Unearth Exclusive Photo Opportunities During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

If you're planning to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park, I strongly encourage you to carve out some time to visit Disney PhotoPass Service photographers: They have a few fun tricks and treats up their sleeves (or vests, I should say) that will ensure you capture spook-tacular memories!

Check out where you can find photographers offering the Magic Shots, Animated Magic Shots and other special photo opportunities available only during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

During the party, select photographers will also have handheld props themed to the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade, Happy HalloWishes Fireworks, and more that you can include in your photos.

And don't forget: Disney PhotoPass Service will also capture your memories at Character Experience locations and onboard select attractions. With all of these wicked photo opportunities, we don't want you to have to pick just a few of your favorites to download. When you purchase Memory Maker One Day, you can take home digital downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass photos from the day for one price!*

Memory Maker One Day is available for $69 in the My Disney Experience mobile app once you've linked at least one Disney PhotoPass photo to your account from the day to which you plan to apply the entitlement. You'll also find Memory Maker One Day at Box Office Gifts inside Town Square Theater.

Enjoy the party, and stay in good spirits once it's over by cherishing the memories captured by Disney PhotoPass Service!

*Memory Maker is subject to the applicable terms and policies available here. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for the One Day product or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy available here.

Meet the Cast Member Who’s Played Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf 557 Times

Dave Hartmann knows a thing or two about the Fairways course at Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf. He's worked there since January 2007, but more impressively Dave has played the course more than 557 times, and he has every scorecard to prove it.

Dave also held the official course record of 47 on the 72-par course for 11 years, but that came with a lot of practice. After discovering the course and shooting a 90, a score he was not happy with, Dave returned to the Fairways Miniature Golf Course every time he was on vacation in the area from 1996 to 2003 to work on his game. Dave played it so much, in fact, he was offered a job by the course manager.

Although Dave's curiosity and pursuit of perfection led him to Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf, it's his interactions with cast and guests that keep him there. He's become somewhat of a local legend and a lot of regulars request him to join them and provide tips. "What keeps me coming back is the chance to spend time with people," he says. "I enjoy going out and talking with the people on the course, and we have a lot of fun. That's what gives them memories."

Learn more about Dave's story in the video below.

#DisneyKids Donald’s Dino-Bash! Brings Dino-tastic Energy to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom has always been a go-to park for families with little kids. It's definitely got a more chill vibe than the other parks and there is so much here to do for little ones. In DinoLand U.S.A. you can dig for bones in the Boneyard, sing along at "Finding Nemo – The Musical" or soar high on TriceraTop Spin. The debut of Donald's Dino-Bash! brings loads of new character greetings to DinoLand U.S.A. There's also a chance to shake your tail feathers with Chip 'n Dale during a late afternoon dance party celebrating Donald's discovery that ducks are actually descendants of dinosaurs. Who knew? Take a look as these kids show off some dance moves and meet characters like Launchpad McQuack and Daisy Duck.

Play Ball! Atlanta Braves’ Spring Training Season Announced

We still have a few weeks to go in the 2018 Major League Baseball season, but if you're already looking ahead to next year, I have good news – the Atlanta Braves 2019 Spring Training schedule has been released and there are some marquee games that will take place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort that you definitely don't want to miss.

Atlanta will play a total of 16 home games at Champion Stadium against top MLB contenders like the 2017 World Champion Houston Astros (Mar. 4, Mar. 17), New York Yankees (Mar. 18), New York Mets (Feb. 26, Mar. 23) and St. Louis Cardinals (Mar. 12).

This will be Atlanta's 22nd and final season of spring training at Disney and the Braves will play at Champion Stadium for the last time Mar. 23, against the Mets.

Next spring will be your last chance to come out and watch the Braves and experience the magic of spring training at Disney, which features character appearances and special moments including kids running the bases and other in-game entertainment that have made Braves Spring Training at Disney a grand slam.

Tickets go on sale Nov. 19 and are available through the Atlanta Braves' website (braves.com/springtraining), ESPN Wide World of Sports box office and through Ticketmaster (1-800-745-3000).

For more information, please visit espnwwos.com/braves.

Disney Parks After Dark: Pixar Pal-A-Round at Disney California Adventure Park

Tonight's Disney Parks After Dark post takes us to Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure park as Pixar Pal-A-Round glows against a Southern California sunset.

