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Zocalo Park in Disneyland’s Frontierland has honored Dia de Los Muertos for some time now, featuring specialty displays and even snacks in honor of the annual Mexican celebration. Dia de los Muertos Krispy Rice Treats But things have gotten a lot bigger and better. Because this year’s Disneyland celebration extends to Disney California Adventure! Running now through November 2nd, the all-new Plaza de la Familia seasonal celebration offers live music and entertainment, interactive activities, and special decorations to enjoy. And, of course, FOOD is playing a part in the celebration, too! Paradise Garden Grill, located on Paradise Pier (where all of the Plaza de la Familia activities take place), has adopted a Dia de los Muertos overlay for the season, and it’s pretty epic! The menu currently features special Mexican-inspired fare, including drinks and desserts. Our Disneyland correspondent Heather Sievers (of @DiningInDisney fame) grabbed her family and covered the Paradise Garden Grill bases! First up were the entrees – four specialty options that represent classic Mexican cuisine, and a unique salad as well. Plaza de la Familia Menu at Paradise Garden Grill Yucatan-inspired Vaporcitos are chicken tamales steamed in banana leaves. It’s served with ranchero salsa, golden rice, and black beans. The banana leaves distinguish the vaporcitos from more traditional tamales (which are wrapped in corn husks). But they retain the same texture and taste terrific! Vaporcitos The smoky ranchero salsa added a lot of depth to the dish, and traditional rice and beans complete this hearty and delicious entree. Vaporcitos Tacos de Estilo Callajero is a trio of sirloin beef tacos served with pickled vegetables, golden rice, and black beans. And there’s a LOT of beef here, food friends. The pickled vegetables are a unique topping for the meaty tacos and cut through some of the richness of the beef. Tacos de Estilo Callajero Mole Verde con Pollo is as striking to look at as it is delicious. The sprinkling of edible flowers atop the lovely green mole (a sauce of herbs and an abundance of spices) makes a colorful statement. Mole Verde con Pollo The chicken is herb-braised and fork tender. And the mole? A huge hit, full of complex flavor! Interior of Mole Verde con Pollo Vegetarians will be glad to hear about the fourth entree option: Tortitas de Papa Con Queso is basically a cheese-stuffed potato cake… that’s deep fried. Let that sink in: “cheese-filled” and “deep-fried.” The tortitas are served atop the ubiquitous golden rice beside a pile of crisp lettuce, tomato, and pickled onions. Tortitas de Papa Con Queso Again, the ranchero salsa added a lot of great depth and acid to the dish, elevating the heavier tortitas. Tortitas de Papa Con Queso The Ensalada de Frutas is seasoned with chili-lime salt and chamoy (which is basically pickling juice). The fruits include jicama, watermelon, mango, lime, and cucumber. Spicy fruit-flavored foods are popping up around Disneyland, and this is a tasty addition to that repertoire. Ensalada de Frutas Heather also wanted to try an item from the Kids’ Menu. Paradise Garden Grill Plaza de la Familia Dessert, Kids, and Drinks menu It was, unfortunately, the only loser of the day. The Kids’ Cheese Quesadilla is simple enough: jack and cheddar cheese in a whole wheat tortilla. And it is as blah as it looks. Cheese Quesadilla Thankfully, the meal didn’t end on a bad note because the desserts for the celebration include the gorgeous Pan de Muerto. Pan de Muerto The colorful sprinkles add a lot of fun, while the rich cake (perfectly golden!) and vanilla custard filling are a true indulgence. It’s a must! Pan de Muerto Heather wanted to get in on the Tres Leches Parfait, too… but so did everyone else, apparently, because it was sold out. She’ll be back for it soon, don’t you worry! Finally, Paradise Garden Grill also has a few other snacks, including the traditional street food called Elote (corn on the cob with mayo, cheese, cayenne, and lime!). Pineapple Agua Fresca and Menu Heather opted instead for the super refreshing Pineapple Agua Fresca. She reports that it’s sweet and yummy! But the fun doesn’t stop with the food. The Plaza de la Familia seasonal celebration includes live music and dancing with The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia and The World of Coco Exhibit — both themed experiences inspired by Coco, the upcoming Disney Pixar film! (Have you seen the previews for this? Because it looks seriously gorgeous.) Additional activities include complimentary face painting and photo opportunities at the Mexican Tree of Life, or “Árbol de la Vida,” which is also a spot where families can remember and celebrate loved ones. For more information on the Plaza de la Familia seasonal celebration, visit our Plaza de la Familia page here. So get ready for a celebration of family and the spirit of Dia de los Muertos with the Plaza de la Familia celebration at Disney California Adventure!! Will you be celebrating Dia de Los Muertos in Disneyland? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Paradise Garden Grill in Disney California Adventure New Disney California Adventure Paradise Pier Dining Concept Art Review: Paradise Pier Ice Cream Co. at Disney California Adventure in Disneyland Resort View the full article

