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NEW Her Universe Merchandise Debuts at Star Wars Weekends

Suzannah DiMarzio — Sat, 19 May 2012 22:05:14 +0000

One of my absolute favorite times of the year are when Star Wars Weekends roll around at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While I do profess that I am a geek/nerd in many ways, Star Wars holds an even dearer place in my heart because I grew up with it too. Like many of my favorite things at Walt Disney World – classic EPCOT Center and Magic Kingdom in the early 1980s, I have an emotional attachment to all things Star Wars.

Being able to walk through a park and see Stormtroopers or Boba Fett just hanging around is just as close to heaven for a kid from the 80′s as you can get. And don’t even get me started on Chewbacca hugs. Add in the cool exclusive merchandise, a parade, celebrity appearances, and the Hyperspace Hoopla show and you’ve got something for everyone. Star Wars Weekends are the perfect place to combine your love of Disney and Star Wars, and there are no shortage of fans who share that love. Last year, the weekend was kicked off with the grand re-opening of Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, but the excitement is still going for 2012 with lots of new surprises in store.

The great thing about Star Wars Weekends is that Disney keeps it fresh, with current stars of the popular Star Wars: Clone Wars animated series appearing each year alongside stars from the classic films as well. One star, Ashley Eckstein, voice of Ahsoka Tona from the Star Wars: Clone Wars series, has become a staple at the Weekends. Ashley and James Arnold Taylor, voice of Obi Wan Kenobi in the same series, join forces as the celebrity hosts for 2012.

Looking for Love in Alderaan Places - LOVE this!

In 2009, Ashley introduced her new line of clothing and accessories aimed specifically at girls and women, Her Universe. Last year, she also introduced designs exclusive to Star Wars Weekends for a limited time. This year she’s back with even more exclusive fun from Her Universe:

Several new apparel pieces are also being introduced for the younger “Jedi-in-training” including several Star Wars youth designs and, for the first time, a Jedi onesie for the tiniest followers of the Force featuring the adorable art of popular Star Wars illustrator Katie Cook.

“I was very excited when Ashley approached me to do kids’ designs for Her Universe,” said Cook. “She’s doing a wonderful thing for the female fan community already… and she’s doing those of us with little girls an even bigger favor by giving the littlest fangirls nerdy gear of their own!”

In addition to the new product line being available at Disney’s Star Wars Weekends, Eckstein will also, for the fourth year in a row, be co-hosting the Behind The Force live stage show and signing autographs each weekend of the event.

“Disney’s Star Wars Weekends is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Ashley Eckstein. “I truly enjoy meeting Star Wars fans of all ages and that’s why I am so excited to be offering merchandise for women, girls and now babies! As the voice of Ahsoka Tano, I cannot wait to see baby girls in an Ahsoka “Jedi in Training” onesie or little girls running around in Ahsoka’s new costume top!”

These new designs are just so adorable and the message they send is one of girl power and strength, so needed today! The new styles will also be available online at www.heruniverse.com on May 21st. Photo credit below: – Kelsey Edwards Photography

I was able to see the new merchandise in person today and loved it all! The “Looking for love in Alderaan places” shirt is hysterical, and the Princess Leia hoodies and Ahsoka tunics are super fun. The little kids shirts and baby onesies were killing me with cute!

Of course I had to try one on...

Sophia modeling the Ahsoka Tano tunic - she wants it!

Star Wars Weekends run from May 18-June 10 this year and are a must-do if you are in the area. We’ll have more coverage of the galactic fun in the coming weeks!

AMAZING Epic Mickey 2 Behind the Scenes Trailer

Suzannah DiMarzio — Fri, 18 May 2012 23:55:03 +0000

We’ve previously shared a gallery of screenshots and concept art for Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, coming out soon on Wii, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. Now Disney Interactive has released a behind-the-scenes trailer showing even more of this exciting new game.

The images and gameplay are just breathtaking. It’s so wonderful to see more of Oswald as well. I know we can’t wait to play around here!

