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That rumor, my friends, has been officially...denied.
A very close friend of Winifred's reached out to me and told me the rumor is false. Bette Midler did not appear at the debut show of Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. It was indeed the one and only Winifred Sanderson.
Apparently, this is something Magic Kingdom Cast Members are gossiping about...and since I went to the first show, my friend knew she had to pass on the information.
A photo posted by Molly the Disney Freak (@mollythedisneyfreak) on
If this "rumor" (and I use quotation marks because, apparently, it's a real thing) is true, that means I saw the incredible Bette Midler perform as Winifred in Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular!
I haven't heard any official word, from either Disney or Bette herself. But I'd honestly believe it, just because Winifred was so on point that night, it seemed as if Bette had been cloned!
Watch my video of the show again and tell me what you think:
The first day of MNSSHP was Tuesday, September 15. I was lucky enough to be there and see the first show -- during which there were many, many excited screams from Hocus Pocus fans!
Watch the full debut Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show below:
As sad as I was about Villains' Mix and Mingle being replaced, I'm actually really in love with this new show. I think it's absolutely incredible!
The coolest part about the whole show? It really seemed the sisters had walked right out of the movie. I read in a Cast Member magazine that Costuming was able to get their hands on the original dresses Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker wore in the film in order to make the most accurate replicas. And also, fun fact: that's live dialogue and singing from the sisters!
Of course, the video doesn't do the show justice -- you really need to go in person and see it! Along with HalloWishes and the Boo to You Parade, MNSSHP is an absolute must for any Disney or Halloween fan!
"The Sanderson Sisters are back!"
Interested in attending MNSSHP? It requires an extra ticket, which you can get by clicking HERE. The party happens on select nights until November 1!
At the beginning of the month, I reported that Villains' Mix and Mingle would not be performing during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year. At the time, details on the replacement show were unannounced.
This week, Disney Parks Blog delivered an early Halloween treat: the new stage show features the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus!
In “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular,” the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” return to the mortal world for one night during the Halloween season. With only a few hours to run amuck, the three sisters decide to use their magic to throw the best, evil Halloween party this side of the graveyard!
Artist concept art via Disney Parks Blog
With the help of the Disney villains, Winifred, Mary and Sarah gather together sinister shadows, nefarious nightmares and the power of their frightful friends to conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion and cast a spell on everyone in the Magic Kingdom Park. “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” features appearances by Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other great Disney villains, along with dancers, projections and special effects that combine to make this new show a not-to-be-missed Halloween treat.
Unfortunately, the witches will not be mingling with guests after the show, though their villain friends (reportedly) still will.
I, for one, am excited to see this well-loved but overlooked villains come to Walt Disney World!
The show runs September 15-November 1, on select nights.
