Disney Parks After Dark: Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room at Magic Kingdom Park

Tonight's Disney Parks "After Dark" image was snapped of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park.

In this shot, which was snapped after park close, the "Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room" looks even more "enchanted" with that amazing moonlit sky behind it.

The attraction, which debuted on Magic Kingdom Park's opening day in 1971, offers a 10-minute musical spectacular performed by an enchanting cast of more than 225 choreographed Audio-Animatronics parrots, cockatoos, orchids, drumming Tikis and chanting wooden masks.

What do you love about Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room? Tell us in the "Comments" section below.

Force Friday II Merchandise Event Coming to Disney Parks on September 1

We are delighted to announce Force Friday II is coming to Disney Parks!

New Star Wars themed merchandise and more will land in our galaxy at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts on September 1, 2017 at 12:01 a.m. (Midnight).*

The Force Friday II event is your opportunity to be among the first to purchase new Star Wars and Star Wars: The Last Jedi themed merchandise, including unique products found only at Disney Parks.

Please see details below if you are planning to attend this free event in California or Florida.

Disneyland Resort – World of Disney Store, Downtown Disney District

Pre-registration for the Force Friday II event is required for guests attending the event in Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort.

Registration will be accepted only on DisneyParksMerchandise.com beginning August 24 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific) / 2:00 p.m. (Eastern).

Once registered, guests will receive additional instructions via email. Doors open at 12:01 a.m. on September 1.

Walt Disney World Resort – World of Disney, Disney Springs

For guests attending the event at Disney Springs, registration for Force Friday II will take place outside the World of Disney store entrance across from Basin on August 31 beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Guests will be given a numbered wristband on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once a wristband is received, guests are invited to return to World of Disney by 11:30 p.m. where they will be lined up in sequential order. Doors open at 12:01 a.m. on September 1.

Please park in the Lime Parking Garage at Disney Springs for shopping convenience.

Set your hyperspace coordinates for this merchandise event in preparation of the highly anticipated film release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi on December 15.

May the Force Be With You!

*Event subject to change.

Every Role a Starring Role – Wedding Planner, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings

Your wedding day is something often dreamed about from the time you are little. What if you could share that day with one of our favorite couples, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse? Or say your vows in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle? Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings are something Disney fans dream of, and wedding planner Keli Byrne helps make those dreams a reality.

Keli walks couples through each step of the planning process – the food, the colors, the cake, the entertainment, the flowers – helping them create the beginning to their very own fairy tale. Learn more about Keli's role and Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings in this month's episode of "Every Role a Starring Role.

Cars Land and Buena Vista Street to Get Spooky as Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort Expands to Disney California Adventure Park

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is almost here! This year, the spooky fun extends throughout the Disneyland Resort, with returning favorites at Disneyland park and new ghostly delights at Disney California Adventure park.

In Cars Land, the residents of Radiator Springs are transforming their little road town into a Haul-O-Ween celebration. Each establishment will be decorated for the season, with Fillmore showing off his Jack-Oil-Lanterns and ghostly folk art, a Spider-Car spinning webs all over Flo's V8 Café and more.

Two Cars Land attractions will also transform for the first time ever this Halloween season. Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters will become Luigi's Honkin' Haul-O-Ween, an all-new spooktacular dance celebration where Luigi and Guido will entertain the cugini (cousins) with Halloween twists on traditional Italian festival songs like the "Terror-antella," "The Chop Top of Carsoli" and more. Mater's Junkyard Jamboree will become Mater's Graveyard JamBOOree, where guests will whirl around the graveyard to the tune of creepy new songs and fun haunted twists on favorites such as "Monster Truck Smash" and "Welcome to Radiator Screams."

At Buena Vista Street, a new 10-foot-tall statue of the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, holding his jack-o'-lantern head up to the sky, will haunt Carthay Circle. Mickey Mouse and his friends bring more Halloween fun to this stylish avenue, donning new costumes, with Mickey Mouse as a bat, Goofy as a ghost, Daisy Duck as a witch and more!

Discover these new experiences along with returning favorites during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, September 15 through October 31!

