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Archives for March 2013

Disney Spring and Easter Merchandise!

26 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Disney Easter Merchandise
Eggs, Flowers and Bunnies Galore

With the weather getting warmer and the crowds in the parks getting larger you can clearly tell that spring and Easter has arrived here at Walt Disney World! With the season comes a lot of fun and bright spring and Easter merchandise. Egg, flower and bunny merchandise can be spotted almost in every store on property right now! You can even find some Easter goodies like cupcakes and cookies! And for all of you who come here to celebrate your Spring Break there is now a t-shirt for you to take home as a souvenir!

Disney Easter Merchandise
Easter Antenna Topper
Disney Easter Merchandise
St Patricks Day may be over but you can still find this cute antenna topper!
Disney Easter Merchandise
Spring Break 2013 Adult Tshirt
Disney Easter Merchandise
Spring Break 2013 Adult Tshirt
Disney Easter Merchandise
Spring Break 2013 Adult Tshirt
Disney Easter Merchandise
Spring Break 2013 Adult Tshirt
Disney Easter Merchandise
Limited Edition Happy Easter Pin, Chip and Dale
Disney Easter Merchandise
Limited Edition Happy Easter Pin, Stitch
Disney Easter Merchandise
Easter Caramel Apples
Disney Easter Merchandise
Easter Cookies
Disney Easter Merchandise
Easter Cupcakes

 

So how yummy doesn’t those Easter goodies look? The Easter Bunny Caramel apple is my favorite! 

 

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Filed Under: Disney Holidays, Disney Merchandise, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: bunnies, Disney, Disney Merchandise, Disney parks, easter, eggs, flowers, Merchandise, Spring, Walt Disney World

Disney Parks Weekly Merchandise Report

26 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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In this weeks Disney Merchandise Report we will take a look at some new Disney princess music boxes, the new Haunted Mansion line and a some pink Minnie Mouse home decor just to name a few.

First we will take a look at a new series of snow globes and some vintage-looking magnets that have popped up in the stores in almost every park!

Disney Snowglobe
Mickey Snowglobe
Disney Snowglobe
Mickey Snowglobe
Disney Snowglobe
Ariel Snowglobe
Disney Snowglobe
Castle Snowglobe
Disney Magnets
Poppins Penguins Magnet
Disney Magnets
Sewing Service Magnet
Disney Magnets
Conscience Counseling Magnet
Disney Magnets
Forest Friends Magnet

Disney Princess merchandise has always been really popular in the parks and I think these items will become a hit with both younger and older fans! The music boxes all feature the Disney princesses in there newest reimagined look, which I really like!

These princess tote bags are in the same design as some cute tops that were released last year, so perfect if you want to have a matching bag!

Disney Princess Music Box
Tinkerbell Music Box
Disney Princess Music Box
Rapunzel Music Box
Disney Princess Music Box
Ariel Music Box
Disney Princess Music Box
Belle Music Box
Disney Princess Music Box
Aurora Music Box
Disney Princess Music Box
Cinderella Music Box
Disney Princess Bag
Ariel Tote Bag
Disney Princess Bag
Aurora Tote Bag
Disney Princess Bag
Cinderella Tote Bag

Here we first have a new Minnie Mouse pink polka dot home decor collection featuring cute stuff like a jewelry hanger and a frame set. Then if pink is not your thing we have the new Haunted Mansion collection which also features some really nice home decor/collectibles.

Disney Minnie Mouse Home Decor
Minnie Mouse Bulletin / Pin Board
Disney Minnie Mouse Home Decor
Minnie Mouse Photo Frame Set
Disney Minnie Mouse Home Decor
Minnie Mouse Water Bottle
Disney Minnie Mouse Home Decor
Minnie Mouse Jewelry Box
Disney Minnie Mouse Home Decor
Minnie Mouse Jewelry Hanger
Disney Haunted Mansion
Haunted Mansion Frame
Disney Haunted Mansion
Haunted Mansion Hour Glass
Disney Haunted Mansion
Another look at the Haunter Mansion Hour Glass
Disney Haunted Mansion
Haunted Mansion Coaster Set

Castle Couture in Magic Kingdom now has some more princess dress up options for your kids to choose from like Merida and Pocahontas. It’s really nice to see that Disney is giving some attention to some of the more rarer princesses!

Lastly, we have two new antenna toppers, some new water bottles and a new girly version of the popular mouse ear ornaments!

