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Archives for March 2016

Easter Egg Masterpieces at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

24 March 2016 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016 Seeing the completely edible Easter egg displays put together by Walt Disney World’s pastry chefs at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort has become a rite of Spring for this local. I love wandering through the lobby, looking at what must be countless hours of work and workmanship  – and did I mention they’re all edible??

 

The team of chefs are given complete creative freedom to come up with and execute their egg designs, and some of them have been creating Easter eggs for over 20 years! These designs took 3 weeks to create and will be on display until April 4th this year.

 

This season, we see some favorites from last year’s Easter Egg Display return, along with some new, captivating favorites. I was glad to see that Disney is able to save these creations and bring them back – so much work, I’d hate for them to be on display only once for a few weeks! Below I’ll share all of the amazing creations, in groups of characters and Disney favorites, as well as incredible sugar works of art. I bet you can’t pick just one favorite!

 

 

Disney character and movie Easter egg creations: 

 

 

Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Queen Elsa in egg form
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Hans – not a nice guy
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Princess Anna
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Olaf, Sven and Kristoff
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
The Toy Story gang (and the edge of the Stitch egg)
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Another from last year returns
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Rapunzel and Maximus
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Flynn & Rapunzel
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Mulan’s beautiful egg changes color
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
The sugar flowers on this egg are incredible!
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Beast’s enchanted rose
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Tink returns this year
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Amazing that she’s made out of edible bakery ingredients!
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
The front of the Good Dinosaur egg
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
The back of the Good Dinosaur
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
An overview of the front lobby
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Copper and Todd from Fox & the Hound
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
The backside of Fox & the Hound
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
BB-8 joins the family along with a Steampunk Mickey
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Love the Robin Hood egg this year!
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
the back of Robin Hood
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Brave egg with Merida
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Merida’s brothers in bear form
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Lady & the Tramp and Inside Out
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
The back of Inside Out and Lady & the Tramp
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Neverland!

 

Sugar artistry statement Easter eggs: 

 

Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
The sugar flowers on this egg are incredible!
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Better lighting on the flower egg
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
I love how this blue egg is reminiscent of a ceramic egg that opens
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
This was one of my favorites, just gorgeous
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Simple. Elegant
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
I remember last year people thinking this was a tribute to Meet the Robinsons, lots of fun art deco touches
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
I wasn’t sure if this was supposed to be Pixie Hollow or not, but it’s amazing regardless!
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Post modern egg
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Another of my favorites…
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Just look at the rope-work details! Incredible
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Another from last year returns
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
I think this puppy was here last year too. Cute.
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Another of my favorites, love the clean lines that look like fabric and the flowers. Just beautiful.

And this chicken – this Spring Chicken gets its own little gallery. It is AMAZING! Look at the feathers! This is all in chocolate or sugar or something edible. Unbelievable!

 

Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
A real Spring Chicken!
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
Grand Floridian Easter Eggs 2016
It may not be a golden egg she laid, but impressive nonetheless. I’d be guarding it too, girl! 😉

 

 

Can you pick just one favorite?? Big thanks to Walt Disney World and their amazing chefs for sharing these incredible creations with the world!

 

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Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney Holidays, Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Disney Resorts Tagged With: chocolate art, Disney chefs, Disney Easter, Disney Easter eggs, Disney holidays, Disney pastry chefs, Disney Resorts, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, edible Easter eggs, Grand Floridian, Grand Floridian Easter egg display, Grand Floridian Easter eggs, sugar flowers

Tangled Takeover on Disney Cruise Line’s Re-Imagined Magic Ship

14 March 2016 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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My family and I recently took a cruise on the newly Re-Imagined Disney Magic which re-debuted back in October of 2013. I was able to attend the relaunching festivities back then, and I had wanted to bring my family aboard so they could see the changes and experience the first ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet for themselves (my husband had been on before, as had my oldest son with me back in 1999 – however at 10 months old, he didn’t remember much). When that same son’s 17th birthday rolled around and I saw this 5 night sailing out of Miami come up, I figured what better way to celebrate?

I was excited to show them what cruising on a smaller ship would be like (relatively speaking, compared to the Dream they had been on before) and since we traditionally enjoy the ship vs. many activities or shore excursions, I thought this would be perfect. We were all quite excited to get to see the all-new Tangled: The Musical show on the Magic as well. In fact, it was really what we were looking forward to the most (except maybe the food). I’ll write more about our impressions of the Disney Magic in a future post, but for now, let’s talk Tangled!

The first pleasant surprise was to see that the Tangled theming extended beyond the nighttime show on stage, but also to the forward elevator area on deck 4, and the Snuggly Duckling took over in place of O’Gills Pub. I stopped by the Snuggly Duckling before the takeover to see the decorations. There’s also a scavenger hunt where you look for various Thugs all over the ship which we had lots of fun locating. See the Snuggly Duckling Takeover below:

Snuggly Duckling Takeover
All the tables have these “woodgrain” overlays (watch for hidden Mickeys) and “flickering” candles
Snuggly Duckling Takeover
The bar at O’Gills becomes the Snuggly Duckling
Snuggly Duckling Takeover
Snuggly Duckling Takeover
“I’ve Got a Dream” lyrics on the wall
Snuggly Duckling Takeover
Be sure to look for all the details…they are pretty funny!
Snuggly Duckling Takeover
Snuggly Duckling Takeover
Snuggly Duckling Takeover
Snuggly Duckling Takeover
The “awards” are hilarious.
Snuggly Duckling Takeover
We later stopped by to see the Thugs in action
Snuggly Duckling Disney Magic
Snuggly Duckling Disney Magic
These “flickering” candles are so cool
Snuggly Duckling Disney Magic
Special Snuggly Duckling drinks
Snuggly Duckling Disney Magic
Special Snuggly Duckling drinks
Snuggly Duckling Disney Magic
Special Snuggly Duckling Pub Grubb
Snuggly Duckling Disney Magic
Even the windows get a make-over
Snuggly Duckling Disney Magic
Be sure to check out all the details, so many great little touches!
Snuggly Duckling Disney Magic
Snuggly Duckling Disney Magic
I would totally attend this seminar…
Snuggly Duckling Disney Magic
Snuggly Duckling Disney Magic
The Takeover extends to the aft elevators as you near the Walt Disney Theatre
Snuggly Duckling Takeover
The Takeover extends to the aft elevators as you near the Walt Disney Theatre
Snuggly Duckling Takeover
The Snuggly Duckling Takeover is noted on your Disney Cruise Line Navigator App
Snuggly Duckling Takeover
The Takeover also extends to dinner service, with guards from the kingdom on the hunt for Flynn Rider.
Snuggly Duckling Takeover
Comedy ensues…
Snuggly Duckling Disney Magic
Here is one of the Thugs that you can see on the scavenger hunt
Snuggly Duckling Disney Magic
Can you spot the Thug? That’s all the hints I’ll show, promise!

The anticipation of the Tangled: The Musical show did not disappoint, it was an amazing production. The way they did the sets and Rapunzel’s hair were so clever and unique to this show. One of my favorite parts (and the rest of the audience’s too) was Max the horse. Created by Master puppet designer Michael Curry, whose extraordinary creations are featured in Disney’s Tony Award-winning musical “The Lion King” on Broadway, Max was even more animated and full of personality than he is in the movie, and was a joy to watch on stage with his puppeteer performer inside.

Award-winning composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater, who created the original soundtrack for “Tangled,” teamed up again to adapt the score and story for the stage. Complementing the score from the film, three new songs have been added, which weave a delightful combination of narrative, humor and theatrics into the performance.

“Tangled: The Musical” Aboard the Disney Magic

In addition to new melodies, audiences enjoy live performances of favorite songs from the movie, including “When Will My Life Begin,” “Mother Knows Best,” “I’ve Got a Dream” and the Grammy Award-winning ballad, “I See the Light” – which of course, brought me to tears and was adapted perfectly for the theatre. It’s hard to imagine how one of the most beautifully animated scenes in history can translate to a theatre show, but they did it so well. You’ll feel engulfed by lanterns.

“Tangled: The Musical” is the newest original Disney Cruise Line stage spectacular. Presented exclusively aboard the Disney Magic, it combines a heartfelt story, an enchanting score and lavish production numbers to showcase the thrilling adventure of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider as they face ruffians, thugs and a budding romance on an exhilarating journey of self-discovery. (Ryan Wendler, photographer)

“Tangled: The Musical” premiered aboard the Disney Magic during the Nov. 11 four-night Bahamian sailing. The ship will continue to sail four-night Bahamas and five-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami through the new year.

 

Disclosure: This cruise was entirely paid for ourselves and not sponsored or complementary. These opinions are my own. As a side note: I was recently invited to experience Tangled: The Musical on the Disney Magic when it is docked in Port Canaveral and have updated the post with more photos from that visit. My opinions didn’t change, I loved the show even more the second time!

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Filed Under: Disney Cruise Line, Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Top Stories Tagged With: Disney Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line Entertainment, Disney Cruise Line Tangled, Disney magic, Rapunzel, Snuggly Duckling, Snuggly Duckling Takeover, Tangled The Musical

Spring Forward with a New Alice in Wonderland 2 Trailer

13 March 2016 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Don’t be late to catch the latest Alice Through the Looking Glass trailer, released just in time to spring forward as we changed the clocks last night. See it below:

   
Here’s the official synopsis of Through the Looking Glass:

Alice Kingsleigh (Wasikowska) has spent the past few years following in her father’s footsteps and sailing the high seas. Upon her return to London, she comes across a magical looking glass and returns to the fantastical realm of Underland and her friends the White Rabbit (Sheen), Absolem (Rickman), the Cheshire Cat (Fry) and the Mad Hatter (Depp), who is not himself. The Hatter has lost his Muchness, so Mirana (Hathaway) sends Alice on a quest to borrow the Chronosphere, a metallic globe inside the chamber of the Grand Clock which powers all time. Returning to the past, she comes across friends – and enemies – at different points in their lives, and embarks on a perilous race to save the Hatter before time runs out. Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” opens in U.S. theaters on May 27, 2016.

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Filed Under: All blogs, Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Movies & Books, Official Disney Tagged With: Alice in Wonderland, alice in wonderland 2, alice in wonderland trailer, alice through the looking glass

REVIEW: Zootopia is a Whole New World of Disney Animation

3 March 2016 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Zootopia D23 Expo I will admit it, when I first heard about and saw snippets about Zootopia, I wasn’t super excited. “Another movie about animals that can talk,what will make this one any different,” I thought. I then saw the sloth DMV scene at the D23 Expo, laughed, and thought it had some promise. I do love Jason Bateman, and hearing him as the voice of Nick Wilde for over an hour couldn’t be too bad, right? Once home from the D23 Expo over the summer, I kind of forgot about it until recently, when I was able to attend a screening. I had seen a few little promo pieces about it, and saw that they were trying to make the Zootopia universe relatable by changing common things we were used to with “Z” words (zoogle rather than google, zuber rather than uber, etc.) I was then worried that it would be too corny, trying too hard. But really, that’s only in the marketing. In the actual movie, I was relieved to see, the gags and puns are little rewards for keen-eyed observers.

As a side note, I’ve found, in recent years, Disney marketing does tend to go a little overboard on the jokes of site gags found within its animated films, as if trying to ensure these things catch on and “go viral.” While I totally understand this is a necessary evil of marketing on this scale, it’s no less annoying, to me personally, and really makes me wish I could just watch things sight un-seen and make my own judgments from there. But then again, I’m not a typical movie-going Disney fan. I don’t laugh at all the jokes I’m supposed to, and do tend to like more subtle attempts at both humor and any moral-of-the-story lessons. So, maybe it’s just me.

In any event, I was proven wrong in my pre-judgment of Zootopia. Very wrong. I loved it and I think it has the true distinction of being engaging and relatable to everyone and every age. In addition, the universe created for the film and the city of Zootopia is absolutely amazing and so infinitely detailed, I want to live in each of the distinct little areas of their world. The opening scene of the movie tells all the backstory you need to know about both our main character, Judy Hopps, and the world of Zootopia itself. The different neighborhoods are perfect homes for the various types of animals best suited to that environment; Sahara Square for desert animals, the Rain Forest District for those used to jungle environments, Tundratown for polar bears and other cold-weather animals, along with Bunnyburrow, where Judy is from, and Little Rodentia, for the tiniest mammals (the scenes in this area are among my favorite in the movie), while the downtown area Savanna Central, is a bustling city environment where animals from every climate and environment come together to work and live.

Zootopia56d772a3802de Zootopia56d77268dd883 Zootopia

Judy Hopps is, at the end of the day, a glass half full kind of bunny. She is an eternal optimist, not only in life, but in her own self-confidence. Despite the motto of Zootopia being “where anyone can be anything,” there is a sort of unwritten rule that in certain situations (when bunnies want to become police officers for example), that isn’t really the case. Judy is determined to prove them wrong, and most importantly, prove to herself that she can be and do anything, and do it well. What follows when Judy does graduate as the first bunny from the police academy, is, at the heart of it all, a buddy comedy. I can actually picture the storyline of Zootopia (minus some animal-specific aspects) translating to a live-action film with humans rather than animals, and that’s perhaps the best compliment for the writing and strength of the plot.

Another major-yet-more-subtle subplot to the movie is the idea of prejudice, profiling of different types of people (or animals in this case). As mentioned above, the animals in Zootopia may claim to be evolved and accepting of all different types of species and allowing them to be anything they want, but there are several lines and situations within the film that directly correlate to our own real-world racial profiling and embarrassingly stereotypical actions – “other bunnies can call each other cute, but other animals can’t call a bunny cute” for example. This may go over the average kid’s head as a funny throw-away line, but adults watching know where it’s coming from, and if it sparks conversation among parents to their kids, all the better. In any event, I love when “kids movies” don’t pander to kids and leave modern and important themes out of the mix. It is possible to have a fun story, animated characters, and important life lessons in one film. Zootopia does that with ease.

Zootopia

I won’t drone on with (much) more analysis of plotlines and characters, but I will say (again) that I loved Zootopia, I loved the message that it tells, and how it tells it. There was not a princess in site, and there was absolutely no feeling of “oh, this is a female empowerment theme” because the whole point of the story is literally, anyone can do anything, and that they should, if they want to. That we shouldn’t judge others based on preconceived notions, and although someone may do something differently than us, it doesn’t mean it’s any less right or valid. And I loved that take-away. I took my 7 year-old son to the screening I saw, and I love that he was exposed to those messages probably without even realizing it. Judy Hopps failed a few times, but kept going, learning all along the way. Nick Wilde lived his life one way because he thought that’s how he had to, and learned that he could and should do more.  I hope it sticks in his little sponge-like brain to – as pop sensation Gazelle (played by Shakira) sang in the movie – “Try Everything.”

Zootopia D23 Expo This was a movie I instantly wanted to see again, and cannot wait till I can do just that. The animation itself is gorgeous, robust and detailed. The character acting is great too, Idris Elba as the Chief of Police is so fun to listen to, as is J.K. Simmons as the mayor, and Nate Torrence as the lovable police station cop, Clawhauser.

I’m excited for Zootopia to be released and have a presence in Disney parks. A meet and greet has already been announced for Disney California Adventure, and Judy and Nick will join the “Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It!” Street Party at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, both happening this spring. My son has already asked for a Zootopia backpack and lunchbox, so that means the movie has reached Star Wars level approval ratings in our home.

I’d love to hear what you think if you see Zootopia this weekend!

 

Disclaimer: I attended a free screening of this film in order to write this review. As you can see, my thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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Filed Under: D23 Expo, Disney Movie News & Reviews, Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Movie Reviews, Movies & Books, Reviews, Top Stories Tagged With: Disney Animation, Disney movie review, Ginnifer Goodwin, Idris Elba, Jason Bateman, Judy Hopps, movie review, Nate Torrence, Nick Wilde, Walt Disney Animation, Zootopia, Zootopia review

Two New Disney Cruise Line Ships on the Horizon

3 March 2016 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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While we only have an artists rendering and not much more for these 2021 and 2023 Disney Cruise Line ships, the news is no less thrilling! Read more about this exciting update from this morning’s shareholders meeting below:

New Disney Cruise Line Ships

The Walt Disney Company announced plans today to build two additional cruise ships, each of them showcasing the immersive family entertainment, enchanting storytelling and unparalleled service that only Disney can deliver.

The company has entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. The schedule calls for the new ships to be completed in 2021 and 2023.

“We pride ourselves on the unforgettable vacation experiences we deliver to our guests each and every day, and the expansion of our Disney fleet will allow us to create even more magical memories for families at sea and in incredible cruise destinations around the world,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

Each new ship will be approximately 135,000 gross tons – slightly larger than the newest Disney Cruise Line ships, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy – and each is currently planned to include about 1,250 guest staterooms. While design plans, ship names and itineraries are still in development, the Walt Disney Imagineering team is already dreaming up exciting new ways to create the world’s most magical oceangoing adventures.

Since first setting sail in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has provided a quintessential family cruise vacation experience that combines the magic of Disney with the thrill of exploring different parts of the world. Guests step aboard majestic and beautiful ocean liners to enjoy legendary Disney entertainment, exquisite dining, spacious and well-appointed staterooms and magnificent public spaces.

The company also has been an industry leader in innovation and game-changing creativity. With the launch of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy in 2011 and 2012, the company introduced several firsts for the industry, including a water coaster at sea (AquaDuck) and virtual portholes in interior staterooms (Magical Portholes) that provide real-time views of the sea as well as sightings of animated Disney characters.

Plans for the expansion of Disney Cruise Line come during a period of momentous growth and innovation for Disney properties around the globe.

“The expansion of Disney Cruise Line only adds to our excitement for the unprecedented growth taking place across our vacation destinations, from new Star Wars experiences coming to the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts to the 25th anniversary of Disneyland Paris and the grand opening of our newest park, Shanghai Disney Resort,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

More details about the Disney Cruise Line fleet expansion and onboard offerings will be announced at a later date.

My theory on names: I think because they will be twins like Dream and Fantasy, which kinda-sorta mean the same thing, that they’ll need to be similarly-meaning names too. So far, Imagination and Vision, or Imagination and Inspiration…Innovation…well, I have 5 years to think of many more! [Edit: I’m now going with “Disney Adventure” for at least one. I think that sounds like a winner. I still think Imagination would be good, despite the Carnival ship of the same name. There will be no confusion. Totally different class of ship!] We’ll update here and on social media as we hear any news.

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Filed Under: Disney Cruise Line, Disney News, Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Official Disney Tagged With: DCL, Disney Cruise Line, new Disney Cruise ships

Free Sushi for Cirque du Soleil Guests at Morimoto Asia!

3 March 2016 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Morimoto Asia is offering a special deal for guests of Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba at Disney Springs. Simply bring your Cirque du Soleil ticket, purchase a beverage off the Morimoto Asia menu, and you’ll receive your choice of complimentary four-piece sushi vegetable roll or California roll! (And I highly recommend trying some of their other amazing items and upcoming events as well!) See more info below:

Morimoto Asia Cirque du Soleil

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Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Top Stories Tagged With: Cirque du Soleil, free sushi, La Nouba, Morimoto Asia, Morimoto Forbidden Lounge, Morimoto Orlando

Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Debut April 22

2 March 2016 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Exciting news today, as the Disney Parks Blog treated us to an opening date for the greatly anticipated “Rivers of Light” nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well as a preview video with more info! Being a fan of any light-related night-time shows-combined-with-water, I’ve been looking forward to this since it was announced, and now I’m even more excited. It looks to be a truly organic, natural-fit for the park, and it sounds like Imagineers are doing what they do best, creating amazing original experiences, founded in real-life backstory mixed with myth and fantasy.

Rivers of Light
Concept art for Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – all photos ©Disney

 

Rivers of Light

 

Rivers of Light

 

Rivers of Light

According the the Parks blog, “…the show, set on Discovery River in the Asia section of the park, will depict an ancient lantern festival guided by two storytellers who call forth four animal Spirit Guides: an Asian Tiger, Tropical Turtle, African Elephant and Great Horned Owl. These Spirit Guides return at different points during the show to lead the audience through their journey through the Rivers of Light.”

See more in the video below:

It’s also wonderful that the opening night is Earth Day, Animal Kingdom’s birthday. Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day back in 1998, I can’t think of a better 18th birthday present, than Rivers of Light, the park’s first-ever night-time show. Will you be there for the premier of the show?

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Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Animal Kingdom, Animal Kingdom expansion, Disney light projection show, Disney nighttime show, Disney shows, Disney water projection show, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Rivers of Light

Finding Dory Official Trailer Released

2 March 2016 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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During the D23 Expo over last summer in Anaheim, we were treated to quite a bit of news and info about Finding Dory, including many of the voice actors, and some exclusive clips of the film. Now the first full-length trailer has been officially released today, on the Ellen Show and we can share it here with you too! Check it out below:

 

I like that we find out where she learned to speak whale, and the whole Monterrey Bay Aquarium-like location where Dory ends up while seeking her family looks really interesting and keeping in the theme of Finding Nemo of seeing things from the fish’s points of view. I’m most looking forward to HOW she lost her family though, and hope we get to learn about that too. (Also secretly hoping for another cameo by the Boston lobstahs too ;).)

finding dory finding dory finding dory

Directed by Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”) and produced by Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”), the film features the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton.  “Finding Dory” swims into theaters June 17, 2016.

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Filed Under: D23 Expo, Disney Movie News & Reviews, Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Official Disney, Top Stories Tagged With: D23 Expo, Disney movies, Disney Pixar, Disney trailers, Ellen, Finding Dory, Finding Dory trailer, Pixar

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival 2016 Sneak Peek

1 March 2016 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

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Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Ranger Mickey at the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016

As much as I enjoy the unique foods offered at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival each year, it’s no secret that I actually prefer the Flower & Garden Festival by leaves and mounds (see what I did there? horticultural puns!). In all seriousness, it really is my favorite Festival, especially with the addition of the outdoor kitchens. Seeing new topiary creations each year, in addition to the old favorites always makes for great visits to Epcot, and fun photo ops, ensuring you explore and visit even some forgotten areas. Additionally, with the spring season at hand, the food options at the outdoor kitchens (now in their 4th year at the Festival), are lighter, more focused on vegetables and organic and locally sourced ingredients. The menus are fresh (there’s a reason they use #FreshEpcot as the hashtag for the Festival) and not too heavy, just perfect for strolling the park in the springtime.

This year, the Flower & Garden Festival runs from March 2 – May 30, expanding from 75 days last year, to a full 90 this year. Festival Horticultural Manager Eric Darden explained that they are prepared and excited for the challenge of a 90-day festival. With the previous length, they had 2 separate plantings to keep the gardens looking bright and full. This year, they may have to do 3 sets of plantings for some of the displays, ensuring no matter when you visit, the flowers will look as wonderful as day 1. Also new this year, is a new topiary character, Ranger Mickey, who, along with Chip n’ Dale, help celebrate the National Park Service’s 100th Anniversary. I loved these new topiaries and of course, awareness of our amazing National Parks is always a good thing.

We were treated to a preview of some of the menu options as well as some of the areas which were still under construction. Set to open tomorrow, March 2nd, everything will be revealed and ready to go at park opening. Until then, enjoy some photos and further information on 23rd annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival!

(Hover over photos to read captions)

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Beef Teriyaki Udon tossed on the grill with Soy and Ginger
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Shrimp and Stone-ground Grits and Andouille Sausage, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes, and Cilantro
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Seared Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Ragout, Spring Vegetables, and Marbled Potatoes
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Charles de Ferre and Monin Prosecco
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Watermelon and Feta Salad
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Land-harvested Field Greens with Apples, Dried Blueberries, Stilton Cheese, and Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Burnt Ends Beef Brisket Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Burnt Ends Beef Brisket Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Cremoso al Pistachio – Pistachio Cream, Strawberries and Mascarpone Cream
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Mezze Lune Primavera! Egg Pasta is stuffed with Ricotta and Spinach and served in a Creamy Sauce with Spring Vegetables and Pecorino Cheese
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Watermelon Cucumber Slush with Hendrick’s Gin
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Currywurst getting sprinkled with curry spices
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
House-made Potato and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
McKenzie’s Black Cherry Hard Cider and Sonoma “The Pitchfork” Organic Pear Hard Cider
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Currywurst with Paprika Chips
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
French Macaron with Chocolate Fudge and Raspberry Jam
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Chocolate art from France
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Orlando-made Ricotta Cheese, Cahaba Farms Micro Onions, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic, along with Country Pate and House-made Pickles
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Orlando-made Ricotta Cheese, Cahaba Farms Micro Onions, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic, along with Country Pate and House-made Pickles
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Honey Baklava from Morocco
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Jerk-spice Chicken with Mango Salsa, Chayote, and Green Papaya Slaw with Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
Key Lime Wine, Tropical Sangria, and Pineapple Wine from Florida Orange Groves Winery
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016

 

Of the samples we tried, I was most in love with the Shrimp and Grits and the Burnt Ends – so, so good and the flavors are ridiculous. I also really liked the Currywurst, which I guess used to be at Sommerfest, but I never tried it there. The Jerk Chicken was also a winner. I thought I had tried gin in my past and not been a fan, but mixed with the Cucumber Watermelon Slush, I really loved it. I would totally get this when I go back to the Festival. Of course the Festival Passport is back, and you can get stamps at every kiosk around the World Showcase. You can view all the menus, topiary checklist, Garden Rocks performers, and all the Festival info online before you go.

Here are some of the topiary and garden photos from our sneak peek. We’ll have more throughout the run of the Festival on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and in future posts here.

2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Sunburst garden behind Spaceship Earth
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Floating flowers and flower quilt
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016
I just love Chip ‘n’ Dale with their sandwich
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Ranger Mickey
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Minnie and Pluto topiary
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Bambi, Thumper, and Flower
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Baby pineapples by the Pineapple Promenade
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Eeyore’s tail is the cutest
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
T-I-double G-ER
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Rabbit
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
New this year: the interactive Harmony Gardens musical playground, which features the Fab Five topiaries on a smaller scale.
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Kids will be able to play with drums, xylophones, chimes, and jungle gyms
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
We saw it under construction but it will be open 3/2
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
We were able to pot a plant, similar to the gardening seminars held in the Festival Center during the Flower & Garden Festival
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Some previews of the Festival merchandise
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Festival tumbler
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
How cute is this Donald figurine with Chip n’ Dale?

 

Will you be visiting during the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival? What are you most looking forward to seeing and trying? We can’t wait to get back for more!

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Filed Under: Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Disney Special Events, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Epcot, Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, Epcot flower quilt, Epcot merchandise, Epcot Outdoor Kitchens, Epcot topiaries, Flower & Garden Festival 2016, FreshEpcot, Ranger Mickey

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