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Search Results for: "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party"

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts – A Must Visit!

15 February 2017 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Epcot Festival of the Arts I love a good festival. Art, Food, Renaissance, Fools, I’m always up for a festival. I’ve written many times before about the various established Epcot festivals. Originally begun to bolster lower attendance weeks at Walt Disney World, the first modern, well-promoted festival at Epcot was the International Flower and Garden Festival, which began in 1993. I missed the first couple of years, but when I moved down in 1995 and began working for Walt Disney World, it became a tradition to attend. The Flower and Garden Festival always revolved around Mother’s Day and back then, Disney provided a free photo op (much like they also used to at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party). It became a Mother’s Day tradition to attend with my mom, enjoy all the fun topiaries and floral displays, dine in France, and get our photo taken together. Also in 1995, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began. I remember how exciting those first years were; being able to stroll around World Showcase and sample smaller bites from countries that may not have a full pavilion, but have some great flavors to offer. It was a fun time.

Now, there are very few “low attendance times” at Walt Disney World. People now plan their visits around the festivals, in order to try the food items, or take part in the many seminars and sessions offered. Another addition over the years was runDisney appearing on the scene, with some races around the festivals, making it even more well-attended. And, of course, Epcot drinking teams also became a thing, giving Food & Wine bit of a reputation for drunken hordes roaming the World Showcase Promenade. That is not to say these festivals are not still enjoyable, just that they have considerably changed over the years, and become an entity unto themselves. As a local, it’s still fun to go on a weeknight and try the foods, or perhaps splurge on a dining event offered. My husband and I did the Parisian Afternoon last year and had a lovely time. There is always something new to see or experience, so you really can get out of the festivals what you want.

Figment Topiary Enter #ArtfulEpcot. Quietly sauntering into the festival scene in the middle of January this year, the Epcot International Art Festival became an INSTANT hit. And I do mean instant. There was very little info provided about this festival far ahead of time. We saw a few photos of “artsy food” which, yes, looked amazing, but I don’t think I was alone when I thought, “oh, it’ll be Food & Wine in February…” and also wondered how they would pull off these artistic food creations under the usually extreme conditions of festival food booths. Then, I walked into Epcot the first Friday it opened, saw a perfectly crafted Figment topiary, complete with two tiny wings, eyes big and yellow, horns of a steer…he really was a lovable fellow. Sorry, it’s impossible for me not to break into song when discussing Figment. Anyway, I sort of fell in love, again, with Epcot.

Of course it was more than just a Figment topiary to make me appreciate this new festival. I attended an event which highlighted the various food creations, merchandise, and entertainment offerings within the festival. Every cast member on hand who spoke about their area of expertise was so passionate and excited. That excitement was contagious, and I soon realized this was something very different from just another festival. As we strolled around Epcot, I saw more and more reasons why this was going to be a big hit.

There are many different types of Disney fan out there. I’ve spoken about what kind I am before, and though there are most certainly no wrong or right type of fan, there are many others like me, who love the history of the Walt Disney Company, the pioneering advances and different thinking that made it succeed, even while it was doomed to fail. We Disney history nerds love the original concept, hopes, and ideals that EPCOT Center stood for both in Walt’s initial idea, and the 1982-1994 incarnation of the theme park once known as EPCOT Center. I have professed my love for this park endless times. That park doesn’t really exist today, but you can see glimpses and sparks of it if you know where to look. As an EPCOT Center fan, it’s completely normal and acceptable behavior to stare at wall carpet, marvel at the ride system within Universe of Energy (Ellen’s Energy Adventure), or watch Impressions de France on repeat, while the rest of the park may be lining up for characters or Frozen or Test Track. That is not to say we can’t also enjoy some of the park’s current lineup. It is to say, we miss original EPCOT and all that it represented to us.

