Tips about Special Events

While enjoying Epcot's International Festival of the Holidays, check out the limited-time magical photo op outside of Mexico on the right of the pyramid, to the left of Donald Duck's usual meet-and-greet spot. Also note that for a limited time, Donald's meet-and-greet area is themed to the new Pixar film, "Coco." - Deb

One of the best times we shared at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party was just sitting and watching. We missed the first parade, so we made our way back down Main Street to wait for the second. We just sat down facing up Main Street. The stream of dressed up people leaving the park was wonderful. We got to see Ursula, the Flintstone family and lots of pirates and princesses. The best part was this little fire hydrant that quietly roamed the street squirting passers-by. It was GREAT. - Georgette from New Jersey

I recently had the chance to spend a night doing the Highway in the Sky Dine Around. I have been going to Disney World for 20 years now, usually twice a year for the festivals. I have to say this event was one of the best things I have ever done at Disney, although dessert had few choices. I hope that they keep this event going as I would surely do this again. Totally awesome experience. - Mike Emerson

I noticed at the Food & Wine Festival that many of the more popular marketplaces (France, for example) have two sets of registers, one on either side of the booth. Much of the time, the line on one side would be overflowing, the other side would be empty, or much less crowded. So take a peek before getting in line, it could save you a lot of time! - Al Schaefer

MNSSHP - After making the mistake of going to another park before the Halloween party (we ended up exhausted), we now go to a water park, Disney Springs or just enjoy our resort beforehand. We go to the Magic Kingdom for the Halloween Party at 4 p.m. and everyone is ready for a fun evening. - Kathy Craig

MNSSHP - For those with food allergies who are worried about trick-or-treating at an upcoming Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, don't be. I have severe food allergies and wasn't going to bother trick-or-treating. However, I overheard a Cast Member telling a family in front of me that if they went to City Hall, they could request allergen-friendly candies. I took my trick-or-treat bag and true enough, there were the candies. They present you with a chart of allergen-friendly candies, from which you can pick a few or all. - Laura

I just wanted to share a comment on Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak, the scavenger hunt that's part of this year's Food and Wine Festival. My family and I have enjoyed Epcot's Food and Wine festival many times. It seems to get bigger, better and tastier every year! Our daughters, ages 8 and 11, had fun finding Remy and his ingredients that were cleverly hidden in each country. (The search became quite a competition between the four of us for the rest of the day!) The map, stickers and souvenir pin will be a nice memory of our trip! - Denise Darconte

EDITOR'S NOTE: For more details on this fun new scavenger hunt, be sure to read Kristin Ford's latest entry in her "A Mom and the Magic" blog!

If you're concerned about your kids sweating away under layers of Halloween costumes, make smarter costumes. Assemble or sew your costumes from real fabrics rather than the cheap non-breathable polyester of store-bought costumes; avoid uncomfortable wigs, hats, masks and props that you'll end up carrying by the end of the night; use face paint to create a memorable look instead of relying on layers of clothes; wear a costume that incorporates a bag or backpack so it does double duty; and consider costume themes that are appropriate for warm weather like safari guides or surfers... You don't have to be a seamstress (although if you are, that's great) -- you can assemble your own costumes from thrift stores, or sales and clearance items. We've been attending MNSSHP in themed, homemade costumes for 10 years. Among our costumes: pirates, sorcerers, ancient Romans, the casts of Scooby-Doo and the Wizard of Oz (OK, I'll admit, our Cowardly Lion costume was very, very warm). This past year, we used old formal clothes and lots of face paint to look like the Mexican Dia de los Muertos. Every year we've learned more about how to make costumes that are both comfortable and distinctive. What makes the MNSSHP so special is seeing all the guests in costumes, with their creativity unleashed. - Jeremy Jacobs

If you're visiting the Food and Wine Festival, don't forget to stop by the Port of Entry shop at World Showcase Plaza. In addition to selling a wide variety of festival merchandise, the shop also features specialty food and beverage items from around the world. And at 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the festival, chefs from around Epcot will give mini-culinary demonstrations -- for free! -- recreating recipes from the Festival cookbook and other favorites. - AllEars® Editor Deb Koma

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party - Just wanted to let everyone know a couple of things about the Villains Sinister Soiree (an add-on to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party). First, it's awesome! Next, you need to get a lanyard. Most cast members we asked had no idea what we were talking about. You need to go out past where they check your bags when you enter. There is a little gazebo before the bag check. That is where you pick up your Villains passes, then you head up to the castle for check-in. We went a half-hour early, which gave us more time with the characters. It was a great, great time! Would do it again and again! - Amy F.

Epcot - NEW in 2013 is the Holiday Passport. If you visited Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival or the Food and Wine Festival you'll be familiar with this little booklet. It is available at various kiosks around World Showcase. The passport points out special holiday snacks and beverages, special merchandise, entertainment and a holiday photo op. Don't forget to get your country stamp, too! - Deb Wills

Epcot - When entering the park, be sure to pick up the Epcot Holidays Around the World Guide. - Deb Wills

Epcot - Don't overlook the Gingerbread Village set up in the upper floor of the Land Pavilion in Epcot's Future World. - Deb Wills

Epcot - The Storytellers making presentations on Hanukkah and Kwanzaa will hand out special pamphlets on those holidays -- just ask for one after they've finished. - Deb Wills

Epcot - The Epcot Storytellers will take a few minutes after the show to meet guests and pose for photos. Considering having the storyteller sign your autograph book, or your passport. - Deb Wills