Sleepy Hollow in the Magic Kingdom

Sleepy Hollow Refreshments is a little counter service snack spot located in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom. The name and sign with the Headless Horseman come from the classic Washington Irving tale the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Disney made a short and very funny cartoon based on the story that was narrated by Bing Crosby. The building was even designed to look like Irving's home, Sunnyside, in Tarrytown, NY.

Sleepy Hollow has a limited, but delicious, collection of offerings. Most of their items are desserts, which are great for breakfast, and include fantastic waffles. The waffles, which are fairly large, are available with a variety of toppings. You can get powdered sugar, cinnamon, strawberries and whipped cream, or one of three specialty sandwiches: Nutella with fresh fruit, sweet and spicy chicken, or ham, prosciutto, and swiss with tomatoes. I got the chance to try the new sandwiches last fall, and they are divine! Bean and I loved the Nutella waffle, and my dad and sister raved over the ham and swiss one.

Other Sleepy Hollow favorites include funnel cakes with either powdered sugar, cinnamon, or strawberries and whipped cream, ice cream sandwiches, and Coke or root beer floats. My favorite drink is the Liberty Swirl Slush, which is a combination of strawberry and blue raspberry Fanta slushes. They also serve iced coffee plain or as a float in three flavors. In addition to the fancy drinks, they also offer the usual Coke products, coffee, tea, cocoa, juice, milk, and even soy milk. And if you like collectible cups, be sure to get the souvenir stein with Ichabod on one side and the Headless Horseman on the other.

Sleepy Hollow is finally a part of the Disney Dining Plan, but is doesn't include the waffles. The waffle sandwiches are around $7 and the dessert waffles and funnel cakes are between $4.50 and $6. If you are just looking for a small snack or a light meal, I would recommend sharing a waffle or funnel cake, as they are definitely large enough to split. The floats and slushes are about $4.

As you exit with your food, there is a nice, breezy, covered seating area to your right. Sleepy Hollow isn't near any other dining or attraction, so this area is often quiet and fairly empty. It's a great spot to relax without feeling like you're in the middle of everything.

This is my favorite snack stop at the Magic Kingdom any time of year, but especially at Halloween. At Halloween time, Sleepy Hollow sports several themed pumpkins. My favorite has the name Ichabod written on it with the quill pen nearby and is surrounded by fall leaves. Another pumpkin features the Headless Horseman on his rearing steed.

If you're in the mood for a great snack at the Magic Kingdom, give Sleepy Hollow a try. You'll be glad that you did.

New Steins at Sleepy Hollow

The Headless Horseman and a hidden Mickey

Sleepy Hollow has a new souvenir stein on the menu. They are similar to the new Beauty and the Beast steins that can be found at Gaston's Tavern in the New Fantasyland Expansion opening December 6, 2012. However, instead of Lefou and Gaston, this stein features the Headless Horseman on one side and a terrified Ichabod Crane riding his equally terrified horse on the other. The images are from one of my favorite scenes in the movie, so I instantly knew I had to have this stein.

Ichabod Crane and a hidden Mickey

Now, just so you know, these steins are plastic with sticker images on each side. But, they are a lot of fun and fairly inexpensive (for Disney), so they are definitely worth considering. My family loves the Headless Horseman and Sleepy Hollow, so we each got one. They are $7.99 and come filled with any fountain drink at Sleepy Hollow. And don't forget to ask for your soda without ice; the drinks are plenty cold enough without it, and you get a lot more bang for your buck.

And while you're there, don't forget to try the Nutella and fresh fruit waffle. I finally got a chance to try it, and it's amazing! The new waffle sandwiches are a fantastic addition to what was already one of my favorite snack stops.

Quote of the Week

Disney

Gather 'round and I'll elucidate
What goes on outside when it gets late
Along about midnight the ghosts and banshees
They get together for their nightly jamboree
There's things with horns and saucer eyes
Some with fangs about this size
Some are fat and some are thin
And some don't even wear their skin
I'm telling you, brother, it's a frightful sight
To see what goes on Halloween night

When the spooks have a midnight jamboree
They break it up with fiendish glee
The ghosts are bad but the one that's cursed
Is the headless horseman; he's the worst
That's right, he's a fright on Halloween night

When he goes a joggin' 'cross the land
Holding his noggin in his hand
Demons take one look and groan
And they hit the road for parts unknown
Beware! Take care! He rides alone

And there's no spook like a spook that's spurned
They don't like him and he's really burned
He swears to the longest day he's dead
He'll show them that he can get a head

They say he's tired of his flaming top
He's got a yen to make a swap
So he rides one night each year
To find a head in the hollow here

He likes 'em little
He likes 'em big
Parted in the middle or a wig
Black or white or even red
The headless horseman needs a head

With a hip, hip and a clippity clop
He's out looking for a top to chop
So don't stop to figure out a plan
You can't reason with a headless man

Now if you doubt this tale is so
I met that spook just a year ago
Now I didn't stop for a second look
But made for the bridge that spans the brook
For once you've crossed that bridge, my friend
The ghost is through
His power ends

So when you're ridin' home tonight
Make for the bridge with all your might
He'll be down in the hollow there
He needs your head
Look out! Beware!

