for a bit of inspiration for your Halloween pumpkin carving this year, look no further. I love carving pumpkins and am always on the lookout for a fun new design. There are far too many to choose from, but you can find a few hundred of my favorite Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars designs on Pinterest.

And if you need even more inspiration, you can always carve a pumpkin like Olaf.

Ciao Alberto

Pixar

Pixar's latest short looks so cute! Ciao Alberto is the story of Alberto's life in Portorosso after Luca and Giulia head off the school.

Here's the official synopsis from Pixar:

Life in Portorosso has been a catch for Alberto. With Luca away, he’s been making waves to impress his mentor Massimo, the coolest human around.

Ciao Alberto arrives on DisneyPlus on November 12th.

"This Is Halloween" from The Nightmare Before Christmas

Disney

It's nearly Halloween, so I have an important question to ask. Is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? Feel free to discuss amongst yourselves.

Whatever else it is, it's certainly a beloved holiday movie.

Olaf Presents - Coming Soon To DisneyPlus

All images: Disney

Everyone's favorite snowman is back with a new series coming this November to DisneyPlus. Olaf will be entertaining the citizens of Arendelle with his delightfully zany take on five beloved Disney movies. 

Doesn't it look hilarious? Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

Olaf steps into the spotlight and goes from snowman to showman as he takes on the roles of producer, actor, costumer and set builder for his unique “retelling” of five favorite Disney animated tales in “Olaf Presents,” a series of new animated shorts from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The charismatic and versatile Olaf demonstrates his theatrical flair, taking on such iconic roles as a mermaid, a genie, a lion king (and most of the parts in between), as he entertains Arendelle with his delightful abbreviated versions of these beloved tales.

Olaf Presents arrives on DisneyPlus on November 12.

"Rest In Peace" from Muppets Haunted Mansion

Jim Henson Company

Muppets Haunted Mansion really is a Halloween treat. The story is perfectly Muppety and there are a few fantastic new songs. This song, "Rest In Peace", introduces Gonzo and Pepe to several of the ghosts in the graveyard.

Muppets Haunted Mansion is available now on DisneyPlus. 

Quote of the Week

Sidney Paget

Where there is no imagination there is no horror.

- Sherlock Holmes, A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Photo of the Week

I miss Disney's Not So Spooky Spectacular fireworks show at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. It was a lot of Halloweeny fun.

Hawkeye Looks Like A Blast!

Marvel

All Clint Barton wants is to spend Christmas with his family. Unfortunately, it looks like he's going to have the craziest Christmas ever.

The first two episodes of Hawkeye arrive on DisneyPlus in time for Thanksgiving on November 24th. New episodes will debut each Wednesday. 

Cars Land Halloween Transformation

Disney

I love Cars Land in Disney’s California Adventure. It always reminds me of the nearly 20 years I spent living in a small town in Arizona on Route 66. I haven't had the chance to see it transformed for Halloween in person, but it looks amazing!

Marvel's Eternals Character Posters

All images: Marvel

Marvel has released a fantastic set of character posters featuring each of the Eternals. Above is Gemma Chan as Sersi.

Richard Madden as Ikaris

Angelina Jolie as Thena

Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo

Salma Hayek as Ajak

Lia McHugh as Sprite

Bryan Tyree Henry as Phastos

Barry Keoghan as Druig

Lauren Ridloff as Makkari

Don Lee as Gilgamesh

Marvel's Eternals arrives in theaters on November 5th.

The Muppets Are "Dancing In the Moonlight"

Jim Henson Company

The Muppet movies always look like they are so much fun to make. In this video from the Muppets Haunted Mansion, the Muppets and their celebrity guest stars are all "Dancing In the Moonlight."

Muppets Haunted Mansion is now available on DisneyPlus. 

Marvel's Eternals "Change"

Marvel

With less than another to go until the premiere, Marvel is releasing new Eternals teasers almost every day. They all look fantastic, so I can't wait to see how the entire film turns out.

"The end was just the beginning."

Marvel's Eternals arrives in theaters on November 5th. 

Quote of the Week

Annie Nyle

October's Party

October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came—

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.

The Chestnuts came in yellow,

The Oaks in crimson dressed;

The lovely Misses Maple

In scarlet looked their best;

All balanced to their partners,

And gaily fluttered by;

The sight was like a rainbow

New fallen from the sky.

Then, in the rustic hollow,

At hide-and-seek they played,

The party closed at sundown,

And everybody stayed.

Professor Wind played louder;

They flew along the ground;

And then the party ended

In jolly "hands around."

- George Cooper

Photo of the Week

Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson are the most adorable Itty Bittys from Hallmark! I couldn't resist bringing them home with me. 

This Muppets Haunted Mansion Featurette Is Hilarious

Jim Henson Company

Gonzo and Pepe are here to offer a behind the scenes glimpse at the Muppets' first ever Halloween special: Muppets Haunted Mansion. 