David Hasselhoff is On a Mission at Disney California Adventure Park

"Guardians Inferno" music video star David Hasselhoff celebrated the in-home release of "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" by experiencing the new Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction at Disney California Adventure park last week.

After Zardu Hasselfrau joined Rocket in successfully rescuing his fellow Guardians, he even had a surprise encounter with Groot!

You can learn more about the making of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT in an exclusive feature available only in digital HD and 4K Ultra HD™ versions of the film!

#DisneyFamilia – Must-Do’s for This Weekend!

I love long holiday weekends, especially when I can spend time with my familia doing the things that we love to do together.

So for this upcoming Labor Day Weekend, these things are on our must-do list:

• Enjoy time at the water parks! Summer is not complete without a visit to a Disney water park.
• More time in the sun and water! If you are staying at a Disney resort, you need to spend a few hours – if not the whole day – at the pool?
• Relax! Even on vacation, you need to take time to relax. And what better way to do this than going to one of Senses Spa locations at Walt Disney World Resort.
• Savor a delicious meal at one of our many fine dining restaurants! Dinner and desserts with views of fireworks at California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort is one of my favorite date nights!
• Shop 'til you drop at Disney Springs! You are sure to find something for everyone – from the trendiest fashion at Town Center to the Disney souvenir you've been looking for at World of Disney!

How do you plan to spend your Labor Day Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort?

Glam Up Your Disney Style With The Disney Interchangeable Bow Collection

How many pairs of Mouse Ears do you own? I have an entire box of different ear hats and headbands in my closet. From my favorite Orange Bird Ear hat to my go-to red-and-green Mickey Ear headband for the holidays, I'm lucky to have a style for just about every Disney occasion.

Believe it or not, guests now have even more choices than ever before thanks to the new Disney Interchangeable Bow Collection.

The collection was first unveiled at the D23 Expo in July and has since made it's debut at the Walt Disney World Resort. The Mouse Ear headband, which comes with a black-and-silver polka dot Minnie bow, can be removed and swapped out for other bow styles. You can also center the bow, or wear it to the right or left side to take it from a classic look to a sassy style.

There are 10 interchangeable bow styles available and each one is inspired by a different character from a Disney film, including Alice, Cheshire Cat & The Queen of Hearts ("Alice In Wonderland"), Ariel ("The Little Mermaid"), Aurora & Maleficent ("Sleeping Beauty"), Cinderella ("Cinderella"), Cruella De Vil ("101 Dalmatians"), Jasmine ("Aladdin"), and Yzma ("The Emperor's New Groove").

Sneak a peek at all the cute styles in the video above or check them out in person at D-Living at Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort. (The collection is expected to expand to other locations at both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts in October).

Shanghai Disney Resort Receives 2017 China Best Employer Award

Though Shanghai Disney Resort has been operating for a little over a year, Shanghai Disney cast members have already helped over 13 million guests create memories to last a lifetime. And today, I'm happy to share their efforts have been recognized! Shanghai Disney Resort has been selected as one of the 2017 China Best Employer award recipients from AON Hewitt, recognizing Disney's commitment as an employer of choice in China.

Disney is known around the world for its legendary guest service, but that wouldn't be possible without the team of over 10,000 cast members in more than 500 different professional roles who call Shanghai Disney Resort "home." From the cast you meet and interact with "onstage" in the park to those "backstage" who you don't see, every cast member is dedicated to creating happiness for guests.

To support our incredible cast, Shanghai Disney Resort has implemented a variety of programs, such as the Employee Assistance Program that mentors young cast members in their personal and professional lives. The park also introduced the Be-Well initiative to build healthier lifestyles through expert lectures, group activities, tip sharing, and more.

The AON Best Employers program has been one of the most credible and comprehensive surveys of its kind in Asia for more than 17 years. In this year's 10th study of the Chinese market, Shanghai Disney Resort stood out for its continuous investment in people, strong commitment to human resources, as well as the innovation and breakthroughs it has achieved in the area of human resources.

Congratulations to Shanghai Disney Resort!

Wildlife Wednesday: Meet Harper, One of the Gibbons at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

One of the most unique animal habitats at Disney's Animal Kingdom belongs to the gibbons in Asia. I could spend all day in this area watching the two distinctive species of gibbons – siamangs and white-cheeked gibbons – run, jump and climb around their very distinctive habitats that resemble ancient temples.

