Star-Lord and Baby Groot on a Cosmic Sleigh Ride

Funko

The latest Funko POPVinyl Short features Star-Lord and Baby Groot trying to evade Taserface. That's one wild Cosmic Sleigh Ride! So cute.

Star Wars: Forces of Destiny Specials Coming in October

Disney

A new trailer has been released for two Star Wars: Forces of Destiny specials. The half hour shows will air on October 1 and 29 on the Disney Channel. Afterward, they will also be available on Disney's YouTube. The specials will be made up of the previously released shorts featuring Rey, Jyn Erso, Sabine, Leia, Ahsoka Tano, and Padme Amidala, as well as 8 new ones. The new shorts will include additional characters, such as Han Solo, Hera Syndulla, Finn, Maz Kanata, and more.

Disney originally launched Forces of Destiny to show the powerful female characters of the Star Wars universe. However, as Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said, they are, "for anyone who has been inspired by Leia's heroism, Rey's courage, or Ahsoka's tenacity." And the shorts all fit in with the existing Star Wars storylines. Story Group member Carrie Beck said, "One of the opportunities here was to tell the stories in between the larger moments and imagine some of the ways our characters have crossed. It's all part of the larger swath of storytelling."

Behind the Screams at Mickey's Boo-To-You Parade

Disney

One of my favorite parts of the Boo-To-you Parade at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is the Dead Waltzers. Modeled after the ballroom dancers in the Haunted Mansion, these spooks create quite a stir as they glide past. According to Choreographer Larry Kornfehl, becoming a Dead Waltzer is a highly coveted position that requires a lot of talent and a fair amount of imagination, too. Each couple must come up with a story for their characters, including how they met their tragic end.

After months of practice, the end result is amazing. Here's a video I took of the dancers earlier this month.

The ballroom dancers and the gravediggers from the Haunted Mansion are my favorite part of the Boo to You Parade. The parade was delayed several times last Friday, so I was glad I was able to see it. #Disney #DisneyWorld #MNSSHP #MNSSHP2017 #BooToYou #BallroomDancers #HauntedMansion #MickeysNotSoScaryHalloweenParty

A post shared by Amy (@disney.at.heart) on Sep 7, 2017 at 9:03am PDT

Once Upon A Time Portraits

Once Upon a Time returns to ABC soon, but with a major twist. At the end of last season, a grown-up Henry met his daughter, who was looking for his help to save their family. It appears that the former residents of Storybrooke have been placed under a whole new curse in a whole new town. Welcome to Hyperion Heights.

ABC

Young Henry is all grown up, but he seems to have forgotten all about his magical past.

ABC

Hook, minus Emma, is a police officer named Rogers in Hyperion Heights.

ABC

Lucy, following in her father's footsteps, has come to Hyperion Heights to prove to Henry that magic is real. And that he is, in fact, her father.

ABC

The Evil Queen has a new look and a new job: barkeeper at Roni's. And you guessed it, she's Roni.

ABC

Rumplestiltskin's new identity is a mystery, but he seems to have given up suits.

ABC

Cinderella, known as Jacinda in this world, is Lucy's mom, so we can expect to see Cinderella and Henry's romance this season.

ABC

Drizella, Cinderella's wicked step sister, goes by Ivy in Hyperion Heights.

ABC

The Princess and the Frog's Tiana, who goes by Sabine, will get her origin story this season.

ABC

Alice, or should I say Tilly, has left Wonderland behind for Hyperion Heights.

ABC

And finally, what would Once Upon a Time be without a villain. Lady Tremaine, Cinderella's evil stepmother, goes by Victoria Belfry now.

With all of the changes, I can't wait to see how it all turns out. Which character are you most looking forward to? Catch Once Upon a Time's season 7 premiere on Friday, October 6 on ABC.

Tsum Tsum Play Sets

These Tsum Tsum sets are so cute! First up is the Lilo and Stitch Ohana in Hawaii set. It includes Lilo's house, a hammock between two palm trees, scrimp in a wagon, Stitch in his car, Lilo, and a surf board with several accessories.