VIDEO: Disney’s Wild Africa Trek-A Passage to Africa

Suzannah DiMarzio — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:59:03 +0000

Correspondent Nicole Siscaretti rounds out her coverage for us with a personal tour of the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As you may recall, I was able to preview this trek before it opened to the general public, and shared the Wild Africa Trek Facts and Figures. It remains one of my favorite things to do at Walt Disney World, because it is simply so unique. It is worth every penny, and the experience is one you will remember for a lifetime.

I never shared the video I took that day, but it’s good I didn’t because the tour has been improved since I saw it. You now get to hang by a harnessed cable over crocodiles as well as hippos, and the safari truck tour at the end is covered. I feel like the tour narration was much more in-depth on Nicole’s video and you learn so much about the animals on the trek!

Let’s go on safari with Nicole:

To recap from the Facts & Figures post, the Wild Africa Trek is a 3-hour group tour held at various times throughout the morning and afternoon at Animal Kingdom. You are also served an African-inspired breakfast or lunch, depending on the time of your tour, and given a PhotoPass CD of the experience. Pricing varies seasonally but right now you can save $50 on tours at or after 11:45 a.m. from 5/29/12 – 8/25/12. Call Disney for pricing details and to book at (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687.

I would like to take a moment and thank Nicole for her amazing coverage here on the site and twitter and facebook, giving Zannaland readers all the latest with great photos and videos. Nicole has a new site she’s creating as we speak so keep an eye out for her magical new venture! Asante sana Nicole!

Saturday Scenes: Typhoon Lagoon

Suzannah DiMarzio — Sat, 05 May 2012 15:43:00 +0000

Our first time here! Shocking, I know. What haven’t you done at Disney yet? What are your favorite things to do at Typhoon Lagoon?

I was blown away by this breathtaking scenic overlook!

Disney’s Art of Animation Video Tour With Imagineer Interviews

Nicole Siscaretti — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:57:15 +0000

The Art of Animation Resort is a whimsical new place to stay on Walt Disney World property beginning Summer of 2012 with the opening of the Finding Nemo themed rooms. The family suites start at $249 and sleep up to six with two bathrooms and a kitchenette. Opening at later dates will be Cars (June 18), The Lion King (August 10) and The Little Mermaid (September 15) themed sections.

The theming of the resort is similar to the progression of the making of an animated film. In the lobby you are first presented with the Ink and Paint Shop, a merchandise store, and the character sketch wall which has renderings of some of your favorite pals from the resort’s featured movies. Then as you continue out to the pool area and guest room buildings you are rewarded with fabulous landscapes and backgrounds. Here in this video you’ll have a tour of the resort with interviews and commentary from Disney Imagineers like Gary Hoffman, who was the Senior Project Manager over design and architecture for the resort and offers a personal greeting for Zannaland readers below!

I can not get over the wondrous colors displayed here. It was a whole lot of fun to photograph, especially the pool area which was rich in tropical and undersea inspired hues. Check out this gallery and tell us what you think of the design!

We took so many photos we had to add them to flickr so you could see them all! Check out our flickr Art of Animation photo set to see even more images.

I think this will quickly be the most popular value resort upon opening. Would you like to stay here with your family? Which themed section are you most drawn to?

[Notes from Suzannah: I was also able to preview Art of Animation last weekend during Disney's Social Media Moms Celebration and was blown away with the level of detail incorporated into this value resort. I think it sets the bar much, much higher for a value resort and with a family of five, I know the family suites here are now an option I will actually look forward to using.

In the Finding Nemo area, the landscaping around the pool and buildings look as though they are undersea plants, specifically chosen to make it look like you are in the Big Blue World. Brilliant. The design and details within the rooms are just breathtaking. They are bright and fun for families with young children, but the design palate is cool and mod; adults will appreciate and enjoy staying there as well. I also love that the family suite rooms are accessed by an interior hallway vs. the usual outdoor access value resorts offer. I asked about this decreasing noise level and was told that yes, sounds are reduced with the interior entry as are the instances of bugs getting into rooms (this is Florida after all, home to prehistoric armies of insects!).