Epcot Festival of the Arts What the Epcot Festival of the Arts has done is found the perfect mix, to entertain the masses, and delight those who dearly miss what EPCOT once was. How? Well, for starters, the entire design of the festival speaks to EPCOT in a modern way. Muted, watercolor style images of park icons, including the original EPCOT Center logo, make my 1980’s heart sing. Figment is the “mascot” of the festival, but not in an annoying, or out of place way. He represents the very spirit of art, appearing in each World Showcase country, in a work of art hailing from the country you are in, only Figment-ized. A perfect way to get kids (and adults) interested in art and seek out more knowledge about the pieces featured, the countries, and art in general. This “scavenger hunt” featuring Figment is actually available as a paid activity. You purchase a Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt map for $6.99 from several possible locations, and then match the Figment artwork to the artwork featured in the World Showcase pavilions. Turn in your map when you’re done, and you’ll get a prize. It’s fun either way!

Figment Scavenger Hunt
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts

Speaking of art, there are not one but two mini-galleries of original and concept art at the festival. Artists, Imagineers and Disney Legends Herb Ryman and Mary Blair have their artwork displayed within (another EPCOT Center holdout) the Odyssey restaurant. There we can see huge versions of Ryman’s original concept art for EPCOT and its Future World pavilions, as well as a selection of  Mary Blair’s South American-inspired art pieces. Also within the Odyssey are free – yes FREE – informational sessions from topics like the animation ink and paint process, to different types of tea. There are also paid sessions on specific art topics which include take-home items from the lesson too. As you stroll around World Showcase, there are also classes like origami making or anime drawing in Japan, various chalk displays around the world, and fun photo ops where you become part of a famous work of art. Animation Academy, once held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, also makes a reappearance in Innoventions during the festival.

Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts

The hit of the festival since it opened has been the Paint By Numbers Mural found between Future World and World Showcase. You are given – again, completely free – a tiny cup of paint and a paint brush and told to paint anywhere from 3-5 (depending on how busy it is) squares matching your color to your number. For the first few weekends, it was a Future World image, the full size version of what is available at character meets as the backdrop in the front of Epcot. Last weekend, the mural design was changed to a World Showcase image, which was also a big hit. When the murals are completed, they are changed out for blank canvases and guests can start all over again. It is sponsored by Glidden’s line of Disney-inspired paint names, so that adds for a fun connection.

Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts

The seven “Food Studios” (see full list of menu items at that link)as they call the food booths at this event, may be small in number, but the varied items almost all take a unique spin on a classic food item, or highlight favorites with an artistic twist. My favorites were the Classic Reuben, which looks anything but classic with it’s futuristic “rye curl” in place of traditional bread, and the Scallop with Chorizo found in America at The Artist’s Table. Oh, and don’t forget the jaw-dropping Piet Mondrian-inspired cake at Pop Eats! as well as adorable “chocolate easels” which are an edible work of art in the form of Figment, Mickey and Pluto, or Mary Blair designs. (Click to read full captions below)

Epcot Festival of the Arts
Classic Reuben with Shredded Corned Beef, Thousand Island Dressing, Pickled Red Cabbage and a Rye Curl
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Pan-Seared Scallop with Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis and a Parmesan Crisp (GF)
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings and Zinfandel Reduction (V)
Epcot Festival of the Arts Deconstructed Sweet Potato Pie
Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie, Salted Caramel, Bourbon-soaked Cake and Marshmallow Whipped Cream
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts: Whipped Herb Cream Cheese with Sea Salt (V) Chicken Mousse with Fresh Herbs & Everything Bagel Seasoning Spicy Tuna with Sriracha Mayonnaise and Sesame Seeds
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Sous Vide Venison with Butternut Squash Purée, Pomegranate Reduction, Pickled Turnip and Juniper Berry Powder (GF)
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Callebaut Belgian Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, Milk, Dark (non-alcoholic)
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings® Spiced Apple Chai Tea Shake with Maple Bourbon Cream, a Waffle Crisp and Candied Bacon (also available in non-alcoholic)
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Chocolate (photo by Disney)
Figment Chocolate Easel
Chocolate Figment Easel

Bridging the gap from classic art to modern, there are also many booths around World Showcase, featuring Disney artists and local artisans alike. Many of the artists are on hand to sign their work. It’s a great way to build your art collection with some originals or prints and meet your favorite artists at the same time.

