Moms Panel Monday: Got Vacation Planning Questions?

Disney Parks Moms Panelists can answer all of your vacation planning questions from "how long does it take to get from Disney's Art of Animation Resort to Disney's Animal Kingdom Park" to "what are the best character dining experiences for girls" and so much more.

Looking for multiple perspectives? Check out Moms Views, where several of the Disney Parks Moms Panelists weigh in together to answer your trending Disney vacation questions. Popular Moms View topics include recommendations for how to celebrate a birthday at Walt Disney World Resort, which moderate Disney Resort to stay at, and where to find extra special magic.

Looking for advice on traveling with little ones or large families? This is the perfect place to get tips on how to keep the little ones cool in the Florida sun, the best attractions for the whole family, or the top ways to celebrate with the whole family.

For more Moms Views, tips or to ask questions about planning your upcoming Disney vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel.

Haunted Mansion Headstones Return to Disneyland Park

It has been fifteen years since we last saw the original headstones fill the hillsides at the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland park. Claude Coats, Marc Davis and X Atencio are just a few of the masterminds behind the Haunted Mansion whose whimsical headstones disappeared. I spoke with art director Kim Irvine who explained how the headstones made it back to their original home.

The original headstones and the Imagineers they represented are as follows:

• Claude Coats (lead designer – specializing in backgrounds and environments, he also developed the Omnimover layout)
• • At Peaceful Rest Lies Brother Claude
    Planted Here Beneath This Sod
• Marc Davis (lead designer – specializing in character design and sight gags)
• • In memory of our Patriarch
    Dear Departed Grandpa Marc
• X Atencio (script and song)
• • Requiescat Francis Xavier
    No time off for good behavior R.I.P.
• Bill Martin (concept architect)
• • Here Lies A Man Named Martin
    The Lights Went Out on this Old Spartan
• Dave Burkhart (models)
• • Dear Departed Brother Dave
    He Chased a Bear into A Cave
• Yale Gracey (special effects and illusions)
• • Master Gracey Laid to Rest
    No Mourning Please, at His Request. Farewell
• Bob Sewell (models)
• • R.I.P. Mister Sewell
    The victim of a dirty duel, Peaceful rest
• Chuck Myall (show designer)
• • R.I.P., in memoriam Uncle Myall,
    Here you'll lie for quite a while
• Gordon Williams (sound and Audio-Animatronics system)
• • Good Friend Gordon
    Now you've Crossed the River Jordan
• Cliff Huet (architecture/interiors)
• • Rest in Peace Cousin Huet
    We All Know You Didn't Do It
• Wathel Rogers (figure animation)
• • Here Rests Wathel R. Bender
    He Rode to Glory on a Fender
• Fred Joerger (models/effect modeling)
• • Here Lies Good Old Fred
    A Great Big Rock Fell on His Head, R.I.P.

Captain America-Inspired Style for runDisney Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland Resort

"On your left!" We're celebrating the 75th anniversary of Captain America's first appearance this year! We're excited to share some of our Captain America 5k-inspired looks to wear throughout the weekend at Disneyland Resort. Whether you're visiting the parks or enjoying the Pasta Party & A Movie, these Captain America-inspired looks will make a statement!

Captain America's classic color combination shows off his patriotism with bold red, white and blue. Our women's Captain America-inspired style makes these colors the focus of the ensemble with apparel from Champion. Apex by Sunglass Hut will be at the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo with a variety of styles. Who says tracking your fitness can't be stylish? This Swarovski Activity Crystal Slake Set from MISFIT pairs perfectly with the bling you'll earn on course!

Don't be afraid to add your own personal touch to your style. Here we've added a cut out white star to the blue men's Champion shirt to showcase Captain's iconic style. The red, white & blue New Balance shoes are comfy, stylish and perfect for tying together your look.

You can even celebrate your own personal victory by wearing your vintage-inspired 75th anniversary medal with your look!

Which super hero is inspiring your style for the weekend? Let us know using the hashtag #AvengersHalf on our social media channels!