The focal point of Pixar Promenade, the Pixar Pal-A-Round celebrates the stories and friendships from many Pixar films. If you look closely, each of the 24 gondolas on the Pixar Pal-A-Round features a different Pixar pal and offers breathtaking views of Pixar Pier once on board. Whether you enjoy the thrill of a swinging gondola or the peaceful vista-viewing of the non-swinging vehicles … there's a little something for everyone at Pixar Pal-A-Round.

Take a Look Back at an Amazing Year for Our Pixar Pal, Slinky Dog

There's more National Slinky Day fun here on the Disney Parks Blog today, as we continue to celebrate Slinky Dog, one of our favorite toys. He's the star of the new family-friendly roller coaster inside Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios: Slinky Dog Dash.

On this day last year, we revealed the ride vehicle for the new coaster. Since then, Slinky Dog has been a busy puppy – traveling the country, hanging with celebrities and taking guests on a fun-filled ride around Andy's backyard. Check out the video below for a look at what Slinky Dog has been up to. And spend a moment of your National Slinky Day reminiscing with us about all the fun Slinky Dog has had this past year!

Storybook Dining at Artist Point Debuts This Winter at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Magic mirror on the wall, what is the fairest character dining of all?

This winter, it will most certainly be the all-new character dining experience opening at Disney's Wilderness Lodge!

Storybook Dining at Artist Point will invite guests to venture into an Enchanted Forest-like setting inspired by Walt Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." There, you'll enjoy a delicious meal of fantastic fare with visits from Snow White, Dopey and Grumpy. Delightful music and activities will help bring the classic fairytale to life, and you'll even have an opportunity for an encounter with The Queen.

This immersive character dinner takes place amidst the rustic elegance and exceptional dining that Artist Point is known for. You'll enjoy a uniquely themed prix fixe menu, including shared starters, a choice of individual plated entrees and 'sweet spells' to finish the meal.

My counterparts from our Food & Beverage team will have more to share soon. Keep checking Disney Parks Blog for additional details as they become available, including menu offerings, an opening date and when you can book reservations, as well as where you might be able to find select fan-favorite Artist Point menu items in the future.

Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White is slated to begin this winter.

Oga’s Cantina Coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in 2019

No self-respecting remote outpost on the edge of the galaxy would call itself a smuggler's planet without a cantina, and Black Spire Outpost is no exception. Today, I'm pleased to share more details for Oga's Cantina, which will be serving pilots, bounty hunters, smugglers, locals and galactic travelers alike, when it opens in 2019.

Visitors come to this notorious local watering hole to unwind, conduct shady business, and maybe even encounter a friend…or a foe. Run by an intriguing alien proprietor, Oga Garra, the cantina adheres to a strict code of conduct that tries to keep its unruly patrons in check. But with a history of being a smugglers' safe haven and a popular stopping point for those seeking to avoid the authorities, you can bet that the cantina has a story or two to tell.

Oga's Cantina is the kind of establishment that attracts some of the most interesting and disreputable characters in the galaxy. And you never know when a stormtrooper or a familiar face will show up. Patrons of the cantina come from across the galaxy to sample the famous concoctions created with exotic ingredients using "otherworldly" methods, served in unique vessels. With choices for kids and libations for adults, the cantina will make for a great stop!

Musical entertainment is provided courtesy of RX-24, the former StarSpeeder 3000 pilot droid we first met in Star Tours, who has re-envisioned himself as the cantina's DJ. As quirky and talkative as ever, he's still trying to do his best on the job.

Get ready to listen to some unique music, taste the best drinks in the galaxy, and surround yourself with a colorful cast of characters. You never know what will happen at the cantina!

Oga's Cantina opens its doors at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in 2019 at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

Mobile Ordering Expands to Seven New Locations at Disneyland Resort

Mobile ordering captured the attention – and hungry tummies – of Disneyland Resort guests when it launched earlier this year with 15 fast casual and quick-service restaurant locations across Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park. And over the next few weeks, the convenient service will be added to seven more locations!

Starting today, guests can use mobile ordering to purchase their favorite food and beverage options from Bayside Brews at Disney California Adventure park, as well as Harbour Galley and Tiki Juice Bar at Disneyland park. This includes using mobile order to pick up the legendary Dole Whip! There will be even more choices next month when mobile ordering expands to Edelweiss Snacks, Stage Door Café, Refreshment Corner and Royal Street Veranda at Disneyland park.

