This Is The Way

All images: Lucasfilm

The first trailer and poster for Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu have arrived and they look fantastic! I love the dynamic these two characters have together, so I can't wait to see where they end up on their next grand adventure. And it looks like Zeb from Star Wars: Rebels is back, too.

Here's the official synopsis from Lucasfilm: 

The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu (as himself). 

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives in theaters on May 22, 2026.

Happy Hobbit Day!

New Line Cinema

September 22nd is the birthday of both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. As such, it is celebrated each year as Hobbit Day. That must mean today would be a good day for a party. After all, as Thorin said to Bilbo near the end of The Hobbit, "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."

The Hobbit Quote

New Line Cinema

"No dragon can resist the fascination of riddling talk and of wasting time trying to understand it."

- J.R.R. Tolkien,

The Hobbit,

or There and Back Again

Going Our Way?

It was so fun to see the Hitchhiking Ghosts from the Haunted Mansion at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party last year.

Avatar: The Way Of Water Re-Release

20th Century Studios

In just 2 weeks, Avatar: The Way Of Water is returning to theaters exclusively in 3D. This chance to see Pandora again is only available for one week. Tickets are on sale now.

Here's the official synopsis:

"Avatar: The Way of Water" reaches new heights and explores undiscovered depths as James Cameron returns to the world of Pandora in this emotionally packed action-adventure. Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” launches the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. All of this against the backdrop of the breathtaking seascapes of Pandora, where audiences are introduced to new Na’vi cultures and a range of exotic sea creatures.

Produced by Cameron and his longtime partner Jon Landau, the film stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis, and Kate Winslet. Joining the illustrious adult cast are talented newcomers Britain Dalton, Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Bailey Bass and Jack Champion.

Avatar: The Way Of Water returns to theaters on October 3rd.

Amaury Guichon's Beauty and the Beast

Amaury Guichon

Amaury Guichon's latest Disney chocolate sculpture was inspired by Beauty and the Beast, which has always been my favorite fairytale. He created both an incredible chocolate enchanted rose under a sugar dome and a very lifelike Lumiere.

Gorgeous, right? I can't wait to see what design he creates next.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps on Digital and Blu-ray

All images: Marvel

Its nearly time to enjoy The Fantastic 4: First Steps at home. This retro inspired Marvel movie is headed to Digital on September 23rd and Blu-ray on October 14th.

There are a few different collectible Blu-ray editions, but all of them will include the following Bonus Features:

Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn’t make the final cut.

• Thanksgiving Soup Kitchen
• Fantastic Four Day
• Subterranea
• Birthday Sweater
• Taking Turns

Gag Reel – Enjoy fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Featurettes:

• Meet The First Family – The creation of the Fantastic Four saved Marvel Comics in 1961 and has only flourished as years have passed. Matt Shakman and the cast explain how they found themselves gravitating toward each role and creating the ultimate family unit.
• Fantastic Futurism – The filmmakers discuss the process of immersing the cast and crew in the film’s retro-futuristic aesthetic. Join Matt Shakman and crew as they discuss the experience of shooting in gigantic mid-century New York sets and stepping into an otherworldly era.
• From Beyond and Below – The team explores bringing complex characters from the page to the screen, including a larger-than-life Galactus, grounded Harvey Elder/Mole Man, and an emotionally rich Silver Surfer.
• Audio Commentary – Watch the film with audio commentary by director Matt Shakman and production designer Kasra Farahani.

For those who prefer SteelBook, Amazon offers an exclusive bundle featuring a limited-edition SteelBook with a custom magnet-front variant cover, five collector cards, and a special The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1 comic.

The Walmart exclusive Blu-ray package features a striking slipcover and a pop-up that springs to life with the team soaring into action in the iconic Fantasticar.

Elio on DisneyPlus

All images: Pixar

After arriving on Digital last month and Blu-ray last week, Pixar's Elio is making its way to DisneyPlus. I've really been looking forward to seeing this movie. Young Elio looks so sweet, and he goes on quite the adventure.

Here's the official synopsis from Pixar:

The cosmic misadventure introduces Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination and a huge alien obsession. So, when he’s beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide, Elio’s all in for the epic undertaking. Mistakenly identified as Earth’s leader, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions, and somehow discover who and where he is truly meant to be.

“Elio” features the voices of Yonas Kibreab as Elio, Zoe Saldaña as Aunt Olga, Remy Edgerly as Glordon, Brad Garrett as Lord Grigon, Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa and Shirley Henderson as OOOOO.

Elio arrives on DisneyPlus tomorrow, September 17th.

It All Started With A Bite...

