The Stanley 1913 Halloween Collection launched today, September 17, with two very different spooky moods: deep red Bordeaux Lace and black-and-gold Black Magic. Stanley’s own launch email literally arrived with the subject line “Let’s Go, Witches,” so subtle this is not.

The Stanley Halloween collection has six pieces

Stanley’s launch email lists six pieces in the drop:

• 40-ounce Halloween Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler in Bordeaux Lace — $50
• 20-ounce Halloween Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler in Bordeaux Lace — $40
• 11-ounce Halloween Reserve Wine Tumbler in Black Magic — $30
• 40-ounce Halloween Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler in Black Magic — $50
• 16-ounce Halloween Everyday Tumbler in Black Magic — $35
• 8-ounce Halloween Easy-Fill Wide Mouth Flask in Black Magic. Stanley’s U.S. page is currently displaying both $31 and $30, so I would check the live cart price before ordering.

Bordeaux Lace is the dramatic one

Bordeaux Lace is the deep red design with dark lace-style Halloween artwork and spiders. It looks like the cup a vampire with excellent taste would carry to Target.

The color is part of both the 40-ounce and 20-ounce Quencher lineup.

Black Magic is all moon-and-moth energy

Black Magic goes black with metallic-gold celestial artwork. Stanley uses the design across the 40-ounce Quencher, the 11-ounce wine tumbler, the 16-ounce Everyday Tumbler and the 8-ounce flask.

The 40-ounce Halloween Quencher is $50 and has Stanley’s familiar Flowstate lid, reusable straw, cupholder-friendly base and dishwasher-safe recycled stainless-steel construction. The 20-ounce version is $40 and uses the same three-position Flowstate lid setup.

The collection launched today

Stanley set the U.S. launch for September 17 at 9 a.m. PT / noon ET, and the brand’s September 17 email says the Halloween Collection is here. When I checked after launch, the 40-ounce Black Magic Quencher was showing Add to Cart, although some cached product pages were still showing pre-launch “Coming Soon” language. Translation: if one page looks stale, refresh the exact item you want before assuming it is gone.

Shop the Stanley Halloween Collection here.

And yes, Stanley is offering Halloween customization

Stanley’s launch email is also promoting customization, with the option to add a message or artwork. So if a regular limited-edition witch cup is not extra enough for you, Stanley has apparently decided to support that journey.

We have not physically tested these pieces, so I am not going to pretend I can tell you how the finishes look in person. What I can confirm is the lineup, launch timing, current product-page specs and posted prices.

Emma Hernan’s Coast to Coast Kitchen has launched Lobster Empanadas, Sweet Chili Shrimp Empanadas, and a new Crab Rangoon at Target. The two empanada flavors were developed exclusively for the retailer, according to the brand’s September 16 announcement.

There are two new seafood empanada flavors

The Lobster Empanadas pair lobster with cream cheese and savory seafood flavor. The current Target listing shows an eight-count, 8-ounce package.

The Sweet Chili Shrimp Empanadas are also sold in an eight-count, 8-ounce package. Coast to Coast Kitchen says the lobster flavor nods to Hernan’s Massachusetts upbringing, while the sweet-chili shrimp flavor reflects her years in California.

Target displayed both empanada packages at $5.99 when checked September 17, 2026. Prices, stock, and fulfillment options can vary by location, so use your store in the Target app or website before planning the freezer haul.

Crab Rangoon is joining the launch

The third new item is frozen Crab Rangoon. Coast to Coast Kitchen connects that one to Hernan’s grandfather, a chef who made a crab-and-lobster spread for family gatherings.

The three additions expand a seafood appetizer line that arrived at Target in February 2026. The current lineup already includes New England Crab Cakes, Bacon Scallops, Shrimp Spring Rolls, and Crab Minis.

So this is less “one celebrity product appeared in one random freezer” and more a full appetizer strategy. You could pick one new box for movie night, or let every person choose a different appetizer and avoid pretending the group will agree.

The brand says the rollout is nationwide

Coast to Coast Kitchen says the new products are available at Target stores nationwide, including Alaska and Hawaii. That is the announced rollout scope, not a promise that every flavor is sitting in every freezer today.

Target’s own listings are already live, which is the useful part. Set your store first, then check pickup or delivery availability for the exact flavor. It saves the specific disappointment of making a special trip and discovering someone else cleared the shelf.

Here is the honest tasting note

We have not tried these yet. I am not going to tell you the lobster filling is rich, the shell is crispy, or the sweet chili flavor has the perfect kick when I do not know that.

What we can confirm is simpler: the products are real, the exact Target listings are live, the boxes are eight-count packages, and the brand announced a nationwide rollout. From there, your freezer and your air fryer get to make the final decision.