Disney Childs Costume
Merida dress up costume inside Castle Couture in Magic Kingdom
Disney Childs Costume
Pocahontas dress up costume inside Castle Couture in Magic Kingdom
Disney Mouse era Ornament
Mouse Ear Ornament
Disney Glasses
Tinker Bell & Stitch Water Bottle
Disney Antenna Topper
Mike Antenna Topper
Disney Antenna Topper
Grumpy Antenna Topper
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Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Dinsey merchandise report, Disney, Disney Merchandise, Disney merchandise news, Disney News, Disney parks, Haunted Mansion, jewelry hanger, Minnie Mouse, mouse ears ornaments, music boxes, princess tote bag, snow globes, Walt Disney World

Photos: “Disney Springs” to Revitalize Downtown Disney Area

14 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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As an early visitor to Walt Disney World, back in 1983, one of my very favorite parts of our vacation was the Lake Buena Vista Village Marketplace area, or “The Village” as my family called it. Our first visits to WDW included stays at the Lake Buena Vista Vacation Villas, part of a set of villas where Saratoga Springs now resides. Your stay at one of the villas (larger town-home style rooms with bedrooms, a living area and kitchen) included a golf cart, and we would ride over to the Village every day, either for breakfast at the Empress Lilly, dinner at Heidelberg’s Deli, or for stocking up on snacks at the Gourmet Pantry. It was such a truly relaxed, unique area; it became forever engrained in my memories as “Walt Disney World.”

Over time, changes took place at the Village Marketplace, and Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island, and West Side were born. More and more visitors came to Walt Disney World and Disney answered with more shopping and dining experiences. But something was lost along the way: that relaxing, Florida feeling that made such an impression on me as a child. So when I heard the latest announcement regarding Disney Springs, I was thrilled that perhaps this would again be a place for beautiful sites and memories to be born. Hearing the description with emphasis on meandering springs, open-air promenades and waterfront charm gives me hope for this new area to capture the right balance of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Here is the official announcement from Disney this morning:

Disney Springs will feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands. From boutique shops to unique flagship anchor stores, guests will be able to explore a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences and discover options unlike any other currently available in Central Florida.

Disney Unveils Vision for Disney Springs
Along with an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands, Disney Springs (as shown in this conceptual rendering) will feature a new gateway with a signature water tower and grand entry.

“Disney Springs will be a timeless, vibrant place where Walt Disney World guests and local residents can relax, shop, dine and be entertained in an imaginative setting where they’ll instantly feel at home,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Featuring distinctive brands, world-class restaurants and unforgettable entertainment, Disney Springs will be brought to life with the same focus on storytelling and attention to detail that goes into our theme parks, resorts and cruise ships, resulting in a welcoming space that only Disney could create.”

Disney Unveils Vision for Disney Springs
Downtown Disney is undergoing a multi-year transformation, representing the largest expansion in its history. The renamed Disney Springs (as shown in this conceptual model) will double the number of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences, and feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands.

Disney Springs will double the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore, resulting in more than 150 establishments. In addition, Staggs noted, Central Florida stands to benefit from the expansion with more jobs, tax revenues and business opportunities.

Disney Unveils Vision for Disney Springs – Marketplace
As part of Disney Springs, the family-friendly Marketplace (as shown in this conceptual rendering) will continue to delight guests of all ages and include new experiences, such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway.

Drawing inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs will include four outdoor neighborhoods interconnected by a flowing spring and vibrant lakefront. In addition to a new gateway with a signature water tower and grand entry, the destination will feature:

  • The Town Center, which offers a sophisticated mix of shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect.
Disney Unveils Vision for Disney Springs – Town Center and The
With a flowing spring as a centerpiece, Disney Springs will feature four outdoor neighborhoods including the two shown in an artist’s conceptual rendering. The Town Center (lower portion of the image) will offer one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experiences along a promenade while The Landing (upper portion of the image) will include inspired dining and beautiful waterfront views.

 

  • A colorful and thriving commercial district called The Landing with inspired dining and beautiful waterfront views.
Disney Unveils Vision for Disney Springs – West Side
Inviting and infused with character, Disney Springs will feature four outdoor neighborhoods including The Landing (as shown in this conceptual rendering) which offers inspired dining, retail and beautiful waterfront views.

 

  • The family-friendly Marketplace that will continue to delight guests of all ages by combining new experiences, such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including an expanded World of Disney store.
  • A West Side that provides an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below.

 

Disney Unveils Vision for Disney Springs – West Side
Along with an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands, Disney Springs (as shown in this conceptual rendering) will feature a new gateway with a signature water tower and grand entry.

