Tag Archives: Halloween

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WDW Magazine and Disney Files Magazine

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Ten days from now my vacation to Walt Disney World begins! Whoopee!!

Today I received my October issue of WDW Magazine (see featured photo) and my fall issue of Disney Files Magazine, which is the magazine for Disney Vacation Club Members. Talk about timing, right? As I’m looking through the magazines, I am getting all kinds of jacked up for my holiday!

Reading Taste the World at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival in WDW Magazine has me drooling as I contemplate making my way around World Showcase Lagoon sampling what is on offer, both food and drink. A nibble of this, a sip of that and on to the next booth. Mike and I will be over the moon sharing the small plates and drinks of the festival. Yummy!

Perusing Halloween’s Not-So-Scary at Walt Disney World also from WDW Magazine, I can hardly wait to watch Happy Hallowishes again. There’s something about the colors of these Halloween themed fireworks that draw me in. And I am so excited to watch Mickey’s Boo to You! Halloween Parade again. It’s so fun to see all of the Disney characters in their Halloween costumes. And the Disney villains are out and about, too. But my favorite part of the parade is the gravediggers from the Haunted Mansion as they drag their shovels along the pavement. And this time, for the first time, I want to go through a few candy lines to add some goodies to my trick-or-treat bag. Then I’ll top off the evening by sharing a Not-So-Poison Apple cupcake.

This will be an overwhelmingly exciting week, and it cannot come soon enough!

Meet me at the Kingdom!

Donna

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My “Magic of Tomorrow” Prize

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There are only 16 days now until my Walt Disney World Family Reunion. Woo hoo!

A couple weeks back I won a competition on magicoftmrw blog, (magicoftomorrow.info). I received my prize package this week. It was so much fun to open the box and see what I had won. Here’s a rundown of what I won:

  1. A beautiful, yellow Belle mug, from Beauty and the Beast. There’s a pretty picture of Belle on one side, and the other side says, “It’s hard to be a Beauty when mornings are a Beast.”
  2. A cute keychain shaped like Mickey Mouse’s head. In the middle there is a die (one dice? One side has Cinderella’s castle with the words “Disney Parks”, the other side have, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald. I just the cutest! I put it straight on my keychain.
  3. A pretty lei from Disney’s Polynesian Resort. It’s colors, pink, lilac, yellow, orange, light green, and white add a festive decoration to the lamp by my favorite chair.
  4. A bag of Disney’s Halloween Candy Corn Popcorn. It looks so yummy! It has orange and yellow popcorn in the bag with a few actual candy corns thrown in. I had already decided to try this popcorn while in Florida. Now, I will save it to share with Mike, my main squeeze, on Halloween night as we watch “Hocus Pocus.”
  5. A very cute Mickey Mouse thank you card.

It was wonderful timing to get me all juiced up for my vacation. So thank you to Magic of Tomorrow!

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

 

 

 

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Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Anticipation

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There are only 24 days now until we leave for WDW.

Today’s featured photo was taken three years ago at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. Mike was Indiana Jones. I was some strange mix of Skeleton Mickey with Minnie ears. Jake was a writer. And Eliza was Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. We had so much fun that night! Even though we mostly walked around and chatted.

I absolutely loved the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular! And the Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade was so fun, especially when the Headless Horseman led it off. But my absolute favorite event of the evening was the Happy Hallowishes Fireworks Show. It is, hands down, the best fireworks show that I have ever seen.

We have tickets to attend again this year. I will once again be in my Mickey Skeleton shirt, but I have better Minnie ears for this year, and I have some Mickey trousers to wear this year. It will be too much, and I will love it! Mike has decided to be Indiana Jones again. I don’t know how the kids and grandkids will dress, but it doesn’t matter. Just being there with them will be so much fun!

Here’s a bit from Disney about the party:

Halloween Fun Awaits at an After-Dark 
Special Event in Magic Kingdom Park!

The Happiest Haunting on Earth 

Halloween… with a Disney Twist!
The witching hour’s almost here, so get your favorite costume ready for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a separately ticketed event in Magic Kingdom park!

Back again in 2018, it’s the happiest haunting on Earth! Don’t miss your chance to collect candies, sweets and frightfully delightful treats—all while the park hosts grim grinning ghosts, eerie entertainment and Disney Characters that go bump in the night.

Best of all: since the tone of this event is “not-so-scary,” that means children of every age can enjoy the fun!

