There’s been an “awakening” in the force, have you felt it?
New Star Wars™ themed merchandise and more will land in our galaxy at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts on September 4, 2015 at 12:01 AM (Midnight). Set your hyperspace coordinates and come to this merchandise ticketed event to gather supplies and other acquisitions in preparation of the highly anticipated film release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in December.
Tickets to the Force Friday merchandise event include:
The opportunity to be among the first to purchase new Star Wars and Star Wars: The Force Awakens themed merchandise, including Disney Theme Park Merchandise exclusives and licensed products. Purchase limits will apply.
Amenity gift
Which “side” will you choose? No matter where your alliances fall, here are the details on where the events will take place:
Disneyland Resort – World of Disney Store, Downtown Disney District
Walt Disney World Resort – Once Upon A Toy, Downtown Disney Marketplace
Tickets for the Force Friday merchandise release are $50 per person and are limited to availability. No discounts apply.
Reservations for the Force Friday merchandise ticketed event will be accepted only via www.DisneyParksMerchandise.com beginning August 26, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)/ 2 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Force Friday Merchandise Event Details Released by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
We’re counting down the days and deciding the best ways to take advantage of all the food, wine, celebrity chefs, live music and more at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
Looking ahead, here are three ideas to maximize your fun. We love the idea of the new 20th Festival Tasting Sampler that gives you a credential (and a cool collectible pin) to taste your way around the fest. For $59 you get your choice of eight tastes of food or beverages at all of the 30 marketplaces plus priority seating at the nightly Eat to the Beat concert.
Your credential will include ideas for pairing a dish and a drink at the marketplaces – we’re excited to try some of the new dishes such as the pepper bacon mac ‘n’ cheese paired with a hard cider at Farm Fresh Marketplace (both new); lamb meatball with spicy tomato chutney and a pinot noir at New Zealand (both new), and the butter chicken with naan bread with a chenin blanc in Africa. There are 29 new dishes this year, and 72 new cocktails, beers, wines and ciders!
We’ve always had fun at Eat to the Beat, and this year’s dining package includes lunch or dinner at 13 different restaurants from Coral Reef Restaurant and The Garden Grill in Future World to France, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Japan, Morocco and United Kingdom. This is a nice “plan ahead” experience.
Price varies by restaurant, starting at $34.99 for lunch and includes appetizer, entrée, dessert and drink or buffets. And then you get guaranteed seating at the 5:30 p.m. Eat to the Beat concert for lunch reservations, and the 6:45 or 8 p.m. show for lunch or dinner.
Fan favorites are back on the America Gardens Theatre stage, including Wilson Phillips, Smash Mouth, The Pointer Sisters, Jo Dee Messina, Boyz II Men and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. And there are four new acts in the concert series lineup — Tiffany, Everclear, Maxi Priest and Chaka Khan.
For a really special treat, set aside a week for the Food & Wine Premium Package that gives you VIP treatment from noon- 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the festival. Eleven shaded “Premium Package” areas are reserved for a spot to eat, drink and relax, and you get to choose an IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party to attend, as well as a Festival Center culinary demo or beverage seminar.
Cost is $199, and you also get a gift bag with your own wine glass, a bottle of 20th celebration festival wine, a Food & Wine Fest-themed MagicBand and four food tickets for food or beverage from festival marketplaces.
For reservations, call 407-939-3378. Admission to Epcot is required.
Some Favorite Ways to Experience Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 25-Nov. 16 by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
One of the most popular questions I’ve received during my time with Disney Theme Park Merchandise is, “Can I buy this item online?” I’m delighted to answer that question with the launch of the Shop Disney Parks mobile app.
Shop Disney Parks lets you shop your way, making it easy and convenient to find favorite Walt Disney World Resort authentic products. The app offers access to thousands of products, including some of the newest arrivals created especially for Disney Parks. New products will be added weekly.
The app also provides delivery options which let you ship directly to your home.