How does ordering a classic lobster roll from Harbour Galley to pick up before watching "Fantasmic!" sound?

Using the Disneyland App, simply search for a participating location, select an arrival time window for pickup, choose items from the menu and place an order. Your linked credit card will be charged when you notify the restaurant of your arrival. No more waiting in lines to order or pay! If you haven't tried mobile ordering yet, this helpful video tutorial will get you started.

This convenient service is just one of the many ways we continue to enhance the guest experience at Disneyland Resort, including Disney MaxPass also on the Disneyland App. Happy ordering!

Mobile ordering is subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Celebrate National Slinky Day on the Disney Parks Blog with Slinky Dog Headbands

Last year on National Slinky Day, the Disney Parks Blog celebrated a major milestone for the Slinky Dog Dash attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This year, with the Slinky Dog Dash attraction and the Toy Story Land area open for guests, we're celebrating the day again! And this time, readers may have a chance to be one of 25 winners to receive a Slinky Dog headband. You can enter now for a chance to win one Slinky Dog headband!

The character of Slinky Dog is the inspiration for the ride vehicles on our newest family coaster Slinky Dog Dash. And as many of you have already experienced at the park, the Slinky Dog Dash coaster is themed as if Andy built it in his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit and some other favorite toys, including Jessie and Rex!

Enter for a chance to win one Slinky Dog Headband here and follow the entry instructions to complete an official entry form. Your entry must state your valid email address and full name.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes starts 8/30/18 at 11:01 a.m. ET and ends 8/30/18 at 1:01 p.m. ET. 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 U.S. or D.C. Limit 1 entry per person/per email address. For complete details, including full eligibility requirements, odds of winning and limitations, see Official Rules. Void where prohibited by law.

Slinky Dog – Slinky® Dog © POOF-Slinky, LLC

Get Your Passports Ready – Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Opens TODAY!

That's right – it's time to eat your way around the world at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! Starting today, you can come and enjoy over 30 destinations located throughout the park, each offering unique dishes and beverages inspired by cultures from around the world. In addition, there's celebrity chefs, pairing seminars, culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars, cheese seminars, and tons of other tasty experiences that you won't want to miss! Of course, I can't forget the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. The 2018 line-up is AMAZING and what better way to enjoy good food than while listening to live music? Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! also returns this year where you can work side-by-side with chefs, beverage experts, and other kitchen wizards during a hands-on lesson that teaches one of many different culinary and beverage skills.

As for a couple of my favorites, I definitely recommend you try the Charred Chimichurri Skirt Steak from the Flavors from Fire Marketplace in Future World! This delicious steak comes on a smoked corn cake with pickled vegetable slaw and cilantro aïoli – YUM. There's also the vegetarian Butternut Squash Ravioli with brown butter vinaigrette, Parmesan cheese, and pumpkin seeds (which I LOVE pumpkin seeds, so I'm pump(kin)ed for this one! It can be found at the Wine & Dine Studio Marketplace also located in Future World. And if you're feeling thirsty, you can stop by the brand-new Shimmering Sips Mimosa Bar, which can be found in the Festival Center. The Madras Mimosa is the perfect morning pick-me-up, especially when it's paired with a Chocolate or Almond Croissant or a Cheese Danish with Sweet Icing.

While you're enjoying the festival, why not commemorate your visit with a magical array of limited-edition special event merchandise? This year, specially-designed merchandise will let you recreate the tasting-around-the-world experience at home. From cookbooks and apparel to tabletop and kitchen goods, new artwork shows Chef Mickey Mouse exploring the Festival. New merchandise includes a ceramic pie plate, wooden pepper mill, bottle-shaped cutting board, and a serving dish that gives a nod to the one and only Mouse. Look for these items and more, including the fan-favorite Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt at the Festival Center located adjacent to Mission: SPACE, and in select merchandise locations throughout Epcot.

So what are you waiting for? Come on out and LET'S GET EATIN'! The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs through November 12, 2018. And when you get here, don't forget to grab a Festival Passport to help you find all of the eats your hungry heart desires. Not only will it tell you where to find anything and everything this year's festival has to offer, you get to take it home as a memento to remember your trip by.

