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Archives for May 2011

HGTV’s My Yard Goes Disney-PHOTOS and Sweepstakes

26 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis 18 Comments

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Remember when we told you last October about the casting call for the upcoming HGTV show on Disney backyard makeovers? Well the show is now a series called “My Yard Goes Disney” and is about to premier on June 6! EDIT: Casting Calls are again on to appear on My Yard Goes Disney! 

Set your DVR’s and get ready to watch the magic as some very lucky families get the backyard a Disney fan could only dream of. Upcoming episodes feature such fun additions as an over-sized tea pot, a train track that goes around a yard, a sorcerer’s hat, an Animal Kingdom tribute and a Mickey-shaped pool inspired by Disney Cruise Line.

Here’s a look at the first episode from HGTV’s site:

My Yard Goes Disney
Mushroom seating area and family-tribute suflowers

Mushrooms become chairs and tables when the My Yard Goes Disney team transforms the Bradburns’ neglected backyard into the perfect spot for fun and relaxing. The yard also includes 200 feet of railroad track and giant sunflowers to honor special family memories.

My Yard Goes Disney tea pot
A larger-than-life purple tea pot becomes a secluded hideaway for a lucky little girl.

 

My Yard Goes Disney Sorcerer's Hat
a replica of Disney's Hollywood Studios Sorcerer Mickey Hat becomes a toddler play area.

Here are a few more photos from the Cincinnati area makeovers too! Thanks to Carla for the heads up!

HGTV My Disney Yard tea cup
Who wouldn't love a giant tea cup in their backyard?! The Williams family loved it!

 

HGTV My Yard Goes Disney Small World
This is just amazing - Small World in your yard! It'd make me want all the attractions I think!

Here are some photos of the Animal Kingdom safari-inspired backyard:

My Yard Goes Disney
From HGTV: "No safari is complete without a savannah-worthy vehicle. Behind the lion is a Jeep that's been converted into a kid-safe playspace. In the distance, water-spouting elephants provide a fun space to cool off."

 

My Yard Goes Disney Safari
Custom-made bamboo structures for play!

You can see full episode listings at HGTV’s site. What would you want in your magical backyard makeover? If you didn’t get a chance to get a pixie-dusted backyard, you could still win a trip to Disney to create some memories of your own! Check out the HGTV Inspiration Vacation Sweepstakes and enter today!

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Filed Under: Disney News Tagged With: Animal Kingdom yard, back yard sorcerer's hat, Back yard spinning tea cup, Disney backyard makeover, Disney Cruise line yard, Disney tv, Disney Vacation Sweepstakes, Disney yard, HGTV, HGTV Disney Sweepstakes, Inspiration Vacation, Mickey shaped pool, My Yard Goes Disney, Smal World backyard

REVIEW: Gnomeo & Juliet on DVD+Blu-Ray-Surprisingly Good!

25 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Gnomeo and Juliet So I have to admit, when Gnomeo & Juliet came out in theaters, I wasn’t jumping at the chance to see it. The Elton John soundtrack intrigued me, however. When I was sent a DVD+Blu-ray combo pack to review, I thought I’d give it a shot. To be completely honest, it surprised me!

Sure, it’s a pretty predictable storyline, and not the most compelling of characters,  but there were enough little in-jokes and funny moments that actually made it enjoyable. Plus it features Ozzy Osbourne as a ceramic fawn. What more could you ask for?

Disney fans will enjoy the Tiki Room song that shows up and a nod to Bambi during a particularly poignant moment in the film. It also entertained both my ten year-old and my almost 3 year-old, an all-important test! I really did love the soundtrack as well. Being an Elton John fan, it was fun to hear different variations of his classic songs.

In addition, the animation is actually really wonderful. There is lots of attention to detail and I loved little things like the clanking noise the gnomes made as the moved.  The realistic human household items, at times, made me forget it was animated.

Gnomeo & Juliet is out now on DVD and Blu-ray and for a limited time, you can even get $5 off the DVD+Blu-ray combo pack. Just click the image below:

gnomeo coupon
click for coupon!

