Theme Park Rangers Radar: Sanderson Sisters, Love Is Universal, Finnegan’s flag

We see new Halloween costumes on the horizon in this week’s Theme Park Rangers Radar as Disney unveils a few Not-So-Scary details from the Sanderson Sisters file. At Universal Orlando we read the fine print near the rainbows and the American flag and learn things.

Radar is a weekly notebook of Central Florida theme park happenings. It appears on OrlandoSentinel.com on Wednesdays.

Sanderson sashay

It’s that time of year in Orlando where we are sweating out the summer and the details for (checks calendar) theme park Halloween and Christmas factoids.

A gem was released by Walt Disney World in regards to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which starts at Magic Kingdom on Aug. 12. During Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, a staple of the after-hours event, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle Cow will be costumed as the Sanderson Sisters of “Hocus Pocus” film fame.

It will be Minnie as Winifred (portrayed on screen by Bette Midler), Daisy in the role of Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Clarabelle Cow as Mary (Kathy Najimy).

This comes after last year’s Not-So-Scary debut of Powerline Max, nephew of Goofy in a cosplay mode, as part of the pre-parade for Boo-to-You. Max received an electric response from the Main Street crowd, enough that he has landed a meet-and-greet gig at Disney Jollywood Nights, the new holiday event that starts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Nov. 11.

This year’s Not-So-Scary events are held on 38 select nights, wrapping up Nov. 1. The parade happens nightly, and only during the event. Tickets range from $109 to $199 ($99 to $189 for ages 3-9).

Local Love Is Universal

Universal Orlando’s profits from the sales of its Pride merchandise will be donated to Orlando-based organizations including Zebra Youth, The Center and onePulse Foundation. Signs with the collections salute the groups “efforts to support and engage the local LGBTQ+ community.”

That will be the case through August.

The rainbow-tinged goodies for sale primarily fall under the “Love Is Universal” theme, and include mugs, tumblers, T-shirts, caps, fanny packs, candles, keychains, magnets, fans and the like.

The merchandise can be seen at Universal’s theme parks and resorts, at Universal CityWalk and online at www.shop.universalorlando.com.

Salute

Although I’ve been in Finnegan’s, the restaurant/bar at Universal Studios theme park, many times, on my last visit something familiar struck me as odd. Behind the bar for several years has been a framed, ceremoniously folded American flag … in an Irish bar?

From my seat I could see it says “Certificate of Honor” across the top.

Here’s what the smaller type, in a calligraphy-style font and under capitalization rules that don’t follow Associated Press style, says:

“To all who shall see these presents, greetings: This flag is presented to The Finnegan’s Crew at Universal Studios, Orlando in honor of their patriotism, support, love and respect. Since the beginning of the War on Terror, the Finnegan’s Crew has entertained countless Service Members and their families and made their experience a memorable one. The flag accompanying this certificate was proudly flown in their honor above the Command Post of Hotel Company, 1st BN, 125th IN on Camp Ramadi, Iraq for the month of July 2008. All who gaze upon this flag should recognize they are being served and entertained by True American Patriots who enthusiastically support the Warriors of this Great Nation.”

The certificate includes the distinctive unit insignia of the 12th Infantry Regiment of the Michigan Army National Guard, and it is signed by Robert A. Maciolek.

Weekend outlook

• Garden Rocks, the concert series for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, includes Living Colour on Friday and Saturday, then Wang Chung on Sunday and Monday. (Last call alert: The final day of the festival is July 5. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and its Eat to the Beat concert series start July 27.)

• Legoland Florida marks Red White & Boom on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with a Lego flag build, Miniland scavenger hunt, dance party and fireworks over Lake Eloise. Activities are included with regular Legoland admission.

• SeaWorld’s Summer Spectacular continues with summer snack menu (caramel beignets, street corn carnitas hot dog, barbecue brisket fries, Grey Goose tasting and more), Club Seaglow dance party at Bayside Stadium, and “Ignite” fireworks.

What’s on your radar? Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com.