For more information and to make reservations, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website or call (407) WDW-DINE (407 939-3463).

Use Minnie Vans For Travel From Orlando International Airport To & From Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Last summer, the Minnie Van personal ride service debuted to offer guests eye-catching rides throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Now, guests staying at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel can also use Minnie Vans for travel to and from Orlando International Airport.

Whereas Minnie Van transportation on property can be arranged through the Lyft app, Minnie Vans airport shuttle service reservations must be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. The service is available to guests staying at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Hours of operation for the shuttle service is for flight arrivals 7 a.m.-10 p.m. for flight departures 9 a.m.-12 a.m. Each Minnie Van can hold up to six passengers and eight medium-sized suitcases. Up to three complimentary car seats can also be provided and ADA accessible vehicles are available.

Happy 7th Anniversary Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa!

Seven years ago today Disney Vacation Club welcomed Members to its 11th Resort, Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in picturesque Ko Olina, Hawaii. Aulani Resort, located on the western side of O'ahu, combines the beauty and spirit of the Hawaiian Islands with the magic of Disney.

Join us as we celebrate this one-of-a-kind resort destination on this special day. When is your next trip to Aulani Resort?

Thanks to artist Ashley Taylor for the Disney Doodle!

Look Closer: Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! at Disney California Adventure Park

Strap in, humans, for an inside look at the Monster world. Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! at Disney California Adventure park takes guests on a taxi tour of Monstropolis on the very day that a human child happens to get loose in the city. Come take a closer look at Mike and Sulley's world!

In the Monstropolis Transit Authority Terminal, where humans queue up for their taxi tours of the city, check out the vending machine snacks. Monsters craving Drooler Cooler, Primordial Ooze or a Bag O Calories can grab a satisfying treat made for monster appetites.

Once in the taxi, one of the first things visitors will see is Mike Wazowski and his girlfriend, Celia, enjoying a romantic night in Mike's convertible. Count the five snakes that make up Celia's hair – their names are Ameilia, Ophelia, Octelia, Bobelia and Madge. Celia's snakes tend to reflect how she's feeling. In this case, she's happy to be with Mike!

Visitors may also spot the Child Detection Agency storming the scene. The C.D.A. is responsible for keeping human children out of Monstropolis, and are hot on the heels of our heroes, Mike and Sulley. A little known fact is that the director of "Monsters, Inc.," Peter Docter, voices one of the C.D.A. agents heard on the attraction.

Before entering the locker room, check out the bulletin board for important memos and postings – like "The Top Ten Ways to Get Fired" at Monsters, Inc. The number one way? Forgetting to file your paperwork, of course!

Mike and Sulley head over to the locker room with Boo, just steps away from the scare floor. Mike may have one big eye, but his eyesight is not so good. As a result, he has to wear a contact lens the size of a soup bowl. Can you spot it resting on the locker room bench?

Making our way into the door vault, we see Randall Boggs trying to foil Mike and Sulley's plan to get Boo home. Don't forget to look up and around though! The door vault has 236 individual doors, including Boo's. There may even be a visit from a friendly monster with a yummy frozen treat.

At long last the taxi returns to the Monstropolis Transit station, where Roz sends visitors off. We hope you enjoyed your visit to the city of Monstropolis!

For closer looks into more Disneyland Resort experiences, check out these stories:

• Look Closer: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Park
• Look Closer: Grizzly River Run at Disney California Adventure Park
• Look Closer: Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney California Adventure Park

#DisneyFamilia: Tips to visit Walt Disney World Resort con toda la familia

I don't know about you, but when my familia hears the word vacaciones everyone from abuelos, to tíos, tías and primos start packing right away! It's impossible to leave anybody behind. Here's handy list of consejitos to visit Walt Disney World Resort together!

Stay Big – Walt Disney World Resort has something unique for everyone, especially big familias. Disney's Coronado Springs Resort features a lovely Southwestern theme with casitas de colores and ample space for everyone! If your familia is wondrous and loves adventures and the outdoors, The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort are an excellent option to meet everyone's needs while staying all together! If your familia prefers to be surrounded by the magic of Walt Disney and Disney Pixar movies , the spacious Disney's Art of Animation Resort with awesome family themed-suites are a must-pick!