The coolest part of Shop Disney Parks is the online map that can be used to locate products in theme parks and resorts. I searched for my favorite Orange Bird figurine and found it located in several shops as seen in the images above. You can also scan a barcode in a shop, purchase the item through the app and have that item sent directly to your home.
Look for additional enhancements in the coming weeks including delivery to the front of theme parks and delivery to your Disney resort hotel. At this time, products from Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line are not available via Shop Disney Parks.
*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. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.
Shop For Authentic Walt Disney World Resort Merchandise with New Shop Disney Parks Mobile App by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
The Force has awakened at Walt Disney World Resort through runDisney’s newest addition to its portfolio – Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side.
This intergalactic quest through Walt Disney World theme parks blasts off April 14-17, 2016 and channels the Dark Side of the Force. The events will include a 5K, 10K, kids races and half marathon plus a special challenge for completing the 10K and half marathon called the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge!
Runners who join the Galactic Empire will enjoy a true Star Wars experience, including Dark side-inspired medals and merchandise throughout the weekend.
After the thrilling inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland Resort this past January, runners and Star Wars fans alike have been vocal about their desire for a similar themed race at Walt Disney World Resort.
To differentiate the two races, Disneyland Resort will embrace the Light Side of the Force with a 5K, 10K, kids races and half marathon as well as continuing its Star Wars Rebel Challenge upon completion of the 10K and half marathon.
Whether you are a runDisney veteran or Star Wars enthusiast, these races will be a journey like no other. By participating in both Star Wars Half Marathon events, runners will earn the inaugural Kessel Run Challenge medal, which Star Wars fans know is the ultimate test of skill.
As runDisney broadens its resume, it continues to bring runners uniquely inspired races while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle!
Registration for the East Coast event opens September 22, 2015 at noon ET. May the courses be with you!
Are you excited for this event?
Walt Disney World Resort Feels the Dark Side of the Force in All New Star Wars Half Marathon Event by Faron Kelley: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
Crafted From The Same 316L Stainless Steel Alloy As The Apple Watch But At The Price Of A Rubber Sports Band
Sanho Corporation – manufacturer of the HYPER line of mobile accessories – announces the launch of its Kickstarter campaign for HyperLink. HyperLink is an affordable yet high quality 316L stainless steel link bracelet band for the Apple Watch. Crafted from the same 316L stainless steel alloy as the Apple Watch, HyperLink is only a fraction of the price of Apple’s offering, or the same as what Apple sells for a rubber sports band.
“We strongly believe there is no better watch band material for the stainless steel Apple Watch than stainless steel itself,” said Daniel Chin, CEO of HYPER. “Unfortunately Apple’s Stainless Steel Link Bracelet Band costs $449 which can buy you another Apple Watch Sport,” he continued. “With no huge markups or expensive corporate overheads, we hope to bring you a similar quality stainless steel link bracelet band, crafted from the same 316L stainless steel alloy as the Apple Watch for only $49. We want to make affordable stainless steel Apple Watch bands a reality!” he concluded.
HyperLink features a classic link bracelet design inspired by luxury Swiss watches, perfect for all day wear, from morning workouts to evening nights out. The bracelet is made of solid links cut from complete piece of 316L stainless steel and precision CNC milled to perfectly fit the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport Aluminum and Apple Watch Gold Edition. 316L stainless steel is extremely hard, scratch and corrosion resistant. HyperLink will be available for both 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch and in colors, Silver and Space Black. An additional diamond like carbon (DLC) layer is applied to the Space Black band to achieve the sleek appearance and for additional durability and scratch resistance.
HYPER is seeking $50,000 via Kickstarter to fund the HyperLink product. Funding begins August 25, 2015 at 8am PST/11am EST and ends on September 30, 2015. Upon successful funding, HYPER aims to ship the HyperLink in October, 2015. HYPER’s previous successful Kickstarter project, iStick raised over $1.1 million last June, 2014.
