Quote of the Week

When hinges creak 

in doorless chambers,

and strange and frightening

sounds echo through the halls.

Whenever candlelights flicker

where the air is deathly still.

That is the time 

when ghosts are present, 

practicing their terror 

with ghoulish delight!

- Ghost Host, The Haunted Mansion

Watch the Magic Kingdom Transform into a Halloween Town

Disney

This time lapse video shows how cast members at the Magic Kingdom transform the park into a Halloween town in one night. Amazing!

Happy Hobbit Day!

New Line Cinema

Every year, on September 22, fans around the world celebrate the shared birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. This year's celebration also marks the 80th anniversary of the Hobbit, which was first released on September 21, 1937.

There are many ways to celebrate. I've spent the week rewatching all of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films. I still love them and discover something new everytime I watch them.

Today, I think it may be a good day to eat at least one Hobbit-y meal, though probably not as many as Merry and Pippin would. Hobbits sure do like to eat: Breakfast, Second Breakfast, Elevenses, Luncheon, Afternoon Tea, Dinner, Supper. And its quite likely that the list goes on.

Perhaps I'll knit something from one of the many patterns the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings have inspired. I'm rather partial to the scarf with the wording from the One Ring in Elvish. How will you celebrate Hobbit Day?

Return to Sleepy Hollow Event at Disney World

Disney

If you've ever been to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, you know how amazing it is to see the Headless Horseman ride through the park before the parade. It's one of my favorite parts of the party. If you just can't get enough of that old spook, you're in luck. This year, Disney has created a special event that revolves around the ghostly figure on his nightmarish steed, "Return to Sleepy Hollow" at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.

Disney

Guests will view the classic 1949 animated film "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" inside the Tri-Circle-D Ranch stables. Afterward, get up close and have your photo taken with the Headless Horseman.

Disney

"Return to Sleepy Hollow" will take place on the following dates at 8 PM and 10 PM:

• September 29 - October 2
• October 5-9
• October 12-16
• October 19-23
• October 26-31

Disney

There are two different ticket options: general seating is $22 per person, and priority seating, which includes first dibs on the photo op as well as a Halloween treat bag, is $38 per person. Guests age 2 and under are free, but will need to sit in a parent's lap. To reserve this experience, call 407-WDW-TOUR. Space is limited and expected to sell out quickly.

Halloween Popcorn Buckets at the Disney Parks

Disney

Every year, the Disney Parks come out with the most amazing figural popcorn buckets, celebrating everything from Mickey, to Star Wars, to Marvel characters. But the ones I love the most appear at Halloween.

Last year, it was a vampire Mickey with glowing hands. The year before, Mickey was dressed as a Hitchhiking Ghost from the Haunted Mansion.

One year, the bucket looked like Zero's doghouse from Nightmare Before Christmas, and Zero's nose lit up. Another year, it was a coffin shaped box with Jack Skellington on the lid and a vampire teddy bear on the inside.

I love collecting these buckets and always look forward to the next design. This Halloween, there are two new designs to tempt you. The first is a Mickey Pumpkin bucket that lights up. It can be found throughout Disneyland and in all four parks at Disney World.

Disney

The second is Oogie Boogie, as seen at the top, and he glows in the dark. Both have a long carry strap and are actually refillable in Disney World for $1.50 each time for the length of your stay. Oogie Boogie can be found at California Adventure and near New Orleans Square in Disneyland and exclusively at the Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World.

Special Piratey MagicShot for International Talk Like a Pirate Day

Disney

Ahoy, matey! It be International Talk Like a Pirate Day, savvy? Have ye ever dreamed of holding the Black Pearl in the palm of yer hand? If ye be visiting the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World today, ye be in luck. Just keep a weather eye open for a PhotoPass Photographer across from the clock tower at Pirates of the Caribbean. There, ye'll have the chance to have yer photo taken with a wee bit o' added magic.

Disney

Can't set sail to the parks this day? Not to worry. If ye possess a linked Magicband while ye ride Pirates of the Caribbean, a PhotoPass camera will capture an image of yer crew's voyage anytime.

Photo of the Week

I love watching the Happy Hallowishes Fireworks at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, even when they're unexpectedly late due to rain.