Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Just 37 days now until we head for Walt Disney World. Woo hoo!

I can’t remember if the kids rode Dumbo the Flying Elephant when they were younger, but I know that I didn’t. I’d like to try it this time, if I can muster up the courage. I am afraid of heights, so it’s a scary thought.

Dumbo, the movie, holds a special place in my heart. I’ve always loved it. He is so sweet, and strong in spite of all the bullying that he experiences. Great message, great movie! My kids won’t watch it; I used to sing “Baby Mine” to them when they were little. I had to stop, because it would make them cry. It is a very moving seen when Dumbo’s mama cradles him in her truck and sings that song. But I love it. The love seems so pure and real to me.

Anyway, here’s what Disney has to say about the ride:

Soar high in the sky on a whimsical flight over Storybook Circus aboard Dumbo the Flying Elephant. 

A Dumbo gondola flies high at Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Magic Kingdom park

Take Flight

Hop atop Dumbo and take off into the air on a joyful journey amid the jubilant sounds of carnival music. Based on Disney’s 1941 animated classic Dumbo, Dumbo the Flying Elephant invites you to accompany everybody’s favorite circus elephant as he discovers his unique ability to fly.

Dumbo’s faithful friend Timothy Q. Mouse greets you from the arched entry, directing the action with help from his “magic” feather. As a jovial band organ melody begins, Dumbo gracefully lifts off from the ground and magically begins to fly around and around.

How High Will You Fly?
During your aerial adventure, you can direct Dumbo to soar skyward or fly low by moving the handle inside the Dumbo-themed gondola. Feel the wind in your face as you take in the sweeping views of Storybook Circus below.

Twice the Fun
This isn’t your everyday flight of fancy. This breezy attraction features 2 sets of rotating elephants moving in opposite directions as they fly through the air high above Fantasyland.

A boy looks up with delight while in the wait area for Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction

Play Before You Ride

A circus-themed play area keeps the little ones having fun before taking flight. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a pager that “virtually” holds your place in line. Step inside the big-top tent and enjoy an air-conditioned playground complete with slides, climbing net, and even a toddler section. Kids of all ages will love to be part of the circus show as parents relax in ample seating.

Since we have Fastpass+ for the ride, we will bypass the playground; however, if time and willingness come together, then we may enter the stand-by line just to play in the air-conditioned playground for awhile.

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

Jungle Cruise

In 38 days we head to Florida and Walt Disney World. I can hardly wait! These trips are always about the people for me. When we remember these vacations, I always place them by saying things like, “Oh, yeah, that’s the one where Jenny and Juni, and Jonathan and Robin and the boys came along.” or “Right, Grandma and Grandpa were there that time.” Now, because we have fewer points and it takes a few more points to book things, we wait and go every three years. And we just include our kids and grandkids. Did I say just? It will be glorious to have those people around the same table, sharing the same Villa, within arms reach. Be still my heart!

This will not be the first time we’ve ridden Jungle Cruise. Mike, Jake, Emi and I rode it years ago with my mom, dad and my Aunt Phyllis. It will be the first time for James, Eliza, Ida and Linnie. I remember it being so corny, in the best way, and so fun! Here’s what Disney has to say:

Set sail for high adventure on a scenic boat tour of the most exotic and exciting rivers across Asia, Africa and South America.

A fierce tiger bares its teeth in the dark jungle

Go Wild

Embark on a cruise where hippos, elephants and maybe even a headhunter await your arrival.

Trek to a forgotten tropical jungle outpost—home to suspended cargo nets, wooden crates and lanterns—and board a canopied tramp steamer for a tongue-in-cheek adventure led by a trusty skipper through some of the world’s most treacherous rivers.

A True-Life Adventure
During your 10-minute journey, encounter awesome wonders of nature amid some of the world’s most exotic locales. Highlights of your adventure include:

• The Amazon in South America
Drift past a canopy of green trees and flowering orchids where giant butterflies meet rushing waterfalls.

