(House of Mouse Expo, Kissimmee FL): January 20 - 22 2023, 'Hocus Pocus' movie enthusiasts gathered in Kissimmee FL's Embassy Suites Hotel in order to attend House of Mouse Expo, and witness the largest cast gathering of the Hocus Pocus movie series to date, solidly commemorating the original movie's 30th year anniversary celebration.
The star-studded reunion took place just outside of Orlando, and included: Doug Jones, Vinessa Shaw, Jason Marsden, Larry Bagby, Tobias Jelinek, Michael McGrady, Amanda Shepherd, Taylor Paige Henderson, Omri Katz, and Don Yesso.
For most of the weekend, each actor was highly accessible in the Expo's celebrity hall, where fans happily took photos and obtained autographs from their favorite Hocus Pocus cast members. Lucky guests received hugs from the actors, and tons of laughter and enjoyment could be heard throughout the weekend.
Perhaps one of the most anticipated events of the weekend took place on Saturday when the cast members were brought up on stage together for a panel discussion. The timeframe for this was definitely not enough as attendees were enthralled with the actors' stories, and recounting of their times together back on set. Moderated by House of Mouse's very own Michelle Atwood with some special crowd control from Salem's Black Hat Society's 'Borah', the panel was a fun one. For me, Vinessa Shaw's revelation that Thackery Binx was actually the culmination of some 60 different cats who each had their own specialty 'trick' and that this 'wall of cats' as they were kept together on set will probably be the lasting impression I'll want to keep with me from this experience. Amanda Shepherd's reference to a spider being 'cute' will also stick with me. Between these 2 special moments and the good-hearted humor and connection between Bagby and Jelinek on stage, and the iconic yet extremely humble Doug Jones light-heartedly reflecting on the growing popularity of Hocus Pocus fandom respective of his multitude of movie credits: this was a reunion that any nostalgic Hocus Pocus fan would have loved to experience.
Hoping to see this group together again in Orlando for their next reunion!
Bailey Guinigundo
The star-studded reunion took place just outside of Orlando, and included: Doug Jones, Vinessa Shaw, Jason Marsden, Larry Bagby, Tobias Jelinek, Michael McGrady, Amanda Shepherd, Taylor Paige Henderson, Omri Katz, and Don Yesso.
For most of the weekend, each actor was highly accessible in the Expo's celebrity hall, where fans happily took photos and obtained autographs from their favorite Hocus Pocus cast members. Lucky guests received hugs from the actors, and tons of laughter and enjoyment could be heard throughout the weekend.
Perhaps one of the most anticipated events of the weekend took place on Saturday when the cast members were brought up on stage together for a panel discussion. The timeframe for this was definitely not enough as attendees were enthralled with the actors' stories, and recounting of their times together back on set. Moderated by House of Mouse's very own Michelle Atwood with some special crowd control from Salem's Black Hat Society's 'Borah', the panel was a fun one. For me, Vinessa Shaw's revelation that Thackery Binx was actually the culmination of some 60 different cats who each had their own specialty 'trick' and that this 'wall of cats' as they were kept together on set will probably be the lasting impression I'll want to keep with me from this experience. Amanda Shepherd's reference to a spider being 'cute' will also stick with me. Between these 2 special moments and the good-hearted humor and connection between Bagby and Jelinek on stage, and the iconic yet extremely humble Doug Jones light-heartedly reflecting on the growing popularity of Hocus Pocus fandom respective of his multitude of movie credits: this was a reunion that any nostalgic Hocus Pocus fan would have loved to experience.
Hoping to see this group together again in Orlando for their next reunion!
Bailey Guinigundo
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