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Archives for November 2010

VIDEO: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party-Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

30 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Cinderella Castle Dream Lights It is difficult to surpass the wonder that is the Boo to You Parade during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – but if anything can, it’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. I was saying just the other day that I think I’m related to Buddy the Elf, because of my intense love for all things Christmas-related. Disney knows better than anyone how to amp up the holiday magic for the season.

Just walking into the Magic Kingdom or any of the parks with holiday decorations up and you’ll be in the spirit. However to really create some magical memories, you simply must head over to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This separate ticketed event runs on select nights in November and December and believe me, it is worth the price of admission.

[Read more…] about VIDEO: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party-Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

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Filed Under: Disney Holidays, Disney Special Events, Reviews, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney Christmas parade, Disney holidays, Disney Special Events, Disney videos, holiday events, Holidays, Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, videos, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World Holiday decorations

NEWS: Disney’s Mars Needs Moms Trailer

29 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Mars Needs Moms Take out the trash, eat your broccoli—who needs moms, anyway? Nine-year-old Milo (Seth Green) finds out just how much he needs his mom (Joan Cusack) when she’s nabbed by Martians who plan to steal her mom-ness for their own young. Produced by the team behind “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” and “The Polar Express,” “Mars Needs Moms” showcases Milo’s quest to save his mom—a wild adventure in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D that involves stowing away on a spaceship, navigating an elaborate, multi-level planet and taking on the alien nation and their leader (Mindy Sterling). With the help of a tech-savvy, underground earthman named Gribble (Dan Fogler) and a rebel Martian girl called Ki (Elisabeth Harnois), Milo just might find his way back to his mom—in more ways than one.

· Berkeley Breathed, a Pulitzer-Prize winner for his comic strip “Bloom County,” is the author and illustrator of the book “Mars Needs Moms.” The story was inspired by a particular moment of disagreement that took place between his son Milo and his wife.

· Producer Robert Zemeckis, who wrote, directed and produced “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” and “The Polar Express,” is a pioneer in performance-capture filmmaking. The process digitally captures the performances of the actors with computerized cameras in a full 360 degrees, allowing actors like Jim Carrey and Tom Hanks to play several roles of varying ages in one film, and for 36-year-old Seth Green to portray a 9-year-old.

[Read more…] about NEWS: Disney’s Mars Needs Moms Trailer

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Filed Under: Disney News, Movie Reviews, Movies & Books Tagged With: Berkeley Breathed, Disney movies, Joan Cusack, Mars Needs Moms, Mars Needs Moms trailer, Mindy Sterling, movie trailers, Robert Zemeckis, Seth Green, Walt Disney Pictures

The Search for Santa Paws Tween Review

29 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

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In Search Of Santa Paws “Someone once told me that the spirit of Christmas is embodied in the hearts of children, untouched as of yet by the doubts, fears and disappointments of the adult world.”

–Santa Claus in “The Search for Santa Paws”

Whether you’re nine or ninety-nine, Santa Claus likely still holds a special place in your heart. Maybe you remember sitting on his knee at your local mall as a child or writing—and re-writing—him a letter asking for a dollhouse or red wagon.  Many of us remember staying up past midnight in hopes of catching a glimpse of him as he came down your chimney.

This is part of the magic The Search for Santa Paws tries to convey. My daughter, now 10½, has been a fan of the “Buddies” series of pooch-ified films since they first began. Santa Buddies was one of her favorites so she was excited to see how Santa Paws came to be Santa’s dog and the rest of the story in The Search for Santa Paws.

According to her, it is a cool movie; parts of it are sad, but not too sad to watch. Her least favorite part is when Santa himself almost dies and her favorite part is when Quinn meets Santa Paws for the first time. She recommends it to anyone who is a fan of the first Santa Buddies film. And that’s all I could pull out of her. 😉 You’ll just have to check out the movie yourself to see if you agree.

The Search for Santa Paws Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack is available now!

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Filed Under: Movie Reviews, Movies & Books Tagged With: Disney dvd, Disney movies, kids reviews, Movie Reviews, The Search for Santa Paws

Rapunzel Giveaway Winner & Cyber Monday Disney Store Deals!

29 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Tangled soundtrack silly bands giveaway First, I wanted to thank everyone for participating in the Tangled soundtrack & Silly Bands giveaway – it was great to read your comments and excitement about the film! Random.org picked #5 which was “RiceballMommy” so congratulations to her! RiceballMommy, please contact me at [email protected] with your mailing info!

I’ll be having other giveaways throughout December, so keep checking back! I hope all of you have gotten to see Tangled by now, if not, run out and see it soon (or again!). It’s a truly wonderful film.

