It's hard to believe that summer is almost over, but the new fall season brings two of my favorite Walt Disney World events: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.
I can't believe 2011 will be the 5th consecutive year that we will have attended Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. We started bringing our daughter when she was two years old. Actually, our first year attending MNSSHP, we were also on our first Walt Disney World vacation as a family-- and we've been hooked ever since! You can check out my review of previous parties here: (New!) 2011 MNSSHP, 2010 MNSSHP, 2009 MNSSHP
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival has ALWAYS been a favorite of mine, probably because of my love for food and travel. I have yet to make arrangements for this year, but I will be attending. A few of my Epcot Food & Wine posts: 2010 Epcot F&WF, Party for the Senses, 2009 Epcot F&WF
Until then, here's a quick update on this years events so you can start planning:
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party - Select evenings between Sept. 13 and Nov. 1, 2011
The headless horseman romps down Main Street, U.S.A. aboard his steed, ghostly apparitions flit among the buildings of Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle is draped in eerie hues and the night sky is painted with bursts of orange and green fireworks during this popular after-hours Magic Kingdom party on 23 select autumn evenings between September and November. The special-ticket event features trick-or-treating throughout the park, “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular, “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” – including Disney characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction – and the opportunity to experience popular attractions.
Check out my review of the 2011 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.
16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival - Sept. 30-Nov. 13, 2011
The one-of-a-kind 45-day festival serves up international cuisine, culture and entertainment from six continents, with more than 25 international marketplaces featuring tapas-sized portions paired with beer, wine and inventive new cocktails. During the six-week festival, guests will discover:
- Three new tasting marketplaces — Hawaii, Caribbean Islands and Portugal — plus new menu offerings at popular returning marketplaces
- Celebrity chef appearances starring top culinarians like Jeff Henderson, Cat Cora, Alan Wong, Gale Gand, Suvir Saran, Jamie Deen, Rock Harper, Celina Tio, Robert Irvine, Andrew Zimmern, Buddy Valastro, Warren Brown, Art Smith, Keegan Gerhard and more.
- First-ever HGTV home entertaining seminars each Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- The Cranberry Bog display by Craisins telling the story behind the venerable cranberry’s rich agricultural heritage.
- Daily wine seminars, bottle signings, author events and culinary demonstrations at the Festival Welcome Center.
- Eat to the Beat! concerts three times nightly at America Gardens Theatre.
Tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $3 to $8 each, and recommended wines, cocktails and beers make perfect pairings at each marketplace.
Authentic Taste seminars and Authors Without Borders programs with special book signings at the Festival Center, Eat to the Beat! concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.
Melissa
We went to MNSSHP a few years ago but this is our first time with my son. I can't wait!