Unforgettable Details of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Menehune Bridge

If your little ones love water, the Menehune Bridge will be a favorite destination at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. This 2,200 square foot interactive water play zone designed for keiki under 48 inches features two junior-sized water slides, spinning gourds and a climbing wall! As with most water activities in the resort’s Waikolohe Valley, it is free to guests.

During a visit to Aulani, Cultural Advisor Kahulu De Santos shared with me the Menehune legend that provides the inspiration for this aquatic play structure. I’m excited to pass the story along as part of our “Unforgettable Details of Aulani” series.

According to Hawaiian legend, a boy named Laka went searching for his chief-father after his mysterious disappearance. His grandmother told him to “go to the mountains and look for the tree that has leaves shaped like the Hilo moon – such is the tree for a canoe.” He took his grandmother’s advice and found and fell the tree just before sunset. When he woke the next day to work on his new canoe, the tree he cut down was mysteriously gone! This trickery happened to Laka several times, until he decided to dig a small trench and hide alongside the tree trunk.

While hiding, he found the culprits taking his trees – a pair of Menehune! Once caught, they pleaded forgiveness for their mischievous actions and promised to build Laka a canoe. That evening, a multitude of Menehune carried the canoe down the mountain to Laka’s beachside home. Upon their arrival, a marvelous feast ensued and the mischievous Menehune were forgiven.

Menehune Bridge celebrates the legend of Laka’s canoe but also encourages aquatic mayhem – inspired by the Menehune, of course. If you want to get a fun view of Laka’s canoe, stand beneath it as it fills with water. Be patient – you’ll be in for a surprise!

What are your keiki looking forward to most during your vacation to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa? Tell us in the comments below!


For more from the “Unforgettable Details of Aulani” series, visit the posts below:

• Unforgettable Details of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Menehune Adventure Trail
• Unforgettable Details of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Beginning a Journey at Laniwai Spa
• Unforgettable Details of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Imagineer Joe Rohde on Design and Inspiration

• Unforgettable Details of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Menehune Bridge by Tyler Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

  
  
  

Halloween Celebration Begins at Disneyland Park Paris October 1

Halloween is on its way to Disneyland Park (Paris), with the return of the park’s Disney’s Halloween Festival on October 1.

During the event, which runs through November 2, guests can watch The Maleficent Disney Villains Promenade or Mickey’s Halloween Celebration (which features Disney characters dressed in Halloween costumes), visit their favorite villains in Maleficent’s Court, or take photos in one of the park’s many seasonally decorated photo locations.

Here’s a sneak peek at the fun.

Halloween Celebration Begins at Disneyland Park Paris October 1 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Tilt-Shift Video: Four Nights on a Disney Cruise

We know how much you love to see our exclusive tilt-shift videos, a “miniature scale” of the fun you can have at our parks and on our cruises.

Our first tilt-shift video gave you a glimpse at a journey on the Disney Wonder, and to this day, it is one of our most popular videos. Now, we want to show you some of what you’ll experience over four nights on the Disney Dream sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida to the Bahamas. From Broadway-style stage shows and meet and greets with Disney friends, to fun in the sun at Castaway Cay and a relaxing day at sea, every member of your family will find something just for them.

Check it out … the magic of tilt-shift photography combined with the magic of a Disney cruise!

Tilt-Shift Video: Four Nights on a Disney Cruise by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Set Sail for the New Castaway Cay Challenge Finisher Medal

We hear it all the time, “It’s all about the bling!” Well today, Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend runners who registered for the Disney Cruise Line Castaway Cay Challenge will not be disappointed as we reveal the treasure waiting for them at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas.

The inaugural Castaway Cay Challenge takes place in January 2015. Hundreds of runners are combining the excitement of participating in a marathon weekend event with a four-night cruise aboard the Disney Dream. After running their event at Walt Disney World Resort, challenge participants set sail on a four-night cruise and run the Castaway Cay 5K to earn the inaugural Castaway Cay Challenge finisher medal. They will also enjoy exclusive runDisney activities throughout the cruise, including featured menu items, guest speaker session and special merchandise.

