Win Tink's Treasures!: My Very First Giveaway!!!!!

Gooooooood morning, Tinkers!

     I'm super excited to announce my very first giveaway! I figured, I live close to the magic and have access to all kinds of fun merchandise... why not share the benefit with you guys to thank you for supporting me on this venture? So here it is! My very first giveaway! What are we playing for???

     This one of a kind, (ok, NOT one of a kind) genuine Walt Disney World Halloween antenna topper! This is a new one that just came out this year and all you have to do it own it is the following...

     - Simply "Like" the Tinkin' About Disney Facebook page, if you haven't already.

     - Then, on the Tinkin' FB page, leave a comment, telling me your favorite Disney restaurant. If

          you've never been to Disney, no worries! You can share with me someplace that you hope to dine in

          the future, when you DO get to visit. 

     You have until midnight on Friday, September 11th, to enter. On Saturday, the kiddos and I will put everyone's name who entered into a hat, and pull out a winner! I will then private message you for an address to send you brand new antenna topper to! Good luck, everyone! And don't forget to share the Tinkin' About Disney Facebook page with your friends and family too!

Tink In The Parks: Family Fun at Magic Kingdom

Alright, Alright, Alright, Tinkers!

     I hope everyone who had Littles start school this week made it through with no bodily, mental or emotional harm. If you're kids go back this week, best of luck! You'll make it through, I promise!

     Yesterday morning, The Hubs happened to be off and he had a friend in town, so we swung over to The Magic Kingdom for a quick hello. The Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party posters were already up!

     Of course, we had to do something fun while we were there, so we did catch the first Move It, Shake It, Dance It, Celebrate It, so that the kiddos could shake their groove thangs with Woody and Jessie.

I think Mickey was doing "The Carlton"

     The hubs hadn't seen the work going on around the Castle yet, either, so we checked that out. It seems like every time I'm there, there is a new wall down, and a new wall up!

     Oh man, was it hot! Like, insane-amounts-of-sweat-pouring-off-my-head hot. Thank god there was at least some cloud cover but WHEW! Nothing like that Florida humidity to make you feel like you got smacked in the face with a hot, wet towel. We had planned on getting in a couple of rides, since the summer crowd was starting to thin and the wait times weren't too horrible, but we were just too dang hot. Instead, we checked out some of the awesome Halloween merchandise in the Christmas store, and then pretty much parked it in the shade and waited to say hello to The Hubs's friends.

     We did also check in on the construction of Skipper Canteen. Coming along nicely.

     While walking to the restrooms by Casey's Corner, K and I ran into none other than Miss Mary Poppins, and since she's practically perfect in every way, we HAD to stop for a picture!

     Too cute! We got to say a quick hi to our friends, as they were running to another activity, but before we had come into the park, we had already decided on Crystal Palace for lunch, and we had a 1:10pm reservations. I'm going wait and share the review and pictures with you in a separate post. We did stop into The Emporium to check out their Halloween goodies too. Some really cute stuff this year!

     Well, that's about it! Just wanted to share that quick little update on what was going on in our corner of the Disney universe this weekend.

     Hope you are having a MAGICAL weekend!!! Thanks for reading, Tinkers and I'll see ya REAL soon!

Extra! Extra! Tink All About It!: Halloween Horror Nights

Good afternoon, all you you scare fanatics!

     Universal Orlando has officially announced the details of the 2015 Halloween Horror Nights events. This year will mark the 25th anniversary of the event, and they are bringing back some of the "greatest hits" of past years.

Photo Credit: HalloweenHorrorNights.com

     Now, as some of you know, I can give absolutely NO personal experiences from this event, since you couldn't pay me enough to attend, but there are millions of fans of haunted houses and in-your-face horror that will be delighted by this year's line up. There are 9 haunted houses, which is more than there have ever been. The heart-attack inducing options are:

- An American Werewolf in London
- Jack Presents 25 Years of Monsters and Mayhem
- Body Collectors: Recollections
- Asylum in Wonderland 3D
- Run: Blood, Sweat and Fears
- The Purge
- The Walking Dead
- Freddy Vs. Jason 
- Insidious

     The Scare Zones include:

Photo Credit: HalloweenHorrorNights.com

- Psychoscarepy Unleashed
- Icons: HHN
- All Nite Die-In Double Feature
- Evil's Roots
- Scary Tales: ScreamPunk


     There will also be two live shows. One features Jack the Clown and is called "The Carnage Returns" and the other is the wildly popular jab at all things pop-culture, "Bill and Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure".

     That all sounds so exciting to me! (Um, no.) There are 30 event nights, between September 18th and November 1st. For more information, and to buy tickets, click HERE!

