Celebrate Magic Kingdom Park’s 45th Anniversary with 45 Photos from Disney PhotoPass Service

"Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy." These words welcome you as you enter Magic Kingdom Park, a world of imagination and wonder, a place where dreams come true for all who are young at heart.

From the moment you step into the park, you begin to embark upon an immersive adventure. With six uniquely themed lands, you can conquer mountains, cruise through exotic jungle rivers, brave a ghostly mansion, set sail on a swashbuckling voyage, descend below the waves, and fly to Never Land. Or, you can simply relax and delight in your surroundings.

While many Disney characters in this whimsical world spend most of the day meeting you, I've always imagined how fun it must be for them to explore the park before guests arrive and after they depart each day. I can just picture Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse strolling around the park, Alice taking a spin on the teacups, the grim grinning ghosts coming out to socialize, and Disney villains creating mischief late in the night.

In celebration of Magic Kingdom Park's upcoming 45th Anniversary, Disney PhotoPass Service is sharing 45 PhotoPass photos of your favorite Disney characters and friends enjoying this park, just as millions have since 1971. Check out our Magic Kingdom Park 45th Anniversary photo album on Facebook.

In this place where countless magical moments happen every day, Disney PhotoPass is always there to help you capture and share them.

Behind the Scenes: Sally Joins Jack Skellington in Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park

I was thrilled to see the new Sally figure this season in Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland park. I had the chance to chat with her designer, Tim Wollweber, when she first arrived. He and the Disneyland Resort Entertainment team created her to scale with the existing Jack Skellington figure, and it appears Jack couldn't be happier for her to join him in the graveyard scene!

Go behind the scenes with the team in the video below, and don't miss Haunted Mansion Holiday now at Disneyland park.

Happy 45th Anniversary to Magic Kingdom Park

It's the place that turns kids into pirates, princesses, fairies and knights. It's where children – of all ages – come face-to-face with their heroes. It's where romances began, where engagements happen, and where family "firsts" and milestones are celebrated. It's charming and thrilling, adventurous and romantic, and full of heart all at the same time. In short, Magic Kingdom Park is the place that so many Disney fans consider…home. And on Saturday, October 1, this magical place will officially celebrate 45 years of creating unforgettable experiences like this for thousands of families from around the world.

Plans to build a Disney theme park here in Central Florida were first announced by Walt Disney and his brother Roy O. Disney at a press conference in Winter Park, FL, in 1965. Six years later, Walt's "Florida Project" had grown into a full-blown multiproperty vacation destination – the Walt Disney World Resort, which on opening day 1971 included Magic Kingdom Park, Contemporary Hotel and Polynesian Village Hotel. (Check out the video above for some amazing construction footage of the park before it opened).

Magic Kingdom Park opened to feature lands and attractions similar to those at Disneyland park, but with a few striking differences, including the addition of a Liberty Square section and new park-specific attractions like Country Bear Jamboree. One of the biggest differences to debut at Magic Kingdom Park was the park's castle, a towering 189-foot-tall Cinderella Castle that served as the focal point of the park.

Constructing a property of this size was no small task – and neither was celebrating the accomplishment of opening the world's largest Disney property to-date. To celebrate, the resort held a three-day series of grand opening festivities that culminated on October 25 with the grand opening of Magic Kingdom Park. In the video above, which we shared for the park's 40th anniversary, opening day cast member Forrest Bahruth shares his memories of this massive celebration, which featured a 1,076-piece marching band, 50,000 balloons and more.

In the 45 years since that magical opening day, Walt Disney World Resort has grown to welcome three more theme parks, two water parks, more than two dozen resort hotels, the dedicated shopping and dining area of Disney Springs, plus countless recreation opportunities. But we're not stopping there. The next few years will welcome even more exciting experiences than ever, with the debut of new lands at two of our parks, as well as innovative attractions and exciting entertainment.

What else will the future hold for Walt Disney World Resort? One guarantee is that whatever it is … it will be simply magical.

Broadway Star at Sea: Chuck Wagner on the Disney Magic

What an incredible summer it has been with our Stars Set Sail live concert series presented by Disney Theatrical Productions. Chuck Wagner is the latest Broadway performer to entertain Disney cruisers with a memorable show in the Walt Disney Theatre.

Wagner is known for an extensive acting career that includes both television and musical theatre. He starred in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, playing The Beast both on Broadway and in the Toronto production. During his performance on the Disney Magic, he talked about this convergence of his two loves – Broadway and Disney – and wow-ed the crowd singing "If I Can't Love Her."