Gibbons, which are critically endangered, can rotate their arms in a complete circle, making it easy for them to swing swiftly. They also have opposable thumbs, making it easy for them to maneuver, carry and grab items with their hands. Their opposable big toes enable them to grasp and hold objects with their feet.

Lately, we've delighted in watching the gibbon family as Harper, who is just over 2 years old, grows up and becomes more independent. Our Science Operations Team is observing the gibbon family to learn more about how the group's social interactions change as Harper ages. Many of the animals you can see at Disney's Animal Kingdom have complex social hierarchies and relationships, such as mandrills, meerkats and elephants. We can learn a great deal about them and make the best decisions about their care by paying close attention to their behaviors.

White-cheeked gibbons go through a series of color changes as they grow from infants to adulthood. They are born a tan-blonde color to better blend in with their mothers, and then at about a year old, the young gibbons turn black. Males will stay black for the rest of their lives, but females go through another color change once they reach maturity at about 7 years old, when they turn back to tan.

Our baby Harper has already completed her first color change, and her behavior has changed, too, which lets us know that she's growing up! Earlier, she spent most of her time with her mother, Melaka.

Now, she's not afraid to venture away from mom, and she often spends a lot of time wrestling with and chasing after her older brothers, Max and Murray.

You can learn more about these amazing apes and their conservation by visiting disneyanimals.com. #WildAboutScience #GrowingUpGibbon

First Look: Slinky Dog Dash Ride Vehicle Arrives At Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Slinky Dog Dash attraction, currently under construction in Toy Story Land, celebrated a major milestone today – National Slinky Day – with the reveal of the coaster's first Slinky Dog ride vehicle.

Slinky Dog Dash is one of two major attractions coming to Toy Story Land, a 12-acre expansion that's set to open at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Summer 2018. In Toy Story Land, guests will shrink to the size of a toy and explore the world of Andy's backyard on two fun family attractions – Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers.

Slinky Dog Dash is a family coaster themed as if Andy built it in his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit and some of his other favorite toys. The attraction's ride vehicles, inspired by the character of Slinky in the film, will send riders dipping, dodging and dashing around turns and drops Andy has created to stretch Slinky's coils to the max.

The second attraction, Alien Swirling Saucers, is designed as a toy play set that Andy got from Pizza Planet, inspired by the first "Toy Story" film. Aliens are flying around in their toy flying saucers and trying to capture your rocket toy vehicle using "The Claw."

Check out the video above for a look at the warm welcome the new ride vehicle received.

To learn more about Toy Story Land, check out our list of related stories below.

• All in the Details: Slinky Dog Dash Track Completed in Toy Story Land
• Toy Story Land to Open at Walt Disney World Resort in Summer 2018
• First Look: Toy Story Land Attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney Night of Joy 2017: Entertainment Schedule

Just a little mid-week update on Disney Night of Joy.

We are pumped up at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, getting ready for the big event next weekend. We wanted to give you a sense of the concert schedule; so that folks planning on attending could plan their nights.

And, of course, if you haven't bought a ticket yet, there's still time.

We also wanted to make sure you knew about the other fun offerings at the event. To make sure we are preparing for any inclement weather, we are moving some events which were part of Fields of Joy last year, into the J Center as part of Fan Fest, which includes appearances by some of your favorite Night of Joy artists, Disney character meet-and-greets, video games and sporting activities.

Here's the schedule of entertainment (Times/Artists subject to change):

Friday, September 8, 2017
CHAMPION STADIUM

• 6 p.m. – Danny Gokey
• 6:50 p.m. – Natalie Grant
• 8:15 p.m. – Zach Williams
• 9:30 p.m. – tobyMac
• 11:45 p.m. – MercyMe

HP FIELDHOUSE

• 6:30 p.m. – Rend Collective
• 8:30 p.m. – Matt Maher
• 10:45 p.m. – Colton Dixon

Saturday, September 9, 2017
CHAMPION STADIUM

• 6 p.m. – Jordan Feliz
• 8 p.m. – Kirk Franklin
• 10:15 p.m. – Steven Curtis Chapman
• 11:15 p.m. – Amy Grant

HP FIELDHOUSE

• 6:30 p.m. – Tye Tribbett
• 8:30 p.m. – Jeremy Camp
• 10:45 p.m. – Crowder

On September 8 and 9, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort will host Disney Night of Joy, two glorious evenings filled with gospel, hip-hop, pop, rock, praise and adult contemporary music from the industry's top artists. Attendees can kick back, relax and enjoy an unforgettable experience sure to make spirits soar!