Disney Villains perform the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween PartyDisney,

It’s Fun to Be Bad

The mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus return in 2018 to throw a Halloween party.

With only a few hours to run amuck at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Winifred, Mary and Sarah decide to use their magic to host a decidedly wicked fun fest.

Enlisting the help of the Disney villains, the 3 sisters mix sinister shadows, terrifying nightmares and use the nefarious powers of their frightening colleagues to conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion—and cast a spell on everyone in Magic Kingdom park!

Look for appearances from Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie and Maleficent. Combine them and other great Disney villains with amazing dancers, wild visual projections and otherworldly special effects to make Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular a not-to-be-missed Halloween treat!

Separate Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party admission is required. All entertainment is subject to change without notice.

A headless horseman rides a horse and holds a candlelit jack-o’-lantern near Cinderella Castle

A Truly Spooktacular Procession

Party with the grim grandmaster of this eerily awesome parade—he’s literally lost his head!

Returning in 2018 at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a hair-raising ride by the Headless Horseman himself will begin the festivities, followed by a collection of frightening floats featuring Disney Characters in Halloween costumes.

Prepare for a cauldron of grave-digging delights as the stars of the Haunted Mansion steal the spotlight in this family-friendly parade. Boo-lovers beware—you’re sure to have one scare-tastic time…

And remember: it’s really not so scary; just fiendish fun!

Five kids in different costumes walking into Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Happy HalloWishes

Celebrate the hallowed season with a spider web of pyrotechnic effects and haunting melodies.

During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2018, the Ghost Host from the Haunted Mansion invites you to “drop in” as Disney Villains light up the night with fireworks and a wicked version of melodies from Disney’s past that echo through the night—and creepy colors crawl over Cinderella Castle.

The “scare-abration” gets into full swing when some of the Disney Villains we most love to hate—including Maleficent, Ursula, Cruella de Vil, Jafar and Oogie Boogie—croon their scary tunes and do their best to steal the show.

Happy HalloWishes includes a Disney soundtrack of creepy classics including:

  • “Grim Grinning Ghosts,” from the Haunted Mansion attraction
  • “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” from The Little Mermaid
  • “Never Smile at a Crocodile,“ from Peter Pan
  • “The Skeleton Dance,” from Silly Symphony – The Skeleton Dance
  • “Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf?” from The Three Little Pigs
  • “Oogie Boogie’s Song,” from The Nightmare Before Christmas
  • “Night on Bald Mountain,” from Fantasia

Can you see why I’m so excited about the party? Plus the Magic Kingdom is decorated in a fall/Halloween theme. It is delightful! Last time my October birthday boy Jake, who loves Halloween, relished the whole experience. Here’s hoping we all enjoy it this year, too.

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

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Magic Band Magic!

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I can hardly believe that there are just 26 days until our Walt Disney World vacation begins! And today our Magic Bands arrived. Me and the grandbabies have purple bands, Emi has red, James has blue, and Mike, Jake and Eliza have gray.

This is a very exciting day! These are our passport around the World. With them we can enter the parks, unlock our room door, and pay for meals and souvenirs. They are so cool!

I chose purple because Disney decorates for Halloween with orange, green, black and purple. It’s a very purple time of the year at Walt Disney World. And if purple doesn’t match my outfit for the day? Too bad! I like purple! I will wear my band proudly. 🙂

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

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My Ten Must Dos at WDW

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Only 34 days to go until we travel to Walt Disney World. It is creeping closer and closer. Yay!

Here are the 10 things I am the most excited about for our trip to Walt Disney World in October:

#10 Riding it’s a small world.  It is my favorite ride!!

#9 Celebrating our unbirthdays with “the dip” (see below) and birthday cupcakes.  Woo hoo!  Happy unbirthday to us!

#8 Exploring EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival.  Looking forward to tempting tidbits of tasty treats.

#7 Experiencing Minnie’s Seasonal Dining at Hollywood and Vine, Halloween Edition for the first time ever.  I mean, Minnie, Mickey, Goofy, Donald and Daisy in their Halloween costumes! Plus the food looks yummy.

#6 Spending the better part of a day at Disney Springs exploring and shopping.

#5 Eating at Olivia’s Café at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. This is by far my favorite restaurant at Walt Disney World.

#4 Experiencing Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween.

#3 Spending plenty of resort time and pool time at Disney’s Old Key West Resort.  It is, seriously, my Happy Place.  When I’m chilling at Old Key West I can actually feel all stress leaving my body.  It is the ultimate in relaxation for me.

