The Cadaver Dans Are Back To Haunt The Magic Kingdom

Stopping on Main Street to listen to the Dapper Dans and their magical barbershop quartet harmonies is one of my favorite things to do any time of year. But they are especially fantastic at Halloween. This year, they'll be back to serenade guests as the Cadaver Dans. Through October 31, you can catch their performance in Frontierland. Their frightful tunes may include:

• “Boo”
• “Cruella DeVil”
• “Darkness On The Delta”
• “Ghost Riders In The Sky”
• “Grim Grinning Ghosts”
• “Happy Trails To You”
• “Home On The Range”
• “Lone Prairie”
• “Rawhide”
• “The Headless Horseman”
• “The Oogie Boogie Song”
• “Trick Or Treat”
• “Tumblin' Tumbleweeds”
• “WaHoo”
• “Why Do They Call Me A Tenderfoot”

Can't make it to Disney World this Halloween? Well, not to worry. Here are the Dapper Dans of Disneyland performing "Grim Grinning Ghosts" at Halloween.

PhotoPass After Dark Is Amazing

All images: Disney

It's been 15 years since PhotoPass began at Disney World. Millions of incredible photos later, Disney PhotoPass is going strong and continues to add amazing new photo opportunities. The latest props and Magic Shots shine best at night, and add a whole new experience for guests. Fans of Tinker Bell can have a photo holding Tink's lantern in the UK Pavilion at EPCOT.

If Cinderella is more your style, stop by the photographer near Sleepy Hollow in the Magic Kingdom for this fun photo featuring Cinderella's glass slipper and the castle in the background.

Each park also has a special after dark Magic Shot. In Animal Kingdom, the Tree of Life comes alive in this shot found on Discovery Island.

In Hollywood Studios, stop by the photographer near Once Upon a Time for this Magic Shot with the Tower of Terror.

In the Magic Kingdom, the end of Main Street, USA near the hub is the place to find a little Mickey magic in your photo.

Finally, at EPCOT, this Magic Shot is available near the main entrance. All of these photos will be available after dark until April 19, 2020, so be sure to check them out. And keep an eye out for new PhotoPass opportunities. You never know when something exciting will appear.

Lion King Treats Are Coming To Animal Kingdom

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A delightful assortment of The Lion King inspired sweets and treats have arrived at Disney's Animal Kingdom this summer.  From popcorn and cookies to ice cream and slushies, there's something for everyone. The Bugs 'n Grubs Waffle Cone features chocolate ice cream in a green cone with cookies and cream dirt, gummy worms, and a chocolate beetle. It can be found at Anandapur Bus and Trilo-Bites.

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This Simba Ice Cream Sandwich, two chocolate chip cookies, vanilla ice cream, an image of Simba and  chocolate tail, is available at Tamu Tamu.

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Also at Tamu Tamu, Simba's Sunset Dole Whip is pineapple Dole Whip with red watermelon and coconut syrup. It's also available as the King's Cooler, which adds rum to the Dole Whip and syrup.

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The Asante Slush is a shaved ice topped with watermelon and passion fruit-mango syrup. It can be found at the Shave Ice Cart near Harambe Market.

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A Lion's Latte featuring espresso, white chocolate, and coconut can be found at Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Co.

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Kids will love the Simba Cupcake, a yellow vanilla cupcake with white chocolate mousse topped with buttercream and an edible Simba. This cupcake is available at Pizzafari.

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Breakfast at Tusker House means Simba and Nala waffles for kids this summer.

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To keep the fun going once you leave the park, look for this Lion King Sipper and Popcorn Bucket later this summer. It will be available at Outdoor Vending locations throughout the park. Which treats are you most looking forward to?

The Lion King Has Arrived At Disney's Animal Kingdom

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Disney's animated classic, The Lion King. To celebrate the occasion, characters and scenes from the movie have been popping up around Animal Kingdom. There's a fun photo backdrop outside the ticketing area and a scene from "Hakuna Matata" near Pizzafari.

Four new PhotoPass Magic Shots are available, too. These fun photos with favorite characters can be found at specific locations throughout the park between 10am and 5pm daily this summer.

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Get a photo with Zazu near the bridge leading into Africa.

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Chill out with Rafiki near the Harambe Market.

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Sing "Hakuna Matata" with Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa near the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris.

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Spot Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa clowning around near the ticket windows.

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Fear the hyenas, Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed, in Africa overlooking the Tree of Life. Also near the Tree of Life, you can pose with themes props. These fun photo options are the perfect way to celebrate a favorite family film.

Mickey and Minnie's Surprise Celebration Treats

As part of the celebration of Mickey and Minnie's 90th birthday, the Magic Kingdom has a few new limited time treats to enjoy. The Mickey Sipper with Party Hat Straw is the cutest. I noticed that this festive sipper is available at Casey's Corner and the Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, but it may be found at additional locations. The sipper is $13.99 and comes with a fountain drink, although a cast member said it could be purchased for $10 without the drink. Either way, it's much better than the $24.99 it was at Disneyland.

The "Now and Forever Slush" at Gaston's Tavern is a delicious sparkling cider slush with a white chocolate covered strawberry decorated with a Mickey and Minnie silhouette. The slush is $4.99 and it comes in a plastic champagne flute.

Finally, Minnie has gone ultra purple in this "Purple Minnie Cake on a Stick". It's very purple (even the stick is purple!), very sparkly, a little blackberry, and pretty sweet. So fun! It can be found at the Castle Hub Popcorn Stand to the right of Cinderella's Castle and costs $6.50.

2019 Is The Year of Mickey and Minnie in The Magic Kingdom

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The Magic Kingdom is kicking off their year-long celebration of the 90th birthdays of Mickey and Minnie on January 18. Here are a few fun things to look for:

• Mickey & Minnie's Surprise Celebration brings new music, dancing, and more to the park.
• At the "Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party", dance with Mickey, Minnie, and their friends to new arrangements of "Mickey Mouse Club" songs.
• Listen to the Dapper Dans sing songs in honor of our favorite mice on Main Street, USA.
• Celebrate with Mickey and Minnie themed foods and merchandise.
• And finally, keep your eyes peeled for Limited-Time Magic experiences that will POP up around the park.

Celebrate the 65th Anniversary of Peter Pan with Some PhotoPass Magic

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Peter Pan premiered on February 3, 1953. To celebrate the 65th anniversary of the film, PhotoPass photographers are adding a little Pixie Dust to your photos. From February 4th through the 10th, there will be several special photo opportunities that you'll only find at the Magic Kingdom.

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Mr. Smee and Captain Hook will be coming ashore in Fantasyland for a special photo. They'll be available intermittently from 9AM to 6:15PM, so keep a weather eye open for those rascally pirates.

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Nearby, you may just discover that Peter Pan's shadow has appeared in your photo.

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Stop by the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Refreshments for a photo that brings out your inner fairy.

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Or find a photographer on Main Street that will take a photo where Tinker Bell magically appears in your hand.

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The final photo opportunity is in front of the Partner's Statue, where you can hold this "Take Me to Never Land" sign in your photos.

And don't forget, you'll need to purchase Memory Maker before, during, or after your vacation to receive all of your PhotoPass photos and videos. Memory Maker is included with some Annual Passes.

Villainous Treats at EPCOT

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The most villainous cupcakes have appeared at EPCOT this week, just in time for Halloween. The three spooktacular desserts can be found at Sunshine Seasons, but only until October 31.

• Ursula - bubblegum mousse on vanilla cake with a black mirror glaze, and Ariel's contract and Ursula's shell necklace decoration
• Cruella DeVil - chocolate and meringue cake with cream cheese filling and a kiss decoration
• Queen of Hearts - chocolate cake with strawberry cream cheese icing, a crown, and a "painting the roses red" decoration

They all sound enticing, but which one to try first? Decisions, decisions...

Star Wars Galactic Nights

A new special event is coming to Hollywood Studios this spring, and it sounds amazing. Star Wars: Galactic Nights will debut on April 14. Guests can come dressed as their favorite character and celebrate 40 of the Star Wars Universe.