• The African Congo
Tour an abandoned Pygmy site, glimpse a massive python and snap a picture of a camp overrun by curious gorillas.

• The Nile River 
Behold bathing elephants, angry hippos and hungry lions—but be on the lookout for a tribe of headhunters, recently spotted in the area.

• The Mekong River 
Explore an age-old shrine, home to baboons, cobras and other wild creatures.

Along the way, take in lively narration from your friendly skipper, known for a brave heart and a clever joke… or two. It´s a ride you won’t soon forget!

The dock, shack and surrounding area outside the Jungle Cruise attraction in Adventureland

Early Journeys

The original Jungle Cruise opened in 1955 at Disneyland Park. Based on Disney’s award-winning True-Life Adventure films, Jungle Cruise premiered with a more serious and educational tone. In the early 1960s, however, Walt Disney decided to introduce more drama and lighthearted scenes and asked one of his most accomplished animators, Marc Davis, to sketch some humorous gags.

Today, the attraction exists at Disney theme parks around the world, except Disneyland Paris, and is considered a favorite among Guests.

It’ll be great for the little ones, because it’s just a gentle boat ride with nothing too dark or scary.

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

Who’s who for reference:

  • Mike-my husband
  • Jake-my son
  • Eliza-Jake’s wife
  • Linnie-Jake and Eliza’s daughter, 🙂 my granddaughter
  • Emi-my daughter
  • James-Emi’s husband
  • Ida-Emi and James’s daughter, 🙂 my granddaughter
  • Jenny-Mike’s niece
  • Juni-Mike’s niece
  • Jonathan-Mike’s brother
  • Robin-Jonathan’s wife

Meet Mickey at Town Square Theater

There are only 39 days until our trip to Walt Disney World now. Each day I get just a little more excited. “Anticipation, anticipa-ya-tion, is making me wait…keeping me wai-ai-ai-ai-aiting…” I’m excited about seeing Emi’s family again. It will only have been five months since I saw them, ten months since Mike, Jake and Eliza saw them. Too long. AND…Emi, James and Ida get to meet Linnie; that’s just the best!

Anyway, this time we got a Fastpass+ to Meet Mickey in Town Square Theater. I’ve always wanted to do this with the family, so this is a real bucket-list item for me. A chance to hug the Big Cheese!

Here’s what Disney has to say about it.

Go backstage as a special guest of your pal, Mickey. 

Master Magician Mickey grabs his cape while onstage at Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom park

Go Behind the Curtain

Mickey Mouse is in his rehearsal room, ready to meet his biggest fans. Discover props and posters from Mickey’s magical career in the theater and maybe even spot a disappearing dove or a rabbit coming out of a hat. The greatest magic of all happens when you get a hug from Mickey Mouse himself.

A mom, daughter, dad and son smile while posing with a magician-themed Mickey at Magic Kingdom park

Bring Home Memories with Character

Let your moments with favorite Disney Characters last long after your visit by purchasing Memory Maker—which features unlimited digital downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass photos and videos!

We do have Memory Maker, too, so I look forward to all those Photographers snapping us! We’ll be looking for those special shots, where characters magically appear in your photos.

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

 

 

Frozen Ever After

Now it’s just 40 days to go until our Walt Disney World trip. It’s so fun to experience it creeping closer.

Another new ride for us is Frozen Ever After at EPCOT. We rode it when it was Maelstrom, and it was an EPCOT favorite of mine. But since we were last there, it has changed to a Frozen theme. This will be fun! Here’s what Disney has to say about it:

Hoist the sails in Arendelle aboard an ancient Norwegian vessel as you set out into the wondrous wintery world of Frozen! 

A smiling Princess Anna hugs a little girl

Embark on Adventure in Arendelle

Come and celebrate a very special “Summer Snow Day” with Queen Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and friends.

Welcome to Frozen Ever After, an unforgettable adventure where you’ll be whisked away for an on-the-water journey through Arendelle—one set to the tune of your favorite songs from Frozen!