Crafted from the same 316L stainless steel alloy as the Apple Watch
Precision CNC milled to perfectly fit the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition
Made of solid links cut from complete piece of 316L stainless steel
316L stainless steel is extremely hard, scratch and corrosion resistant
Classic link bracelet design inspired by luxury Swiss watches
Designed for all day wear, from morning workouts to evening nights out
Available in 38mm Silver, 42mm Silver and 42mm Space Black
Additional diamond like carbon (DLC) layer applied to Space Black band for sleek appearance and additional durability and scratch resistance
Kickstarter campaign from August 25 to September 28, 2015
Pricing and Availability
MSRP of HyperLink is $99 (Kickstarter backers can get it at 50% off MSRP, i.e. $49)
Shipping in October, 2015 upon successful Kickstarter funding
Want to make a delicious snack with a Disney twist in your own home? Most grown-ups still consider tomato soup and grilled cheese a favorite comfort food. The Disney chefs took this classic and made it a healthful finger food that’s perfect as an after-school snack or supper for everyone.
In less than hour you’ll have freshly made tomato soup (forget the canned version). Cut grilled cheese into strips that are perfect for little hands – and dipping in the soup is the fun part. Add crunchy apple wedges on the side for a satisfying crunch.
You’ll find it on the menu at Tony’s Town Square in Magic Kingdom Park, but here’s a version for you to make at home.
Tomato Soup, Cheese Dippers and Apple Slices
Serves 4 to 6
Tomato Soup
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced small
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cups tomato puree
1 sprig each fresh thyme, rosemary, basil, and tarragon
2 cups water
1 teaspoon coarse salt, more to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, more to taste
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in tomato puree; cook 3 to 5 minutes.
Stir in herbs and water; turn heat to low and simmer 30 to 40 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Strain through a medium strainer set over a bowl, pushing soup through with a spatula. Whisk in tomato paste, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
For multigrain cheese dippers:
Make 4 sandwiches, each with 2 slices of bread and 4 slices of provolone.
Spray tops and bottoms of sandwiches with olive oil spray.
Heat sauté pan over medium heat and grill each side 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden.
Cut each sandwich into 4 equal strips. Serve hot.
For apples:
Core and slice each apple into 6 wedges.
To serve:
Evenly divide dippers and apples slices with 3/4 cup soup.
Favorite After-School Snack from Tony’s Town Square in Magic Kingdom Park by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
Happy National Waffle Day from Disney Parks Food and Beverage! What better way to indulge on this delicious holiday than with one of our top 8 waffles from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts:
Waffle Sandwiches from Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom Park
Go sweet with the fruit and Nutella waffle sandwich, or try one of the savory lunchtime waffle sandwiches—either way you can’t go wrong.
Sweet and Savory Waffles from the Belgium Global Marketplace at Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
Try the Belgian waffle topped with berries or chocolate ganache and whipped cream for dessert or the Potato and Leek Waffle with beer-braised beef and smoked gouda cream for a hearty snack when the festival returns on September 25.
Ubisoft, in collaboration with Disney Interactive, announced the development of Just Dance: Disney Party 2, the second Disney title from Just Dance, the best-selling* music video game franchise of all time. This news comes just days after Disney fans got a sneak peek of the game at the D23 EXPO 2015. The game will feature tracks from the hottest Disney Channel shows and movies, including “Evil Like Me” and “Rotten to the Core” from the hit Disney Channel Original Movie “Descendants.” Just Dance: Disney Party 2 will hit store shelves this Holiday 2015 for Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Nintendo’s Wii™ and Wii U systems.
“The first Just Dance Disney game was a beloved hit among our fans,” said Tony Key, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Ubisoft. “When it came to working with Disney again on Just Dance: Disney Party 2, there was no question we wanted to give families another way to experience some of their favorite songs through dance.”
Just Dance: Disney Party 2 features a variety of hit songs, with more than 20 tracks from fan-favorite television shows and movies from Disney Channel, the #1 cable TV network on a Total Day basis in Total Viewers and the #1 TV network for kids and tweens. Just in time for the holidays, every Disney Channel fan and their family can get up and moving to tracks from movies such as “Descendants,” “Teen Beach Movie” and “Teen Beach 2,” as well as Disney Channel shows like “Girl Meets World,” “K.C. Undercover” and “Liv and Maddie.”