With a hip, hip and a clippity clop
He's out looking for a head to swap
So don't try to figure out a plan
You can't reason with a headless man

- Brom Bones, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Boo to You Parade at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

In my opinion, the Boo to You Parade at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is the best parade at Disney World. It's a great opportunity to see many rare Disney characters as well as several classic characters in Halloween costumes. Bean's favorite part of the parade is the Headless Horseman who rides through before the parade starts. We've enjoyed watching the old Disney Legend of Sleepy Hollow, as narrated by Bing Crosby, for years. As a result, we always look forward to seeing the Headless Horseman, although Bean was terribly disappointed to discover that he doesn't give autographs!

After the Horseman, the music begins and the floats make their way through Frontierland toward Main Street. The music is ridiculously catchy! You'll find yourself humming it for days after watching the parade. The parade begins with many walking characters who carry fancy Halloween masks. The characters dance to the music, but also wave to the children in the audience and high-five them as well.

The first float has Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in their Halloween finery, riding in a decorated gazebo.

Next is a large tree from the Hundred Acre Woods with Winnie the Pooh and friends in their Halloween costumes. Peter Pan and the Lost Boys dance and play their way through the parade with Wendy. They are followed by Captain Hook and Mr Smee on the Jolly Roger and an enormous Tick-Tock Croc.

The next group is pirates, including Captain Barbossa and Captain Jack Sparrow high up on a treasure covered cliff.

Now we've come to my favorite part of the parade: the Haunted Mansion characters. Fog covers the ground as the Caretaker, Dick O'Dell, leads his frightened dog through the mist. Ghostly ballroom dancers glide down the parade route followed by the Hitchhiking Ghosts standing on the steps of the Haunted Mansion. The dancers are not to be missed. They are eerie and beautiful at the same time.

The gravediggers are also spectacular and do an amazing dance with shovels, including a move where they run the shovels along the ground and send up sparks. The next group includes characters from the early days of Disney and includes Horace Horsecollar, a group of cowboy dancer, and the Country Bears singing and playing on a float.

Brer Bear and Brer Fox join Chip and Dale in Western wear to escort several country girls down the parade, dancing as they go. Clara Cluck follows them in a giant barn.

Next up is a pumpkin-headed character on a large mirrored ball that spins and weaves through the parade.

The villains follow, complete with their own skeleton band, and include the Queen of Heart, Cruella DeVil, the Evil Queen, the Sheriff of Nottingham, the Big Bad Wolf, Dr. Facilier,  and Jafar and Maleficent on a castle wall with a full size Chernabog peering over the top and often Ursula on the back. Shenzi, Bonzai, and Ed round out the villains and are followed by a candy corn waving flag line. Pluto and Goofy, riding in candy filled trucks, are the last to pass, with helpers who hand out candy to the children, ending the parade.

You'll have two chances to watch the parade during the party. If you have young children who may not be able to stay until the end of the party, I would recommend watching the earlier parade. The first parade is at 8:15 pm and the second parade is at 10:30 pm. I have watched the parade from several different locations, but would recommend finding a spot in Frontierland. The area between the Country Bear Jamboree and the Frontierland turkey leg cart, facing the Rivers of America is my favorite spot. It's usually not as crowded as Main Street and the lighting is fantastic for taking photos.

The Boo to You Parade may change slightly from year to year and may include different characters, but it's always worth taking the time to watch. Be sure to pick a spot about 20-30 minutes before the start of the parade to get the best seats and remember to bring glow sticks from home. They sell them at Disney and kids always want them, but they are far too expensive. The parade lasts about 15 minutes and may have a few moments that are too scary for young children, such as the Haunted Mansion characters and villains. However, this parade is definitely one to watch.

