FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: holiday events

  • Hong Kong Disneyland Celebrates Halloween – Spooky Fun at Family Theme Park

    Halloween tends to be regarded as an American holiday, but Hong Kong’s Disneyland Resort is getting into the spirit with its Haunted Halloween celebrations.

    Maleficent, the devilish queen of Sleeping Beauty, is behind the event.


    She's furious that she's never been invited to a Halloween party, so she's taking matters into her own evil hands. Once the sun goes down each Thursday to Sunday until the end of the month, Maleficent promises to give families visiting Hong Kong Disneyland a thrill. Main Street U.S.A. is ordinarily full of life, but this month it's transformed into a Ghost Town. Specters will walk the eerily lit streets, so look out for those ghostly gatherings! Adventureland's also had a spooky makeover. It's now a tribal burial ground, where zombies and long forgotten tribal warriors are on hand to give their evening guests a chilly reception. Tomorrowland will be jumping though with the Inferno Dance Party. Some of Disney's creepiest villains, including the Queen of Hearts and Snow White's witch, will boogie with the crowds to everyone's favorite retro hits. [caption id="attachment_4416" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The evil Maleficent"]The evil Maleficent[/caption] Even the most famous rides have been touched by Maleficent's hands. The Adventureland Jungle is a little more demonic, and the park's most popular roller coaster has been newly christened Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. But of course, Maleficent has saved her best work for Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Once the sun goes down, onlookers will be treated to a stunningly spooky pyrotechnic show known as Nightmare in the Sky. The castle will seem to be engulfed by thorns and red hot flames as digital projections, lights, and music come together in one spectacular show. So why only celebrate on October 31? At Hong Kong Disneyland they think the whole month deserves a good scare!

  • Quirky Labor Day Holiday Activities – Events Around North America This September Long Weekend

    With Labor Day rapidly approaching, Americans are making plans about where to spend their holiday weekend.

    But if you're stuck for inspiration, consider these quirky Labor Day activities for your September vacation. Maryland is famous for its crabs, so it's no surprise to see a crustacean themed celebration taking place over the long weekend. The National Hard Crab Derby and Fair hits Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield from September 3 to 5. The festivities feature crab cooks facing off, aspiring beauties competing for the title of Miss Crusty, crab picking, and boat races. Tickets cost $5, and $2 for children under 12. Mendota, Illinois isn't a common tourist destination, but the town comes alive over the Labor Day holiday period. At the annual Sta-Bil National Weekend, contestants race customized mowers around a course in a number of speed classes. The spectators get pretty rowdy, especially when the machines top 60 miles an hour! After watching this madcap event, you'll never think about tending your lawn in the same way again! If you've got a taste for a more tropical destination, visit the Hawaiian island of Oahu for the Queen Lili-uokalani Outrigger Canoe race. On September 4 and 5 paddlers from around the globe will compete in the 18-mile races. The fun doesn't end when the races are over either; that's when the island enjoys a post-event luau and dancing by torchlight. For a vacation that's further afield, consider crossing the border and heading to the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Gatineau, Canada. From September 3 to 6 balloons of all shapes and sizes take to the skies. There's also live music, market stalls, and the Agropur Night Glow show featuring illuminated character balloons for the kids. So why just take the same old vacation you always do? Make 2010 the year where you venture from the well worn tourist track and enjoy a Labor Day Weekend you'll never forget.