The Just Dance development team worked closely with Disney Interactive and Disney Channel to incorporate character looks into the game, letting fans enjoy gameplay that is true to the most popular shows and films. With the karaoke feature on Xbox One, players can also sing along while they dance to their favorite tunes! Check out a selection of tracks announced for the game so far:
“Austin & Ally” (“Chasin’ the Beat of My Heart”)
“Descendants” (“Did I Mention”)
“Descendants” (“Rotten to the Core”)
“Descendants” (“Evil Like Me”)
“Descendants” (“Set It Off”)
“Girl Meets World” (“Take on the World”)
“K.C. Undercover” (“Keep It Undercover”)
“Teen Beach Movie” (“Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’”)
“Teen Beach Movie” (“Falling for Ya”)
“Teen Beach 2” (“That’s How We Do”)
“Teen Beach 2” (“Gotta Be Me”)
“Teen Beach 2” (“Twist Your Frown”)
“Violetta” (“En Mi Mundo”)
* Data from NPD Institute in NCSA and from GfK Institute in EMEA – April 2015
I know that many of you, our Disney fans, were with us all weekend long at D23 EXPO 2015 in Anaheim, Calif. I mean what an experience, am I right? New film releases, new attraction and lands announced and of course, merchandise!
Those of you who attended the 60 Years of Disney Theme Park Merchandise panel discussion were in for quite a surprise as we took a look at the evolution of ear hats, new artwork set to appear on Twenty-Eight & Main, Disney Boutique, Disney Couture, Princess, Haunted Mansion – Revisited and Pirates of the Caribbean. Of course, it was the What Lies Ahead segment that caught the attention of some folks, with merchandise art reveals for the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, and of course, Shanghai Disney Resort. Here’s a quick glimpse at some of the art that was shown.
With the panel also came the world debut of the artists taking part in the We Love Disney compilation album by Verve Records and Walt Disney Records, due in stores October 30. Produced by multi-platinum, 16-time Grammy award winning producer and Verve Music Group Chairman, David Foster, the album will feature some of today’s hottest artists across pop, rock, R&B and country as they deliver their own interpretations of classic Disney songs. I could go on and on about who is featured on this album but why don’t you check it out for yourself including the We Love Disney Box Set here.
The spectrum was broad when it came to finding favorite souvenirs, as there was literally something for everyone. D23 EXPO merchandise, from t-shirts to mugs, handbags to drinkware, flew off the shelves, and of course the R4-D23 was definitely the droid everyone was looking for, and Force For Change t-shirts, fleece and pins weren’t far behind. Tip: Look for Force For Change apparel shortly at select locations at the Disneyland Resort through Labor Day and help us make a difference! If you have the D23 EXPO App, go to Aurasma and watch as the shirt activates before your very eyes.
What did I find? With ALEX AND ANI on hand, it’s no surprise that I spotted my souvenir at their table. While I almost picked up the new Snow White-inspired bangle, available at Disney Parks now, I chose to go a bit simpler with the Mickey Filigree Wrap in the Rafaelian Silver finish. I know you’re shocked! This is one of three pieces ALEX AND ANI pre-launched at D23 that won’t be available in the parks until the fall.
Finally, throughout the weekend, Disney fans were lined up to meet some of their favorite Disney Legends, artists, authors and special guests and the Disney Dream Store did not disappoint. More than 45 special guests and 80 signings took place over the course of the weekend, including a special appearance and signing with the Mouseketeers!
Who were you most excited to meet? What was your favorite part of D23 EXPO 2015?
Looking Back at D23 EXPO 2015 Disney Theme Park Merchandise by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
While it’s still summertime, tickets are selling fast for special events at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, opening September 25 for 53 days of fun, through November 16.
If you’re picking and choosing from the hundreds of special events and culinary demos, here are two all-new parties for 2015 – and tickets are going fast.