 

Collectively, these efforts will not only have an impact within Walt Disney World, but will also have an economic ripple effect on Central Florida. The project will create an estimated 1,200 construction jobs and nearly 4,000 operational roles.

Disney will share more details on specific experiences coming to Disney Springs in the future. Construction is slated to begin next month with new areas opening in phases. Disney Springs is expected to be complete in 2016.

What do you think of this announcement? Are you excited for Disney Springs? Disney has not officially announced the restaurants or shops which will sign on for Disney Springs, but one of the many rumors is Trader Sams, the tiki bar made so popular at the Disneyland Hotel. I’m very excited for the possibilities!

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Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney Merchandise, Disney News, Top Stories Tagged With: boutique shops, disney pleasure island, Disney Springs, Downtown Disney, downtown disney pleasure island, Downtown Disney refurb, Downtown Disney remodel, empress lilly, gourmet pantry, home style, lake buena vista, marketplace area, promenades, saratoga springs, Trader Sams, vacation villas, village marketplace, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World

PHOTO TOUR: Tangled Area With Charging Stations Opens in Magic Kingdom

14 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

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The much-rumored “Rapunzel Restrooms” finally opened to guests last Friday, and boy was it worth the wait. The area is so much more than “just bathrooms,” offering beautiful new vistas, seating areas, a fun scavenger hunt, and perhaps best of all – charging stations for cell phones! There are no signs at this time noting the charging stations hidden within tree trunks, but while I was there, several cast members came over to ensure we knew there were charging spots there.

On opening day, I decided to embark on my first-ever Ustream broadcast, and gave a little live tour of the the area in the daytime, returning for another live stream at night, which included Wishes nighttime fireworks show, as seen from that area of the park. I was really impressed with the amount of theming and detail provided to this area. It is officially my new favorite place to hang out in the park, which sounds weird because it is basically restrooms, but it’s more than that. It actually reminded me a bit of Disneyland, in that you could just sit and unwind while the world rushes by. There area lovely full-grown trees, a waterfall and a babbling brook, relaxing music, and lots of pretty things to look at. At dusk, the area takes on an enchanting glow as the lanterns are switched on and just gets more magical as the night goes on.

Here are the two broadcasts, if you’d like to take a tour of the area: Tangled area daytime tour and Tangled area nighttime tour. Please forgive the random chatter in the beginning as I was figuring out Ustream – I promise future broadcasts will not be quite so embarrassing (at least I’ll try to ensure that!).

In addition, here is a photo gallery highlighting all the details of the new Tangled area:

 

Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Maximus the horse’s horseshoes
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Rapunzel’s tower with waterfall
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Rapunzel’s tower with waterfall
Rapunzel rest area
View of the Tangled area from under Columbia Harbor House
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Rapunzel tower and men’s room with thatched roof
Rapunzel rest area
Overview of Tangled lanterns
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Another tower view
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
More lanterns
Rapunzel rest area
Ulf the mime
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Vladamir and his tiny unicorns!
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Unicorns!
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Hookhand at the piano
Rapunzel rest area
Women’s room sign
Entrance to the ladies room
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Rapunzel’s painting goes all throughout the inside of the ladies room ceiling
Rapunzel rest area
Men’s room sign
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Men’s room exterior – here on the right you can see Flynn’s satchel (wonder if the crown is still inside?) and on the left a chest-piece bit of armor from the royal guards, and the kingdom’s newest weapon of choice, a frying pan!
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Exterior building and a lantern
Rapunzel rest area
Cast Member only area and Companion Restroom sign
Rapunzel rest area
Maximus says Kingdom Staff Only!
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Another tower and waterfall view
Rapunzel rest area
View of Tangled area from “its’a small world” and Peter Pan’s Flight
Rapunzel rest area
View of seating area looking back to Liberty Square
Rapunzel rest area
View of seating area looking back to Liberty Square
Rapunzel rest area
Phone charging station cleverly disguised as a log
Rapunzel rest area
Tangled phone charging station outlets
Rapunzel rest area
“Action shot” of the phone charging station
Rapunzel rest area
Tangled seating area
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Lanterns at dusk
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Lanterns at night
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Lanterns at night with Rapunzel’s tower

 

And here are the interior shots of the actual restrooms:

Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Right inside the ladies room
ladies room ceiling
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
ladies room ceiling
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
ladies room ceiling
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Rapunzel’s paints inside the ladies room
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
The ceiling switches from flowers and birds to a night sky
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Another shelf inside the ladies room
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Little princesses changing area in ladies room
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Wanted posters inside the men’s room
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Flynn has fixed his nose, finally!
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Wanted posters in mens room
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Shorty poster
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Stabbington Brothers poster
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Flynn Rider wanted poster
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Frying pans, the weapon of choice
Tangled Rapunzel bathroom area
Little knights changing station in mens room

 

One of my favorite parts to this new section of New-ish Fantasyland, is a fun scavenger hunt where you find little Pascal the chameleon’s friends as they are hiding in the area. There are 10 in total and some of them are really good at camouflaging themselves! If you would like to be surprised and find them all on your own without seeing the photos first, scroll by this section!!