Twitter: @runDisney

Instagram: @runDisney

Facebook: @runDisney

YouTube: @runDisney

A World Showcase of Unforgettable Shopping at Epcot – Norway Pavilion

This month, I stopped by Norway Pavilion as part of my shopping journey around World Showcase at Epcot. You may recall I've been visiting each pavilion this year highlighting the beautiful architecture and unique shopping experiences. I served as an attraction manager in Norway Pavilion in 2003, so it was nice revisiting my former home.

The pavilion opened in World Showcase in May 1988. The architecture reflects several Norse towns, including Bergen, Alesund, Oslo, and Setesda. At its entrance, guests are greeted by a 4/5-scale replica of Norway's 12 century Gol Stave Church.

The Puffin's Roost is the main shop at the pavilion. The shop is a series of interconnected rooms that offers Norway-themed apparel, home goods, fragrances, and jewelry. Guests will also find outerwear by Helly Hansen and gorgeous wool sweaters by Dale of Norway. Toward the back of the shop, guests will find a selection of products from Disney's "Frozen."

One of my favorite things to do at the shop is take a photo with the gigantic troll. I have many family photos throughout the years at that spot. Nearby, guests will find troll merchandise including figures and apparel.

In summer 2016, The Wandering Reindeer shop opened outside Royal Sommerhus at the pavilion. You may recall reading about this "Frozen"-themed destination shop in a previous Disney Parks Blog article.

Guests may find select items from this pavilion using the Shop Disney Parks mobile app. To download, please visit DisneyWorld.com/Shop.

Here are some photographs of my favorite items guests will find in this pavilion. All I need now is some school bread from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe.

Celebrate Halloween With ‘Haunting’ Disney Parks Blog Wallpapers

Happy Halloween, everyone!

It has been an absolute blast sharing our Halloween content with you this month. To celebrate the fact that the spookiest day of the year is finally here, we're giving you 17 different Disney Parks Blog wallpapers to choose from to get the festivities started early!

Our wallpapers were inspired by a variety of spooky aspects of Walt Disney World Resort during fall – from Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, to seasonal treats, to attractions like the Haunted Mansion and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

To download the image you like best, simply click on the image above. You'll be taken to a page that lets you choose the appropriate size for your desktop or mobile device.

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.

Happy Halloween From the High Seas

From everyone at Disney Cruise Line, Happy Halloween! We're wishing you a magically eerie day filled with lots of candy and plenty of smiles.

If you missed the fun with us this year, check out when you can celebrate Halloween on the High Seas next year. Take a look back at my past posts to learn more about how we bring the thrills and chills of the season to all of our ships:

• How to Make the Most of Your Halloween on the High Seas
• The Legend of the Pumpkin Trees Aboard Disney Cruise Line
• Top Five: Halloween on the High Seas with Disney Cruise Line

Halloween DIY: Disney Glitter Slime

Our incredibly creative duo, Simone Miranda and Mike Britton, have done it again with another amazing Halloween DIY just in time for the holiday.

When it comes to Halloween creeps, ooey, gooey slime is about a 10 on my gross-out meter – but still kinda fun to play with. Simone, Mike (and team) came up with some DIYs on how you can make your own Disney Slime, with styles inspired by Disney characters Mickey, Maleficent, Cheshire Cat and Tinker Bell, as well as Disney films "Frozen," and "Fantasia."

Click here for step-by-step directions.

Check out the rest of our Halloween DIY tutorials:

