Passholders are invited to a special shopping experience at World of Disney in Downtown Disney -- beginning at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. The first 450 guests will receive a free limited-edition pin. Plus, the first 1,000 guests at the store will receive a free silver or red Disney coil ornament.

Here's what is planned:

6:30-7:30 a.m.: Complimentary coffee, hot cocoa and treat tastings

6:30 a.m.: Select plush and other items $3 each

7-9 a.m.: Meet Santa Goofy

7:30 a.m.: Select jumbo mugs, 2008 dated merchandise and other items $5 each

8:30 a.m.: Select apparel $7 each

In addition, there will be hourly doorbuster deals, and passholders will receive their 10 percent discount.

(Photo by Walt Disney World)

Want to find out if a rawhide or chew toy in the stocking is going to cut it? Beginning Saturday, dog owners can bring their furry friends to meet St. Nick at Downtown Disney throughout the holiday season. Leashed pooches are welcome to pose for pictures at Santa's Christmas Chalet located near World of Disney through Dec. 24. You can take your own photos or use Disney's PhotoPass service. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Nov. 15-27 and noon to 10 p.m. Nov. 28-Dec. 24. A doggie "comfort" area will be in the grassy section behind Once Upon a Toy. For questions, call 407-828-3150.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party is sold out tonight, but you can still have fun at Disney, and this event is free. Downtown Disney's Happy Haunting continues tonight from 5 to 9 p.m. and offers trick-or-treating for the kids.

We checked it out last night and were surprised by how many different activities there were. Here is what is offered. The later you arrive, the more patience you will need with parking because the lots do fill up quickly. Once we were walking around, though, the crowds were manageable.

If you want to join the Halloween fun at Disney without Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party prices, here's an option. On Oct. 30 and 31, Downtown Disney hosts trick-or-treaters for a free Happy Haunting event from 5 to 9 p.m.

Children can dress up and collect candy, while it lasts, at these stores: World of Disney, Team Mickey, Once Upon a Toy, Pooh Corner, Disney’s Days of Christmas, World of Memories, Disney’s Pin Traders, Mickey’s Pantry, Mickey’s Groover, DisneyQuest Emporium and Pin Cart West Side. (Photo from Walt Disney World)

There will be plenty of other entertainment as well. Storytelling takes place at the iron gate near World of Disney at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. A magician and a comedian take turns wowing young participants at the pumpkin patch near the Earl of Sandwich. The magician performs at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., and the comedian takes the stage at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Throughout the night, a DJ spins the tunes for a dance party at the Fountain Stage and skeleton stilt walkers mingle with the crowd. I’m told there will be special photo opportunities in both the Marketplace and the West Side.

Going to Disney World is fun for me for many reasons, not the least of which is seeing the wonder and joy in my children as they experience everything. But recently, our family tried something that reminded me of my childhood. We went to the campfire singalong and outdoor movie at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. (Walt Disney World photo)

It was organized, yet laid back, and seeing a movie under the stars got me as close to a drive-in movie theater as I've been since the '70s. In the summer, the evening kicks off at 7:30 with the lighting of two campfires, which burn throughout the evening for guests to roast marshmellows, cook hotdogs, or char whatever they choose. (The Chuckwagon sells supplies, but guests are welcome to bring their own food as well.)

At 8, the singalong begins with an entertainer leading the group. Kids of all ages joined in the Hokey-Pokey and the Chicken Dance. Chip 'n Dale worked the crowd, making sure everyone got autographs and photos. And then the Disney movie started at 8:40 p.m. (The August movie schedule is posted is on the jump.)

Seating includes large benches with backs and bleachers, and we saw some folks with blankets and lawnchairs. The evening drew many people, but it was not packed, and plenty of bleachers remained empty during the movie. Perhaps in the winter months, when the theme parks close earlier, it is more crowded. The campfire singalong is free and open to guests staying on Disney property.

On a recent visit to the World of Disney store at Downtown Disney, a little magic went a long way for my daughter.

The store is home to Walt Disney World's original Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a place where little girls are transformed into the princesses of their dreams. For a price, fairy-godmothers-in-training will do the hair, makeup and nails of aspiring royalty. My daughter practically swoons every time we pass by the entrance, wondering if she will ever get the opportunity to play the most elaborate game of dress-up she has ever seen.

What a difference a year makes. Filming of the Disney Channel Games began today at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex, and unfortunately, it was not as fan-friendly as last year.

That became apparent from the start when, during the bag search, we were informed that no food or drinks could be brought into the stadium. Obviously, the folks at Disney want visitors to spend money at the concession stand, but even the theme parks allow sippy cups and snacks! And food and drinks were allowed at last year's games.

Once inside, we were disappointed to see huge production tents side by side on the field. Between those and the stage set up for Saturday's concert, it was almost impossible to see the games. This was not unexpected; Disney Channel was clear in its promotional material that the games were not staged as a sporting event but as a working production. Really, though, would it have hurt to show on the large screens what was going on with the filming?

As of late last night, Walt Disney World passholders could begin requesting free tickets for the 2008 Disney Channel Games concert, which will feature The Cheetah Girls, The Jonas Brothers and others on Saturday, May 3, at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.

Here's what to do:

Email dcgamesconcert08@gmail.com with your name, e-mail address, phone number, number of tickets you'd like (maximum of 6) and passholder ID number.

Requests are honored on a first-come, first-served basis, and you will be notified by email. There are no guarantees that you will receive tickets.

Keep reading the jump for what to do if you're not a passholder.

Fun Spot could practically change its name to Free Spot. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I didn't know the International Drive attraction has free admission and (my favorite) free parking. It's pay-as-you-go, so you can do as little or as much as you want.

Fun Spot first opened at Christmastime of 1997, so as part of the 10th anniversary celebration, they're adding more free stuff: unlimited soft drinks for its patrons. It's also giving away weekly prizes (including a $300 Best Buy gift card and 20 Fun Spot family packs), building up to a biggie: A 2008 Dodge Charger. Entry forms are at the admission booth, so the more you visit the Spot, the better your odds of winning. The car will be given away Labor Day -- September 1, 2008. (There are rules, too.)