Next up, the Alice in Wonderland Down the Rabbit Hole set. This set includes Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Cheshire Cat, the tea party table complete with teacups, the White Rabbit's house, a tree with lanterns, and several tiny accessories. 

The final set is Aladdin's The Palace of Agrabah. The set includes Jasmine in the palace, Aladfin as Prince Ali on the magic carpet, the Genie in a Goofy hat, the lamp, the Cave of Wonders, and a trunk full of accessories. Which set is your favorite?

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Photos

Lucasfilm

Lucasfilm recently released several new photos from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which arrives in theaters on December 15. Above, Rey and Luke appear to be at a stalemate outside his home.

Lucasfilm

Finn appears to have recovered from his wounds and is working alongside a new character, Rose Tico, who is a Resistance mechanic.

Lucasfilm

X-wing pilot Poe Dameron is shown running through a Rebel base.

Lucasfilm

And on the Dark Side, otherwise known as the First Order, it appears that General Hux survived the destruction of Starkiller base.

Lucasfilm

And Captain Phasma must not have been thrown in the trash compactor by Finn and Han Solo after all.

Quote of the Week

When hinges creak 

in doorless chambers,

and strange and frightening

sounds echo through the halls.

Whenever candlelights flicker

where the air is deathly still.

That is the time 

when ghosts are present, 

practicing their terror 

with ghoulish delight!

- Ghost Host, The Haunted Mansion

Watch the Magic Kingdom Transform into a Halloween Town

Disney

This time lapse video shows how cast members at the Magic Kingdom transform the park into a Halloween town in one night. Amazing!

Happy Hobbit Day!

New Line Cinema

Every year, on September 22, fans around the world celebrate the shared birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. This year's celebration also marks the 80th anniversary of the Hobbit, which was first released on September 21, 1937.

There are many ways to celebrate. I've spent the week rewatching all of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films. I still love them and discover something new everytime I watch them.

Today, I think it may be a good day to eat at least one Hobbit-y meal, though probably not as many as Merry and Pippin would. Hobbits sure do like to eat: Breakfast, Second Breakfast, Elevenses, Luncheon, Afternoon Tea, Dinner, Supper. And its quite likely that the list goes on.

Perhaps I'll knit something from one of the many patterns the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings have inspired. I'm rather partial to the scarf with the wording from the One Ring in Elvish. How will you celebrate Hobbit Day?

Return to Sleepy Hollow Event at Disney World

Disney

If you've ever been to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, you know how amazing it is to see the Headless Horseman ride through the park before the parade. It's one of my favorite parts of the party. If you just can't get enough of that old spook, you're in luck. This year, Disney has created a special event that revolves around the ghostly figure on his nightmarish steed, "Return to Sleepy Hollow" at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.

Disney

Guests will view the classic 1949 animated film "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" inside the Tri-Circle-D Ranch stables. Afterward, get up close and have your photo taken with the Headless Horseman.

Disney

"Return to Sleepy Hollow" will take place on the following dates at 8 PM and 10 PM:

• September 29 - October 2
• October 5-9
• October 12-16
• October 19-23
• October 26-31

Disney

There are two different ticket options: general seating is $22 per person, and priority seating, which includes first dibs on the photo op as well as a Halloween treat bag, is $38 per person. Guests age 2 and under are free, but will need to sit in a parent's lap. To reserve this experience, call 407-WDW-TOUR. Space is limited and expected to sell out quickly.

Halloween Popcorn Buckets at the Disney Parks

Disney

Every year, the Disney Parks come out with the most amazing figural popcorn buckets, celebrating everything from Mickey, to Star Wars, to Marvel characters. But the ones I love the most appear at Halloween.

Last year, it was a vampire Mickey with glowing hands. The year before, Mickey was dressed as a Hitchhiking Ghost from the Haunted Mansion.

One year, the bucket looked like Zero's doghouse from Nightmare Before Christmas, and Zero's nose lit up. Another year, it was a coffin shaped box with Jack Skellington on the lid and a vampire teddy bear on the inside.

