Archives for May 2013

Details on the D23 Expo Dream Store Merchandise and More!

30 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Disney fans are counting down the days until the 2013 Disney D23 Expo (I’m one of them!) and with last week’s big announcement about the concert featuring both Alan Menken and Richard Sherman, excitement is building! Today D23 shared details about its Dream Store featuring exclusive Expo items, handbags, art, and more, including autograph sessions and their silent auction. I must say, the minute I saw the Harveys bag, I knew I had to add it to my Disney handbag collection. Here are more details and a photo from D23’s official release today:

Highlights include:

Official D23 Expo Merchandise will allow Disney fans to take home a piece of the magic from this year’s expo, with an assortment of official D23 Expo inspired merchandise including tees, baseball cap, fleece, jewelry, drink ware, accessories, pins, and Vinylmation™.

HARVEYS Seatbeltbags® are sure to make a statement at this year’s D23 Expo. This new collection, which features Sorcerer Mickey, classic D’s and more on some of HARVEYS most popular silhouettes, were created especially for this year’s 2013 Expo.

Disney Theme Park Merchandise will showcase some of its newest releases from Disney licensees and artists, including ACME Archives Limited, Dave Avanzino, Disney Design Group, Dooney & Bourke, Duffy the Disney Bear, Noah, Robert Olszewski, Precious Moments, Linda Rick, Jim Shore, and more.

ACME Archives Limited invites guests to make the magic come alive in your home with the latest releases from Disney•Pixar, Disney Studio Art, Disney Limited, Disney Underground and more.

Disney Design Group highlights a new Signature Collection of artwork including four captivating pieces filled with imagination, which bring to life Sorcerer Mickey and some of Disney’s most beloved characters.

Disney Dream Collection and D23 Expo-Exclusive Jewelry will dazzle audiences with a sparkling new selection of fine jewelry debuting as part of this year’s D23 Expo and featuring classic Disney icons and characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Tinker Bell, among others.

Dream Store Autograph Sessions will give Disney fans the opportunity to meet and greet some of their favorite authors, artists, Disney Legends and other notable celebrities. Autograph sessions will be posted daily at the D23 Expo Dream Store.

D23 Expo 2013 Silent Auction offers Disney enthusiasts the rare opportunity to bid on unique artifacts, artwork, experiences, props and more. The D23 Expo 2013 Silent Auction takes place Saturday, August 10, 2013. Tickets for the Silent Auction go on sale June 11, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific) via ArtofDisneyParks.com. Separate D23 Expo admission is required.

Photo Tour of “L’Artisan Des Glaces” Ice Cream Shop in Epcot’s France

29 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

The newest snack spot in Epcot’s World Showcase opened today over in the France pavilion. The much anticipated L’Artisan des Glaces ice cream and sorbet shop is now open and serving up 16 flavors of fun – ooh là là!

In the completely refurbished former patisserie area of France, L’Artisan des Glaces is set within a rustic, stone cottage building with turret (as before), but is open and airy inside, giving the feel of a country dairy shop. In fact, there are dairy touches throughout: milk bottles, milk canisters, even a milk bottle chandelier! The set up is different than before, with two registers allowing you to pay first, then choose a cup or a cone and pick your flavor. You then move down the line to pick up your order.

The 16 flavors available at L’Artisan des Glaces are: Vanilla, Chocolate, Mint Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut, Profiterole, Caramel fleur de sel (salted caramel), Cherry, Coco-White Chocolate, Coffee, and 6 sorbet flavors: Strawberry, Mango, Melon, Lemon, Pomegranate, and Mixed Berries. These flavors are made in-house and may change periodically – I’m hoping for fun seasonal options.

Unique to L’Artisan des Glaces is the adult-only sundae with liquor – 2 scoops of ice cream or sorbet served in a martini glass with a shot of Grand Marnier, Epic brand Whipped Cream Vodka, or Clement Rhum from Martinique for $11.50. One scoop of plain ice cream or sorbet is $3.99 while two scoops are $6.10 and are served in a waffle cone or a cup.