Epcot Festival of the Arts
Artist Joey Chou signs his work

To top off all that this festival has to offer, at the end of the day, Disney on Broadway Concert Series stars appear at the American Gardens Theatre three times a night, perfoming hit songs from the ever-growing catalog of the Disney Broadway productions. As a huge Broadway musical fan, these shows were the perfect fit. I’ve seen two sets of performers and every show was incredible. Such amazing talent. The shows always seem to have a full house too, so I think this series has been very well received.

Epcot Festival of the Arts Broadway
Epcot Festival of the Arts

Word has spread fast online about this incredible festival, which has quickly become my favorite of the Epcot festival lineup. Every aspect of Artful Epcot fills me with joy, and I hope it returns for years to come, running all week long instead of just long weekends. My only fear is that this charming, quaint, interactive festival that offers so much for so many, will lose that charm if it expands too much. However, I’ll put my confidence in the designers behind the scenes to ensure that doesn’t happen. Part of what made the Festival of the Arts such a success is the way it mixed history with present day, classic with modern, and just enough included opportunities that you don’t feel like you have to shell out premium prices (other than a ticket to the park), to experience all this festival has to offer.

Herb Ryman Epcot Concept Art

There is just one weekend left to the Epcot Festival of the Arts, so I urge you to get down there, get some paint on your hands and chocolate on your face and ENJOY! If you’ve been, I’d love to hear what your favorite part of the festival was or what you hope is added next time around.

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Disney Planning, Disney Special Events, Family Travel, Top Stories, Travel Tagged With: Artful Epcot, ArtfulEpcot, Disney art, Disney Dining, Disney festivals, Epcot, Epcot Art Festival, EPCOT Center, Epcot Festival of the Arts, Figment, World Showcase

Top 5 Ways to Welcome Fall in Walt Disney World

14 August 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I know, I know, it’s still summer – it’s still hot – (over 100 here at Walt Disney World!) but I find myself drifting to thoughts of cool autumn breezes, falling leaves, and pumpkins…Okay, maybe some of those things don’t exactly happen here in Florida, but a girl can dream. Believe it or not, “Orlando Halloween” is right around the corner (that’s what we locals call it when Halloween descends upon the area in early August while we’re all sweating in the sun) and that means lots of fun options to get in the Fall spirit. And while I may still be working on my summer vacation reports, I still wanted to put together a list of my top 5 favorite things about this time of the year at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Magic Kingdom Halloween 1. Autumn Decorations

Being from Massachusetts, I miss the leaves turning color, the cold, crisp air blowing in, and visions of pumpkins and hay bales at every turn. Luckily, Disney has you covered and makes Main Street, U.S.A. feel like the Autumn I grew up loving. You just have to find some air conditioning for the crisp air part. The decorations may also be found around the Downtown Disney area. It’ll be interesting to see how things are done this year with all the Disney Springs construction going on. For a fun treat, head over to Fort Wilderness and take a stroll (or rent a golf cart) to see the amazing decorations the guests there do at their campsites. It’s unbelievable how much some of them do!

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Carlotta provides interactive Haunted Mansion fun

2. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

One of my absolute favorite special ticketed events at Walt Disney World. You just can’t beat the fun you get to experience here with the twice-nightly “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade” led by the infamous Headless Horseman, at 8:15 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and “HalloWishes,” a green and orange fireworks spectacle complete with Disney villains, caps the evening festivities at 9:30 p.m. The parade is one of my favorites ever. The grave-diggers are so much fun and the costumes for all the parade sections are wonderful. It really gets you in the Halloween-y mood!