Let It Go All Over Again

The adventure begins on the docks of Arendelle, as seen in the classic animated film. After finding a seat aboard your boat, feel an Olaf-inspired smile frost across your face when the lapping waters take you right into the frozen willow forest.

Soon, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with some “boulders”—a.k.a. Kristoff’s family from Troll Valley—before bracing for the cold. High up in the icy blue world of the North Mountain, Queen Elsa’s enchanting ice palace awaits! Behold the wonder… and keep an eye out for a few more Frozen friends too.

Finally, hang on tight as you glide back down into the Bay of Arendelle and conclude this “Summer Snow Day” celebration in style—complete with many of your favorite Frozen tunes!

Princess Anna and Queen Elsa sign an autograph book for a girl

Royal Sommerhus

“For the first time in forever”—you’re invited to meet with Anna & Elsa inside a cozy summer cabin. Located at the Norway Pavilion in Epcot, Royal Sommerhus is the perfect place to pose for pics and share a warm embrace with the royal sisters from Frozen before heading on to other amazing adventures!

I hope the grandbabies enjoy Frozen Ever After, too. It does take place in a fairly dark environment, so I hope that doesn’t scare them. I wish them only delight in the sights and sounds of Disney World.

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

P.S. Two families that we know will be in WDW while we’re there. I hope we run into them to say, Hi!”

Turtle Talk with Crush

In 41 days we head to Florida and Walt Disney World. It’s a comin’ fast now. Woo hoo!

One of our new experiences at EPCOT will be Turtle Talk with Crush, that lovable sea turtle from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. I’m so excited for this new adventure!

Here’s what Disney has to say about it:

Gather ’round a window to the ocean for a real-time Q-and-A session with your favorite totally tubular turtle. Righteous! 

Dory, a friendly Pacific regal blue tang fish with a short memory

Starring Pals from the Disney•Pixar Films

Join Crush as he welcomes a few underwater friends from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory!!

Dory has been stopping by Crush’s “Human Tank” for a while… but these days, the tubular sea turtle may also be joined by Marlin, Nemo and Squirt! Plus, in addition to his chums from Finding Nemo, Crush is stoked to introduce you to some of his dudes from Finding Dory too—including the whale shark Destiny, Bailey the beluga whale and Hank the octopus… well, “septopus” actually, now that he’s lost a tentacle along the way.

So come along and visit Crush today! You never know who you’ll meet from his growing pod of iconic ocean pals.

Crush waves to a family of 4 silhouetted against the screen at Turtle Talk with Crush

Shoot the Breeze from Under the Seas

Got a burning question for Crush? This intimate 15-minute conversation is your chance to ask him! Using his high-tech “hydrophone,” Crush can communicate directly with little dudes and dudettes about literally anything that’s on their minds.

Enter the Turtle Talk theater and take a seat in front of the window into Crush’s ocean world. Watch as he swims up to the underwater mic, looks you in the eye and even addresses you by name! Pick his brain about marine biology, his friends from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Nemo, his favorite food, life in general—it’s totally up to you.

Each show is unique, improvised and a barrel of laughs—definitely a good time for little dudes of all ages, and the parentals as well. No two shows are the same, so you can keep coming back again and again. Sweet!

Loggerhead sea turtle swimming near sea grasses

Where to Find Sea Turtles

Experience the wonder of 250-pound sea turtles cruising the deep blue, and you’ll be like…Whoa!

Sea Turtles at Walt Disney World Resort
Guests can see our green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) at the The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot. (We will also ride The Seas with Nemo and Friends this time.)

Disney Conservation Efforts
The Walt Disney Company is passionately committed to the protection of sea turtles and their ocean habitats. Find out what Disney is doing for marine turtles—and how you can help, too!

“I have learned from the animal world, and what everyone will learn who studies it, is a renewed sense of kinship with the Earth and all its inhabitants.” – Walt Disney

This is one of the things I love about Walt Disney World. There is always something new to see. Plus it it will be a chill few minutes in air-conditioned comfort on a warm day. Can’t wait!