Friends of Pascal scavenger hunt
Friends of Pascal scavenger hunt
Friends of Pascal scavenger hunt
Friends of Pascal scavenger hunt
Friends of Pascal scavenger hunt
Friends of Pascal scavenger hunt
Friends of Pascal scavenger hunt
Friends of Pascal scavenger hunt
Friends of Pascal scavenger hunt
Friends of Pascal scavenger hunt
Friends of Pascal scavenger hunt

 

 

I was not able to find any hidden Mickeys, so if you’ve found any, I’d love to hear about them, or your thoughts on this new area, in the comments below!

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Filed Under: Disney Attractions, Disney News, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: babbling brook, chameleon, charging station, Disney charging stations, fantasyland, lanterns, live stream, Magic Kingdom, Magic Kingdom charging station, nighttime tour, pascal scavenger hunt, pascal the chameleon, Photo Tour, Rapunzel, rapunzel bathrooms, rapunzel charging station, rapunzel restrooms, rapunzel tower, relaxing music, restrooms, scavenger hunt, seating areas, Tangled, tangled bathrooms, tangled charging station, tangled restrooms, tangled tower, tangledtown, theming, ustream

SeaWorld’s Aquatica Water Park’s 5th Birthday Celebration

13 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Aquatica birthday cake Aquatica Orlando celebrated its fifth birthday last weekend, which included a celebration for guests who were in attendance.

In light of the theme, $5 merchandise specials were offered all day that included clothing, Aquatica-themed glasses, and more. There was a special birthday party held in the afternoon with amazing animal ambassador meet and greets and special treats, plus a live DJ raffled off prizes for future visits with Cabanas and all-day-dining. What a great present that was from Aquatica!

Aquatica Vice President Bryan Nadeau addressed the crowd thanking them for making Aquatica a hit over the past five years; he also lead the group in the Happy Birthday song.

Rā whānau is the Maori way to say “Happy Birthday” — Rā whānau, Aquatica!

 

Dolphin Plunge From high-speed water slides and exhilarating wave pools, to tranquil beaches and the remarkable animal habitats that are the hallmark of SeaWorld, Aquatica delights all ages and interests. This waterpark is home to some of the world’s most thrilling water rides, featuring 38 slides, rivers and lagoons and 84,000 square feet of sparkling white, sandy beaches. Aquatica’s exclusive attractions promise unlimited fun, sending guests on amazing undersea adventures and through breathtaking animal exhibits.

My family visited Aquatica for the first time last weekend and had a blast. It’s definitely a water park for the adventurous type with most all of the slides being very high speed and having at least some portion in total darkness. (I’m a scaredy cat and those weren’t my favorite, but there are a few that aren’t in the dark too.) I think the favorite for everyone in our group was Roa Rapids, which is a fast-current not-so-lazy river, where you don’t even need an inner tube to be propelled along the stream and enjoy the scenery.

We also checked out the Waterstone Grill for lunch, which had really great food, and made time to just relax and enjoy the sandy beach and catch some rays. All in all, it was a great day of fun. If you are able to do the add-on from your day at SeaWorld, or visit with the package from Discovery Cove, I’d definitely say head over for some splashy fun. For more info, head to Aquatica’s site.

Dolphin Plunge

 

Aquatica wave pool

 

Taumata Racer

 

Whanau Wave

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Filed Under: Central Florida Family Entertainment, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, Sea World Orlando Tagged With: animal exhibits, animal habitats, aquatica orlando, aquatica water park, birthday party, cabanas, fifth birthday, lagoons, merchandise specials, remarkable animal, sandy beaches, tranquil beaches, undersea adventures, water park, water rides, water slides, wave pools

Last Weekend for SeaWorld’s Bands Brew & BBQ-a Rockin’ Good Time!

13 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Bands Brew and BBQ This weekend marks the last for SeaWorld’s Bands, Brew & BBQ season. I love SeaWorld’s special events like this because they are included in the price of regular admission, and you get a little something extra, this time in the form of rockin’ bands, great BBQ, and beer to boot. SeaWorld invited me over to check things out during the weekend when Styx was performing. It was a perfect small venue for a band that used to play arenas and has no less fans 30 years later. The intimate setting ensures every seat is a good one – even ours – the very last row of the stadium.

