Father Threatens Son with Pocketknife at Disney World Hotel During Luggage Dispute

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October 30, 2025

Father Threatens Son with Pocketknife at Disney World Hotel During Luggage Dispute

Man Arrested at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge After Domestic Altercation Involving Family Members

A domestic dispute at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge led to the arrest of an Alabama man last month, according to a criminal complaint filed with the Orange County Clerk of Courts. The incident, which occurred in the early morning hours of September 27, 2025, involved 63-year-old Howard Randall Hudgens, his wife Donna Hudgens, and their adult son Jamie Hudgens, according to the arrest affidavit.

Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Kidani Village section of the resort around 12:56 a.m. after reports of a physical altercation. When officers arrived, they found Howard Hudgens outside near a black SUV with visible injuries, including facial bruising and a laceration to his left cheek and ear. Deputies noted that he had a metal bat tucked into his pocket, which was secured for officer safety.

According to the report, the confrontation began when Howard became frustrated that his family did not assist him in loading luggage into their vehicle. The disagreement escalated after Howard told his wife and son they could “catch a bus home” if they didn’t want to leave. Donna Hudgens stepped between her husband and son in an attempt to defuse the situation, but the verbal dispute turned physical.

Jamie Hudgens told deputies that his father pushed his mother, prompting him to intervene. He said Howard then punched him in the face, leading Jamie to strike back several times in self-defense. Both Donna and Jamie stated that Howard then pulled out a pocketknife and threatened to kill Jamie.

Deputies recovered the knife at the scene and photographed the injuries sustained by both men. Medics treated Howard for his wounds, but he refused hospital transport. Based on witness statements and physical evidence, authorities determined Howard was the primary aggressor.

He was arrested and charged with Battery (Domestic Violence) and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Hudgens was transported to the Orange County Jail and later released on bond—$10,000 for the aggravated assault charge and $2,500 for the domestic battery charge.

On October 6, 2025, court records show Hudgens, represented by the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, entered a written plea of not guilty and waived formal arraignment. The case remains active under case number 48-2025-CF-012659-A-O in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Orange County, Florida.

Both Donna and Jamie Hudgens indicated to investigators that they intend to testify in the case.

Upper Deck Settles Lawsuit Against Disney Lorcana Designer

By

Chris B

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October 30, 2025

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Upper Deck and Ravensburger Reach $39,000 Settlement in Disney Lorcana Lawsuit

After more than two years of legal sparring, the high-profile lawsuit between Upper Deck and Ravensburger over Disney Lorcana has officially reached its endgame. According to a report from ICv2, the two parties have settled for $39,000—an amount Ravensburger says represents the contractor fees originally paid by Upper Deck to lead designer Ryan Miller.

Upper Deck Settles Lawsuit Against Disney Lorcana Designer

The dispute began before Disney Lorcana even hit store shelves, when Upper Deck accused Ravensburger and Miller—who previously worked with them as a contractor—of stealing the concept behind their own unreleased trading card game. The company alleged Miller took that idea and transformed it into what became Disney Lorcana, the wildly popular trading card game featuring Disney characters.

Earlier this month, Federal Judge Kymberly Evanson dismissed most of Upper Deck’s claims, leaving only a single breach-of-contract allegation against Miller. Upper Deck tried to amend its complaint to include Ravensburger again, but the motion was denied.

In a statement following the settlement, Ravensburger’s Chief Product Officer Filip Francke said, “Everyone at Ravensburger, including Ryan, acted appropriately and professionally – we did nothing wrong, and this outcome reflects that.”

While the legal battle may be closing stateside, Upper Deck previously indicated plans to continue pursuing action in Europe. For now, though, it seems Disney Lorcana can shuffle back to business as usual—without the courtroom drama.

New Holiday Art Gallery Coming to Town Center at Disney Springs

By

Sara

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October 30, 2025

Disney Springs Unveils a New Holiday Art Gallery in Town Center

Get ready for a touch of holiday art! A new seasonal art experience, the Disney Enchanted Holiday Art Gallery, is set to open at Disney Springs on November 6, 2025. Guests can find this festive gallery in the Town Center area, conveniently located near Amorette’s Patisserie.