If you love a designer burger, the Rockin’ Burger Block Party in World ShowPlace lets you pick and choose from more than a dozen sliders at each party – where to begin? How about a coffee-crusted beef short rib burger topped with smoked Gouda, garlic potato string and sangria ketchup? Or a spiced lamb burger topped with feta, pickled watermelon rind and za’atar aioli. Go all out with the mixed grill burger topped with fried egg, bacon grease fries and nacho cheese sauce.
If you’re not a meat fan, there’s still plenty to choose from, such as a shrimp and scallop burger topped with spicy Thai slaw and cilantro-lime mayo (with a side of smoked sea-salted fried edamame), or a grilled grouper patty topped with butter lettuce, vine-ripened tomato and lime aioli.
Along with the burgers, there are finger foods like spicy-sticky pig wings, veggie pot stickers and cheeseburger spring rolls. Mini-rolls, perfect for a bite or two, include moonshine barbecued meatballs, chickpea and roasted corn fritters and Caribbean spiced seafood cakes.
Sweet endings are over the top, too: cinnamon roll fireball bread pudding with cream cheese glaze, snickerdoodle-crusted apple custard crisp and Valrhona chocolate ganache brownies.
It’s an all-you-care-to-eat affair, with burgers paired with craft beers, wines, cocktails and more. And you can burn a few calories – there’s a DJ, so you can shimmy or quick step your way to the next gourmet burger station. (A fun twist: you get to vote on the best burger of the night.)
Dates are September 25, October 8 and November 6 from 7-9 p.m., with hosts of ABC’s “The Chew” joining the fun on October 8. Cost is $99; $119 for reserved table on main floor, early admission at 6:45 p.m., and a specialty cocktail; or $199 for Nosh Pit seating with a private reserved table, early admission at 6:45 p.m., specialty cocktail and premium bar.
And for one night only, we’re planning our chic yellow and black costume for the elegant Yelloween Masquerade Party, a very special Party for the Senses from 7-9:30 p.m. Octpber 31 in celebration of Halloween. “Yelloween” is a reference to the night’s top pour – golden Champagne. Think elegant, and plan to eat, drink and party the night away with special entertainment. Cost is $169 plus tax general admission; $199 plus tax for a reserved table on the main floor with specialty cocktail toast, and $319 plus tax for a private reserved table, early entrance at 6:45 p.m., specialty cocktail toast, artisanal cheese station and more.
For reservations to these and other special events, call 407-939-3378. Admission to Epcot is required.
Tickets Going Fast for Rockin’ Burger Block Party, Yelloween Masquerade Party by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
New ‘Paint the Night’ Parade Added to Entertainment for Mickey’s Halloween Party, Joining ‘Halloween Screams’ Fireworks
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort receives a Diamond Celebration infusion for 2015, making the season shine as never before as Halloween Time sparkles with Diamond Celebration décor and entertainment. The one-of-a-kind celebration of chilling, family-friendly fun will begin Friday, Sept. 11, and continue through Sunday, Nov. 1, with 17 nights dedicated to Mickey’s Halloween Party.
The popular, separate-ticket Mickey’s Halloween Party expands to 17 nights beginning Friday, Sept. 25. The after-hours party treats guests to an array of special entertainment, along with traditional Halloween Time fun. For the first time, the “Paint the Night” parade, new for the Diamond Celebration, will be presented at Mickey’s Halloween Party, along with a new superhero-themed dance party at Tomorrowland Terrace. These offerings are in addition to the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, a guest favorite that is exclusive to Mickey’s Halloween Party. Adults and children are encouraged to dress in costume for the party as they trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland park for a scary good time.
Highlights of Mickey’s Halloween Party include:
Early entry to Disneyland: The opportunity to play in Disneyland park for three hours before the party starts, then go trick or treating – for candy and healthy treats – in the ultimate Disney neighborhood.