The BBQ options filled the air with heavenly scents. SeaWorld had its own offerings from its on-site BBQ restaurant, as well as Tony Roma’s, Cecil’s Texas Style Bar B Q and Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q sharing their finest creations. It was a great mix and easy to sample many locations instead of being locked in to just one place.

The brews were offered individually, or in the form of sampler packages, for those wanting to try it all. The beers offered were mostly craft beers, an excellent complement to the BBQ booths.

Carnival games lined the walkway for the kids, and a display of Harleys from the Orlando Harley-Davidson stores were also on hand.

Harley-Davidsons
Harley-Davidsons at Bands, Brew and BBQ at SeaWorld

It was a great addition to an already fun day at SeaWorld, so if you have the chance, check it out this last weekend, where Rodney Atkins with Uncle Kracker and Sheryl Crow will perform. Here is the full line up from this season so you can get an idea of what to expect in future years:

Tommy Shaw of Styx
Tommy Shaw of Styx

The 2013 Bands, Brew & BBQ concert lineup includes:

  • Saturday, February 9            Chris Young with Jerrod Niemann
  • Sunday, February 10             Merle Haggard
  • Saturday, February 16          The Beach Boys
  • Sunday, February 17             Styx
  • Saturday, February 23         Big & Rich
  • Sunday, February 24            Third Eye Blind
  • Saturday, March 2                Daryl Hall and John Oates
  • Sunday, March 3                  Darius Rucker
  • Saturday, March 9               Michael McDonald
  • Sunday, March 10                Josh Turner
  • Saturday, March 16              Rodney Atkins with Uncle Kracker
  • Sunday, March 17                Sheryl Crow

 

 

For more details about Bands, Brew & BBQ visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com

 

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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, Sea World Orlando Tagged With: Bands Brews & BBQ, BBQ, chris young, craft beers, harley davidson, harley davidsons, jerrod niemann, merle haggard, orlando harley davidson, sampler packages, SeaWorld, SeaWorld Orlando, sheryl crow, Styx, texas style, tommy shaw, tony roma, uncle kracker

Nightime Magic at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival

12 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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The 20th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival has really outdone itself this year with the addition of dining and drinking options at 12 booths around the World Showcase. In addition, there are some special nighttime effects for many of the topiaries, making the Festival a must-visit, day and night. I was so enchanted by a few of these displays, I had to create a special post to share the photos I took at night. I hope you enjoy the gallery of nighttime magic at the Flower and Garden Festival!

Fab 5 topiaries at night

 

Click to enter a slideshow of the images below:

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival at night
The monorail station has projections of the Flower & Garden logo, flowers, and butterflies on the monorail track
Fab 5 topiaries at night
The fab 5 still look great at night
Mickey topiary at night
Mickey is ready for a BBQ
Pluto topiary at night
…and so is Pluto!
Phineas and Ferb topiary at night
Phineas and Ferb have color-changing LED lights around them
Tow Mater topiary at night
Tow Mater
Lightning McQueen topiary at night
Lightning McQueen
Epcot's Garden Retreat at night
The Garden Retreat is a lovely seating area, day or night
Tinker Bell topiary at night
Tinker Bell and Periwinkle are the hit of the nighttime gardens
Tinker Bell topiary at night
Color-changing LED lights at the base accent the green laser lights on the fairies
Tinker Bell topiary at night
I could spend all night here!
Tinker Bell topiary at night
Close-up of sparkly Tink
Oz the Great and Powerful Garden
The Oz garden sign looks wonderful at night
Monsters University topiary
The Monsters University scene looks just as great at night
Monsters University topiary
Mike Wazowski, with braces!
Monsters University topiary
Monsters University topiary
Monsters University topiary
Monsters University topiary
Monsters University topiary
Monsters University topiary
Monsters University topiary
Monsters University topiary
Sully’s back spikes
Monsters University topiary
I love the shadows cast by the Monsters University gate
Monsters University topiary
Close-up of monster hands
Moose in Canada pavilion at night
Lit up moose in the Canada gardens
Beauty and the Beast topiaries at night
Beauty and the Beast
Beast topiary at night
Beast is a little scary as a close-up!
Lotso topiary at night
Lotso looks very happy, but I’d watch out for him…
Lady and the Tramp topiary at night
Lady and the Tramp
China dragon topiary at night
The dragon in China spits mist
China dragon topiary at night
I think the dragon in China should be there year-round
Norway troll topiary at night
A friendly troll?