Of course the trick-or-treating is a key selling point of the party, kids and adults alike love getting candy and treats from all the different locations around the park. And don’t forget to get your special Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom card that’s special only for the party – show your party ticket and wrist band to pick up your card at the Main Street Firehouse during party hours.

And, keep reading below for some Halloween treats that you must try! Party dates for 2014 are: September 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26 & 28 and October 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30 & 31. Advance purchase (prior to event day) savings are available for select dates. Visit Disneyworld.com/Halloween for party dates and prices, or call 407-W-DISNEY.

Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom Halloween 2014
Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party card 2014

3. Fall-themed Treats

Last year, we were really treated to some delicious treats during the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and later some were offered in the Magic Kingdom too. I hope all of these will be back this year, and maybe more new ones too! My absolute favorite was the pumpkin waffle sundae pictured below, it was the perfect mix of waffle, ice cream, and Fall! You can see more about these treats and more to do at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party on my Top 5 Must-do’s at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party post.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Amazing pumpkin waffle sundae!
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Candy Corn ice cream!

4. Halloween Merchandise

It’s always fun to see the new Halloween merchandise this time of year. Popcorn buckets, t-shirts, Mouse Ears and more! Soon we’ll have a place to purchase Haunted Mansion merchandise year round! Whether you’re looking for something haunted, or your favorite characters in their Halloween gear, there is something for everyone this time of year.

Disney Halloween Merchandise 2012

 

What’s your favorite type of Disney Halloween merchandise to take home? Is your house decorated with a Disney theme?

 

Epcot's 18th Annual Food & Wine Festival

5. Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival

Another reason to visit Walt Disney World Resort this time of year is without a doubt, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This year marks the 19th year of enjoying unique and delicious foods, wines, beers, desserts and more around the World Showcase at Epcot. This little festival has grown so much since it first began. There are now countless special dining and tasting events, classes, seminars, after hours and VIP parties, and just plain amazing food (and merchandise!). I love being able to walk around World Showcase at night (usually on a weeknight, it’s much less crowded!) and just enjoy things I may not ever normally try. It’s like a mobile date-night with a view. We’ll have more coverage of the items offered this year, so stay tuned and follow along on instagram, twitter  and facebook for the latest photo-finds.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: Patagonia Marketplace
New this year: the Patagonia booth will offer Verlasso Salmon

So what are your favorite reasons to visit Walt Disney World this time of year? Have you been before? What are your must-do’s? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney Holidays, Disney Merchandise, Disney Planning, Theme Park Holiday Events, Walt Disney World Tagged With: #SotMK, Disney desserts, Disney Dining, Disney Halloween, Disney Halloween merchandise, Disney Halloween treats, Disney Merchandise, Epcot Food & Wine Festival, Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, epcot international food and wine festival, Halloween, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom

Guest Post: Trick-or-Treating in and Around Walt Disney World

30 October 2013 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

I would like to welcome guest author Michelle Rise who wanted to share her tips for spending Halloween in Orlando with all of you. Apologies for not posting this sooner, it’s been a busy month here in Zannaland – but this is great planning for last minute ideas this year or working on next year’s Halloween! Thanks, Michelle!

…

October is here along with changing leaves, cool breezes and Halloween. Everyone enjoys the costume parties, parades and scary decor but what everyone really looks forward to is Trick or Treating. If you plan to be in Orlando for Halloween, you’re in for a treat. The holiday is celebrated with gusto throughout the month of October and nobody does it better than Walt Disney World.

Halloween at Walt Disney World is delightful. The decorations are colorful with just a touch of not-so-scary ghoulishness for that extra bit of fun. How do you trick or treat while vacationing in Orlando?

20131030-124059.jpg

MICKEY’S NOT SO SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY

Dress up in your favorite costume and attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. Kids of all ages can trick or treat throughout the park and nobody cares if you go through a candy line twice. We counted over 30 different places to trick or treat spread pretty evenly throughout the park and I’ve been told there are actually more than that.