     Any Tinkers out there love Halloween Horror Nights? Are you excited about this year? Can you share with other readers (who are not babies like me) which houses you like and any "Must Do's"?

Tink's Tips: 5 Reasons To Visit Disney in the Fall

Hey Howdy Hey, Tinkers!

     Piggybacking on yesterday's Ask Tink question about Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, (which you can read HERE!), I thought I would bring you Tink's Top 5 Reasons to Visit Disney in the Fall!

     Long before our permanent move to Florida this past November, I had loved Orlando in the Fall. You Northerners probably find that weird, because Fall is the one time of year that the struggles and strife of dealing with snow and cold is all worthwhile. You get paid off in beautiful colors, crisp air and apple and pumpkin picking outings, right? All true. And I will miss Boston in the Fall very much, HOWEVER.... Fall in Orlando is pretty awesome too. Here's why...

1. Oh the weather outside is.... delightful!



Gorgeous, clear fall days!

     Ok, so I will admit that weather in the Fall is a bit unpredictable, what with hurricanes and tropical storms and all, but a good 75% of the time the weather is beautiful. Mostly warm, sunny days, followed by comfortable, breezy nights. Warm enough to swim, but cool enough to not feel like your face is melting. October weather, on average, makes me say to myself, "THIS is what they meant by a Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah day!"


2. Hey! Where'd everybody go???

     So this one mostly applies to September, when the kiddos heading back to school causes a massive drop in park attendance. If you are kid-free, or can manage to take the kids out of school for the second or third weeks in September, you will be astounded by how quiet and calm things are. (Especially if you visit on weekdays, when even us Floridians usually are not on property.) Wait times are at their lowest of the year, pool and water park crowds are drastically reduced. You can easily tackle whole parks in one day, because you can get on so much stuff without waiting very long. It's a totally different experience from Summer, Christmas Vacation, or even Spring trips.

A deserted Fantasyland in September

     October isn't exactly the same situation, since October events like Food and Wine and Not So Scary draw in larger crowds, but it's still no where near the hoards of people that you'll encounter in the Summer or over the holidays.

     November lands mostly in the realm of very small crowds, with the exception of Thanksgiving week and Veteran's Day weekend.

3. They're gonna make you an offer you can't refuse.

Great rates in the Fall at The Caribbean and other resorts

     And by "they", I mean Disney marketing. Fall is traditionally the season of the famous "Free Dining" offers. (Usually released for booking in late Spring, and they sell out quickly!) There are also other packages that come out offering 20-30% off of room only packages and several other options too. Lots of great deals, not only on Disney property, but also in nearby, off-property resorts and hotels.

     And aside from deals on accommodations, most of the Fall is considered "off-season" and that means that Disney buffets, which have fluctuating prices based on season, are at their lowest rates of the year. Save more money, and still get all-you-care-to-eat Mickey Waffles? Works for me!

4. Grim Grinning Ghosts come out to socialize!

     Halloween festivities are everywhere in the Central Florida area in the Fall! On Disney property, you can't miss Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, a special hard ticketed event at The Magic Kingdom, which you can read more official information about HERE. The party thrills and delights kids of all ages, as well as us "big kids", with live entertainment, special character meet and greets, dance parties, trick-or-treating in the park, and a spectacular Boo To You Halloween Parade and Hallowishes fireworks. It's a "Must-Do", for sure!

     Too tame for your taste? Head on over to Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, where even the bravest of souls will have the pixie dust scared right out of 'em. You can participate in such fun-filled events as being chased through a haunted maze by a demonic clown, being chased through a pitch black alley by a deranged, chain saw wielding zombie, or being chased through dense fog by possessed, blood thirsty cheerleaders. If you like the idea of being trapped in a horror movie, this is the event for you. Not so much for me. You couldn't pay me enough money to go to Halloween Horror Nights, so sadly, you will not be seeing a review of it from me. Ever. My worst nightmare would be being trapped in the park during Halloween Horror Nights and, (for some unknown reason), not being allowed to leave. I'm pretty sure I would just sit on the ground, in a corner, and cry. Or pee my pants. Or both. Yep. Huge chicken, and I'm ok with that. Bock-bock. If this all sounds like fun to you though, (and it does to thousand and thousands of people), check out more official information HERE.

     You can even find Halloween festivities at nearby Sea World, Busch Gardens in Tampa, LEGOLAND in Winter Haven, and for something fun and lower key, the neighboring town of Celebration celebrates Oktoberfest . (Click the name of the park for more official info.) Lots of fun stuff to do to amp up your festive Fall mood in Central Florida.
    