Boo to You Parade at MNSSHP

In my opinion, the Boo to You Parade at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is the best parade at Disney World. It's a great opportunity to see many rare Disney characters as well as several classic characters in Halloween costumes. Bean's favorite part of the parade is the Headless Horseman who rides through before the parade starts. We've enjoyed watching the old Disney Legend of Sleepy Hollow, as narrated by Bing Crosby, for years. As a result, we always look forward to seeing the Headless Horseman, although Bean was terribly disappointed to discover that he doesn't give autographs!

After the Horseman, the music begins and the floats make their way through Frontierland toward Main Street. The music is ridiculously catchy! You'll find yourself humming it for days after watching the parade. The parade begins with many walking characters who carry fancy Halloween masks. The characters dance to the music, but also wave to the children in the audience and high-five them as well.

The first float has Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in their Halloween finery, riding in a decorated gazebo.

Next is a large tree from the Hundred Acre Woods with Winnie the Pooh and friends in their Halloween costumes. Peter Pan and the Lost Boys dance and play their way through the parade with Wendy. They are followed by Captain Hook and Mr Smee on the Jolly Roger and an enormous Tick-Tock Croc.

The next group is pirates, including Captain Barbossa and Captain Jack Sparrow high up on a treasure covered cliff.

Now we've come to my favorite part of the parade: the Haunted Mansion characters. Fog covers the ground as the Caretaker, Dick O'Dell, leads his frightened dog through the mist. Ghostly ballroom dancers glide down the parade route followed by the Hitchhiking Ghosts standing on the steps of the Haunted Mansion. The dancers are not to be missed. They are eerie and beautiful at the same time.

The gravediggers are also spectacular and do an amazing dance with shovels, including a move where they run the shovels along the ground and send up sparks.

The next group includes characters from the early days of Disney and includes Horace Horsecollar, a group of cowboy dancer, and the Country Bears singing and playing on a float. Brer Bear and Brer Fox join Chip and Dale in Western wear to escort several country girls down the parade, dancing as they go. Clara Cluck follows them in a giant barn.

Next up is a pumpkin-headed character on a large mirrored ball that spins and weaves through the parade.

The villains follow, complete with their own skeleton band, and include the Queen of Heart, Cruella DeVil, the Evil Queen, the Sheriff of Nottingham, the Big Bad Wolf, Dr. Facilier,  and Jafar and Maleficent on a castle wall with a full size Chernabog peering over the top and often Ursula on the back. Shenzi, Bonzai, and Ed round out the villains and are followed by a candy corn waving flag line. Pluto and Goofy, riding in candy filled trucks, are the last to pass, with helpers who hand out candy to the children, ending the parade.

You'll have two chances to watch the parade during the party. If you have young children who may not be able to stay until the end of the party, I would recommend watching the earlier parade. The first parade is at 8:15 pm and the second parade is at 10:30 pm. I have watched the parade from several different locations, but would recommend finding a spot in Frontierland. The area between the Country Bear Jamboree and the Frontierland turkey leg cart, facing the Rivers of America is my favorite spot. It's usually not as crowded as Main Street and the lighting is fantastic for taking photos.

The Boo to You Parade may change slightly from year to year and may include different characters, but it's always worth taking the time to watch. Be sure to pick a spot about 20-30 minutes before the start of the parade to get the best seats and remember to bring glow sticks from home. They sell them at Disney and kids always want them, but they are far too expensive. The parade lasts about 15 minutes and may have a few moments that are too scary for young children, such as the Haunted Mansion characters and villains. However, this parade is definitely one to watch.

Halloween Is Coming To Disney World!

Disney

After Disney cancelled this year's Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, I wondered if there would be any Halloween in the parks this year. Fortunately for us, it looks like there will be Halloween treats and decor throughout all four parks. I can't wait! Here are a few of the treats you can expect to find beginning September 8.

Magic Kingdom

Disney

Main Street Bakery

• Mickey Cinnamon Roll - Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll drizzled with orange and white icing

Disney

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café

• Cinnamon Donuts Served in a Hitchhiking Ghost Novelty container 
• Hades Nachos - Black bean nacho chips with “fiery” buffalo chicken, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa, and jalapeño 
• Orange and Black Sugar Churros (also available at Churro Carts)

Liberty Square Market

• Constance’s For Better or For Worse Wedding Cake - Citrus cake with raspberry Bavarian cream, whipped cream flowers, and a chocolate axe 

Disney

Sleepy Hollow

• Pumpkin Spiced Waffle Sundae - Pumpkin spice-flavored waffled topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and sprinkles
• Madame Leota Sipper

Disney

Storybook Treats

• Poor Unfortunate Souls Float- Cream cheese soft-serve, black raspberry syrup, and Coke