This past weekend, dreams came true as runners crossed the finish line at Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend. The race weekend included the runDisney Kids Races, Disneyland Paris 5K, Disneyland Paris 10K and Disneyland Paris – Val d’Europe Half Marathon. Here is a look at some of our favorite moments! The weekend kicked off under the Parisian night sky as runners took to the streets of Walt Disney Studios Park during the Disneyland Paris 5K. Following the 5K, the park opened its doors for a special runDisney event, which included exclusive access to main attractions, Disney characters, commemorative photo opportunities and a DJ party. New to the race weekend this year, was the Disneyland Paris 10K. The 6.2-mile course ran through Disneyland Paris Resort and was filled with surprises and plenty of Disney entertainment. Runners also showed up in incredible outfits inspired by Disney characters – check out some of our favorites! With the addition of the Disneyland Paris 10K, the bravest runners conquered the Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo Challenge, combining the 10K and half marathon races. On Sunday, runners from across the globe raced through the enchanting lands of Disneyland Paris Resort and the picturesque French countryside during the Disneyland Paris – Val d’Europe Half Marathon – talk about running straight through a fairytale. Félicitations, runners! Be sure to share your race photos with us using #DisneylandParisHalf and #runDisneyFrance. To learn more about runDisney events, please visit rundisney.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. View the full article

The ability to prepare and enjoy a family meal in a spacious Disney Vacation Club villa has long been part of the magic of Membership … and a new meal kit at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is making it easier than ever to take advantage of a villa’s kitchen and dining area. Priced at $49 plus tax and available for a limited time at the resort’s Artist’s Palette marketplace, the meal kit for four features Rigatoni Fiesolana (Rigatoni pasta with creamy tomato sauce, sausage, portabella mushrooms, parmesan and fresh basil) and comes with a large garden salad, garlic bread sticks and baking instructions. Note that full kitchens are available in one-bedroom villas and larger accommodations at Disney Vacation Club Resorts. Deluxe Studios are not equipped to prepare this meal option. View the full article

Hey Guys! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re ranking ALL the Disney World Two-Credit Restaurants from BEST to WORST! Where does California Grill fall on the list? A “Two-Credit” Restaurant refers to how many Table Service credits are required to dine when utilizing the Disney Dining Plan. They’re also referred to as “Signature Restaurants” which means guests paying out-of-pocket will be spending some pretty big bucks to eat there. We find that some are very worth the splurge during your vacation and others… well, it’s time to find out how we rank Disney World’s Two-Credit Restaurants from BEST to WORST! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know which Disney World Two-Credit Restaurant tops YOUR list, and which falls to the bottom! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New Video: The WORST Restaurants in Disney World DFB Video: Best to Worst — Magic Kingdom Restaurants RANKED! New DFB Video: Best and Worst Character Meals in Walt Disney World View the full article