Where to Eat – Many pequeñitos in your familia? Buffet and family style meals are probably the way to go. For example, 'Ohana in Disney's Polynesian Resort has a great selection of family-style breakfast to feed your entire crew mientras que los pequeñitos can hang out with Lilo and Stitch! If you feel inspired and want to take a trip south of the border, San Angel Inn Restaurante at Epcot will provide that perfect atmosphere!

A Family the Travels Together… – We know how hard is to keep everyone in the familia informed and included. Family and Friends is just a great option to plan together and stay together. Allow everyone in your family to be part of the planning as well as to be informed of activities, shows and more!

Ride Together – For those specials moments you want to share all together, including abuelitos, keep attractions in mind that you can all enjoy at the same time, like "it's a small world" or Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Magic Kingdom Park! Spaceship Earth at Epcot will take your entire family on a wonderful journey through time and space!

Save the Memories – Had fun with your familia? Make sure to capture every moment you're spending with your family! Memory Maker allows you to save all these incredible moments in one place where everyone can share, revivir and remember!

Get ready for your next adventure, and make sure to share your most memorable moments visiting Disney Parks together with your familia!

Disney Youth Education Series Announces New ‘The Science Behind the Seeds’ Program for 2019

Sprouting in early 2019, students in grades K through 12 can uncover "The Science Behind the Seeds" with the newest Disney Youth Education Series program that celebrates the science behind sustainable food production.

This new three-hour program will take students on a hands-on discovery of how science, technology, sustainability and teamwork come together to generate potential solutions to meeting the needs of a growing population.

During this interactive exploration of the Living with the Land attraction at Epcot, students will investigate innovative, sustainable growing techniques and learn how to incorporate them into their own gardens. They will also discover how various hydroponic techniques function to help plants grow and learn how exciting alternative fruits, vegetables and grains can diversify their diets and gardens.

Register your group of 10 or more students or Scouts for this unbe-leaf-able new program today at DisneyYouth.com. Don't forget to sign up for our e-newsletter for the latest news and updates on all things Disney Youth Programs.

ABC’s ‘American Idol’ Nationwide Bus Tour Auditions Roll Out at Walt Disney World Resort

ABC's "American Idol" began its 20-plus city search for the next singing sensation with the arrival of the Idol Bus right here at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. This past Saturday, hopefuls from around the country joined us for the epic event.

After officially kicking off the bus tour, Maddie Poppe, winner of ABC's "American Idol" Season 1 along with runner-up Caleb Lee Hutchinson and finalist Catie Turner took time out to enjoy Magic Kingdom Park and visit with fans. Needless to say, it was a blast. Check it out!

Did you miss your chance to audition here with us? Well, the Idol Bus is now rolling out to a city near you!

• Chattanooga, TN – August 28
• Scottsdale, AZ – August 28
• Charlotte, NC – August 31
• Albuquerque, NM – August 31
• Seattle, WA – August 31
• Boise, ID – September 2
• Richmond, VA – September 3
• Plano, TX – September 3
• Houston, TX – September 4
• Austin, TX – September 6
• Philadelphia, PA – September 6
• Oklahoma City, OK – September 6
• Buffalo, NY – September 9
• Kansas City, MO – September 9
• Shreveport, LA – September 9
• Columbus, OH – September 12
• Little Rock, AR – September 12
• Denver, CO – September 14
• Charleston, WV – September 15
• Atlanta, GA – September 20

All singers must be at least 15 years old to audition. Pre-registration is encouraged. To pre-register and for additional details, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, and terms and conditions, visit www.americanidol.com/auditions. If you're auditioning, you can bring one guest to accompany you, and the guest must be over 5 years old.

In addition to appearing in person, hopefuls can submit audition videos online via www.americanidol.com/auditions or by showing off their talents via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Musical.ly using the hashtag #TheNextIdol.

"American Idol" returns for its second season on ABC for the 2018-2019 season with all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Emmy-winning producer Ryan Seacrest will also return as host.

Join the conversation @AmericanIdol (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram); #TheNextIdol.

You’re Invited to ‘A Gatsby Evening’ at The Edison this Labor Day Weekend at Disney Springs

The Roaring Twenties ushered in the fizz-pop era of champagne toasts and sequin-drenched flapper dresses. To my younger self, it seemed like a magical time filled with glitz and glamour, which explains why my Halloween costume of choice on more than one occasion was a short fringe dress and a black bob wig, complete with red lipstick, of course!