If Target treats are your favorite kind of news, the retailer also recently added Ritter Sport Duos in two-flavor bars.

The first date to put on the calendar is September 22, 2026. That is when Disney Wonders opens, according to the official Disney Parks Blog announcement.

Disney Wonders opens September 22

Disney describes Disney Wonders as a new shopping destination built around its stories. The outside will feature artwork inspired by Star Wars, Peter Pan, and Toy Story, while the interior includes two chandeliers with more than 40 character illustrations.

The store is joining an already pretty substantial shopping lineup. Disney Village also has Deco by Disney for home items and collectibles, Disney Glamour for fashion and jewelry, Disney Style for more casual apparel and accessories, World of Disney, a LEGO Store, and Pelé Soccer.

If your group treats post-park shopping like an attraction—and I absolutely understand those people—Disney Wonders is the immediate reason to update the itinerary.

A new Italian restaurant is coming later in 2026

Casa Giulia is expected to open at the end of 2026 near one of Disney Village’s main entrances. Disney says the two-level restaurant will focus on Italian favorites, seasonal ingredients, drinks, and cocktails.

There will also be a faster option called Giulia Express with pizza by the slice, focaccia, pastries, and gelato. That detail matters because sometimes a sit-down meal is lovely, and sometimes everyone needs food now before the wheels come off the vacation.

Vapiano is also scheduled for a full refurbishment beginning at the end of 2026. The plan includes brighter interiors, refreshed terraces, new landscaping, and a children’s play area upstairs, with completion expected in early 2027.

Annette’s Diner is closing for a major refresh

Annette’s Diner has been part of Disney Village since 1992. It is due to reopen in 2027 with a refreshed 1950s-inspired design, including booth seating based on vintage car interiors, restored jukeboxes, and a renovated dining room.

Other current food options named by Disney include Brasserie Rosalie, Sports Bar & Lounge, Billy Bob’s Country Western Bar, Five Guys, and McDonald’s. Availability can change during construction, so check the official Disneyland Paris listings close to your visit instead of building the entire day around an old screenshot.

The cinema renovation starts in September

Pathé Cinema is getting its own phased renovation. Disney says the work begins in September while the theater remains mostly open, with the larger project planned for 2027.

The final version is expected to include renovated auditoriums with recliner seating, upgraded projection, a Pathé Café, expanded food and beverage options, a redesigned Häagen-Dazs area with an outdoor terrace, and a new games area.

There is a holiday scavenger hunt too

Disney Enchanted Christmas will extend into Disney Village with new trees, giant snowflakes inspired by Disney stories, festive lighting, and photo spots. A new interactive activity will ask guests to find characters hidden in the snowflake decorations.

Disney says people who find them all can receive an exclusive holiday ornament at Sports Bar & Lounge. That is the kind of small, free-with-effort vacation extra I would make time for, especially if the group is already passing through Disney Village.

What this means for a 2026 or 2027 trip

For a visit on or after September 22, Disney Wonders is the confirmed new stop. Late-2026 travelers may also see Casa Giulia and the start of the Vapiano work. In 2027, the bigger planning variables are Annette’s reopening, the completed cinema renovation, and the next phase of the South Block transformation.

The practical move is to treat Disney Village as part of the trip rather than merely the walkway between the parks and hotels. Build in time for the things your group actually wants—shopping, dinner, or the cinema—then check the latest official operating details before arrival.

And if your next Disney trip is stateside, we also have the newly released Disney After Hours 2027 dates and prices.

At Home’s current Christmas collection lineup has all three covered. This is a look at the retailer’s 2026 seasonal pages, checked September 17—not a claim that every collection or item is brand-new.

Start with the decorations you already own

Here is how I would narrow the shopping tabs before buying another bin’s worth of ornaments:

• For a warmer, quieter room: Yuletide Hearth emphasizes wood and antique brass. Tartan & Tidings brings plaid, while Forma Terra takes an earthy direction.
• For shine without the same old red-and-green: Evergold pairs gold with brown and pearly finishes. Burgundy Brilliance goes toward velvet, crystal accents and silver.
• For a snowy look: Arctic Wonderland uses flocking and icy finishes; Winterbloom combines whites, greenery and champagne accents.

Those are useful starting points, not rules that everything in the room needs to match. Pick the palette that works with your favorite old decorations and fill one actual gap.

Yes, there is a pink bakery option

Mrs. Claus’ Bakery is the sweet-looking detour: the current page includes an 8-inch pink ice cream cone ornament listed at $14.99, a 14-inch pink peppermint cork placemat at $3.99, and a 15-inch chef nutcracker at $12.99.

That gives you a small-scale option if a whole themed tree is not the assignment. A peppermint placemat or a single nutcracker can do the job without replacing your Christmas collection.

