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Suzannah Otis

About Suzannah Otis

A child of the 80's, Zanna climbed trees and roller-skated till the streetlights came on. She sipped her her first iced coffee at age 10 and never looked back. Growing up outside of Boston, all of these things shaped her life, as did the original EPCOT Center, which brought her where she is today.

Zanna is the mother of 2 adult humans, an 11-year old (also human), and 3 cats. She is also the wife to one husband, who lovingly puts up with all of the above. Zanna tries to find that one little spark in everything, and thanks you very much for taking the time to read this.

DisneyPixar’s Luca Teaser Trailer

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Disney Pixar Luca posterI will admit, this movie snuck up on me! I had no idea this was in the works, so it was exciting to see a new image released yesterday and now a teaser trailer. If you haven’t heard what Luca is all about, here’s the scoop so far:

Disney and Pixar’s upcoming original feature film “Luca” is a fun and heartwarming story about friendship, stepping out of your comfort zone and two teenage sea monsters who experience a life-changing summer. Directed by Academy Award® nominee Enrico Casarosa (“La Luna”) and produced by Andrea Warren (“Lava,” “Cars 3”), “Luca” features a remarkable voice cast.

  • Jacob Tremblay (“Room,” “Wonder”) lends his voice to Luca Paguro, a bright and inventive 13-year-old sea monster with endless curiosity—especially when it comes to the mysterious world above the sea.
  • Jack Dylan Grazer (“We Are Who We Are,” “Shazam”) voices Alberto Scorfano, an independent, free-spirited teenage sea monster with unbridled enthusiasm for the human world.
  • Emma Berman provides the voice of Giulia, an outgoing and charming adventurer who befriends Luca and Alberto.
  • Maya Rudolph (“Bridesmaids,” “Saturday Night Live,” “Big Mouth”) voices Daniela, Luca’s mother.
  • Marco Barricelli voices Massimo, Giulia’s father.
  • Jim Gaffigan (“The Pale Tourist,” “Troop Zero”) voices Lorenzo, Luca’s father.

Fun fact, I almost named my son Gio Luca but settled on Giovanni with the understanding that he’d be called Gio. But I have always loved that name, probably since Suzanne Vega’s “Luka” back in 1987, but I’m dating myself haha. Anyway, here’s the Luca trailer:

 

 

What I find very interesting is the art style for Pixar has kind of morphed a little. To me, this definitely has a look similar to Sony Animation’s Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs style. It looks very pretty to look at and the story definitely seems fun.

Disney Pixar Luca

Here’s some commentary from director Enrico Casarosa from a recent Variety interview:

“This is a deeply personal story for me, not only because it’s set on the Italian Riviera where I grew up, but because at the core of this film is a celebration of friendship. Childhood friendships often set the course of who we want to become and it is those bonds that are at the heart of our story in ‘Luca,’” Casarosa said in a statement. “So in addition to the beauty and charm of the Italian seaside, our film will feature an unforgettable summer adventure that will fundamentally change Luca.”

Disney Pixar Luca
Concept art from Pixar

“Luca” releases Summer 2021. What do you think of the new trailer for Luca?

You can follow along on their social channels:

http://instagram.com/pixarluca/

https://twitter.com/pixarluca

http://facebook.com/pixarluca

Hashtag: #PixarLuca

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Sneak Peeks: The World’s Most Magical Celebration – Walt Disney World’s 50th

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The anticipation and speculation have been building for years, and the year is finally here. Starting October 1 of this year, the World’s Most Magical Celebration will begin at Walt Disney World Resort here in Orlando, Florida. Until that time arrives, we have some Walt Disney World 50th sneak peeks to share. While we don’t yet know what special events, foods, or merchandise will commemorate this celebration, we do now have some artist concepts of how the icons for each theme park will be decorated. We also have a look at Mickey and Minnie’s EARidescent new outfits to celebrate.