Here are more details about Gnomeo & Juliet and the bonus features available —

From a director of Shrek 2, and featuring fun, all-new music by Sir Elton John, the hilarious twist on William Shakespeare’s legendary tale Romeo & Juliet as you’ve never seen it before, perfect for the whole family.  Enter the secret world of garden gnomes and meet two adorable gnomes from completely different worlds who fight the odds to be together.

Bonus Features:

DVD & Movie Download:

• Elton Builds a Garden

• Frog Talk with Ashley Jensen

• “Crocodile Rock” Music Video, featuring Elton John and Nelly Furtado

Blu-ray:

• DVD Bonus plus:

• 2 Alternate Endings with Filmmaker Introductions

• Deleted & Alternate Scenes with Filmmaker Introductions, including:

o 1 Alternate Opening

o 1 Alternate Scene

o 6 Deleted Scenes

• The Fawn of Darkness, featuring Ozzy Osbourne

Check it out today!

 

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Filed Under: Movie Reviews, Movies & Books, Reviews Tagged With: Disney dvd, Elton John, Gnomeo & Juliet, Gnomeo & Juliet coupon, Movie Reviews, ozzy osbourne, Touchstone Pictures

DCL’s Disney Fantasy-Europa Entertainment District Details & Photos

25 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Today we are continuing our Disney Fantasy series with a look at the adult nighttime entertainment district. While buzz has not yet settled for the amazing Disney Dream with such exciting additions as the Aqua Duck water coaster slide and interactive character greetings at Animator’s Palate, Fantasy now promises even more magic aboard. The themes to the night clubs are no exception.


Europa Nighttime Entertainment District

On the Disney Fantasy, adult guests step into a world that’s all their own at Europa – a nighttime entertainment district exclusively for guests 18 and older that features sophisticated bars and trendy lounges inspired by the very best in European travel.

Europa - La Piazza on the Disney Fantasy
La Piazza on the Disney Fantasy
  • La Piazza is a lounge that draws inspiration from Italian cities and their decorative outdoor plazas. The bar is modeled after a colorful vintage carousel. Venetian masks, romantic couples’ booths and a classic Vespa with a sidecar add Italian flair.

Europa - Skyline on the Disney Fantasy
Skyline on the Disney Fantasy
  • Skyline is a chic bar that provides ever-changing birds-eye views of stunning European city skylines that transform from day to night. Skyline’s “windows to the world” give guests a glimpse of spectacular locales in panorama such as Paris, London, Barcelona, Athens and St. Petersburg.

Europa - O'Gill's Pub on the Disney Fantasy
O'Gill's Pub on the Disney Fantasy
  • O’Gill’s Pub is a rollicking Irish bar with modern-day twists.  Dark woods, brass accents and a selection of Irish beers create the perfect pub atmosphere where guests can sip a pint while watching live sporting events on one of several high-definition televisions.

Europa - Ooh La La on the Disney Fantasy
Ooh La La on the Disney Fantasy
  • Ooh La La is inspired by an elegant French boudoir adorned with velvet tufted walls, Victorian furniture and Louis XIV-style chaise lounges. A sensuous color palette is accented with ornate framed mirrors, gold details and a “jewel box” feature bar backed with sparkling diamond-like facets.

Europa - The Tube on the Disney Fantasy
The Tube on the Disney Fantasy
  • The Tube transports guests to a vibrant metropolitan club via the London Underground. Guests “mind the gap” as they walk across a Tube route map, lounge among mod furniture, pose by a red English phone booth, dance atop an illuminated Union Jack dance floor and enjoy cocktails at a bar inspired by Big Ben and London’s many train stations.

Click here to read our other Disney Fantasy articles.

 

The Disney Fantasy will depart on her maiden voyage March 31, 2012, and will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). Special Eastern Caribbean sailings in November and December 2012 stop at St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico.  All Disney Fantasy itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for the seven-night Caribbean cruise itineraries on the Disney Fantasy start at $959 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.  All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, Government Taxes and Fees not included.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.