Check your store before planning the haul

At Home’s pages change availability and delivery options by location. The prices above were displayed September 17, 2026; your store’s stock and later prices may differ. We have not handled or tested these pieces.

My vote: choose your favorite look, measure the spot, and decide what you are willing to store in January. Future you deserves a little consideration here.

For a different kind of December tradition, our 2026 Advent calendar guide covers the daily-countdown side of holiday shopping.

This is not an official Starbucks menu drink. It is a Totally The Bomb custom order made with ingredients that are available at many Starbucks locations. Order it by the recipe below—not by asking for a “Zombie Frappuccino”—so your barista knows exactly what to make.

How to order a Zombie Frappuccino at Starbucks

1. Start with a Grande Matcha Crème Frappuccino.
2. Ask to substitute raspberry syrup for the classic syrup. If you want a softer, sweeter version, vanilla syrup also works.
3. Ask for strawberry puree on top of the whipped cream. You can also request puree inside the cup for extra red streaks.
4. Finish with strawberry pieces on top, if your store has them available.

Starbucks made raspberry syrup a permanent menu option again in 2026, which gives this old Halloween favorite its punchy berry flavor back. Ingredient availability can still vary by store, so the vanilla version is an easy backup.

What does the Zombie Frappuccino taste like?

It is creamy, earthy, and berry-sweet. Matcha keeps the drink from tasting like straight candy, while raspberry syrup and strawberry puree bring the fruity “brains and blood” look. The strawberry pieces add the final scary-sparkly texture on top.

Tips for ordering this Starbucks secret menu drink

• Use the Starbucks app to check whether your store currently lists raspberry syrup and strawberry pieces.
• Read the customizations in order, and be patient if the store is busy.
• Keep the drink name for the photo caption. The recipe is what helps the barista.

Is the Zombie Frappuccino on the Starbucks menu?

No. This version is part of our Starbucks Secret Menu collection, not an official Starbucks drink. That means recipes and availability can change as ingredients come and go.

Want a sip that leans even harder into the Halloween theme? Try our Starbucks Zombie Brains Drink, an iced matcha creation with a different spooky look.

That is when 2027 Disney After Hours tickets open to the general public. Guests at eligible Disney-area hotels already have an early purchase window for event nights during their stay.

What does Disney After Hours cost in 2027?

The three parks have different prices and hours. Here is the comparison from Disney’s current event information. Prices below are per ticket, before tax, and vary by date.

One exception: Hollywood Studios runs 10:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m. on April 24, 2027. Event tickets allow entry starting at 7 p.m. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can save $30 per ticket at Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.

Which dates are on the calendar?

Disney’s September 10 announcement lists selected nights from January 11 through July 19 at Magic Kingdom, January 16 through August 25 at Hollywood Studios, and January 21 through August 19 at EPCOT. These are date ranges, not nightly events; check the exact calendar before choosing a trip.

Included refreshments are ice cream novelties, popcorn and selected bottled drinks. Attraction highlights include TRON at Magic Kingdom, Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios and Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT. Offerings can change.

The part to check before buying

This is a separately ticketed event, not a perk automatically included with regular park admission. Disney says tickets are limited, and admission does not guarantee access to an attraction.

My planning takeaway: compare the rides you care about and the late finish against the price, rather than treating the included popcorn as the whole sales pitch. A night that ends after midnight should fit your group—not just look good on a vacation spreadsheet.

If your plans include spring EPCOT visits, keep the 2027 Flower & Garden Festival dates handy too. That is a separate planning question from buying an After Hours ticket.

Disney has revealed an Olaf Countdown Plush for its 2026 holiday toy lineup, and the countdown is built right into the snowman. The official photo shows him in a Santa hat, with numbered sections across his body and a little Sven marker.

When does the Olaf countdown plush come out?

According to Disney’s September 16 holiday toy announcement, Olaf debuts in October 2026. Disney lists him as coming soon to DisneyStore.com.

That means this is a heads-up for your wish list, not a claim that you can order him today. The announcement does not give an exact October release day or a price.

Sven gets to help with the countdown

The plush comes with a Sven marker to count down to Christmas. It is a sweet alternative to a countdown that needs a fresh batch of little gifts: the snowman himself is the attraction.

I like that he looks like a Christmas decoration and a plush pal at the same time. Put him near the tree, and suddenly the question “how many more days?” has a very enthusiastic snowman assigned to it.

For the wider seasonal lineup, our Disney Christmas 2026 guide keeps the holiday collections together. This little guy’s key detail is simpler: October arrival, with the exact day still to come.