Tip
Bring a bag unless you want to use the plastic one given out by cast members. The plastic bag is cute but a lightweight pullstring backpack works better.

Naturally you’ll see a lot of princesses and pirates which is why dressing as Snow White’s evil stepmother or Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty is so fun. You’ll stand out from the crowd. Your costume doesn’t have to be Disney related. In fact, you may be even more noticeable in something non-Disney. But whatever costume you choose, definitely go costumed! It’s just more fun that way.

Surprise
You probably don’t want to spend all the party hours trekking around trick or treating. Most nights of the Not So Scary Halloween event, there are two parades. Candy and stickers are handed out by cast members during the parade so you’re still trick or treating but without all the tiresome walking.

Fireworks are a big hit during the party with special fall colors in the sparkles and some that are ghost or pumpkin shaped.

Don’t forget the rides and attractions. Many are open and waiting for fun with short lines. As the night goes on, characters come out to play and greet guests for photo opportunities.

TRICK OR TREAT AT YOUR HOTEL

If you can’t make the Mickey Halloween party or don’t want to stay out that late, check with the concierge at your hotel.  Many hotels offer activities and events for Halloween, such as ghost stories, character visits, treats and costume contests.  Most are held poolside or in the lobby at designated hours but it’s a great way to enjoy Halloween on the go.  We enjoyed a s’more night one Halloween and were given a bag of various goodies and small games. After some quick research, Hawthorn Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa has a kids trick or treat through the resort area and the staff dress up every year including the General Manager.  The other StaySky Orlando hotels typically have their employees dressed up and a bucket of Halloween candy at the front desk.   Depending on the ages involved, a simple event is perfect.  Kids still have fun and parents save money and get to bed earlier.

 

Either way, you’re sure to have fun and create great family memories in the process. Happy Halloween!

…

Bio:

Michelle Rise is a homemaker and Mother of 5 and travel enthusiast. With many years of experience trekking through Disney parks with her Family, Michelle has become an expert on navigating families through Disney. She also enjoys travel to most other destinations worldwide and when not writing about her experiences or teaching her children to drive, Michelle can be found chasing the family dog up rainbow mountain with her husband of over 25 years, Ben. You can follow Michelle on Twitter, @Rise7Up, for all of her latest writings.

Filed Under: All blogs, Disney Holidays, Disney Movie News & Reviews, Disney Planning, Disney Special Events, Guest Authors, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney Halloween, Guest Authors, Michelle Rise, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, Orlando halloween

NEW Ghoulish Delights at Be Our Guest Restaurant and Magic Kingdom for Halloween

10 September 2013 by Suzannah Otis 5 Comments

An instagram friend (@wibblywaffle-Rueben Gutierrez), who just happens to be a pastry cook at Be Our Guest restaurant, shared a photo this afternoon that I thought was good enough to get a whole post devoted to it. The enchanted chefs at Be Our Guest have come up with some sweet spells for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – a “Poisoned Apple Cupcake” and a “Blood Orange Cream Puff” and they sound delicious!

The Poisoned Apple Cupcake is yellow cake with green apple mousse filling, topped with buttercream, apple pie filling, crispy pearls and a chocolate witches hat. Spooky!

Be Our Guest
Be Our Guest “Poison” Apple Cupcake photo by Reuben Gutierrez

The Cream Puff is chocolate with blood orange mousse, which sounds right up my alley. We’ll have a photo of that up soon! Guests visiting the Magic Kingdom for the Halloween Party should note that Be Our Guest restaurant IS open, so check for walk-in availability just in case. According to our chef above, they are not seating past 7:45 but would love to show off their new offerings! 

 

In addition to these special event-only desserts for their dinner service, Be Our Guest is adding a new dessert to the regular menu…The Grey Stuff! A brand new lunch-only cupcake form of the Grey Stuff is available starting today. The cupcake is the same chocolate cupcake offered in the Triple Chocolate Cupcake, with Grey Stuff filling, Grey Stuff on top and silver crispy pearls.

