A Few of My Favorite Things ~ Halloween Party

"I put a spell on you, and now you're mine, you can't stop the things I do, now I ain't lyin'..." Ah the sights and sounds of Halloween. Wait, why would I write about Halloween in May? Simple, tickets for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party are on sale at this time. I've so often heard from people that they were thinking of attending, but couldn't decide. This is a party that's definitely worth attending, so buy your tickets early to make sure you get the date you want.

I've been twice and had fun both times. One time it was completely rained out, but we did not fear the rain. We made the decision to "step out" and, upon getting soaked, walked from ride to ride and had the time of our lives. So, even in the rain, this party was a blast!!!

I especially enjoy the two main events, Hallowishes and the Boo To You Parade. Just prior to the parade, there's a special ride of the Headless Horseman, which is a sight to see. I often hear people ask about the quote that plays just prior to his appearance, so I thought I would share it with you. To me, this quote sets the mood for the evening quote well.

"I've a tale to tell I hope you'll follow,
of a legend born in Sleepy Hollow.
A Headless Horseman rode through the night,
on a great black steed with a pumpkin bright.
It's said he's tired of his flaming top,
so he's looking for a head to swap.
Beware, he may soon be in sight.
The Headless Horseman rides tonight!"

Hallowishes is a fireworks show like you've never seen. At times, there are literally fireworks exploding 360 degrees around you, which is truly amazing. The music for Hallowishes is a treat in and of itself.

But that's not all, don't forget about all of the trick or treat stations, where you'll get plenty of candy during the evening. Also, there are more characters out during this party than I've ever seen at any other time!!! Bring your cameras and be sure to get plenty of pictures, because some of the characters are quite rare. So if you're at Walt Disney World at the right time, be sure to attend Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

The dates for 2009 are September 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29,October 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 and November 1. Ticket prices are $62.84 for Adults and $56.45 for Children. If you purchase in advance, the tickets are $55.38 for Adults and $48.99 for Children.(discount not available Oct 9, 15, 23, 31). Also, on Halloween night, the tickets will run $68.16 for Adults and $61.77 for Children. There are also annual pass and DVC discounts as well.

See you on Halloween....hurry baaaaack, hurry baaaaack, be sure to bring your death certificate...ha ha ha ha!!!!

A Few of My Favorite Things ~ Haunted Mansion

"When hinges creak in doorless chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls, whenever candles flicker where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight."

The Haunted Mansion has been a favorite since its opening. Where else can you meet 999 happy haunts, and even take one home with you in the end. The recent refurb has only made this classic attraction even better.

TIP: Don't forget to look at picture over the fireplace changing as you are entering the room. You will see it slowly change into something sinister. A lot of folks miss this detail as they make their way into one of the two stretching rooms. I thought I would share a few photos of a recent journey. These were taken by myself and my friend Rob Farley. I hope you enjoy them.

The first photo was taken during the 2008 Not So Scary Halloween Party. I love the added effects for this event.

This photo is a classic scene of a piano playing a ghostly tune. I just love this everytime I see it, and it never seems to get old.

This is one of the new scenes added in a recent refurb. This is rich with detail and was a welcome addition to a classic attraction.

Finally, a classic photo. Does anyone know what this is? This is the infamous "ring" in the cement at the exit. They have since removed it, as it was never really part of the story. It was holder for a pole of some sort. Over time, fans created a story around "the ring", as it told of the bride who tossed it out the window of the mansion and it lies there to this day. This is one of those little things that fans can take and create their own storyline, which is one of the things that makes Walt Disney World so fantastic.

I always enjoy riding this attraction many times during my trips to Walt Disney World. I hope you find the Haunted Mansion as fascinating as I do and always look for new and interesting details each time you ride.

Birthday Trip

I thought I would post a quick update on my Birthday Trip. I was able to get all the dining I wanted at the times I wanted.

Here's a list of what I have booked:
Thursday (Universal Orlando Day) - T-Rex for Dinner
Friday (Birthday) - Cape May Breakfast, 1900 Park Fare Dinner
Saturday - Tea at Grand Floridian, Le Cellier Dinner
Sunday - Whispering Canyon Dinner
Monday - Chefs de France Dinner
Tuesday - 50s Prime Time Cafe Dinner
Wednesday - Coral Reef Dinner
Thursday - Le Cellier Dinner
Friday - Crystal Palace Dinner

Yes, I know, I got Le Cellier twice. The list reads like an "all that's holy and good in the world" of restaurants at Walt Disney World. For lunch, I'm thinking along the lines of Sunshine Seasons, Columbia Harbor House, Flame Tree BBQ and even Beaches & Cream (on my birthday of course).

Just wanted to bring everyone up to speed. It is shaping up to be a trip, as it always can be with just a little planning ahead. Maybe I'll even see a few of you guys down there...just look for the guy with the big smile on his face!!!

Streetmosphere

As you walk the streets inside the parks, from time to time you'll discover some lively characters. Not the standard Disney characters, mind you, these guys are commonly referred to as Streetmosphere performers. Most can be found at Disney's Hollywood Studios on Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards throughout the day. However, there are other places where you can find them from time to time as well.

The Studio performers are generally the most prevalent. They can include characters such as directors, starlets, policemen, cleaning ladies, etc... They really bring the "old Hollywood" feel to life as they make their way up and down the streets.

Another location for the Streetmosphere characters is Main Street USA. True, the Dapper Dans could technically be included in this mix; however, they're not the only ones. You'll find folks like the Mayor of Main Street and some other timely characters roaming as well.

Epcot's World Showcase is also a great place to spot different characters. From the costumed guys at Italy to different street performers in places such as the United Kingdom, they appear throughout the day.