While you’re here, I’d like to let you know about some great discounts at Disney Store.com for Cyber Monday – Take an extra 25% off $125+, 20% off $100+, 15% off $75+, 10% off $50+ plus Free Shipping on all orders at Disney Store with Code: CYBER. And, you can also still save up to 65% on your favorite Disney Items!

I’m sure there’s someone in your life (even you!) that has a Dooney & Bourke handbag on their wish list, right? Dooney and Bourke Exclusively for Disney Parks available at DisneyStore.com! Shop Now!Disney Dooney and Bourke Mini Margot Balloon Design

Happy Shopping!!

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: Cyber Monday Deals, Disney Dooney & Bourke deals, Disney Store Deals, DisneyStore.com, Tangled, Tangled giveaway, Tangled soundtrack

Walt Disney World New Years Eve Celebration Dinner Party Events

27 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Here are two separate ticketed events for celebrating New Years Eve in style at Walt Disney World —

Over at the Magic Kingdom, there are three special Fireworks Dessert Parties – at 7:30 and 10:50 on December 30, 2010 and at 10:30 on December 31, 2010. The Dessert Party will include the usual dessert fare and beverages plus a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage to toast the New Year!

Guests ages 10 and up $39.99, guests 3-9 $21.99

In addition Disney is offering a one-time Dinner and Dessert Party, December 31, with check-in beginning at 6:15pm. Dinner includes artisan breads, fruit, cheeses, sushi, salads, seared tuna, beef short-ribs, and carved pork. Dinner will then be followed by the same dessert items mentioned above.

Guests ages 10 and up $155.99, guests 3-9 $76.99

Click to enlarge the photos and see more details:

Ney Years Eve Fireworks Dessert Dinner

[Read more…] about Walt Disney World New Years Eve Celebration Dinner Party Events

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Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Special Events Tagged With: Disney New Years Celebration, Disney New Years Eve, Epcot, Fireworks Dessert Party, Fireworks Dinner Party, La Hacienda de San Angel, Magic Kingdom, Magic Kingdom New Years Eve, Walt Disney World, Wishes Dessert Party, World Showcase

Toy Story 3 – Start a New Family Tradition

25 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

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I’m sure by now any Disney fan reading this has already purchased Toy Story 3 on Blu-ray + DVD…however on the off chance you have not, or perhaps you are new to the wonders of Pixar and Walt Disney Pictures, I am here to persuade you to run out and pick it up right now. I’ll be honest, when I was given Toy Story 3 to review, I avoided it – not because I didn’t want to talk about it – but the opposite, I knew I’d want to talk too much about it. I’ve already discussed some of the cool bonus features and fun facts about the animated short Day & Night on the DVD and Blu-Ray. Now I’ll share why this film should be in your collection.

When I first saw Toy Story 3 in theatres, I was prepared for an emotional roller coaster. Truth is, I was a wreck at the closing scene. Yes, the first installment of the Toy Story trilogy came out before I was even married, much less had children, yet I still associate the movies with my two oldest children and watching them grow up. This mixes with memories of moving to Orlando with my family and becoming cast members. At the time, the Toy Story parade was the one that filled Hollywood Boulevard each day at the then Disney-MGM Studios (now of course Disney’s Hollywood Studios). As a result, each time I hear Randy Newman’s “Strange Things” I’m reminded of that fun and exciting time in our life. It wasn’t just Andy that grew up, it was me too. I married my high school sweetheart, we had 2 beautiful children and my mom went from being my mom to being my children’s grandmother too, my dad passed away, my husband and I had another  beautiful child. So there was a lot of emotion wrapped up in this little film from Pixar, which had absolutely nothing to do with me, yet so very much to do with me.

[Read more…] about Toy Story 3 – Start a New Family Tradition

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Filed Under: Movie Reviews, Movies & Books Tagged With: Disney•Pixar, movie review, Movie Reviews, Pixar, Toy Story 3, Toy Story 3 Blu-Ray+DVD Combo Pack, Toy Story 3 review, Walt Disney Pictures

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Turf Club 3 Blogger Dining Review!

24 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

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Turf Club Menu Back in October, there was a perfect storm of Disney fans, bloggers and social media mavens swooping in to the place Where Dreams Come True, our beloved Walt Disney World. This little rendez-vous among the many came to be known as Epic October. There was a Walt Disney World Moms Panel Reunion, meet-ups, live podcasts, the first annual Disney Food Blog Foodie Fest and – when all was said and done and the proverbial dust had settled, three blogging friends sat down to enjoy a leisurely lunch at an off-the-beaten path spot where none of them had ever dined – The Turf Club at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. These three bloggers were myself, AJ Wolfe from The Disney Food Blog and Amanda Tinney from Disney Every Day. We decided in-between the great conversation and reconnecting, that we would each take one course and write it up on our respective blogs – a trifecta of reviews if you will. I have the honor of reviewing the main course entrees, so here we go!