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

Na’vi River Journey

In just 42 days we head to Walt Disney World. This trip is coming just as there is much turmoil in our lives. Mike’s 98 year old mother is transitioning her living arrangement, and even more is going on back home in the U.P.  It is a time for deliberate and focused prayer. And through it all, God be praised!

Anyway…Pandora, The World of Avatar, has opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom since we were last there. Avatar Flight of Passage is the newest, hottest ride in the park, however, since we have two tiny ones with us this time, we didn’t FastPass+ this. Instead we Fastpass+ed Na’vi River Journey. (I must confess these rides that allow the little ones to ride are my kind of rides!) Here’s what Disney has to say about Na’vi River Journey:

Journey deep into a bioluminescent rainforest in search of the Na’vi Shaman of Songs, only at Pandora – The World of Avatar

Guests gaze in wonder while floating through a bioluminescent rainforest aboard Na’vi River Journey

A Family-Friendly Adventure

Glide down a gentle, mysterious river and feel a sense of wonder as the full beauty of Pandora reveals itself. Located within the Valley of Mo’ara, Na’vi River Journey offers explorers an experience that has to be seen—and heard—to be believed!

As your expedition begins, climb aboard a reed boat and drift downstream. After coasting through a series of caves, and passing by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures of the rainforest, you’ll soon find yourself face-to-face with the Na’vi Shaman of Songs.

The adventure comes to a conclusion as the Shaman demonstrates her deep connection to the life force of Pandora—and sends positive energy out into the forest through the power of her music!

Distinct Na’vi artifacts and décor adorning the landscape all around Pandora – The World of Avatar

Here’s what Disney has to say about:

Pandora – The World of Avatar

Journey to an awe-inspiring land that celebrates the magnificent power of nature.

Located within Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, Pandora – The World of Avatar provides eco-tourists the opportunity to join Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE) for the transformational experience of a lifetime—filled with unforgettable expeditions, floating mountains, a bioluminescent forest, winged mountain banshees and more.

In partnership with ACE, visitors of every age will have the chance to explore the values and culture of this exotic place, and celebrate the striking beauty and overwhelming power of the natural world.

Welcome to Pandora—a world similar to Earth… but distinctly unique in so many ways!

Hike amid floating mountains, glowing fauna and flora, a native drum circle and many other wonders at Pandora – The World of Avatar

Exotic plants and magnificent floating mountains adorn the landscape of Pandora – The World of Avatar

Behold A Land That’s Beyond Belief

Walk about through the Valley of Mo’ara and get ready to discover a world like no other!

There’s more to Pandora than expeditions like Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey… much more! All around its enormous floating mountains, you’ll quickly uncover the valley’s one-of-a-kind dining and shopping experiences—along with sights, sounds and experiences that include:

  • Exotic plants that come to life with beautiful bioluminescence each night
  • A Na’vi-built drum circle, containing instruments playable by all
  • Na’vi totems and other cultural items found throughout the land
  • Brand-new Wilderness Explorers challenges and badges to collect

You may even come across tour guides from Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE), scientists from the Pandora Conservation Initiative (PCI), or even an eclectic expat or two!

A family of 4 walking past a waterfall

Explore Nature in Pandora

The Pandora Utility Suit showcases natural wonders in dramatic fashion.

Under the control of its pilot—a Pandora Conservation Initiative scientist—this 10-foot-tall mechanical suit roams the Mo’ara Valley to study fauna, collect plant samples and explore the rough terrain. While the suit traverses the land, its pilot will interact with Guests, discuss the otherworldly landscape and share details about conservation efforts in Pandora.

There will be plenty of new ground to explore together. Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

P.S. Sending prayers to family and friends up north as transitions take place.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Just 43 days until our journey to Walt Disney World, today’s blog post is about a ride that I’ve never taken before, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. I’ve harbored a small resentment to this ride, because it replaced Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, which was a family favorite. But, I guess that’s not Pooh’s fault. Here’s what Disney has to say:

Travel through Hundred Acre Wood in an oversized Hunny Pot and immerse yourself in the stories of Winnie the Pooh.

An illustration of Tigger enthusiastically greeting Pooh at The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

A Storybook Come to Life

Glide and bounce and swirl through some of the most popular scenes and settings of Winnie the Pooh. Board a giant Hunny Pot and get lost in the pages of A.A. Milne’s classic tales, as you journey to Hundred Acre Wood.

Magically make your way through a colorful, song-filled storybook illustration and experience a menagerie of kooky adventures, including:

  • A Blustery Day in Hundred Acre Wood
    Get swept up in a gust of wind with Gopher, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga and Roo before sliding inside Owl’s House.
  • Bounce with Tigger
    Bob up and down with Tigger during a delightful hide-and-seek adventure at night.
  • Heffalumps and Woozles
    Enter a dream world where singing Heffalumps and Woozles spring up and down, giggle and wiggle, and try to steal honey.
  • A Rainy Place
    Awaken from a dream amid a torrential downpour as Eeyore, Roo, Kanga, Rabbit, Owl and Tigger band together to stay afloat.
  • A Party for Pooh
    Celebrate sunny days and togetherness before leaving the pages of Hundred Acre Wood as Pooh finally gets his paws on some yummy honey.

Gopher shows surprise as he comes up from his hole in Rabbit's Garden

Pooh’s Interactive Queue

Explore Rabbit’s Garden, paint with honey and visit Eeyore’s home at this play space found just past the main entrance. Designed for both the young and young-at-heart, this Hundred Acre Wood-themed spot includes 4 areas of fun and games:

  • Rabbit’s Garden 
    A hide-and-seek game with gophers, vegetables that play music and a crawl-through tunnel formed by stacked crates offer fun for little ones.  
  • Hunny Wall 
    Draw shapes with overflowing honey by running your hand against a wall.
  • Piglet’s House
    Knock on the front door to hear Piglet inside.
  • Eeyore’s Gloomy Place 
    Crawl through Eeyore’s leaning home.

The sign and entrance to Pooh's house at The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction

Inspired by the Disney Movie

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is based on the Disney film of the same name. Comprised of 3 previous Winnie the Pooh featurettes inspired by A.A. Milne’s stories, the movie was released in 1977 and includes songs from Disney Legends the Sherman Brothers, known for such Disney classics as “it’s a small world” and “The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room.”

Since we have Fastpass+ for this ride, we will pass up Pooh’s Interactive Queue. If Ida wants to play for a bit, then we’ll ask a Disney Cast Member if we can enter after we ride for a little interactive fun.

I must admit, I absolutely love the stories of Winnie the Pooh. He is just such a sweet soul, and somehow represents all that is good in people.

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

There are just 44 days now until our vacation to Walt Disney World. On our last full day in Florida we will once again travel to Magic Kingdom, and while there we will have lunch at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. This restaurant often gets a bad rap in reviews, but I have never had a bad experience here. Lady and the Tramp is one of my favorite Disney movies, so Tony’s holds a special place in my heart. We’ve eaten here with several of our family members who have traveled to WDW with us, so when I walk in I am immediately in the midst of good memories. Here’s what Disney has to say:

Everyone loves Italian, but this is no ordinary Italian restaurant! It’s where Lady and the Tramp had their first kiss. 

Plate with 2 large meatballs atop marinara sauce and spaghetti

Relive the Romance

Share spaghetti and meatballs and more at this fun eatery near the entrance of Magic Kingdom park.

Step inside this charming turn-of-the-century trattoria on Main Street, U.S.A., with its whitewashed balustrades, French doors and expansive front porch, which offers fantastic views for people-watching. In the lobby, Disney’s 1955 animated classic, Lady and the Tramp, plays in the background while pictures of its famous love-struck stars grace the walls.

Hopeless romantics are bound to gush over the central fountain depicting the cute canine couple, and more characters and scenes from the movie get you in the mood for food, friends, fun times and perhaps even amore!

Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit.