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort has expanded to Disney California Adventure park, and so have the festive photo opportunities from Disney PhotoPass Service! Through October 31, while you’re enjoying the spellbinding seasonal offerings during your visit, don’t forget to carve out time to find the limited-time Disney PhotoPass offerings lurking all around the park! Check them out below. Roll the dice and visit a roaming PhotoPass photographer on Buena Vista Street to take an Oogie Boogie Magic Shot!* Chances are this sinister photo will raise your spirits! Just be sure to ask the photographer you visit for this Magic Shot. Unearth some extra supernatural spook when you take a photo in front of the statue of the Headless Horseman with this haunting Magic Shot. Gear up for gas-tly delightful photos in Cars Land! PhotoPass photographers are ready to capture you enjoying Haul-O-Ween with the spirited citizens of Radiator Screams. Want to conjure all of your Disney PhotoPass photos from your one-day visit to Disney California Adventure park? If you’ve added the Disney MaxPass feature to your ticket, you can download, save and share all of your Disney PhotoPass photos captured from your one-day visit! With this feature, you can also reserve digital Disney FASTPASS selections by using the Disneyland app while you’re in the parks. Purchase Disney MaxPass today in the Disneyland app. Learn more about how you can maximize your visit with Disney MaxPass! *Magic Shots cannot be taken at Character Experience locations. Disney PhotoPass service is subject to the PhotoPass terms and expiration policy found in https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos captured during the day your Disney MaxPass is used must be linked to your Disney account. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Downloads are restricted to personal use by Disney account holder only and may not be used for a commercial purpose. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Guests are strongly advised to check the day’s FASTPASS ticket availability and other Park details before purchasing Disney MaxPass. Disney FASTPASS tickets for your preferred attractions may not be available at the time of Disney MaxPass purchase as FASTPASS tickets are limited and availability is not guaranteed. FASTPASS tickets may be obtained only while you are in the Parks and may not be available for entertainment through Disney MaxPass. An experience that does not have Disney FASTPASS® availability at a kiosk will not be available using Disney MaxPass. Disney MaxPass will expire at the end of the applicable day and is nonrefundable, nontransferable, may not be redeemed for cash. Other restrictions may apply. Price, terms, entitlements, attractions and entertainment are subject to change or cancellation without notice. View the full article

Disney Parks Moms Panelists are full of great advice for planning your next Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Check out some of their favorite tips to make the most of your next visit: If you have a late night enjoying Extra Magic Hours, schedule a later breakfast the next day. Make your stroller distinct, it will make spotting it in stroller parking much easier. If you couldn’t get the dining reservation you were looking for, keep checking! Let someone else take the photos with Memory Maker. Plan a whole day to spend at Disney Springs. For more videos, quick tips or to ask questions about planning your upcoming Disney vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. View the full article

Mickey Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Desserts | Walt Disney World View the full article

For the last several weeks, we’ve been sharing can’t-miss experiences at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Today, we’re offering 100 winners of the Best of Epcot International Food & Wine Party Sweepstakes a special chance to join us in the park as we celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Epcot at our Disney Parks Blog party at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival on September 27, 2017. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. ET on September 27 and runs until 9 p.m. inside of Epcot. We are asking Winners of the Best of Epcot International Food & Wine Party Sweepstakes to begin arriving at 4:30 p.m. ET. Winners will receive admission to Epcot on September 27, 2017 and can enjoy a grand tasting event and learn more about some of the amazing dishes during a special Q&A session at World Showplace. You can enter for a chance to win by clicking here and following the entry instructions to complete an official entry form. Your entry must state your valid email address and full name. Also, here are a few things you should know: All entrants must be 18 years or older and legal residents of, and physically located within, the state of Florida. However, guests of the winners do not need to be 18 or older (as long as the guest is the child or ward of the winner). Limit one guest per winner. We will send a notice, via email to the winning entrants. It will be necessary for the winner and guest to check in at Epcot for access to the event. The notice will include those details. Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in. Prizes are not redeemable for cash and are not transferable. Hope to see you out there. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Starts 11:00 a.m. ET on 9/25/17, and ends 1:00 p.m. ET of same day. Open only to legal residents of Florida who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Limit 1 entry per person. For full details including eligibility requirements, odds of winning and prize limitations, see Official Rules. Prize does not include accommodations or transportation between winner’s home and the event taking place on September 27, 2017. Void where prohibited. View the full article