 

Oz garden poppies
Hand-blown glass poppies in the Oz garden are beautiful at night!

 

Which display is your favorite at night? Mine is definitely Tinker Bell and Periwinkle – the fairy music playing in the background is the perfect touch!

Make sure you see our other posts on the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival!

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Filed Under: Disney Special Events, Photos From the Parks, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: China pavilion, Chinese dragon, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, Epcot, Epcot at night, EPCOT Center, Epcot Flower and Garden 2013, Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, Epcot in Spring, Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, Goofy, Italy pavilion, Lady and the Tramp, Lotso, Mickey Mouse, Mickey topiary, Mike Wazowski, Minnie Mouse, Monsters University, Night gardens, Norway pavilion, Norway troll, Periwinkle, Phineas and Ferb, pluto, Sully, tinker bell, topiaries, topiary, World Showcase

Epcot’s 20th Flower & Garden Festival in Full, Delicious Bloom!

12 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival This year marks the 20th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, held in both Future World and World Showcase around Epcot, and known for its larger-than-life topiaries of our favorite Disney characters and scenes. This year is a little different, however, because the creators of the festival have added a big bonus this year, in the form of 12 booths featuring Spring-inspired culinary dishes and fruit-infused beers, wines and other adult beverages, as well as some non-alcoholic options. As a fan of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, I think this is a wonderful addition. With 12 booths, it’s not overwhelming to World Showcase, and the offerings are completely unique and new to the Flower & Garden Festival. This addition of food and wine was 5 years in the making, and I think worth every minute of planning. The items offered are focused on fresh, light flavors, or those reminiscent of the coming summer – as found in the Smokehouse area of the American pavilion. I haven’t had a chance to try all the options yet, but so far my favorite was the “Frushi” or fruit sushi – fresh fruit rolled inside coconut rice. It’s not too sweet, it’s just perfect!

As far as the drink options, the biggest buzz is for the Dole Whip with a shot of Siesta Key spiced rum. I gave this a try – for research purposes of course – and it was a very unique experience. Unless you are a huge fan of rum by itself, I recommend mixing it all up so it’s like a frozen drink vs. trying to drink the rum alone. My favorite adult offering of the festival is the sparkling brut with elderflower syrup, found in the German booth. It was so yummy! I’ll let you discover your own favorites as you stroll around the World Showcase promenade – but don’t forget to visit the Festival Center where the Intermissions Cafe has its own set of drinks and snacks to try.

Dole Whip with Rum

With the addition of the food and wine selections, the Flower & Garden Festival also borrows the passport which is so popular during the Food & Wine Festival. Guests can pick up a Garden Passport at the Festival Center (make sure to get your first stamp there!) and then get a stamp at each garden location and food booth around the festival. It’s a fun activity for adults and kids alike!

Speaking of kids, my 4 year-old tested out all of the kids play areas and gave his thumbs up for the Radiator Springs garden and the Oz garden, both featuring some really fun playground equipment to climb, jump, and explore, as well as comfy seating for parents to supervise. The Tinker Bell and Friends Butterfly House is a perfect theme for the butterfly gardens, and a great learning opportunity with chrysalis collections and new butterflies emerging daily.

Radiator Springs garden

Also be sure to check out the Festival Center over in the former Wonders of Life pavilion, for some great hands-on demonstrations and seminars from the festival sponsor, HGTV. I got to see a sneak peek of some of the seminars from HGTV stars, and guests were learning about some great planting tips and even getting to plant their own little garden starter. The Festival Center also features the fun new Epcot Flower and Garden merchandise for the 2013 – including the Vera Bradley and Disney handbag preview.

Later today I’ll be featuring some of the amazing nighttime gardens, which are another plus this year at the festival and gives some areas an entirely different look than in the day. Until then, because of the sheer number of topiaries, food, play areas, and more at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, I made a flickr set to share all the photos I took. I didn’t include photos of everything…you’ll need to get over to Epcot and check out all the delicious fun in person! Right now there over 200 photos in the see. Enjoy!

 

Monsters University topiary
Here’s a sneak peek at the topiaries at night!

And don’t forget the Flower Power concert series, featuring some classic acts which are the perfect accompaniment to the flowers and food found around Epcot. I got a chance to meet Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, and he was thrilled to be a part of the concert series, and hopes to return each year. I hope to see you around the World Showcase lagoon and all of Epcot, enjoying all there is to see at the 20th International Flower and Garden Festival!