You can imagine my delight when I found out that The Edison would be hosting "A Gatsby Evening" over Labor Day Weekend. Already one of my favorite venues at Disney Springs, the party promises a lavish affair including a welcome cocktail, passed hors d'oeuvres, and an incredible lineup of entertainment: live music, "The Pearls," stilt walkers, a tap dancer, an aerialist, and much, much more!

Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to be dazzled – hopefully I'll see you there, dolled up in your flapper attire and 1920s-inspired suits. Did I mention that there will also be a complimentary photo station? (There will. So dress to impress!)

Limited tickets are still available for this one-night-only event taking place Sunday, September 2, 2018. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person plus tax and gratuity and all guests must be 21 or older to attend.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Welcome Giraffe Calf to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The next time you're on safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom, be on the lookout for Aella (pronounced "eye-la"), a two-month-old Masai giraffe calf who just made her debut on the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna. Guests and Cast should be able to easily spot her as she is the youngest and smallest giraffe in the herd.

Born on June 29, Aella was more than five-feet-tall at birth. Up until now, she has been spending precious moments bonding and nursing with her mom Lily in a backstage habitat.

Named after an Amazon warrior, Aella is known to be a brave and bold young giraffe with a curious and independent spirit. She's adventurous enough to explore on her own, sometimes leaving mom a few paces behind.

Aella's birth marks a first for her parents – mom Lily and dad George. The pair was chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and ensures responsible breeding of threatened and endangered species. Breeding this pair is important to the long-term survival of the species because it adds more genetic diversity to the giraffe population, which helps ensure future generations.

Aella will nurse for about a year, and then, as a herbivore, she will move to the lush vegetation available throughout the savanna. When full grown, she will use her 18-inch tongue to strip leaves off thorny branches from the tops and sides of trees to consume up to 75 pounds of food a day. That's a tall order!

The Masai giraffe is a vulnerable species found primarily in Kenya and Tanzania. There are believed to be roughly 32,000 Masai giraffes left in the wild, and their population continues to decline because of poaching and habitat loss.

The Disney Conservation Fund supports conservation efforts in Africa to protect wildlife habitats, including those of giraffes. Earlier this year, several Disney animal care experts went to Uganda to help relocate a herd of giraffes across the Nile River to establish a newer, safer habitat away from oil-drilling fields. Another team went to Kenya to support a giraffe and zebra population census.

To learn more about giraffes and the threats they face in the wild, visit DisneyAnimals.com.

Top-Five Things You Must Do at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

There's so much to enjoy at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park – from characters in costume and complimentary treats, special shows, fireworks and more.

Here are our top-five can't-miss moments from this year's party.

Trick-Or-Treating For All Ages! – Kids of all ages may trick-or-treat at special treat stops located throughout the park. Be sure to pick up a trick-or-treat bag and an event map on your way in to find your way! Want more? Check out the special event treats that are available only during party nights in our official guide here.

Disney Characters In Their Best Costume – During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties, many Disney characters appear dressed in their Halloween best, ready to greet guests and pose for photos. Guests can catch even more characters on parade in "Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade," which is exclusive to the event.

Watching The "Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular" Stage Show – In this stage show, the Sanderson sisters visit the mortal with a plan to use their magic to throw the best (evil) Halloween party this side of the graveyard. Guests can't miss the fun musical numbers in this show!

Viewing the "Mickey's Boo To You Halloween Parade" – A highlight of the event, this haunting procession steps off twice each party night – led by an appearance from the Headless Horseman. Spy Disney characters in Halloween costumes and get the camera ready for an entire section of the parade inspired by residents of the Haunted Mansion, including marching butlers, waltzing spirits and even the Hitchhiking Ghosts.

Experiencing "Happy HalloWishes Fireworks" – Narrated by the Ghost Host from The Haunted Mansion, the skies explode with color to the tunes of "Grim Grinning Ghosts," "Poor Unfortunate Souls," "Never Smile at a Crocodile," "The Skeleton Dance," from Silly Symphony and more.

To learn more about Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, click here. And don't forget to tell us your favorite party moments in the comments section below.