Check out these past posts to see all the talented performers who have sailed the seas with us this summer:

• Michelle Mallardi on the Disney Wonder
• Kerry Butler on the Disney Magic
• Kissy Simmons on the Disney Wonder
• Kevin Massey and Kara Lindsay on the Disney Magic
• Alton Fitzgerald White on the Disney Magic
• Mandy Gonzalez on the Disney Magic
• Susan Egan on the Disney Magic

Tune In to ‘America’s Funniest Videos’ to Learn How You Could Win A Disney Vacation Every Year, For Three Years

Exciting news! This season, YOU can have a chance to win a vacation package for four people, consisting of a Bahamian cruise aboard Disney Cruise Line, a Costa Rican vacation with Adventures by Disney, and a vacation to Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai'i. "How?" you may ask…By submitting your hilarious home videos to "America's Funniest Home Videos" (go to AFV.com for full contest rules).

"America's Funniest Home Videos," the show that invented the viral video, is returning to ABC for its 27th season on Oct. 2. And this season, the show's $100,000 winners will compete for the chance to win a breathtaking series of worldwide trips from Disney Vacations.

Check it out!

So submit your wildest, wackiest, funniest home videos to "AFV" today for your chance to win! Or simply tune in for a season of laughter and family entertainment when "America's Funniest Home Videos" returns this Sunday.

45 Years of Magical Dining in Magic Kingdom Park

On October 1, 1971, Magic Kingdom Park welcomed its first guests. Since then, thousands of people have made magical memories at Walt Disney World Resort. Food is so often linked to memories, and some of my favorite Magic Kingdom moments are tied to memorable meals. From dining at Tony's Town Square Restaurant on my very first visit in 1994, to watching my niece eat her first ice cream cone on Main Street U.S.A. from Plaza Ice Cream Parlor – I even met my husband for the first time at Be Our Guest Restaurant!

Today, I'm excited to share a look into the past, at some of the very first restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort, with photos from the early 1970's. While some locations have become part of Magic Kingdom history, there are several that still serve hungry guests everyday. Take a look:

Main Street U.S.A.
The Crystal Palace
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Refreshment Corner (now Casey's Corner)

Adventureland
Adventureland Verenda (now Jungle Skipper Canteen)
Sunshine Tree Terrace

Frontierland
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe

Liberty Square
Nantucket Harbor House (now Columbia Harbor House)
Liberty Tree Tavern

Fantasyland
King Stefan's Banquet Hall (now Cinderella's Royal Table)
Pinocchio Village Haus

Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland Terrace

If you're in the parks on October 1, be sure to check out a special cupcake available at Main Street Bakery, and the 45th Anniversary Celebration Dog from Casey's Corner, topped with potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, fried onion straws and a chipotle-ranch drizzle.

What is your favorite memory of dining in Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below!

Enjoy Unique Disney Merchandise Events at Disney Springs in October 2016

Several unique merchandise events will take place in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort this month. Here is a brief summary of what guests can expect when visiting Disney Springs Marketplace.

Art of Disney

October 1 – Disney Traditions artist Jim Shore returns to the Art of Disney for a special appearance and signing of his latest Haunted Mansion inspired piece featuring the Hatbox Ghost. Jim will be meeting with guests from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

October 12-16 – Artist Greg McCullough will be meeting with guests each day from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Art of Disney. He will also make an appearance at the location from October 27-31.

October 20-25 – Guests can meet artist David Doss from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. each day in the Art of Disney.

Marketplace Co-Op – WonderGround Gallery

October 21-23 – Meet WonderGround Artist Dave Perillo on October 21-23 at WonderGround Gallery in the Marketplace Co-Op. On Friday and Saturday, Dave will be meeting with guests from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. On Sunday, he will appear at the location from 12 Noon to 3:00 p.m.

Marketplace Fun Finds

September 29 – November 1 – New Precious Moments dolls will be released at Marketplace Fun Finds starting September 29. The dolls are part of the "Boo-tiful You" 2016 Collection and include dolls inspired by Cinderella, Fairy Godmother, Tinker Bell and other Disney Characters. Guests can meet Precious Moments doll designer Linda Rick on September 30 to October 2 and from October 7-9 at the location.

#wonderFALLDisney: Long Weekend Itinerary Suggestions for Epcot

Autumn is one of the best times to visit the Walt Disney World Resort – especially Epcot! From the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival to recently debuted attractions Frozen Ever After and Soarin' Around the World, you're sure to have a #wonderFALLdisney experience at this park.