Formulary 55’s holiday calendar has 12 petite shea butter soaps tucked behind little doors, and the packaging makes a strong case for leaving the whole thing out on a dresser. Black-and-white botanicals outside. Black and gold inside. It looks like a fancy book with a very specific agenda: more soap.

What’s inside the Formulary 55 Advent calendar?

The brand lists nine new fragrances and three returning seasonal scents. The lineup includes Cardamom & Milk, Frosted Fir, Cranberry & Lychee, and Sugared Plum & Fig.

This is a 12-door calendar, so plan your countdown around twelve openings. You could start twelve days before Christmas, open one whenever you want a new scent, or ignore the calendar part entirely. I respect the person who opens every little door on arrival.

The box opens like a book and has a double magnetic closure.

Check the preorder timing before gifting it

Formulary 55 is taking preorders and says the calendar ships on or after October 1, 2026. That is the shipping window, so leave time for delivery if you have a particular gift date in mind.

Check the official listing for the current price and shipping details before ordering.

Who would actually use twelve little soaps?

This makes the most sense for someone who already enjoys scented bar soaps: the friend with a pretty soap dish, a guest bathroom they love decorating, or a favorite bar they always pack for a trip.

I would check the fragrance lineup before choosing it for someone else. A beautiful box is fun, but the gift works best when the person will actually use what is behind the doors. We haven’t tried this set, so there’s no scent ranking here.

If you’re still deciding between beauty, food, and other kinds of countdowns, our 2026 Advent calendar guide is a good place to compare.

Sun-Maid Charcuterie Pairings come in four combinations of dried fruit, banana chips, and yogurt-covered raisins. Each box is 4.5 ounces total, with the components in separate pouches. You still bring the cheese, crackers, and anything else you want on the board.

What is in the four Sun-Maid Charcuterie Pairings boxes?

The choice mostly comes down to whether you want dried fruit alone or some yogurt-covered raisins in the mix:

• Dried Apricots, Blueberries & Cranberries: the fruit-only combination.
• Dried Apricots, Dried Blueberries & Vanilla Yogurt Covered Raisins: keeps the apricots and blueberries, with vanilla-coated raisins as the third component.
• Dried Cherries, Banana Chips & Chocolate Yogurt Covered Raisins: the only box in this lineup with banana chips.
• Dried Cranberries, Dried Cherries & Chocolate Yogurt Covered Raisins: the chocolate-raisin option if you would rather have cranberries than banana chips.

That 4.5-ounce size is for the whole box. This is a way to add a few little piles or bowls to a spread, so plan the rest of your shopping around how many people you are feeding.

How I would use them on a snack board

My starting point would be the apricot-blueberry-cranberry box alongside cheese and crackers, especially if I already had something chocolatey elsewhere on the table. For a movie-night spread with cookies or pretzels, I would be more tempted by one of the chocolate-raisin combinations.

Those are board-building ideas, not a taste test. The separate pouches also mean you can arrange everything in its own little bowl instead of pouring a mixed bag into one spot. Sun-Maid includes more pairing suggestions on the back of each box.

Where to find Sun-Maid Charcuterie Pairings

In its September 16 announcement, Sun-Maid says the line is available at select Walmart and Target locations, along with other retailers nationwide. That does not mean every store carries every combination, so check your local store’s inventory before making a special trip.

The announcement does not give a suggested retail price. Compare the price for the full 4.5-ounce box when you find it, particularly if you are deciding between one of these assortments and larger bags for a party.

For a small board, though? Having three different little additions already sorted is a pretty appealing idea.

The brand’s September 16 announcement names two 7.7-ounce options. Here is how to tell them apart before you add one to the cart.

Sweet & Salty or Cookie?

• Sweet & Salty DUO: caramel cream with salty butter biscuit pieces on one side, chocolate brownie on the other.
• Cookie DUO: chocolate cream with cookie pieces alongside vanilla cream with cocoa and vanilla biscuit pieces.

Both have a milk chocolate coating. Based on those descriptions, Sweet & Salty is the caramel-and-brownie pick; Cookie is the chocolate-and-vanilla choice.

How much are Ritter Sport DUOs?

The company lists Target and World Market as DUO retailers, with suggested prices starting at $9.75. That is a starting suggested price, so check your store’s actual listing and availability before making a trip.

The fall caramel bags are a separate launch

Ritter Sport also announced Mixed Caramel Minis and Caramel Choco Cubes in seasonal bags, with that bag assortment starting at a suggested $6.89 through retailers including CVS, Kroger and Publix.

Those are different products from the big DUO bars. If you are hunting for the chocolate in the photo, look for DUO and 7.7 ounces on the package. The lower starting price for the seasonal bags does not tell us which format is the better deal without comparing the bag weights, too.

In its September 16 announcement, BUBS outlined new U.S. flavors for September and a Halloween packaging update. Here is the shopping split before you go wandering through the candy aisle.

Target gets the sweet berry flavor

Sweet Wild Berry Pomegranate Ovals combine strawberry and pomegranate flavors. BUBS lists Target as the retailer, with suggested prices of $3.19 for 5.5 ounces and $4.99 for 8 ounces.

That makes the smaller bag the lower-cost way to try this particular flavor. The larger bag is not automatically a better deal: using those suggested prices, the small bag works out to about 58 cents an ounce, compared with about 62 cents for the larger one. Compare the actual shelf labels before choosing.

Five Below gets the sour option

Sour Forest Berries Ovals combine blueberry and raspberry flavors. The brand lists a 5.5-ounce bag at Five Below for a suggested $3.

Five Below is also getting a seasonal version of Lemon Raspberry Skalle: the skull-shaped candy will have limited-edition Halloween packaging, also at a suggested $3. The announcement does not give an exact on-shelf date for that Halloween bag.

Halloween packaging is not a third new flavor

The two berry Ovals are the flavor news. The Lemon Raspberry skulls are getting a holiday look. If you are picking up a bag specifically to try something different, check the flavor name rather than just the seasonal wrapper.

These are the brand’s announced retailers and suggested prices, not a live inventory check for your store. Local availability and shelf prices may differ. We have not taste-tested these new flavors, so this is a launch guide—not a ranking of which bag tastes best.

The LEGO Icons Bookstore: Book Nook, set 11379, is due October 1, 2026, with a $149.99 U.S. price, according to Jay’s Brick Blog’s announcement coverage. It has 1,690 pieces and an 18+ age rating.

A little bookstore that opens up

The build folds into a nook you can tuck between novels, then opens to reveal a two-story shop. There are balconies, a spiral staircase, reading spots and an author’s workspace. Author and reader minifigures are included, along with literary details such as a magnifying glass, golden cup and black cat statue.

That open-or-closed choice is the part worth thinking about before rearranging your shelves. Do you want a little scene peeking out between the books, or do you want to leave the whole shop on display? Those are two very different bookshelf plans.

Pick your display spot before you build

The closed nook makes sense if you want a little surprise among the hardcovers. Leaving it open gives the staircase, balconies and reading areas their own moment. Think about whether this is joining a packed bookshelf or getting a shelf or desk of its own before deciding where it will live.

For a gift, this is a $150 building project, not a stocking stuffer. For your own reading corner, the question is simpler: would you enjoy building the little shop as much as looking at it afterward?

This preview draws on the product description and announcement coverage; we haven’t built the set. Check the official U.S. page before ordering for current availability and price.

Prefer a seasonal display? The LEGO Holiday House takes the miniature-building idea in a Christmas direction.

Shyrone and Rebecca Richardson have spent more than two decades counseling couples, and they have a new book called Winning Together: 8 Keys to Building a Thriving Marriage.

The idea behind it is that good relationships don’t just magically happen. Couples have to make intentional choices about communication, conflict, faith, and all the other things that go into building a life together.

Which sounds perfectly reasonable.

And I read the email and thought:

I absolutely do not want any of that.

Not the book specifically. I’m sure their advice is great.

I mean marriage.

The whole thing.

I am so completely and totally uninterested in getting married again that sometimes I genuinely wonder why we still act like finding another person is the inevitable next chapter of a woman’s life.

My kid is grown.

I already did the family thing.

I already did the marriage thing.

My ex-husband moved out, and at one point he went to jail after trying to kill me.

So now I live alone.

And you know what?

It is so peaceful in here.

Sometimes I literally just sit in my house and appreciate how calm it is.

Nobody is angry.

Nobody is stomping around.

Nobody’s mood changes the entire atmosphere of the room.

I don’t have to figure out whether somebody is upset with me.

I don’t have to negotiate what we’re doing tonight or what we’re eating or whether it’s okay if I work for another three hours because I’m on a roll.

I don’t have to manage another adult person’s feelings.

I just live here.

And I freaking love it.

That is the part I don’t think we talk about enough.

There are endless books about how to save your marriage.

How to communicate with your spouse.

How to bring back the spark.

How to fight fairly.

How to understand men.

How to understand women.

How to speak somebody else’s love language.

How to build a thriving marriage.

But where is the giant section of the bookstore called:

Actually, You Can Just Be Single.

Where is Eight Keys to Having the Entire Bed to Yourself?

Where is How to Stop Asking Someone What They Want for Dinner for the Rest of Your Natural Life?

Because I would like to subscribe to that newsletter.

And before somebody says, “Well, you just haven’t met the right person yet,” that’s exactly what I’m talking about.

Why does there have to be another person?

Why can’t this be the right life?

I completely understand wanting a partner.

I understand falling in love.

I understand people wanting to build families together.

And I absolutely understand why people who want their marriages to work would benefit from learning how to communicate and handle conflict better.

But I don’t understand why singlehood is so often treated like a temporary condition.

Like we’re all hanging around in some emotional airport terminal waiting for our next relationship to board.

Maybe I’m not waiting.

Maybe I’ve arrived.

Because being alone and being lonely are two very different things.

I’ve been lonely while married.

I’ve been lonely with another person sitting right there.

This isn’t lonely.

This is peaceful.

This is waking up in a house where the energy belongs to me.

This is making plans without checking with anybody.

This is changing my mind.

This is eating something ridiculous for dinner.

This is working until midnight because I want to.

This is going to bed at 8:30 because I want to.

This is knowing that when I close my front door, my home feels safe.

And after everything I’ve lived through, that peace is not something I am particularly interested in casually handing over because society thinks eventually I’m supposed to want a boyfriend.

Maybe someday I will.

I don’t know.

Some unbelievably spectacular human could show up tomorrow and make me reconsider the entire thing.

But that’s not the same as waiting for him.

I’m not building my life around the possibility that somebody else might eventually join it.

I’m already living it.

So, yes, Shyrone and Rebecca Richardson may very well be right that a thriving marriage requires intention.

But maybe a thriving single life does, too.

Maybe you intentionally protect your peace.

Maybe you intentionally build friendships and adventures and work you care about.

Maybe you make your home exactly the way you want it.

Maybe you stop treating romance like the final missing puzzle piece.

And maybe the successful relationship you’re supposed to be working on for a while is the one you have with your own damn life.

Because right now, I don’t want a successful marriage.

I want this.

The chain’s fall launch brought the sandwiches nationwide on August 24, 2026. Maple-flavored waffles replace the bun, with chicken, three strips of applewood-smoked bacon and honey butter spread in between. Syrup comes on the side.

Which version can you order?

The official ordering FAQ separates them by time. The breakfast sandwich runs from opening until 10:30 a.m. The larger entrée sandwich runs from 10:30 a.m. until closing.

Both versions offer Original, Spicy or Grilled chicken. The breakfast sandwich has a smaller chicken portion and waffle, so the two names aren’t just different labels on the same order.

Check your restaurant before making the trip

These are limited-time items at participating restaurants. Use your location’s menu in the app or on the ordering site to check what you can actually buy and what it costs. A national announcement isn’t a local stock guarantee.

The FAQ also says Chick-fil-A One points can’t be redeemed for either sandwich. That matters if you were planning to make this your next reward order.

For now, the useful distinction is simple: the waffle option isn’t breakfast-only, but the size you get depends on when you order.

And if you would rather cook than queue, our Chick-fil-A-at-home guide is a different route—not a recipe for this new sandwich.

And the starting point is a sleeve from a sweater you’re done wearing. The tube is already there, so you can make the pumpkin with hand stitching instead of sewing a whole shape from scratch.

Heather Handmade’s sweater pumpkin tutorial explains the sleeve and embroidery-floss method. Ellen at Bellewood Cottage also walks through gathering the ends and adding the grooves. Their photos are helpful for seeing the stitches up close.

The sleeve does some of the work for you

Gather a sweater, scissors, polyester stuffing, a long hand-sewing needle, embroidery floss, and a short twig for the stem. Choose a needle with an eye that fits your thread.

Chunky knits show off their texture, but Heather notes that thick fabric can be harder to gather closed. If you’re deciding between two sweaters, check how easily the fabric bunches before cutting.

The cream-and-rust pair is a good excuse to mix textures. You can also keep both pumpkins the same color and let a cable knit sit next to a simpler ribbed sleeve.

From sleeve to little pumpkin

1. Cut a short tube. Lay the sleeve flat and cut a section roughly as tall as it is wide. Keep its sides joined. A wider sleeve gives you a bigger starting shape.
2. Close the bottom. Sew running stitches around one opening. Pull the thread to gather it, tuck the cut edge inward, then secure with stitches and a knot. Close any remaining gap.
3. Fill and close. Add stuffing, leaving room to gather the top. Repeat the gathering and secure it.
4. Make the sections. Anchor a fresh length of floss at the bottom. Pass the needle up through the center, take the thread down around the outside, then pass up through the center again. Tighten enough to make a groove. Repeat in new positions around the pumpkin, then knot securely.
5. Add the stem. Tuck a short twig into the gathered top. A little hot glue can hold it if needed; let it cool before handling.

The dashed line in the drawing shows the path through the middle. The solid line shows the thread outside. Those outside loops are what turn the stuffed shape into pumpkin sections.