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Filed Under: Disney Cruise Line, Disney News Tagged With: DCL, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Fantasy, Disney Fantasy adult lounges, Disney Fantasy night clubs, Europa district, La Piazza, O'Gill's Pub, Ooh La La, Skyline, The Tube

DCL’s Disney Fantasy to Feature Mademoiselle Minnie and Royal Court Restaurant

24 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Continuing our coverage of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship under construction, the Disney Fantasy, today we explore another new element in this ship’s design – the three-story atrium lobby. In addition, as with other Disney Cruise Line ships, the restaurant adjacent to the lobby is always unique. For the Fantasy, that restaurant will be the Royal Court and will be a tribute to the classic Disney princess animated films. Here is more info from Disney’s press releases:

Atrium Lobby – Mademoiselle Minnie Mouse

The magnificent three-deck atrium lobby on the Disney Fantasy is reminiscent of grand ocean liners of the Golden Age.  Art Nouveau-inspired details and patterns in hues of vibrant blue, green, pink and gold lend to the sophistication.  Glamorous and graceful design elements include a sweeping grand staircase, towering fluted columns, grand piano and an exquisite marble and stone inlay floor. A focal point is a cascading chandelier of stained glass and crystal beads.

 

Disney Fantasy Atrium Lobby
Disney Fantasy Atrium Lobby

 

The pièce de résistance of the magnificent space is the atrium lobby statue – Mademoiselle Minnie Mouse.  Inspired by travel of the 1920s and 1930s, Minnie, cast in bronze and dressed in vintage fashion with a parasol and steamer luggage at her side, serves to welcome all guests who board the ship.

Mademoiselle Minnie Mouse
Mademoiselle Minnie Mouse will appear in the Fantasy atrium


Royal Court Restaurant

At Royal Court restaurant, guests are immersed in the lavish surroundings of an elegant dining room fit for a grand palace.  Royal Court takes design inspiration from the classic Disney films “Cinderella,” “Snow White,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Sleeping Beauty.”  Décor features ornate details and custom furnishings and fixtures that incorporate iconic symbols from the films – glass slippers, apples, roses and tiaras.
An Austrian glass chandelier is a focal point, while eight custom brass and glass lighting fixtures modeled after Cinderella’s coach adorn the room.  Hand-crafted mosaic tile murals of the princesses – Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Jasmine, Ariel and Sleeping Beauty (Aurora) – and their princes grace the walls.  Inspired by the mosaic tile murals in Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, the Disney Fantasy mosaics are being meticulously created by skilled Italian craftspeople using more than 200,000 individual tiles, with 23 mosaic panels depicting six different vignettes.

 

Royal Court on the Disney Fantasy
Royal Court on the Disney Fantasy - reminds me a bit of Crystal Palace!

 

With careful attention to detail, many of the restaurant’s features are modeled precisely from the inspirational films. The Royal Court’s chandeliers, chair backs and columns with marble bases and fluted tops are fashioned after those seen in “Beauty and the Beast.”  Wall sconces, decorative patterns, throne-style chairs and the circular floor plan are recreated from “Cinderella.”

 

To read the other Disney Fantasy series, be sure to follow the Disney Fantasy tag here on ZannaLand.

The Disney Fantasy will depart on her maiden voyage March 31, 2012, and will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). Special Eastern Caribbean sailings in November and December 2012 stop at St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico.  All Disney Fantasy itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for the seven-night Caribbean cruise itineraries on the Disney Fantasy start at $959 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.  All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, Government Taxes and Fees not included.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.