Tickets are now on sale for Disney Night of Joy 2017, starting at $45 plus tax for single day concert tickets. Guest can check out nightofjoy.com or 407-W-DISNEY for tickets and information. Groups of 10 or more can click here or call 877-NITE-JOY to purchase group tickets and learn about group discounts and benefits.

A little reminder about this year's talent: (Entertainment subject to change.)

• Friday, September 8 – MercyMe, TobyMac, Natalie Grant, Zach Williams, Danny Gokey, Matt Maher, Colton Dixon, Rend Collective
• Saturday, September 9 – Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, Crowder, Jeremy Camp, Tye Tribbett.

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for updates on entertainment and events.

A Culinary Tour of Disney Explorers Lodge at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

As readers of the Disney Parks Blog know, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort recently opened one of the most immersive resort hotels we've ever created – Disney Explorers Lodge. In addition to the amazing décor and guest amenities, the food and beverage offerings have guests in Hong Kong telling us their stay was unlike anything else they've experienced.

So for all of you thirsty for adventure and hungry for discovery, I wanted to share a closer look at the three new eateries serving up more than 500 incredible dishes inside Disney Explorers Lodge, which celebrated its grand opening at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in May. Legend has it that a stouthearted band of explorers founded this locale and each restaurant celebrates a culture experienced during their lifetime of travels. All of the restaurants share an innovative central kitchen design concept, showcasing the freshness of the ingredients and the skills of the chefs for all guests to see. Without further ado, here's a culinary tour around the Lodge.

Our first stop is Dragon Wind, a restaurant that relies on ancient knowledge to prepare rural and classical Provincial Chinese fare, with treasures from the explorers' journeys on the Silk Road adorning the space. Honoring the art of Feng Shui, the kitchen has five stations to reflect the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. Try out the delicious dim sum meal here among the company of Disney friends in their exploration-themed costumes as part of a Character Buffet.

Next on our tour is the World of Color Restaurant. This colorful eatery serves "world cuisine" with a taste of new and old worlds from across the Seas, Islands and Continents. You can even watch the food prepared fresh from the nearby open kitchen. The food is delicious (we highly recommend the Explorers Paella and Yuzu Crème Brulee) and incredible aromas from the nearby herb garden waft through the space, immersing you in the rich fragrance of lavender, rosemary and lemongrass.

The last stop on our tour is the Chart Room Cafe, a perfect place to enjoy a continental breakfast, salads and sandwiches, or made-to-order pastas. The peaceful atmosphere plays host to eclectic artifacts from around the world, and if you look up you'll notice the lighting fixture of constellations, which are used by explorers to find their way during long sea voyages.

All three of these restaurants offer epic dining adventures, not to mention 30 signature beverages created exclusively for Disney Explorers Lodge. From traditional comfort foods to the new and exotic, there is something for everyone to enjoy during their stay. If sweets are more your style, there are also delicious options that can be found at the Lodge: "Dream" and "Explorer." You can choose from options like the suitcase-shaped Traveler (Coffee Chocolate Cake) and binocular-shaped Explorer (Exotic Fruit Mousse Cake). Or try the local delicacy – a pineapple bun in the shape of Mickey.

Let us know in the comments below what you'd like to try at the Lodge and what your favorite meal is across Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Happy 6th Anniversary Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa!

Today at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in Hawai'i, we celebrate our sixth anniversary! The photo above represents six magical years of cast members welcoming guests into the Aulani 'ohana and helping to create family vacation memories.

Happy Anniversary, or Hau'oli la Ho'omana'o!