5. Foodies of the (Disney) World, unite!

     September 25th- November 16th, a gastronomic festival, of epic proportions arrives at Epcot. That's right, I'm talking about the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival! Guests travel from all over the globe to experience this incredible, edible event, where Disney chefs show off their best work, and dazzle taste buds everywhere. Most Festival features are included with Epcot admission, like culinary demonstrations and displays, and meet and greets with celebrity chefs. Special dining events are offered for additional pricing, and tons of food booths surrounding World Showcase Lagoon, allow you to purchase sample size offerings of food and drink from all around the globe. There's also free concerts by well-known pop artists from the 1970's-2000's. There's even fun stuff for the kiddos to do, like interactive exhibits on how honey is made, and a scavenger hunt! Families will enjoy it for sure, though adults tend to get the most out of it. It's one of my very favorite events on all of Disney property. For official information, click HERE.


  

The "Cronut" from Food and Wine is awesome, as are the Beer Flights!

     So there you have it! Five awesome reasons to head down this Fall. Or next Fall. So get to planning! Hope to see ya here real soon!!!   Have questions????? Ask away!!!

Ask Tink: Is It Worth Buying Tickets to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party?

"I'm visiting Disney in the fall, with my kids. Is it worth spending the money on the Halloween Party? It seems expensive. Why would we buy an additional ticket to that, when we already have park tickets?"

                                 

