A New Season Means New Magic

A New Season Means New Magic

Another summer is winding down, and while vacations and Florida usually revolve around fun in the sun, splashing in the pool, and late nights at the parks, the end of summer doesn't mean end to the fun. With autumn approaching, we are entering one of the best times to be at Walt Disney World. Sure, the temperatures are down, and those pesky afternoon thunderstorms are going away, but there's lots more to the fall than pleasant conditions.

Autumn is a time of celebration, and what better place to celebrate than at Walt Disney World? The International Food & Wine Festival gets into full swing on October 1st, and this year is especially memorable because it's the 15th anniversary of this Epcot favorite. The theme this year is "Delicious Discoveries", and what better way to celebrate than with two new International Marketplaces, Beligum and South Korea. And that's in addition to the 27 tasting stations from across the globe, including Argentina, Australia, Chile, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, and U.S.A. (many of them will also have new culinary offerings to please the palate, so bring your appetite!). If you're heading down to experience the Food & Wine Festival, a stay at one of the Epcot resorts is a must. There's nothing like a late afternoon stroll through the International Gateway for an early evening snack of your choosing; it's like having the entire world right out your front door. For even more fun, pick up a complimentary Marketplace Discovery Passport. You can have your passport stamped at the different marketplaces, making for a wonderful souvenir (but it's a good thing you'll be doing a lot of walking!).

If candy and other sweet treats are more to your liking, than you'll definitely want to attend one of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Parties at the Magic Kingdom. The hard-ticketed event (already underway), is a Halloween party like no other. You'll see characters decked out in their favorite costumes, as well as parades and fireworks created especially for the event. The highlight of the evening is surely the Headless Horseman galloping down Main Street U.S.A. at Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade. You can trick-or-treat for candy and other goodies, and you can come in your favorite costume (pirates are a popular favorite, though a costume isn't required for trick-or-treating!). A visit to the Haunted Mansion is a must-do, it will be illuminated by an eerie assortment of orange and green lights, and some ghoulish residents might be on hand to "welcome" you home. Ticket prices range from $53.95 to $64.95 (plus tax), depending on which night you attend. Even if you don't make it the party, you can still enjoy the Halloween decorations at the Magic Kingdom throughout the day. Colorful fall-colored streamers and buntings adorn the Main Street shops, and you'll find lots of other Halloween treasures such as scarecrows and jack-o-lanterns throughout the Magic Kingdom (some in very familiar shapes).

If Christmas is more your speed, the fall also ushers in the most magical holiday celebrations of all. Starting on November 8, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party makes way for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. This is also a hard ticketed event, and just like MNSSP, you can enjoy the holiday decorations throughout the day even if you don't attend the party. If you do attend though, you're in for real treat, literally! Free cookies, hot chocolate and apple slices are given out throughout the park, and you can even see it snow on Main Street. You can find even more holiday magic at Epcot, where you can experience Christmas across the globe at World Showcase. For evening entertainment, the Candlelight Processional is something you'll never forget. Even if you can't get a ticket (or simply choose not to, the line to get in can be veeery long!), you can witness the splendor from a distance as you wander through the American Adventure pavilion (it may be a bit hard to see but the music is spellbinding). And don't forget the fireworks, both Wishes and IllumiNations (at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot respectively), offer up special holiday versions that simply have to be seen to be believed.

The holidays sure make the fall a wonderful time to visit, but what about those weather conditions? Make no mistake, they help to make this time of year a favorite among vacationers. Temperatures can still get warm, but generally you won't be confronted with the sweltering heat of the mid-afternoon sun. Whereas in the summer an afternoon retreat is well advised (whether it's for a nap or a dip in the resort pool), that's not always necessary in the fall. Cooler afternoons allow for more exploration time. Wander through the Animal Kingdom at your leisure and make note of all the exquisite detail. If you've visited the Animal Kingdom in the summer (where it always seems to be 10-15 degrees warmer than the other parks), you'll appreciate this time of year even more. The Animal Kingdom is a rich treasure trove of exotic landscapes, architecture, and details; worthy of a long day of exploring. The same holds true for the other parks, and let's not forget the resorts. Now's the time to take that walk from the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian, making sure to stroll by the Wedding Pavilion. Or to wander the BoardWalk and visit the Yacht and Beach Clubs. Better yet, head down to the Swan and Dolphin and follow the canal to the Hollywood Studios. When you get to the overpass, take the path up the hill to the left, follow it across the bridge and head back down to the water for a relaxing stroll back to the resorts.

Whatever your pleasure, the falling leaves usher in a wonderful time at Walt Disney World. If you've never been at this time of year, make sure to visit. It just might be the trip of a lifetime!

I heard that the page for Mr. Tom Morrow was removed from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, is that true?
Brian, Kentucky

I've got bad news and good news. The bad news is that yes, when the TTA and Space Mountain reopened after their long refurbishment, the TTA narration was drastically changed, removing many of the whimsical elements that turned your Tomorrowland tour into a journey through a futuristic intergalactic metropolis. Among the pieces of narration what was dropped was the infamous "Paging Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow. Your party from Saturn has arrived, please give them ring." The good news is that Mr. Morrow has recently returned. Now you'll hear a variation of the beloved page as you ride through Space Mountain (though the party from Saturn has apparently moved on to other stellar destinations).

What's going on at Exposition Hall on Main Street, U.S.A.?
Elizabeth, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Recent visitors to Main Street U.S.A. may have noticed that the rear portion of Exposition Hall has been closed off. That area used to be home to a charming, but often overlooked exhibit that showcased the early days of Disney animation and Walt Disney World itself. What's going in its place? With the upcoming closure of Mickey's Toontown Fair, it was clear that Mickey and Minnie needed a new home to meet and greet Guests. Consequently, it was decided that an all-new meet and greet area would be created right in the heart of Main Street. So that's what's going on behind the construction walls, be sure to have your autograph books ready!

Innoventions West

In the grand hallway in the back of the Innoventions building, look for the timeline display showing you the history and evolution of Epcot. You'll likely find a number of surprising facts (and if nothing else, it's a great place to relax!).

Can you figure out where this picture was taken?
HINT: This one is way out there...

Answer next issue!