Tina Fey Meets Groot at Disney California Adventure Park

When Tina Fey and her family visited the Disneyland Resort recently, they checked out the new Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction at Disney California Adventure park, where they also met up with the tallest Guardian, Groot! He was even overheard telling her, "I am Groot!"

Tina has visited our parks many times over the years, experiencing many of our attractions, but there's one favorite she and her family never miss – the Haunted Mansion!

Walt Disney Company Pledges $1M to Hurricane Harvey Recovery Efforts

Earlier today, we announced that the Walt Disney Company and ABC television station KTRK-TV in Houston will be donating $1 million to the American Red Cross to help people affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Also, to benefit those impacted by the storm, Disney|ABC Television Group will be hosting a "Day of Giving" on August 31. A "Day of Giving" will begin on Thursday morning with ABC local affiliates and Good Morning America, and continue throughout the day on ABC, Freeform, Radio Disney. Across our social platforms, there will be a #DayofGiving call-to-action to donate to the American Red Cross, with those dollars going to benefit those most impacted.

"Our hearts go out to everyone in the devastating path of this historic storm," said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. "It's hard to fully appreciate the impact, in part because it isn't over yet. But we know thousands of people have lost everything and now face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities back together, and we're using our unique resources and reach to help those in need."

Eligible Disney employee donations to the American Red Cross and other qualified organizations involved in the Hurricane Harvey relief effort will be matched dollar for dollar by Disney Employee Matching Gifts: A Program of The Walt Disney Company Foundation.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Houston and the communities affected by the storm.

VIDEO: Disney Parks Blog Readers Enjoy Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returned to Magic Kingdom Park on Friday night and to celebrate, 200 of our readers got into the Halloween spirit with the Disney Parks Blog team for a special opening-night meet-up.

While our guests enjoyed everything that Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party had to offer: trick-or-treating, attractions, Mickey's Boo-To-You Parade, and more, the Disney Parks Blog team was undergoing a ghostly transformation into our costumes as residents of the Haunted Mansion.

We met-up at Tomorrowland Terrace for photos and indulged in the Happy HalloWishes Dessert Party, which was stocked with Halloween-themed treats, an ice cream station, a cupcake station and much more. The group later watched "Happy HalloWishes" fireworks, a must-do at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

For a full look at the event and to hear what Disney Parks Blog readers are loving about Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Happy HalloWishes Dessert Party this year, check out the video above.

Just a tip – both Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Happy HalloWishes Dessert Party are extremely popular and event nights have been known to sell out. Get more information or tickets here.

First Look at the Full Roster of Marvel Super Heroes to Assemble on Disney Cruise Line

Are you ready for the largest gathering of Marvel Super Heroes at sea? Marvel Day at Sea features exclusive character interactions where you'll have a chance to meet astounding Super Heroes and a very extraordinary Villain.

Today, I'm thrilled to reveal that Black Widow and Hawkeye will also join this epic event. They are assembling with nearly a dozen others from the Marvel Universe, including Black Panther and Loki who will make their very first appearance as part of a Disney vacation experience. Since Black Panther and Loki will be joining us all the way from the remote Kingdom of Wakanda and faraway realm of Asgard, the opportunity to see these two icons is extra special.

The event also marks the first official appearance of Iron Man, Star-Lord, Gamora and Groot on a Disney Cruise Line ship. Rounding out the roster of Marvel Super Heroes that will be onboard are Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor and Doctor Strange.

Throughout this day long celebration, you will have the opportunity to see some of these legendary characters from the Marvel Universe up close and in person …

• If you're booked on a Marvel Day at Sea cruise, you will be able to sign up for a designated time to meet Spider-Man, Iron Man and, for the first time, Black Panther during the sailing.
• In addition, you'll have the chance for heroic encounters with Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Doctor Strange, Star-Lord, Gamora, Groot and Loki.
• Kids can train with some of their favorite Super Heroes in Marvel's Avengers Academy.
• During the action-packed deck show spectacular, more than a dozen of your favorite Marvel Super Heroes will come together for an epic finale.

Just some of your own heroic encounters may include sharing a salute with Captain America, joining forces with Black Widow, taking a selfie with Star-Lord, getting up close with Groot, coming face-to-face with Thor or catching Loki lurking around the ship. With all of these Super Heroes and a formidable Villain aboard, your adventure is sure to be epic!