So the next time you see one of these characters walking the streets and getting passers by to join in their hi jinx, stop for a bit and watch. The Streetmosphere is one of those little things that many people miss...but those that stop to take it in are often pleasantly surprised. I hope you're all able to see a few of these characters on your next vacation to Walt Disney World. If you do, I promise you'll walk away with a smile on your face and a few happy memories.

Note: Thanks to my friend Sharon for the picture of the Main Street Mayor!!!

Something Unique ~ My Mickey Watch

I wanted to share something rather unique that I have in my collection. Most of my friends know that I'm a fan of watches (and pens, but that's another story). A couple years ago, Disney offered a remake of a vintage Mickey Mouse watch from the 1930s for those who signed up for a Disney Visa. I already had a Visa (since day 1), so a quick call was made to my Mother to let her know that this was a good time for her to sign up.

This watch is a very nice, manual wind beauty and comes in its own vintage tin. I don't wear this particular watch, but I do wind it on occasion to keep everything working smoothly. Another interesting trait is the see-through case back. Turning the watch over allows you to see its inner-workings...very nice feature.

This watch was only available to Disney stockholders who signed up for the Disney Visa at the time. I've not seen or heard much about it since, but I'm sure a few folks jumped on the deal.

I just thought I would share this unique item with all of you. I really enjoy it and will keep it as one of the neatest items in my collection. If any of you have this, please let me know...I would be curious to see how many others were able to get one.

Four Years Ago Today ~ Two Great Attractions

Today we celebrate the openings of two great attractions that opened 4-years ago, Soarin' and The Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show. These attractions were brought from other Disney parks for the 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Soarin' is a transplant from Disney's California Adventure and takes guests on a hang-gliding experience over California, complete with wind in your hair and all of the wonderful scents along the way. I love this ride, its so realistic and free as you seem to float in open space. As expected, lines for Soarin' can be quite long, and its well worth the wait...but a fastpass is the best option here. Soarin' is located inside The Land pavilion at Epcot, which now houses multiple attractions inside one pavilion. Grab that fastpass, go for a ride on "Living with the Land", have a meal at Sunshine Seasons and then off for your flight over California.

The Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show comes to us all the way from Disneyland Paris. This is the ultimate automobile stunt show and also features motorcycles and jet ski chases as well. Cameras follow the action, which is projected on giant screens to give the appearance of a live film shoot. The show is full of excitement from beginning to end, with lots of fire, explosions, near-miss chases and jumps. This show is located at Disney's Hollywood Studios and took the place of Residential Street on the backlot. This is a show that should not be missed...edge of your seat excitement all the way.

So I wish a happy 4th to these two attractions. May they have many more years to follow, as they entertain millions of guests each year!!!

A Few of My Favorite Things ~ Le Cellier

Le Cellier is one of my most favorite places to dine at Walt Disney World. In fact, its so good I always try to eat there twice during my trip. Le Cellier is located below the Chateau in the Canada Pavilion at Epcot, and is themed as the wine cellar. This restaurant is a very intimate dining experience with dim ambient lighting and a cozy atmosphere....perfect for everything from a gathering of friends, to a romantic honeymoon dinner.

The meal starts off with something I adore...the breadsticks, particularly the soft pretzel breadsticks. I've been known to eat several of them at one sitting and even take a few out the door when I leave. The signature dish is the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup, and it does not disappoint. Some people eat here just for the soup, but that's not all that Le Cellier is famous for. This is a steakhouse, and a very good one at that. The steaks are cooked to perfection, very juicy and full of flavor.

For dessert, the options are still endless. I prefer the Chocolate Whiskey Cake, but there is also a Maple Creme Brulee, Sorbet that will make you beg for more, Cheesecake, Apple-Rhubarb Crumble and Chocolate "Moose" (Chocolate Mousse rolled in Toasted Chocolate Crumbs with Maple Leaf Antlers).

Whatever you order here, you simply can't go wrong...but be warned, Le Cellier is also one of the smallest dining locations at Walt Disney World and also books quite fast as well. If you want to dine here, plan ahead or you'll never get in. Le Cellier is definitely one of my favorite things!!!

Happy Birthday Disney-MGM Studios

On May 1, 1989, the Disney-MGM Studios opened for the world to see. Originally, it was never even supposed to be a theme park at all, but only a single attraction at Epcot (which ended up becoming the Great Movie Ride). After Universal Studios announced they were building a park in Orlando, the race was on to see who could open first. The Disney-MGM Studios opened more than a year before Universal Studios.

The park was actually two sections, with one side being a theme park (mainly Hollywood Blvd and Echo Lake) and the other being a production center. Its important to keep in mind that there were only five attractions when the park opened; The Great Movie Ride, Backstage Studio Tour, Monster Sound Show, Superstar Television and The Magic of Disney Animation. The Backstage Studio Tour alone lasted a whopping two-hours covering the production center, soundstages and backlot.

As you can see from the map, there were a lot of attractions that did not exist at the time of opening. There was no Sunset Blvd, no Rockin' Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror or Fantasmic. There was no Muppets, no Star Tours and no Pixar Street. Guests couldn't walk on the New York set nor could they go down what is currently Pixar Street (no walking in any of the purple areas on the map). Yes, this park was small, very small.

Through the years, the park gradually grew and grew into what it is today. I first went in December, 1989 and by that time the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular had opened...I even got to do a soft-preview of Star Tours. We later would see Muppet-Vision 3D as well as some very thrilling rides, such as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rockin' Roller Coaster with Aerosmith (how 'bout some backstage passes).

Of course, today its known as Disney's Hollywood Studios...but to those of us who remember, it will always be the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park. Happy 20th to the Disney-MGM Studios, and may the next 20 years be just as exciting as the first!!!