Thank you to the Tinker that submitted the above question! It's a great one! If you're visiting Walt Disney World between September 15th and November 1st of 2015, you may have the opportunity to attend Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at The Magic Kingdom. It is a special, hard ticketed event, occurring a couple of times per week, on designated dates. (Sept. 15th, 18th, 20th, 22nd, 25th, 27th, Oct. 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th, 31st, and Nov. 1st) The party admission is NOT included on a regular Magic Kingdom ticket. In fact, if you are visiting The Magic Kingdom on a night that the Halloween Party is scheduled to take place, be prepared that if you do not have tickets to the party, you will be escorted out of the park, promptly at 7pm. Party tickets run about $75-$85 per adult and $70-$80 per child. (Pricing varies a bit depending on whether you pre-purchase, and the date you plan on attending. September dates are the least expensive.) The party runs from 7pm-midnight. For official information, and to purchase tickets, click HERE!      So, why would you spend an extra $70 or so to go to the party when you can already get into The Magic Kingdom on a different night with your regular park tickets????      Because Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is AWESOME!!!! I've loved every single one I have attended, and I think The Hubs and I went to about 10 of them before we even had kids. We have done one with the kiddos and plan on doing at least one or two this year.      Of course the rides and attractions are open for you to enjoy, (with a few small exceptions), but let's start off with what's unique about the party and then I will give you a couple of tips to help you plan.      The Halloween party has ALL sorts of special things happening during it that you will not get to see during regular park hours. For starters, there's not only cool Halloween decorations all over Main Street, there are special lighting effects, spooky background sounds and music, and more.      You'll be given a free Halloween goody bag to fill up, as you Trick-or-Treat your way around the park! That's right! Trick-or-Treating IN THE MAGIC KINGDOM!!!! All over the park you will find glowing orange and white globes marking the Treat Stations where you can line up and collect your candy. And it's like, awesome candy! No crappy raisins here. Everything from Nerds and Wonka candies, to Snickers, M &M's and more. The Cast Members are generally pretty generous too. You can easily fill up the small treat bag they give you, no problem. In fact, feel free to bring a larger bag with you. That's a must for this family. We trick-or-treat like it's a sport!           'But wait, Tink', you're saying to yourself. 'If I am going to trick-or-treat, I need a costume!' Well, dear Tinkers, have no fear! You are welcome to get all done up in your Halloween finest, whether you're an adult or child, and whether you want to do it low key, and wear a Halloween t-shirt and Mouse Ears, or you want to do it up and wear an exact replica of Everest around your body and dress as a yeti. You will see anything and everything in the park that night. In fact, my absolute FAVORITE thing to do at Not So Scary is to people watch and check out the costumes other Guests come up with. Nothing like watching a chubby Jasmine or a bearded Ariel walking around the park. Just remember that the weather may be really hot, or chilly, or rainy. Be prepared for all options. And keep in mind that you may have to board ride vehicles in your costume, so make it something easy to move in and easy to pack in your suitcase. And for obvious reasons, costumes should not include weapons, or be offensive. (Keep it "Disney", Kids!)      Like getting your pic snapped with the characters??? There are tons of characters out during Not So Scary, including some rare ones, like Jack Skellington and Sally. Plus, you'll see Mickey, Minnie and pals in their Halloween costumes! These are some super fun photo opportunities and meet and greets! Last year you could visit all of these guys: Mickey Gaston Merida Tiana Ariel Tigger, Pooh, Piglet and Eeyore Anna and Elsa Tinker Bell All Seven Dwarfs together Tarzan, Turk and Jane Jack Sparrow Lots-O-Huggin' Bear Jack Skellington and Sally Snow White with The Evil Queen Aurora with Maleficent The Queen of Hearts Jafar      There are also opportunities to have your picture taken in front of the Haunted Mansion with ghosts magically added to your shot, or sometimes with Cinderella's pumpkin coach with a Halloween make-over.      There's Halloween entertainment all over! The Dapper Dans become the Cadaver Dans on Main Street. You can dance alongside your favorite characters at a DJ dance party next to Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland, or in the Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland. K and D LOVED dancing the Cha-Cha Slide with Cruella de Vil last year!      New this year, The Sanderson Sisters from "Hocus Pocus" will be putting on a musical stage show in front of the Castle, and inviting their Disney Villain friends like Oogie Boogie from "Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Dr. Facilier" from "Princess and the Frog". I can't even put into words how excited I am about "Hocus Pocus" being incorporated into the party this year. Like, I can't. Even. (Fangirl moment, sorry.)      Did I mention the food???? Special Halloween themed treats are sold all around the park, like Candy Corn flavored Cotton Candy or Soft Serve Ice Cream, or a Pumpkin Spiced Waffle Sundae. Halloween? More like Yum-O-Ween, amIright?!!?!!!      Oh, and there's special Halloween merchandise items sold exclusively at the party, like pins, t-shirts, plush and more.      Not convinced yet? Well I've saved the very best for last! Exclusively at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, you will get to enjoy one of the best EVER Disney parades, "Mickey's Boo To You Halloween Parade". The parade runs twice nightly, and starts off with the traditional running of the Headless Horseman on his mighty steed. You'll get to see fantastic floats and unique characters and scenes, like Captain Jack and Barbosa on a pirate ship, the ballroom dancers from The Haunted Mansion, Christopher Robin and his friends in the 100 Acre Wood, and even Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope. Oh! And Bowler Hat Guy from "Meet the Robinsons" was there last year!!! That's a crazy-rare sighting! (If you have no idea who I am talking about, go rent "Meet the Robinsons" right now. In fact, buy it. You'll want a copy. It's awesome.) It's a fantastic parade, and worth the entry ticket in itself. But it gets even better.... Bowler Hat Guy! Goob!!!!           There's also a special Halloween version of the Castle projection show, Celebrate the Magic, and an incredible, you've got to see-it-to-believe-it fireworks show, Hallo-Wishes!      It truly is a remarkable and memorable night and totally worth going to, even if you are traveling with all adults!      I will make this recommendation, though: To make it more worth your while, don't buy a park ticket for the day that you'll be attending the party. Use this day as a "chillin' out day". Hang by the pool, do an elaborate breakfast out, walk around Downtown Disney, or do something else fun outside of the parks. Make sure your kids, (even older kids), get a good nap in, and then head to The Magic Kingdom early. Your Not So Scary ticket will grant you entrance to the park as of 4pm, even though the Halloween festivities don't begin until 7pm. In the hours before the party starts, get in some rides and attractions. That way you can use your party hours to enjoy the actual themed events. I recommend knocking out character meet and greets early on, as lines get HUGE! There was a three hour wait to see Jack and Sally last year. That's a waste of a perfectly good Halloween party. Not that Jack and Sally aren't totally awesome. No offense, guys. It's just that, I didn't pay $70 to meet two characters. Visit the dance parties, and check out the Sanderson Sisters in front of the Castle. Do some trick-or-treating as you go, but hold off on the majority of it until the end of the night. I say this partially because you won't have to carry a heavy candy bag around all night this way, and partially because I personally found the Cast Members' candy-giving hands to get heavier as the night wore on, thus filling your bag quicker at the end of the night. During the first parade, get in some attractions, or more meet and greets. The first parade is always the busier of the two. Make sure you are in front of the Castle for the fireworks, since most of them are designed to incorporate effects on the Castle too. Then, when it's time for the second parade, make your way to Frontierland, which you will likely find pretty close to deserted. Then right before the party is over, trick-or-treat until you DROP!!!! (Ok, this is the way WE do Not So Scary. It doesn't work for everyone, but it's how I have found you get the most out of the party ticket price.)      So, that was a really long-winded answer. I can make it shorter. Yes. Yes, it's worth it. Hope that helps!!!!! Have a magical day!!!