Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats

Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats is a musical stop-motion Halloween television special which premiered on October 1, 2023.[1] It was released simultaneously on Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD.[2] It is produced by Disney Television Animation. It is the fourth spin-off special of Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures, following Mickey's Tale of Two Witches, Mickey and Minnie Wish Upon a Christmas, and Mickey Saves Christmas, and the second made in stop-motion after this last one.

Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats
Promotional poster
GenreComedy
Horror
Slapstick
Written byKim Duran
Directed byDavid H. Brooks
StarringBret Iwan
Kaitlyn Robrock
Tony Anselmo
Debra Wilson
Bill Farmer
Misty Lee
Kimmy Gatewood
ComposersBeau Black & David Goldsmith (songs)
Tony Morales (underscore)
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducerDavid H. Brooks
EditorJenny McKibben
Running time22 minutes
Production companiesStoopid Buddy Stoodios
Disney Television Animation
Original release
NetworkDisney Channel
Disney Junior
Disney XD
ReleaseOctober 1, 2023 (2023-10-01)

Premise

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Mickey and friends are trick-or-treating when Donald spies the scariest mansion he's ever seen and convinces his friends to risk a visit, but the owner, Witch Hazel, casts a spell that transforms them into their costumes.[3]

Voice cast

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Production

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David H. Brooks serves as the director-producer of Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats.[11] The television special uses stop-motion animation instead of 2D or computer animation as per usual.[12] It was animated at Stoopid Buddy Stoodios.[13]

Songs

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  • "Fright Night" – sung by Mickey & the gang[14]
  • "Alone on Halloween" – sung by Witch Hazel[15]
  • "Friends Like You Make Halloween" – performed by Beau Black[16]

Release

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Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats was officially announced in August 2023.[17] The trailer was released during the same month.[18] The television special premiered on October 1, airing simultaneously on Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD.[19][20] It was subsequently made available on DisneyNow.[21] It also began streaming on Disney+ the following day.[22]

Reception

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Critical response

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Alex Reif of Laughing Place compared Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats to Mickey Saves Christmas, expressing hope that this wouldn’t mark the end of stop-motion Mickey Mouse holiday specials. He praised both productions as "fantastic," noting that amidst a landscape filled with quickly produced and often forgettable CG content, these legacy approaches feel especially meaningful.[23] Daps Magic described the film as a "lovely new Halloween special for Disney fans," highlighting its cuteness, charm, and moments of humor that create an enjoyable family viewing experience, while complimenting the stop-motion animation.[24]

Jack Hackney of the Daily Mirror included Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats in his list of the "10 Best Halloween Films for Kids" in 2023, calling it an entertaining and suitable Halloween option for children.[25] Stephanie Morgan of Common Sense Media rated the special three out of five stars, commending its positive messages and role models, particularly emphasizing themes of kindness and friendship.[26]

Ratings

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References

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  1. ^ Bonomolo, Cameron (August 21, 2023). "Watch: First Look at Mickey Mouse Stop-Motion Halloween Special". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  2. ^ Atkinson, Katie (2023-09-27). "'Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats' Stop-Motion Special Won't Leave You 'Alone on Halloween': Song Preview". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  3. ^ Zahed, Ramin (August 18, 2023). "Disney Junior Announces 'Mickey Mouse Clubhouse' Reboot, 'Doc McStuffins' Stop-Mo Shorts & More". Animation Magazine. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  4. ^ "Voice Of Mickey Mouse (Mickey & Friends Trick or Treats) – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  5. ^ "Voice Of Minnie Mouse (Mickey & Friends Trick or Treats) – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  6. ^ "Voice Of Donald Duck (Mickey & Friends Trick or Treats) – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  7. ^ "Voice Of Daisy Duck (Mickey & Friends Trick or Treats) – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  8. ^ "Voice Of Goofy Goof (Mickey & Friends Trick or Treats) – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  9. ^ "Voice Of Witch Hazel (Mickey & Friends Trick or Treats) – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  10. ^ "Voice Of Ghost Bride (Mickey & Friends Trick or Treats) – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  11. ^ Zahed, Ramin (October 3, 2023). "David H. Brooks Takes Us Behind the Scenes of His Spooktacular 'Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats' Special". Animation Magazine. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  12. ^ Kelley, Aidan (September 30, 2023). "The 7 Best New Movies & Shows on Disney+ in October 2023". Collider. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  13. ^ Steele, Bruce C. (September 30, 2023). "Meet the Puppets and Animators on the Set of Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats". D23. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  14. ^ "Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats | Halloween Special 🎃 | Fright Night Music Video 🎶". Disney Junior. October 1, 2023. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2023 – via YouTube.
  15. ^ "Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats | Halloween 🎃 | Alone on Halloween Music Video 🎶". Disney Junior. October 2, 2023. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023 – via YouTube.
  16. ^ "Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats | Halloween 🎃 | Friends Like You Music Video 🎶". Disney Junior. October 3, 2023. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023 – via YouTube.
  17. ^ Sarto, Debbie Diamond (August 18, 2023). "Disney Junior Reveals New Slate of Shows, Specials and Shorts". Animation World Network. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  18. ^ Clark, Noelene (2023-08-18). "Mickey Mouse Halloween Special: Watch the Stop-Motion Trailer". The Messenger. Archived from the original on October 11, 2023. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  19. ^ "Disney Junior Makes Major New Series, Specials and Cast Announcements at "Disney Junior & Friends Playdate" Event at Disney California Adventure Park" (Press release). Disney Branded Television. August 18, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2023 – via The Futon Critic.
  20. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (August 18, 2023). "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Revival Leads Disney Junior Slate; Taye Diggs To Voice King Triton With Amber Riley As Ursula In Ariel Animated Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  21. ^ "Watch Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats Season 1 Episode 1 - Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats". DisneyNow. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  22. ^ Kundu, Tamal (September 25, 2023). "Mickey & Friends Trick Or Treats Streaming Release Date: When Is It Coming Out on Disney Plus?". ComingSoon.net. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  23. ^ Reif, Alex (September 25, 2023). "TV Review: Halloween Stop-Motion Fun Abounds in "Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats" from the Creators of "Mickey Saves Christmas"". LaughingPlace.com. Retrieved 2023-12-12.
  24. ^ ""Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats" – Mr. Daps' Review". Daps Magic. October 2, 2023. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  25. ^ Hackney, Jake (October 23, 2023). "10 of the best Halloween films for kids on Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Paramount+". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  26. ^ Morgan, Stephanie. "Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats TV Review | Common Sense Media". Common Sense Media. Retrieved 2023-12-12.
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