After peeking through the construction fence into the Cars section, I can see the level of detail does not stop with Nemo. You truly feel as if you are walking into Radiator Springs. I'm excited to see the lush jungle-feel of the Lion King area as well, after getting a little taste of it in the food court - Landscape of Flavors. Be sure to check out all the photos and let us know what you think of this amazing new resort! Big thanks to Nicole for her wonderful video and photos! ~Suzannah]

Photo Tour of the Epcot’s All-New Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in Italy

Suzannah DiMarzio — Tue, 01 May 2012 23:17:31 +0000

Another view of the Tutto Gusto sign

Construction is finally complete and today saw the grand opening of Tutto Gusto (gusto means flavor or taste in Italian) wine cellar in Epcot’s Italy pavilion at the World Showcase. The new building blends right in to the existing Tutto Italia restaurant while making a nice segue to Via Napoli’s more rustic stable-like structure.

While the Italy pavilion is now dominated by dining options, the new additions of Via Napoli almost two years ago and now Tutto Gusto really make a nice “village” feel to the area. With the exception of the smoking area that seems to have cropped up around the fountain, Italy now is a place I’d love to just sit and take in the lovely architecture and atmosphere.

Tutto Gusto will be a great option for those looking for a quick bite or dessert or a glass or two from the over 200 wines offered in their collection. The menu offers small plates such as cured meats, cheeses, panini, and pasta as well as desserts. We’ll be back soon to do a full review, but for now, I thought I’d leave you with some photos to whet your appetite, including the menu. Divertiti!

Click to enlarge all photos in the gallery below:

Will you add Tutto Gusto to your World Showcase tour?

REVIEW: Marvel’s The Avengers Lives Up to the Hype For Fans and Newbies

Suzannah DiMarzio — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:34:02 +0000

I must confess, I am sort of a half-hearted comic book geek-girl. I never really got into superhero comics, but I certainly grew up reading others. My summers were filled with Archie and Jughead comics, peppered with Casper the Friendly Ghost and Donald Duck for good measure. I’ve also always enjoyed superhero movies, but never been obsessed with them as others have. The Batman series and the drama that always surrounded the new actors or directors caught my eye, but Iron Man is what really made me a fan. Robert Downey Jr. brought humanity and hilarity to that character and made the film accessible to all level of Marvel fans.

When I attended the D23 Expo last August and learned more about the Marvel history, along with pretty much the entire cast of The Avengers walking out on stage and giving us a preview of the movie (twice), my interest and excitement was piqued. Then, time got in the way and we really hadn’t seen any of the other Marvel films, aside from the first Iron Man. Knowing this screening was coming up, my husband and I went on an Avengers movie-watching spree and got caught up on the franchise. [We still have to see Hulk, but I feel like his story was the easiest to catch up on within The Avengers.]

If you need to catch up on the story behind The Avengers, here’s a featurette which will tell you more, including commentary from Joss Whedon and the actors.

In tweeting about our movie marathon, folks would reply with their favorite Avenger film, and in the case of my Avengers giveaway, everyone seems to have a different favorite character. After seeing almost all of the movies, I still cannot choose a favorite! I love Iron Man and Robert Downey Jr. and think his acerbic wit will always keep him close to my heart, but I also found myself really appreciating the story of Captain America and how his character as a man made him who he was, even before the shot of power he received. And then Thor, who doesn’t appreciate an arrogant heir apparent getting the lesson of humility and humanity (while being quite easy on the eyes at the same time)? So still, even after seeing Marvel’s The Avengers, I cannot choose a favorite character. And perhaps that is why The Avengers is such an amazing film. There truly is something for everyone, and if your favorite is in trouble, another Avenger will be there to help him (or her) out.