Here's a sneak peek of what to expect:

Rebel Base Activities - There will be multiple events, hosted shows, Star Wars dance parties and more in the center of the park.

“Inside the Saga: Celebrity Chat Show” – Catch a celebrity chat in Epic Theater to learn about the making of the films.

Star Wars photo ops – Don your Star Wars finest and enjoy iconic backdrops, including Han Solo cast in carbonite, Jabba the Hutt’s Palace, the Hoth Wampa Cave and more.

Galactic Nights Stars in Cars Motorcade – This procession will welcome in Star Wars celebrities down Hollywood Blvd.

Imperial March & March of the First Order – Darth Vader will lead a battalion of stormtroopers down Hollywood Blvd to the Event Stage. Captain Phasma will also lead a unit of First Order stormtroopers through the park, pausing to give a demonstration of power and strength.

Seize the Saga Interactive Scavenger Hunt – Event Guests are challenged to collect themed pieces at photo backdrops throughout the park, revealing a surprise when all items have been collected.

“Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” – Watch clips of the best moments from the film saga juxtaposed with character moments on stage, featuring Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and more.

Photo courtesy of Disney

“Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” – The skies will come alive with the power of the Force, as Star Wars-themed fireworks lights up the night.

Other popular attractions will be open, including Star Wars Launch Bay. Additional offerings will include Star Tours-The Adventures Continue, AWR Trooper sightings, roaming droids, special merchandise and much more.

The event will be held at the park from 7 p.m.-midnight. The Star Wars: Galactic Nights ticket costs $129 plus tax for adults and $124 plus tax for children ages 9 and under. Disney Vacation Club and Passholder discount available. Tickets are extremely limited, so click here or call 407-827-7036 for more information or to book now.

Limited Time Magic for Halloween

I had a chance to experience an amazing Limited Time Magic this week. For one week only, from 10/26 until 11/1, the Diamond Horseshoe transforms into the Happy Haunted Horseshoe. Featured performers include the Cadaver Dans, Miss Betty Blue, Abner Cadaver: the Ghostly Magician, and the piano man Dearly Departed Stan. They sing Halloween music, perform magic, and are spooky fun. The performances seem to run continuously from 11am until 3pm each day.

As you enter the Horseshoe, you will be directed to a table where you can watch, and possibly interact with the performers. I would recommend a seat in the middle; that's the best place to view the show.  There are even special desserts and sandwiches available at the bar. Bean chose a giant eyeball cupcake.

Miss Betty Blue is a singer from the old west. Her songs and jokes were quite funny.

Next up were a the piano stylings of Dearly Departed Stan. Stan scared the heck out of Bean when he came out of a door behind us and snuck up to our table silently. He leaned in between Bean and I and whispered, "Boo!" Bean was sure startled, but though it was quite funny. The third act was Abner Cadaver, who was actually quite a good magician that required a lot of audience participation.

The Cadaver Dans were definitely my favorite. They sang "The Headless Horseman", "Ghost Riders in the Sky", and "Boo to You" in four part harmony. It was amazing! So if you'll be in the Magic Kingdom this week, be sure to stop in at the Happy Haunted Horseshoe. You'll be sure to have a ghostly good time.

May the Fourth Be With You Limited Time Magic

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For 2013, Disney World has created special events called Limited Time Magic. The events and often special merchandise are often only available for one day only. In addition to the regular Star Wars Weekends, Disney World has planned a special day for Star Wars lovers. May the 4th, the unofficial "Star Wars Day" will be a day of Star Wars fun at Hollywood Studios.

Star Wars characters will show up in the most unlikely places. You might find yourself riding Star Tours with an Ewok or perhaps Chewbacca. For the first time, parents can join their children in Jedi Training Academy and learn to use the Force and battle the Dark Side and the Empire. A special dance party, with a DJ straight from Lando Calrissian's Cloud City, will end with a spectacular Star Wars themed fireworks show.

I would love to go to Hollywood Studios for May the Be With You. I'm sure it will be absolutely packed with fans and a lot of fun!