Disney News

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  • New Summer Must-Haves Coming to Disney Parks

    New Summer Must-Haves Coming to Disney Parks

    With the official start of summer just around the corner, Disney is giving us an early look at some perfect merchandise picks for the season.

    Whether you’re in the summer rain or just need some shade from the sun, our new umbrellas are essentials for any day at the parks. The umbrellas are inspired by your favorite treats, attractions and characters at Disney Parks.

    And for the hot summer days, don’t forget to stay cool with our new pocket fans – all inspired by tasty treats at Disney Parks.

    The featured summer items and more can be found in the World of Disney at Disney Springs, Once Upon A Time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Future World kiosk and Mouse Gear at Epcot and the Emporium at Magic Kingdom Park.

    At Disneyland, you can find today’s gear at Clothiers at Disneyland park, Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park and World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District.

  • “Tale of the Lion King” Debuts at Disney California Adventure Park

    “Tale of the Lion King” Debuts at Disney California Adventure Park

    With “The Lion King” set to hit theaters in just over a month, Disney is finding new ways to reenergize the franchise in it’s Parks and now an all-new, original outdoor musical theater production, “Tale of the Lion King,” has debuted at Disney California Adventure Park.

    This new stage show celebrates the characters and music of Disney’s “The Lion King” in an imaginative and unique way. The lead narrator, Mwongozo –Swahili for “guide”— leads a troupe of 18 performers called the Storytellers of the Pride Lands in this adaptation, which is presented in a contemporary story-theater style that retells the tale through language, song and dance.

    “The approach that we’ve taken with ‘Tale of the Lion King’ is that this is a story that was passed on from generation to generation, and now it’s come here to Disney California Adventure park,” said Susana Tubert, Creative Director, Disney Parks Live Entertainment. “The Storytellers of the Pride Lands have come to share this ancestral story of how a cub became a king.”

    Guests will dance and sing along to new musical arrangements of their favorite songs, including “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Hakuna Matata,” among others. The live drumming and singing, along with the set and costumes all celebrate the cultural roots of this beloved Disney story.

    For a limited-time, “Tale of the Lion King” will be performed several times daily at the Palisades Stage in Disney California Adventure.

  • Blue Milk Now at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland is Strong With the Force

    Blue Milk Now at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland is Strong With the Force

    This is the drink you’re for! Blue Milk — one of the many spacebound delights now available in the newly opened Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland — is out of this galaxy.

    Ever since Luke Skywalker sat down for a family meal in Star Wars: A New Hope, Star Wars fans have had this burning question: What does Blue Milk taste like? Now at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you finally have your answer.

    The Milk Stand in the Black Spire Outpost marketplace offers both Blue and Green Milk, delicious frozen blends with dashes of fruity accents. Galaxy’s Edge visitors will be able to purchase Blue Milk for $7.99

    Black Spire Outpost in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is home to a bustling marketplace, full of vendors showcasing wares from across the galaxy. The marketplace’s twisting pathway is just waiting to be explored, with something new to see seemingly around every turn.

    You can quench your thirst with a cup of Batuu’s legendary blue or green treat, served frozen—now at Disneyland or at Disney World when it opens August 29, 2019.

  • Merchandise Extends Storytelling in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

    Merchandise Extends Storytelling in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

    Merchandise available in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge plays a vital role in the overall storytelling within the land. The Disney Parks product development team was integrated with the overall project team throughout the creation of the land to ensure the retail program delivers an immersive, authentic and connected Star Wars experience.

