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A Food Festival on the West Coast

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Disney California Adventure is back with the Festival of Holidays which runs Now through January 9, 2022!

We recommend getting one of the Tasting Lanyards to enjoy all of the special foods and drinks. For $57 (or $52 for Magic Key Holders) you get a Tasting Passport with 8 “tabs” to exchange for any of the food or non-alcoholic beverages at the Marketplace Booths. When you make your purchase, you will also receive the Festival Guidebook with all of the entertainment offerings as well as the Tasting Passport which focuses on all of the food offerings and has a bit of magic if you wish to partake!

The Tasting Passport is your handheld guide to all of the food and drink offerings from not only The Marketplaces but also the restaurants around Disney California Adventure. Here is a preview off all of the options:
1) Holiday Duets Marketplace: Braised Pork Belly Adobo, Shrimp and Grits, Pabana Cachaca Colada (Alcoholic), and Calamansi Melon Lemonade (Non-Alcoholic)
2) A Twist On Tradition Marketplace: Reimagined Beef Brisket Wellington, Ruben Potato Bites, Churro Toffee Cold Brew Latte, Lolea No. 1 Red Sangria (Alcoholic), Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc (Alcoholic)
3) Brews and Bites Marketplace: Impossible Queso Fundido, Festive Favorites Flight (Alcoholic), Seasonal Specialties Flight (Alcoholic), Multiple Beers by the Glass (Alcoholic)
4) Winter Sliderland Marketplace: Nashville Hot Turkey Slider (Pictured Below), Beef Pot Roast on Potato Roll (Pictured Below), Prickly Pear Tea Lemonade (Pictured Below), Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail (Alcoholic)

5) Grandma’s Recipes Marketplace:  Impossible Arepa Encantada, Gingerbread Mickey, Berries ‘n’ Crema (Non-Alcoholic)
6) Making Spirits Bright Marketplace: Cinnamon & Sugar Holiday Tart, “Hot Cocoa” Marshmallow Macaron, Maple Hazelnut Hot Buttered Rum (Alcoholic), White Wine Flight (Alcoholic), Red Wine Flight (Alcoholic)
7) Favorite Things Marketplace: Chana Masala, Holiday Stuffing Mac & Cheese, Hibiscus Ginger Mezcal Mule (Alcoholic), Festival Beer Flight (Alcoholic)
8) Merry Mashups Marketplace: Esquites Carnitas Mac & Cheese, Holiday Spiced Wings, Holiday Mix, Honey Guava Pisco Punch (Alcoholic)


We tried everything this weekend and we are still so full! There were a few highlights from these menus for us including the Nashville Hot Turkey Slider, the Esquites Carnitas Mac & Cheese, the “Hot Cocoa” Marshmallow Macaron (Pictured Above), and the Braised Pork Belly Adobo. For drinks, the Churro Toffee Cold Brew Latte and the Prickly Pear Tea Lemonade were stand outs for the non-alcoholic offerings. If you like alcohol like I do, the Honey Guava Pisco Punch was a spicy and sweet drink. This was only topped by the Maple Hazelnut Hot Buttered Rum (Pictured Above) which is just as delicious as it sounds. While this was just the Festival Marketplace offerings, the restaurants around Disney California Adventure also offer some great holiday treats. Of what we listed, what would you be looking for when you visit?

Looking to visit a Disney Destination for your next Vacation? Make sure you contact us at Destinations to Travel!

If you would like more information and to work with me as your planning partner, please email me at patrickoconnor@d2travel.com

You can also check out my personal page at Destinations to Travel with Patrick O’Connor or my private group at Destination Vacation Network Family on Facebook. Instagram I can be found at Destination Vacation Network

OPINION: Is Oogie Boogie Bash better than Boo Bash?

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We have had the chance to see both parties on both coasts and we feel the Oogie Boogie Bash is a far superior After Hours Party when it comes to celebrating Halloween.

Let us start by discussing the differences and why one may be superior to the other. First off these events are not cheap. For an After Hours Party they are similar in cost to others ranging from $129 to $169 per person for the Boo Bash and $114 to $169 for the Oogie Boogie Bash. While the West Coast may have some cheaper days, for a family of four this can be a big expense for the holiday season so is it worth it? The short answer is “Maybe?”. While both events will allow early access to the park it is hosted in, the Boo Bash is only a 3 hour event versus the Oogie Boogie Bash at 5 hours. this does not include the 2 hours of “early admission” where both party goes and the regular attendees can experience the attractions before the official festivities begin.

First let us look at the Boo Bash at Walt Disney World! One of the biggest perks exclusive to this event is the unlimited popcorn, Mickey Premium bars, and soda (or water). This may be a perk for many as you can stock up on your drinks and enjoy some fresh popcorn while strolling through the park – hydration is key after all! Walking around you will find the opportunity to catch one of several Cavalcades throughout the evening. Some of these include Jack and Sally with Oogie Boogie, Mickey and Minnie in their Halloween best, as well as Maleficent in dragon form. You will also find 8 Trick-Or-Treat trails throughout the Magic Kingdom to assist in loading up on candy and treats (not many tricks to be found here – it is Disney after all!). There are also several characters out for you to socially meet and greet including some of the face characters in front of the Haunted Mansion which was a highlight in our opinion.