Here are our suggestions for how to make the most of a long weekend at Epcot.

Day #1: Food & Wine Fun!

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival has returned, which means more fun (and food) than ever can be found around World Showcase. Explore the global marketplaces one by one, or take in a Culinary Demonstration, a Beverage Bootcamp, a Cheese Seminar, or book reservations for a "What's Cookin' With…," a celebrity breakfast series that's held select Fridays and Sundays, September 16 to November 13.

Kids (of all ages) can participate in Remy's "Ratatouille" Hide & Squeak, a scavenger hunt that runs through World Showcase. Start by purchasing a map and stickers from select Festival merchandise locations, then spot statuettes of "little chef" Remy hidden throughout World Showcase and match ingredient stickers to your map. Once you've finished, return the completed map to Disney Traders for a surprise.

Top the evening off by relaxing at an Eat to the Beat musical performance (included in park admission) and don't miss the park's grand finale of the evening, "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth."

Day #2: Attractions, Characters & More

Get those FastPass+ plans ready! Day two is all about hitting up the park's most popular attractions – and some classic ones, too. Frozen Ever After and Soarin' Around the World just debuted a few months ago. At Frozen Ever After, the first-ever dedicated attraction based on the hit film, takes families on a journey to Arendelle, while Soarin' whisks guests on an amazing aerial journey above, over and around some of the wonders of the world. Test Track and Mission: SPACE are favorites among those craving speed and thrills.

Epcot is also a great place to get up close with Disney Characters you can't find anywhere else. Turtle Talk With Crush at The Seas Pavilion just welcomed new friends from "Finding Dory." And guests can greet characters from the Disney•Pixar's film "Inside Out" and "Big Hero 6" at Innoventions that they can't find anywhere else! (Be sure to check your MyDisneyExperience App for changes, times and locations).

Day #3: Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Epcot offers fans of Disney Parks some unforgettable behind-the-scenes tours. The "UnDISCOVERed Future World" tour offers guests an in-depth look and onstage (and backstage) areas of Epcot. This four-hour tour may include a visit to an exclusive VIP lounge, a new view of Test Track, a tour of the cast wardrobe, a behind-the-scenes look at "Illuminations" and more.

If you're a fan of The Seas Pavilion, try the "Epcot Seas Adventures – Aqua Tour" which lets you snorkel with the attraction's more than 6,000 inhabitants. For scuba-certified guests, try the "Epcot Seas Adventures – DiveQuest," which lets you explore the tank even deeper. (Theme park admission is required for all tours).

Top the day off with lunch or dinner at the park.

What are some of your must-dos at Epcot? Tell us in the "Comments" section below!

Disney Parks Best Bites: September 2016 – Pumpkin Edition

'Tis the season for pumpkin spice and everything nice at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts! Since we're sharing everything #WonderFALL at Disney Parks, I've gathered a listing of our favorite pumpkin offerings at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort for my fellow pumpkin lovers. Dates vary by location and all items are subject to availability.

Disneyland Resort

• Pumpkin Twists, Cozy Cone Motel & Maurice's Treats
• Pumpkin Cheesecake, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta and Jolly Holiday Bakery Café
• Pumpkin Custard, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante
• Chocolate Pumpkin Pie, Flo's V8 Café
• Pumpkin Raisin Bread Pudding, Pacific Wharf Café
• Pumpkin Crème Brûlée, Jolly Holiday Bakery Café
• Pumpkin Muffin, Jolly Holiday Bakery Café, Cappuccino Cart in Disneyland park, The Coffee House, White Water Snacks and Surfside Lounge
• Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cake, Trick or Tea at Steakhouse 55
• Pumpkin-shaped Sourdough Bread, Mortimer's Market and Pacific Wharf Café
• Mickey Pumpkin Cupcake, Jolly Holiday Bakery Café and Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe

Walt Disney World Resort

• Pumpkin Milkshake served with Almond Cookies, Artist Point
• Pumpkin Streusel Muffins, Roaring Fork
• Pumpkin Cupcake, Roaring Fork
• Pumpkin Cupcake, Contempo Café
• Pumpkin Fritters, California Grill
• Pumpkin Pancakes, Kona Cafe (Breakfast)
• Pumpkin Tort, Kona Cafe (Lunch, Dinner)
• Pumpkin Spiced Latte Ganache, The Ganachery
• Pumpkin Spiced Cupcake, Gaston's Tavern and Be Our Guest Restaurant (Available only during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
• Pumpkin Cheesecake, Plaza Restaurant (Available only during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
• Pumpkin Milkshake, Plaza Restaurant (Available only during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
• Vegan Pumpkin Soup, Sunshine Seasons
• Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake, American Adventure pavilion Funnel Cake
• Pumpkin Cupcake, Cape May Cafe
• Pumpkin Bar, Cape May Cafe
• Pumpkin Cheesecake, Yachtsman Steakhouse
• Pumpkin Bread, Captain's Grille Breakfast Buffet
• Pumpkin Muffin with Cream Cheese Icing, Good's Food to Go

Disney Parks After Dark: A Haunting Cinderella Castle

This time of year, Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park looks, well, a bit different – especially if you're visiting during a Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

During the party, in addition to themed decor, jack-o-lanterns, pumpkins and fall foliage that line Main Street, U.S.A., Cinderella Castle takes on an eerie new look of its own that changes throughout the night.

What do you think? Would you dare trick-or-treat at this grand castle?

Premier Men’s College Basketball Tournaments Coming To Walt Disney World Resort

If you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in November and you're already excited about the upcoming college basketball season, you're in luck! This fall, you can add a hoops game or two to your vacation, as the Tire Pros Invitational and AdvoCare Invitational will be underway at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

New to Disney, the Tire Pros Invitational will tip off November 17-20 and features Arizona State, Clemson, Davidson, Missouri, Northern Iowa, Tulane, Xavier and Oklahoma, which made it to the Final Four of the 2016 NCAA men's basketball championship.

Past winners include Miami (2015 & 2007), West Virginia (2014), Charlotte (2013), Oklahoma State (2012), Alabama (2011), Minnesota (2010), Villanova (2009) and Xavier (2007).

And just a few days later, the AdvoCare Invitational returns, November 24-27. This tournament features three Sweet 16 teams – Gonzaga, Iowa State and Miami, as well as Big East Conference Champion Seton Hall. Other participants include Florida, Indiana State, Quinnipiac and Stanford.

For each tournament, the bracket consists of 12 games over three days with each team competing in one game per day, advancing through the bracket. The two teams that remain undefeated throughout will face off in a championship game on the final day of competition.

In between exploring the fall festivities across the Disney Parks, why not visit the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to catch some of the top college basketball teams face off?

If you love sports or even if you're a casual fan, you won't want to miss these tournaments! Visit ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets for the AdvoCare Invitational and to get more information about ticket sales for the Tire Pros Invitational.

October 2016 Disneyland Resort Merchandise Events

The Disney Parks Merchandise team is hosting several events in October 2016 throughout the Disneyland Resort.

Downtown Disney District

October 1-2 – Haunted Memories featuring artisan Edward Allen returns to WonderGround Gallery from 2–5 p.m. He will also appear at the location on October 15-16.

October 7-8 – Miss Mindy is the Artist in Residence at WonderGround Gallery in October. Look for her on the following dates from 6:30–10 p.m.: October 7-8, 15, 21-22 and 28-29.

October 15 – An Artist Showcase and Signing event featuring Jeff Granito and Miss Mindy will be held at WonderGround Gallery from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. At this event, we will release Vinylmation – Designer Series 2, featuring 3-inch Vinylmation figures designed by Jeff Granito. This limited release mystery series contains eight figures and will be sold as either individual mystery boxes or as a tray.

October 21-23 – New Precious Moments dolls will be released at World of Disney. The dolls are part of the "Boo-tiful You" 2016 Collection and include dolls inspired by Rapunzel, Mulan and other Disney characters. Guests can meet Precious Moments doll designer Linda Rick on October 21-23 and October 28-30 from noon to 10 p.m. at the location. Representatives from Precious Moments will be available to meet with guests from October 24-27.

Disneyland Park

October 29 – An Artist Showcase and Signing event featuring Javier Soto and Craig Fraser will be held at Disneyana from 9-11 a.m.

For additional details about select events at the Disneyland Resort, please visit DisneyParksMerchandise.com.

45th Anniversary Wallpaper: Walt Disney World Railroad Train Station

Trains were one of Walt Disney's passions. In preparation for this weekend's 45th anniversary of Magic Kingdom Park, Disney artist Candy Field wanted to honor that passion with a custom illustration of the Walt Disney World Railroad train station. The graphic represents the elegance of an era gone by and sets the stage for the classic beauty of Main Street, U.S.A.

Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers here.

Disney Vacation Club Celebrates Milestones at Sea

I'm writing today from the beautiful Disney Magic, somewhere north of New York City, south of the Canadian coast and right in the middle of a "neighborhood block party at sea" as Disney Vacation Club takes its Member Cruise tradition to places it's never gone before.

If you're at all familiar with Member Cruise sailings, you know that this Disney Vacation Club charter voyage elevates the already spectacular Disney Cruise Line experience with exclusive entertainment, daily in-room gifts and more. This year's event is particularly special, sailing to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada as Disney Vacation Club celebrates "25 years and beyond," a milestone we share with a certain "tale as old as time."

That's right, "Beauty and the Beast", a film that debuted when I was in college, is turning 25. (Please excuse me while I weep for my lost youth.) Don Hahn, the film's legendary producer and perhaps the most gracious gentleman on Planet Earth, is here to help us celebrate the 1991 animated classic and peek ahead to next year's highly anticipated live-action adaptation, on which he's an executive producer. We're even joined by the incomparable Ashley Brown, a former Belle in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway, who will close our celebration with a song.

Our "Beauty and the Beast 25" presentation is one of more than a dozen exclusive experiences Disney Vacation Club has developed for this voyage in collaboration with our friends at the Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Theatrical Productions, the Walt Disney Archives and other invaluable partners from throughout this great company. In the days ahead, our Members will sail behind the scenes of Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Moana", go deep "Inside Lucasfilm," see the stunning Disneynature film "Born In China" more than six months before its Earth Day 2017 U.S. debut, join renowned Imagineer Joe Rohde for a revealing look at the evolution of Disney's Animal Kingdom, voice characters alongside celebrated Disney voice actors, draw with award-winning Disney artists, virtually explore Walt Disney's recently restored Burbank offices, let their football fandom fly at an unprecedented "ESPN College GameDay Sailgate" party, enjoy a star-studded Disney on Broadway finale concert and more.

Me? I'll be in the fetal position in my stateroom, remembering the first time I saw "Beauty and the Beast" in theaters and accepting the fact that I, like the tale told in my favorite film, am "as old as time."

You’re Invited to ‘A Princess Royal Reception’ this October at Disney Springs

My favorite Disney Princess has always been Cinderella, and one of my favorite lines is "a dream is a wish your heart makes." If you've ever dreamed of meeting a Disney Princess during a visit to World of Disney at Disney Springs, that wish is about to come true during a one-month, limited-time offering set to debut on Saturday, October 1, 2016.

With surprise appearances each day, you could meet Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, Tiana or another visiting princess – there are no set times for specific characters, but you're always sure to receive a royal reception.

I had the chance to talk to Entertainment Show Director Tom Vazzana who shared the background story of the experience: "Cinderella had a wish for her and her fellow royal princesses to have a place to meet new friends. The Fairy Godmother was able to grant her this wish, and now, tucked away in a magical corner of World of Disney is a location befitting Cinderella's request. A magical 'royal hall' was created complete with tapestries and images inspired by classic fairytales."

With a Disney PhotoPass photographer on hand to capture each interaction, these magical moments will be available for guests to purchase or download as part of their Memory Maker product purchase.

Interested in a royal reception of your own? Visit World of Disney between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily from October 1 – November 1, 2016. Once you check in, a cast member will share the approximate wait time and return instructions; when it's time for you to return to the queue, you'll be moments away from meeting a Disney Princess.

Do you plan to make your way to Disney Springs this October for this special engagement? Share in the comments below – I'd love to know!

Halloween DIY: Haunted Mansion Hitchhiking Ghost-Inspired Makeup

When you need a creepy costume that will wow friends this Halloween, look no further than the Haunted Mansion for inspiration. The 999 Happy Haunts who live here offer up a ton of possibilities: think the ballerina in the stretching portrait, the creepy bride in the attic, any of our three Hitchhiking Ghosts (and even the Hatbox Ghost!).

This week's Halloween makeup tutorial focuses on how to create an amazing Hitchhiking Ghost look all on your own. In the video above, Cosmetologist Elizabeth Marcano gives us step-by-step directions using just a few pieces of makeup you can find at any Halloween store. Here's what you'll need: black, white and silvery gray creme makeup, a makeup sponge and a few brushes for application and optional colored hairspray (white or light gray). Have fun with this one!