#2 Meeting and greeting Mickey at Magic Kingdom. I am so ready to shake Mickey‘s big, white-gloved hand and get a picture with him and my family.

And the #1 thing that I am excited about…Looking at the faces of my husband and children and their spouses and children and spending some quality time together in this beautiful place.  This will be a family reunion extraordinaire!

Meet you at the Kingdom.

Donna

*The dip: In a pie plate spread 8 oz. of cream cheese.  Next sprinkle 6 to 8 cut-up green onions on top.  Then spread a can of No Bean chili on top.  (We usually make a second dip with Vegetarian chili with lots of beans.)  Finally sprinkle 8 oz. of grated cheddar cheese on top.  (We prefer sharp cheddar.  The shaper the better.)  Microwave for five minutes and serve with your favorite chips.  (We usually heat it in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes instead, because it seem to hold it’s heat longer.)

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Minnie’s Seasonal Dining at Hollywood & Vine

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With only forty-six days to our vacation to Walt Disney World, I want to feature Minnie’s Seasonal Dining at Hollywood & Vine. We will dine here for an early dinner on our fifth full day in Florida. This is a Halloween themed buffet dinner, featuring four of the Fab 5 (Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Goofy), plus Daisy, in Halloween costumes. And from various blurbs on YouTube, the buffet of food gets great reviews.

Here’s what Disney has to say:

Mickey and Minnie Mouse are dressed to thrill while standing in front of the Hollywood and Vine marquee

Minnie’s Seasonal Dining

Mingle with Minnie and her friends at delightful dining parties throughout the year.

You’re invited! Meet Minnie and some of her famous pals for lunch and dinner celebrations serving up seasonal deliciousness. Guests can pose for pics with popular Disney Characters, say “hi” to those stopping by and engage in table activities geared to the theme. Plus, the party gifts make great souvenirs!

Don’t miss your chance to attend the following events:

Summertime Dine
June 4, 2018 – September 2, 2018 
Head to Hollywood & Vine for a beach-inspired bash celebrating the sizzle of summer!

Halloween Dine
September 3, 2018 – November 8, 2018 
Visit Minnie’s favorite happy haunt for a spooktacular Halloween feast that’s frightfully delightful.

Holiday Dine
November 9, 2018 – January 6, 2019 
Deck the halls at a dazzling dinner party filled with holiday cheer and the joy of the season!

Reservations at Hollywood & Vine are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. Please note: All Character appearances are subject to change.

Sounds great, right?

For more on this character dining experience go to Minnie’s Halloween Dining at Hollywood & Vine on YouTube. There are some great videos there. I especially enjoyed the one by Holiday Every Day.

So we are creeping closer to another dream vacation with family. Be still my heart. 🙂 Meet you at the Kingdom.

Donna

 

 

 

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Pixie Dust Delight

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With 66 days to go until our Disney vacation, I worked on a little surprise for the grandkids. I just love a company called Pixie Dust Delivery Service. I have ordered Walt Disney World treats from them many times. I always receive the items in top shape and very quickly. So when I saw the ad below on the Pixie Dust Blog, I couldn’t resist ordering:

“Pixie Dust Delivery Service-It’s time to think FALL! Visiting WDW late August through October? I can deliver extra special HALLOWEEN Pixie Dust fit for any ghoul or boy! Everything is custom designed – from Jack and Sally, to the Haunted Mansion, to those dastardly Disney Villains, and even your favorite mice – the only limit is your imagination (or mine) “

Fun, right? So tonight I perused what is on offer and placed my request with Amy from Pixie Dust Delivery Service. She will put my order together and deliver it to Disney’s Old Key West Resort when we are there.

Happy Halloween, Dear Grandbabies!

Meet you at the Kingdom.

Grandma…Donna

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Ode to the Pumpkin Spice Latte on Halloween

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Day 83 in my destiny to dance with Mickey

“O Pumpkin Spice Latte, I love you.  I do.  When October winds blow, my mind turns to you.  When I’m freezing my patootie off, you warm me right through.  O Pumpkin Spice Latte, I love you.  I do.

O Pumpkin Spice Latte, I love you.  I do.  You’re a cinnamony, gingery pumpkin delight, with just enough sugar to give me a fright.  Today I savor you without any fear, then leave you behind until Thanksgiving is here.

O Pumpkin Spice Latte, I love you I do.  And to your sweet taste I will always be true.  I can’t drink too many, my blood sugar is the cue, but Pumpkin Spice Latte, I love you.  I do.”