I love collecting these buckets and always look forward to the next design. This Halloween, there are two new designs to tempt you. The first is a Mickey Pumpkin bucket that lights up. It can be found throughout Disneyland and in all four parks at Disney World.

Disney

The second is Oogie Boogie, as seen at the top, and he glows in the dark. Both have a long carry strap and are actually refillable in Disney World for $1.50 each time for the length of your stay. Oogie Boogie can be found at California Adventure and near New Orleans Square in Disneyland and exclusively at the Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World.

Special Piratey MagicShot for International Talk Like a Pirate Day

Disney

Ahoy, matey! It be International Talk Like a Pirate Day, savvy? Have ye ever dreamed of holding the Black Pearl in the palm of yer hand? If ye be visiting the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World today, ye be in luck. Just keep a weather eye open for a PhotoPass Photographer across from the clock tower at Pirates of the Caribbean. There, ye'll have the chance to have yer photo taken with a wee bit o' added magic.

Disney

Can't set sail to the parks this day? Not to worry. If ye possess a linked Magicband while ye ride Pirates of the Caribbean, a PhotoPass camera will capture an image of yer crew's voyage anytime.

Photo of the Week

I love watching the Happy Hallowishes Fireworks at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, even when they're unexpectedly late due to rain.

Quote of the Week

Disney

Here is the world of imagination, hopes, and dreams. In this timeless land of enchantment, the age of chivalry, magic, and make-believe are reborn—and fairy tales come true. Fantasyland is dedicated to the young and the young-in-heart—to those who believe that when you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.

- Walt Disney,
Fantasyland dedication

DuckTales As Told By Emoji

Disney

The DuckTales theme song is pretty cool "As Told By Emoji". The new DuckTales series will debut on Saturday, September 23 on DisneyXD. And just in case you missed it, Disney is replaying the movie that starts the series every day this week on both the Disney Channel and DisneyXD.

Haul-O-Ween in Cars Land

Disney

Halloween decorations have invaded Disneyland again, but for the first time, the residents of Radiator Springs are getting in on the fun. This year, Cars Land is celebrating Haul-o-ween by transforming their town into Radiator Screams with decorations, costumes, and spooky treats.

Disney

Fillmore will be showing off his Jack-Oil-Lanterns and ghostly folk art around his Taste In. That's also where you can find Vampire Mater Bread. Miss Lizzy's shop has gone witchy with gas pump spooks, tarot cars, and boo-venirs. In front of Ramon's House of Body Art, there's a fantastic sugar skull car.

Disney

Flo's V8 Cafe will feature a Spider-Car spinning her web as well as several unique treats. How about a Car-achnid Pot Pie: a chicken pot pie with dried cranberries and butter-crust spider. Or maybe you'd like something a little sweeter, like a Grape Ghoul-ant Shake or a Mini Candy Cone Pie: a cream pie with vanilla, butterscotch, and white chocolate pudding.

Disney

The Cozy Cone Motel has several tasty treats. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Slow Burnin' Mac & Cheese Cone: macaroni with spicy red pepper cheese sauce, topped with crushed chile-cheese puffs, all in a Black Cauldron Cone. If you'd prefer something sweet, how about a Spoke-y Cone Macaron filled with marshmallow buttercream and candy corn. There's also Junkyard JamBOOree Mix: your choice of flavored popcorn with added "nuts and bolts", such as green M&Ms, candy corn, chocolate pretzels, or Boston baked beans.

Disney

Two rides will also be getting a Haul-o-week makeover. Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters will become Luigi's Honkin' Haul-O-Ween. Join the festa at this dance celebration where Luigi and Guido entertain the cugini (cousins). Hear Halloween twists on traditional Italian songs like the "Terror-anrella" and "The Chop Top of Carsoli", and many more.