• DIY PUMPKIN CARVING: Skeleton Mickey, Princess Anna & Dr. Facilier Pumpkin Carving Templates
• DIY PUMPKIN CARVING: Classic Disney Character Templates
• DIY PUMPKIN CARVING: Directions on Carving Pumpkins Like A Disney Pro
• DIY TREATS: Make a "Witch Minnie" Candy Apple
• DIY TREATS: Make a Mickey Pumpkin Candy Apple
• DIY TREATS: Make A Mickey Mouse Candy Apple
• DIY TREATS: Make A Candy Oogie Boogie Bento Box
• DIY COSTUME: Create A Haunted Mansion Butler Costume
• DIY HALLOWEEN MAKEUP: Disney Mermaid-Inspired Makeup Tutorial
• DIY HALLOWEEN MAKEUP: 'Pirates of The Caribbean'-Inspired Glamorous Pirate Make-Up Tutorial
• DIY HALLOWEEN MAKEUP: 'Pirates of The Caribbean'-Inspired Makeup Tutorial
• DIY HALLOWEEN MAKEUP: Tower of Terror Bellhop Makeup Tutorial
• DIY HALLOWEEN MAKEUP: 'Glamorous' Haunted Mansion Makeup Tutorial
• DIY HALLOWEEN MAKEUP: Haunted Mansion 'Ghost Bride' Makeup Tutorial
• DIY HALLOWEEN MAKEUP: Day of the Dead Makeup Tutorial
• DIY HALLOWEEN MAKEUP: Haunted Mansion Maid Makeup Tutorial

Behind the Scenes at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Mother Nature is clearly a fan of the most delicious time of year here at Walt Disney World, as the weather couldn't be more perfect for a day (or days!) of strolling around the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and sampling our global cuisine.

Disney chefs are proud of the authenticity of every dish. In this video, I take you behind the scenes to see how chefs prepare one of our most popular offerings this year.

What fun to work alongside our talented chefs. You can enjoy your own hands-on culinary experiences at the Festival Center. From cupcakes to cocktails, wine pairings to sushi, our culinary and beverage seminars, and Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! events featuring celebrity chefs help you take home some Disney magic to your own kitchen. Call (407) 939-3378 to reserve your spot.

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs until Nov. 14. What Festival dishes and drinks will you make in your kitchen?

Disney Doodle: ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ Villain, King Candy, Rules The Tomorrowland Speedway

In the 2012 film "Wreck-It Ralph," King Candy not only rules Sugar Rush, but also oversees each and every car race that takes place in the game. That's why artist Ashley Taylor picked Tomorrowland Speedway as the first stop King Candy would make if he had the chance to visit Magic Kingdom Park.

According to Ashley, the diversity of all the cars in the race in the film was what inspired her.

"My favorite part of the illustration was drawing the Sugar Rush Racers down below. Each character has their own distinct look!"

Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap

This week, Disney Parks Blog readers were among the first to learn that a new nighttime projection show, "Once Upon a Time," will debut at Magic Kingdom Park on November 4.

The new show uses projection mapping technology to cover Cinderella Castle in vibrant images that appear almost three-dimensional. "Once Upon A Time" will replace the current "Celebrate the Magic" projection show, which will end its run on November 3.

Check out our original story for more details about the show.

Also, we shared that the Muppets-themed eatery, PizzeRizzo, will open next month – on November 18 – at Disney's Hollywood Studios. At this classic family pizzeria, you can enjoy personal-sized pies along with décor inspired by Rizzo, as well as his extended family and friends who have visited PizzeRizzo over the years throughout the two-story eatery.

There are more details about PizzeRizzo in our original Disney Parks Blog story.

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

• Halloween DIY: Disney Pumpkin Carving Templates – Disney Parks Blog authors Simone Miranda and Mike Britton (and their team) just shared three awesome Disney inspired pumpkin-carving templates. Each varies in level of difficulty, from an easy Skeleton Mickey, to a moderate Princess Anna, to a complex Dr. Facilier.
• New Tori Richard Resort Wear Available at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa – Are you heading to Hawaii and looking for some fresh resort wear? Well, I'm excited to share that two new resort wear lines from Hawaii-based Tori Richard are now available exclusively at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa!
• New Shopping Experiences on Their Way to the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort – Downtown Disney regulars and newcomers alike have plenty to look forward to as the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort welcomes two new shopping locations opening later this fall.
• Moms Panel Monday: Quick Tips for Your Next Walt Disney World Resort Vacation – Disney Parks Moms Panelists are full of great advice for planning your next Walt Disney World Resort Vacation. Check out their top five quick tips to make the most of your next visit.
• Runners Can Conquer A New Course in the Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland Resort – This spring, we shared exciting news that new Super Heroes, such as the Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange, would be a part of the theming of the Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland Resort. We're now thrilled to announce another heroic addition to this year's race that is certain to delight runners – more magical miles inside the Disneyland Resort!
• Sneak Peek of Disney's 'Moana' Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios November 5 – For a limited time starting November 5, a sneak peek of Disney's next big comedy adventure, the sweeping animated feature "Moana," will be presented as part of the One Man's Dream attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios, offering guests an advance look at scenes from the film.
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This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Our First Look At ‘Once Upon A Time’

