It was nice walking through the new addition to the French pavilion finally, but we didn’t stay for long. We left France to embarked on a journey to a few other countries to experience the Food and Wine festival. I usually don’t partake in the many food festivals that take place in Epcot as I don’t always find myself in the park every vacation. First stop, Italy! Like I’ve stated in my previous post, Italian food is the best kind of food. We ordered the grilled chicken ravioli with Alfredo sauce, Romano cheese, and prezzemolo. Sadly, the booth ran out of the Mezzelune Croccanti, crispy half-moon breaded mozzarella-filled ravioli with pomodoro sauce. They were essentially fried ravioli, which you already know, I absolutely live for and have been craving for a while now.
Our next destination was Japan. I was after their teriyaki chicken buns, which are steamed buns filled with chicken, vegetables, and of course, teriyaki sauce. Unfortunately, unlike the ravioli, Danny did not love the chicken buns. Apparently, as soon as he took a bite, he could instantly taste the vegetables. I don’t understand some people’s intolerance to vegetables lol. When I took a bite of my bun, the first thing I tasted was teriyaki sauce. I had barely noticed the vegetables. I guess, now I know how strong his hatred for vegetables are because his detection of them is immaculate.
We trekked on, all the way to Canada on our food journey. Our northern neighbors had a sampling of Le Cellier’s wild mushroom beef Filet Mignon with truffle butter sauce. The steak got a five-star review from Danny, with the exception of the mushrooms, which I had to eat for him lol. We stopped by Shimmering Sips for dessert after. Strawberry soft serve in a waffle cone! It was delicious, and I am happy that strawberry ice cream is one thing that Danny isn’t opposed to, unlike his mortal enemy, the vegetable.
We went on two more attractions that were new to Danny, Test Track and Soarin’. I was surprised when I learned he actually loved Test Track. It’s always the rides that I think he won’t have much interest in that become his favorites. I feel guilty now because I always skip Test Track since the line is always an hour wait for an attraction that I don’t think is worth it. Plus, I just have no interest in cars lol.
I also made some Grogu related purchases while in Epcot. While browsing the Creations shop, I spotted a cute slap Magicband for Grogu! I had bought the Stitch version in preparation for this trip from the online Disney Shop, which I had been eyeing for a while now. I’m a fan of the slap bands since I have tiny wrists. These Magicbands are easier to place on my wrist, and fit more snug on my arm. I also couldn’t resist the Grogu Rice Krispie treat, which surprisingly, stayed in tact despite the heat. Danny decided to join in on the slap band fun, and added the Spider-Man version to his arsenal.
After our time in Epcot, we were off to get ready for Boo Bash, a Halloween themed After Hours event. Disney decided not to host its annual Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, which I didn’t understand considering Disney California Adventure was resuming the Oogie Boogie Bash. Like MNSSHP in past years, the After Hours event was taking place on select dates throughout August, September and October. These events have lower crowds, thus shorter wait times for attractions. We managed to squeeze in Pirates of the Caribbean, Winnie the Pooh, and the Mad Tea Party. These were all rides I had yet to go on with Danny, and so, we were inching closer and closer to completing everything in Magic Kingdom.
The event offered unlimited ice cream treats (Mickey bars and ice cream sandwiches!), popcorn, and beverages. We were also able to go trick or treating. Just like MNSSHP, trick or treat spots were located throughout the park to get your fill of sugary goodness. The candy selection was limited in comparison to the treats I got at the Oogie Boogie Bash, but they did have Almond Snickers, which Danny makes fun of me for. He accused me of being old for favoring chocolate with almonds (M&Ms with almonds are superior to all other M&Ms) as if he’s not old for falling asleep at 9pm every night. Pfft. We didn’t partake in any of the exclusive treats available for purchase at Boo Bash, as I didn’t see anything of interest. I don’t understand why Disney doesn’t offer simple Halloween, Mickey-shaped snacks instead of the odd concoctions they create for these events. I would have even been pleased if they brought back the Maleficent dole whip cone or anything villain-themed.
Sadly, there was not much entertainment at Boo Bash. There were several cavalcades that appeared twice during the event, which we seemed to have missed all but one! I’m upset I didn’t catch Mickey and the gang in their adorable Halloween costumes during his Happy Halloween cavalcade. I also failed to see Jack, Sally, and Oogie Boogie along with the Disney villains. However, by pure luck, we spotted Maleficent’s Fiery Prowl brazenly slither down the guided path to its fierce soundtrack. This float, by far, is my favorite at Disney World as the dragon breathes actual fire as she makes her way through the Kingdom with her henchmen. It’s the most metal thing you’ll ever see at Disney.
I also failed at all the character sightings. Winnie the Pooh and friends were located on the porch of the Crystal Palace in their cute Halloween attire. Chip n Dale were apparently near the Country Bear Jamboree dressed as a bat and pirate. The ghosts were out spooking guests at The Haunted Mansion. And lastly, pirate Goofy was out near Pirates of the Caribbean. I’m sad that they didn’t consider bringing out Elvis Stitch in Tomorrowland for this event. It’s been two long years since I’ve seen my favorite blue alien dressed as the King of Rock and Roll.
While the mishaps of my poor planning in terms of catching all the cavalcades and character sightings are my fault, it still didn’t feel like it was enough. I usually go to Disney’s holiday-themed parties for the exclusive entertainment. I’ve been on the rides at Magic Kingdom so many times, that lower wait times at attractions is not a draw for me. I’m not sure why they couldn’t have brought back both the Halloween parade and fireworks show with the lower crowds at the event. It’s upsetting to think that the newly crafted Halloween fireworks show, hosted by Jack Skellington, has been on hiatus since it debuted back in 2019.
With the amount of money spent per ticket, it was very disappointing. The After Hours event did very little to make me feel like it was Halloween. I think Disney has been using the pandemic as an excuse to take away perks and special experiences from guests. Not to mention, the park is still barely decorated for Halloween. They put some pumpkins on lamp posts and everyone loses their minds, but it’s really not that much.
I guess, the pandemic fog and my pure enthusiasm for wanting to experience a Disney Halloween with Danny clouded my judgment. I forgot, that Halloween at Disney World can be underwhelming. I didn’t really experience any of that good ol’ Halloween spirit the whole week I was there. In California, Disney successfully curated the Oogie Boogie Bash sans the World of Color, which should be back in 2022. They had a festively decorated Disney California Adventure. A parade with the Headless Horseman, Jack Skellington, The Mayor, the Ghosts of The Haunted Mansion, Hades, and many more. Treat trails with Oogie Boogie, Maleficent, Evil Queen, Cruella, Sid from Toy Story, and the Mad Hatter. Trails that, most likely, had better candy and snacks. Villains Grove. The list goes on and on. If all goes according to plan, I’d like to journey to the West Coast next year with Danny to experience an actual Halloween party.
The Boo Bash was basically a pricey ticket for me to dress up in a Disney costume in Magic Kingdom. I don’t see myself coming back to Disney World for Halloween until a full party is in effect, and even then, that might be a stretch. I have to stop drinking the kool-aid, and discourage myself from throwing my money at the mouse. I told my mom I feel like I’m in a cult LOL.
Despite it all, I did have a good time dressing up as Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter with Danny. It was our first official cosplay together, if you don’t count that fateful day I met my Joker six years. I forgot how much I loved wearing my Alice, and how nicely it still fits after being packed away for so long. Danny’s darker rendition of the Mad Hatter has inspired me to do a more gothic-style Alice, and I have already bought my Alice dress in black from Artifice Clothing. Now, to plan a proper photoshoot, and hopefully, debut it at a con where Danny has a booth for to sell his art.
Next up! Hollywood Studios…
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