Disney

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies 

• Pumpkin Spice Milkshake  Topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, sprinkles, and a Mickey-shaped marshmallow straw
• Pumpkin Spice Soft-Serve Sundae - Topped with whipped cream, caramel, and sprinkles

Disney

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café

• Mickey Monster Mash Burger - Burger with Meunster cheese, potato barrels, bacon, and sriracha aïoli

Sunshine Tree Terrace 

• Headless Horseman Rides Again - Strawberry DOLE Whip with Fanta Strawberry and a Headless Horseman Novelty Straw

Pinocchio Village House

• Not So Poison Apple Cupcake - A spiced apple cupcake with pecan crunch buttercream themed after a poison apple 

Quick-Service Restaurants

• Oogie Boogie Dice Novelty Glow Cubes
• Jack Skellington Sipper (Also available at Outdoor Vending Locations)
• Hitchhiking Ghost Sipper

Disney

Popcorn Carts

• Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket
• Mickey Pumpkin Premium Popcorn Bucket
• Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket 
• Hitchhiking Ghost Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Liberty Square Popcorn Cart)

Disney

In the Magic Kingdom, even more fun starts on September 15. The cavalcade of characters will feature Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and their pals decked out in their Halloween finery. Chip and Dale will be sporting their costumes over in Frontierland. Other dressed up Disney characters will be riding the horse-drawn trolley down Main Street, U.S.A.

And for the first time outside of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, guests of all ages are invited to join in the costume fun. Adults and children alike can wear their spookiest, Disney-ist, family friendly costume to the Magic Kingdom from September 15 to October 31. Be sure to check out Disney's Costume Guidelines before planning your outfit.

EPCOT

Disney

Canada Popcorn Cart and Fife & Drum

• Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket

Eats at EPCOT and Mission Space Popcorn Cart

• Green Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket 

Disney

All Popcorn Locations

• Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket

Sunshine Seasons and Regal Eagle Smokehouse 

• Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw

Disney

The following treats will only be available on Halloween Day.

Sunshine Seasons

• Halloween Cupcake - Choice of vanilla or chocolate cupcake with buttercream and a Mickey Pumpkin garnish 

Coral Reef Restaurant

• Nemo & Squirt’s Noggin Concoction - Chocolate brownie stuffed with a chocolate chip cookie topped with white chocolate-covered pretzels and a Mickey Pumpkin Garnish 

Traveler’s Café and Garden Grill

• Halloween Sugar Cookie - Sugar cookie topped with Halloween Sprinkles 

Desserts & Champagne Marketplace

• Liquid Nitro Cake Pop - Liquid nitro chocolate cake pop with Halloween sprinkles 

Animal Kingdom

Disney

Flame Tree Barbecue

• Scar Cupcake (Also available at Creature Comforts and Restaurantosaurus) - Red velvet cupcake with toasted marshmallow filling, chocolate marshmallow frosting, chocolate pebbles, white chocolate flames, and an edible icing image

Disney

• Spooky Apple Punch Specialty Beverage (Non-Alcoholic) (Also available at Isle of Java) - Sprite with Monin Apple Syrup poured over ice, garnished with a rocky candy apple straw, a gummy worm, a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube, and a sugar lime rim

Disney

• Rotten Apple Punch Specialty Beverage (Alcoholic) - Angry Orchard and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky over ice, garnished with a rocky candy apple straw, a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube, and gummy worms 

Trek Snacks

• Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Also available at Tamu Tamu, Restaurantosaurus, TriloBites, and Outdoor Vending Ice Cream Carts)  
• Purple Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket
• Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket

Hollywood Studios

Disney

Trolley Car Café

• Poison Candied Apple - Apple and caramel mousse covered in red glaze with a crunchy candy base

Disney

PizzeRizzo

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cannoli - Pumpkin cheesecake mixed with a hazelnut praline crunch in a cannoli shell 
• Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Also available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, and Anaheim Produce) 

Disney

Rosie's All-American Café

• Pumpkin Tiramisu - Layers of cream mascarpone and spiced pumpkin cake

Disney

• Frozen Apple Cider (Non-Alcoholic) (Also available at Backlot Express and PizzeRizzo) – Served with a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube 
• Frozen Apple Cider with Crown Royal Regal Apple (Alcoholic) (Also available at Backlot Express and PizzeRizzo) – Served with a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube

Disney

Backlot Express

• Box of Bones Chocolate Éclair- Chocolate éclair with dark chocolate mousse and white chocolate bones  

Anaheim Produce

• Orange Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Also available at Hollywood Popcorn and Animation Popcorn) 

Which treat would you try first?