Hiya pals, as always, it’s a great day to be a fan of all things Disney — and it’s also quite an emotional time for those of us who grew up with the Mouse House. Not only are we celebrating 100 years of Disney, with Walt Disney World recently honoring 50 years of magic, but we’re also highlighting 40 years of the Disney Channel, which was the backdrop for most of our lives as we grew up.
Needless to say, some big feelings are blooming in the hearts of Disney fans everywhere, and that’s only made more intense by a highly anticipated film ready to make its debut on July 28. Haunted Mansion is ready to bring 999 happy haunts to a theater near you, but first, they’re dropping in for a world premiere event slated to happen this weekend.
There’s a lot to talk about today in the realm of Disney, and you know what that means. It’s time to grab your favorite Disney blanket and mug with your drink of choice because we’re talking all things magic!
Disney’s Haunted Mansion will celebrate with a red carpet-premiere — no matter what
It’s almost time to greet the Hatbox Ghost, Constance Hatchaway, Madame Leota, and 999 happy haunts when Disney’s Haunted Mansion hits theaters on July 28, and despite an impending SAG-AFTRA strike, the show must go on.
Variety reported this afternoon that Disney plans to move forward with a red-carpet premiere for Haunted Mansion no matter what, but things would certainly change if the strike deadline passes without needs being met. The report states that the premiere would become a “private fan event” if the strike moves forward and remain a red-carpet premiere if it doesn’t; the event is set to take place on July 15.
Disney fans have been looking forward to the premiere of Haunted Mansion for some time, so seeing a premiere would still be a special event for those who have loved the almost-obscure piece of the Disney story. The rides at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World are a favorite of many, and while the movie of the same name starring Eddie Murphy was phenomenal, the upcoming film promises to fill a void in our spooky-loving hearts.
That being said, SAG-AFTRA going on strike is no small move; writers in the industry are overworked and underpaid, and the latest requests from writers having gone unnoticed is as frustrating as you could imagine. As pop culture enthusiasts know, the WGA has been on strike for months now for similar reasons, as some of the issues in notes for the possible SAG-AFTRA strike include “streaming residuals, increases in minimum rates, and artificial intelligence,” as Variety states.
Striking is a testament to writers, because it shows that they value their work, the talent they bring to any room they step in, and the prominence of their impact on entertainment as a whole. In the same breath, the films that have already been worked on and highlight that very talent and value deserve to be celebrated, so it makes sense that fans are looking forward to honoring Haunted Mansion.
Here’s hoping agreements can be met before a strike is necessary, but SAG-AFTRA has the support of many if they must take the next steps in the process.
Speaking of Haunted Mansion — you’ve got to see this merch
If you’re one of the excited fans counting out the days until the premiere of Haunted Mansion, Shop Disney has just the thing to make your film-going experience even sweeter. New merch debuted on the website and app just yesterday, and there are some must-have items on the list.
With the theatrical premiere coming up and Halloween right around the corner, the Haunted Mansion Bride Veil is something we quickly added to our carts, in addition to the stellar pajamas and the spirit jersey. Okay, we love it all — but can you blame us?
There’s something special about walking through the Haunted Mansion, preparing to enter the doom buggy, and traveling endlessly through a mansion full of spooky spirits that want to welcome you; it’s otherworldly (some pun intended).
The Disney Channel is turning 40, and we’re not okay
The Disney Channel is turning 40 this year, and in a celebration video honoring the journey so far, the Mouse House treated fans worldwide to a front-row seat to all of the beautiful ways the series has adapted, grown, and given us a slew of memories to enjoy for 40 more years to come.
Highlighting everything from the new and beloved Bluey to Kim Possible and Lizzie McGuire, the video took us on a trip down memory lane in the best way. We grew up on Disney; even as adults, we still can’t get enough, and the video is a sweet reminder as to why. There’s, not trying to be cliche, a magic that exists within all things Disney.
Animation Magazine shares the following quote from Head of Marketing, Disney Branded Television, and National Geographic, Pamela Levine:
“We hear often from parents who say they feel like they grew up alongside our characters, and now have the tremendous joy of watching their own children do the same. Having that kind of impact is such an honor, and so as we thought about how to celebrate Disney Channel’s 40th, it was important to us that we give thanks to our loyal fans for making us a part of their lives.”
Making Disney a part of our lives certainly has been a magical adventure, and here’s to many more.