Now some of you might be wondering how can I get one of these amazing medals?

If you are registered for the 2015 Disney Princess Half Marathon you still have the opportunity to claim your treasure. Registered runners can book the four-night cruise aboard the Disney Dream departing Feb. 23 from Port Canaveral, and participate in the Castaway Cay Challenge.

It’s the perfect way to extend your family trip or your ultimate girls weekend and keep the celebration going for four more nights. In addition to the Castaway Cay 5K and the Castaway Cay Challenge finisher medal, runners can purchase a trip to Senses Spa for a post-race massage, a steam bath or sauna in the Rainforest room. Continue to relax by the fresh water pools, jetted hot tubs or take an exciting ride on The AquaDuck, a thrilling transparent tube water coaster that actually goes off the side of the ship. End your days with the girls enjoying a Broadway-style show, or dancing and celebrating the night away in one of several nightclubs.

For more information and to register for the Disney Princess Weekend Castaway Cay Challenge, visit runDisney.com.

Set Sail for the New Castaway Cay Challenge Finisher Medal by Robert Hitchcock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Delicious and Seasonal: Harvest Apple Salad from Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure Park

Fall is here – the season for California apples – and elegant Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure park is taking advantage of the bounty with this beautiful Harvest Apple Salad, which also includes the richness of duck confit to match the tart, sweet apples.

Confit (pronounced con-fee) may sound daunting, but it’s basically a French term for slowly roasting the duck while it’s submerged in liquid – in this recipe it’s duck fat and olive oil. This is one of those recipes that takes time, but the reward is a rich, bright salad that’s perfect for a dinner party.

In case you can’t get to the beautiful Carthay Circle Restaurant, inside the detailed re-creation of the iconic Carthay Circle Theatre at Disney California Adventure park, Chef Francisco Origel shows us how it’s done. This seasonal recipe is just one of the many California-inspired dishes on the menu.

Harvest Apple Salad with Crispy Duck Confit
Serves 8

Duck Confit

• 4 skin-on, bone-in duck legs
• Coarse salt freshly ground black pepper
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 3 dried bay leaves
• Olive oil for covering duck in roasting pan

Cider Vinaigrette

• 1/3 cup fresh apple cider
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey mustard or Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• Coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Salad

• 4 gala apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 6 wedges per apple
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 4 granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-wide sticks
• 6 cups thinly sliced kale
• 6 cups thinly sliced frisée lettuce
• 10 breakfast radishes, thinly sliced

For duck confit:

1. Generously salt and pepper duck legs and set aside at room temperature for 1 hour.
   Prick skin of duck legs all over with a needle or a small, sharp knife, being careful not to pierce the meat. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Heat skillet over medium-high heat and sear duck legs until golden on both sides. Place in a baking dish just large enough to fit all 6 legs and cover with rendered duck fat from skillet. Add thyme, bay leaves, and enough olive oil to submerge duck.
3. Place in oven, uncovered, and bake 2 hours. Remove from oven and allow to cool in fat to room temperature.
4. Remove duck legs from fat; remove meat from bones, discarding bones; pull meat into shreds.
5. Place shredded meat in a medium skillet over medium-high heat; cook just until duck is crispy. Set aside.

For vinaigrette:

1. Place apple cider and vinegar in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil and reduce by half, about 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
2. Combine reduced apple cider-vinegar and mustard in blender; blend until combined. With blender on medium speed, slowly stream in olive oil.
3. Removed from blender and place in bowl; stir in thyme and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

For salad:

1. Smear cold butter in bottom of large skillet. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Add apples slices and turn on heat to medium-high. As butter begins to melt and sugar caramelizes, turn apples to brown both sides. Add more butter if necessary; cook apples until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes, turning often. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Combine kale, frisée, radishes, and gala apple sticks in a large bowl, tossing to combine. Add shredded duck.
3. Add just enough dressing to coat, tossing to combine. Serve immediately with caramelized apple slices.