    Unique merchandise expands the fun of playing in this land, allowing guests to live their own Star Wars adventures through new story-driven retail experiences, role-play products and environments. Retail comes to life for guests as they construct a lightsaber or build a droid in authentic environments. The products deliver a level of authenticity, realism and storytelling that can only be achieved at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

    Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens May 31, 2019, at Disneyland Park in California and Aug. 29, 2019, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.* Merchandise available in this groundbreaking new land includes:

    Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers

    • Guests can customize their own legendary lightsabers as they choose their paths in this immersive retail experience.
    • A group known as the Gatherers ushers guests into a covert workshop packed with unusual parts and whimsical pieces collected from the far reaches of the galaxy. Under the Gatherers’ guidance, guests construct one-of-a-kind lightsabers and bring them to life through the power of kyber crystals.
    • Guests select from the following lightsaber themes:
      • Peace and Justice – Utilize salvaged scraps of fallen Jedi temples and crashed starships in Republic-era lightsaber designs that honor the galaxy’s former guardians.
      • Power and Control – Originally forged by warriors from the dark side, objects used in this lightsaber style are rumored remnants from the Sith home world and abandoned temples.
      • Elemental Nature – Craft a lightsaber from special components born from the Force, such as Brylark trees, Cartusion whale bones or Rancor teeth.
      • Protection and Defense – Incorporate hilt materials bearing mysterious motifs and inscriptions that reconnect a lightsaber’s wielder with the ancient wellspring of the Force.

    Droid Depot**

    • Building their very own droid is a guest experience offered at the Droid Depot. For this custom astromech adventure, guests enter a workshop stocked with stacks of parts, chips and manuals to construct their own droid, one of the galaxy’s most indispensable sidekicks.
    • In this immersive retail experience, guests construct either the BB-series or R-series astromech.
    • Droid parts come and go on conveyor belts as guests make choices to construct their own units.
    • Once built, guests place their droids in an activation station to bring them to life, allowing the droids to be operated via remote control.***
    • Droids can be further customized with personality-affiliation chips, color panels and other accessories.
    • Once activated, droids may interact with other astromech droids and with certain other Bluetooth-enabled elements and devices throughout Black Spire Outpost.***
    • In addition, Droid Depot offers prebuilt droids, housewares and apparel, all inspired by the design, engineering and building of droids:
      • Premium Droid Action Figures – Featuring R2-D2, BB-8, DJ R-3X and C-3PO, these hero-scale droids are loaded with interactive functionality. DJ R-3X is both a fully functional remote-control droid and Bluetooth-enabled speaker, with classic DJ sound effects.
      • Color Changing Droids Figure Packs and Play Set – Built to classic 3 ¾ scale, these droids are ready for an undercover mission in Black Spire Outpost.
      • Droid Light-Up R2-D2 or BB-8 Headbands – No droid part goes unused, as these motion-activated dome headbands inspired by favorite Star Warscharacters respond with lights and sound.
      • Droid Depot Work Shirts and Apparel – Available for droid fans of all ages.

    Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities

    • Guests will shop for mysterious and unique galactic artifacts collected by Dok-Ondar, a legendary antiquities dealer who is as mysterious as many of the objects he collects. The Ithorian’s den is packed with racks and crates of items with their own stories to tell:
      • Legacy Lightsabers – This elegant weapon from a more civilized age is most commonly associated with the Jedi and Sith. Dok-Ondar has collected replicas of some of the most famous – or infamous – warriors in the galaxy’s history, including Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul.
      • Lightsaber Accessories – Lightsaber clips, carrier bags and display stands are used to carry or display a lightsaber when not in use.
      • Kyber Crystals – At the heart of every lightsaber is a kyber crystal. This crystal is attuned to the Force. Colors include blue, green, purple, red, yellow and white.
      • Holocrons – The Jedi and Sith have curated enormous amounts of information about the galaxy and the Force. Holocrons store this valuable data, which when paired with kyber crystals can be unlocked and accessed by the owner of these rare artifacts.