Disney

For even more fun, visit Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, which has transformed into Master's Graveyard JamBOOree. Take a whirl around the graveyard in a tractor-trailer at this haunted hootenanny while Mater sings creepy country tunes like "Welcome to Radiator Screams" and "Monster Truck Smash". It's a JamBOOree made for vanpires and wheelwolves alike.

Disney

Finally, cruise on over to Route 66 for a chance to take a photo with Lightning McQueen and Mater in their kooky costumes. And be sure to lookout for Cruz Ramirez and the rest of the Radiator Screams crew in costume, too. Try to guess who's who among the super hero, clown, vampire, pirate, and punk rocker disguises. It's going to be a Haul-O-Ween to remember.

Coco Poster and Trailer 2

Disney/Pixar

The latest poster for Coco is gorgeous. Divided into the land of the living on one side and the land of the dead on the other, with Ernesto de la Cruz's guitar both dividing and uniting them, the colors and images are quite stunning.

The latest trailer for Coco shows a little more of the story. Young Miguel loves music, but his family considers it a curse. They believe that music caused his great-grandfather to leave, never to be seen again. Miguel unexpectedly journeys to the Land of the Dead, with his dog Dante, to prove to his family that music is not a curse, but something to celebrate. Coco arrives in theaters on November 22.

The Perfect Medal for a Star Wars Fan

While browsing through the Star Wars Galactic Outpost in Disney Springs, I came across the perfect over-the-top gift for the Star Wars Fan. They have replica medals from Yavin IV. These are the same style of medals that Princess Leia presented to Luke Skywalker and Han Solo at the end of the first film, A New Hope. While I don't know what you'd do with such an item, it would make an awesome conversation piece. And all for the low price of $60. I know it's a bit much, but it could be fun.

Olaf's Frozen Adventure Songs Preview

Courtesy of Disney

The songs from Olaf's Frozen Adventure celebrate being together as a family during the holidays. The stars, who are returning to voice their characters in the new short, shared snippets of three of the songs, which can be heard below.

"When We're Together" was shared by Idina Mendel, the voice of Elsa.

So excited to share a snippet of my new song, “That Time of Year,” from #OlafsFrozenAdventure! In theatres 11/22 with #PixarCoco, Soundtrack 11/3!

A post shared by Josh Gad (@joshgad) on Sep 8, 2017 at 10:24am PDT

Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, shared his new song "That Time of Year."

Just a little tasty frozen treat to carry you into the weekend! Excited to share a sneak peak of "Ring In The Season" from #olafsfrozenadventure! In theaters 11/22 with #PixarCoco and the soundtrack is out 11/3!

A post shared by kristen bell (@kristenanniebell) on Sep 8, 2017 at 10:59am PDT

And finally, Kristen Bell, the voice of Anna, shared "Ring In The Season", the opening song for the animated short. Olaf's Frozen Adventure arrives in theaters with Coco on November 22.

Haunted Mansion Inspired Diningroom Decor

While wandering through Disney Springs last week, I discovered the most amazing new Haunted Mansion inspired home decor. While the price for pretty much any of it is way out of my budget (I can't imagine spending $4000 for a chair), I love the way it looks.

There are two different chair styles: one with arms for the Ghost Host.

And a side chair for the other ghostly guests. The chairs may be ridiculously pricey at $4000 and $2000 each, but I love the shape and the wallpaper inspired fabric.

The placesettings are simply gorgeous and subtly spooky. The bowls have a Haunted Mansion crest in the center of each, while the plates have a metallic border of flourishes and bats.

There are even two different colors of placemats. One has the wallpaper design in purple to match the chairs and the other is done in a yellow-green stripe. Gargoyle candlestick holders, patterned after the sconces in the Mansion, really elevate the look.

Finally, there are at least two styles of napkins, each featuring a black and white rendition of one of the stretching portraits from the Mansion. The first shows the totem pole of men being swallowed by quicksand.

The second is the half-dressed man standing on a keg of dynamite. The entire collection can be purchased at the Co-op Marketplace in Disney Springs, but the chairs must be special ordered. Would you deck out your diningroom in Haunted Mansion style?