Ahhh…I am enjoying my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the year.  (I ordered a venti decaf skim Pumpkin Spice Latte with no whip.  Yum!   Starbucks could make a fortune if they would just create a “Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte.”  Their “Skinny” drinks are made with skim milk and sugar-free syrups.  I have tried Skinny Vanilla Lattes, Skinny Hazelnut Lattes, Skinny Caramel Lattes and my personal favorite Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Lattes.  They are delicious!  Come on, geniuses, invent!!!  How hard can it be to take the sugar out???

Anyway my plan for today is to savor my drink and pick up a cupcake for Mike and I for our Halloween treat tonight.  And I really do want to get out there and take that walk on the wild side.  It is freezing here in Lake Bluff with gale force winds, but no snow accumulation yet.  PTL!  Pray I don’t blow away, or become the victim of a “Widow Maker.”

Happy Halloween, dear readers!  Meet you at the Kingdom!

BTW: Mike worked at a sawmill for a bit when he was working his way through college.  They called very windy days Widow Makers, because in the woods limbs could snap off at any time and come crashing down on the workers, thus making their wives widows.  How’s that for a macabre Halloweeny thought?  🙂

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Salad and Conversation

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Day 82 in my attempt to accomplish something everyday to be as healthy as I possibly can be when I go to the Magic Kingdom to meet Mickey next October

This evening, after a full day of work and before a contemporary band rehearsal tonight, I get to meet up with some dear friends at the Silo, our local watering hole.  Some of these friends I blessedly get to see often, and some of these friends I seldom get to see.  What a treat!!  What a joy!!

So here’s my 2-part plan for today:

  1. Rather than ordering pizza (the best deep-dish pizza in Chicagoland in my very prejudiced opinion), I will order a salad.  Now before you feel too sorry for me, this salad has spinach, romaine lettuce, steak, roasted garlic, red onions and bleu cheese crumbles.  Huh?  And it comes with warm bread.  I will either split this with my honey, or take half of it home (if Mike wants pizza or a something else).  Ahhh…YUM!
  2. I will focus on the conversation and the company, rather than my usual pattern of zoning in on the food (and making the company second best).

So today’s plan is very do-able, and I need that today.  Tomorrow we are predicted to have gale-force winds, rain, and snow flurries.  Instead of cowering inside, I want to take a walk on the wild side and get out there in the elements.  It may be one of the shortest walks in history, but it will be a walk.  Stay tuned to see details on how that turns out.  🙂 And due to the weather, I may put my celebratory Halloween cupcake off for a day.  I hate driving far in nasty weather!

Thank you for taking the time to read this, dear friends, and thank you for your support.  Meet you at the Kingdom!

 

 

 

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My Demon: Sugar

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Day 74 in my assignment to assimilate a better life-style to meet up with Mickey

I’ve been asked, “How did you completely go cold-turkey and give up sugar if you were such an addict?”  Well…that’s just it.  I haven’t completely given up sugar for the rest of my life.  The thought of never having sugar again for the rest of my life is daunting indeed!  It makes me feel deprived and more than a little sorry for myself.  So,  I’ve just given sugar up for today…and for yesterday…and I plan to give it up for the day that is tomorrow.

I have a date with sugar.  A one day date.  Not to go crazy and eat anything and everything in sight.  Believe me, I’ve been there and done that.  But on Halloween my morning treat is going to be a vente, decaf skim-milk pumpkin spice latte, no whip.  Starbuck’s speak for a sugary, delicious Halloweeny treat.  Then my evening treat will be a Halloweeny cupcake from Bent Fork Bakery.  Mikey will join me in this evening treat.  (It turns out he likes cupcakes.  “Something plain,” he said, when I asked him what kind.  If you know him at all…it figures.)  These treats will replace my usual treat of several bags of Halloween candy: candy corn, marshmallow pumpkins, chocolate bars, and whatever else caught my eye at Walgreens.  🙂

We will purposefully and completely savor our Halloween treats.  And then on November 1, I plan to go cold-turkey again.  You see, after 73 days of being sugar-free, I like what I see and feel and hear, and taste and even smell.  Things just seem clearer and brighter and more intense when I’m not living under the shroud of sugar.  Confession time:  My name is Donna, and I am a sugar addict.  (The appropriate response is, “Hello, Donna.”)

My plan for today is to share this truth with you.  Meet you at the Kingdom!