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Filed Under: Disney Cruise Line, Disney News Tagged With: atrium lobby, DCL, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line dining, Disney Fantasy, Mademoiselle Minnie, Royal Court restaurant

Disney Fantasy’s Animator’s Palate Brings Guest Drawings to Life

23 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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During a media press conference last Thursday, I was treated to some amazing previews of Disney Cruise Line‘s newest ship the Disney Fantasy. The Disney Fantasy is the second of two newly designed Disney Cruise Line ships that take the family cruise experience to new heights. Sister ship to the Disney Dream, which entered service in January 2011, the 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy will sail week-long Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla., with its maiden voyage scheduled for March 31, 2012.

There is so much to cover with the Fantasy, I’m going to break it down into a few posts. First up is the all new version of the classic restaurant featured on each DCL ship – Animator’s Palate. On Disney’s Magic and Wonder, Animator’s Palate features a color-changing finale during dessert filling the room with classic and modern Disney characters in full color. For the Disney Dream which debuted in January of this year, Crush, the laid-back turtle from Disney Pixar’s Finding Nemo interacted with guests at their tables, similar to Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot. With the Fantasy, however, guests will be even more a part of the action and the magic…

“Animation Magic” at Animator’s Palate

Animator’s Palate on the Disney Fantasy brings the magic of Disney animation into the dining room with a new show called “Animation Magic.”  The dinner show celebrates the magic of Disney animation and allows families to create and participate in a whole new way.

Animation Magic on the Disney Fantasy
Animation Magic on the Disney Fantasy

Like Animator’s Palate on the Disney Dream, the venue is wall-to-wall whimsy inspired by a classic animation studio. Throughout the restaurant, pillars are fashioned like huge pencils and brushes. Character sketches, maquettes (three-dimensional character models), film strips and other tools of the animation trade adorn the room.  As a special nod to Mickey Mouse, the dining room chairs feature red and yellow colors and a trademark design – Mickey Mouse pants with two bright yellow buttons.

Upon entering Animator’s Palate, guests are surrounded by artwork featuring their favorite Disney characters.  Guests get a sneak peek into the origins of these beloved characters through concept art, storyboards and character studies.

As guests are seated at their tables, they are invited to draw a character of their own using a simple template on their placemat.  Then, just before dinner, house lights dim and a sprinkling of pixie dust illuminates the room.

 

Disney Fantasy Animator's Palate
Template to draw your character

 

Disney Fantasy Animator's Palate
Simply draw your character...and wait for the magic to begin!

Imagery is revealed on several large monitors showing animated, black and white drawings of Mickey Mouse.  Mickey then places the Sorcerer’s hat upon his head which transforms him, as well as all of the other pencil drawings shown throughout the room, from black and white to color.

Mickey then invites guests to sit back, relax and enjoy a taste of animation as a montage of memorable food-themed moments from Disney and Pixar films set to “Be Our Guest” begins to delight guests.  After the “Be Our Guest” number is complete, animated curtains are drawn on the monitors for a brief intermission. During this time, guests are encouraged to complete their own drawings, if they have not already done so, so they may be whisked off to Mickey Mouse who is conjuring a magical final act.

While guests enjoy dinner, the restaurant’s walls fill with classic Disney and Pixar characters gathering food, eating and drinking together, and celebrating over meals.

After dinner, the animated curtains are opened on the screens and Sorcerer Mickey returns for the exciting finale.  With a flourish and musical crescendo, Mickey works magic as only Disney can do.  Mickey conjures the guests’ drawings – now fully animated and brought to life – into the onscreen action.

A parade starts as Mickey leads the guests’ drawings in a march across the screens around the dining room.  The animation of the drawings becomes increasingly more elaborate, and then the drawings step into scenes from beloved Disney movies and skip, skate and dance side-by-side with characters such as Mickey Mouse, Jiminy Cricket, Cinderella and Snow White.

At the conclusion of the show, Mickey returns to say “so long” to the guests and, as he does, credits roll on screen showing each guest’s name listed as a guest animator. To commemorate the experience, each guest will have their character drawing returned to them, with an added touch… a golden seal proclaiming them an Official Disney Animator.