    Creature Stall

    • At this exotic market stall, guests will discover creatures and critters from across the galaxy. While Bina, the stall’s proprietor, is out traversing for more exotic creatures to bring into her stall, her assistants keep this storefront stocked with unique companions for her customers, who may want to take one home, including:
      • Kowakian Monkey-Lizard – This cackling, rambunctious creature comes in multiple colors and can sit on the shoulder.
      • Porg – This small, flat-muzzled, naturally inquisitive avian creature hails from the cliffs of secluded Ahch-To. Watch as it chirps and flaps its wings.
      • Loth-cat – A member of the tooka family and native to Lothal, this feline is a small, temperamental creature. While at times friendly, it is still a capable hunter with sharp teeth.

    Black Spire Outfitters

    • At this colorful apparel shop, guests can find outfits for a galactic adventure, selecting from stylish, functional clothing suitable for many occasions and worlds:
      • Robes – Inspired by those worn by Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, these are available in both brown and black, and are sized for all.
      • Tunics – Often worn under robes, these are available in both neutral and black, and are sized for all.
      • Belts – Available in a variety of styles and colors and sized from youth through adult, these are the perfect accessories for wearing a lightsaber hilt.

    Toydarian Toymaker

    • No traveler to Black Spire Outpost will want to return home empty-handed. In this whimsical shop, guests may browse for handcrafted toys and collectibles from the busy toymaker, Zabaka the Toydarian:
      • Artisan Plush Characters – Famous icons of the galaxy are brought to life through stylized plush, including Yoda, Chewbacca, Ewoks and many more.
      • Games – With fun for all ages, shoppers can choose from Cards of Sabacc, Dejarik, Chance Cubes and more.
      • Vehicles – Famous vessels of the galaxy are crafted in materials such as wood and metal.

    Jewels of Bith

    • A must-stop destination for local goods and tiny treasures, this shop offers a wide variety of souvenirs and gifts for tourists wishing to commemorate a visit to Batuu:
      • Batuuan Cooling Fan – Stay cool on hot days with this hand-held fan inspired by the moisture vaporators of Tatooine.
      • Gifts of Batuu and Black Spire Outpost – Apparel and drinkware featuring the sights and graphics of this remote planet and its most heavily populated village.

    First Order Cargo

    • The First Order recently arrived in Black Spire Outpost and established a post to win the hearts and minds of locals and tourists alike. Guests can show their support by purchasing clothing, gear and other accessories:
      • Accessories – First Order-branded caps, pins, patches and other gear.
      • Toys and Vehicles – Models and metal replicas of the First Order.

    Resistance Supply

    • Members of the Resistance set up a secret makeshift post where guests can join the cause to defeat the First Order by stocking up on essential gear and supplies to prepare for their next mission:
      • Accessories – Resistance-branded caps, pins, patches and other gear.
      • Toys and Vehicles – Models and metal replicas of the Resistance fleet.
      • Resistance MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) – On-the-go snacks for Resistance fighters.
  • Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Guide to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

    Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Guide to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

    Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is an anchor attraction inside the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, opening May 31, 2019, at Disneyland Park in California and Aug. 29, 2019, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.

    The attraction combines immersive storytelling with interactive gameplay to make guests the protagonists of their own Star Wars adventures in a way never before undertaken by Disney Parks.

    Lovingly described at various times as a “piece of junk” or “bucket of bolts,” the Millennium Falcon is the most famous of all Star Wars starships. On Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, guests 38 inches or taller climb aboard the Falcon in all her ramshackle glory and settle into the cockpit to operate “the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.” They could just discover the ship has a few surprises left in her, because the Millennium Falcon may not look like much, but she’s got it where it counts.

    Following the events of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” Chewbacca brought the Falcon to Black Spire Outpost for repairs at this spaceport on the edge of the galaxy. In exchange for some much-needed replacement parts, Chewie is loaning the Falconto Hondo Ohnaka, a smuggler who is now making good use of the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs. It is at this point guests enter the story of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

    Who Is Hondo Ohnaka and What Does He Want?