Mickey and Minnie Earidescent
Beginning Oct. 1, 2021, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will host “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. They will dress in sparkling new looks custom made for the 18-month event, highlighted by embroidered impressions of Cinderella Castle on multi-toned, EARidescent fabric punctuated with pops of gold. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Of course prior to now, we’ve watched several changes taking place throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. These include a makeover of the Magic Kingdom toll booth plaza, also featuring an iridescent look. The main entrances at Disney Springs, World Drive and Western Way are also all getting new paint jobs to match the shades of blues and greys used elsewhere. Lastly, Cinderella Castle has received phase one of her makeover, with the new pink shade and bright blue turrets. But what else is in store?

Cinderella Castle 50th Anniversary Decor
In this artist rendering, Cinderella Castle shines with new golden and EARidescent décor at Magic Kingdom Park as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” which begins Oct. 1, 2021, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney)

According to Disney,

…the castle will add even more magic at night, joined by icons at each of the other three theme parks as they transform into Beacons of Magic. In the video above, you can get a feel for what they’ll look like, with pixie dust on Cinderella Castle, magical fireflies inhabiting the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and special new touches coming to life on the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Hollywood Tower Hotel Beacon of Magic
(Disney)

And at EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another and resembling stars in a nighttime sky. This permanent new lighting will continue beyond “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” as a defining feature of the park.

Spaceship Earth Beacon of Magic
(Disney)

I’m all for lighting package upgrades, but messing with Spaceship Earth is always risky business. Of course back in the Y2K years, there was both outrage and excitement (by some perhaps?) for the hand with the “2000” on it, later turned into an “Epcot.” Later, during the “Monstrous Summer Celebration” of 2013, Spaceship Earth was turned into Mike Wazowski. Briefly, Sulley appeared on there as well, along with the Death Star. Many believed marring the architectural and engineering perfection that is Spaceship Earth is an act of blasphemy. (As was projecting a space station responsible for destroying entire planets and their inhabitants onto a structure which represented hope and understanding at its very core…but I digress.)I do tend to agree, as I really think Spaceship Earth is such a marvel as it is. Its current lighting package really just highlights that simplistic yet awe-inspiring beauty.

It’s also important to note that Disney says this new lighting will be permanent, beyond the 50th celebration. Personally, I’m waiting to see what it looks like. I do love a good night sky, and perhaps it will be a rotating situation where it appears occasionally, reverting to the original look in between. What do you think?

Tree of Life Beacon of Magic
(Disney)

As far as the Tree of Life, I love what they’ve done recently with the “Awakenings” projection show. I’m sure that what they add will be great. For Tower of Terror, normally I’d say it would take away from the theming Disney worked so hard to create. However, they’ve kind of already set the precedent there with the holiday projection shows. I do think the projections are fun too, if you take yourself out of the “Hollywood Tower Hotel” mindset.

Cinderella Castle will be a wonderful centerpiece for the celebration. I am excited to see how things come together as October draws near. What are some additions or events you hope will take place during the 50th celebration?

We’ll of course be covering more as the date draws near. Be sure of follow @zannaland on instagram and watch our Up the Waterfall live show each Thursday at 8pm eastern on YouTube!

Zannaland and Up the Waterfall Community – Let’s Connect!

FOLLOW THE ZANNALAND FAMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCH OUR VIDEOS, VLOGS AND PODCAST TOO: 

We thank you for your support and for sharing the love! 

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The History of Celebration Florida – Up the Waterfall Episode 45

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We rejoin our Up the Waterfall show podcast in full swing, with an episode near and dear to my heart, the history of Celebration, Florida. As you’ll see and hear in this week’s show, I followed the origins of Celebration from the start, and remember driving through the town as it was being built, and always wishing to one day call it home. I actually did, from 2011 – 2013, and enjoyed having a first-hand view of “The Town that Disney Built.”

This week we go over exactly how the town of Celebration came to be, what went into the planning, and what’s been going on since ground breaking in 1994. Celebration was born during a time of great progress in the Eisner-Wells era of the Walt Disney Company. The early 90’s saw the inception of the Disney Vacation Club, EuroDisney (now Disneyland Paris), hit movies and more. It seemed only natural that it would also see the first Disney designed and built town in America.

Here’s some of the Celebration Sales Center preview homes, from 1995 that I mentioned this on the show, see how it’s just a front facade?

