Search Results for: winnie the pooh

OH BOTHER: Tickets Available for Disney’s WINNIE THE POOH Stage Adaptation

26 August 2021 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

Want to visit Winnie The Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood? Just book a ticket to Broadway! Featuring songs by the Sherman Brothers’ and by A.A. Milne, this beautifully crafted musical stage adaptation of the classic characters opens on Time Square’s Theatre Row beginning October 21, 2021.

WINNIE THE POOH: THE NEW MUSICAL ADAPTATION is developed and presented by renowned family entertainment creator Jonathan Rockefeller – whose spectacular puppetry was previously seen in productions of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and Paddington Gets in a Jam.

Tickets to the show are now available here.

Due to an overwhelming response, Rockefeller Productions is opening a new block of weekend tickets for the highly anticipated show.

Jonathan Rockefeller and Rockefeller Productions [in association with Disney Theatrical Productions] embraced the challenge of re-imaging Disney’s Winnie the Pooh for a new audience by bringing it to life on stage in puppet form.

I know that I personally wish I could book a flight to New York just to catch a performance of this show, so stay tuned here for more updates on the production as we receive them!

Winnie the Pooh Brings His Hunny to DVD

4 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

After seeing Winnie the Pooh in theaters this summer, I was excited to get the DVD+Blu-ray combo pack and share it with my 3 year-old. He hadn’t seen it with me when it came out because he was still at the age where I worried he wouldn’t make it through the whole film. However the minute I popped it in the Blu-ray player, he was enthralled. You can read my review of the film if you’d like, here I’ll just cover the DVD and Blu-ray extras.

Of course, as mentioned in the review, I loved the Ballad of Nessie, and still did on the Blu-ray. It’s so heartwarming and a fun little lesson for children. One thing I noticed watching it at home is I really heard the lovely Zooey Deschanel songs better and really enjoyed hearing them.

The Blu-ray bonus features aren’t too many in number, but with a primarily kids film, I don’t think they are really necessary anyway. These aren’t film buffs Disney is aiming at but there’s just enough behind-the-scenes fun to keep them entertained:

Blu-ray ™Bonus Features:

· Exclusive bonus short “Mini-Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: The Balloon” – In this charming short, Pooh comes up with a daring plan to get a hold of some honey by fooling a group of bees.

· “The Ballad of Nessie” – The animated short film included in the theatrical release is the heartwarming tale of how Nessie found her new home in the Loch Ness.

· “Winnie the Pooh and His Story Too” – A fun and informative behind-the-scenes look at the film, designed for the whole family. Hosted by John Cleese (narrator of the film), and with occasional help fromPooh himself, this featurette explores Winnie the Pooh’s history from his beginnings as a character in a book, to his continued life in the movies. The filmmakers reveal how they worked to keep the look of the characters and settings in this movie consistent with their first appearances on-screen in1966. Pooh, being a bear of very little mind, finds much of this confusing, but the Narrator and the filmmakers make it all clear to Pooh – and you!

· Deleted Scenes introduced by directors, Stephen Anderson and Don Hall – 5 deleted scenes including “The Tummy Song,” “”Rabbit’s Friends and Relations,” “Original Eeyore Intro,” “Original Tigger Intro” and “Pooh Searches for a Tail”

· Sing-Along with the Movie – Follow the red balloon and changing word colors to seven song lyrics featured in the film.

· Disney Song Selection – “Winnie the Pooh Theme Song,” “The Tummy Song, “A Very Important Thing To Do,” “The Backson Song,” “It’s Gonna Be Great,” “Everything is Honey” and “The Winner Song Finale”

The DVD bonus features are limited to the Ballad of Nessie, The Balloon, and 3 deleted scenes. Here’s a fun look at the real Hundred Acre Wood.

Winnie the Pooh is available now on DVD, Blu-ray, combo pack and digital download.

Winnie the Pooh Movie Strikes a Balance With Classic Characters

11 July 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

*spoilers may be contained within the review below, so please read at your own risk!

Tonight my daughter and I were treated to a screening of Winnie the Pooh, which opens nationwide this Friday, July 15th. Competing with the final installment of the Harry Potter series sets the bar high for expectations but I think with the older age range for Harry Potter, Winnie the Pooh is a great alternative for younger families or those with little siblings.

The film opens with a live-action view of Christopher Robin’s home – the hallway leading up to his room as the narrator (John Cleese) tells us all about Christopher Robin’s collections, including his favorites, his stuffed animals. The narrator lets us know that all of their adventures take place right here, in the 100 Acre Wood, as the classic Winnie the Pooh book opens up and we are taken inside. The film continues in this informal manner, with the narrator conversing with Pooh and Pooh and the other characters using the letters and words as props within the movie. In this way, fans of the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction at Walt Disney World will feel an instant connection between the movie and the child-friendly ride. In the way that so many musicals become movies or movies become musicals, I felt like the ride had become a movie in a way. Of course both take their content from the classic A.A. Milne stories and this new take on Winnie the Pooh was definitely a proper treatment and handling.

I felt as though Tigger’s voice and character got a bit of ‘updating’ and was a bit Jim Carey-ish, which appealed to the youngest audience members. Piglet, always my favorite, was definitely not as main a character, nor was Rabbit, compared to the attention spent on Owl, Eeyore, Pooh and to a lesser extent, Tigger. Pooh was definitely the main attraction with his hour-long quest for “hunny” and the lesson he learns about friendship along the way. Another ‘character’ within the story is actually the “rumbly in Pooh’s tumbly” which sort of takes on its own personality throughout the film and kept the laughs going.

I won’t give too much of the storyline away but I will say that it was short and sweet and full of physical gags and hi-jinx that kept every child in attendance entertained. Older fans that were lured in by the Zooey Deschannel and Keane music used in the ad campaigns may be a little disappointed in the lack of real emotional pull. I was going in fully expecting to be tearing up at one if not several points in the film, based on the teasers I’d seen. The story was nice and sweet, but not sad or overly sentimental.

Two of my favorite aspects of the film were the way Tigger was drawn and Kanga’s personality. Tigger was very sketch-like, where you could see his little shaded in stripes. It didn’t really look like any of the other characters were drawn in that manner, but I really liked Tigger’s look and it seemed to mesh with the letters/pages that we kept seeing as the movie progressed.

Up to now Kanga has been the ever-perfect mother in the 100 Acre Wood, who takes care of not only little Roo but everyone else as well. There are a few jokes in this story that let you know the writers understand a mother’s/parent’s plight and understand parents are who will be in the audience with their little Roos. In particular, there is a song all the characters sing when each person ‘wins’ the contest to find Eeyore a new tail. When Kanga finally finds a tail, they all start to sing and she says, “No, no, no singing, thank you!” which is certainly an emotion parents know all too well, when the best reward to a parent is sometimes just silence.

Also shown with feature is the short film The Ballad of Nessie. In discussing the short with friends after the show, we all seemed to have different opinions of it, but I loved it. It reminded me in style and design of the classic Disney shorts from the Tall Tales – Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, even Pecos Bill and Slue-foot Sue from Melody Time. Narrated by Billy Connolly (which works nicely as a segue to the upcoming Disney Pixar film Brave), Nessie herself does not speak. The theme of the short also reminded me of the Pixar short Boundin’, my favorite of the Pixar shorts.

Nessie’s happy home is taken away when a greedy golfer decides to make it into a course for his own personal use. The villain is not the real antagonist of the short, however. Rather it’s Nessie’s fruitless struggle to find a home and her being told at every turn to keep her chin up and not to cry, which plague Nessie as she deals with no one wanting her around. After holding in her tears for so long, Nessie finally cannot contain her sadness and cries and cries until she forms the entire Loch Ness – her new home. The lesson the narrator leaves us with is that it’s okay to cry and sometimes tears allow the best of us to shine through. And yes, I *did* tear up at that!

If you are a Winnie the Pooh fan or have little ones, you will not be disappointed with Disney’s newest treatment. The Zooey Deschannel songs sound like they came right out of the original time period of the very first Disney film featuring our favorite stuffed friends, and the sight gags and short length (right about an hour) will ensure happy faces on all family members. For those who think it’s not worth it, all I am saying, is give Pooh a chance.

The Ballad of Nessie Animated Short to Appear with Winnie the Pooh Movie

17 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “THE BALLAD OF NESSIE” is an all new animated short appearing exclusively with the upcoming WINNIE THE POOH theatrical release, which opens in theaters in Spring 2011; the U.S. release date is July 15, 2011.

Here is more about the short: (click to enlarge)

Check out these images from The Ballad of Nessie:

Like WINNIE THE POOH on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/WinniethePooh.

Winnie the…Potter??