Earlier this week, we shared the news that Magic Kingdom Park will debut "Once Upon A Time," a new castle projection show on November 4!

The visuals we had to share were so amazing, they had to be the topic of this week's "Week in Disney Parks Photos."

The show, which was inspired by a similar one at Tokyo Disneyland Park, follows Mrs. Potts as she tells young Chip a lovely Disney bedtime story. We get to follow along as she takes Chip (and the rest of us) on a journey through some of the most magical and colorful moments in "Peter Pan," "Alice in Wonderland," "Beauty and the Beast," and other Disney favorites.

The show is just a few days away from making its grand debut. For vacation planning information, visit the My Disney Experience app for the latest.

Tips for Using Disney PhotoPass Service during the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Are you setting course for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend presented by MISFIT™? While you're gobbling up this year's palate of races throughout the weekend, satisfy your appetite for race photos with Disney PhotoPass Service!

During each race, you can focus on savoring your runDisney experience while Disney PhotoPass photographers capture your memories along the course.

Feast on the following tips to learn how to get your best race photos during the event:

Before the race:

• Download the My Disney Experience mobile app.* You'll be able to link and preview your Disney PhotoPass photos in the app.
• Plan to devour all your photos! If you have or plan to purchase Memory Maker, your runDisney race photos can be included in your entitlement if active during the race, as well as any Disney PhotoPass photos you took during your trip to Walt Disney World Resort.
• Don't waste time chewing it over! When you purchase Memory Maker online three or more days in advance of your vacation, you can save $20.**

During the race:

• Make sure your bib number is visible at all times. PhotoPass photographers on the course will not be passing out Disney PhotoPass cards or scanning MagicBands, so your bib number is essential to ensuring that your race photos can be linked to your account.
• Look for PhotoPass photographers stationed around the course with some of your favorite Disney Characters, close to some of the most famous Walt Disney World Resort icons, and at the finish line.

After the race:

• Link your photos to your account by entering the 11-digit Race ID followed by your bib number in the "Link Photos" section of the My Disney Experience mobile app or at MyDisneyPhotoPass.com. Race IDs are printed on your bib and can also be found in the event guide. Each race of the event will have a different 11-digit Race ID, so be sure to enter the Race ID that corresponds with your race.
• Note that it may take up to 24 hours for your photos to appear in your account.
• Disney PhotoPass photos expire 45 days after the date they are captured, so make sure you view and purchase your race photos before they expire.
• Bummed you posed for all those photos but forgot to buy Memory Maker? Don't worry – you can still purchase Memory Maker online or in the My Disney Experience mobile app. Individual PhotoPass photo downloads can be purchased at MyDisneyPhotoPass.com.

If you have a Disney Platinum Plus Pass, Disney Platinum Pass, Disney Gold Pass or Disney Premier Passport, your Pass includes downloads of your Disney PhotoPass photos, including your runDisney photos taken at Walt Disney World Resort that are linked to your Disney account.

Now that you've digested these tips, get ready for a weekend of races, entertainment and fabulous food – and don't forget to capture all the fun with Disney PhotoPass and Memory Maker!

*Available for iPhone® and smartphones for Android™
Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission first. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

**Memory Maker is subject to the Memory Maker Terms and Conditions. Memory Maker includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker window. A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. If Memory Maker purchased at the advance purchase price, any photos taken within 3 days from the date Memory Maker is purchased will not be included and must be purchased separately. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy at Walt Disney World. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations.