At the Animation panel at this year’s D23 Expo in Anaheim, CA, we were treated to the first ten minutes of Pixar’s Halloween special, Toy Story of Terror, where the toys of Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story films experience horrifying moments at a haunted roadside hotel, so it seems.

Needless to say there are numerous laugh-inducing jokes in this footage. We first find Woody, Buzz, Mr. Potato Head, Jessie, Trixie, Rex, and Mr. Pricklepants watching an old horror film on a DVD player in the trunk of a car – driven by Bonnie’s mother. Their drive takes place during a dark and stormy night – no pun intended – and the toys arrive at a haunted hotel. Some of the toys, including Mr. Potato Head and Trixie, want to investigate the hotel room beyond the security of their bag. But then mysterious things happen. They disappear. First Potato Head and then Trixie! The other toys search for them, but one by one they are snatched by an unknown, mysterious being. Jessie is all alone in the bathroom, not sure where to head next. Jessie then finds a somewhat-deranged soldier toy warning her about the terrifying situation. Cut!

The 10-minute scene was highlighted by hilarious moments, including each toy’s unexpected snatching. Sudden moments make the special a little haunting – but in the family-friendly manner one would expect from Disney. I cannot wait to see more!

This 30-minute special will, no doubt, be a hit for ABC when it premieres on network this October and can also potentially serve as the platform for Pixar to make even more ventures into the “TV special” format.

Catch Toy Story of Terror on October 16 at 8/7c on ABC!

Stay posted on new D23 Expo updates by following @bnachmanreports and @geeksofdoom on Twitter. And check back here at Geeks of Doom for more news from me on the D23 Expo!

[Images courtesy of Walt Disney Studios. Used with permission.

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