Check out this preview video I took at the press event showcasing the Be Our Guest song and guest animations:

The Disney Fantasy will depart on her maiden voyage March 31, 2012, and will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). Special Eastern Caribbean sailings in November and December 2012 stop at St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico. All Disney Fantasy itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for the seven-night Caribbean cruise itineraries on the Disney Fantasy start at $959 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy. All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, Government Taxes and Fees not included.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.

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Filed Under: Disney Cruise Line, Disney News Tagged With: Animation Magic, Animator's Palate, DCL, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line dining, Disney Fantasy, fantasy

LEGOLAND Florida Announces Official Opening Date in October

23 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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LEGOLAND Florida map
Ready for exploration and adventure in October!!

POLK COUNTY, Fla.(May 23, 2011) – To the delight of youngsters everywhere, LEGOLAND® Florida today revealed its official opening date: Saturday, October 15, 2011.

 

Inspired by America’s love affair with all things LEGO®, the new 150-acre theme park will cater to kids ages 2 to 12 with more than 50 “pink-knuckle” rides – from roller coasters to race cars – as well as family focused shows and attractions.

 

Park officials disclosed the date, a closely guarded secret since the park broke ground last year, to help families already planning vacations in the fall.  “I’d estimate 80 percent of the inquiries we’ve received have been about our opening date,” said LEGOLAND Florida sales manager Todd Andrus. “Guests are all but begging to know the date, so they can book their flights and accommodations, and purchase admission tickets.”  The park also unveiled a new online reservations program to make the vacation booking experience even easier. Travelers can now book tickets, accommodations, airlines and rental

cars through the LEGOLAND Florida website.  “Planning a family vacation can be daunting, especially for families with very young children,” said Andrus, a father and frequent traveler. “Packing alone is enough to overwhelm even the most organized parents. That’s why we designed our online system to be both user-friendly and convenient, allowing parents to book the essentials and then print out everything they’ll need right at home.”

 

The other key benefit of the program, Andrus explained, is that it features 13 preferred hotels in Central Florida that are officially endorsed by the park. Part of the “Bed & Brick” program, the hotels are all family friendly and collectively provide a range of price points and assets to accommodate different styles and budgets. Each of the hotels in the program will offer special rates and ticket/room packages.

 

For more information: www.LEGOLAND.com; Facebook.com/LEGOLANDFlorida and Twitter @LEGOLANDFlorida.

You can see a flyover of LEGOLAND Florida construction back in March on our post here. Can’t wait for opening day!

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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida Tagged With: LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND Florida opening date, LEGOLAND theme park, Polk County FL, Winter Haven FL

Celebrate the Fourth of July with Independence Day Duffy!

21 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Something I noticed park-wide this past week at Walt Disney World was the presence of red white and blue everywhere. Cookies, cupcakes, and other treats were the most noticeable, aside from these plush friends –

Fourth of July Duffy
Fourth of July Mickey Mouse joins his Duffy friendsth

Costumed 4th of July Duffy is on sale $30 these guys were spotted at World of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. I thought the cute old-school Mickey Mouse was adorable too! Hooray for the red white and blue! 😉

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Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Disney News Tagged With: Disney 4th of July, Disney Fourth of July, Disney Independence Day, Duffy, Duffy costumes, Duffy holiday costumes, Duffy Merchandise, Duffy the Disney Bear, Fourth of July Duffy, Holiday merchandise

NEW Muppet Movie Teaser Poster AND Trailer!

20 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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If you recall from our previous post on the new Muppet movie from the creative mind of Jason Segel, The Muppets were set to hit theaters in December – that date has now been pushed up to November 23, 2011. Check out this new promotional poster for the movie:

The Muppets

There is also now a full synopsis of the film’s storyline:

On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With secret, signature, celebrity cameos, “The Muppets” hits the big screen Nov. 23, 2011.

Hopefully we will get a few more teases before the Fall!

UPDATE: New #GreenWithEnvy trailer added!