“Paint the Night – All-New Electrical Parade”: The dazzling, all-new Disneyland nighttime parade creates a river of color flowing down Main Street, U.S.A., for Mickey’s Halloween Party. The parade features favorite Disney and Disney●Pixar characters and songs, along with more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights that flash and glow as Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to “Paint the Night.”
The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington (presented exclusively for guests of Mickey’s Halloween Party).
An all-new superhero-themed dance party comes to Tomorrowland Terrace. Super Goof invites all of his friends to join the party, which features a DJ, dancers, lively music and superhero dance moves. Super Goof is super-excited to host his very first dance party in Tomorrowland and he is bringing to the stage all of his special “BAM!” “POW! and “ZAP!” Guests are encouraged to show off their “superhero side,” no matter what costume they choose to wear this year.
“Villains Square”: Throughout the evening, the Disney villains will arrive in Disneyland Town Square as the “Bad Apple Party Crashers,” riding a black horse-drawn carriage accompanied by thunder, fog and special lighting effects. These favorite wicked tricksters will appear for photos and character greetings, and guests are invited to “Party Like a Villain.”
Enhancing the eerie atmosphere along Main Street, U.S.A., new animated Halloween images – ghosts, bats, pumpkins, skeletons – are projected on the facades of buildings throughout the evening.
The ghoulish Cadaver Dans quartet will perform Halloween tunes aboard a drifting graveyard-themed raft on the fog-filled Rivers of America in New Orleans Square and Frontierland.
Guests will enjoy special photo locations with popular Disney pals, plus Disney villains. For Mickey’s Halloween Party only, Disney characters will be dressed in their Halloween costumes. During the day and on non-Halloween Party nights, Disney characters will wear their special Diamond Celebration attire.
Nearly all the favorite Disneyland rides and attractions, plus Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, will be operating.
Complimentary parking for one standard-size vehicle is included with the ticket.
During Halloween Time, on non-Mickey’s Halloween Party nights, Disneyland guests will see the “Paint the Night” parade along with the new Diamond Celebration “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular.
Also for Halloween Time, Jack Skellington makes his annual appearance in Disneyland to take over the Haunted Mansion and bring Haunted Mansion Holiday back to New Orleans Square. This year, for the first time, Jack is joined by a fearsome new friend, the Hatbox Ghost, who took up residence in the Mansion just as the Diamond Celebration was getting underway. Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas” and transforms the Mansion with a collision of Halloween spookiness and Christmas cheer.
Spooky Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland is one of the guest favorites during Halloween Time. The unique Halloween-themed experience launches voyagers into a haunted section of the universe, where ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music.
In Frontierland, the traditional Dia de los Muertos is observed with a holiday skeleton display.
Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party* may be purchased online and on mobile devices at Disneyland.com/party, as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400. Guests may check for availability for the 17 nights: Friday, Sept. 25; Monday, Sept. 28, Wednesday, Sept. 30; Friday, Oct. 2; Monday, Oct. 5; Wednesday, Oct. 7; Friday, Oct. 9; Monday, Oct. 12; Wednesday, Oct. 14; Friday, Oct. 16; Monday, Oct. 19; Thursday, Oct. 22; Friday, Oct. 23; Sunday, Oct. 25; Tuesday, Oct. 27; and Thursday, Oct. 29. Tickets for Halloween night, Saturday, Oct. 31, are sold out. Online and mobile purchases are not available the day of the event.
Tickets purchased in advance are available at a discount on select nights. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $77 each. All tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party on Thursday, Oct. 29, are $84 each. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a non-smoking event. Smoking will be permitted only in the Esplanade outside the Disneyland main entrance.
For more information about Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, see www.Disneyland.com/Halloween. Entertainment and attractions are subject to change without notice. This site will be updated with frightfully fun details.
*Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets are subject to availability and are valid only for specific event dates and hours. Each ticket is valid for admission to the event and parking for one (1) vehicle (larger vehicles may require an additional fee) on the specified event date. Space is limited. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be resold. May not be combined with other discounts. Costumes subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive. Ages 2 and under: no ticket required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.