Who knows their way around a dessert better than Carlo’s Bakery head and celebrated pastry Chef Buddy Valastro? No one – that’s who! And lucky for us, Buddy returns to this year’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – with a sumptuous demo and discussion that is sure to be a taste- and crowd-pleaser. Anyone who knows – or knows of – Buddy knows that family plays an integral part in everything he does. Carlo’s is a legendary family business and, as seen in its TV show, shines the spotlight on the warmth, heart – and, of course, sometimes craziness – of three generations of family working together. We caught up with Chef Buddy at Carlo’s in Jersey City to get a sneak peek into his festival presentation and ask him about what he and his family love to do – and eat – while at Walt Disney World. Chef Buddy will be appearing at the Festival as part of the “What’s Cookin’ With” series of celebrity chef demos and discussions. He will be at Epcot Sunday, Nov. 12. To book a seat at Buddy’s appearance at the Festival or any of the other Special Dining Events, check out at EpcotFoodFestival.com, or call 407-939-3378. Here are the links to book online: Culinary Demonstrations at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Beverage Seminars at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Party for the Senses What’s Cookin’ With… at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Cheese Seminars at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Dining Package at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival And stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for updates and more! View the full article

Earlier this month, the Disney Parks Blog team kicked off the return of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park by hosting a meet-up for 200 of our readers. This year, our team really wanted to up our costume game, so we enlisted the expertise of the team over at Special Events Costuming & Cosmetology. Just a few hours before our event was to start, a team of six cosmetologists transformed us into residents of the Haunted Mansion, with looks ranging from the mansion’s butler, maid, organist, groundskeeper and more. Take a behind-the-scenes look at our ghostly transformations in the video below. Want to create a Haunted Mansion-inspired look for your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party visit? Check out the tutorials below for step-by-step instructions. Halloween How-To: Create A Haunted Mansion Butler Costume Halloween How-To: Haunted Mansion Makeup Tutorials View the full article

TALLAHASSEE — Mickey Mouse is strolling along Main Street, Harry Potter is casting spells again and the reptiles at Gatorland are jumping for their supper. After pausing for Hurricane Irma’s impact and assessing the damage, Orlando’s attractions are ready for tourists around the globe to return,... View the full article

30 Stays in 30 Days Highlights – Part 6 | Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

Are you a Disney Pin Collector or Trader? Disney Pin Traders Personally speaking, I’m really not. But I’ve always had an appreciation for the teeny works of art. So every now and then I take a look to check them out, which is how I found myself in Disney’s Pin Traders in the Marketplace of Disney Springs (located directly across from Earl of Sandwich). Pin Trading Sign And it’s also how I happened upon the Piece of Walt Disney World History Toy Story Pizza Planet Pin! A Piece of Walt Disney World History Toy Story Pizza Planet Pin As the name implies, the Piece of History Pins give you a chance to OWN a piece of a retired Disney World attraction, parade, or — in this case — restaurant! Toy Story Pizza Planet closed down in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in January 2016. The spot was completely re-imagined into PizzeRizzo, leaving the Toy Story theme far behind (in favor of Muppets) as Disney makes way for an entire Toy Story Land slated to open in 2018. The former Pizza Planet As a special Commemorative Pin, the Toy Story Pizza Planet Pin is kept behind glass, so you have to ask a Cast Member for assistance. Commemorative Pin sign That’s how I got a closer look. A Piece of Walt Disney World History Toy Story Pizza Planet Pin The “piece” of Pizza Planet is tucked inside that teeny little globe on the bottom right of the pin. That bit of filament you see was once part of the yellow and red planet decorations that dotted the arcade. Utensil and Napkin Station at the former Pizza Planet Look, it’s no huge secret that Pizza Planet was not on the top of our Must Do Dining list. In fact, since your typical Disney Counter Service pizza isn’t good, Pizza Planet never made it to the list at all. It was more of a Must Skip, or — at best — a visit-only-once-IF-you’re-a-major-Toy-Story-fan. For that reason, I was completely surprised by a small rush of sentiment when I spotted this pin, and decided to share it with you all. Even though I don’t collect them myself, I still think these Piece of History pins are pretty darn cool. (I do own a Piece of History SpectroMagic Parade Pin. Anyone else miss it dearly?) The Piece of Walt Disney World History Toy Story Pizza Planet Pin was released on September 7, 2017, and is a Limited Edition run of 1,500. So, if you aren’t able to grab one in Disney World before they sell out, maybe one of our pals will be willing to trade with you! Pin Trading Mickey and Minnie Pin Trading Daisy and Donald Happy Collecting! Would you like to own a piece of Pizza Planet? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Rumor: Will Toy Story Pizza Planet Reopen as “Pizza Rizzo”? Rumor: Major Changes For Toy Story Pizza Planet in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2016 Review: Pizza Planet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