These are decorations, so keep the loose stems and long needles away from small children. If your next closet rescue is a tee, try our braided T-shirt headband or no-sew tote.

Your sweater’s sleeves have officially retired to the mantel.

Disney announced the change September 16, with the frog-shaped smart tablet from Toy Story 5 serving as the story’s DJ.

Familiar songs, different sound

The lineup mixes reworked Toy Story favorites with songs written for the attraction. Disney names “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” “We Belong Together” and “I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away” among the familiar selections.

New songs include “Pizza Planet Promo” and “Spin It Back, Lilypad.” Imagineers recorded with musicians in Nashville, drawing on pop, country, EDM and alt-rock.

What this means for your visit

The music begins September 25, 2026. You can also hear the playlist off the ride, where Lilypad introduces tracks and shares games between songs.

Already planning a park day? Add this to the small changes worth listening for, alongside the new Disney Parks Logo Mania merchandise worth browsing.

This version uses three fabric strips and a little hand stitching. No sewing machine. No mysterious five-strand braid that requires you to grow another hand.

Happy Family Art’s recycled T-shirt headband tutorial shows the sewn construction, including a strip wrapped over the join. We’re keeping the illustrated version plain so the braid gets all the attention.

A tiny supply pile. Excellent.

You’ll need a stretchy knit T-shirt, scissors, a needle and thread, plus a short fabric scrap to cover the join. A clip can hold the braid while you check the fit.

Keep it all one color for the lavender look, or try three colors from tees you’re ready to retire. Save the graphic-heavy favorite for our T-shirt and tank-top tote tutorial; braiding won’t preserve a big printed design.

Make the braid, then fit it

1. Cut three strips. Start around 2 inches wide. Use long, unbroken sections of knit fabric, leaving extra length for braiding and joining.
2. Secure one end. Stack the ends and stitch through all three. Braid by alternating the outer strips over the middle.
3. Check the fit. Hold the braid around your head where you’ll wear it. It should feel secure without pulling tight. Adjust before joining; different shirts stretch differently.
4. Close the loop. Stitch the ends together, catching every strip and keeping the join as flat as you can.
5. Hide the join. Wrap a short, roughly 2-inch-wide scrap around it, tuck the raw end under, and stitch the wrap closed.

The lavender tee gets a second life. Your hair gets an accessory. The rag pile will recover.

A no-sew tote gives it another job. An old tank top works, too, and already has the opening and straps. The shoulder sections become the handles, and knots close the bottom. No sewing machine needs to emerge from wherever you put it.

Heather Dessinger at Mommypotamus and Jamie Sanders at Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom both explain this method. Our illustrated companion focuses on the cuts and the bottom closure.

A tank top gets a head start

A pink daisy tank as a little tote? Yes, please. The neckline is already there, and the shoulder straps become the handles without cutting off any sleeves.

Choose a knit tank with broad straps and intact seams. Leave its neckline and armholes alone, turn it inside out, and start at step 2 below. You’ll use the same paired strips and extra gap-closing knots as the T-shirt version. The bottom ties use up some of the length, so a longer tank gives you more fabric to work with.

KMOM14’s tank-top tutorial on Cut Out + Keep shows the cut-and-tie approach with the fringe left outside. For the tucked-away finish illustrated here, tie while the tank is inside out and turn it back afterward, as in the T-shirt method above.

Pick the shirt before you pick up the scissors

Start with a knit tee or tank, fabric scissors, and washable chalk or a marker. Choose fabric with some substance; a very thin tee will make a very thin bag. Check that the graphic sits below the new opening and above the bottom knots.

If you still want to wear yours, our sleeveless crop-top guide is the other option. This version retires it from shirt duty.

The cuts make the handles. The knots make the bag.

1. Open up the T-shirt top. If you’re using a tank, skip to step 2. Smooth the tee flat, remove the sleeves, and enlarge the neck opening. Leave broad shoulder sections and their seams intact. Those are your handles.
2. Plan the bottom. Turn the shirt inside out so the finished knots will sit inside. Mark where the bag’s bottom should be, leaving fabric beneath that line for ties. Allow for the fabric stretching when filled.
3. Cut matching strips. Keep the front and back aligned. Cut upward from the bottom edge to your marked line, spacing the cuts roughly ¾ to 1 inch apart. Split the two outside strips at their side seams so each has a separate front and back tail.
4. Close it in two passes. Double-knot each front strip to the back strip directly behind it. Then tie a loose tail from one pair to a tail from the neighboring pair, continuing across to close the gaps between knots. Check both ends, too.
5. Turn it out and inspect it. Turn the bag right side out. Gently pull the bottom apart to look for gaps or loose ties before putting anything inside. Use the linked photo tutorials for a closer look at the knotting.