The temporary gallery will occupy the former Volcom store location in Town Center, which has been vacant since the retailer closed in late April 2025. The Enchanted Holiday Art Gallery adds another layer of festive fun to Disney Springs, complementing existing seasonal offerings like the Christmas Tree Stroll, holiday décor, live entertainment, and specialty treats available throughout the dining and shopping district.

Disney Springs gets fully festive for the holidays, mirroring the seasonal spirit found across Walt Disney World Resort. The dining and shopping district provides a complete holiday experience, including dazzling decorations, a variety of special treats, live entertainment, and the beloved Christmas Tree Stroll. Visitors can also look forward to meeting Santa Claus and enjoying the seasonal transformation of Jock Lindsay’s Holiday Bar.

Will you be celebrating the holidays at Disney Springs?

Disney Announces Christmas Decorations will start going up on November 2nd at the Magic Kingdom

By

Sara

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October 30, 2025

Disney’s Magic Kingdom Starts Decking the Halls November 2nd.

Get ready for some early Christmas magic! The Disney Parks Instagram account confirmed that Magic Kingdom will start transforming for the holidays on November 2nd, kicking off the festive season two weeks ahead of the official holiday event launch.

Disney Parks took to Instagram to share the news about when the park’s festive holiday decorations would appear.

The caption reads:

“This year, holiday decor will start appearing at Magic Kingdom on November 2“

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Disney Parks (@disneyparks)

Get ready to celebrate! The Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort officially kick off on November 14 (though decorations begin going up two weeks earlier) and continue until December 31. The resort will be filled with festive decor, seasonal food and merchandise, and special character overlays. Don’t forget the two separately ticketed evening events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and the new Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.

First Disney Castle Showpiece on Disney Adventure has been Installed

By

Sara

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October 29, 2025

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Disney Cruise Line Installs First Castle Showpiece on the Disney Adventure

The first-of-its-kind castle showpiece has now been installed, taking its place at the creative heart of the Disney Adventure in the Disney Imagination Garden. This stunning, storybook castle stands three decks tall and is unique to the Disney Cruise Line fleet, designed to bring guest-favorite fairytales vividly to life.

The Walt Disney Imagineering team drew inspiration from the iconic castles featured in beloved Disney films and Disney Parks around the world. The paper cut-out style, reminiscent of a pop-up storybook, invites guests to step into their own story.

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The castle is inspired by the spirit of adventure and the sea, with nods to timeless Disney storytelling. Artistic details, from the wave pattern surrounding the frame to the rich blues that color the facade, create a celebration of water for the first Disney castle at sea.

At the center of the castle is the Disney family crest (which every Disney Parks castle around the world also features!) and a beautiful three-panel-stained glass window. Each panel represents a Disney heroine and princess. On these panels, you will find elements of nature including the water, sky and the heart of Te Fiti from Moana; the sun, earth and the Sundrop flower from Tangled; and the glistening ice and wind from Frozen.

Imagineers and the Storybook Castle Installed in Disney Imagination Garden Aboard the Disney Adventure

There are a number of “Easter eggs,” too, with tributes to Disney traditions and even a hidden Mickey. At the base of the storybook castle is a waterfall reminiscent of the Walt Disney Pictures castle shown before every Disney film.

Dance into the Holidays With The BaubleBar Disney Nutcracker Collection!

By

Ana Leal

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October 29, 2025

Dance into the Holidays With The BaubleBar Disney Nutcracker Collection!

If you adore the classic holiday ballet and can’t get enough of Disney magic, then the new BaubleBar Disney Nutcracker Collection is basically your dream come true. BaubleBar has perfectly blended the whimsy of the beloved ballet with the iconic charm of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, creating a collection that’s absolutely perfect for spreading festive cheer. Trust us, these pieces are going to be on every Disney lover’s holiday wish list!