    • A fan-favorite miscreant from the “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “Star Wars Rebels” animated television series, Hondo is a Weequay pirate always looking for the next big score.
    • Hondo is running a “legitimate business” out of the spaceport, called Ohnaka Transport Solutions. When guests meet Hondo in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, he tells them he has more cargo than he can handle and needs extra flight crews to make some runs for him – especially crews that won’t ask too many questions about the cargo or how Hondo acquired it!

    Step Aboard the Falcon

    • When guests accept Hondo’s offer, they enter the Falcon via an access hatch on the ship’s starboard airlock. Once aboard, they spend some time in the ship’s main hold and lounge, where they can sit at the famous Dejarik (chess) table or poke around at other equipment in the room.

    Three Roles to Play – One Goal

    • When it’s time for the mission to begin, guests strap themselves into the Falcon cockpit in groups of six. Each person is assigned one of three critical roles to complete their mission, and guests know it’s their turn to act when buttons light up in the cockpit:
      • Pilots (2) – Work together to steer the ship – the left pilot controls horizontal motion, the right pilot controls vertical motion – avoiding obstacles that could cause damage
      • Gunners (2) – Use blasters and missiles to defend the Falcon and its precious cargo (switching to manual targeting creates an even greater challenge!)
      • Flight Engineers (2) – Keep the Falcon from falling apart on its mission by managing the ship’s systems, repairing any damage the ship encounters and take control of the “special modifications” Hondo installed for these unusual missions

    Interactive Gameplay

    • Industrial Light & Magic (the visual effects division of Lucasfilm) collaborated with Walt Disney Imagineering to create the gaming platform and interactive media for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
    • Guests begin their adventure by powering up the Falcon and making the jump to lightspeed. From there, Hondo Ohnaka (with occasional input from Chewbacca) helps guide guests along their mission.
    • If the Falcon sustains damage – such as smashing into obstacles or taking enemy fire – and is not properly repaired, the ship’s handling is affected.
    • At the end of the mission, Hondo informs guests how well they accomplished their objectives.

    Authenticity in the Details

    • Walt Disney Imagineers worked with Lucasfilm to ensure authenticity in every detail of the Millennium Falcon – down to the hoses, pipes, switches and even the stickers on the exterior hull. Imagineers visited Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom to study Falcon film sets and pored over archival Lucasfilm photographs of the ship.
    • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run marks the first time Hondo Ohnaka has been seen in any form other than an animated on-screen character. Walt Disney Imagineering consulted Hondo’s creator, Dave Filoni, in designing the smuggler’s physical look, ensuring the essence of his character was authentically captured in his Audio-Animatronics figure inside the attraction.
    • Over time, the Millennium Falcon has undergone many modifications. For this mission, Hondo altered the control sticks for the pilot and co-pilot and supplemented the Falcon’s arsenal with a harpoon, among other tweaks.
    • If guests’ mission aboard the Falcon doesn’t go quite as well as planned, the ship’s hallways will show damage as they leave the attraction.
  • First Look: Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Preview

    First Look: Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Preview

    Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is opening May 31st in Disneyland and August 29th in Disney World.

    We were lucky enough to be invited to a special preview and I have to say my mind is blown! Black Spire is everything I hoped for, and more.

    This new 14 acre addition to Disneyland is more than you could ever imagine. They have really outdone themselves in making each sure each guest feels completely immersed and has a personal and unique experience. From the rides, to the food, to the merchandise, everything is tailored to the land.

    The cast are also a big part of Black Spire. Each cast member is allowed to pick and personalize their uniform each day. They are encouraged to build a character, or persona, and they stay in character as you talk to them.

    In Oga’s Cantina there are space creatures in containers that move and interact when a certain drink is poured. When the hyperdrive breaks down you get to watch the cast members “fix” it. There were alcoholic and non-alcoholic libations for you to enjoy. Two of the drinks even come in souvenir ceramic Tiki mugs.