All images: Disney

Marvel Zombies is such an interesting departure from previous Marvel animated series. For one thing, it's the first with a TV-MA rating, and for another, it looks seriously dark. The four part series takes the "What If... Zombies?" episode in a much bloodier direction.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

After the Avengers are overtaken by a zombie plague, a desperate group of survivors discover the key to bringing an end to the super-powered undead, racing across a dystopian landscape and risking life and limb to save their world. 

"Marvel Zombies" features the voices of Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Tessa Thompson, Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Hailee Steinfeld, Wyatt Russell, Randall Park, Iman Vellani, and Dominique Thorne, among others.

Marvel Zombies arrives on DisneyPlus on September 24th.

Wednesday Quote

"My grandmother once told me

secrets are like zombies.

They never truly die."

- Wednesday Addams,

Wednesday Season 1

Kiss Me, Kate

I've always loved live theatre, especially musicals. There's something magical about it. We saw "Kiss Me, Kate" at the Town Theatre in Columbia, SC last night and it was a lot of fun. The theatre is quite small, but charming, and the performance was delightful. I look forward to seeing their next show.

TRON: Ares - Flynn Lives

All images: Disney

The latest TRON: Ares trailer begins with Kevin Flynn's journey from the first TRON, through TRON: Legacy, until his latest, somewhat unexpected, appearance in TRON: Ares.

Six new character posters have been released.

Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn

Jared Leto as Ares

Greta Lee as Eve Kim 

Evan Peters as Julian Dillinger 

Jodie Turner-Smith as Athena

Jillian Anderson as Elisabeth Dillinger

TRON: Ares arrives in theaters on October 10th.

Halloween Treats At Downtown Disney & Disneyland Hotels

All images: Disney

As if the multitude of Halloween treats in the parks weren't enough, there's quite the selection of spooky delights at Downtown Disney and the Disneyland Hotels, too. 

Downtown Disney

Ballast Point Brewing Co.

• Ballast Point Skullcuterie Board: Features a three-cheese skull fondue made with whipped chèvre, blue cheese, brie, chef’s choice of cured meats, dragon fruit–berry compote, chimichurri, dried fruits, caperberries, pistachios, and finished with roasted bone marrow and charred baguette 🎃  

Beignets Expressed

• Caramel Apple Beignet: Candied apple icing, caramel drizzle, and spooky sprinkles 🎃  

California Churro

• Spooky Churro: Cut in half churro rolled in cinnamon sugar, drizzled with peanut butter and chocolate sauce, and topped with peanut butter candy pieces 

Céntrico

• Pumpkin Flan: A rich and creamy twist on the classic Latin dessert, blending the smooth texture of traditional flan with the cozy, spiced flavors of pumpkin pie 
• La Calavera Roja: Reposado tequila, pomegranate juice, blood orange syrup, lime juice, agave, and cinnamon 

Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio

• Sweet Potato Bisque: Topped with maple bacon, squaw bread croutons, and marshmallow “cobweb” drizzle 🎃 

• Pumpkin Spice Margarita: Reposado tequila, orange liqueur, lime, and pumpkin spice syrup 🎃  

Naples Ristorante e Bar 

• Pumpkin Blooderscotch Cannolis: Filled with pumpkin and butterscotch chip cream, whipped cream, red caramel drizzle, and a sugar knife

Paseo

• Pumpkin Dulce: Spiced sponge cake, maple syrup ganache, walnut crumble, pumpkin mousse, gruyère, and rosemary ice cream 
• Miel de los Muertos: Blanco tequila, orange juice, lemon juice, pumpkin purée, honey cinnamon syrup, and foam 

Splitsville Luxury Lanes

• Midnight Roll: Creamy avocado, salmon, and cream cheese wrapped in black rice, topped with masago, pickled onion, micro cilantro, and a smoky chipotle mayo drizzle 🎃  

• Mister Boogie: Reposado Tequila, melon liquor, lime juice, agave nectar, and a splash of soda water with a purple sugar rim and topped with two sour gummy worms  

Tiendita

• Boo-ñuelo: Spiced chocolate, cinnamon sugar, and seasonal corn 

Parkside Market: GG’s Chicken Shop

• Graveyard Pudding: Chocolate pudding, chocolate cookie crumble, sprinkles, and gummy worms 🎃  

Parkside Market: Seoul Sister

• Dragon’s Breath Bokkeum: Spicy pork belly and kimchi stir-fry over rice 🎃 

Parkside Market: Sip & Sonder

• Maple Pecan Praline Cinnamon Roll 🎃 

• Sweet Potato Marshmallow Roll 🎃 
• Poison Apple Spiced Toffee Crunch Cider 🎃🧋
• Spiced Pumpkin Latte 🎃🧋
• Spiced Toasted Marshmallow Mocha 🎃🧋 