Now how about our West Coast friends? While you will not find the free treats here, you will find some more activity – and more creativity possibly with how things are organized. First off, all Trick-Or-Treat trails are themed to different villains. There were 7 trails this year and 3 of them featured all new characters never seen in a Disney park! These were Agatha Harkness from WandaVision featured in Avengers Campus, Cruella from the live action film in the Hollywood Backlot, and Sid from the original Toy Story in the Pixar Pier area. The other villains around the park are Maleficent, Dr. Facilier,  The Evil Queen, The Mad Hatter (from the live action film), and of course Oogie Boogie himself. Each trail has not only candy but another sweet treat option such as apples, grapes, rice crispy treats, and temporary tattoos! There is another unique offering for this bash, Villains Grove. This is a spectacle of light and projections in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. There may not be any candy or villains to be seen, you will see sections of the path themed to our favorite villains. Make sure you keep your eyes open for some rarely seen characters throughout the park as well. Along Buena Vista Street you will find some villain duos such as Cinderellas Stepsisters, Pain and Panic from Hercules, and more! Over by Grizzly Bear Rapids some rare characters can be seen including Mr. Smee, Governor Ratcliffe, and the Sherriff of Nottingham! Lastly, in contrast to the Cavalcades, the Oogie Boogie Bash features the Frightfully Fun Halloween Parade – the first parade back at a Disney Park since Covid! It truly was a great time as the attraction lines are short and the party was a fun one.

Have you been to one of these parties? Share your thoughts with us!

INFO: Oogie Boogie Bash is BACK!

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Welcome to the West Coast and The Disneyland Resort!

Halloween is just around the corner for us over here at Disneyland as the festivities will kick off this Friday September 3rd with the return of some of the Disneyland Resort exclusive attractions and decorations including the Haunted Mansion Holiday and all of the decorations for Radiator Springs Honkin’ Halloween Festivities. The real tricks and treats will happen on September 9th as Oogie Boogie and his band of Villains take over select evenings at Disney California Adventure.

On select nights beginning Sept. 9, through October 31, 2021, this after-park hours event “Oogie Boogie Bash: A Disney Halloween Party” will add to the spooky fun during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. This separate ticket and limited-capacity event at Disney California Adventure Park starts at 6pm but guests can enter into the park at 3pm with this ticket. It will feature exclusive entertainment, character sightings, food and beverage and more! Guests of all ages can enjoy wearing their favorite Halloween outfit while taking in all the sights and the trick-or-treating experiences. One of these special areas of the park is the Villains Grove which takes over the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in the Grizzly Peak area.

The Villains Grove is a walk-though open air experience where sections of the trail are dedicated to different villains. This area will feature such classic villains as The Queen of Hearts section with light up roses (pictured above) as well as projections of the Cheshire Cat, Tarot Cards from Dr. Facilier, as well as other surprises. As you walk through this trail you may see something you didn’t see the last time you were walking through. There may not be candy on this trail but you will find plenty to see and look at!

After visiting the trail – let’s go get some CANDY! There are multiple treat trails which may seem very similar to the Boo Bash experience at Magic Kingdom however here at Oogie Boogie Bash, each trail for candy has a dedicated live villain. In 2019 we were able to see Dr. Facilier, The Evil Queen, Maleficent, The Mad Hatter, and of course Oogie Boogie. NEW this year for 2021, Disney has announced 3 new villains including Sid from Toy Story, Cruella from the newest live action film, as well as Agatha Harkness from WandaVision! We can not wait to see these new additions with all of our returning favorites.

Dr. Facilier is getting ready to greet guests!

The last highlight of the party is the Frightfully Fun Parade which runs two times each night. This parade premiered originally at the Mickey’s Halloween Party in Disneyland Park a few years ago but was extended slightly when the Halloween party moved to Disney California Adventure. The whole parade lasts about 13 minutes with plenty of villains as well as some of the more fun (not so scary) costumes on Mickey, Minnie, and other friends. My favorite part is seeing the Mayor car ride by along with the Vampires from the Nightmare Before Christmas movie! I also love hearing the scrapes of the shovels from the Gravediggers and the Haunted Mansion trio of ghosts. This parade ends with so many villains you will run away screaming in delight!

Are you looking forward to Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort? Stay tuned for more updates and leave us a comment on your favorite villain below! Oogie Boogie Bash: A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure is sold out as of right now but dates may open up so make sure you ask your Destinations to Travel Agent to keep their eyes out for an opening!

If you would like more information contact me on Facebook at Destinations to Travel with Patrick O’Connor

Happy Holidays! Festive Fun Begins Today at Walt Disney World Resort

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The holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort starts today, and we’re unwrapping more details about the magical experiences happening across our theme parks and Disney Springs, including special pop-up appearances by Santa Claus. Read on for all the festive fun!

Magic Kingdom Park

Your favorite characters don their holiday best and celebrate the season in a series of special cavalcades, complete with Christmastime floats and music. From Mickey and friends trimming a tree to Goofy and his pals whipping up a bakeshop full of scrumptious treats, character cavalcades bring holiday spirit to the streets of Magic Kingdom throughout the day. And keep your eyes open for Santa when he glides down the parade route in his sleigh.

Holiday decor at Magic Kingdom Park

Main Street, U.S.A. is the spot to catch the Holiday Trolley, bringing festive harmonies from the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, and you may just see some Toy Soldiers joining the Main Street Philharmonic when they march through Magic Kingdom playing their merry melodies.

At night, holiday magic brings a festive look to Cinderella Castle with special projection effects, producing a kaleidoscope of designs including festive stripes and dots, a whimsical Christmas sweater look, a jeweled winter castle and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. It’s sure to provide the perfect colorful backdrop for your holiday photos.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Holiday fun returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, bringing unique seasonal décor and a flurry of festive flotillas with favorite Disney characters sailing down the Discovery River to a jolly holiday soundtrack.

Holiday decor at Disney's Animal Kingdom

“Donald’s Dino Bash Festive Flotilla” takes its seasonal celebration to the water, with character friends waving to everyone as they pass, and Chip ‘n’ Dale jingle through the jungle, bringing their own style of holiday flair to the river. The Discovery Island Drummers cruise along, too, entertaining guests on the shore with an energetic holiday beat. And when Santa Claus makes the trek to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, he’ll spread the joyous spirit of the season to all he sees along the way.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios get their own visit from Santa when he brings glitz and glamour to a motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard, led by an entourage of elves and riding in his red convertible packed with presents. And just in time for the holiday season, “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” adds a festive finale, featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, and celebratory songs of the season.

Holiday projection effects on the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney's Hollywood Studios

After dark, the iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard will twinkle with projection effects as it becomes the Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel, magically transforming into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and a Dickensian village inspired by “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.”

Disney Springs

The holidays arrive at Disney Springs on Nov. 7, when the area will transform into a winter wonderland, full of sparkling lights, enchanting décor and holiday surprises. Disney Springs is the place to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list – including yourself!  And here, you’ll want to take a break and savor the comforting flavors of the season.

As you wander, you can enjoy the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth, with elaborately decorated, Disney-themed trees appearing throughout the shopping, dining and entertainment district. There will also be music-playing DJs during the day, and in the evening, stilt-walking toy soldiers, skating snowflakes and a magical snowfall will add a touch of wonder for holiday shoppers at surprise locations.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are also making the trip to Disney Springs this year, where later in November you’ll be able to catch them soaking up their last bit of Florida sunshine before their big night. Look for them cruising Lake Buena Vista and sharing Christmas wishes from a pair of colorfully decorated pontoon boats.

Disney Parks Holiday Merchandise

You can bring the Disney Parks magic of the season home with you with new holiday-themed merchandise available throughout Walt Disney World Resort, as well as the Downtown Disney District and Buena Vista Street at Disneyland Resort in California (starting Nov. 19) and online at shopDisney.com. From apparel to accessories to homeware and more, these very merry collections feature the latest ear headbands, spirit jerseys for adults and children, plush, mini-backpacks by Loungefly, cloth face coverings and more. Highlights include:

  • The first Disney Parks holiday snow blower
  • Matching holiday onesies for the whole family
  • Fuzzy clogs by Crocs
  • A new holiday collection from BaubleBar
  • And much more!
Bavaria Holiday Kitchen at EPCOT during the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth

This is just a sampling of all the festive fun you will enjoy at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort this year. And there’s more to come! EPCOT gets into the spirit a little later in the month, when the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth kicks off Nov. 27 with live entertainment, Holiday Kitchens, the Holiday Cookie Stroll and more.

Disney Parks Podcast Show #582 – Disney News For The Week Of March 25, 2019

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #582 – Disney News For The Week Of March 25, 2019

Disney Parks Podcast Show #582 – Disney News For The Week Of March 25, 2019

In today’s show, Rafiki’s Planet Watch to reopen, ‘Awesome Planet’ coming to Epcot, Disney’s Walk Around The World being retired, meetups, and so much more!

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #576 – Disney News For The Week Of March 11, 2019

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #576 – Disney News For The Week Of March 11, 2019

Disney Parks Podcast Show #576 – Disney News For The Week Of March 11, 2019

In today’s show, we have news about Captain Marvel coming California Adventure, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique expanding, Sugarboo & Co. coming to Downtown Disney, and so much more!

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #547 – Disney News For The Week Of December 17, 2018

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #547 – Disney News For The Week Of December 17, 2018

Disney Parks Podcast Show #547 – Disney News For The Week Of December 17, 2018

In today’s show, we have news The Sunshine Day Bar at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, New Walt Disney World Park Restrictions, Disney California Adventure Disney Festival Sip and Savor Pass, meetups, and so much more!

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