    You won’t any Star Wars branded merchandise here either. To continue the feeling of actually visiting a planet where people live and work, the merchandise doesn’t need to have the Star Wars name on it. Just like Rey and Finn live in the Star Wars universe, you’ll feel like a visitor to a far-flung outpost.

    Another way Disney pulls you into the world of Black Spire is expanding their Play Parks App. When you enter Black Spire and sign in you’ll be able to scan containers to see what’s inside them, hack into droids, and intercept transmissions from antennas. Doing all this will gain you credits and advance your character. You can play alone, or with a group.

    On Melliniun Falcon: Smugglers run you get to ride the iconic ship as you join Chewie and Hondo Ohnaka on a mission to ‘procure’ some precious cargo? You get to talk a stroll thru the cockpit after you’re randomly assigned a Pilot, Gunner, or Mechanic position. The right side pilot controls up and down movement, and the left side pilot controls left and right. Gunners protect the ship, and engineers repair damage. When you come back Rondo will critique your performance. Be careful, because you might end up owing him if you don’t bring back enough cargo or damage the Millennium Falcon.

    The cast members on this ride are fellow crew members, and they joke around with you and can be very funny and sarcastic. This is one ride you will want to do over and over, trying for a better score.

    There’s also plenty of amazing Star Wars gifts to take home. You can build your droid at The Droid Depot where there are almost 280,000 possible combinations. You can also build your Lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop, with over 120,000 possible combinations. These 2 experiences may require a reservation depending on demand. With 9 retail locations and nearly 700 unique items, there is something for everyone.

    Every detail of this new land is meant to transport you to a Galaxy Far, Far Away.

    Stay tuned for more articles where we’ll delve deeper into each aspect of this amazing land.

  • New Rainbow Minnie Ears Now at Disney Parks and shopDisney

    New Rainbow Minnie Ears Now at Disney Parks and shopDisney

    Disney Parks has just released these new Rainbow Minnie ears and they are really adding some color to the parks! Now Disney fans can show off their pride and their love of Minnie Mouse with ears from the Rainbow Disney Collection.

    Somewhere under the rainbow you will be all smiles when wearing this colorful ear headband which features Minnie’s signature bow which has been created in a rainbow of padded colored satin and stands out against the black sequin headband. The ears retail for $27.99 and can be found at Disneyland, Walt Disney World and shopDisney online.

    The rest of the Rainbow Disney Collection has some really awesome offerings as well. Take a look below:

    The collection includes more than fifty vibrant products, all inspired by the incredible diversity of Disney fans around the world. In celebration of Pride month, purchase any item from the Rainbow Disney Collection from now through June 30, 2019, and Disney will donate 10% of the proceeds to GLSEN, the leading education organization working to create safe and inclusive K-12 schools for LGBTQ students.

    You will find the Rainbow Disney Collection throughout the year at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, including colorful T-shirts, pins, and jewelry – and of course, rainbow Mickey Mouse ear hats and Minnie Mouse ear headbands.

    Add a little more color to your visit to the park with Rainbow Disney Collection styles at Disney Showcase, Gag Factory, World of Disney, and other locations at Disneyland Resort in California, and Emporium, Mouse Gear, Island Mercantile, and more at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Keep your eye out for Parks-exclusive items, like the D-Tech Phone Case above!

  • Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Reopens After Refurbishment

    Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Reopens After Refurbishment

    As we previously reported, Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland closed for refurbishment in preparation for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and now it’s re-opened and more beautiful than ever!

    The beloved icon now features vibrant new colors, a new roof and charming and subtle pixie dust, among other enhancements. Over the years, the colors and finishes on Sleeping Beauty Castle have been refreshed and updated since Disney Legend and Imagineering Artist Herb Ryman first created the concept illustration of the castle in the 1950s.

    “What’s interesting about this time is that we used an ages-old painting technique called atmospheric perspective to visually heighten the castle,” said Kim Irvine, art director at Walt Disney Imagineering. “We warmed the pink hues on the lower towers and gradually added blue to lighten the colors toward the top.”