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Filed Under: Disney News, Movies & Books Tagged With: Amy Adams, Fozzie Bear, Jason Segel, Jim Henson, Kermit, Miss Piggy, movie previews, movie trailers, Muppet movie trailer, Muppets, The Muppet movie, The Muppets, The Muppets movie, Walt Disney Pictures

NEW! Disney Dooney & Bourke Minnie Bow Purses in Black and White

14 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis 21 Comments

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Yet another new design in the uber-popular Disney Dooney & Bourke handbag collaboration. Thanks to @njoysiscaretti who spotted these at TrenD last week and sent over the first two photos!

Available styles in both black and white with black leather straps and brass accents are:

Wristlet – $49

Small Patty Pouchette – $145

Medium East West Shopper – $235

 

Disney Dooney and Bourke Minnie Bow

 

Disney Dooney and Bourke Minnie Bow

 

Disney Dooney and Bourke Minnie Bow
White Minnie Bow wristlet - $49

 

Disney Dooney and Bourke Minnie Bow
Patty Pouchette in white - $145

 

Disney Dooney and Bourke Minnie Bow
Medium East West Shopper style in white - $235

 

Disney Dooney and Bourke Minnie Bow
Medium East West Shopper in black - $235

 

Disney Dooney and Bourke Minnie Bow
Patty Pouchette $145 and wristlet $49 in black

 

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! 

 

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Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Disney News Tagged With: D&B, designer handbags, designer purses, Disney couture, Disney Dooney, Disney Dooney and Bourke, Disney Merchandise, Dooney & Bourke, Dooney and, Minnie bow purses

INTERVIEW: Ashley Eckstein – a Disney Girl Whose Dreams Came True

11 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Ashley Eckstein If Disney could pick an “it-girl” to properly represent the company in the way they have tried with so many Disney Channel stars – Ashley Eckstein would be the perfect fit. Ashley is a Disney fan through and through, something we instantly bonded about. In doing my research, I read Ashley’s most recent blog entry at the Her Universe site and was struck by how heartfelt it was. I truly got how she was sharing her first-ever memories of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, how she later had a dream come true when she danced in a parade down Hollywood Blvd. and how now yet another dream was coming true as she was able to share her very own line of clothing at Star Wars Weekends. We joked about how it sounds cheesy, but Disney really is the place where magic lives. I knew then, she was one of us.

I asked Ashley how “growing up Disney” had affected her career and career choices. She said that as a child, having Disney in her backyard and being a Disney family (her dad worked for Disney for 15 years as a food buyer) her parents often played the song “When You Wish Upon A Star” (a song Ashley would later play at her Disney wedding reception) and would reiterate that statement. Ashley remarked that kids believe what you tell them, and being around such a magical environment and seeing dreams actually come true made it a tangible belief that she carried with her. At her first professional acting job at age 11, singing with the Orlando Opera Company and filming a segment for the Disney Christmas Parade on ABC, Ashley realized that while it was an amazing experience to be a part of, it was also very possible; “Disney provided so many opportunities for dreams to come true.”

From her first childhood visit to a Mickey Mouse Club taping at the then-Disney-MGM Studios, it was Ashley’s dream to appear on the Disney Channel. When that dream also came true in her recurring role as Muffy on “That’s So Raven“, Ashley quickly learned the importance of personal responsibility to her fans and children everywhere, both at the show’s live tapings and watching on the Disney Channel. “I realized the power I had to be a positive role model for kids. I do not take that power lightly and try in any way I can to make a positive difference. I view it as an honor to do so.”

After we reminisced about Disney past and what we missed in the Parks (Disney, if you’re reading, the Ecksteins would really appreciate the return of the non-chocolate-covered Mickey ice cream bar – remember the one with chocolate ice cream ears and a vanilla face?), we turned to Ashley’s latest passion – Her Universe – fandom-based apparel and accessories specifically designed for women and girls. I thanked Ashley for filling the void of Star Wars fan girl clothing, previously consisting mostly of slave Leia bikinis. Ashley is super hands-on with Her Universe and was quick to correct the common misconception that she’s merely endorsing a brand – this is her company that she started from scratch and she’s involved in every step of production from design tohang tag and neck tag. “I’m never going to release something at Her Universe that I would not buy myself. If I wouldn’t buy it, I’m not going to sell it.” And her passion shows.

