Pack your bags, because it’s time to return to Storybrooke! “Once Upon a Time” Season 5 returns to ABC on Sunday, Sept. 27 with an all new adventure involving your favorite fairytale characters.

Fans are in for a wild ride as Emma (Jennifer Morrison) attempts to control her new dark magic. However, her family and friends aren’t willing to let the darkness consume her. They begin a journey to seek out the mysterious Merlin and save Emma.

Check out 8 things to know ahead of the Season 5 “Once Upon a Time” premiere below:

1. Episode 1 Synopsis

The Season 5 premiere will pick up directly after the events in the Season 4 finale. “Once Upon a time” fans will remember that Emma was swallowed up by a dark cloud. The Dark One’s dagger dropped to the ground, bearing her name. However, Emma was gone.

According to the synopsis for episode 1, titled “The Dark Swan,” Emma’s loved ones will have to search for her and receive help from an “unlikely ally.” But the good folks of Storybrooke will have to travel far to find Emma, because she ended up in the Enchanted Forest! Emma will be on a journey to Camelot to search for Merlin, who will hopefully be able to “stop her transformation.”

2. Episode Titles

The names of the first couple of episodes for Season 5 have been released:

  • Episode 1 – “The Dark Swan
  • Episode 2 – “The Price”
  • Episode 3 – “Siege Perilous”
  • Episode 4 – “The Broken Kingdom”
  • Episode 5 – “Dreamcatcher”
  • Episode 6 – “The Bear and The Bow”
  • Episode 7 – “Nimue”

3. The Return Of Major Characters

Fairytale characters come and go on “Once Upon a Time,” but three will be returning this season after missing in action. Fans will welcome back Lancelot (Sinqua Walls), Mulan (Jamie Chung) and Ruby (Meghan Ory). Series co-creator Adam Horowitz revealed to TVLine that where Ruby and Mulan have been will be explained.

4. Merida Joins The Cast

A new princess will be at the center of the story this year – “Brave” character Merida. She’ll make her first appearance in the premiere and cross paths with Emma before meeting the rest of the Storybrooke heroes. Fans will learn about what Merida has been up to since the events in the Disney/ Pixar movie … and she’ll eventually go on an adventure with Belle (Emilie de Ravin)!

5. A Love Interest For Henry

Henry (Jared S. Gilmore) is growing up! Emma’s son will grow close with a new character name Violet (Olivia Steele-Falconer) this season, the daughter of Sir Lionel. Check out a behind-the-scenes photo of them together:

6. Pack Your Gowns

You won’t want to miss episode 2 because TV Guide reports that the upcoming installment will feature a fantastic ball at Camelot. Although it’s unclear which of our favorite fairytale characters will be in attendance, Horowitz teased that a “guest of honor” will be at the event.

7. LGBT Storyline

Season 5 will definitely feature an LGBT storyline, however the creators did not reveal which characters will be involved.

“We want the show to reflect the world as it is now,” Horowitz explained. “Whether that’s going to be with any particular character, we’re not going to say … It’s something we think is due and important to do on the show.”

8. Hook And Emma

Hook (Colin O’Donoghue) and Emma might be separated for now, but there is no need for Captain Swan shippers to start freaking out. Co-creator Edward Kitisis revealed to Entertainment Weekly that the pirate’s “main focus is on saving the woman he loves.” Awww.

“Once Upon a Time” Season 5 premieres on ABC on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. EDT.

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