8 July 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

Disney just sent over these cute spoof videos for the Winnie the Pooh movie, which happens to be opening on July 15th…the same day as another little film you may have heard of about a boy wizard…I love when Disney has a sense of humor about their films!

“Like” WINNIE THE POOH on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/WinniethePooh.

WINNIE THE POOH opens in theatres everywhere on July 15th.

Happy Mother’s Day from Kanga and Roo! Printable Card

6 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

In honor of WINNIE THE POOH returning to theatres this summer (July 15th), Walt Disney Animation Studios has provided us with this adorable Kanga and Roo Mother’s Day Card Printable to share with you! Feel free to print it out for your little ones to personalize! I’m really excited about this movie because of the super cool soundtrack that will be accompanying the film!

Kanga Mother's Day Card — click to download the .pdf file

More about Winnie the Pooh:

Walt Disney Animation Studios returns to the Hundred Acre Wood with “Winnie the Pooh.” Featuring the timeless charm, wit and whimsy of the original featurettes, this all-new movie reunites audiences with the philosophical “bear of very little brain” and friends Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo—and last, but certainly not least, Eeyore, who has lost his tail. “Ever have one of those days where you just can’t win, Eeyore?” asks Pooh. Owl sends the whole gang on a wild quest to save Christopher Robin from an imaginary culprit. It turns out to be a very busy day for a bear who simply set out to find some honey. Inspired by three stories from A.A. Milne’s books in Disney’s classic, hand-drawn art style, “Winnie the Pooh” hits theatres on July 15th!

Disneyland Theme Park Offerings for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

22 July 2024 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Don’t Miss Limited-Time D23 and Disney Jr. Offerings at Disneyland Resort

Before D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event begins in Anaheim, guests are invited to the ultimate kickoff party – the first-ever D23 Day at Disneyland Resort – on Aug. 8, 2024!* During this one-day event, guests will discover celebratory offerings inspired by Disney history, classic stories and new favorites.

As part of all the festivities, the Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party in Disney California Adventure park on Aug. 8 will feature fun-filled entertainment and activities that preschoolers and their families will enjoy.

All guests with a valid theme park admission and reservation – including D23: The Official Disney Fan Club Members and D23 Event attendees – are invited to this celebration. If guests are planning to visit Disneyland Resort for multiple days while in Anaheim for the sold-out D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the limited-time special ticket and hotel offers may be a great value for them and their family.

D23 Day at Disneyland Resort – Aug. 8, 2024

Beginning at park opening and while supplies last, a limited quantity of complimentary Mickey Mouse ear hats featuring the D23 Day at Disneyland Resort logo will be handed to guests entering Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on Aug. 8.*** It will be a stylish way to celebrate this extraordinary event!

The ultimate kickoff party will be hallmarked by a themed cavalcade at 12:15 p.m. in Disneyland park, featuring the famous Disneyland Band and some familiar friends. Guests will spot 23 characters and select Disney Legends, who have been recognized for their impact and contributions to the Disney legacy.

At both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, you may encounter characters making limited-time appearances. From sharing a silly moment with Goofy and Max from the animated series “Goof Troop” in Mickey’s Toontown to posing with Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Toy Story 3” in Pixar Pier, who knows who you’ll run into on this special day!

Tomorrowland Terrace at Disneyland park will keep the fun going from day into night. Get your groove on with Stitch and some Disney character friends in an energetic dance party from 1-6 p.m. At set times between the hours of 7-11 p.m., musical group Suburban Legends will kick up the energy in the evening with live music.

A merchandise collection honoring the 25th anniversary of the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “Tarzan” will debut at Disneyland Resort on Aug. 8! For a limited time, the “Tarzan” collection will be available at Disneyana at Disneyland Park, Off the Page at Disney California Adventure Park and WonderGround Gallery at the Downtown Disney District.

Plus, be on the lookout for special apparel and items commemorating the first-ever D23 Day at Disneyland Resort!

From Aug. 8-11, collectors will also be able to search for four new medallions featuring the D23 Day at Disneyland Resort logo on one side and Disneyland Resort artwork on the other. The medallions will be available for purchase at Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen in Disneyland Park, Kingswell Shop at Disney California Adventure Park and near the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and lawn at the Downtown Disney District.

Guests will be able to commemorate their visit to the first-ever D23 Day at Disneyland Resort with unique photo memories. As part of the festivities, all park guests with valid park admission and theme park reservations on Aug. 8, 2024, will receive complimentary unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken that day.** Plus, Disney PhotoPass service will offer a special Magic Shot guests can find that day!

Additional celebratory offerings include unique photo locations, illusion art installations at Disney California Adventure park and Downtown Disney District, plus a collectible commemorative guide with 23 recommended activities and details to discover.

Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party at Disney California Adventure Park – Aug. 8, 2024

All park guests, including preschoolers and their families, can explore, laugh, sing, dance and craft together at the Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party in Disney California Adventure park, which will celebrate favorite Disney Jr. characters and stories from hit series including “Disney Jr.’s Ariel,” “Mickey Mouse Funhouse,” “SuperKitties” and more.

At 10:30 a.m., the parade route of Disney California Adventure park will be filled with music and fun as iconic Disney Jr. friends hit the road in a parade with dynamic drummers and dressed-out vehicles. Joining in this whimsical processional and making her Disney Parks debut is Disney Jr.’s Ariel, who will make a special, one-day appearance at Disney California Adventure park on Aug. 8.

Hollywood Land will be the heart of hands-on fun, with a special “Disney Jr.’s Ariel” arts and crafts area. At the Hollywood Backlot Stage, families will be able to play along with Disney Jr. friends in a series of live performances, and kids can decorate cupcakes during “Confection Purrfection with the SuperKitties.”

Families may also encounter and interact with characters from beloved Disney Jr. series, such as Winnie the Pooh, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First and more.

Extended Fun at the Downtown Disney District

The fun continues with discounts, specialty offerings and unique entertainment at the Downtown Disney District all week long!

Beginning Aug. 4 through Aug. 11, select locations at the Downtown Disney District will have special offers for guests that present their D23 Event badge or D23 Membership card.**** For guests not attending the sold-out D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, there is still the option to partake in these offerings and many other discounts by becoming a member of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. Learn more at D23.com.

Guests can purchase tickets for special happy hour events taking place at Naples Ristorante e Bar on Aug. 9 and Aug. 10, from 3-5 p.m. It will be a fun way to meet fellow fans while enjoying a selection of unlimited bites.

From Aug. 9 through Aug. 11, the Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party fun will continue at the Downtown Disney District from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. The Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage will present a rotation of family-friendly entertainment, from a high-energy DJ leading dance parties with Disney Jr. music, to upbeat live performances featuring favorite Disney Jr. characters and a bubble show inspired by “Disney Jr.’s Ariel.” Closer to the date, guests can check the Disneyland app for show times.

Preschoolers and their families will also be able to play and create together with crafts inspired by the live performances and “Disney Jr.’s Ariel.”

In addition to all the limited-time fun, we have some bonus merchandise news! Beginning Aug. 8 and while supplies last, Create Your Own Headbands will return to Disneyland Resort at The Mad Hatter on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland Park and Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park.

What a jam-packed celebration! We’re looking forward to seeing guests at Disneyland Resort leading up to and during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

Guests can check the latest entertainment details and schedules at Disneyland.com or the Disneyland mobile app. Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice.

*Both valid Theme Park reservation and admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.

**Limit one per ticketed Guest, while supplies last. Guest must be present at time of distribution. Subject to change or cancellation without notice or liability. Both a park reservation and valid admission are required for park entry. Embroidery is not available for the D23 Day Mickey Mouse ear hats.

***Disney PhotoPass® digital photo downloads exclude separately priced Disney PhotoPass® packages and products offered at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and other select locations. Disney PhotoPass® service is subject to the Disney PhotoPass® Terms and Conditions and expiration policy found at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required.

****Show your D23 event badge or D23 Membership card to receive limited time offer or discount. Restrictions apply. Subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice or liability and are determined solely by the applicable store/location. Disney is not responsible or liable for benefits or discounts offered by any third parties. See locations for details.

Disney’s FROZEN, the “Coolest” New Movie Yet!

27 June 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Disney does it again, creating an epic comedy adventure with daring, enigmatic characters involved in suspenseful plots. Get ready for Disney’s new movie, “Frozen” in theaters on November 3, 2013!

Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” presents “Frozen,” a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. The film is directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, “Wreck-It Ralph”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”). Featuring music from Tony® winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit”), “Frozen” is in theaters in 3D on November 3, 2013.

Kristen Bell has starred in a variety of films, including the comedies “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Couples Retreat,” and the upcoming films “Hit & Run,” “Some Girls” and the Farrelly Brothers’ “Movie 43.” On the small screen, Bell is currently starring in the Showtime series “House of Lies” alongside Don Cheadle; she has also starred in “Heroes” and “Veronica Mars.” Broadway credits include “The Crucible” and “Tom Sawyer.”

Jonathan Groff appears in “C.O.G.,” which is part of the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Film credits include “Taking Woodstock,” “Twelve Thirty” and “The Conspirator.” TV credits include Fox’s “Glee,” the Starz series “Boss” and CBS’ “The Good Wife.” Groff received a Tony® nomination for his performance in the Tony Award®-winning musical “Spring Awakening,” and appeared in the Public Theater’s revival of “Hair” and off-Broadway plays “Prayer for My Enemy” and “The Submission,” among others. He made his West End debut in Ira Levin’s “Deathtrap,” and appeared in the 2010 Tony Award®-winning “Red” by John Logan at the Mark Taper Forum.

Robert Lopez is a three-time Tony Award®-winning writer of the Tony and Grammy® Award-winning musical “The Book of Mormon,” which was co-written with Trey Parker and Matt Stone (“South Park”), and the musical “Avenue Q,” which ran for six years on Broadway and four years in London’s West End. Lopez teamed with wife Kristen Anderson-Lopez, whose Drama Desk-winning show “In Transit” is Broadway-bound, to write original songs for 2011’s “Winnie the Pooh,” a stage version of “Finding Nemo” and a new musical called “Up Here.”

Enjoy a sneak peak right here:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1x76DoACB8]

For more information, check out Disney.com/Frozen

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyFrozen

Follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/DisneyAnimation

Visit the official website: http://www.disney.com/frozen

News for Disney’s Frozen Animated Feature: Concept Art and Voice Talent

20 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

In Frozen, Anna (voice of Kristen Bell), a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff and his sidekick reindeer Sven in an epic journey, encountering mystical trolls, a funny snowman named Olaf, Everest-like extremes and magic at every turn in a race to find Anna’s sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), the Snow Queen, and save their kingdom from eternal winter. Disney just released a piece of concept art from the upcoming film, and it’s just beautiful:

Walt Disney Animation Studios announced yesterday that they have given voice to its extreme mountain man from the comedy-adventure “Frozen.” Tony Award® nominee Jonathan Groff (Broadway’s “Spring Awakening,” TV’s “Glee”) is on board to help bring Kristoff to life in the epic journey slated for the big screen November 27, 2013.

Groff appears in the independent feature “C.O.G.,” which is part of 2013 Sundance Film Festival. The Pennsylvania native made his big-screen debut in Ang Lee’s “Taking Woodstock” and went on to appear in the independent drama “Twelve-Thirty” and “The Conspirator.” His TV credits include Fox’s “Glee,” the Starz series “Boss” and CBS’ “The Good Wife.” On stage, in addition to the Tony Award®-winning musical “Spring Awakening,” Groff appeared in the Public Theater’s revival of “Hair” and off-Broadway plays “Prayer for My Enemy” and “The Submission,” among others. He made his West End debut in Ira Levin’s “Deathtrap,” and appeared in the 2010 Tony Award®-winning “Red” by John Logan at the Mark Taper Forum this year.

Personally, I loved Jonathan Groff on Glee and clips I’d seen from Spring Awakening, so I’m excited that he’s on board for Frozen.

Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, and produced by Peter Del Vecho, “Frozen” will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

From the studio behind 2010’s “Tangled” and this year’s “Wreck-It Ralph,” Walt Disney Animation Studios presents “Frozen,” the most daring comedy-adventure ever to hit the big screen. The film is directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, “Wreck-It Ralph”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”). Featuring music from Tony®-winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit”), “Frozen” journeys into theaters November 27, 2013, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters. For more information, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyFrozen and follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/DisneyAnimation. FROZEN hits theaters on November 27^th, 2013!

Exclusive Disney Baby Store Glendale Grand Opening Photos and Review

17 September 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

Those who follow on Twitter or Facebook, or fellow bloggers in attendance, may remember my surprising grand prize win at Disney’s Social Media Moms Celebration back in April. I was thrilled to hear I had won a trip for four to California, to attend the grand opening ceremonies for the new Disney Baby exclusive store in Glendale, as well as some time in Disneyland. Having gone to Disneyland for the first time last year for the Disney D23 Expo in Anaheim, I was so excited to be able to bring my children out with me to see the park I fell in love with. As fate would have it, I ended up being in the Disneyland Resort a month before this special trip, for the D23 Destination D event, but that’s another story entirely.

Details were worked out and I ended up taking my three children and my mother on this most recent visit out west. They were just as excited as I was and none of them had ever been to Disneyland before, or Glendale for that matter. The trip was a lesson in travel, being the first plane ride for all my children, my first attempt at driving in Los Angeles, and my first time venturing outside of the bubble of Anaheim’s Disneyland area. As you can imagine, we all survived and had a wonderful time.

Due to difficulties with our flights on the return, we were kindly offered a Disneyland area hotel, which was heaven-sent since we decided to extend the visit by a few days, so I was sure the kids would see all of Disneyland. We were booked into the Grand Californian, which, if you’re going to see Disneyland for the first time, is a highly recommended way to go about it! We were also given a rental car (resulting in me freaking out about driving in L.A.!) and one-day Disneyland tickets. I was relieved to learn they were still sending a car service to get us to and from Glendale, for the Disney Baby opening. I think I would’ve been okay driving, but it was nice to sit back and enjoy the scenery vs. worrying about Freeway exits! I’ll be writing more about our family experiences at Disneyland Resort in the coming weeks.

My Disney Baby was excited for the day’s events!

Disney Baby in Glendale is the first of its kind and I’m sure more will follow across the country. This first store is located at The Americana at Brand, which is a lovely way of saying a super cool outdoor mall in Glendale! I loved this area and it was a beautiful setting for Disney to hold its grand opening ceremonies, which, in typical Disney style, gave back as well.

The opening doubled as a baby shower for 20 expecting military moms, who received special gift baskets, prizes and all sorts of pampering before heading in to check out the Disney Baby store. When the spokesperson explained the purpose of Operation Shower, it was hard not to get emotional at these moms, many of them already raising families, while their spouses were stationed overseas. It was truly wonderful to witness.

The event was also full of fun activities for the kids in attendance, ranging from arts and crafts to technology to product samples and clothing typical of what Disney Baby would offer, in store and online. The DisneyBaby.com site launched the same day so you don’t have to wait for a location to reach your neck of the woods to order some Disney magic for your little prince or princess.

Some of the interactive booths at the Disney Baby grand opening

We were treated to a visit from Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet who arrived by trolley car. They helped Alison Sweeney, (host of The Biggest Loser, star of Days of Our Lives, and author of the new book “The Mommy Diet^*“) and her family press the button to reveal the Disney Baby store in all its adorable glory. Also on hand were Blue Sky Riders (comprised of members Kenny Loggins, Georgia Middleman and Gary Burr), who serenaded us with classic and new hits. Other Disney Channel and ABC Family stars were in attendance to complete the celebration. Here are some photos from the event:

Kenny Loggins and Blue Sky Riders

Some familiar friends arrive by trolley!

Ali Sweeney and family (and some friends from the 100 Acre Wood) drop the curtain on Disney Baby!

Here’s a video of the big moment:

Outside the Disney Baby store

Inside the Disney Baby store

Disney Baby is adorable!

Of course there are dress-up clothes too!

Diaper Bags and more inside the Disney Baby store

All in all, my family had a wonderful time playing games, enjoying the entertainment and of course, experiencing the actual star of the show – the Disney Baby store! More than just a store full of baby-sized clothes, the new boutique offers small toys, supplies for new parents like diaper bags, car seats and strollers, and of course, adorable plush that you will want to fill your nursery or playroom with.

A bouncing, baby Tigger!

It was an honor to be in attendance with other local bloggers and media, and of course, the deserving military moms from Operation Shower. Huge thanks go to Disney Baby for having my family out, and the wonderful team behind Disney’s Social Media Moms Celebration for making it happen. Look for the Disney Baby stores to pop up around the country, and of course, check out DisneyBaby.com for all your baby magic – follow @DisneyBaby on Twitter and Facebook.com/DisneyBaby for more updates!

Stay tuned for a Disney Baby GIVEAWAY in the coming days!

Disclosure: I was provided with airfare, hotel, transportation, 1-day Disneyland tickets for four, and a $200 Disney Baby gift card as my prize package but was not asked to write about the event, I am just doing that because I wanted to! 🙂

^*affiliate link – if you purchase using that link, I will get a few cents toward keeping zannaland running. 🙂