 

A different dinner form of the dessert is also available now, which uses Grey Stuff on the tarts the restaurant previously made.  Thanks to @wibblywaffle for the photo below:

Be Our Guest Grey Stuff cupcake
Be Our Guest Grey Stuff cupcake – photo by Reuben Gutierrez

Are you heading to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? These new desserts have me excited to dine at Be Our Guest again during one of the party nights.

There are also some other Halloween treats available around the Magic Kingdom during the parties – thanks to DisneyLifestylers.com for the use of the photos below:

Pumpkin ice cream waffle sundae
Pumpkin ice cream waffle sundae at Sleepy Hollow. Photo ©DisneyLifestylers.com

 

Candy Corn soft serve
Candy Corn soft serve ice cream at Storybook Treats. Photo ©DisneyLifestylers.com

 

 

Hatbox Ghost Mickey popcorn bucket
Hatbox Ghost Mickey popcorn bucket. Photo ©DisneyLifestylers.com

 

 

Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney Holidays, Disney Special Events, Theme Park Holiday Events, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Be Our Guest Restaurant, blood orange, creme puff, cupcakes, gourmet cupcakes, halloween party, Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Halloween Party, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, new dessert

VIDEO: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party-Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

30 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Cinderella Castle Dream Lights It is difficult to surpass the wonder that is the Boo to You Parade during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – but if anything can, it’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. I was saying just the other day that I think I’m related to Buddy the Elf, because of my intense love for all things Christmas-related. Disney knows better than anyone how to amp up the holiday magic for the season.

Just walking into the Magic Kingdom or any of the parks with holiday decorations up and you’ll be in the spirit. However to really create some magical memories, you simply must head over to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This separate ticketed event runs on select nights in November and December and believe me, it is worth the price of admission.

[Read more…] about VIDEO: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party-Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

Filed Under: Disney Holidays, Disney Special Events, Reviews, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney Christmas parade, Disney holidays, Disney Special Events, Disney videos, holiday events, Holidays, Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, videos, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World Holiday decorations

Halloween Decor and Treats at Downtown Disney Marketplace and West Side

19 October 2010 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

Last week we spent some time at Downtown Disney Marketplace and West Side, both of which are brimming with Halloween and Autumn decorations. There are some great photo opportunities at both ends of Downtown Disney so get your cameras ready.

Also now through Halloween night, Happy Haunting is taking place in shops and restaurants throughout Downtown Disney. How cool must it be to go Trick-or-Treating at Downtown Disney?! If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and enjoy!

Downtown Disney Marketplace
Over by the Earl of Sandwich. Excuse the random family, it's almost impossible to take a picture with NO ONE in it when people are waiting to pose.

Downtown Disney Marketplace
Over by the Pin Trader shop and the little train is another wonderful display.

[Read more…] about Halloween Decor and Treats at Downtown Disney Marketplace and West Side

Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney Merchandise Tagged With: Disney Halloween decorations, Disney Halloween treats, Downtown Disney Marketplace, Downtown Disney West Side, Happy Haunting, Mickey pumpkin apples

WDW Summer Nightastic Main Street Electrical Parade Preview Video

1 June 2010 by Suzannah Otis 7 Comments

I think it’s high time I embraced the future  by editing and posting my first video here, don’t you? Technically, I posted one last summer which was my low-quality video of the Headless Horseman‘s ride during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party‘s Boo To You Parade…and also technically, this is a slideshow not a video, but it was way more complicated than my first attempt!

In any event, this video contains pictures and information regarding Walt Disney World’s Summer Nightastic! coming to the parks June 6 – August 14, 2010. As many of you may have seen on twitter, I was invited to a media preview of the parade and events last week. Then I got wonderfully sick and I’m just now getting to share my pictures with you all. There will be more to come about the other events, but for now, I hope you enjoy this sneak peek at the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade!