Whether you’ve visited, lived in, or just driven through Celebration, Florida, we think you’ll enjoy this show and the facts and tid bits we learn along the way. As mentioned on the show, we wanted to share the books we referenced on the show, in case you’d like to add them to your collection or brush up on your Celebration history. All links below are affiliate links, which means if you purchase, a small commission comes back to Zannaland to support our costs. Just click on the book cover below to see the book:

 

 

Celebration The Story of a Town by Michael Lassell
Celebration – The Story of a Town by Michael Lassell
Building a Dream: The Art of Disney Architecture by Beth Dunlop
Building a Dream: The Art of Disney Architecture by Beth Dunlop
CELEBRATION JOURNAL - Inaugural Issue by Carole Engle
CELEBRATION JOURNAL – Inaugural Issue by Carole Engle
The Celebration Chronicles: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Property Value in Disney's Brave New Town by Andrew Ross
The Celebration Chronicles: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Property Value in Disney’s New Town by Andrew Ross
Celebration, U.S.A.: Living in Disney's Brave New Town by Douglas Frantz and Catherine Collins
Celebration, U.S.A.: Living in Disney’s Brave New Town by Douglas Frantz and Catherine Collins
WALT DISNEY WORLD Architecture By Disney
WALT DISNEY WORLD Architecture by Disney
Work in Progress by Michael Eisner with Tony Schwartz
Work in Progress by Michael Eisner with Tony Schwartz
Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas
Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas
Building a Dream: The Art of Disney Architecture by Beth Dunlop
Building a Dream: The Art of Disney Architecture (earlier edition we discussed on the show) by Beth Dunlop

Be sure to check out my other posts on Celebration Florida, including the famous Pirate House and some of the holiday events mentioned on the show! Have you visited or even lived in Celebration, Florida? What did you like (or not like) about the town? Let us know!

 

As always, we thank you for watching and listening! If you enjoyed, please share with a friend so more folks can learn about our growing podcast. Also please leave a review on Apple or Google podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Thank you!

Listen to Up the Waterfall:

You can listen anywhere you download and listen to podcasts, including: 

(If there’s a podcast service where you can’t find our show, let us know and we’ll get it added there!)

Watch Up the Waterfall:

Head to our Up the Waterfall YouTube Playlist – where you can see our opening sequence and see some unique images during some episodes.

Feel free to comment below with your opinions on ANY of these hot button topics, any questions or info you’d like to add, or if it’s easier, head to the Zannaland Facebook page and join the discussion there with fellow Disney Parks fans!

Zannaland and Up the Waterfall Community – Let’s Connect!

FOLLOW THE ZANNALAND FAMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCH OUR VIDEOS, VLOGS AND PODCAST TOO: 

We thank you for your support and for sharing the love! 

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What’s Included: D23 Gold Membership Duo Plan Announced

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The Disney D23 membership has changed a bit over the years since its inception in 2009, to accommodate family memberships. Yesterday D23 announced a new membership to replace the Gold Family Membership plan – the D23 Gold Membership Duo Plan. What’s included in the new D23 Gold Membership Duo Plan? Here’s the breakdown of all the info from D23:

Starting on January 1, 2021, the new D23 Gold Membership Duo Plan will provide the benefits of a D23 Gold Membership with the opportunity to add a second D23 Gold Member (called an “affiliate” member) all for the same price as a D23 Gold Family Membership. That means Gold Members on the Duo Plan will receive two D23 Gold Memberships including two personalized certificates, two member cards, and access for each D23 Gold Member to participate in a variety of D23-exclusive experiences, including shopping opportunities and Gold Member events*. The Gold Membership Duo Plan also includes one annual Gold Member Collector Set and one annual subscription (four issues) to the Disney twenty-three publication, each sent to the primary member on the account.

The best news? You won’t have to wait until your renewal date to take advantage of this new membership plan. Starting in January 2021, current D23 Gold Family Members will have the opportunity to transition at no additional cost to the D23 Gold Membership Duo Plan through the remainder of their current Gold Family Membership term, and will automatically** renew to the Gold Duo Plan annually thereafter. Current D23 Gold Members also can upgrade for a fee to the Gold Duo Plan starting in January 2021.