Happy first weekend of fall! We’re back with another edition of our Disney Food Round-up for you today. Confetti Cupcake HalloweenTime has begun in Disneyland, and we’ve got reviews of the adorably spooky eats! And the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is in full swing at Epcot! If you’re making plans to attend the Festival you should check out our Best of the Fest post and DFB Best of the Fest YouTube video! And don’t forget, the 2017 Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic is October 27 and 28! We have all the details for you! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News We review new eats at Disney’s Art of Animation including Chili Fries for Two!! Breakfast has been discontinued at Pandora’s Satu’li Canteen in the Animal Kingdom. Check out our Do’s and Don’ts for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. We enjoyed dinner at ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Dates have been announced for the 2018 Epcot Festival of the Arts! We’re talking about all the must-have Halloween food-themed merchandise! We reviewed the Pumpkin Spice Caramel Shake at Ghirardelli in Disney Springs. We spotted a $4,000 Haunted Mansion Chair! New DFB YouTube videos: Where to Find Late Night Eats in Disney World and the Best and Worst Magic Kingdom Restaurants. Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including menu updates, restaurant closures, special events, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. New DFB Video: The WORST Restaurants in Disney World Have you subscribed to the DFB YouTube Channel? We’ve got great content going up twice a week showcasing our adventures in Disney World and Disneyland! This week, we’re talking about Where to Find Late Night Eats at Disney World! Check it out below — and subscribe here. Deal of the Week: Save 20% off the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2017 The calendar might say “fall” but the holiday season is fast approaching and if you’re planning a visit to Disney World this year for the holidays, it’s time to check out the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2017 e-book! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2017 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. We’ll guide you through all the special events, activities, and dining so that you can get the biggest bang for your buck! Yep — Our Holiday Guide covers everything Disney holiday-related — not just the food! And if you pre-order the 2017 Guide now, we will send you an instant download of the 2016 Guide so that you can start your planning right away! Then, you will automatically receive the 2017 Guide as soon as it’s published the Fall! What’s In The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holiday 2017 e-book? Holiday-themed crawls - We’ve mapped out four holiday Crawls that will take you around Walt Disney World to see the best of the holiday attractions and/or food. Customized Holiday touring strategies - Will you be visiting with extended family? Going to the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? Want to see the holiday celebrations on a budget? We’ve developed customized touring strategies for these circumstances and more! A full chapter on where to dine without a reservation! In-depth look at Holiday snacks Disney Parks scavenger hunts And MORE! As always, we’ve made this guide instantly downloadable for your convenience, and easily installed on your mobile devices. It’s a PDF guide with ​380+ pages of detailed information about the Holidays at Disney World as well as hundreds of photographs and customized bonus items to help you get the best experience possible. ​​​​​​​ Enter discount code PreHoliday at checkout, and receive 20% off the list price of $14.95 and you’ll get both the 2016 Guide and the 2017 Guide for $11.95! Two for the price of one! Use code PreHoliday at checkout for a 20% discount. DFB Reader Finds If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or around Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday. The 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is in full swing and we had such a great time eating and sipping our way through World Showcase and Future World last month! Our friend Amy Rhodes is enjoying the Festival this weekend and shared some of her eats with us! Looks delicious! Looks like a good start! If you’re looking for a quick breakfast at the Disney Parks you can grab coffee and a doughnut at any of the Joffrey’s kiosks! You’ll often find yummy coffee drinks and the giant Donut King doughnuts are really good! DFB reader Courtney Lyons enjoyed a coffee and doughnut break recently – thanks for sharing! Yum! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix has a new How-To Guide for Throwing a Star Wars Party! WDW for Grownups shared a review of Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs. Disney Parks Blog shared a fun how-to for a Humphrey the Bear Bento Box. Disney Family shared a recipe for Mickey Pull-Apart Bread. Have a great week! We’ll see you back here tomorrow with another great Disney food review! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Disney Food Post Round-Up: September 10, 2017 Disney Food News Round-Up: September 17, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-up: April 2, 2017 View the full article