Want more Halloween DIY tips and tricks? Check out our previous Halloween DIY tutorials below.

• Disney 'Frozen' Inspired Makeup Tutorial
• Disney Mermaid-Inspired Makeup Tutorial
• 'Pirates of The Caribbean'-Inspired Glamorous Pirate Make-Up Tutorial
• 'Pirates of The Caribbean'-Inspired Makeup Tutorial
• Tower of Terror Bellhop Makeup Tutorial
• "Glamorous" Haunted Mansion Makeup Tutorial
• Haunted Mansion Maid Makeup Tutorial
• Make a "Witch Minnie" Candy Apple
• Create Your Own Haunted Mansion Butler Costume
• Pumpkin Carving Tips

Enjoy National Coffee Day 2016 with a Preview of New Mugs Coming Soon to Disney Parks

National Coffee Day is held on September 29 each year, and it's one of my favorite days to celebrate my love of all things coffee (I'm currently sipping a cup of coffee while writing this story). You may recall my fellow author Rachel Bshero shared how Joffrey's Coffee is celebrating this flavorful day at Walt Disney World Resort. I thought I'd add to the festivities with a sneak preview of new mugs coming soon to Disney Parks.

We have created several mugs of various shapes and sizes as part of the "Mickey's Really Swell Coffee" collection. These mugs include stylized images of Mickey and Minnie Mouse enjoying an afternoon together.

The four mugs with geometric patterns look like they were transported directly from the 1960s, while newlyweds will be delighted to find new "Mr" and "Mrs" mugs.

I was particularly happy to see new mugs with images of Humphrey the Bear, Kronk from Disney's "The Emperor's New Groove," and the Fairy Godmother from Walt Disney's "Cinderella."

We are also releasing a double-sided mug inspired by the Mayor from "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas." The Mayor's removable hat is made from silicone. I also liked the Mr. Potato Head mug inspired by the Toy Story Mania attraction.

Finally, we'll have two new mugs from the Twenty Eight & Main Collection. One mug is for enjoying the wildest cup of coffee in the wilderness, while the other mug has me shouting, "Kungaloosh!"

After seeing these mugs, I'm anxious to try the newest blend in the Disney Parks and Resorts Specialty Coffee Collection from Joffrey's Coffee. The blend was inspired by Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada Pavilion at Epcot. The Roastmaster created this dark roasted blend using beans from Central and South America. It contains notes of citrus with sweet caramel-brown sugar, and has a slight smoky finish.

Look for these new mugs this fall in select merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Once released, guests may also find select mugs via the free Shop Disney Parks app.

DisneyTweens: Tips for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Fall is here and so is my all-time favorite Walt Disney World Resort event, the 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! This year it's longer and larger than ever before, with 62 days of fantastic food, drink, entertainment and fun happening all day at Epcot through November 14.

My husband and I ponder the question each year … do we bring our little one to this fabulous event? We know what we want to do but is there enough to keep our little girl engaged, too?

Well … now that our daughter is a tween, we have decided it's not even a question. We must bring her! There are so many tween-centric things to do, she would certainly feel snubbed if we left her with a sitter.

For example, tweens can join in all the fun with Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt. A map and stickers lead kids of all ages around the World Showcase to hunt for little statuettes of their favorite little French chef, Remy, and earn a surprise.

As parents peruse their Festival Passports in search of their favorite delicacies, picky eaters will find a little pear-shaped symbol identifying kid-friendly foods … just in case they aren't interested in expanding their palette with some of the more exotic cuisine.

My tween loves to help me cook dinner each night at home and the new Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! interactive events at the Festival Center offers adults and kids alike a chance to learn a variety of culinary skills from chefs, bakers and other pros. It's a hands-on activity I know my tween will enjoy!

And don't forget … all attractions are open and kids can ride Test Track, Frozen Ever After and Soarin' Around the World in between noshes! Please don't hesitate to bring that older child of yours, too! Let them join in the Festival fun!

Disney Doodle: Tinker Bell’s Friend Fawn Visits Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This week's Disney Doodle focuses on Fawn, one of Tinker Bell's pals from the 2008 film "Tinker Bell." Known for her love and respect for animals, artist Ashley Taylor thought it was only natural that if Fawn had the chance to visit a Disney park, she'd head straight for Disney's Animal Kingdom to met all the residents.

"Fawn is an animal talent fairy!" she said. "So it seems fitting that she would spend a lot of time visiting the animals at Animal Kingdom!"