First up, let’s talk about the incredible Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse Nutcracker Charm Necklace for $48. This piece is a must-have if you love adding a bit of sparkle to your layered look. It features three adorable, glossy gold and vibrant enamel charms: Minnie Mouse dressed as a pink ballerina, Mickey Mouse looking sharp as a Nutcracker, and a super cute Mickey-themed Christmas tree decked out with colorful ornaments. It’s the perfect way to wear a little holiday story around your neck!

And the charm party doesn’t stop there! You can grab the matching Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse Nutcracker Charm Bracelet for $48. This beauty features a fun mix of rich gold, bright pavé, and pastel filler beads, strung alongside five sweet Nutcracker-themed charms. You get the Mickey nutcracker and Minnie ballerina again, plus the added bonus of her cat Figaro wearing a crown, a delicate bow charm, and a sparkling snowflake charm. It’s a delightful, playful piece that’s guaranteed to catch the light.

Finally, to complete your dazzling holiday look, check out the Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse Nutcracker Earring Set for $68. Seriously, this set is designed to turn your jewelry box into a festive stage! It’s a fantastic trio that includes: a pair of elegant gold hoops with a full-body Mickey Mouse Nutcracker dangling below, a pair of sweet stud earrings featuring the festive Mickey-themed Christmas tree, and a pair of whimsical drop earrings showcasing Minnie Mouse in her full ballerina glory. Mix and match them or wear them together if you have multiple piercings, either way, they are an absolute showstopper!

Credit: BaubleBar

Sweeten Up Your Style With The Mickey and Minnie Valentine’s Day Chocolate Box Collection!

By

Ana Leal

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October 29, 2025

Sweeten Up Your Style With The Mickey and Minnie Valentine’s Day Chocolate Box Collection!

Valentine’s Day is getting closer, and honestly, forget the flowers, we’re all about the Mickey and Minnie Valentine’s Day Chocolate Box Collection, a total must-grab from BoxLunch Gifts! This adorable duo has inspired some seriously sweet accessories that are guaranteed to make you swoon. The best part? Everything in this collection is a BoxLunch exclusive, so you know you’re getting something extra special.

The star of the show might just be the Mickey & Minnie Valentine’s Day Ears Chocolate Scented Mini Backpack for $84.90. Seriously, it’s chocolate scented! This mini backpack is covered in an all-over heart print, which is super cute on its own, but the real magic is the front pocket. It’s shaped like a scalloped heart, featuring an applique of our favorite sweethearts, Mickey and Minnie. But wait, there’s more! This section opens up to reveal a chocolate box design inside! Complete with figural mouse ears and a bow, this bag is packed with detail and pure Disney charm.

And if you’re looking for something a little different, you absolutely need to check out the Mickey & Minnie Valentine’s Day Chocolate Heart Box Chocolate Scented Figural Crossbody at $79.90. This bag is literally shaped like a heart-shaped chocolate box—how perfect is that? It has a soft, luxe velvet body with delicate lace details and an applique of Mickey and Minnie. Just like the mini backpack, it hinges open to reveal a chocolate box design! It comes with a top handle and a removable crossbody strap for maximum versatility. And yes, it’s also chocolate scented! This bag is the perfect way to carry your love for the cutest Disney couple with you wherever you go. You might just need both to complete your Valentine’s ensemble!

Whether you’re planning a trip to the Disney Parks or just want to add a cute, scented detail to your everyday look, this collection is perfection.

Credit: BoxLunch Gifts

New Adorable Disney Polar Fleece Mini Backpacks at the Disney Store!

By

Ana Leal

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October 29, 2025

New Adorable Disney Polar Fleece Mini Backpacks at the Disney Store!

Get ready to cozy up with your favorite Disney pals because the Disney Polar Fleece Mini Backpacks are here, and they are everything! We’re talking next-level cuteness and softness you’ll want to hug, not just wear. These aren’t your typical bags, they’re made with a dreamy, pastel-colored polar fleece shell that just screams comfort. Honestly, once you see them, you won’t know if you should load them up for a day out or just cuddle with them on the couch!