This week, we shared an exciting update for Star Wars fans – Star Wars: Galactic Nights will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on December 16. As many of you know, this experience is held after park hours from 7 p.m.-midnight and is filled with out-of-this-world entertainment that celebrates the entire Star Wars saga. Among the many thrills at the event, you can expect to enjoy Star Wars entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and food and beverage, character greetings, a look at the ongoing Star Wars expansion and much more. Check our original story for more experiences. Tickets are on sale this weekend at Disneyworld.com/GalacticNights or by calling 407-W-DISNEY (407 934-7639). And we’re just one week out from our celebration of Epcot’s 35th anniversary. This week was the perfect time to share a few highlights of what’s planned, including details on a special celebration at the park’s Fountain View stage. You can find more information in our original story. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Costume Guidelines for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – So … You’re going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.The next question is … What to Wear?Are you going to be the super hero you were last year or are you going to mix it up this year and go for the full “princess” or “pirate” you’ve always wanted? Well, whatever you choose, we at the Disney Parks Blog want to help! Top Halloween Treats at Magic Kingdom Park – Our talented Magic Kingdom Park pastry chefs have created more than a dozen specialty desserts for the Halloween season – many are exclusive to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with a select few offered all day. But all are guaranteed to be scary good! Your Quintessential List of Halloween Culinary Collectibles at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort – Mugs, popcorn buckets, bottle toppers, glow straws . . . take home some of the Disney fun with these collectible culinary novelties! Our novelty teams have been hard at work this year coming up with new offerings. Imagineers Explain How You Can Help #SaveGroot at Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark During Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort – Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark is now open, taking Disney California Adventure park guests on a whole new adventure during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. Halloween Time Surprises in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort – Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort kicked off last week, and the spooky season also extends into the Downtown Disney District. Guests have been welcomed into Downtown Disney with festive Halloween décor, seasonal entertainment and for the first time, special fall-themed landscaping. 9 Must-Do’s For Fall Visits to Walt Disney World Resort – The Walt Disney World Resort is chock-full of fun to celebrate this season, with the return of annual festivals, events and more. Here are our suggestions for 9 must-do’s this fall at Walt Disney World Resort. View the full article

A few hours after the gates swing open at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, the cars are still pouring into the massive 10,241-space parking garage. They zoom into the six-story concrete structure, carloads of costumed kids, foreign tourists and graying baby boomers sporting Mickey Mouse... View the full article

A couple of changes have been made to the Culinary Demonstrations for the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. We discovered one of them when the Demonstration information for this year’s Low-Cost Events, Seminars, and Demonstrations was released: the price had increased from $15 to $17. Chef Gale Gand Leads a Culinary Demonstration However, another change has come to light since the start of this year’s Festival: the Culinary Demonstrations no longer serve wine pairings with the dishes served, as in years past. Viognier from Cambria Winery — Wine Pairing at a Previous Culinary Demonstration Only pitchers of water are placed on the tables so guests have something to drink with the dishes. Have you booked a Culinary Demonstration for this year’s Food and Wine Festival? If so, what are your thoughts on the changes? Start Your Planning NOW! News! The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available to order! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. We cover every single World Showcase Booth, and include full-color photos for most of the food items being offered at this year’s festival! Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% discount! Be sure to stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for all of the latest coverage about the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. We’ll have the details FIRST! Please let us know what you think of the changes to the Culinary Demonstrations with a comment below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Culinary Demos, Beverage Seminar, and Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It Workshop FULL SCHEDULES and Details! News! Epcot Food and Wine Festival 2017 Dates!! News: Collectible Buttons for Disney World Passholders at 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival View the full article

Adventure Guides Make Sailing on Europe’s Rhine River Effortless and Unforgettable View the full article

Last night we had a blast on our latest #DisneyParksLIVE stream of “Mickey’s Boo-To-You” Parade. This ghostly procession, which is a highlight of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, celebrates the spirit of Halloween with characters in costumes, nods to The Haunted Mansion, a candy-filled finale and more! Click through the Instagram gallery above to see a ton of shots from the parade. (If you’re new to Instagram galleries, hover your mouse over the right side of the image and an arrow will appear that will help you click through). You can also watch a replay of the entire live stream above. View the full article

