25 Years of Halloweentown with D23

If there’s one thing I am… it’s a disciple of the DCOM. That’s Disney Channel Original Movie if you didn’t know! Growing up, Halloweentown was a staple of the spooky season, capturing that feeling of the frightful time of year and giving us more with every sequel! I was beyond thrilled in 2023 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the film in St. Helens, Oregon.

25 years ago, the worlds of the mortal and the supernatural were introduced to Marnie Piper and the rest of the Cromwell Clan. After following their grandmother, Aggie Cromwell, into her magical homeland of Halloweentown, Marnie and her siblings discover they come from an illustrious line of witches. Halloweentown is a safe haven for supernatural beings, and is in jeopardy, as Marnie and her siblings must discover a way to make sure this wondrous realm is protected from the mysterious forces of evil which threaten the safety of Halloweentown and the eclectic citizens which inhabit it.  

To commemorate this special anniversary, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club hopped on a flying bus and journeyed to St. Helens, Oregon – the original filming location of Halloweentown. Every year, the town transforms back into the titular supernatural safe haven, complete with celebrated décor and enchanting activities at their “Spirit of Halloweentown”. D23 brought in a special photo op, reminiscent of a postcard so fans could send their well-wishes from Halloweentown. They were even able to snag a few props to snap pictures with including Merlin’s Talisman, “Headphones”, The Halloweentown Storybook, and even Benny’s skull!

D23 Members got the special opportunity to screen the film at The Columbia Theatre. If it looks familiar to you, that’s because it was used as the filming location of the abandoned theatre in the film! While Kalabar uses the space to store the petrified citizens of Halloweentown, D23 Members got to catch this DCOM on the big screen.

Before their viewing experience kicked off, they were each gifted an event exclusive variant of a Halloweentown 25th Anniversary Pin from D23. Additionally, they received a credential granting them access to the festivities at the “Spirit of Halloweentown” and complimentary snacks and drinks. Some lucky members must have the best of bewitched odds, as a few received copies of the Halloweentown Soundtrack on Vinyl from Disney Music Emporium!

Just like the petrified victims of Kalabar, D23 Members kicked back and watched Halloweentown for the first ever theatrical screening of the movie in St. Helens. Afterwards, they were free to enjoy all the eerie-cheery activities the town had to offer! This incredible event exceeded our wildest dreams, bringing us to a town that’s anything but ordinary – and as any fan of Halloweetown knows “Being normal is vastly overrated!” We were delighted to welcome fans, celebrating the Halloween season and one of our favorite Disney Channel Original Movies, in the very town and places it was filmed!