Muppets Haunted Mansion arrives on DisneyPlus today, October 8th. I can't wait!

Halloween Collectibles From World of Disney

World of Disney in Disney Springs had the most amazing Halloween clothing, decor, and collectibles this year. Here are a few of my favorites. This adorable wreath is made of felt Mickey and Minnie pumpkins and has a dangling spider to make it z little spooky.

There were Mickey jack-o-lantern pillows and candy bowls. A candy covered apron had a pocket that read "If you've got it, Haunt It". Vampire Mickey carried a stack of pumpkins on a plaid bordered kitchen towel and candles sported sweet little ghosts in Mickey ears.

Plaid also appeared on these charming pumpkin Mickey ears as well as the Loungefly mini backpack covered in Disney Halloween emblems. 

This year's Crocs were also plaid and went perfectly with these Halloween treat Jibbitz. 

Finally, the pins were just too fantastic:

• Grogu collecting candy
• A castle made of pumpkins
• Witchy Rocket Raccoon riding Groot like a broomstick 
• A very sparkly Minnie and Mickey in their Halloween finery
• Goofy, Donald, Mickey, and Minnie ghosts
• Chip and Dale in pumpkins 
• Grumpy Donald with a stack of jack-o-lanterns
• Mickey with a stack of jack-o-lanterns
• Kitty Cat Minnie and Figaro
• Scarecrow Goofy
• And pumpkin Mickey and Minnie with plaid ears

Everything was so fun and perfect for Halloween that it was hard to decide which ones to take home. What would you pick for Halloween?

What If... The Watcher Broke His Oath?

Marvel

The final episode of season one of Marvel's What If...? has arrived and it looks like it's a doozy. This week's title is "What If The Watcher Broke His Oath?"

All 9 episodes of Marvel's What If...? are now available on DisneyPlus. 

Marvel's Eternals "Protect"

Marvel

The Eternals were Earth's first protectors, hiding in the shadows only to emerge and fight the deadly Deviants. And now, they are ready to protect this world once more. "When you love something, you fight for it."

Marvel's Eternals arrives in theaters on November 5th.

Calling All The Monsters!

Can you believe it has been 10 years since China Anne McClain first sang her Halloween anthem "Calling All The Monsters" for Disney Channel's A.N.T. Farm?  The original music video featured China and her sisters going to a haunted house.

To celebrate this anniversary, China got her family together, including her sisters as the group Thriii and her brother who performs as Messenger, to create an all new, and much spookier, music video, with a few new lyrics.

This new song made its debut in the Disney Channel remake of Under Wraps last Friday and will arrive on DisneyPlus on October 8th.

Quote of the Week

Disney

You know what the issue is with this world? Everyone wants some magical solution to their problem, and everyone refuses to believe in magic.

- Jefferson (The Mad Hatter), Once Upon A Time

Photo of the Week

Is it Halloween yet? Who else is ready for Halloween? 

50+ Halloween Movies For A Little Spooky Fun

Universal

I adore Halloween movies! While the super scary or gory films are not my favorite, I love a good thrill and chill each Halloween. If you're looking for a Halloween movie to watch with the family, just check out the links below. You'll find the perfect films for any age group or spookiness level.

Halloween Movies for
Little Ones

Rolie Polie Olie: A Spookie Ookie Halloween

Pooh' s Heffalump Halloween Movie

My Friends Tigger Pooh: Hundred Acre Wood Haunt

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Treat 

Spookley the Square Pumpkin 

Charlie & Lola: What Can I Wear for Halloween?

Halloween Movies for Kids

Mickey's House of Villains

Casper and Casper Meets Wendy

Scary Godmother: A Halloween Spooktakular and The Revenge of Jimmy

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

The Haunted Pumpkin of Sleepy Hollow 

Under Wraps

The Halloween Tree

Scared Shrekless

Monsters vs Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space

Eloise's Rawther Unusual Halloween

Madeline's Halloween and Other Spooky Tales

Halloween Movies for Tweens

Twitches and Twitches Too

Nightmare Before Christmas

Corpse Bride 

The Halloweentown Series

When Good Ghouls Go Bad

Hocus Pocus 

Tower of Terror 

The Haunted Mansion 

The Little Vampire

Frankenweenie

Hotel Transylvania 

The Boy Who Cried Werewolf

Girl vs Monster

Mr. Boogedy and The Bride of Boogedy

Invisible Sister 

Halloween Movies for

Teens and Adults

Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters 2

The Good Witch Movie Series

Young Frankenstein

Beetlejuice

Blood and Chocolate

Covenant

Cursed

Practical Magic

The Craft

Sleepy Hollow 

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein 

Bram Stoker's Dracula

Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein 

Dracula

The Mummy

The Wolfman

The Creature from the Black Lagoon 

The Invisible Man

The Fly and The Return of the Fly