Iron Man and Captain America are reluctant but eventual partners

All of my thoughts aside, I felt the best person to write this review was my husband, a true comic book geek and fan with very pronounced opinions on the subject. I will just add my own thoughts that I think Joss Whedon‘s writing is the true star. The banter and one-liners within the film are reminiscent of every show Whedon has written, and that is what has created such fanboys and girls who think he can do no wrong. I’m there with them now. I think he got it and the audience in our screening appreciated it, as did we. We learned so much more about S.H.I.E.L.D. and The Avengers themselves and watching their alliance unfold before us was a treat. Loki is a great opponent and several times throughout the plot, just when I thought I knew what he was going to do, he surprised me. The ending battle when the Avengers had realized how powerful they were as a team, was full of non-stop action, laughs, and cheers. I left the film excited to see it again and anticipating the next Avengers installment. I cannot think of another superhero film that left me feeling that way. And now that I’ve said my piece, here are my husband, J.F. DiMarzio‘s more in-depth thoughts:

[Warning: some spoilers ahead!]

…

If you are a fan of Marvel’s Avengers you are going to have many reasons to love this movie. If you are not a fan of Marvel’s Avengers, there are still reasons why you are going to love this movie.

Joss Whedon with Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, and Robert Downey Jr.

Avengers is the culmination of 5 movies worth of set up. The Hulk, Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America were all the set up for this comic book nerd’s dream. Joss Whedon was the perfect pick to helm the single most important comic book movie to date. His use of humor fit in perfectly with the story. Fans of Firefly or Buffy will feel right at home with the wit of Joss Whedon (there is even a subtle nod to Firefly as Black Widow swears in Chinese under her breath).

So, what makes this movie so great? This is going to be hard to answer with giving away some spoilers. Be forewarned.

Diehard comic book fans can relax, knowing that their beloved Avengers franchise was handled by someone who loves the characters and the story just as much as they do with the very opening scene. The first moments reveal a Skrull. Joss Whedon makes it clear he knows what he is doing, by using the Skrull as the major force of evil in the movie. The best part of using the Skrull is that he doesn’t even stop to introduce them. For the fans this means no boring backstories to sit through. Whedon unapologetically jumps right into the Avengers’ storyline letting the 5 previous movies provide all of the setup. The best part of this approach is that even if you do not know who the Skrull are, you do not feel left out; you quickly accept that this is “a bad guy” and you move on.

Where Whedon’s talents really shine are in how he incorporated each member of the Avengers’ abilities and was able to resolve the plot by giving each hero a specific goal to accomplish. If each goal is not achieved, the team fails. In this way, I cannot point to one Avenger and say “If it wasn’t for X they would have lost.” By doing this, much of the intra-team bickering and frailty that was present in the comics is intact in the film.

Captain America mid-battle

Going into the film, I was worried about three things; how would Captain America be handled in the present day, how would the 4th Hulk in as many films come across, and would we have to suffer through more painful Thor love story? Two and a half out of three isn’t bad at all.

Captain America feels totally out of place, as he should. You see that he is uncomfortable, and very much trying to find his way in a world that he is not familiar with. Some of the funniest gaffes of the movie come from this “fish out of water” scenario.

As for the Hulk, Mark Ruffalo does the best job he can playing a character that had already be messed up by three other actors. While this is by far the BEST adaptation of Hulk, it is Whedon’s treatment of Bruce Banner that is lacking. He is portrayed as almost savant-like and at one point even walks around wringing his hands à la Rainman. This is, in the grand scheme of the things, a very small complaint – and the only flaw I could find with the movie.

Finally there is no Thor love story. Rather, there is a very quick mention of Jane Foster as having been “moved to safety”.

So, how do you top a movie like this? The closing credits. Fans of the series know that little Easter eggs lay after the credits in the previous films, and the Avengers, by far, has the best one. If you do not want to have the secret spoiled, stop reading now.