Stay tuned here, as we reveal more exciting details about our Marvel Day at Sea voyages, including how to pre-book select Super Hero encounters during this special day at sea. The event premieres on select 7- and 8-night Bahamian and Canada cruises from New York this fall, and returns on select 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami in early 2018. To learn more, check out these previous posts about the incredible day at sea:

• Meet 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Super Heroes on Marvel Day at Sea with Disney Cruise Line
• Seven Things You Won't Want to Miss During Marvel Day at Sea
• Five Epic Experiences During Marvel Day at Sea
• Stan Lee Assembles Super Heroes for Marvel Day at Sea

It’s Here! 6 Don’t-Miss Experiences Opening Weekend at 22nd Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort

Kicking off Aug. 31 and celebrating 35 years of Epcot with 35 delectable marketplaces, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is bigger and better than ever, with sips and tastes throughout the park, celebrity chefs, culinary workshops, live music and special tasting experiences. Get ready – it's 75 days, so you have until Nov. 13 to experience it all.

To get started, make the Festival Center your first stop to pick up a schedule and a complimentary festival passport and check out options for navigating the festival. Here are some don't-miss experiences opening weekend:

• The global marketplaces. There are 35 this year for sipping and tasting your way through Future World and World Showcase, and while some favorites are back, check out the five new additions: Active Eats (sweet avocado crema with strawberries, cake and tortilla streusel); The Almond Orchard (cauliflower risotto with pulled chicken, artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese); Coastal Eats (lump crab cake with slaw and avocado lemongrass cream); Flavors From Fire (smoked corned beef with crispy potatoes, pickled onions and Blonde Ale Beer fondue); the Light Lab with all sorts of spirited concoctions. You might consider a Tasting Sampler voucher ($65) for eight food or beverage items (some exclusions may apply). Plus you get a limited-release Epcot Food & Wine Festival trading pin.

• Celebrity sightings. Start your day Sunday, Sept. 3, with Chef Shaun O'Neale (winner of FOX TV's "MasterChef") first up for "What's Cookin' With . . ." held on select Friday and Sunday mornings in the Festival Center ($129). A cooking demo, breakfast and time for Q&A is all part of the fun. Look for returning favorites such as Alex Guarnaschelli, Buddy Valastro, Geoffrey Zakarian, Jamie Deen, Robert Irvine and more (schedule at epcotfoodfestival.com; reservations 407-939-3378).

• Live music every single night. There's impromptu entertainment all around World Showcase Promenade, but each evening rocks out with the fantastic Eat to the Beat Concert Series on the outdoor stage at America Gardens Theatre three times nightly. First up: Delta Rae, a folk rock band from North Carolina, Aug. 31-Sept. 1 ("Bottom of the River").

• Culinary demos. Every day in the Festival Center (2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 12:15 and 2:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday) you can meet a chef and hear stories and tips while they create a dish that everyone gets to taste ($17). On a sunny afternoon, it's a great respite from the Florida heat. Reservations recommended at epcotfoodfestival.com or by calling 407-939-3378.

• Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! If you like a hand-ons experience, this is for you — chefs, bakers, mixologists and other pros show you the ropes ($49). Opening day, it's Chef Emily Ellyn mixing up fun with Cask & Crew Whiskey, and you get to play bartender and mix your own cocktail. (Mondays through Thursdays, additional hosts and topics are at epcotfoodfestival.com.)

• Kids part of the equation? Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak returns, a fun way to play together in this culinary scavenger hunt that takes you all over World Showcase. And many of the global marketplaces are featuring dishes geared toward kids' palates.

Looking ahead, some of our favorite celeb chefs are coming up: Sept. 15, Stuart O'Keeffe; Sept. 17, Jet Tila; Sept. 29, Graham Elliott. And there are five Party for the Senses grand tasting events this year (Sept. 23, Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21 and Nov. 11), an extravaganza of food, beverages and themed live entertainment.

The festival runs through Nov. 13 – 75 days in all. Back to Basics series, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Festival Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission. Party for the Senses grand tasting events, signature dinners and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Guests can book some events at epcotfoodfestival.com and call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) for all others.