A 2 layer frosted chocolate cake with a decorative swirl on top, garnished with a chocolate curl and 2 raspberries on the side

Meats-a-ball and Much Amore

Tony the restaurateur welcomes you with hearty Italian meals that your family will howl for.

Begin your meal with eggplant involtini or crispy calamari. Then, feast on favorites like grilled jumbo shrimp, ravioli or a tantalizing Italian trio dish featuring 3 classic dishes: chicken parmigiana, fettucine alfredo and spaghetti with pork and beef meatballs.

While gazing at your loved one over a steaming espresso or cappuccino, shiver with helpless delight—bite after bite—as you share ambrosial treats like gelato, tiramisù and seasonal cheesecake. Molto delizioso!

It will be a bittersweet meal, because Emi and family will travel home that very evening. But it wall a lovely way to wrap up our time together.

Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

Be Our Guest Restaurant

Forty-five days from now we head to Walt Disney World. As I think about our travel day to Florida, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. To have Mike and I, the kids, their spouses, and the grandbabies there all in that special place will be a little slice of heaven on earth.

On our sixth full day in Florida, we plan to attend Mickey’s-Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Although the party doesn’t start until 7:00 pm, our special event tickets will let us enter Magic Kingdom at 4:00 pm. (Although I’ve read that as DVC members, we could enter as early as 2:00 pm.) This will be plenty of time to make our early dinner reservation at the Beast’s Castle, which is the site of Be Our Guest Restaurant. This is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful dining locations in Walt Disney World. It does have a prix fixe menu, which means it is a Signature Dining event, so it’s a bit expensive, but worth the experience. Some of us ate here three years ago, and it was a magnificent evening. Here’s what Disney has to say about it:

Enter the Beast’s enchanted castle for a quick-service breakfast, lunch or an unforgettable sit-down dinner—bon appétit! 

Lamb chops on a plate with mushrooms, potatoes, spinach, sauce and herbs

Dine in Palatial Splendor

Feast on French-inspired fare in one of our elaborately themed rooms—straight out of the beloved Disney classic!

Be Our Guest Restaurant is an expansive and elegant 550-seat dining destination located at the foot of Beast’s Castle in Fantasyland. Whether you are enjoying a quick-service breakfast or lunch, or the stately elegance of a table-service dinner, you can select from 1 of 3….

Royal Rooms for Loyal Subjects
Be Our Guest offers 3 meticulously imagineered dining areas, each designed to immerse our Guests in the heartwarming mystery and romance of Beauty and the Beast:

  • The Grand Ballroom – Go for baroque in this magnificent ballroom with its high, domed ceiling, chandeliers and snow-laced Gothic arches.
  • The West Wing – Dine in the Beast’s mysterious West Wing study—if you dare—and perhaps you’ll even spy his enchanted rose.
  • The Castle Gallery – Get swept up in the romance of Belle’s private library, and inspired by the larger-than-life figures of Belle and Beast dancing.

Each room is exquisite—but which best befits your royal visit? All 3 venues share the same menu, so whichever you choose, you cannot lose!

Steak on a plate with green beans, a biscuit, roasted onions and sauce

Reservations

Start planning for a delectable meal at Be Our Guest Restaurant!

Make Reservations
Reservations are strongly recommended for all meals—especially dinner—and can be made up to 180 days in advance. Please make your dining reservations as early as possible!

A mother and daughter and son enjoy dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Fantasyland

Enhanced Dinner

Prepare to be pampered as the dining room presents… your dinner!

Our new standard dinner includes a prix fixe, 3-course menu featuring French-inspired dishes that are très délicieux.

Start your meal with a sumptuous appetizer like French onion soup, charred octopus, escargot or a selection of assorted meats and artisanal cheeses. For your main course, feast on a medley of mouthwatering entrées—including filet mignon, smoked black-eye pea tortellini, seafood bouillabaisse and other savory delights. After, save some room for one of our delectable desserts.

I’m so looking forward to a fun, family-filled evening with a Halloween theme. Meet me at the Kingdom.

Donna

 

Minnie’s Seasonal Dining at Hollywood & Vine

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