Delicious and Seasonal: Harvest Apple Salad from Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure Park by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

‘Fall’ in Love with Pumpkin-Inspired Delights at Downtown Disney

Living in Florida, fall is my favorite time of year. Temperatures start to dip, the humidity (sort of) takes a break and autumn is in the air. Fall has already arrived here at Downtown Disney – and I know this because I’m surrounded by pumpkin-tinged treats. See a few of my top picks below:

• Pumpkin Spice Caramel Squares from Ghirardelli – you can only find these bites of amazingness in September and October, so stock up while you can. My fellow Disney Parks Blog author Jennifer Fickley-Baker introduced me to these mouth-watering morsels and I love/hate her for it!
• Pumpkin Shampoo and Conditioner Bars from Basin – with potassium, alpha-carotene, zinc, beta-carotene and lutein, they make your hair strong, soft and silky – a perfect complement to any Halloween costume you may be considering. (Rumor has it Basin also has a “Pumpkin Patch” soap, too. So fun.)
• Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks – this caffeinated favorite needs no explanation; my motto: once you’ve taken your first sip of the season, cute boots, bulky sweaters and festive scarves are fair game, no matter what the thermometer reads.
• Sweet Treats from Goofy’s Candy Company and Candy Cauldron – luckily, we’ve got eight weeks to sample the latest concoctions from my go-to candy shops. First up? Pumpkin fudge. (Review: Amazing.)

Keep up with the latest seasonal offerings from Downtown Disney via our Twitter handle, @WDWDowntown. In the meantime, tell me which pumpkin product you can’t wait to try in the comments below.

Happy fall, y’all! (I’m originally from Georgia, so I can say that.)

‘Fall’ in Love with Pumpkin-Inspired Delights at Downtown Disney by Darcy Clark: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Walt Disney World Event Snapshot – October 2014

Wondering what merchandise events are headed your way this October at the Walt Disney World Resort? Take a look!

Satisfy your appetite and quench your thirst for merchandise during this year’s 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Fellow author Steven Miller gave you a sneak preview of this year’s commemorative merchandise, here are a few other special appearances you won’t want to miss. Learn more.

• Festival Center – Paola Gutierrez (October 3, 24 and November 7) and William Silvers (October 4, 18 and November 1)
• Art of Disney – Rob Kaz (October 24 – 26) and Michelle St. Laurent (October 30 and November 1 – 2)
• Coming in November! Tim Rogerson and The Beekman Boys.

October 2 – 12: Beloved artist David E. Doss returns to the Walt Disney World Resort this month. Look for special appearances by David, October 2 – 12 and 23 – 29 at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Learn more.

October 8 – 12: Artist Greg McCullough will be on hand for special appearances and signings this month at the Walt Disney World Resort. Meet Greg, October 8 – 12 at Art of Disney in Epcot or October 15 – 19 and October 30 – November 5 at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Learn more.

October 9 – 12: Meet artist Larry Dotson who will be appearing throughout the month at the Walt Disney World Resort. Look for Larry to appear at Main Street Cinema in Magic Kingdom Park, October 9 – 12 and 23 – 26 and at Art of Disney in Epcot, October 16 – 19. Learn more.

October 10 – November 3: Look for the latest releases from Precious Moments doll designer and artist Linda Rick, including her new Halloween collection. Linda will appear throughout the day October 10 – 12 and again October 31 – November 1 at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Learn more.

Which event are you most excited about?

Walt Disney World Event Snapshot – October 2014 by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Five Things You Might Not Know About Horticulture at the Disneyland Resort

It’s the details that make you feel like you’re in another world at a Disney Park, and horticulture plays a huge role in creating that feeling. When you’re walking through the untamed jungles of Adventureland in Disneyland park, you may notice the towering bamboo plants near Tarzan’s Treehouse. As you’re strolling through the wooded mountains of Grizzly Peak at Disney California Adventure park, you see the colorful California foliage. These are some of the magical details created every season by the Disneyland Resort Horticulture team. Here are some things you might not know about horticulture at the Disneyland Resort:

1. The Jungle Cruise tree canopy stands as tall as 100 feet.
2. More than 3,600 annuals make up the smiling face of Mickey Mouse at the entrance to Disneyland park.
3. With approximately 18,000 trees and 125,000 shrubs, the Disneyland Resort is one of the largest gardens in Southern California.
4. Twenty-two topiary animals and characters call the Disneyland Resort home.
5. The oldest living tree at the Disneyland Resort is a two-foot-tall Mugho Pine, which is more than 150 years old. Guests can find this tree during a cruise on the Storybook Land Canal Boats in Fantasyland.