#DisneyParksLIVE: Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade | Walt Disney World View the full article

Last week, Karen McClintock gave you a first look at this year’s 17th annual Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house at Disneyland park. Now I’d like to show you how the creative teams at the Disneyland Resort Central Bakery came together with the talented techs in Entertainment Production to build the Oogie Boogie and bug-filled house. We installed two time-lapse cameras in the Grand Ballroom the Friday before it was finished and as you can see, it was a true team effort! View the full article

This year, Epcot will mark its 35th Anniversary on October 1, 2017. Since opening in 1982, the park has invited visitors to experience the excitement of the future and discover the heritage and traditions of cultures worldwide. For guests who will be celebrating at Epcot on October 1, we have created a special “I Was There” merchandise collection. I spoke with Cathy Dawson, merchandise product developer for events, about the commemorative items that include a beloved character from the park’s beginnings. “For this collection, we honored Epcot’s rich heritage by including Figment from the Journey Into Imagination attraction on all of the ‘I Was There’ items,” explained Cathy. “He’s been at the park since the early days of Epcot and has delighted many guests throughout the years. This retro-inspired collection complements the other 35th anniversary merchandise guests will find all year long.” Seven items will be released on October 1 including apparel for adults and kids, a hat, an ornament, and a limited release pin. Annual Passholders will find a t-shirt created just for them (please present a valid Annual Pass at time of purchase). These items will be released at a “pop-up” shop located just past the Art of Disney location in Future World. This will be the only place that will carry these items on October 1. The “I Was There” collection will not be available via Shop Disney Parks app or the online store. Guests looking for the previously discussed Epcot 35th Anniversary logo collection will find products in select Epcot merchandise locations, such as Mouse Gear, beginning in late September. Select items will also be carried online and via Shop Disney Parks app. View the full article

30 Stays in 30 Days Highlights – Part 5 | Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort kicked off last week, and the spooky season also extends into the Downtown Disney District. Guests have been welcomed into Downtown Disney with festive Halloween décor, seasonal entertainment and for the first time, special fall-themed landscaping. There are a few tricks (and plenty of treats) to discover! Harvest Horticulture: More than 1,600 real pumpkins are integrated into the area’s landscaping in unique ways—nestled into planters among flowers and raised high above in towers. You’ll spot a mix of tropical fall plants, such as canna lilies and copperleaves, as well as traditional plants, including mums and marigolds. Our horticulture team even worked with farmers to harvest special heirloom pumpkins and squash for the occasion! Halloween Sweets and Treats: For a limited time, pick up a Sprinkles Halloween BOO box loaded with Vanilla Milk Chocolate, Red Velvet, Black and White and Caramel Apple cupcakes. At Wetzel’s Pretzels, enjoy pumpkin spice bitz with pumpkin caramel dipping sauce! Thirsty? Order Halloween-inspired cocktails at UVA Bar and Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. For a healthier treat, Pumpkin-flavored smoothies, like the Pumpkin Smash, can be found at Jamba Juice. Spook-tacular Entertainment: SCAREolers will frequent Downtown Disney District and entertain guests with their ghoulish songs on Wednesday and Thursday evenings in October (and of course Halloween night). Listen up for favorites such as “Grim Grinning Ghosts” and “I Put A Spell On You.” Are you visiting during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort? View the full article

Fans of the Food Network’s Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian won’t want to miss his appearance at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival “What’s Cookin’ With…” session on Oct. 8 in the Festival Center. Start your day with breakfast with Zakarian – he’ll be onstage creating fabulous shrimp and grits and offering tips, tricks and insights. Then you’ll have the opportunity to ask him question. We caught up with Zakarian at The Food Studio in New York City, where he shared his favorite things to do at Walt Disney World Resort. To book a seat at Chef Geoffrey’s appearance at the Festival or any of the other Special Dining Events, check out at EpcotFoodFestival.com, or call 407-939-3378. Here are the links to book online: Culinary Demonstrations at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Beverage Seminars at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Party for the Senses What’s Cookin’ With… at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Cheese Seminars at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Dining Package at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival And stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for updates and more! View the full article