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

 

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Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney Special Events, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney characters, Dole Whip, Dole whip with rum, Epcot Flower and Garden 2013, Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Flower and Garden Festival, fresh fruit, frushi, Future World, kids play areas, Oz garden, Radiator Springs Garden, smokehouse, Tinker Bell butterfly house, topiaries, World Showcase

NEW Disney “Oz: The Great and Powerful” Merchandise

10 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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The new Disney movie Oz: The Great and Powerful had its big premiere yesterday. I had the chance to see the movie during a Disney Parks Blog event and the movie is a real feast for the eyes! The visual effects and costumes are amazing while the story gives you both laughs and tender moments. With a new movie, we luckily always get some new merchandise! Oz merchandise started to pop up at the Disney Parks in the recent weeks and offer something for both older and younger fans!

Disney Oz The great and powerful merchandise

I found these things at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom, Mouse Gear in Epcot and World of Disney and Tren-D at Downtown Disney.

Disney Oz The great and powerful merchandise
“Things Are Not Always As They Seem” Adult T-shirt
Disney Oz The great and powerful merchandise
Oz Good vs. Evil Adult T-shirt, Front
Disney Oz The great and powerful merchandise
Oz Good vs. Evil Adult T-shirt, Back
Disney Oz The great and powerful merchandise
“Welcome to Oz” Adult T-shirt
Disney Oz The great and powerful merchandise
“Wicked Witch of the West” Adult T-shirt
Disney Oz The great and powerful merchandise
“Fragile but Feisty” KIds T-shirt
Disney Oz The great and powerful merchandise
Glinda Doll
Disney Oz The great and powerful merchandise
Oz Doll
Disney Oz The great and powerful merchandise
Evanora Doll
Disney Oz The great and powerful merchandise
China Girl Doll
Disney Oz The great and powerful merchandise
Wicked Witch of the West Doll
Disney Oz The great and powerful merchandise
Wicked Witch of the West Hat
Disney Oz The great and powerful merchandise
OPI Oz Mini Nail Lacquers Set includes four astonishing colors. I Theodora You, Don’t Burst My Bubble, Glints Of Glinda and What Wizardry Is This?
Disney Oz The great and powerful merchandise
Oz: The Great and Powerful Movie Storybook
Disney Oz The great and powerful merchandise
“The Art of Oz: The Great And Powerful

This week I also made a trip to the Disney Store and found even more Oz merchandise. The best thing is that most of the merchandise you find there is unique to the Disney Store. The adult Limited Edition Costumes of Glinda and The Wicked Witch of The West were really impressing as you usually can’t find adult costumes in the Disney Store.

disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
Wicked Witch of the West Costume Description LE 300
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
Wicked Witch of the West Costume for Adults LE 300 $399.50
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
Glinda Costume Description LE 300
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
Glinda Costume for Adults LE 300 $349.50
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
“Things are Not Always As They Seem” Adult T-shirt
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
Wicked Witch of the West Adult T-shirt
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
Glinda Adult T-shirt
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
China Girl Adult T-shirt
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
Oz Tote Bag
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
Wicked Witch of the West Mug
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
Witches of Oz Mug Back
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
Witches of Oz Mug Front
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
Oz Water Bottle
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
Oz Notecard Set
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
Inside of the Oz Notecard set. Comes with envelopes.
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
Mastering Magic Journal
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
China Girl Doll Small
disney store oz great and powerful merchandise
Finley Plush

So for you guys who have seen the movie, what did you think? Anybody thinking about dressing up as Glinda or the Wicked Witch of the West for next Halloween?

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Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Top Stories Tagged With: china girl, Disney, Disney Merchandise, Disney movies, evanora, finley, glinda, Merchandise, movie, Oz, Oz the Great and Powerful, shopping, Theodora, wicked witch of the west

Top 5 Oz-tacular Moments in Disney’s Oz the Great and Powerful

8 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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I was recently treated to two screenings of the highly anticipated Oz the Great and Powerful (one through the Disney Parks Blog’s Oz Meet-Up and a media screening). When deciding how I would put my thoughts about the movie into words, some things kept popping out at me. Eye Candy.

Oz the Great and Powerful
Rainbow Sparkle Clouds!

Here are the 5 pieces of eye-candy I enjoyed while watching Oz the Great and Powerful: {there will be spoilers in the review below, proceed at your own risk!}

  1. Rainbows
  2. Sparkly Rainbow Cloud Fog
  3. Rainbow Horses
  4. Giant Shimmery Bubbles
  5. Sparkly Giant Emeralds

Did I mention rainbows? I’m only sort of joking with the above list; after seeing Oz the Great and Powerful twice, I realized that what I enjoyed most about the film was how pretty it was in parts. The way the opening scenes are handled, in black and white and in a smaller screen, are of course a nod to the original Wizard of Oz, and a nice contrast to the vibrant colors of the land of Oz. That’s not to say there isn’t more to the movie than its pretty looks (although I couldn’t stop staring at Theodora and Glinda’s eye make-up and wondering if they used Urban Decay…) but overall I think the visuals are what carry the film.

We know the story of the Wizard of Oz; now with Oz the Great and Powerful we are sort of deconstructing exactly what made The Wizard who he is, and how the Wicked Witch came to be. While the first quarter of the movie is necessary to establish just the kind of selfish, greedy, self-serving cad Oscar Diggs is, it does drag a bit. Even when he first arrives in Oz and is exposed to the wondrous sites and sounds of such an unusual universe, the whole scene really serves no purpose other than to show off some cool effects.

When we pass the reeds in the river and they bend to make a sound, I instantly thought of the sound of the carnival organ that had flown past Oscar in the balloon, which would go along with the whole “it’s just a dream…” theme that the Wizard of Oz used. Combined with Finley the monkey being Oscar’s assistant from the carnival, the China Doll being the girl in the wheelchair, and of course Glinda, it would make sense that this fantastical world was all in Oscar’s head as he was knocked out from the effects of the twister. But it is never established or confirmed that Oz is just a dream. Perhaps because of the possibility of future sequels…either way, it was odd to have those elements and then not to explain them or develop them further. The river fairies were another example of this. Cute, somewhat funny, but they really have no point in the film as we see them for 30 seconds. It just felt a little forced, as if we were supposed to view Oz as a Wonderland sort of place, but nothing was ever really delved into more than a very cursory visual. Another thing that was never really established or explained in the film was where these witches came from and why Evanora is evil, as well as what makes Theodora evil, even before she changes, though she doesn’t realize it. Perhaps these are questions which will be answered in future films…

Oz the Great and Powerful
I loved this homage to the Wizard of Oz with the iconic first viewing of the Emerald City.

Once Oz gets his quest, and repairs China Doll (why doesn’t she get a name?!) and Finley joins them as they find Glinda, then the story really gets moving and I enjoyed the film a lot more. Up until that point, Oscar Diggs is not a very likeable guy, which is the point. Once he finds his passion, he leaves his selfish ways behind and finally does the right thing.

Of course it’s too late by then and he has incurred the wrath of the true Wicked Witch and her sister. The final battle scenes against the wicked sisters are really fun and well-played. Plus we get to see more rainbow cloud fog! It was a relief to see Oscar become The Wizard and do right by the citizens of Oz, though we have to wonder, did he really learn his lesson with women? He seems to have been humbled elsewhere and learned important lessons about friendship and family, and true magic, and that was lovely.

The 3-D effects within the film were really wonderful. Usually I leave a 3-D film not even realizing what I just watched was in 3-D, because it’s just sort of there. But in Oz, you definitely experience the 3-D and it makes it all the more exciting and adventurous when those scenes happen.

Oz the Great and Powerful
Some of the beautiful visuals in the land of Oz

Another star of the movie was the soundtrack. When the film opens, the very detailed, animated title sequence has a beautiful song behind it, which is then interwoven throughout the film. Danny Elfman really does a great job of giving Oz the Great and Powerful
a unique soundtrack, while instilling his signature sound too. I would definitely purchase the soundtrack to listen to. {For those visiting Epcot any time during the Flower and Garden Festival, you can hear the soundtrack playing in the Oz garden on the walkway from World Showcase to the East side of Future World. It’s worth a listen!}

Overall, I enjoyed the movie, despite its slow or underdeveloped parts. We were definitely left with an open enough ending to allow for a sequel or two, so I do hope it is successful enough to warrant that, so we can see the growth of all the characters. Oz the Great and Powerful opens today in theatres everywhere. I’d love to hear what you think when you see the film!

Disclosure: I attended a media screening of Oz the Great and Powerful. My opinions are my own.

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Movie Reviews, Movies & Books, Top Stories Tagged With: Danny Elfman, Disney movies, Disney Oz, giant bubbles, james franco, Joey King, land of oz, Michelle Williams, mila kunis, Movie Reviews, movies, oscar diggs, Oz, Oz movie, Oz movie review, Oz review, Oz the Great and Powerful, Oz the Great and Powerful soundtrack, rachel leigh, rainbow cloud, The Wizard, wizard of oz, Zach Braff

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