Parkside Market: Vista Parkside Market

• Sleepy Hollow: Dark rum, almond liqueur, chai simple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla syrup, and bitters, served in the Tree Tiki Glass (available for purchase) 
• Starry Night: Small batch bourbon, earl grey, bitters, and orange bitters 
• The Raven: Vodka, coffee liqueur, and Sip & Sonder espresso 

Wetzel’s Pretzels 

• Graveyard Bitz: Original Bitz drizzled in a gooey layer of crème and topped with crunchy cookie pieces 🎃 

Disneyland Hotel 

Broken Spell Lounge

• Green-eyed Sceptre: Pernod Absinthe, Avissi Prosecco, St. George Spiced Pear, cinnamon syrup, lime juice, and blackberry 🎃 
• Pork Belly Whisky Flip: Pork belly–infused Pendleton Whisky Midnight, Grand Marnier, maple syrup, whole egg, and pork belly garnish 🎃 
• Squid Ink Martini: Golden Eagle Vodka, Dolin Blanc Vermouth de Chambéry, squid ink, lemon bitters, and fennel sprig 🎃 

Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween

Join Goofy and friends for a wickedly delicious all-you-can-eat Halloween meal packed with eerie eats and festive frights for you and your favorite ghouls. Menu highlights include: 

• Chai Ginger Latte: Espresso, milk, chai syrup, white chocolate sauce, and gingerbread whipped cream 🧋 (Available hot or iced) 
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Espresso, pumpkin spice syrup, and milk 🧋 (Available hot or iced) 

Palm Breeze Bar

• The Dark Heart: Hennessy VS, Plymouth Gin, crème de cacao, chocolate bitters, and lemon bitters 🎃 
• Tres Brujas: Casamigos Reposado, espresso, Licor 43, Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, orgeat, and Fee Brothers Fee Foam 🎃 

The Coffee House

• Mickey Bat Cookie: Shortbread bat cookie dipped in dark chocolate with a vampire Mickey face
• Chai Ginger Latte: Espresso, milk, chai syrup, white chocolate sauce, and gingerbread whipped cream 🧋 (Available hot or iced) 
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Espresso, pumpkin spice syrup, and milk 🎃 (Available hot or iced) 

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

• Cursed Caffeine: Herradura Reposado Tequila, Amaro Montenegro, Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, agave syrup, and chocolate bitters 🎃 
• Dark Prince of D’Nite: Zacapa rum, El Dorado 8 Rum, sweet vermouth, Amaro Montenegro, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, and bitters 🎃 
• Deep Ocean Waters: Buffalo Trace Bourbon, blue curaçao, Campari, grapefruit sherbet syrup, lemon juice, and bitters 🎃  

Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

GCH Craftsman Grill

• Cappuccino Muffin 🎃
• Minnie Halloween Cupcake 🎃

• Pumpkin Pepita Muffin 🎃
• Filled Long John Donut 
• Vampire Mickey Cake Donut

Grand Californian Great Hall Cart

• Buttery Pumpkin Bread: Pumpkin bread with sprinkles and pumpkin spiced icing 
• Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie: Gooey filled cookie topped with gummy worms 

• Halloween Gingerbread Skeleton Cookie: Decorated gingerbread cookie 
• Halloween Berry Jam Linzer Cookie: Decorated sugar cookie

Clarabelle’s Enchanted Halloween Dinner at Storytellers Cafe 🎃

Delight in a night full of tricks and plenty of treats as you dine with Clarabelle Cow and her woodland pals, all decked out in their Halloween best. All are encouraged to join the fun by dressing up as their favorite forest friend for this enchanting feast.

Mickey’s Autumn Adventures at Storytellers Cafe

Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their pals dressed in their festive fall best for a charming breakfast or brunch sprinkled with an autumn touch.

Pixar Place Hotel 

The Sketch Pad Café

• Limited-Edition Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie: Topped with salted caramel, chocolate sauce, and berry jam 
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Overnight Oats: Layered with pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate cookie crumbles, granola, cranberries, and gummy worms 

• Salted Caramel Whoopie Pie: Dark chocolate and salted caramel buttercream 
• Matcha Horchata: Made with rice, condensed milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and topped with matcha tea

• Paradise Tea Lemonade: House-made lemonade, lavender syrup, and hibiscus cooler tea 
• Pumpkin Cold Brew: Joffrey’s cold brew, caramel syrup, pumpkin purée, and pumpkin spice 

🎃 - New