As a little preface, I think we all agreed that the Turf Club is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the Parks. We had a lovely table outside on the covered veranda area, overlooking the Sassagoula River. In addition, because it is out of the way – a little hard to get to if you aren’t a Saratoga Springs guest (but not impossible) – and it isn’t shall we say known for its fare, the seclusion is paired with absence of crowds. The result is a quiet, serene, relaxing meal, which is hard to accomplish in most resort dining locations. So for this reason alone, I would definitely head back with my husband to enjoy a quiet meal if we were unable to secure a reservation at a favorite spot.

Turf Club Patio
View from our Turf Club table

Now on to the entrees!

[Read more…] about Disney’s Saratoga Springs Turf Club 3 Blogger Dining Review!

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Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney Resorts, Reviews, Walt Disney World Tagged With: AJ Wolfe, Amanda Tinney, Dining reviews, Disney bloggers, Disney Dining, Disney Every Day, Disney Food Blog, Disney Resorts Dining, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, group reviews, The Turf Club, The Turf Club Review, Walt Disney World

Disney Fan Site Spotlight – Disney Character Central

23 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

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I will be the first to admit that I can’t keep up with the many amazing Disney blogs, sites, and information provided by and for fans that are out there. Every now and then, however, one pops up on my radar that I feel needs sharing immediately. This is definitely the case with Disney Character Central. This site combines two of the best parts about visiting a Disney park – great photos and Disney characters! The photos are beautifully shot and perfectly organized by character type as well as Disney park.

Disney Character Central

So head over to Disney Character Central now and any time you need a reminder of the magic the characters provide at Disney Parks around the world! I spent quite a bit of time there admiring the pictures of all my favorite Disney friends. You can also follow the creators on twitter, “like” them on facebook and join their facebook group. Check them out and tell ’em Zanna sent you! 😉

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Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Disney blogs, Disney Character Central, Disney photos, Disney pictures, Disney site recommendations, Disney sites

Tangled Movie Review

22 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 41 Comments

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I mentioned previously that I was honored to attend the Walt Disney World Holiday Showcase as a representative of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. Part of that weekend included a screening of Disney’s Tangled before its November 24th nationwide release. I know I’ve shared some funny clips that Disney passed along showcasing the film, but honestly, they do not begin to do justice to the actual film itself. I realize they are trying to get audiences super excited about what many people view as “just another animated film” but I truly feel that when families of all ages and sizes see the movie, word of mouth will be all that’s needed to make Tangled a success.

Tangled lantern scene We knew going in that Tangled was the classic tale of Rapunzel, but with a twist. What we didn’t know was the unique backstory that Tangled provides, which actually works. It’s sort of like Sleeping Beauty meets Cinderella meets Little Mermaid. Rapunzel’s parents have lost her, however unlike Sleeping Beauty, she is stolen by the evil “Mother” Gothel who kidnaps Rapunzel for her own selfish gains. Rapunzel is somewhat happily living in her impenetrable tower up until her 18th birthday, where her birthday wish is to see the “stars” or lanterns that float in the sky each year on her birthday. What she doesn’t realize is that the lanterns are set into the sky by her real parents as they continue the vigil to seek out their missing daughter, and the townspeople who also hope for the princess’ return.

[Read more…] about Tangled Movie Review

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Filed Under: Giveaways, Movie Reviews, Movies & Books, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Flynn Rider, Maximus, movie review, Rapunzel, Tangled, Tangled review, Tangled soundtrack, Walt Disney Animation, Walt Disney Pictures

VIDEO: Disney’s Beach Club Life Sized Gingerbread Carousel Tour

21 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

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Last night while visiting Epcot with friends, I took some video of Disney’s Beach Club Resort’s fabulous life sized Gingerbread Carousel. This year the resort also features a little shop that sells the gingerbread houses and other treats. I’m definitely no Samantha Brown or Lou Mongello, but I hope you enjoy my first attempt at actually taking and narrating video! At the very least, I know you’ll enjoy the AMAZING creations from Walt Disney World’s pastry chefs. Stay tuned for more holiday videos from Walt Disney World soon!

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Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Resorts, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Beach Club Gingerbread Carousel, Beach Club holiday decorations, Beaches n Cream, Disney gingerbread house, Disney holiday, Disney Resorts, Disney videos, Disney's Beach Club Resort, Epcot Resorts, videos, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World Holiday decorations

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