How to Make Your Child a Good Dinosaur-Themed Birthday Party

All The Disney Theme Parks, Ranked

1. Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is quintessential Disney for both the young and young-at-heart. Located in Central Florida, when you think of Disney, this is usually what comes to mind. It's most notable for the larger-than-life castle where Cinderella and her princess friends get together to meet guests everyday.

I especially love Magic Kingdom because it has a bit of everything for those classic fairytale lovers and thrill seekers. You'll find coasters such as Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as well as more classic attractions like It's A Small World and Peter Pan's Flight that are suitable for the whole family. Plus, the entertainment is top notch with a daytime parade, evening fireworks, and a show on the castle stage.

(A word to the wise, though: there really isn't any alcohol in this park, so don't expect to have that Epcot-esque experience here)

2. Epcot

Speaking of Epcot, it's genuinely unlike any other theme park in the world. The park somehow brings together futuristic concepts (Space 220 is out of this world) and cultural diversity (hello, World Showcase!) in such a unique way! Not only can you explore 11 different international pavilions, eating and drinking to your heart's content, but you can also enjoy incredible rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

And while Epcot has rides and character meet and greets, this park really stands out for its festivals. Every few months, guests can experience different themed festivals filled with varying entertainment, food, and beverage offerings. Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival is arguably the most popular — I mean who doesn't love to celebrate that?! Other incredible celebrations include the International Flower & Garden Festival, International Festival of the Arts, and Festival of the Holidays. I highly recommend scheduling your trip to Epcot during one of these festivals periods because it truly shows the park at its best capacity.

(And if you're feeling a silly, you can "Drink Around The World" in Epcot's World Showcase any time of year 😉)

3. Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is flashy and fun, featuring larger than life productions to high-tech attractions and rides. You'll find a bit of everything at Hollywood Studios, but Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land are the park's newest developments with attractions including Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon, and Slinky Dog Dash. Oh, and I can't forget about Tower of Terror — the icon of the park that can be seen from multiple points across the Disney property.

Lastly, you won't want to miss Fantasmic, the parks nighttime spectacular that combines water, characters, fireworks, and more into a breathtaking show for guests each night. Content Editor Haley Sprankle constantly has the theme song stuck in her head — it really is THAT good.

4. Animal Kingdom

No trip to Disney World is complete without a visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Whether you're looking to be in tune with nature or see wildlife in action, you can experience it all at DAK.

For starters, you can go on the Kilimanjaro Safaris where you'll be guided around an African savannah right in the heart of Florida to see animals like giraffes and hippos in their natural habitats while learning facts about the park and their conservation efforts. Outside of the rides, you can't miss the Festival of the Lion King which is a 30-minute Broadway-style show that features acrobats, live music, puppetry, and fire throwing — all in celebration of the beloved film!

The only downside to DAK is that it can get extremely hot, and there aren't a lot of places to find relief from the brutal Florida sun. I'd definitely be sure to wear protective hats and hydrate, whenever possible!

5. Disneyland

A visit to the original Disney park is a must-do at some point in your lifetime. Disneyland is home to Sleeping Beauty's castle and has a quaint, old-school feel that instantly transports you back in time. Unlike Disney World, characters at Disneyland roam and meet guests as they interact with their environment — almost as if they just hopped off a page from a storybook.

In terms of rides, there's no shortage of them at Disneyland, from Indiana Jones Adventure to Pinocchio's Journey. Lastly, no trip to Disneyland is complete without paying homage to Walt outside of his apartment on the top of Main Street U.S.A. Don't forget to grab a churro too — they're delicious!

6. Disney California Adventure Park

Directly across from Disneyland is Disney California Adventure — here you'll find a mix of Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters and rides for the whole family. DCA is home to the beloved Cars Land, AKA where you can visit Radiator Springs Racers and Flo's V8 Cafe. Other highlights of the park include Pixar Pier, San Fransokyo Square (inspired by Big Hero 6), and Avenger's Campus. If you get hungry at DCA, there are plenty of dining options, from Carthay Circle to Lamplight Lounge. Plus, who doesn't love that iconic Mickey Mouse ferris wheel?!

7. Disneyland Paris

Making your way to Europe? Be sure to make a stop at Disneyland Paris — located only 40 minutes away from the downtown area — to get your fix of Disney magic. Disneyland Paris is centered around Sleeping Beauty's Castle and is home to four lands — Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Discoveryland.

Like any Disney theme park there are so many rides, characters, and fun to get into. Step foot into Phantom Manor or Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain to immerse yourself in Disney's iconic storytelling whether by yourself or with family members.

8. Walt Disney Studios Park

Next to Disneyland Paris, you'll want to head over to Walt Disney Studios Park to find attractions and characters inspired by Disney, Pixar and Marvel. Some of the most exciting elements? Crush's Coaster, Cars Road Trip, and Ratatouille — because of course we couldn't exclude Paris's favorite rat. It's definitely a slower paced park with less offerings, however, you'll still feel the magic as soon as you step foot onto the property.

9. Tokyo Disneyland

If you find yourself in Tokyo, then you'll absolutely wanna do yourself a favor and head over to Tokyo Disneyland. While it's completely it's own park, Tokyo Disneyland seems most similar to Magic Kingdom with its seven different "lands" throughout. You'll find the World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Tomorrowland.

You'll find some classic Disney attractions, like the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and The Beast alongside other family-friendly options like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Monsters Inc Ride and Go Seek. Plus, you'll be able to see lots of characters throughout — not to mention the exciting entertainment offerings from Jamboree Mickey to Harmony in Color!

Lastly, this park has SO much great merchandise options, so you can bring home something unique with you to remember your trip!

10. Tokyo DisneySea

Head on over to Tokyo DisneySea where you'll find a plethora of rides and characters from beloved Disney movies. Aside from Mickey and Minnie, you can meet lots of princesses alongside Duffy and friends (the cutest little animal characters!) to fill up your autograph book and camera roll to the max.

This park is self-described as the "only Disney park themed to the myths and legends of the sea," adding extra intrigue to the experience. You'll find the Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Port Discovery, Fantasy Springs, Lost River Delta, Arabian Coast, Mermaid Lagoon, and Mysterious Island.

Tokyo DisneySea's latest expansion is Fantasy Springs where you'll be immersed into the worlds of Peter Pan, Tangled, and Frozen. Plus, you can get on Journey to the Center of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea — which you also won't find at any other Disney park!

11. Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland features the Enchanted Storybook Castle right in the center of the park, where guests can take pictures and get immersed in the magic. The park has eight different themed areas — Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land, and Zootopia — with each offering it's own unique vibe. Some popular attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Tron Lightcycle Power Run, and Peter Pan’s Flight.

According to their website, this park is also the most "technologically innovative" Disney theme park, so I'm sure you'll be in for some really exciting features! Plus, the Enchanted Storybook Castle is "the tallest, biggest and most interactive of all Disney castles the world over." Okay, sign me up!

12. Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland may be last on this list, but the park definitely has some incredible standout options for guests! (Plus, you know I'm never mad to be at any Disney theme park ever!)

For starters, no other Disney park has a Mystic Manor, an alternative take on the Haunted Mansion where guests are ushered inside as Henry Mystic shows visitors inside his home that's filled with antiques. Other highlights include the Iron Man Experience, Slinky Dog Spin, and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars.

Plus, this park has stunning views throughout. The main castle is surrounded by lush, green mountains that are totally breathtaking — and totally different than anything you'd see in Orlando!

Inside Out Halloween Costumes For 2024

The best part about these Inside Out character costumes is, there's a good chance you already have a lot of the materials you need to dress up as each character at home. That means all you’ll need are an extra piece here or there to buy or DIY (that should make you jump for Joy).

How to Make an Inside Out Anger Costume

Bryan, our Director of Video, is channeling his best scowl and slouchy posture. To get the foundation of this look, all you need is a pair of brown pants, a white button-down dress shirt and a gray tie.

Flaming Headpiece: Measure the circumference of your head with a piece of tape, then use that tape to cut out a headband made of glitter foam paper. For Bryan, I used two pieces glued together, and then trimmed off the rest. To create flames, cut out flame shapes on gold glitter foam paper as your base, then add a few red glitter foam flames on top in whatever fire pattern you like.

Makeup + Eyebrows: You could use face paint if you want, but I actually just used red eyeshadow on Bryan, which feels way more comfortable and tends to be easier to wear without smudging it. The eyebrows are also made from the red glitter foam paper and stuck on using eyelash glue.

The Tie: To get the design on the tie, use painter’s tape to lay a zigzag pattern across the tie, then spray paint the tie red. If you happen to find a tie that has a similar color scheme and print and you would rather keep it simple, then you can skip this step.

Make An Inside Out DIY Fear Costume

Our Associate Editor Sean can’t be any cuter! I mean!?!? To recreate Fear, grab a pair of dark purple skinny pants, a light blue dress shirt, a red bow tie and a pair of black or dark gray dress shoes.

Hair Curl + Eyebrows: Use glitter foam paper to cut out the curlycue hair piece. To keep it standing up straight, glue a toothpick on the backside of the swirl and attach to your hair using bobby pins.

Makeup: First, draw circles around your eyes using white eyeliner, then fill them in with white face paint. Add a little dark gray or black smudgy eyeliner and some mascara to make your eyes pop. Then grab a purple eyeshadow that has red undertones in it and stipple (aka gently tap) the product onto the rest of your face with a kabuki makeup brush. Make sure you’re careful not to get shadow on the white makeup. Again, you can use face paint, but it tends to be a little more high maintenance to keep in tact all night.

Houndstooth Vest: If you can find a vest or sweater that you can cut into a vest, that’s the best route. I couldn’t find one anywhere, so instead I had to make it. Good news: It’s super easy to do. Grab houndstooth fabric, fold it in half over your body (be sure to cut out a place for your head!) and then draw lines on the fabric with chalk to mark the width of your body. Take the fabric off, flip inside out, then sew a half inch beyond where you marked — and leave room to make holes for your arms! You can always find a pattern to DL for something a little easier :)

How to Make a DIY Inside Out Joy Costume

Marisa is the perfect Joy! Our Junior Designer is always walking around the office with the biggest smile on her face, and it didn’t stop here. For the base of this Inside Out character costume, grab a yellow dress and a pair of nude shoes. We found this dress at a thrift store!

THAT Hair: Now, you can buy a wig that is similar to this cut, but I am always an advocate for styling your own wig because it looks more natural. This originally was a light teal bob wig — I used a hair razor (you can find one at your local beauty supply store) to hack the sides off and to create the little stand-up hairs on the top of her head. Use a little wax on the ends of the hairs on top and on the side of your face to really drive up the look.

Makeup: Simple: Go with a heavy teal eyeliner or eyeshadow to help the wig pop.

The Dress: Nab a couple teal blue and dark blue paint pens from your local art store to draw the flowers. I just eyeballed the design from the cartoon and drew the flower pattern on the dress using teal for the petals and then dark blue to outline then for a more defined, professional finish.

How to Make an Inside Out Disgust Costume

I was not sure if it was a compliment or tease when Anj, our Creative Director, told me “OMG you will be the BEST at being Disgust” (hmmm… haha). Regardless, it was SO fun to wear this outfit for the day! The dress is from a thrift store as well as the belt (I got SO lucky finding almost an exact match). You can always get a green belt and add a white or lighter line down the middle with paint if you want to be really true to details.

Hair + Makeup: I found this sparkly green wig at a costume shop and cut a couple of inches off so it was the same length as the character’s. Green eyelashes are clutch — grab ’em while you’re at the costume store, too! For your eyebrows, use white eyeliner to fill them in and then use an angled eyebrow brush to brush on green eyeshadow so they match your eyelashes and wig. Finish off the look with orchid lipstick and practice your most gnarly facial expressions and you are set!

Scarf: Buy a quarter yard of a sparkly light purple tulle and cut it to the right length to tie around your neck.

The Dress: You can use white fabric paint and a paint brush or paint pens to draw on the splattered, floral-like pattern.

Shoes: I could not for the life of me find fuchsia shoes anywhere, so I bought a pair of flats and spray painted them.

Make A DIY Inside Out Sadness Costume

This is MY personal favorite character from Inside Out without a doubt, and I think a fan favorite across the board IRL as well. Sadness steals your heart in the first flick, and our DIY intern Brittany (aka BGriff) stole mine with her perfect channeling of this charismatic little gem of a character. All you need to recreate the look is blue tights, flat shoes and an oversized gray cowl neck sweater (super stoked to have found the perfect one at a thrift store — score!).

Makeup: This makeup is really simple: only add mascara and blue lipstick. The most important part here is to practice your pout! It is too good!!!

The Hair: This wig is the blue version of the green wig Disgust is wearing, only it needed to be cut much shorter to fit the look. Use hair wax to style the bangs over to the side and along the ends of the wig so it looks more natural.

Big Glasses: Use a small glass to trace circles on black glitter foam paper and another slightly smaller glass to make the center circle. Cut them out and attach using eyelash glue at the bridge of your nose.

We couldn’t resist!

Obvs this is the perfect set of costumes for groups of all kinds. You can get everyone in on the action — get a group of the neighborhood kids together and be the show stopping group of the ‘hood with your minis rocking these looks, too!

Peiduo Small LED Light Birch Trees

These tiny trees lit by twinkly LED lights are perfect for topping your mantle or dinner table. I think they add just the right amount of whimsy to your space, no matter how you decorate with them! They're not necessarily Christmas-specific, either. Their simple design allows you to spruce 'em up in all kinds of ways year-round. Similar pieces at Target and Anthropologie range from $21 $68 for one tree, but you can get two trees for just $25 on Amazon right now.

Plaid Throw Pillow Covers

Plaid – specifically red plaid – is timeless when it comes to Christmas decor. It never fails to make a space extra cozy! These 18x18-inch covers are perfect for throw pillows on your bed and couch alike. You can snag this set of 2 in a few other holiday-ready colorways for just $10, and they'll likely last you a while with the right care.

Artgar Real Touch Pine Garland

If you have a mantle, use it! A mantle is prime real estate for Christmas decorations like stockings, candles, and cards – but none of that is truly complete without a good garland! This 6-foot faux pine garland can easily span your mantle to fill in any negative space and simply make things cozier. It comes with attached LED lights (no wall plug necessary, just a few batteries) as well as pinecone accents to make the garland itself feel fuller. Plus, $30 isn't so bad for a statement piece like this!

Vintage Bow Decorative Tray

This piece reminds me of a tray Pottery Barn Teen and LoveShackFancy sells in their collaborative collection, except it literally costs $60 less. It's not a total dupe, but the one thing it does have in common is bows: the most adorable reference to gifting season! I think this $9 pick could be so cute as a serving platter for Christmas desserts or even as a festive catchall you keep on your coffee table throughout the holidays.

Kate Aspen Retro Floral Drinking Glasses

The intricate design on these green-tinted glasses really has me hooked. They'd look so good with any sort of Christmas party tablescape – as long as you're sipping Christmas cocktails out of them! A similar set of 6 is currently being sold on Quince for $48. This one's only $26.