What is your favorite detail of the landscape panorama at the Disneyland Resort?

Five Things You Might Not Know About Horticulture at the Disneyland Resort by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Hanson Appears at Eat to the Beat Tonight

The band Hanson (“I Will Come to You”) will take to the stage tonight at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in the event’s Eat to the Beat concert series.

Earlier today, the band, which is made up of brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson, took a break from performing to showcase their their new beer brew, Mmmhops Pale Ale, to Epcot guests in the Festival Center.

Hanson will take the stage tonight at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. at the America Gardens Theatre and shows are included in theme park admission.

The remaining acts in this year’s Eat to the Beat concert series are:

• Sept. 30-Oct. 2 – Air Supply
• Oct. 3-5 – STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas
• Oct. 6-8 – Sugar Ray
• Oct. 9-10 – Fuel
• Oct. 11-12 – Sister Hazel
• Oct. 13-14 – Richard Marx
• Oct. 15-16 – Billy Ocean
• Oct. 17-19 – Night Ranger
• Oct. 20-22 – Smash Mouth
• Oct. 23-24 – Jim Brickman
• Oct. 25-26 – Los Lonely Boys
• Oct. 27-28 – Wilson Phillips
• Oct. 29-31 – Dennis DeYoung, original member of STYX
• Nov. 1-2 – 38 Special
• Nov. 3-5 – Boyz II Men
• Nov. 6-7 – David Cook
• Nov. 8-10 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Hanson Appears at Eat to the Beat Tonight by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Top Five Hands-On Food Experiences with Adventures by Disney

With more than two-dozen incredible destinations to choose from, Adventures by Disney allows you to see the world while finding your inner foodie. From creating traditional svele pancakes in Norway and crafting handmade pasta and pizza in Italy to harvesting rice in Laos or grape stomping in Greece, you can immerse yourself in local flavor and cuisine no matter which itinerary you choose.

Here are my top 5 unique hands-on food experiences:

1. Vietnam – The Adventures by Disney trip to Southeast Asia allows you to savor the regional cuisines of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. In Hoi An you can participate in a private cooking class, where you’ll learn how to make some of Vietnam’s delicious traditional dishes. You will even get to pick your own fresh ingredients and spices at a local market with the help of an expert chef.

2. Greece – As you explore the picturesque Cretan countryside, you’ll get the chance to learn from a shepherd how to make your own cheese pie with honey. In Arolithos, learn how to make your own tsaziki dip, made of a spicy yogurt mixed with cucumbers. You’ll also get to enjoy Greece’s famous moussaka in Delphi, which is an eggplant/potato dish that was part of the Ottoman Empire cuisine.

3.) South Africa – In Stellenbosch, the heart of Cape Dutch wine country, it’s time to roll up your sleeves for an interactive pastry making class hosted by the renowned Institute of Culinary Arts. Learn to prepare Koeksuster, an Afrikaans pastry akin to deep-fried fritters dipped in orange-scented syrup. Then devour your fresh creations as you sip Rooibos tea – a famous Afrikaans combination!

4. Nashville – Our newest Long Weekend itinerary, Nashville, brings together the best of Southern cuisine and country music history. Here you’ll have the chance to create your own BBQ sauce to take home! You’ll also get to try your hand at making fluffy, buttery biscuits, a true Southern staple.

5. Germany – Explore the storybook splendor in Germany as you taste your way around castles fit for a royal family. Raise your stein to beer tastings at a local brewery, then put your own twist on rolling and shaping your own fresh pretzel creation at the Striffler Bakery in Rothenburg. The city’s oldest bakery, Striffler’s has been making their famous pretzels since 1644!

I don’t know about you, but talking about all this amazing food is making me hungry! Check out AdventuresbyDisney.com for even more ways to tantalize your taste buds.

Top Five Hands-On Food Experiences with Adventures by Disney by Andrae Gill: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

The Disney Parks Blog Celebrates Five Years of Storytelling

Over the weekend, we celebrated a special day for the Disney Parks Blog – our five year anniversary. It’s an exciting milestone for us that would not have been possible without your consistent support and participation during the years.

We’ve paved our path one story at a time on the Blog and we’re thrilled to let you know that there are even bigger plans to grow in the future as we continue to offer the latest, official information about Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line and Disney vacation experiences worldwide.

Today, we wanted to pause and say thank you with a special photo we’ve saved just for the occasion. The bird’s-eye view of Cinderella Castle was captured by author and Walt Disney World photographer Kent Phillips earlier this year – and it’s one of our favorites.

You can win this poster today if you’re one of the first 150 people to email us a “Happy Birthday Disney Parks Blog” greeting of no more than 50 characters in length (which could be a simple “Hi” or “Happy Birthday Disney Parks Blog” greeting) to WDW.Sweepstakes@Disney.com and include your full name and mailing address in the email. Once the potential winners are determined, we’ll send notifications via email. See the sweepstakes rules and eligibility requirements here.

Thank you again for all of the support and be sure to keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog as we continue to grow.

Sweepstakes open only to persons who, upon entering, are not deemed minors in their jurisdiction of primary residence and are legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 United States or D.C. Limit one (1) entry per person/per email address. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Subject to complete Official Rules. Ends 09/29/14.

The Disney Parks Blog Celebrates Five Years of Storytelling by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

October 2014 Merchandise Events at the Disneyland Resort

Just wait until you see what merchandise events we have headed your way this October at the Disneyland Resort!

October 4 – 5: Haunted Memories will be setting up shop inside WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District for the month of October. Look for appearances by Eddie Allen from 1-4 p.m. on Oct. 4, 5, 25 and 26. Learn more.

October 11: Artists Jasmine Becket-Griffith, Bryan Fyffe, Jeff Granito, Sydney Hanson and Jerrod Maruyama will take part in an artist signing from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District, as we celebrate the release of some of their latest works. Learn more.

October 17 – 19: Join us as we welcome back Precious Moments doll designer, Linda Rick, who will be on hand for the release of her new Halloween collection, among other fan favorites. Meet Linda October 17–19 and October 24-26 at China Closet on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland park. Learn more.

October 18: Disney Legend Alice Davis, Don Hahn, Mindy Johnson, Paula Lowery, Disney Legend Marty Sklar, Lella Smith and Charles Solomon will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of Marc Davis: Walt Disney’s Renaissance Man from 9–11 a.m. at the Disneyana Shop on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park. Learn more.

October 25: Artist Noah will take part in an artist signing from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District, as we celebrate the release of his latest work Cruisin’ With My Girl. Learn more.

Artist in Residence: Appearing at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District throughout the month is artist Miss Mindy. Look for artist showcases on the following dates: October 3, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 and 26 from 6:30 – 9:30p.m. Learn more.

Which events have made your list of things to do?

October 2014 Merchandise Events at the Disneyland Resort by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Picture If You Will Merchandise for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend is returning soon to Walt Disney World Resort. This weekend of runDisney events takes place on October 3-4, and includes a nighttime Disney Villain Hollywood Bash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios following the 10-miler on Saturday. If there was a race I’d like to run, this would be the one due to my love of all things Tower of Terror. The merchandise events development team recently shared with me some of the merchandise create for this event which I thought you’d like to see.

Like previous runDisney events, there will be a variety of apparel items offered this year including both long and short sleeve options. I love this year’s artwork, especially the map on the back of the “I Did It” tee. The black jacket is also a nice addition and will contain glow-in-the-dark ink.