First up, we have the mischief-makers: the Chip ‘n Dale Polar Fleece Mini Backpack. These two chipmunks have never looked sweeter! Their expressive, embroidered faces pop out on the bag’s flap pockets, making this plush little backpack seriously adorable.

Then, say aloha to the Stitch and Scrump Polar Fleece Mini Backpack. Experiment 626 and his beloved doll look too precious on this soft bag. Just like the others, their faces are brought to life with great embroidered detailing, pure perfection for Lilo & Stitch fans.

Finally, proving that police work and charm go hand-in-hand, there’s the Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde Polar Fleece Mini Backpack. Seriously, Nick has never looked cuter than he does here, joined by the enthusiastic Judy. This Zootopia duo’s expressive faces are perfectly captured, making this compact bag a must-have for anyone who loves the unlikely partners. Each of these compact treasures features a chic simulated leather flap closure to keep your essentials secure.

Ready to add some irresistible cuteness to your accessory game? Good news! These charming little bags retail for $48.99 each. You can snag all your favorite characters online right now at the Disney Store. Don’t wait—these are too cute and cozy to miss out on!

Credit: Disney Store

Disney to Crack Down on Resellers by Offering New Merchandise Online

By

Sara

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October 29, 2025

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Disney to Offer More New Merchandise Online to Combat Resellers

Disney is implementing a major shift in how it handles highly sought-after merchandise to directly combat the problem of resellers. For years, genuine fans have been frustrated as limited-edition items, such as special popcorn buckets and sippers, quickly vanished from park shelves only to resurface online at inflated prices. This aggressive reselling practice has often soured the souvenir experience for regular guests.

Disney’s goal with this radical new approach is simple: to ensure that real fans—not just those seeking a quick profit—have better and fairer access to these popular seasonal collectibles.

To directly address the issue of reselling, Disney has announced a significant shift: it will now offer select park-exclusive holiday merchandise for sale online. This strategy directly challenges resellers who typically clear out park stock.

The debut items for this new online approach include a festive Sulley Santa popcorn bucket and a brightly lit Donald Duck holiday tree sipper. These collectibles are precisely the type of highly coveted products that have historically triggered long park lines and immediate in-park sellouts.

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By offering these popular items through the Disney Store website, the company achieves several important goals simultaneously. Most importantly, it gives fans across the country a fairer chance to purchase the items without needing to be in the park on a specific day. Furthermore, this move allows Disney to better control its inventory and distribution, directly undercutting the lucrative resale market and significantly reducing its influence.

This strategy is ultimately an operational change aimed at improving the overall park experience. When the release of exclusive merchandise causes massive queues at food booths and merchandise stands, it creates stressful bottlenecks for both guests and Cast Members.

Shifting some of those high-demand sales online will effectively ease this pressure, making the parks more enjoyable for all visitors. If this initial online release proves successful, Disney will likely expand the strategy to other limited-edition products, such as popular EPCOT festival items or Halloween buckets, fundamentally changing the collecting landscape.

What do you think about this change?

Disney’s Freakier Friday Streams Exclusively On Disney+ Nov. 12th

By

Catherine

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October 29, 2025

Get Ready to Switch—AGAIN! Disney’s Freakier Friday Streams Exclusively on Disney+ Nov. 12th

The comedic chaos is set to continue as Disney’s highly anticipated sequel, Freakier Friday, brings its laugh-out-loud, out-of-body fun streaming exclusively on Disney+ beginning November 12th.

The new chapter sees the return of the iconic on-screen mother-daughter duo, Jamie Lee Curtis (Tess Coleman) and Lindsay Lohan (Anna Coleman), as the Coleman family’s body-swapping conundrum expands into a new generation—with triple the trouble.

Called “a throwback done right – fun, funny, and full of heart” (Kylie Mar, Complex), Freakier Friday is the perfect film for families to enjoy together, delivering a fresh, multi-generational twist on the beloved body-swap comedy.