Ahsoka tee Her Universe Her Universe currently sells Star Wars licensed items, viewing designs more as “wearable art”, using creative printing techniques vs. just a logo on a t-shirt. Ashley is most excited about her Ahsoka shirt designs, one specifically designed in little girl sizes. She’s knew there was a lack of shirts for the character she’s played for the last 3 years on the Star Wars: Clone Wars animated series, but definitely not a lack of interest. This Ahsoka shirt and two other shirts will be premiered at Star Wars Weekends on May 20th and Ashley couldn’t be prouder that these shirts will be available in both little girl sizes and women’s sizes up to 3x.  I was happy to hear that my favorites – the Padme art deco shirt and the Boba Fett-ish undies set are two of her personal favorites as well.

As for the future of Her Universe, I asked Ashley if there were plans to expand it beyond the Star Wars franchise. “It’s funny you asked that because we just came from New York where we met with the folks at SyFy and will now be handling all of SyFy’s female merchandise and merchandise for two of their shows.” Similar to Star Wars fans – almost half of SyFy’s demographic is actually women and thankfully they have recognized that! I look forward to what Her Universe will have to offer in the coming months!

Now of course, another reason I was excited to speak to Ashley is her obsession, well, we’ll say passion, it always sounds nicer, for Alice in Wonderland. Faithful readers will note this is yet another thing I share with Ashley. She actually joked about reading my post on the Alice in Wonderland sculpture in Kissimmee and how she needed to drive out there and see it herself! Proving once again that she is a Disney fan at heart, Ashley’s most prized possession in her extensive collection is actually the very first Alice costume her mom got her when she was just a little girl of five. Ashley fondly remembers dressing up in that dress and hopes to someday pass it along to her daughter should she have one. Another favorite is the Alice in Wonderland animation cell she was gifted with from Captain Rex at last year’s Star Wars Weekends.

I wondered what Alice would say if she met Ahsoka, to which Ashley quickly quipped in a British accent, “Oh my!” She then thought that Alice would be very curious about Ahsoka and her lightsaber and where she came from. “Some of the reasons why I love Alice so much are that she always speaks her mind, always asks questions and is a smart, strong female character.” Sounds like a certain Padawan Jedi we all know and love, yes?

I ended by asking Ashley if she’d gotten to check out Star Tours 2 yet and she had not but is looking forward to filming some behind-the-scenes videos next week and checking it out then. She shared that Star Tours actually has made her motion sick in the past but the last time she rode it she was okay and is hoping she fares well with the new ride. (I am with her on that one, I’m a little nervous about the 3D aspect with the motion!)

Ashley graciously agreed to answer these fan questions which I gathered from twitter and facebook before our interview:

@VoyageofAriel Tammy asked: If Star Wars was a musical what would her character’s song title be & could she sing some of it?

“It would definitely sound like it was right out of a Disney movie. I can sing, but I don’t sound like a pop singer, I sound like a Disney character! I think the title would “Patience”.  As a Padawan, Ahsoka’s a student and makes mistakes like all students do and must find patience. She wants to be perfect and gets frustrated when she isn’t. It’s Anakin’s job to try to teach her patience.”

Tammy you’ll have to wait for it to appear on Broadway to hear Ashley sing it! 😉

Ryan from the Main Street Gazette wanted to know: What’s your favorite Ahsoka quote?

“My favorite quote would be, “You’re stuck with my sky guy” for a few reasons. I love the nickname sky guy – some of the fans hated it and some of them loved it but  she doesn’t use it anymore director says she’s grown up and doesn’t say that line any longer. It also encompasses Ahsoka in general. When she first appeared some fans viewed her as the new Jar-jar. Now she’s gone in the direction that the fans wanted her to go in, and she hopes the fans are happy that she’s stuck around. I think people are wondering what happens to her and accept that she is part of the Star Wars franchise. AND represents part of her cocky little attitude not bratty, but just a little cocky.”