D23 Gold Duo Membership

 

Here’s a further breakdown of the D23 Membership options:

 

D23 Gold Duo Membership info

 

 

D23 Gold Individual Membership price

 

 

You can find out further info and answers to FAQ’s on this new D23 Membership option here. Are you a D23 Member? Will you be getting the D23 Gold Duo membership? Let us know in the comments below!

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Closest Hotel to Disney Springs – We Explore the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista

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Wyndham Lake Buena Vista

If you’re like me, you have driven by the hotels on Hotel Plaza Blvd. near Disney Springs (in my case, way back to when it was called the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village and later Disney Village Marketplace), but never really stopped to investigate the amazing resorts that exist, minutes from the shopping and dining action. One example of that is The Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort Complex, which just announced the completion of its reimagination and $14 million-dollar guest room renovations and poolside dining. Even better, the rates right now are some of the lowest the property has ever seen – some nights are under $100 a night (yes you read that right).

Situated around 5 minutes (yes you read that right too) from Disney Springs, the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista and its sister property, the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista are conveniently accessible by the recently installed pedestrian bridges crossing East Buena Vista Drive. No need to worry about cars in your way or waiting for crosswalks to be clear. However, if you want to park in the Disney Springs parking garages, those are really close too!

We were recently invited to tour the newly remodeled rooms and Oasis restaurant and were pleasantly surprised. For those history buffs, the Wyndham property was actually the 3rd resort to open at Walt Disney World. It has a storied history, opening as the Dutch Inn, which later rebranded as the Americana Dutch Resort, before being sold to Grosvenor and becoming the Grosvenor Resort, renamed to the Regal Sun Resort, and then merged with the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and became what it is today. In between all of those name changes, there have been several multi-million dollar renovations, so you would never know walking into the lobby or a room, the history of the resort! The resort now features open air, socially distanced dining in the Oasis Restaurant adjacent to the new kids’ pool section of their massive aquatic center.

The two official Walt Disney World Resort hotels, the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista are packed with many shared amenities. This guest room renovation includes 394 newly reimagined garden-themed rooms for the value-minded guest and another 232 rooms in the upscale 19-story tower overlooking Disney Springs, which features a lake house motif.

Wyndham Lake Buena Vista lobby

“Just in time for your holiday vacation and weekend staycation planning, we have completed a significant transformation that has been several years in the making, said Jay Leonard, General Manager of the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort Complex. We are grateful to those who have pardoned our dust as we worked with top designers and builders to create what we believe will be a great guest experience.”

 

See You at The All New Oasis Restaurant

Open daily for lunch and dinner, it’s ideal for everyone who wants to soak up a day’s worth of the Florida sun or simply delight in a refreshing beverage or satisfying meal while watching sports on the big screens in their all-weather dining room.

Handcrafted cocktails, frozen drinks, beer and wine selections and a delicious menu of dining options await poolside. From mouthwatering fish tacos to some of the best chicken wings in town, you will find what you seek at the Oasis Restaurant. Fresh baked pizza, a variety of burgers, sandwiches and salads are prepared to order as you relax at the pool or recharge after an early start at the theme parks. Hidden Mickey fans will also find quite a few to hunt down and spot! 

Click on a photo below to enlarge and see the updated restaurant and amazing pool area:

 

Reimagined Tower and Garden Rooms

Interior Image Group drew the inspiration for the design concepts from the hotel’s lobby area, continuing the lake house theme from the tower into the garden guest rooms.  These newly recreated rooms allow guests to unwind and relax with the feeling of being in their very own garden retreat.

Jamie Malays served as lead creative designer on both hotel offerings and applied her expertise using multiple fabric textures, wood finishes and a minimal color palette in the garden concept.

Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Tower Room
King room at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Tower Room
Queen tower room
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Tower Room Disney Springs view
A Disney Springs view tower room at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista

Upon entering a reimagined garden room, guests will find themselves in a serene and inviting space. The main design features are the all-white, laminate wood, built-in storage bench unit that is back lit and accented with decorative aviary hooks to hang caps and jackets. This is where functionality meets beauty; it is aesthetically pleasing, and also acts as a multifunctional storage space with room to place luggage and hideaway shoes in the under-bench area.