Here is a gallery of the new establishment, sure to be the popular place to be this summer and from now on! What flavor are you going to get first? I’m intrigued by the Profiterole, Hazelnut and Coco-White Chocolate! The sorbets will be so refreshing in the heat as well. Click to enlarge the photos and view as a slideshow:

Huge thanks to Scott Otis for providing the photos and info in this post.

Waddle to the Bottom of the World at SeaWorld’s Antarctica:Empire of the Penguin

24 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

After seeing commercials and promotions for the ride attached to SeaWorld Orlando’s newest attraction, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, I was quite excited to try out the new ride technology as well as visit the penguin habitat. I was unprepared for exactly how much theming has gone into this new area of SeaWorld Orlando. The story behind the area is that you are on an expedition to the South Pole, a place most people will never journey to, and you experience what the exploration would be like, as well as seeing things from the point of view of a newborn Gentoo penguin named Puck. When you first enter the Antarctica section, you see tall pine trees and soaring glaciers approaching. As you journey into the ride, more glaciers and icicles line your path and soon you enter an indoor queue full of colorful lighting as you wait for your penguin education to begin. In the pre-show area, you learn about the lives of penguins, and one family in particular, waiting for their egg to hatch so they can move on before a great storm approaches. This little hatching penguin is Puck. And as we enter the remainder of the pre-show area, it is Puck we are now following. We enter an enclosed room which you share with the rest of the riders for your vehicle. There we see Puck again and discover we will be following his journey. Similar to Turtle Trek, where you follow a particular turtle on his life journey, this animated portion of the attraction is full of cute, but dangers may lie ahead for little Puck.

**Below is a full ride-thru description, so if you don’t want any “ride spoilers” skip this next two paragraphs** Before entering this area, you decide if you want to ride “Wild” or “Mild”. Wild being the more accelerated, motion-enhanced version of the ride. Mild is just that, mild, with minimal spinning and motion. Once inside, your journey continues through a series of rooms full of brightly colored lights, icicles and other candy for the eyes. In these first two rooms, we are basically just experiencing the technology of the ride vehicle, dancing around other vehicles and exploring every aspect of the rooms. We then move on to a room with more of the animated sequences. Puck has grown and we are following him as he finds his way in the waters and ice of the South Pole. Our ride vehicle then “becomes” Puck in a sense, as we mimic his movements when he waddles and jumps. We then move on as another storm is approaching, and in this next scene, that danger I mentioned before shows up, in the form of a hungry seal. Puck makes it out okay, and as we see his is safe, the ride vehicles spin around to reveal the actual penguin habitat, full of 4 different species of penguins, frolicking, hopping, swimming, diving and waddling around their 30 degree enclosure. From there we move to the unloading area and get out to visit with the penguins in 3 different areas, including an underwater viewing area which is outside of the 30 degree enclosure.

SeaWorld Antarctica — The room you see as you board your ride vehicle

According to SeaWorld spokespeople, the ride itself has many variations within the ride, promising a different adventure each time you ride. I rode it twice, and did notice a little variation within the vibrations of the ride vehicle and the way we entered the first room with the film was backwards vs. forwards the first time, so the possible changes are subtle (not a different ending or different movie on screen), but fun nonetheless. Bottom line, the ride itself is just a really fun way to get to the penguin exhibit. The ride technology is definitely fun to experience (for Disney buffs, similar to Pooh’s Hunny Hunt in Tokyo Disneyland), and the colorful lights and penguin story are fun to look at. I do wonder if guests who just want to see the penguins without going on the ride will be able to enter through the exit to do so.

Antarctica Rainbow Room — The first room you enter on the ride. Photo copyright SeaWorld

The penguin habitat itself is impressively put together, with no glass walls and very little separating guest from the penguins. As they swam by and flipped their little tails, we did get wet, which is cool – literally, with the 30 degree temperatures in the room! The most dramatic and for me, most fun to watch was actually the floor to ceiling underwater viewing area. Even though we are separated by glass, we can observe the penguins diving and floating and interacting. It was really enjoyable to see.

I’ll have more reviews coming up, including a video featuring SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment creative director Brian Morrow, details on the food and drink offerings, merchandise and more. Until then, enjoy this Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin photo gallery

Welcome to Disney24! Live Updates all 24 hours!

24 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

Goooood Morning Walt DisneyWorld!

Today Disney Parks are embarking on their second ever 24-hour park day for Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World
and Disneyland AND California Adventure in California. I’ll be attending all 24(+) hours here at the Magic Kingdom, and bringing you fun photos and info along the way. I thought I’d post some helpful links here if you’d like to follow along:

Follow my photo adventures on Instagram – @zannaland ( instagram.com/zannaland if you don’t use the app)

I post all my Instagram photos to twitter – @zannaland and facebook – facebook.com/zannaland as well.

Since I’ll be here all day and allll night (that’s 5am – 6am for those playing at home), I may pop onto Ustream to broadcast a parade, some characters, a ride or two, or Wishes as well. Word on the street is there will be some special visits by Mike and Sully from Monsters University so I’ll see what (or who) I can find.

You can find me on Ustream at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/zanna-cam
If you have any requests for photo challenges, rides to go on, snacks to try, drop me a line on and of the above places and I’ll do my best to oblige! And if you are in the parks yourself, be sure to say hi if you spot me (and if I’m passed out asleep, wake me
up!).

Happy Disney24!

Here are some photos and updates from throughout the day:

Here is a Vine video of the train arriving for the Disney 24 opening ceremony.

Next, we took a trip to Frontierland – Sail down the Rivers of America on the Liberty Belle! (Vine video)

The WDW Railroad from the Rivers of America (Vine video)

All in all, it was another wonderful 24 hour experience at the Magic Kingdom. I know it may seem a little silly to be falling asleep on rides, but just being in the park itself is always fun to me, and the sense of community and camaraderie was out in force last night. The crowds were definitely much much greater this time than in the Leap Year all-nighter in 2011, and I know there were some unhappy guests trying to get up and down and in and out of Main Street. Hopefully Disney can beef up its crowd control a bit to have a better plan for another event like this. It always pains me to see unhappy guests. That was just one tiny portion of the overall successful experience and did not put a damper on my enjoyment at all.

Having the Disney Parks Blog meet-up at the start of the day was a wonderful plus, the donuts were great, seeing old and new friends was great, and seeing Monsters University early was wonderful! Major thanks to the Disney Parks Blog for putting events like that on and adding so many fun surprises and souvenirs to the experience. They certainly don’t have to give back as much as they do, but they seem to always be trying to do more and do better for their readers, fans and park-goers. As a local blogger who is a fan first, it’s an honor and a privilege to be able to be a part of the community like that.

All throughout the day, I wanted to post photos of just some of what Disney means to me, amazing scenery, landscapes and breathtaking architecture that tells a story and creates magic and memories at every turn. I certainly didn’t chronicle my whole day, nor did I make it a mission to ride every ride or experience every show. I did, however, spend some relaxing time experiencing some of the classics that really say Walt Disney World to me. Riding down the Rivers of America on the Liberty Belle was so peaceful and just transported me to another time in history. The animatronics and effects on the river banks have really been tended to lately and it looks great, really making the experience worthwhile. Then over on Tom Sawyer Island, I love to see kids and families (and me!) making their own fun; exploring, running, climbing, laughing and creating their own “interactive experience”.

Being in the park for over 24 hours really lets you focus on the aspects that made you fall in love with Disney to begin with. I am grateful to Disney for letting that happen, and to my friends and all of the Disney community that I shared that with last night. Thanks for following along!

Busch Gardens Premiers a Fun New Madagascar Live Show

20 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Last week a brand new live music show premiered at Busch Gardens in Tampa. Madagascar Live: Operation Vacation brings all your favorite Madagascar characters to the stage, with original high-energy songs and dance numbers. The show is held in the Stanleyville Theatre, right near the Sheikra coaster. When we saw it, the theatre was filled with school groups, who were super excited about the show and really enjoyed it. The songs are catchy and you can’t help but want to get up and dance, no matter what your age. Of course, King Julien’s signature number “I Like to Move It, Move It” is played as well, which makes the crowd go WILD (pun intended).

“We are thrilled to partner with DreamWorks Animation to bring the hugely popular Madagascar characters to Busch Gardens,” said park President Jim Dean. “Both Busch Gardens and DreamWorks share a core the mission to provide quality entertainment to audiences. This show is certain to have families engaged and amused and will round out the triple play of amazing shows, thrilling rides and unique animal encounters that our park delivers.”

The lively stage show encourages families to sing, clap and dance along to original songs and party favorites on a 20-minute musical adventure. Singers, dancers and a live band join the rollicking Madagascar characters as they amp up the party to full throttle. And as part of each show, guests can meet the characters following the performance in Stanleyville Theater, which has been renovated and is now an enclosed and air-conditioned theater.

Here is a gallery of show images to get you excited. Be sure to add Busch Gardens to your summer “must-do” list this year!

Busch Gardens is fast becoming one of my favorite parks to just hang out in. I’m not a huge coaster person, but there is still so much to do here from animal habitats to shows to sky rides and train tours. It’s a great place to make a day trip over to, and don’t forget Adventure Island water park next door to cool off!

2nd Ever Disney Dooney and Bourke Trunk Sale May 25!

16 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Following up from my earlier post about the newest Disney Dooney & Bourke design coming out this summer, more details have been released. The new bags will be released on May 25th, along with the second ever trunk show of previously unreleased Disney Dooney designs! The last trunk show was lots of fun, and Ian Ray from Dooney and Bourke will be on hand to sign bags as well.

Here are all the details with some new photos, from the official Disney Parks blog:

…the merchandise special events team that a Dooney & Bourke release, along with a signing opportunity with Ian Ray, has been added to the calendar of events for May 2013!

Here’s a look at the new Dooney & Bourke Mickey Rainbow Letter Collection on four black silhouettes, including a large Pocket Tote ($295), Satchel ($195), Pocket Satchel ($260), and Tablet Sleeve ($90), which will be available as part of the release.

Tren-D in the Downtown Disney Marketplace at the Walt Disney World Resort will have all of these and more, on Saturday, May 25, 2013. What could be more exciting than the release of this new collection? What if I told you that on that same day, Tren-D is going to have a “Sample Sale” of some never released bags, and that Ian Ray will be on hand for a special appearance and signing opportunity from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.? It doesn’t get better than that! For those who are able to attend the release and signing, be sure to ask about a special gift with purchase. Tip: Be sure to get their early! Although Ian isn’t signing until later, the collection, along with the other bags, will be available at shop opening on the day of release.

If you like the collection, but wish it came with a white background, you’re in luck. For a limited time, beginning June 3, www.DisneyParks.com/Store will offer a Rainbow Collection Letter Carrier with a white background. But of course, it’s only available while supplies last. So don’t miss out.

Opening Date for LEGOLAND Florida World of Chima Expansion

14 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I recently got a sneak peek peak at the newest creation at LEGOLAND Florida, the World of Chima expansion. I loved seeing the plans for this new area of the park and the rides and characters who will fill this section. Today, the opening date was announced, here is the official press release:

An army of animal tribes from LEGOLAND® Florida’s newest expansion featuring interactive family fun, The World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network, invaded Central Florida today with an important announcement. The dozens of three-foot LEGO® models of characters from the new product line, LEGO® Legends of Chima, descended upon downtown Orlando and downtown Tampa, bearing tags announcing that the park’s The World of Chima attraction will open to the public on July 3.

Laval the Lion, Eris the Eagle and members of other Chima animal tribes are searching for the missing CHI, a powerful energy source needed to power LEGOLAND Florida’s newest attraction that was stolen by Cragger, the leader of the Crocodile tribe.

Soon fans can join The Quest for CHI to help Laval and his friends find the CHI needed to power The World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network by joining an interactive Facebook contest beginning May 27 at www.facebook.com/LEGOLANDFlorida. One grand prize winner will be selected to be a VIP for the Opening Ceremony on July 3.

This expansion will be one of the centerpieces of the new LEGO Chima brand, which already includes a major LEGO product line, a stunningly animated television series to air on Cartoon Network beginning in July and multiple interactive video games and apps. LEGOLAND Florida is the only place in the world that LEGO fans can go to unleash the power and be fully immersed in The World of Chima, providing an experience like no other.
The centerpiece of the new World of Chima at LEGOLAND Florida is an interactive, family-friendly water ride, The Quest for CHI. Guests will enter The World of Chima through a fantastical stone and moss covered entrance which leads to the Lion Temple at the base of the majestic 45-foot tall floating Mount Cavora. There, guests will explore a diverse landscape setting and join the Lion Tribe in an epic battle to recover the stolen CHI orbs. Guests will board a watercraft which will take them on an interactive experience using water cannons to help their hero, Laval the Lion Prince, defeat Cragger the Crocodile King as he attempts to steal the precious supply of CHI. The journey will take them through the land of Chima where they will meet some of the highly advanced animal tribal habitats, including the Rhino Quarry, Raven’s Roost, Eagle’s Nest, Wolves Encampment, Gorilla Forest and Crocodile Swamp among other imaginative settings.

The World of Chima also features a super-charged, super-fast SpeedorzTM Arena where multiple players build their LEGO Speedorz and compete to win the precious supply of CHI by participating in-group challenges and competing in a series of obstacles. Families can also enter Cragger’s Swamp, the Croc Tribe’s secret hideout, where they will find a lush green foggy swamp filled with playful bubbles, intermittent water spouts and interactive elements that trigger swamp water effects. A new 4D movie, the LEGO Chima 4D Movie Xperience, will further immerse families into The World of Chima by bringing the characters to life on the big screen. Kids will also get to meet their hero Laval the Lion Prince and Cragger the Crocodile King at daily character meet and greet sessions. Plus, with the largest supply of LEGO products in Central Florida, guests can find their favorite LEGO Legends of Chima sets and Speedorz.

For more information regarding The World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network and the more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, visit www.LEGOLAND.com. The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida is with a Florida Resident Annual Pass for just $99 plus tax. Pass members will receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florida and the LEGOLAND Water Park along with other Merlin U.S. attractions including LEGOLAND California Resort & Water Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, Sea Life Centers and Madame Tussauds with no blackout dates. The LEGOLAND Florida Resident Annual Pass also includes admission into special events throughout the year including Red, Brick & Boom, Brick-or-Treat, Christmas Bricktacular and Kid’s New Year’s Eve. Additionally, pass members will enjoy free parking and discounts on all food and merchandise throughout the year.

Happy Mother’s Day!

12 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Happy Mother’s Day! I created this little collage of some of my favorite Disney moms. Who are your favorites? Hope all the mothers out there have a wonderful day!

Mickey and Minnie Mania! Merchandise Update

11 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

In the last week Mickey and Minnie merchandise has been everywhere in the parks! It seems to be the new trend for spring and if you are a Mickey or Minnie lover you will have plenty of things to be excited for! In the Disney Parks stores you will find everything from T-shirts, shoes, bags and even a scarf poncho!

Minnie Mouse Hoodie with Mouse Ears Front

Minnie Mouse Hoodie with Mouse Ears Back

My favorite is the Minnie “Born to Shop” T-shirt, which is a must-have, and the Minnie hoodie with ears! So cute! Which one is your favorite and do you like this Minnie/Mickey trend? Or do you wish Disney would bring out some other character merchandise?

Target Disney Junior Sleepwear Collection & Springtime Merchandise!

10 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

If you are looking to find some cute and more affordable Disney merchandise, Target is always a great idea! Right now they have come out with a really nice juniors sleepwear collection featuring Disney characters like Ariel and Tinker Bell!

You can find the collection both in stores and online. The sizes run from junior XS-XL.

Tinker Bell Sleepwear — Tinker Bell Shorts and tank set

Snow White Sleepwear — Snow White Shorts and tank set

Lady and the Tramp Sleepwear — Lady and the Tramp Shorts and tank set

Target also have some exciting new merchandise being released for spring!

Disney Consumer Products celebrates springtime with a line of products, featured below, including books and eBooks with your favorite characters, such as Minnie Mouse, Mater, and Phineas and Ferb; swimwear from Disney Store for boys and girls, perfect for spring break; and fun and flirty clothes and accessories by D-Signed Stylediaries found exclusively at Target.