Thor and Captain America prepare for battle

******

As a set up for, presumably, the next Avengers film, the credits end with the camera back on the Skrull. This time they are talking to a new character. Comic book fans will immediately recognize the figure and squeal with delight just as Thanos comes into frame. Does this mean that next Avengers movie will include the Infinity Gauntlet? Will we see Doctor Strange? Silver Surfer? Spiderman? What do you think?

…

In summary, as if you needed a reminder – go see Marvel’s The Avengers. You will not be disappointed. It is as close to a perfect action film as I’ve ever seen and supporting the franchise will equal more great sequels in the future. Avengers, assemble!

Imagineer Trevor Bryant on the New Test Track – Video and Photos

Nicole Siscaretti — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:20:11 +0000

At the Summer to Remember Media Event I had the opportunity to ask Imagineering Show Producer Trevor Bryant to give us the scoop on what the re-imagined Test Track will offer. Take a peek at this video and see what he shared!

Here are some images of the concept art that was displayed as well. I am loving the “Tron”esque, futuristic glow!

Test Track concept art

Test Track concept art - on-ride portion

Test Track concept art - guest area

Test Track concept art - ride icons

How do you like the new feel of the attraction, now sponsored by Chevrolet, compared to when it was sponsored by GM?

Disney Dooney and Bourke Walt Disney World Retro Collection Bags

Suzannah DiMarzio — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:40:09 +0000

I’ve just received some more photos featuring the Walt Disney World version of the Retro Collection from Dooney & Bourke and wanted to share them here. I’m pretty excited about this pattern. These bags, along with the Buttons and Charms collection, will be out later this year. I will post additional photos, styles and prices as I get the information.

Disney Dooney and Bourke WDW Retro collection

Disney Dooney and Bourke WDW Retro design

What do you all think? Which of the new designs is your favorite?

Don’t forget to check DisneyStore.com for sales of select current released Disney Dooney & Bourke purses and Zannaland’s Disney Dooney & Bourke page with ALL handbag photos and info.

*DisneyStore.com links are affiliate links, which means it costs you nothing extra to click or buy, but if you do, I get a small commission. Thanks for reading!

NEW Disney Dooney and Bourke “Buttons” and “Charms” Bags!

Suzannah DiMarzio — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:00:45 +0000

Correspondent Nicole Siscaretti is experiencing Disney’s “A Summer to Remember” media event and sharing all sorts of news about “What’s New, What’s Next” at Disney Parks. I had to pause and share her latest photos – the all new Disney Dooney & Bourke “Buttons” collection and another new design – “Charms”. We’ve been waiting (im)patiently for the last month or so when we first heard about Buttons with the Disneyland Retro Collection, so without further ado, here are the photos! Click to enlarge all photos! All designs below will be coming out soon.

Disney Dooney and Bourke Buttons and Charms Designs (and YES, that is a WDW Retro design behind the Buttons bag! More photos soon!)

Don’t forget to check DisneyStore.com for sales of select current released Disney Dooney & Bourke purses and Zannaland’s Disney Dooney & Bourke page with ALL handbag photos and info.

*DisneyStore.com links are affiliate links, which means it costs you nothing extra to click or buy, but if you do, I get a small commission. Thanks for reading!

Should Family Travel Be A Necessity? Samantha Brown Says Yes!

Nicole Siscaretti — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:50:46 +0000

Is vacationing together considered a must for your family? According to Samantha Brown and the panelists of a discussion at Disney’s Summer to Remember media event, it should be. Panelists Leslie Ferraro, Dan Lazar and Susan Newman shared information and thoughts based on a recent study that made me consider vacationing as a family a “necessity, not a luxury” as Brown bluntly put it.

Dan Lazar, president of Chatter, Inc., discovered the following from the study:

Samantha Brown and other experts speak at Disney's A Summer to Remember

‘Family bonds are harder to develop and nurture than ever before because life has become, for most families, a forgettable blur. With both parents working and kids working harder than ever in school, it’s very hard to make connections in the family unit because life is moving by so fast. Parents recognize this, don’t like it, and are purposeful about making memories. Family vacation is almost like the first aid of families; they need it.’