Hidden spaces have also been created within the built-in entertainment center, which conceal a coffee maker and mini refrigerator (much larger than the Disney value resort fridges), and come standard in each room.

Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Garden Room
Garden room at Wyndham Lake Buena Vista

The 55” TV is displayed on a backlit wood finish entertainment wall conveniently opening the space on the new quartz countertops. Maintaining the functional design, the built-in unit has an ample amount of storage space with three large drawers.

Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Garden room
Garden wing room window overlooking the pool area

Carrying the minimalistic theme over onto the sleeping area, a soft green wood headboard awaits guests, accented with modern light fixtures. The vanity and bathroom also received a significant facelift, starting at the entrance with a new rolling white barn door and a frosted edge back-lit mirror that hangs over the spacious vanity.

The large picture windows feature a privacy and a blackout shade. The blackout shade is actually decorated with a relaxing garden motif so when closed, it looks like a beautifully pained picture on the wall.

The best part is perhaps the quick walk to Disney Springs, knowing that this beautiful room is waiting for you on your return. I was so impressed with the new room designs, and at this price point, how could you not to stay here?

Walking over to Disney Springs really reminded me of staying in Disneyland, and walking over from Harbor Blvd. to Downtown Disney. That’s a pretty common practice when staying off-property in Disneyland, so it really makes sense that it would work here in Walt Disney World Resort too! So many people want to stay in a Disney hotel, but the comfort and amenities found here are hard to beat – you still receive Extra Magic Hours, FastPass+ (under normal circumstances) and other Magical Extras.

What impressed me most at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista was the people. Everyone we met was like family, ready to welcome you to their home. They were justifiably  proud of their beautiful hotel, and the wonderful amenities it has to offer guests. It truly is a hidden secret on Walt Disney World property and definitely worth investigating for your next stay. Head to Wyndham Lake Buena Vista for more info and to book your stay today!

*Disclosure: The Wyndham Lake Buena Vista invited us out to tour their rooms and pool area, and walked us across to Disney Springs and we experienced some of the shops and dining there. You can see more on my Wyndham LBV instagram story from the day! As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for reading! 

 

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Disneyland’s Tomorrowland ’67 – Up the Waterfall Episode 44

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This week we are focusing on a favorite time period of many, the 1967 refurbishment of Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. As you may know, Tomorrowland was perhaps the smallest land to open in 1955 as far as attractions go, and living up to its name. Walt knew this, and after devoting so much time, effort and creative endeavor to the 1964 World’s Fair in New York, he was ready to bring some of that same creativity and industry to Disneyland.

Of the major updates, most notably, Carousel of Progress was brought to Tomorrowland, the Peoplemover was opened, and a little attraction called Adventure Thru Inner Space brought to life a brand new ride system; the Omnimover as well as a new type of attraction experience altogether. We discuss this as well as the other changes in great detail on this week’s Up the Waterfall.

We hope you enjoy this week’s topic and maybe learn a thing or two along the way. We invite you to take this journey back in time with us…to a time where the future was hopeful and bright, when science was trusted and brimming with new discoveries and ways to make our lives better and easier. Today we take much of those advances for granted, so it is fun to take a look back at a simpler time in America, when Tomorrow itself invoked so much promise and positivity.

Do you have any personal memories of Tomorrowland ’67? I may not have learned of it until the past 10 years or so, but my fascination and interest has made up for that lost time! I’d love a time machine, how about you?

As mentioned on our Thursday night LIVE shows (every Thursday at 8pm eastern on YouTube), Scott and I both do work full-time. We don’t mean to use that as an excuse, but it’s also that time of year when so much is happening, 6 months seem to be crammed into 2! We thought that rather than put up a sub-standard episode, we would take the time needed to devote to the topic at hand. This episode is the result of that extra time.

As always, we thank you for watching and listening! If you enjoyed, please share with a friend so more folks can learn about our growing podcast! Thank you!

Listen to Up the Waterfall:

You can listen anywhere you download and listen to podcasts, including: 

(If there’s a podcast service where you can’t find our show, let us know and we’ll get it added there!)