Lightning Strikes Twice (and Then Some)

Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reprise their beloved roles, but the stakes are higher than ever. Anna Coleman is now all grown up, working as a music producer and a single mother to her own teenage daughter, Harper (Julia Butters). Anna is preparing to marry her new fiancé, Eric Reyes (Manny Jacinto), and welcome his daughter, Lily Reyes (Sophia Hammons), into the family.

As the two families attempt to navigate the joys and challenges of merging—with the soon-to-be stepsisters Harper and Lily at odds—lightning just may strike twice. This time, however, a trip to a quirky psychic (Vanessa Bayer) results in an unexpected four-way body swap, leading to hilarious and heartfelt complications:

Tess (Grandmother) and Lily (Soon-to-be Stepdaughter) swap bodies.
Anna (Mother) and Harper (Daughter) swap bodies.

The teens seize the opportunity to sabotage the impending wedding, while the adults are forced to live through the dramas of high school and new family tensions—all while scrambling to reverse the switch before the big day.

Original cast members Mark Harmon (Ryan), Chad Michael Murray (Jake), and Rosalind Chao (Pei-Pei) also return, delighting long-time fans with nostalgic appearances that enhance the new story.

Don’t Miss the Premiere

After a successful run in theaters, where it was praised for recapturing the charm and comedy of the original while adding new layers of conflict and heart, Freakier Friday will be available to stream exclusively on Disney+ on Wednesday, November 12th.

Grab your family, pop the popcorn, and get ready for the freakiest (and funniest) family reunion of the year.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Christmas Town Returns for 2025

By

Catherine

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October 29, 2025

Christmas Town Returns Bigger and Brighter to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for 2025

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is set to shine brighter than ever as Christmas Town returns for the 2025 holiday season, filling the park with festive cheer from November 14 through January 5. Included with park admission, the annual event is transforming the park into a dazzling winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, all-new spectaculars, and the return of beloved family favorites.

With over 70 miles of dazzling lights draped across the park, guests can enjoy a seamless blend of holiday magic, thrilling rides like the recently returned Kumba and Phoenix Rising, and unique animal encounters.

Two All-New Spectaculars Light Up the Night

This year, Christmas Town is introducing two major, cutting-edge additions that promise to be unforgettable:

ALL-NEW Holiday Skies Spectacular: Watch the night sky come alive with hundreds of drones synchronized to a soundtrack of classic holiday tunes. This breathtaking finale promises an awe-inspiring light show unlike anything else in Florida.

ALL-NEW Serengeti Light Show: The park’s iconic Serengeti Plain will be transformed into a living canvas of color and sound with an immersive, multi-sensory light and music display. The luminous, choreographed show is set to an exclusive iteration of the classic “Carol of the Bells.”

“There’s nothing quite like the joy and wonder that fill the park during Christmas Town,” said Brian Bacica, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “From festive shows to sparkling decorations around every corner, we can’t wait for guests to make cherished holiday memories with us.”

Festive Favorites and Holiday Treats

Guests can look forward to the return of classic Christmas Town experiences that have become a cherished tradition for many families:

Santa’s North Pole Experience: Meet the big man himself, explore his workshop, and share your holiday wishes.
Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland: Now in a new location, this area features beloved characters from the classic holiday tale, festive decor, and great photo opportunities.
Holly Jolly Express: All aboard the jolliest train in town for a festive journey around the park, complete with holiday sing-alongs.

Dazzling Entertainment: Fan-favorite shows returning include the exhilarating Christmas on Ice at the Moroccan Palace Theater, Mrs. Claus’ Storytime for the little ones, Busch Gardens Holiday Magic featuring illusions, and the musical tale of Three Kings Journey. Families can also join the fun at Elmo’s Christmas Wish.

The festive atmosphere extends to the park’s culinary offerings, with seasonal treats available throughout the celebration. Guests can indulge in holiday-flavored hot chocolates, freshly baked cookies, all-new menu items, and a selection of Christmas Town craft cocktails. A gingerbread cookie decorating station adds a perfect interactive element for families.

The season culminates with a thrilling New Year’s Eve Fireworks display, allowing guests to ring in the new year with music, lights, and exhilarating rides.

