UPDATE: This event has been filled to capacity. Please CLICK HERE to view a list of the accepted event attendees. If you are on the list and do not receive a confirmation email by 5 p.m. EST today, please contact us at WDW.BlogMeetUps@disney.com.

We’ve shared a bunch of behind-the-scenes looks and virtual tours of Be Our Guest Restaurant at New Fantasyland on the Disney Parks Blog. But this month, we’ve got something even better – an opportunity to be among the first to experience the restaurant at a special November 17 meet-up.

Our event begins at 6:30 p.m. on November 17 and runs until 9 p.m. And if you’ve been to one of our Disney Parks Blog meet-ups before, you know there will be plenty to do. Here’s what is planned:

• Full meal inside Be Our Guest Restaurant.
• Mini tours led by Walt Disney Imagineers.
• Time to explore the West Wing, Rose Gallery dining rooms.
• Appearance by a favorite Disney character.
• A few other Disney Parks Blog surprises.

Space is limited so RSVP now by sending us an email with your name, address, and if you’ll be inviting a guest to WDW.BlogMeetUps@disney.com.

Also, there are a few things you should know. At the event, only meals from the restaurant’s adult menu will be offered. Children are welcome as the registrant’s one guest but they will need to choose from the adult menu. In addition:

• All participants who sign up for the event must be 18 years or older, but guests do not need to be 18 or older.
• Limit one guest per registrant.
• We will send an email to individuals whose valid RSVPs are received by us via email before we reach the planned capacity to confirm their attendance for the event.
• If confirmed, it will be necessary for the registrant and guest to check in at the front gate of Magic Kingdom Park for access to the event. The confirmation will include those details.
• Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.
• Meet-up confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value.
• Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person plus one guest.
• If you do not receive an email from us confirming your reservation and your name does not appear on the list of confirmed attendees (which will be posted as an update to this article), then your RSVP was not accepted.
• The event and individual appearances are subject to change or cancellation.

This post will be updated when capacity has been reached. Please note the event is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Hope to see you there.

Read these posts to learn more about Be Our Guest Restaurant:

• All in the Details: Suits of Armor at Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park
• A Cool Souvenir Glass for Be Our Guest Restaurant Beverages at Magic Kingdom Park
• Be Our Guest Restaurant Kids’ Menu Treats Little Ones to Grown-Up Tastes at Magic Kingdom Park

Tagged: Meet-Up, MK, WDW

Filed: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

UPDATE: Click here for a complete list of attendees. If you are on the list and did not receive a confirmation email, please contact us at WDW.SportsMeetUps@disney.com. Please note that we will not be responding to questions via this email address. If you have questions, please ask them on the Disney Parks Blog, and we will do our best to answer them.

UPDATE: We have reached capacity! Thanks for everyone’s interest in the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Meet-Up and Warm-Up, and we appreciate your quick responses. At approximately 12 p.m. ET, we will send the meet-up attendees a confirmation email. If you are on the list and did not receive a confirmation email, please contact us at WDW.SportsMeetUps@disney.com. By 1 p.m. ET, we will post a link to the complete list of attendees. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for additional unique opportunities in the future.

If you’re looking to gain tips and training advice from Gidus and Galloway, they will also be available at the upcoming Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Expo on Friday and Saturday. For more information, and for additional Galloway and Gidus training details, please visit www.runDisney.com.

What better way to get ready for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend than by hanging out with runDisney’s newest consultant, Tara Gidus – or as she’s affectionately known, the “Diet Diva.”

If you’re looking for better ways to fuel yourself, before or during a race, or how best to recover, this meet-up is for you. Along with serving as official nutritionist for runDisney, Gidus is also an author and team dietitian for the Orlando Magic.

In addition to Gidus, there will be a short training run led by runDisney training consultant Jeff Galloway, plus a couple surprises along the way. Anton Van Zyl, winner of the past two Wine & Dine races, will also be on hand for the morning event.

Galloway, who has run all 19 Walt Disney World Marathons as well as other runDisney events, is well known for his popular Run-Walk-Run training method, and the expertise he’ll share with the 40 selected applicants has helped thousands of runners complete their first marathons and improve their race times.

If you don’t want to be left in the dust, RSVP right now to WDW.SportsMeetUps@Disney.com. Only 40 qualified runners will be selected to participate, so be one of the first to apply.

In the meantime, here are a few things you should know:

• All participants must be available for a 7 a.m. ET start time on Friday, November 9.
• Qualified applicants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
• A valid ID is required. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Limit to one RSVP per email address.
• Valid RSVPs must include your name. RSVPs that include more than one person or are missing information (e.g. incomplete names) will not be accepted.
• Admittance to the event is non-transferable and limited to the selected applicant; no additional guests please.
• The event and individual appearances are subject to change or cancellation.
• Because this is a running-oriented event, we ask that applicants be experienced runners, able to maintain a 12-minute per mile pace (qualified).
• Selected applicants attending the meet-up are not required to purchase admission.
• We will send an email to selected qualified applicants who sent their valid RSVP via email before we reached capacity to confirm their attendance for Friday. We plan to send this email at approximately 2 p.m. ET today, and we will also post a link on the Disney Parks Blog that will include a list of names of all selected qualified applicants. If you do not receive an email from us confirming your reservation and your name does not appear on the list of selected applicants, you were not selected.

Tagged: Meet-Up, runDisney, WDW

Filed: Walt Disney World Resort

“I’m gonna wreck-it!”

I can’t tell you how many times I heard this phrase happily shouted across DisneyQuest this past Saturday – and each time it made me smile.

The fun was all a part of the Disney Parks Blog “Wreck-It Ralph” Family Game Day Meet-Up, which began at DisneyQuest, where our guests got to explore the complex, participate in game competitions, play the film-inspired “Fix-It Felix, Jr.” video game, enjoy photo opportunities and more.

We later moved to AMC Downtown Disney 24, where our attendees were treated to a screening of the film “Wreck-It Ralph” days before its November 2 debut!

Check out our video recap for highlights from the event. And be sure to keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog in early November, when we’ll share information on our next meet-up opportunity.

Tagged: Downtown Disney, Gallery, Meet-Up, Video, WDW

Filed: Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

UPDATE: This event has been filled to capacity. Please click here to view a list of the accepted event attendees. If you are on the list and do not receive a confirmation email, please contact us at WDW.BlogMeetUps@disney.com.

We’re still a few weeks away from the official opening of “Wreck-It Ralph” on November 2, but who wants to wait? You’re invited to join us on Saturday, October 20, at Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort for the “Wreck-It Ralph” Family Game Day Meet-Up, a celebration that will include a very special sneak-peek screening of the movie, family fun at DisneyQuest, and surprises for our readers.

The festivities will kick off at 9 a.m. at DisneyQuest, where attendees can enjoy everything the complex has to offer, plus the debut of the “Fix-It Felix, Jr.” video game from the film, game competitions, and more. Then we’ll move to AMC Downtown Disney 24 for a screening of the film (which opens nationwide in 3D on November 2). Here’s a look at what else to expect at the meet-up:

• A new “Wreck-It Ralph” photo opportunity at DisneyQuest
• Free popcorn and soda during the movie
• “Wreck-It Ralph” 3D chalk art
• Game trivia with prizes
• Special medal for attendees

And of course, there will be a few other surprises at the meet-up. Space is limited so RSVP now by sending us an email with your name, address, and number of guests (up to three) to WDW.BlogMeetUps@disney.com.

• All participants who sign up for the event must be 18 years or older, but guests do not need to be 18.
• Limit three guests per registrant.
• Meet-up confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value.
• Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person plus their number of specified guests.
• Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.
• The event and individual appearances are subject to change or cancellation.
• We will send an email to applicants who sent their valid RSVP via email before we reached capacity to confirm their attendance for the event. If you do not receive an email from us confirming your reservation and your name does not appear on the list of selected applicants, your RSVP was not selected.

We’ll also update this post when capacity has been reached. Please note the event is subject to change or cancellation without notice. Hope to see you there.

Tagged: Downtown Disney, Meet-Up, WDW

Filed: Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

Last night, Disney Parks Blog readers filled the French Market Restaurant in Disneyland park to learn how the Disneyland Resort gets ready for Halloween Time at our “Get Spookier” Meet-Up!

David Caranci, Manager of Resort Enhancement, and Brian “The Pumpkin King” Sandahl, Senior Designer for Disney Entertainment Creative Development, led the meet-up panel, explaining how their teams create all the spooky decor that makes Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort so much fun. From designing more than 1,000 carved pumpkins to creating a 9-foot-tall gingerbread house, David and Brian are the creative and hard-working guys behind it all.

After the panel, meet-up guests had Haunted Mansion Holiday all to themselves – free to ride as much as they liked (at least for those who didn’t find it too spooky)!

Upon returning to the French Market Restaurant, who should be awaiting their arrival but the stars of “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” and Haunted Mansion Holiday themselves – Jack and Sally.

And of course, there were sweets waiting for them, too.

At the end of the evening, we invited meet-up guests who came in their Halloween costumes up on stage to show off! We had villains and princesses, sheriffs and tour guides. Finally, to add to the spooky surprises throughout the night, each meet-up attendee left with tickets to return to Disneyland park for Mickey’s Halloween Party!

Check the Disney Parks Blog Facebook page later today to see more photos from the “Get Spookier” Meet-Up and keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for information on future events!

Tagged: DL, DLR, Meet-Up

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

UPDATE: The Disney Parks Blog “Get Spookier” Meet-Up has reached capacity, and confirmation emails will be sent shortly. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future events!

The Happiest Place on Earth is about to get spookier, and you and a guest could get the chance to see how we create all the Halloween Time fun at our next Disney Parks Blog meet-up! Join us on September 17, 2012, at Disneyland park for our Disney Parks Blog “Get Spookier” Meet-up, which will include:

• Panel discussion with Disneyland Resort Halloween Decor Experts
• David Caranci, Manager of Resort Enhancement (Who Disney Parks Blog readers will remember from this story)
• Brian Sandahl, Senior Designer for Disney Entertainment Creative Development
• Opportunity to ride Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction
• Dessert party at French Market Restaurant (anyone remember that chocolate buffet from our Midnight Snack?)
• Special spooky surprises

Speaking of getting ready for Halloween, this would be the perfect time to test out your costume! So get your thrilling threads ready and come to the Disney Parks Blog “Get Spookier” Meet-Up all dressed up. Just be sure to check here for costume guidelines. Costumes are allowed in the Park only at the event and not during regular park hours.

Space for the event is limited and you must sign up here. Please remember the following:

• All participants who sign up for the event must be 18 years or older, but guests do not need to be 18.
• Limit one guest per registrant.
• Meet-up confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value.
• Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person plus one guest.
• Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.
• Park admission will be provided beginning at 8 p.m. for the event, but participants will be responsible for any parking fees.

I will give an update at the top of this post when capacity has been reached. Please note the event is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Tagged: DL, DLR, Halloween, Meet-Up

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

Last night, we invited 1,000 Disney Parks Blog readers and guests to our “Glow With the Show” Meet-Up at Disney California Adventure park. Each received a shiny new pair of “Glow With the Show” Ears and reserved viewing for the 9 p.m. showing of “World of Color.”

Meet-up guests were led down the new Buena Vista Street to Paradise Pier, where a mountain of glowing hats awaited them.

Disney Parks Blog regular reader Kevin (far right) persuaded his family to enter and join him for the meet-up – so it was a family affair with (from left) parents Karen and Brendan, brother Patrick, sister Megan and family friend Hailey.

Proving that real men wear ear hats, Salvador, Ivan and John (from left) showed their true colors just before the start of the show.

These fans worked a little magic on their “Glow With the Show” hats, trying out one of my favorite features – making their ear hats sync up.

Did you join us for the “Glow With the Show” Meet-Up last night? Tell us about it in the comments! And be sure to check the Disney Parks Blog Facebook page later today for more photos from the event.

Check out these posts to read about past Disney Parks Blog meet-ups:

• Sixty-Six Readers Take a Spin at the Disney Parks Blog Cars Land Meet-Up
• Disney Parks Blog Fans Paaarty Like Pirates at Our ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirate Band’ Meet-Up
• Meet-Up and Fly Away Through the Disneyland Resort for Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend

Tagged: DCA, DLR, Meet-Up

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort