It’s not news that devoted pet owners will do just about anything for their “fur children”, including luxury accommodations which are gaining popularity across the country. I have a friend who’s been putting her dog in a similar pet hotel for years, allowing her to watch her pets on a webcam while she’s away. After all, if you’re enjoying the place “Where Dreams Come True”, why not let your beloved pets experience some magic as well?

I was really impressed with the facilities at the Best Friends Pet Care, which opened this week. Situated across from Port Orleans Riverside on Bonnet Creek Parkway, the newly built Best Friends Pet Care replaces all other Disney kennels throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. With facilities for over 300 pets, this one new location will be able to comfortably accommodate all of Disney’s four-legged visitors. Whether you are just dropping your pet off for a day visit, or an overnight stay, they will be given as much attention as if they were a human guest at one of Disney’s deluxe resorts.

Here are some of the facts about the Best Friends Pet Care and its services:

Splash park and fenced dog walk trail to the right

Check-in area overlooking the grooming room

• Boarding rate: Standard $37 / Resort Guest $34
• Daycare rate: 6 hours or less $16 / More than 6 hours $27

• Boarding rate: Standard $40 / Resort Guest $36
• Daycare rate: 6 hours or less $18 / More than 6 hours $30

• Boarding rate: Standard $59 / Resort Guest $53
• Daycare rate: 6 hours or less $30 / More than 6 hours $53

Best Friends Pet Resort Vacation Villas

Viewing in the Villas that day was Lady and the Tramp

• Boarding rate: Standard $76 / Resort Guest $69
• Daycare rate: 6 hours or less $46 / More than 6 hours $69

VIP suite, ready for its next guest

I loved this little bulldog. Normally those doors are open for outside access.

VIP Suite outdoor access - private, covered, secure and with a play set!

Doggie Daycare and play group area.

Outside area for Doggy Daycare, with pools.

KITTY CITY. I could say it all day.

Kitty City play area.

A la carte offerings for cats include:

Pocket Pets area.

Purina food is provided for dogs and cats, or owners may bring their own. Owners may come throughout the day to enjoy the Play Park with their dogs or play with their other animals. Grooming prices and Pocket Pet boarding prices vary depending on the animal and services provided. Pricing and other details are available at wdw.bestfriendspetcare.com or by calling 877/4-WDW-PETS. Best Friends Pet Care resort is located across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside at 2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 32830.

Will you bring your pet to Best Friends Pet Care? I’d love to hear how they like it! More pictures of the Best Friends facilities may be found at my flickr page.

Mee-YOW!

photo courtesy of cafetricot on flickr

Fans of Disney’s Tokyo DisneySea may be familiar with the very popular bear, Duffy, who graces the park as a character, plush toy and many, many other forms of merchandise. As the story goes, (you knew there was a story, right?) Mickey Mouse was about to leave on a long sea voyage. Minnie gave him a stuffed bear so he wouldn’t get lonely. Mickey kept the bear duffel bag, and the name “Duffy” was born. Aww.

Duffy has his very own Disney site in Japanese, an unofficial Facebook page, countless flickr photos and ebay auctions for bears, outfits and more. He was for sale, though not referred to as Duffy, simply “The Disney Bear” briefly at Walt Disney World, making character appearances during Teddy Bear Weekends here in Florida. I happened to have purchased one back when my 11 year old was first born. I think I loved him more than my son did. Since I have a a love for all things Japanese as well, I was pretty excited about Duffy coming here to Epcot, in the Japan pavilion – my favorite spot in World Showcase!

The good news for annual passholders is they will get a sneak preview and special hour-long presentation all about Duffy on September 18, 2010, at 11am, 2pm and 6pm at the Odyssey restaurant in Epcot. Reservations for this event open Tuesday, Aug. 31, at DisneyWorld.com/passholder to all current Disney World passholders. However, Weekday Select and Epcot After 4 p.m. passholders will need valid admission to Epcot. To read more about the details, check out Kristen Ford’s story on The Daily Disney. Duffy should begin making regular appearances in World Showcase’s Japan pavilion in October.

I can’t wait to sign up and be there for Duffy madness to arrive here in Florida. Hopefully he will receive as warm a welcome as he did in his Japanese home. Okaeri nasai, Duffy!

My own Duffy, getting ready to surf the internets.

Disney Interactive Studios announced today the upcoming release of Wizards of Waverly Place: Spellbound for Nintendo DS™. Inspired by the hit Disney Channel TV series, “Wizards of Waverly Place,” the video game will take players through five exciting episodes in a brand new mystery as they play as some of their favorite characters from the show.

In Wizards of Waverly Place: Spellbound, players will take their Wizard skills to the next level to find out what happened to a dress designed by Alex Russo that goes missing just before her big fashion show. Fans can play as their favorite wizards-in-training – Alex, Justin and Max Russo – while interacting with familiar characters and exploring locations from the show, including the Waverly Sub Station, Tribeca Prep and others.

In this fun-filled adventure game, players will complete various puzzles and overcome obstacles by casting spells on objects and characters. Fans will be able to move and freeze objects, turn themselves into a hamster, travel at turbo speed and more.  In addition, players can dress Alex in 25 collectible outfits and compete in bonus wizard challenges.

Wizards of Waverly Place: Spellbound will be available this fall for Nintendo DS.

A new podcast devoted to covering all of Disney’s Fairytale Weddings will debut today. Inside Disney Weddings is hosted by Scott Sheppard and Carrie Hayward will be released weekly each Wednesday and is available via iTunes and is also available at their website – Inside Disney Weddings and on Facebook.

Inside Disney Weddings is the only program dedicated to weddings and honeymoons at the Disney parks and on the Disney Cruise Line. Each week, Scott Sheppard and Carrie Hayward take a look at what’s new and exciting in the world of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. Topics range from the latest news, planning information and money-saving tips to in-depth interviews and event coverage. The program also features special guests, including industry experts and real Disney brides and grooms, along with caller Q&A, giveaways and contests.

“I’m thrilled that Scott Sheppard and Carrie Hayward have teamed up to bring us the new ‘Inside Disney Weddings’ program,” said The Disney Wedding Blog founder Carly Morgan. “Scott has worked in the Disney wedding industry for years, and Carrie—a past Disney bride and the author of ‘PassPorter’s Disney Weddings & Honeymoons’—has become the expert on all things Disney weddings. I can’t think of a better team!”

Scott Sheppard is the CEO of Inside Media Networks. IMN creates targeted talk programming for creative, B2B and consumer lifestyle markets. Its talented team of broadcast and communication professionals has successfully built desirable niche audiences by leveraging online content-distribution tools, including podcasts, blogs and social networks. IMN also provides consulting services to clients wishing to transition from traditional to new media and establish or expand their own brands. With a background in terrestrial broadcasting and professional radio and television production, IMN is considered the leading technical expert in the fields of new media and podcasting today.

Print and broadcast journalist Carrie Hayward is the author of “PassPorter’s Disney Weddings & Honeymoons,” a guidebook and bridal organizer for weddings, vow renewals, commitment ceremonies and honeymoons at Walt Disney World and on the Disney Cruise Line. She is also the E-Book Editor at PassPorter Travel Press, an independent publisher of best-selling Disney park guidebooks. She was married at Walt Disney World in 2008.

From the site: This week’s show offers an introduction to the four types of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings at Walt Disney World and on the Disney Cruise Line—Escape, Wishes, Couture and Cruise—and sets the stage for an in-depth look at each type of wedding in the coming weeks.

If you’re planning a wedding, honeymoon or renewal, or just love everything about weddings like me, be sure to check out this magical new podcast!

Ok, so Dean Martin said love was king, but he never tried the pizza at Via Napoli now did he? I was among those lucky enough to get a taste yesterday at the Via Napoli grand opening celebration and I can’t wait to return. Of course there has been a lot of buzz about Via Napoli online since it was first announced it would join the World Showcase family of restaurants. Fears swirled that adding a new element to an existing country pavilion would disrupt the look and flow of our beloved Italy, while others felt an expansion was necessary and eagerly awaited its arrival. Me? Well, I am used to Boston pizza, where Dominoes is a 4-letter word and places like Bertucci’s once took the pizza chain restaurant up to date and into the land of the brick oven. Knowing there would now finally be a place to get authentic Neapolitan pizza in Epcot, I was a fan before I even got there.

All images not watermarked are ©Disney

Now I know, everyone just wants to know how good the pizza is, but please indulge me as I discuss what makes Via Napoli such a satisfying experience…First of all, look at the picture above – how beautiful is that? So authentic-looking and inviting, isn’t it? Before we venture inside, lets take a look at the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Epcot Vice President Dan Cockerell, Patina Group CEO Nick Valenti, legendary chef and Patina Group and founder Joachim Splichal and of course, Mickey and Minnie, in their finest Italian couture!

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Everyone's a fan! Photo courtesy of the Ridley Pearson facebook page

A while back I posted my interview with fellow Disney Mom Margaret and she mentioned her love of the Kingdom Keepers series. Imagine my surprise when I received a comment on that entry from none other than the author himself, Ridley Pearson, thanking Margaret for the KK love. I figured I shouldn’t let that bit of providence go to waste, so I emailed Mr. Pearson to ask if he’d be interested in answering a few questions for ZannaLand readers. He responded that he’d be “pleased and honored” to do so. As a fan (of both Ridley’s work and young-adult fiction in general) and a wanna-be-writer, I was a bit excited at the prospect.

What follows are my silly questions and Ridley’s wonderful answers; sharing a bit more about himself,  the writing process and his Disney-themed work.

Zanna: What made you first decide to take the leap from a successful adult thriller writer to the young adult genre?

Ridley Pearson: The most obvious change was having children.  When my two daughters were little I would tell them a different story every night before bed. Every night.  My wife and I would read to them as well, no less than an hour a night.  At some point, as a writer, you just start to think: “Why am I not writing for my kids?”

Z: Did you head into The Kingdom Keepers thinking Walt Disney World would be a great setting for a book or did you decide to bring the Disney aspect in after the fact?

RP: Actually, Disney did a remarkably generous thing for me (and for Dave Barry) the result of which was a thank you phone call that ended with me and an editor, Wendy Lefkon, discussing working together.  She proposed I use my crime-writing skills to develop a series set inside the Disney theme parks that the Disney “attorneys would approve.”  It was a challenge I couldn’t resist.

Z: Had you always been a fan of Disney parks?

RP: I LOVE the Disney parks, but came to it late.  (That was the generous gift Disney gave me (and Dave Barry): 3 days with our families as VIP guests in Disney World!  It changed my (publishing) life.

Z: Did you anticipate the Disney fandom appreciating how you handled the parks and becoming so passionate about your books (and every detail)?

RP: The reader reaction caught me and my publishing team at Disney TOTALLY by surprise.  The first book Disney After Dark sold well, but not phenomenally.  Then, after a few months, this groundswell began and tens of thousands of readers (later, hundreds of thousands) “got the bug.”  It was a so much fun for me, as a writer, because it meant more books — and then, once those books caught on, they way they did, we set a series length (7 books) and I could create a large “arc” for the entire series.  It’s been a very special part of my work.  I treasure the KK series and its readers.

Z: As a guitarist in the band of published authors, Rock Bottom Remainders, who are some of your musical inspirations? Do you listen to music while writing?

RP: On my iPhone you’ll find everything from opera to U2.  Nickleback to Scott Hamilton.  Jazz, rock, soft rock, “oldies” — having played music for years now I take it any way it comes.  I love music and sometimes, though certainly not always, play music when I’m writing.  If I know the music really intimately I can write with it playing; if not, too much of my attention is taken by admiring the piece.