The drawing shows the layout, not a cutting pattern. Keep tiny loose items in a pouch, and start with a light load while you check how your particular fabric and knots behave.

The shirt may be done fitting you. It can still carry your stuff.

Disney’s September 15 announcement says Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will play Earth, Wind & Fire’s song all day on September 21, 2026.

There’s a one-day drink, too

Connections Café and Eatery will offer the Supernova Sip that day only. Disney lists spicy hot honey syrup, lemon juice and edible glitter, topped with orange cotton candy. A separate alcoholic version adds Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

Star-Lord is also part of the celebration. Check My Disney Experience for his appearance times; Disney hasn’t given a fixed schedule in the announcement.

Put this on the right calendar

This is a September 21 extra, not a season-long soundtrack change. It’s useful to know if EPCOT is already on your itinerary, but don’t mistake the announcement for park admission or a reserved ride time.

Planning a different trip? The 2027 EPCOT Flower & Garden dates are a separate calendar to keep handy.

If your holiday decorating has a slightly unreasonable amount of personality, these six 2026 finds deserve a look. Some are available to order, some are preorders, and one has an October release date. Here is what each actually does—and the detail worth checking before you decide it needs to come home.

Official product pages and announcements checked September 16, 2026. Prices below are the listed U.S. prices or announced U.S. retail prices, before tax and shipping; availability can change.

LEGO’s Christmas Stocking is a decoration you build first

The LEGO Christmas Stocking, set 40958, costs $34.99 and has 342 pieces. It is designed for ages 12 and up, with little holly leaves, stars, candy canes, a gingerbread cookie and a Nutcracker minifigure.

It comes with a hook and a kickstand, giving you a hanging or tabletop display option. Think decorative build rather than a fabric stocking to stuff with presents. LEGO lists it for preorder ahead of its October 1 release.

Buddy the Elf remembered the maple syrup

The same LEGO holiday announcement includes Buddy the Elf, set 40865: a $39.99, 713-piece model for ages 12 and up. An Arctic Puffin, candy canes and a maple syrup bottle come with the character. Naturally.

It is also a preorder with an October 1 release. Of these two LEGO picks, the stocking is the decorating project; Buddy is the movie-fan display. For the larger winter-village build, we have the separate details on LEGO’s new Holiday House.

Hallmark turned mahjong tiles into a little Christmas tree

The Merry Mahjong ornament stacks six holiday-patterned tiles into a tree shape. Hallmark lists this 2026 Keepsake at $23.99, and its page showed it in stock when checked.

This is the easy gift match for the person whose weekly game has become a nonnegotiable calendar event. One detail to know: the ornament is plastic, not a miniature set of playable mahjong tiles. It measures 3 by 3.75 by 0.75 inches and comes in a gift box.

Snoopy’s tiny TV actually plays part of the Christmas special

Hallmark’s A Charlie Brown Christmas ornament with video, light and sound looks like a vintage television with Snoopy perched on top. Pressing its button plays a clip from the special with music from “Christmas Time Is Here.”

The listed price is $48.99, with availability beginning October 10, 2026. The catch to budget for: it requires Hallmark’s Keepsake Power Cord, sold separately. It does not run on batteries. This is the nostalgic, interactive pick, but make sure the cord is part of your plan if you want it working when the gift is opened.

Mickey and Minnie are dressed for The Nutcracker

Disney’s 2026 holiday merchandise guide introduces Mickey as a toy soldier and Minnie as a dancer in its Nutcracker holiday plush. Each has the year embroidered on the left foot.

That dated detail makes them worth considering for somebody marking a particular Christmas. They belong to the Mickey Mouse and Family Christmas Collection, which Disney announced for a September 14 Disney Store launch, with Disney Parks availability still described as coming soon.

Mickey’s countdown calendar skips the daily disposable surprise

The same Disney collection has a train-themed Mickey Mouse Holiday Countdown Calendar with adjustable numbered blocks. You change the number as Christmas gets closer.

This is reusable countdown décor rather than an Advent calendar full of separate gifts. It makes more sense for the person who enjoys the daily ritual but does not need another month’s worth of tiny objects. Disney’s announcement does not list an individual price for this calendar or the plush, so check the current Disney Store listings rather than assuming a price or immediate stock.

Choose the kind of holiday fun they actually like

For somebody who enjoys making things, start with the LEGO builds and allow time for their October release. For a small personal gift, the mahjong ornament has the clearest hobby connection. For a Peanuts fan, check the power-cord requirement before choosing the TV.

And for the household that is already committed to a Disney Christmas, our Disney Christmas guide goes further into that collection. These are picks based on the brands’ current information, not products we are claiming to have personally tested.