Unwrapping Value for the Holidays

Christmas Town is included with regular park admission, but guests can find special limited-time offers to enhance their holiday experience.

Flash Sale: For a limited time, guests can save up to 60% on tickets, with prices starting as low as $57.
Pass Member Perks: Annual Pass Members can enjoy even more value with up to 25% off Fun Cards and Annual Passes, receiving benefits such as 12 months of access, free guest tickets, free parking, and discounts on dining and merchandise.

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the season with a spectacle of lights and cheer. Christmas Town runs on select dates from November 14 through January 5. For more information, park hours, and to purchase tickets, visit the official Busch Gardens Tampa Bay website.

Pixar & NFL Teaming Up for Monsters Funday Football

By

Catherine

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October 29, 2025

Pixar and NFL Team Up for ‘Monsters Funday Football’ on December 8!

Get ready to scream… with cheers! ESPN, Disney, Pixar, and the NFL are joining forces once again for the third annual “Funday Football” presentation, this time transporting fans to Monstropolis for ‘Monsters Funday Football’ on Monday, December 8.

The special, real-time animated broadcast will feature the Week 14 Monday Night Football matchup between the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Chargers, set entirely inside the iconic Monsters, Inc. building.

Where Football Meets Monstropolis

This isn’t your average football game. Every snap, run, and touchdown will be animated in the world of Monsters, Inc., bringing an immersive and unique viewing experience to a broad audience.

Cutting-Edge Technology Powers the Magic

The players—including the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts and the Chargers’ Justin Herbert—will be transformed into motion-enabled, animated versions of themselves. This marvel is made possible by the seamless integration of:

NFL’s Next Gen Stats (NGS): Providing real-time player tracking data.
Sony’s Beyond Sports Visualization Technology: The virtual recreation engine that animates the gameplay in real time.
Sony’s Hawk-Eye Innovations: Optical tracking to ensure every on-field move is mirrored accurately in Monstropolis.

Mike and Sulley Enter the Huddle

Beloved monsters Mike Wazowski and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan will make their gridiron debuts, joining the Eagles and Chargers, respectively. The action will unfold on a transformed Cheer Floor (formerly the Scare Floor), complete with a full-length football field and thousands of cheering monster fans.

Monsters, Inc. Elements Take Center Stage:

The Goal: Instead of competing for a game score, the Eagles and Chargers will compete for Cheer Canisters—a rebrand of the classic Scream Canisters—to be crowned the Cheer Champion.
Special Cameos: Mike and Sulley will sub in for key offensive and defensive plays, similar to the memorable Homer Simpson touchdown pass from The Simpsons edition.
Star-Studded Voices: Billy Crystal (Mike), John Goodman (Sulley), and Bob Peterson (Roz) return to voice their original characters via prerecorded lines.
Familiar Faces: Roz, the perpetually watchful slug-like monster, will serve as the game’s sideline reporter, while the Child Detection Agency (CDA) will monitor the action and help “clean up” the penalty and challenge flags.

The broadcast booth will feature animated ESPN commentators Drew Carter and Dan Orlovsky, with Katie Feeney joining as the social media correspondent. The presentation will also include a special animated segment featuring ESPN legend Chris Berman and prerecorded player interactions with the Monsters, Inc. characters.

Pixar & NFL Teaming Up for Monsters Funday Football

How to Watch the Monster Mash

‘Monsters Funday Football’ will air on Monday, December 8, starting at 8 p.m. ET.

For the first time, the alternate animated presentation will be available on a wider range of platforms:

ESPN2
Disney Channel
Disney XD
The new ESPN App (via ESPN DTC or pay TV authentication)
Disney+ (streaming)
NFL+ (mobile streaming)

The traditional Monday Night Football telecast will air concurrently on ESPN, ABC, ESPN Deportes, and the ESPN App. Furthermore, the Funday Football experience will be available to international audiences in over 155 markets via ESPN platforms and Disney+.

Get ready for an electrifying night where sports innovation meets Pixar magic!