Desert Hot Springs is a desert oasis. Set atop ancient hot and cold aquifers, the town is known for abundant resorts and mineral spas, world-class drinking water, secret celebrity visitors, and a few other hidden gems.
I began a recent getaway to Desert Hot Springs by checking into the El Morocco Inn and Spa, an enchanting boutique hotel with an alluring, Arabian theme. Set against a backdrop of Joshua trees and jagged mountain ranges, the inn offers 12 unique guestrooms, full-service spa, pool and Jacuzzi, lush gardens, a Sultan’s tent, gourmet breakfast room, poolside bar, and lots of colorful Moroccan-styled architecture – all tucked into an unassuming residential neighborhood in the middle of the Palm Springs Desert.
El Morocco Inn and Spa is an enchanting and exotic boutique hotel
The fun started when a friend and I checked room 103, dubbed “The Arabian Alcove.” True to its name, this enchanting den features an alcove living room complete with a curved sofa, bistro style dining setup and a Moroccan Martini Bar with microwave and mini-fridge. The bedroom, separated from the living room by a beaded Moroccan archway, features a cloud-like, four-post king bed, draped with a romantic canopy net.
And like all guestrooms, The Arabian Alcove is only a few steps from the property’s natural, hot mineral water swimming pool and Jacuzzi spa. The water comes from ancient hot and cold aquifers that the city of Desert Hot Springs sits atop. For thousands of years, Native Americans in the region used the waters for survival.
Guest rooms boast a fun Arabian Theme
Today, the city’s cold water is rated among the world’s best for drinking, and its hot mineral water has propelled the town into a spa resort haven attracting celebrities and visitors from around the country – and world.
Once nestled into our room, we explored the city and found another desert jewel: Cabot’s Pueblo Museum (www.cabotsmuseum.org), a 75-yr-old, hand-built, hideaway with 35 rooms,150 windows and 65 doors. Set in Desert Hot Springs’ scenic hills , the design of the pueblo looks like an old-west movie set, and was inspired by the Hopi Indians.
The builder behind the rustic mansion was Cabot Yerxa, a renaissance man, who began building it in 1941 at age 57, and who helped found Desert Hot Springs. It began in 1913, when Cabot homesteaded 160 acres of dry, unforgiving land, where few English-speaking people lived. According to articles Cabot wrote for a local paper, he would walk 14 miles to get water from a trickling clay bank at a place called Two Bunch.
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a hand-built masterpiece built in the desert
At one hillside location he found remnants of Native Americans and decided if they could survive there, so could he. So he dug two wells and discovered hot and cold mineral waters deep below his property. With water available, he built his 5,000-sq-ft, Southwest Indian pueblo-styled mansion and put it together with anything he could find laying around the desert, including abandoned cabin pieces, used tires, tin cans, old telephone poles, buck board wagon, and more.
The museum features many Native American artifacts and sculptures
Back at El Morocco Inn and Spa, we enjoyed a “Morocco-tini” at the hotel’s nightly happy hour, hosted by hotel owner Bruce Abney. Held at the hip, poolside bar, the event is a chance to meet fellow guests and talk with Abney, who designed the inn after visits to the North African country.
“I wanted to create something totally different for folks,” says Abney. “It needed to be an experience rather than just an overnight stay.”
After traditional Moroccan hand-washing and a couple potent Morocco-tini’s, I relaxed on a sofa in the hotel’s “Casablanca Room,” where a TV plays an endless loop of the classic Bogart film, which is set Morocco during WWII. In the morning I hit the inn’s daily complimentary continental breakfast buffet. Featuring an array of fresh juices, avocados, pastry, crème cheese, tomatoes, bagels, cereals, yogurts coffee and teas, the feast is a perfect way to start a Moroccan morning in Desert Hot Springs.
Moroccan hand-washing and Morocco-tini’s are highlights of a stay at the El Morocco Inn
The El Morocco Inn and Spa is located at 66810 4th Street, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240. For more information, call 888.288.9905 or visit:www.elmoroccoinn.com
