You can’t swing a lightsaber without hitting D23 EXPO news, some of which I will be delving into later this week, and if you spent even a little time online this past weekend, you probably have a good idea of what the major announcements and news entail. Let’s look at some of the things that happened off-campus this past week, shall we?
Knott’s Scary Farm Announcement Event…Announced
This is the closest thing theme parks have to the old-school Apple Keynote Address that Steve Jobs used to give. The announcements of mazes and shows new and old are received with a religious zeal that must be experienced at least once if you are a lover of theme park history, because it is a THING.
The catch is that it is for Knott’s Passholders and invited guests only.
“On Wednesday, August 26, beginning at 8:00am, until the limited number of wristbands are gone, show your valid 2015 Knott’s Regular, Gold, Platinum, or Knott’s Scary Farm pass at the North side of the Knott’s Berry Farm Main Gate near the Group Sales window to receive your event wristband. Wristbands will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. One non-transferable event wristband per 2015 pass. Passholder must be present to receive wristband, no exceptions. Not recommended for kids under the age of 13.”
Knott’s Scary Farm takes place on select nights September 24 – October 31
MBTYHP&THHWDPP@MNSSHP
Pam Brandon used to write for Disney News back in the day. She was, I recall, in the top five nicest people among a staff of really nice, cool people, so that’s saying something. So, whenever I see one of her foodie posts, I have to smile. I’m a little biased, I admit, because she was so great to us during the WDW 25th Anniversary with the “first family in Disney’s Animal Kingdom” photo and all. But yesterday’s posting was a call to arms. And keystrokes.
But whomever names these things…come ON!
Here’s the gist: There’s a premium experience at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party where you can enjoy Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade from a special reserved location on Main Street followed by The Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package. In short, you get MBTYHP&THHWDPP@MNSSHP. Couldn’t be more simple.
“Sweeten your night with a scary-good premium experience at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!
On select evenings from September 15 through November 1, enjoy Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade from a special reserved location right on Main Street. Experience fun, frightful floats and kooky-spooky Disney Characters dressed in their Halloween finest—followed by a private dessert party with to-die-for views of the Cinderella Castle fireworks—a super-special way to make the most of the Happy Hallo-Wishes Nighttime Spectacular at Magic Kingdom Park!
At a table draped in black tablecloth with a flickering Jack-O-Lantern, dine on Halloween-themed cupcakes and desserts prepared that same day by our pastry chef, with sweet treats like chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, ice cream and fresh, seasonal fruits and cheeses. Make a toast to the best ghost at your table with sparkling cider or lemonade, hot chocolate, coffee or tea, and then marvel as the sky above explodes with color, music and light!
The Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package costs $69 for adults or $39 for children (ages 3 to 9) which includes tax. A separate Event Party Ticket is also required, and is not included in the price of the package. The package will be available on the following dates only:
- September: 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27
- October: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
- November: 1
Call (407) 939-3463 to reserve your premium package, book online here, or use the FREE services of a Disney expert Travel Agent.
Disney Attractionistas
I’d seen these online and thought that they were all right, but when I saw them in person at the D23 EXPO (in doll?) I really liked them. It’s a cute idea, and I like that they’re not cookie-cutter dolls with differing outfits and hair. Just about any little girl (and hey, some boys too!) can identify with these cute characters.
Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager, posted part of an interview with Victoria Hamilton, Merchandiser for Dolls and Plush, on the Disney Parks Blog:
“Disney Attractionistas are special friends that love to be together at Disney Parks every chance they get,” explained Victoria. “As the story goes, each Attractionista wished to be part of their favorite attraction, and that it could be a part of them. Once their wishes came true, they were magically transformed with attire inspired by those various attractions. These 12-inch fashion dolls come with detailed clothing, a special animal sidekick and a fun story on the back of the packaging about things each doll enjoys. I think these dolls make great companions for any guest who loves Disney Parks.”
Special friends that love to be together at Disney Parks every chance they get, huh? Boy, that doesn’t describe anybody I know!
The first four are out, and they are Maddie (Mad Tea Party), Celeste (Space Mountain) get it, celestial?, Gracey (The Haunted Mansion) and Pearl (Pirates of the Caribbean) -er, The Black Pearl?
Two more are on their way this fall: Carrie (various and sundry Disney Carr/Carousels) and Nellie (Jungle Cruise).
Miller later added that Disney Design Group artist Mike Sullivan created the designs for the dolls while Dave Keefer designed the packaging. Love the universal, more timeless look of the dolls than most of their neighbors on the shelves. But you won’t find them at Target or Toys R Us – these are Disney Parks exclusives (but you can buy them online). In fact, you can meet Mike and Dave Friday, August 21 at Once Upon a Toy at Downtown Disney Marketplace in Florida from 5PM to 6PM.
So, here’s where you have a chance to have your say: what attraction would you like to see, or be? What would they wear, what would their companion be like, what would their name be? Tell me in the comments below! I caught a cold sometime Sunday evening, so I’ll sleep on mine, but I think it’s the old 20,000 Leagues ride, just about anything from EPCOT Center, and anything having to do with trains or transportation. What’s yours?
TTFN
It was lovely seeing everyone at the D23 EXPO this weekend, like a family reunion. I am grateful to whomever paid for my dinner Saturday night and didn’t tell me they did it. Thank you!
I’ll have some thoughts and interviews from D23 EXPO for you later this week, as will Andy Castro. Please check back on MiceChat daily for all sorts of fun stuff.
If you have a suggestion, diversion, regression, dispersion, or progression, email me at [email protected]. Thanks!
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