@agalaxyfaraway Amanda asks: Which Star Wars movie is her favorite? And who is her favorite character.

“Empire Strikes Back. I am a sucker for the romantic – the girl gets the guy, the “I know” line is one of my favorite moments. My favorite character is R2D2. He’s actually always there to save the day, he’s saved many lives!”

@MeCcAFeTT wants to ask Miss Ashley, when we gonna see Her Universe swimsuits and more cute bras and panties!?

This made Ashley giggle because “That’s something we are working on right now! It’s  tricky for size reasons. Some items have to be custom made literally from scratch – most clothing uses blanks in standard sizes which exist for men, but not for many women’s or girls sizes. Designing them on our own takes longer, a 6 month or longer minimum to design and it may be a year before you see them for sale. It’s frustrating at times because of needing real sizes for women. I’m constantly researching and studying to find “women’s sizes” available to design in a timely manner. Some just don’t exist, but we are looking into absolutely doing these for the line!”

Shane from Parkeology wanted to know does Ashley prefer the original Tiki Room or the Under New Management version?

“I am always an original girl. Since I grew up at Disney, you go back to what you know and prefer what you had going up. I’m a classic girl!” (This is what got us discussing Mickey ice cream bars and Ashley proceeded to sing a little Veggie Veggie Fruit Fruit, which warmed my heart!!)

Cliff W. from facebook wanted to know is Ashley was going to experience all 68 versions of the new Star Tours? Which is what led to Ashley revealing her motion sickness, so I’m gonna go with a no on that, you probably won’t catch Ashley riding 68 times. Ashley stayed true to her Jedi character in saying, “I am going to be tough and give it a try though!”

Savannah M. from facebook asked: What’s been her favorite episode so far in the clone wars series?

“So far, the  Mortis trilogy, which really should be watched as one continuous episode because you really get to see how far Ahsoka’s come and see her relationship with Anakin and Obi Wan. As an actress, selfishly, it was really a challenge – I had to be young Ahsoka, then grown up Ahsoka and Dark Side Ahsoka, three separate voices and characters. Those episodes are so well-done in terms of writing animation and directing, just visually stunning. Definitely get the season 3 dvd  so they can be watched as one extended episode.”

Teronya H. from facebook (and fellow Moms Panelist!)’s 8 year old son Aaron wants to know wants to know if Ashley really learned how to fight so she could play Ahsoka?

“Yes actually I did! After the first Star Wars Weekends two yeas ago, I saw a photo of me posed with a lightsaber like Ahsoka and I looked so prissy it was awful! I thought I cannot be playing this tough Jedi and not know how to look like one, I feel like a fraud! So my niece, who is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do had her Master teach me how to fight like a Jedi and how to fight with a lightsaber!”

You can check out Ashley’s Jedi training below on her hosting reel – the Jedi training is 2:18 into the video:

I want to thank Ashley Eckstein for taking the time to speak with me today and share all of those fun answers above. It was an honor to speak to someone so passionate about Disney, Star Wars and Alice in Wonderland, and who truly has made her dreams come true. The Force is definitely with Ashley – as is the pixie dust!

You can follow Ashley on twitter at @HerUniverse and at facebook’s Her Universe page, where you can get updates on the product line and more. The official Ashley Eckstein facebook page has more news on Ashley’s appearances and upcoming events.

Ashley will be  making a return appearance at this year’s Star Wars Weekends, which begin on May 20th – be sure to stock up on Her Universe items before you go!

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Filed Under: Commentary Land, Disney Merchandise, Disney News Tagged With: Ahsoka Tona, Alice in Wonderland, Ashley Eckstein, Ashley Eckstein interview, Clone Wars, Her Universe, interviews, Star Wars, Star Wars Weekends, Star Wars: Clone Wars, SyFy

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