    The same technique was used for the new roof, now with gorgeous cobalt hues. Each of the 18 original turrets was digitally scanned to create the same roofline, and pixie dust was sprinkled on the center roof.

    “We focused the golden accents and pixie dust around the entrance to the castle, as though it has been magically enchanted,” said Irvine. Colorful banners, pennants and landscaping also were included, and the Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough received new paint and lighting.

    To celebrate the reopening, the Disneyland Resort made a donation to Ryman Arts, a charity founded in Herb Ryman’s memory, and planted a dwarf fir tree in his honor. The “Ryman Tree” recalls a Christmas tree that belonged to Herb Ryman the last year of his life that was once planted near the castle after his passing.

  • Guidemap for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Released

    Guidemap for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Released

    Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens in just one week and today, Disney is sharing a first look at the new updated Disneyland park guidemap to help you “map” out your visit!

    When Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disneyland park on May 31, it will be the largest and most technologically advanced single-themed land expansion ever in a Disney park. You’ll step right into a remote planet full of unique sights, sounds, smells, tastes and other immersive experiences. 

    As you can see, there are three entrances into the new 14-acre land. Once inside, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be filled with plenty of stories to explore as you live your own adventure—from an authentic Star Wars cantina on the Outer Rim of the galaxy to exotic creatures, a Resistance encampment and daring missions aboard the Millennium Falcon!

    You can now also navigate Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on your mobile phone or desktop! Check out the map on Disneyland.com and the official Disneyland App. 

  • New ‘Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party’ Coming to Disneyland Resort This Fall

    New ‘Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party’ Coming to Disneyland Resort This Fall

    Trick or treat! Disneyland Resort is bringing in a new event this Halloween season called “Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party” to Disney California Adventure park and guests of all ages are sure to have a ghoulishly good time.

    This separately-ticketed party is packed with exclusive new entertainment and experiences, including the new “World of Color” spectacular – “Villainous!”

    Also, Tweens will be treated to multiple new experiences – including the new interactive DescenDANCE Party and more! Take a look below to see what’s in store:

    • DescenDANCE Party – A new pulsing party in the Backlot area of Hollywood Land is inspired by the popular “Descendants” franchise from Disney Channel. As the DescenDANCE Party begins, a spell is cast, summoning the greatest dance crew from the Isle of the Lost to throw down and lead everyone in moves that are set to the biggest hit songs from all three “Descendants” movies.  The original “Villain Kids” might even crash the party through magic mirrors. Once the DescenDANCE crew returns to their realm, the Backlot DJ continues to spin tunes that will make any “Villain Kid” proud, inviting everyone to step onto the dance floor into the night.
    • “Villainous!” – The new “World of Color” show weaves a Halloween tale about a young girl named Shelley Marie. This twisted tale carries Shelley on an unforgettable journey, exploring the villainous side of Disney characters through fountains, lights, lasers, projections and special effects. “Villainous!” shows that, deep down, there’s a little villain in all of us.
    • Character encounters – Tweens will love meeting beloved Disney characters – and villains, too. You may be surprised at who you discover at this Halloween party, like Dr Facilier, Jafar and Maleficent!
    • Immersive Treat Trails – Trick-or-treating is not just for little kids! There is so much to see at the new, wonderfully wicked treat trails throughout the park. Iconic characters such as Mad Hatter from Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland,” or even Oogie Boogie himself will surprise and delight. Additional treat trails will feature oversized cauldrons full of treats for all guests to enjoy.
    • “Frightfully Fun Parade” – The favorite Halloween parade is coming to Disney California Adventure park for the first time! The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow starts the procession, followed by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse who lead the cavalcade of characters and many mischievous Disney villains who are ready to stir up some trouble along the parade route.

    This spook-tacular Halloween party is only offered on 20 select nights this fall.