Let me know if you liked this first attempt – if so, hopefully it will be the first of many – and maybe I’ll even record actual video next time! 😉

Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Special Events, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney, Main Street Electrical Parade, media events, MSEP, Summer Nightastic!, video, Walt Disney World

Grim Grinning Ghosts, Come Out to Socialize!

31 October 2009 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

“When hinges creak, in doorless chambers. And strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls. Whenever candlelights flicker, where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present. Practicing their terror, with ghoulish delight!

…Your cadaverous parlour, betrays an aura of foreboding, almost as though you sense a disquieting metamorphosis.”

With these famous lines from one of Walt Disney’s greatest attractions, the Haunted Mansion, I thought I’d celebrate Halloween in ZannaLand by sharing some photos of our family during our visit to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. Don’t forget to check out my other Halloween posts showcasing the Headless Horseman ride, part one of the Boo to You Parade, part two featuring the Villains, and the Halloween Castle!

Our darling Cereal Killer, Coraline, my ghoulish
Our darling Cereal Killer, Coraline, my 'Scare-ista' costume, and Spider-Mickey!
This was the sign I made to go with my costume, hope some Disney fanatics get the jokes!
This was the sign I made to go with my costume, hope some Disney fanatics get the references!

Continue for more pictures >>

Filed Under: Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney, Disney Special Events, Family Adventures, Halloween, Holidays, Magic Kingdom, Pictures, Walt Disney World

HalloWishes Cinderella Castle Views

8 October 2009 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Well, normally by now I would’ve written a much more in-depth, hopefully interesting blog entry…but I sit with tens of thousands of other hopefuls waiting this week for word about who advanced to the second round for the Disney Moms Panel 2010 edition. So forgive me but I’m just a tad distracted and unable to focus for some reason! 😉 I’m not even anticipating making the cut, but the anticipation is a killer!

However, I still had some pictures to share with you from our night at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, so I thought that’d help pass the time. This year we were totally in the wrong place at the wrong time when we heard the announcement that Wishes was starting. We’d just gone on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, and were about to head out trick-or-treating – I didn’t even realize what time it was! As a result, we were clamoring to get to Main Street to be able to view the fireworks and apparently so was everyone else in Tomorrowland.

There was a traffic jam on the bridge leading to the Hub in front of Cinderella Castle and we were trapped. Not only were we trapped, we were stuck right in front of the huge rock formations between the bridge and Stitch’s Great Escape. So we had virtually no view of the fireworks. Let this be a lesson to you – plan ahead! 😉 Rather than let our position spoil our fun, I just focused on the Castle instead, and snapped the photos you see below. Since that’s my favorite part of the Magic Kingdom, I figured I probably wasn’t alone and some other people would enjoy the montage.

Click to view the photos…

Filed Under: Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney, Disney Special Events, Halloween, Magic Kingdom, Pictures, Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom’s Boo to You Parade! (Part 1 of 2)

5 October 2009 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

My family visited Magic Kingdom on September 25, 2009 for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and shared the night with some very special guests – Disney’s Moms Panel! Almost all of the moms (and dads) were able to reunite that weekend and had a great view from the Main Street Train Station for the Boo to You parade. I thought I’d share some photos from one of the best parades at Walt Disney World. Since there is so much action in this parade, I decided to split it up into two posts. This first entry features all the classic Disney characters, and the next post will feature the Disney Villains and the Haunted Mansion residents. Click the photos to enlarge – and enjoy!

Magic Kingdom's entrance in Halloweenie splendor!
Magic Kingdom's entrance in Halloweenie splendor!

Fog rises from the Magic Kingdom as spirits gather for Halloween!
Fog rises from the Magic Kingdom as spirits gather for Halloween!
The Disney Moms Panel gathered for the show
The Disney Moms Panel gathered for the show

I was unable to get a good picture of the Headless Horseman this parade, but you can watch my video from 2007 to experience it!

Boo to You!
Boo to You!

See more of the parade…

Filed Under: Disney Planning, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney, Disney Special Events, Halloween, Magic Kingdom, Pictures

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