Z: With so many young adult books in the marketplace now, how do you ensure you’ll capture a reader’s attention? Do you have any advice for aspiring authors to set themselves apart?

RP: I try not to think about all the other books (although I read them! I love Eoin Colfer and Rick Riordan, Carl Hiaasen).  I just try to write a compelling, fast-paced story with fun characters (that’s tough enough).  I think the key to new writers is “have fun.”  If you have fun writing, chances are the reader will too.

Z: Do you have a definite end in sight for The Kingdom Keepers? Will there be a part 4 or beyond? Any hints? (Thanks to my 11 year-old for this question!)

RP: I sure do!  See above.

Can’t wait to see what happens next! Huge thanks to Ridley Pearson for taking the time out of his incredibly busy schedule to talk with us today! I know I loved learning a bit more about the process and how Kingdom Keepers began. If you’d like to check out Kingdom Keepers III: Disney in Shadow, his Peter serieswith Dave Barry, as well as all his adult fiction, head over to the Ridley Pearson author page on Amazon or his official website RidleyPearson.com. You can also follow Ridley on twitter @RidleyPearson and  “like” him Pearson on facebook, where he updates regularly about his work and appearances.

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This post is part of the Disney Blog Carnival. Head over there to see more great Disney-related posts and articles!

In an interesting turn of events, Disney has decided to release its newest design collaboration with Dooney & Bourke online first. The new Princess designs are now available only on the DisneyStore.com site, set to be available in the parks later this summer. The new designs are a Disney Princess twist of the Pop Novelty design at DooneyandBourke.com.  Here are the currently available styles:

Disney Dooney & Bourke Princess Tote - $220 Click to see on DisneyStore.com

Disney Dooney & Bourke Princess Domed Satchel - $220 Click to see on DisneyStore.com

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Apparently I had missed this bit of news, but was quite excited to see these new designs thanks to my good friend Charles (who was nice enough to buy one for his lovely wife’s birthday!) You read the title right, the original “Cindy Sketch” print (without Minnie Mouse from the second edition of the print) is now out in new COLORS! The print is actually slightly re-worked, with the first edition Disney World/Disneyland banner, the Dooney & Bourke leather tag, less balloons, and no Minnie. Available in a letter carrier style and the wristlet – the designs come in hot pink, bright purple, sky blue, sun yellow, and grass green – the perfect accessory for summer!

Let’s just get right to the pictures, shall we? Don’t forget you can click to enlarge.

Tren-D's display of colored Sketch Letter Carriers - the strap is just snapped in there for display.

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Following in the vein of Disney Cruise Line exclusive Dooney & Bourke bags, Disneyland park now gets its own special collection of these wildly popular handbags. Once again featuring Dooney & Bourke designer Ian Ray, Disneyland fans are sure to enjoy this newest offering from perhaps the most popular marriage of fashion and fun.

More from The Art of Disney Parks site:

Dooney & Bourke Disneyland® park 55^th Anniversary
Handbag Collection Debut
featuring Ian Ray
Saturday, July 17, 2010
2 pm – 4 pm
Disney Vault 28, Downtown Disney® District

The bags showcase so many iconic images from the different silhouettes of Mickey through the years, to Mickey Mouse Club I.D. cards as well ticket media and famous phrases associated with ‘The Happiest Place on Earth.’

Disney Vault 28 will be the first to offer these Disneyland® Resort Dooney & Bourke co-branded bags.  This fashionable collection highlights the essence of Disney with color, art and a nostalgic touch.

Ian Ray of Dooney & Bourke will be on hand for a special appearance at Disney Vault 28 on Saturday, July 17, 2010 from 2 pm to 4 pm for this kick-off event.

Disneyland 55th Anniversary collection featuring Dooney & Bourke's Ian Ray - photo ©Disney

Bags and Retails are as follows:

Large Wristlet – $70.00
Letter Carrier – $155.00
Checkbook Wallet – $175.00
Small Messenger – $ 255.00
Medium Tote – $270.00

Purchases can be made at the location beginning at shop opening on the day of release.  Gift with purchase will be distributed between 2pm and 4pm  for Guests who purchased $150 or more in Dooney & Bourke merchandise, on July 17 only, while supplies last.

For more information on other styles currently available at Disneyland’s Disney Vault 28 and other Disneyland locations, click here.

For information and photos of all previous Disney Dooney & Bourke collections see ZannaLand‘s coverage here:

Disney Dooney & Bourke White Sketch design

Disney Dooney & Bourke Black Multi-colored Mickey design

Disney Dooney & Bourke Brown Mickey, Pink Minnie, Navy Mickey designs

Disney Dooney & Bourke Disney Cruise Line Exclusive design

Disney Dooney & Bourke Cindy Sketch in COLORS

photo ©Disney

Captain EO's original poster design

Captain EO was one of the first topics I covered  a year ago when I started blogging about Disney. I had just heard the sad news of Michael Jackson’s death, and felt the need to share some of my happy memories and give whatever tribute I could at that time. There was much chatter on twitter and elsewhere wondering if and hoping that Captain EO would return to the Disney Parks in memory of Michael Jackson. Disneyland was the first to experience the film again in February and Walt Disney World fans were happy to hear of its triumphant return this summer, with Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland rounding out the film’s engagement this summer.

Beginning July 2, fans of all ages will get to see the film for the first, or perhaps 100th time. I was invited to preview (or is that re-preview?) the film today to see the new enhancements promised with the movie’s return to its original home in the Magic Eye Theatre next to Journey into Imagination. As with most fans of the original EPCOT Center, there are so many memories tied to the time period that Captain EO was born into. As much as I loved the original 3D film Magic Journeys, Captain EO was a first rate replacement. I’m trying to think of a similar musical artist who could star in a film produced today and receive the acclaim that Captain EO did in its time…and coming up blank. There is a reason there was such a ground swell of support to bring this piece of musical, film and technological history back where it belonged. Can you tell I’m a fan?

The original Captain EO logo sign from 1986

I wasn’t alone in that sentiment today. Cast members previewing the show cheered as they entered the theatre and throughout the movie. Michael Jackson, and in turn Captain EO, are still King.

It was heartwarming to hear Dan Cockerell, Vice President of Epcot, trying to locate the original plans for the Captain EO triangle sign that used to hang at the entrance to the theatre. It turns out they didn’t need the plans at all, the sign was hanging on an office wall – untouched for 16 years since the film left Epcot. They simply applied a new coat of paint and returned the sign to its rightful home.

The new effects fit in seamlessly and definitely add to the enjoyment of the movie. I don’t want to give anything away, but let’s just say you’ll feel like you’re right in the movie now in addition to dancing out the aisles as you exit.

It was also amazing to see just how many people had not seen the original film at all – not surprising, given the average age of new cast members just joining the company, but amazing nonetheless (and definitely makes me feel ancient!). They certainly did not sound disappointed and the film, the story, and the music have stood the test of time. Even my two older children are excited to see Captain EO in person. My son in particular has become a huge Michael Jackson fan over the year since he passed away and it really makes me happy that he can see the musical genius and artistry he with which he was synonymous.

If nothing else, Captain EO is a gift to the fans of his music; fans of a different time when Epcot was EPCOT. I for one, am grateful for that gift. It truly is a work of art to be preserved and passed along and I am thankful to Disney for giving it back to the fans today. I cannot wait to bring my children back to see Captain EO again and again, as my parents did with me, 24 years ago.

Enjoy some more photos from today’s event:

Captain EO preshow area, showing the original behind-the-scenes footage. Imagineer fans, be sure to look for 1980's Joe Rohde!

Dan Cockerell introducing Captain EO and sharing a bit of history with the audience.

Fans exiting the preview of Captain EO (cameo by Deb Wills from Allears.net!)

Captain EO Merchandise!! I have it on good authority that Fuzzball will be here by the end of the summer!! Maybe my original Fuzzball needs a friend??