A Spooky Summer of Fandom and Frights: From Disney to Halloween Horror Nights
Get ready for a summer jam-packed with thrills, chills, and a whole lot of nostalgia as the entertainment industry gears up for Halloween and major fan conventions. From the latest Disney park updates to the unveiling of exciting Halloween Horror Nights mazes, this summer promises a vibrant blend of fan-favorite events and experiences.
Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) 2024: Terror in the Further
Universal Studios is officially kicking off the spooky season with its annual Halloween Horror Nights, and this year, fear is taking the form of James Wan’s terrifying Insidious franchise. Prepare to be haunted by the Red-Faced Demon and face the terrors of The Further. Fans can now purchase tickets for HHN 33 and experience the haunting journey from September 5th at Universal Studios Hollywood and August 30th at Universal Studios Florida.
Six Flags Fright Fest 2024: A Conjuring of Iconic IPs
The haunt community is buzzing about Six Flags’ Fright Fest 2024, which promises a terrifyingly good time with its lineup of immersive mazes based on major IPs. Prepare to face your fears in haunted attractions based on the Warner Bros.’ Conjuring Universe and Netflix’s Stranger Things, among others. This year’s Fright Fest promises scares for every taste and age group, making it a must-visit for Halloween enthusiasts.
Walt Disney World’s Country Bears Jamboree: A Hootin’ and Hollerin’ New Tune
The beloved Country Bears Jamboree at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has reopened with a fresh new playlist. While the iconic bear characters retain their charming personalities, their sound now features modern country music giants like Mac McAnally, Allison Russell, Chris Thile, and Emily Ann Roberts. The new rendition of the much-loved jamboree promises a fresh and nostalgic experience for adults and children alike.
D23 Expo 2024: Unveiling the Future of Disney
The ultimate event for Disney fans, D23 Expo 2024, is set to take place in Anaheim, California, from August 9th to 11th. This year’s expo promises a treasure trove of exciting announcements, sneak peeks, and exclusive experiences for dedicated fans.
Here are some key panel highlights:
- 30 Years of Toy Story: Join the filmmakers and Pixar Legends as they celebrate three decades of Toy Story and reveal never-before-heard behind-the-scenes stories.
- Exploring New Parts of the Mind: Behind the Design of Inside Out 2: Get an exclusive look at the design process of Inside Out 2 and be among the first to witness a special sneak peek of an upcoming Pixar series.
- Jolly Holiday: A D23 Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman: Celebrate the legacy of the beloved Disney songwriter, Richard M. Sherman, with a heartwarming musical tribute featuring unforgettable performances and special surprise appearances.
- Marvel Animation Sneak Peek: Get ready for an epic sneak peek into the future of Marvel Animation on Disney+ with first looks at anticipated series like Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Eyes of Wakanda, and new seasons of What If…? and X-Men ’97
- MARVEL COMICS: Celebrating 50 Years of Wolverine: Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Wolverine with Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and writer Jason Aaron. Get an exclusive giveaway and sneak peek at plans for Marvel’s 85th anniversary.
- Making A Goofy Movie: The Road to Lake Destiny: Relive the magic of A Goofy Movie with the original creative team as they share behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive clips from a new documentary.
- Bringing the Worlds of Disney Animation to Life in Disney Parks: Get a glimpse inside the creative process of Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios as they bring beloved animated worlds like Frozen, Zootopia, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to life in Disney Parks around the globe.
- The Muppets 70: A Glamorous Miss Piggy Retrospective: Join Walt Disney Archives director Becky Cline and Muppets producer Dani Iglesias for a joyous retrospective of the past 70 years of the Muppets, focusing on the one and only Miss Piggy!
Don’t miss the Disney Entertainment Showcase on Friday and the Disney Experiences Showcase on Saturday for major announcements across all Disney brands, including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Disney Animation.
San Diego Comic-Con 2024: A Celebration of Pop Culture
San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), the biggest celebration of pop culture in the world, will once again bring together fans, celebrities, and industry professionals. The convention will feature an array of panels, screenings, and exhibitions showcasing the latest and greatest in comics, movies, television, and more. SDCC has already revealed some exciting panels, including one dedicated to AMC’s Immortal Universe and a celebration of Interview With the Vampire.
Midsummer Scream 2024: SoCal’s Biggest Halloween Event
Midsummer Scream, Southern California’s iconic Halloween convention, is returning to the Long Beach Convention Center from July 26th to 28th. This year’s event promises an immersive experience with over a dozen haunted attractions, including the Gears of Fear maze with chilling scenes from Lionsgate’s horror films. Attending Midsummer Scream also gives fans the opportunity to experience presentations from SoCal’s leading Halloween attractions, including a sneak peek at Fright Fest.
The Little Mermaid Immersive Experience at CAMP Stores
Get ready to dive into the magical world of Disney’s The Little Mermaid at CAMP’s West Coast Flagship location in Westfield Century City. Starting August 2nd, families can enjoy a musical and immersive experience featuring beloved songs from the film.
This unique event includes:
- Singing and dancing to hit songs like “Under The Sea,” “Part of Your World,” “Kiss The Girl,” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls."
- Exploring King Triton’s Palace and experiencing a scavenger hunt in Ariel’s Grotto.
- Climbing through an abandoned shipwreck and uncovering hidden treasures.
- Enjoying a magic show in Ursula’s Lair and purchasing exclusive merchandise.
Willy’s Candy Spectacular: A Musical Parody Takes the Stage
Willy’s Candy Spectacular: A Musical Parody, a comedic take on the infamous "immersive" Willy Wonka pop-up experience, is set to premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.* Director Andy Fickman, known for Heathers: The Musical and She’s the Man*, promises a hilarious and musical celebration of all things chocolate.
Meow Wolf Las Vegas: A New Immersive Adventure
Get ready to be whisked away on a new interactive adventure at Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart in Las Vegas. The immersive art collective promises an exciting new side quest for visitors, further enhancing the already captivating world of Omega Mart.
This summer is shaping up to be an unforgettable journey through the worlds of fandom and Halloween thrills. Whether you’re a Disney devotee, a horror enthusiast, or a lover of all things pop culture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to embrace the magic, the scares, and the excitement as we head into a season filled with unforgettable experiences!