Other items will include limited release pins including one with Hitchhiking Ghosts from The Haunted Mansion that will also glow-in-the-dark. Guests will also find a car magnet, water bottle, hat, and, my favorite, a silver necklace with a Maleficent-themed running shoe. We will also have a black Disney ear hat for the Kids’ Races that will contain the logo with Donald Duck dressed for Halloween.

To find these items and more, I invite you to attend the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

On Friday, October 3, 2014, the Expo will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

On Saturday, October 4, 2014, guests can visit the Expo from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

I wish all participants the best of luck during the race and watch out for those Disney Villains!

The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc. and used with permission pursuant to a license with CBS, Inc.

Picture If You Will Merchandise for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Caption This: Fun with the Kitchen Sink

This week’s “Caption This” image shows one of my favorite desserts in all of the Walt Disney World Resort – it’s the Kitchen Sink, which can be found at Beaches & Cream.

It sure looks like these kids have a challenge on their hands. What should their strategy be for finishing this one? Go ahead and “Caption This” photo in the “Comments” section below.

Caption This: Fun with the Kitchen Sink by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap

This week, we officially welcomed the newest addition to our gorilla family troop at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in our weekly “Wildlife Wednesday” series. The new Western lowland gorilla is the second gorilla birth this year, and the fifth in the park’s history.

All Western lowland gorilla babies born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom have been a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which ensures long-term survival of species by helping AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums manage species’ genetic diversity through detailed records of individual animals.

Check out Rachel’s story for more baby gorilla photos from Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

And we continued the voting for the top Disneyland Resort memory from the past 60 years with some favorite Disneyland Resort memories from the 1970s.

You can go now to Erin’s story to vote. Voting will remain open until 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, October 1. Be sure to check back Thursday, October 2, when we’ll share the top five memories from the 1980s.

Each decade winner will receive a special Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration prize. Then, we’ll give you the chance to vote for one Grand Prize winner from among the winners of each decade. This lucky fan will win a trip to the start of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration in spring 2015. For complete rules, click here.

No purchase necessary. 18/age of majority+, 50 US/DC only. Void where prohibited. See Rules for details.

Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week.

Halloween Time Snacks and Sweets at Disneyland Resort – Get a look at some of the snacks and sweets we’ve scared up at Disneyland Resort for Halloween Time.

Danny Elfman Reads from ‘Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas’ at Haunted Mansion Holiday in Disneyland Park – Watch as musician, composer and longtime collaborator with Tim Burton, Danny Elfman performs this special reading of “The Nightmare Before Christmas”.

‘Muppets Most Wanted’ Star Constantine Visits Walt Disney World Resort – See the World’s Number One Criminal speak with our very own John Graham, sharing what he loves about visiting Disney Parks.

Planning for a Spooktacular Time at Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park – Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort is here! Here are some tips for planning your visit to Mickey’s Halloween Party.

A Home Away From Home at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: 1-Bedroom Villa – Check out the spacious villas available at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Learn more about booking your getaway today!

New Halloween Celebrations at Disney Parks – Special new Halloween-themed gifting experiences from Disney Floral & Gifts are now available at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort!

Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Yummy Fall Treats

Another thing to love about fall at Disney Parks – in addition to colorful decor, Halloween parties and trick-or-treating – are the special seasonal treats that are making their way into our parks.

Earlier this week, Food & Beverage author Rachel Brent showed off some of the yummy treats that are now available at the Disneyland Resort. Among the mouth-watering treats she shared photos of were Banana Fritters, Pumpkin Beignets, Caramel Apple Smoothie and much more.

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Halloween Time Snacks and Sweets at Disneyland Resort

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Rachel also gave us a great look at the spooky snacks available this fall at the Walt Disney World Resort.

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Wildly Spooky Treats at Walt Disney World Resort

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The witch cupcakes sure look delicious to me. Which treat would be your fav? Tell us in the “Comments” section below!

This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Yummy Fall Treats by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog