Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap Sept. 18, 2011

Hard to believe but it’s already time to show off your Halloween costumes at Disney Parks. This week, we held the season’s first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Walt Disney World Resort and there’s more fun to come. We shared a list of upcoming party nights, highlights of the event and even a link to a few of last year’s favorite costumes (some included below) in our original post.

And at the Disneyland Resort, it’s Halloween Time. Beginning this week until October 31, you’ll find some special surprises throughout the resort so be sure and check our post for details. And of course, tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park are on sale – the first night is September 30. This year, trick-or-treaters will bag nearly 500,000 pounds of candy and healthy treats during the event. Are you going?

And you’ve got to check out our latest video from work on the Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid. It’s one of the highly anticipated attractions coming to New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park and this week, Walt Disney Imagineering shared how the team is creating an underwater environment for Ariel.

Now here are a few other stories we worked on.

Behind the Scenes: Transforming Magic Kingdom Park for Fall – It’s looking a lot like fall around Magic Kingdom Park as Art Director with Walt Disney Entertainment David Hartmann takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour in this video.

How Does a Horse Become a Disneyland Horse? – Have you ever watched the horses strutting along Main Street, U.S.A., and wondered how they got a job at the happiest place on Earth?

Who Will Adorn the Stern of the Disney Fantasy? – Walt Disney Imagineers brought to life Goofy on the stern of the Disney Magic, followed by Donald Duck and his nephews on the Disney Wonder and Sorcerer Mickey on the Disney Dream. Take a look at who will be joining the crew of the Disney Fantasy.

Walt Disney World Resort Earns Top Honors for Supporting the Arts – Walt Disney World Resort will receive the BCA 10: Best Companies Supporting the Arts in America for 2011 award on October 5 at a black-tie gala in New York City.

Wildlife Wednesdays: Baby Elephants Jabali and Luna Are Becoming the Best of Friends at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Take a look as the newest baby elephant to join the herd at Disney’s Animal Kingdom makes a new friend out in the savanna.

Attention All Pirates! It’s Here at Walt Disney World Resort – Disney Floral & Gifts shares details on a new Pirate Adventure In-Room Celebration, prepared for you in your Walt Disney World resort room by none other than Captain Jack Sparrow.