Author and parenting expert Susan Newman, enlightened us with insight to how the family vacation helps us. ‘Memories are the building blocks of future relationships. Vacations make you feel tied to the family and give children a sense of security and belonging because they are acting as a unit. A vacation gives you a chance to be connected and build for the future.’ She also gave the following tip: ‘As you’re a parent trying to create this perfect vacation, think that it doesn’t have to be that perfect. The memories will create themselves.’

Leslie Ferraro, Vice President of Global Marketing at Disney Parks and Resorts, insured us that Disney works hard to meet the changing, growing needs of families vacationing today.

Lazar says prime time for making memories is ages five to thirteen because they are old enough to remember and young enough to still be interested in the family. Other points discussed on the panel were skills children learn from family vacations such as planning and money management. Also that downtime can be used to discuss likes, dislikes and what was learned that day.

My favorite thing I took from this panel is a quote from Samantha Brown: ‘Just wander, make mistakes and create memories for yourself that way. Put the schedule away and just see what happens.’

Nicole and Samantha Brown

Editors Note: Nicole Siscaretti is currently reporting from Disney’s A Summer to Remember media event, on behalf of Zannaland. I am excited to have Nicole share her experiences from this event here with us. Stay tuned for more coverage, including photos of the new Art of Animation Resort!

Latest (and Most Beautiful!) Brave Trailer from Disney Pixar

Suzannah DiMarzio — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:04:36 +0000

Below is the latest, and most beautiful in my opinion, official trailer from Disney Pixar for Brave, coming to theatres June 22. I cannot wait to see this gorgeous film. And as you may have heard Merida and Brave meet and greet characters are coming soon to Disneyland and Walt Disney World, which will be fun to see in person as well.

Disney Pixar has also sent over some new stills from the film:

As we reported when the last Brave trailer was released, the song played is Tha Mo Ghaol Air Aird A’ Chuain by Julie Fowlis. Enjoy!

Photo Highlights of the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Suzannah DiMarzio — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:01:36 +0000

Vibrant colors come alive in Epcot

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival has been a family favorite for years, so of course this year was no different. Below are some of my favorite flowers and topiaries. I’ve left some displays out so you can discover them on your own when you visit. If you have the chance, make your way to Epcot and take in the sights and scents!

Be sure to check out the workshops and merchandise locations too for some great info and home garden ideas. There are fun activities for the kids and informative ways to take better care of our world, one garden at a time. The Flower Power Concert Series also offers a fun way to relax and enjoy the day with some sounds from the past.

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival runs until May 20, 2012

As always, click any photo to see full-size.

Merchandise Update: Fun, Quirky, Retro T-Shirts at Disney Parks

Suzannah DiMarzio — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:22:56 +0000

Pinocchio t-shirt - not sure how I feel about this message, "It's not a lie if you believe it." Jiminy, help!

Here at Zannaland, I’ve loved tracking fun Disney Merchandise from the start. Whether it’s Disney Dooney & Bourke purses, Duffy the Disney Bear, Ear Hats, Minnie Ear Headbands, Disney antenna toppers, or unique t-shirt designs, I’ve loved sharing it all! I was recently at Downtown Disney West Side and Marketplace and realized it had been a while since I’d done a t-shirt update. I saw some fun shirts at D-Street and World of Disney and thought I’d share them here.

Some of these designs have been out for a while but I wanted to post them anyway as they showcase the really cool retro/vintage designs that have been sweeping twitter as of late. It’s been great to follow along the designers as their work shows up in the parks. While some shirts may appeal to a select group of Disney history buffs, thankfully, Disney is taking a chance on these cool designs that poke fun at their past or even present. Click to enlarge any photo:

Which shirts are your favorite?

Behind The Seeds Tour: The Best Value at Walt Disney World!

Suzannah DiMarzio — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:00:31 +0000

The Behind the Seeds Tour is one of those things I’d see at Epcot, each time we went on Living With the Land (back to when it was Listen to the Land) and always wanted to do, but never got around to it. Finally, last September, my newly local friends and I decided to fix that and I finally got to experience this wonderful tour first hand.

Most of the special tours Walt Disney World offers are well into the $50+ range, and the backstage ones can get up to over $200 per person. Having three children, that adds up quickly. Also, many tours are for ages 16 and up, so as not to ruin the magic for any younger visitors.

Family Magic Tour: at $27 for adults and children, this is another great value. We last went in 2006 and I think my little guy is almost old enough to take the tour himself. I cannot recommend the Family Magic Tour enough, it’s just perfect for families with little ones. I’d say ages 4-9 will enjoy this the most. It’s a family scavenger hunt style tour with some surprise visitors along the way. When we take our youngest, I’ll be sure to report on it in-depth!

Back to Behind the Seeds; this tour is $18 per adult and $14 per child, and 15% annual passholder, DVC, Disney Visa, and military discounts are offered. If you have even a slight interest in gardening or horticulture, you will love Behind the Seeds. I had no idea that the cast members that give the tour are actually members of the Epcot Science Team, and really knowledgeable on the topics at hand. I just assumed all these years that they were just regular cast members, so that was a pleasant surprise. The tour groups are kept small, up to I believe 10 or 12 people, but it is still an undiscovered treasure, and our tour only had 5 people, including my friends and me.

The first stop is the Biological Control area. I feel like there should be a warning here for anyone squeamish about bugs, that there are some very icky videos shown of bugs in action, bugs that live inside other bugs and nest and all sorts of gross stuff like that. I’m not really a fan, but it was over relatively quick. Circle of life and all that. The point of this area is to teach guests about good bugs and bad bugs. Of course we all know ladybugs and dragonflies are good bugs, eating aphids and mosquitoes respectively, but there are many others out there, which can control pests that destroy crops and offer a natural alternative to toxic pesticides. It was great to learn that that is the preferred method in the Land greenhouses. At this time, we were all handed a test tube full of frozen ladybugs to hold on to. We were told we would get to release them later in the tour.

We then walk by the Biotechnology Lab, which is really just a look into the window where they are growing crops with different techniques. It’s also where they grow all of those little “Mickey’s Mini Garden” trees they sell out front.

Next, was one of my favorite parts of the tour. There is a plant which is touch-sensitive – it’s scientific name is Mimosa Purdica. We were told to touch the leaves of the plant, which instantly folded up! It was the coolest thing, until our tour guide bumped the pot the plant was in and ALL the leaves folded in. That was the coolest thing.

We then saw the hydroponic methods, elevated growing methods – which yields more fruit or vegetables, aquaculture, and then growing tea and spice gardens. It was such a wonderful tour – completely interactive – we got to touch things, feed fish, release ladybugs, try a hydroponic cucumber (yum!), and identify spice origins. You can also see how they make the Mickey-shaped pumpkins, watermelons, etc. but during our tour they did not have any on display that were big enough to look like Mickey yet. I always feel kind of bad for those veggies, forced to squeeze themselves into Mickey. But then, I’m silly that way, having grown up with Kitchen Kabaret and attaching feelings and emotions to my food groups. Check out some photos of what we did see on our tour in this gallery below:

I would recommend this tour in a heartbeat. You can bring children 3 and over too, just make sure they are well-attended as there are parts where you go near the water on the boat ride. Strollers are provided if you need them too. Most of all, it’s just really amazing to see the amount of time and effort Disney makes with these greenhouses. The fruits and vegetables are used in many Walt Disney World restaurants, which is even better!

For more photos of the tour, head to my Behind the Seeds flickr set. You can sign up for tours on the same day, at the desk to the left of the Soarin’ entrance. Tours are every 45 minutes, from 10:30 am – 4:30 am. You can also plan in advance by calling 407-WDW-TOUR. Behind the Seeds should definitely be added to your “Must-Do” Disney list, or even your Must-Do-Again list!