Watch Up the Waterfall:

Head to our Up the Waterfall YouTube Playlist – where you can see our opening sequence and see some unique images during some episodes.

Feel free to comment below with your opinions on ANY of these hot button topics, any questions or info you’d like to add, or if it’s easier, head to the Zannaland Facebook page and join the discussion there with fellow Disney Parks fans!

Zannaland and Up the Waterfall Community – Let’s Connect!

FOLLOW THE ZANNALAND FAMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCH OUR VIDEOS, VLOGS AND PODCAST TOO: 

We thank you for your support and for sharing the love! 

Up the Waterfall logo

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Wishes Come True Blue ShopDisney Collection

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This new collection is living up to its name. The ShopDisney Wishes Come True Blue items are giving back to Make-A-Wish: The Disney Parks Wishes Come True Blue Color Collection celebrates 40 years of Disney and Make-A-Wish® working together to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Purchase any item in the Wishes Come True Blue Color Collection now through World Wish Day® 2021 (April 29, 2021) in the US, Canada and across Europe, and Disney will donate 25% of the purchase price (up to US $500,000) to Make-A-Wish®. wish.org/Disney What better way to give back and get some sparkly fun new blue items in the process??

Wishes Come True Blue collection

You can see the entire Wishes Come True Blue collection here, but here are some of my favorite items – click any item to see it on ShopDisney.com:

 

Wishes Come True Blue Loungefly
Loungefly Minnie Backpack $90
Crocs Wishes Come True Blue Crocs
Sorcerer Mickey Crocs $59.99
Disneyland Mask Wishes Come True Blue
Disneyland Mask – preorder $12.99
WDW Mask Wishes Come True Blue
WDW Mask – preorder $12.99
WDW Spirit Jersey Wishes Come True Blue
WDW Sparkly Spirit Jersey $69.99

WDW Spirit Jersey Wishes Come True Blue back

Disneyland Wishes Come True Blue Spirit Jersey
Disneyland Sparkly Spirit Jersey $69.99

Disneyland Spirit Jersey front ishes Come True Blue

Mickey Sparkly Starbucks Tumbler – $27.99
Disneyland Castle long sleeve shirt Wishes Come True Blue
This looks like a spirit jersey but is just a long sleeve shirt with the print on the front – $54.99
mini backpack Wishes Come True Blue
Mini Loungefly Backpack $45 and Alex & Ani bracelet $49.99

Again, there’s much more to the Wishes Come True Blue Collection, including pins, hats, ears, and more! So check out the whole collection! Let me know what you’ve decided to add to your Disney wardrobe (or tumbler collection like me!) To find more ShopDisney merchandise favorites, check out our Disney merchandise posts!

 

 

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Ranking Extinct Disney Attractions – Up the Waterfall Episode 44

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Another fun stroll down memory lane, this week we discuss Extinct Disney Attractions. More than just discuss, we rank them! This is one of those episodes where you’re going to want to watch it rather than (or in addition to) listening, as we rank them with cool graphics created by Christian.

Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland

Speaking of Christian, he chose the 30 extinct attractions that we ranked, so if you have any rides you think we should’ve included, please direct your comments to him! 😉 All joking aside, I think we could do quite a few more of these and still not get to all the former favorites that once existed at Disney parks. I know personally I would’ve added the Disneyland Peoplemover, which I never got to experience, as well as Magic Journeys among others. What rides do you miss the most? Or shows, or restaurants? We want to hear it all!

Scott’s Trivia Corner

This week we also brought back Scott’s Trivia Corner, with an answer to our last trivia question, which was all the way back on our Scariest Disney Attractions episode. Be sure to listen for that result. Because this week’s question was a little confusing, we wanted to include it here too so you can make a better guess – come on Disney trivia buffs we know you’re out there! Here it is:

There is one Disney park that featured TWO extinct attractions in TWO separate lands. During their time in the parks, they featured the SAME song, voiced by the SAME person (actor or actress, not character). One of which was an attraction with an Audio-Animatronics character voiced by an entertainer who sang the same song LIVE, in the second extinct attraction – a stage show. What are these two attractions, and as an added bonus, what was the featured song? Confused?! Yeah I was too haha! Two attractions…two characters…two lands…one person…one song. Try to figure it out and let us know in the comments below, or by commenting on the video, on social media, wherever you’d like to answer!

Journey into Imagination original

We thank you as always for listening and watching our Extinct Disney Attractions episode – if you can, please leave us a review on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen, and like and subscribe on YouTube. It really helps get the word out and spread the Disney love! See more ways to connect below:

Ways to Help Laid Off Cast Members: 

As we mentioned on the end of the show, it is such a devastating time for so many. As locals, and a Cast Member family, we want to spread the word as much as possible about ways to help if you can. 

Cast Member Pantry Facebook group for Orlando area Cast Members

Ear for Each Other Facebook group featuring Cast Members from both coasts offering their services or talents for sale

Google Sheet with Cast Member run Small Shops and businesses

Also check out our friends Sarah and Tom Bricker’s post on ways to help, including donating to the Second Harvest Food Bank in both Orlando and Orange County, California. Thank you for reading, and thank you for helping the magic makers. 

As always, we thank you for watching and listening! If you enjoyed, please share with a friend so more folks can learn about our growing podcast! Thank you!

Listen to Up the Waterfall:

You can listen anywhere you download and listen to podcasts, including: 

(If there’s a podcast service where you can’t find our show, let us know and we’ll get it added there!)

Watch Up the Waterfall:

Head to our Up the Waterfall YouTube Playlist – where you can see our opening sequence and see some unique images during some episodes.

Feel free to comment below with your opinions on ANY of these movie choices, any questions or info you’d like to add, or if it’s easier, head to the Zannaland Facebook page and join the discussion there with fellow Disney Parks fans!

Zannaland and Up the Waterfall Community – Let’s Connect!

FOLLOW THE ZANNALAND FAMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCH OUR VIDEOS, VLOGS AND PODCAST TOO: 

We thank you for your support and for sharing the love! 

Up the Waterfall logo

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Hilton Bonnet Creek & Waldorf Astoria Food & Wine Weekends Return

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Hilton Bonnet Creek Myth BarOne of the best kept secrets among Walt Disney World visitors is the resorts that are on Disney property, but not Disney-run hotels. Two exceptional examples of this is the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. I have visited, stayed, and dined at these properties for the past 5 years or so, and am consistently impressed with the quality, service and surroundings. I understand that everyone seems to want that Disney experience, but these properties really have so much to offer, you’ll wonder why you didn’t stay here before…

Hilton Bonnet Creek lazy river
Just part of the Hilton Bonnet Creek views and lazy river

If by chance you do not know where these resorts are located…if you are coming from Disney Springs, heading toward the rest of the Disney parks, you will take a left off of Buena Vista Drive onto Chelonia Parkway. The Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando are about a mile down on the right. There is a central parking garage for both properties, but you can valet at either spot too, for a fee. If you are just dining, you can have your parking ticket validated for free parking as well.  You can read more about staying here in my previous Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria posts. For now, though, we are discussing FOOD (and wine)!

Waldorf Bar du Chocolat

You may recall last year I was invited out to experience the Food & Wine Weekends that the Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Orlando put on. I then went back on my own to experience it again, and I’m still thinking about that food. Food & Wine Weekends have officially returned, and though the experience is slightly modified, it is still a spectacular time. This year, Zeta Asia has sadly not reopened yet due to the pandemic. Our fingers are crossed it will be returning soon. However La Luce and Bull & Bear still have an amazing 4 or 5 course offering for the Weekends, and better still, they have full vegan menus for both locations!

La Luce® is Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek’s signature restaurant, inspired by famed Napa Valley chef and restaurateur Donna Scala. I have yet to have a less than stellar meal there. Additionally, the servers, bartenders, managers, and more all go above and beyond to ensure you are taken care of, you know about all of the offerings, and you are enjoying yourself. It’s something we forget exists sometimes, that servers can really go above and beyond with every guest. And yes, a few of my visits have been as an invited guest of the hotel, but others have not, and I’ve still been impressed every time. It really is worth a trip over there to experience the service and food. Here is what is included with your Food & Wine Weekends menu:

La Luce Food & Wine Weekends Menu

La Luce Food & Wine Weekends VEGAN Menu

We started our our meal at La Luce with some cocktails, but then decided to get the wine pairings as well. I will say that I am in no way a wine connoisseur or even really a wine person, however each of these pairings went so well with the menu items, it really made me consider being a wine person!

For the regular menu, there are some choices to be made from the Taste of La Luce menu. Christian chose the Bruschetta, the farfalle, and the Risotto, which came with a seared filet mignon. The other options were a roasted red pepper and tomato soup, Cacio e Pepe (an amazing dish which I included a photo of even tho Christian didn’t pick it – they serve it in a bowl made from parmesan cheese!), and a salmon filet. Then for dessert the choices are between Sugar Bombolini and a Nutella cake. He chose the Nutella cake. We aren’t including photos of all the regular menu items here because we have everything on the video.

I didn’t have any choices with the vegan menu, but I was not disappointed. Even the Spaghetti Primavera, which I wasn’t super excited about because I’m not a regular ol’ tomato sauce kind of person, was wonderful. You could tell it was made fresh in the back and bursting with flavor. The risotto was also amazingly flavored. Just the right amount of pepper added. Also, I had a lot of leftovers, which I was very happy about.

The dessert, a macaron, normally made with egg whites, was made with aqua fava (the liquid left in a can of chickpeas) and you really couldn’t tell that it was vegan at all. As you can see, the portions were huge as well. Our server also recommended we try a vegan pizza, made in their 700 degree brick oven, and it was hard not to finish the whole pizza. They used a chickpea paste in place of tomato sauce, and it made for a great flavor combination with the crispy crust. There was also an absolutely amazing sunset view, as you can see below.

 

Bull & Bear has a reputation for comfortable elegance. Where you are taken care of from the moment you step food inside, and the food and drink quality match that service. Unlike some other upscale dining locations, you don’t feel out of place or stuffy in this atmosphere. You do feel like your every desire (as far as dinner goes) will be taken care of. Named one of the Top 100 Restaurants in the United States by Open Table, Bull & Bear offers a menu featuring re-imagined steakhouse classics and trend-setting fare including a signature 32-Day Dry-Aged Tomahawk Rib Eye. You wouldn’t exactly expect a place with that sort of reputation to offer a vegan option – but they DO! And, they do it well. Here is the breakdown of what’s included for Food & Wine Weekends:

Bull & Bear Food & Wine Weekends Menu

Bull & Bear Food & Wine Weekends VEGAN Menu

We started again with cocktails and bread service. Here everything but the brioche is vegan. The ciabatta bread I had was so good, it didn’t even need butter of any kind. The amuse bouche here was quite simply, amazing. I know they like their Pasta Explosion here, but to me, this was the real explosion of flavors, it was SO good. The mushroom soup was also very hearty and flavorful. The wedge salad was a little dry for both of us but I was happy to have something light in between courses.

Bull and Bear cocktails
Gold Smoke and Mary Pickford cocktails

Next up was a tomato tart for me, which was super unique in flavor and very tasty. A thick crust with chickpea sauce inside and heirloom tomatoes on top. Then, pasta explosion time. It was basically mushroom ravioli. I’m not sure if ours were just sitting there for too long or what, but they didn’t really explode for either of us in the regular or vegan version. It was quite busy and I think there was a bit of a mix up with what the 3rd and 4th courses were for us, so that may have been the issue.

Lastly, the vegan fall vegetable fricassee was my favorite. It paired distinctly fall vegetable flavors with Asian seasoning, and made for a warm and hearty combination. I want to attempt to make this at home! The dessert here was also the vegan macaron but with passionfruit sorbet inside. Of the two macaron desserts, I preferred the limoncello.

Of the two experiences, it’s hard to pick a favorite. I think for what you get, vegan-wise, La Luce was the winner. Christian agreed for the regular menu as well. We both loved the atmosphere and surroundings in Bull and Bear though. I would go back to either in a heartbeat. In addition to my review here, Christian and I also have a fun video of our experience. We hope you enjoy watching it to see first hand what it’s like at each resort’s location. Please like and subscribe to see more of our fun Orlando and Disney vlogs!

 

Here is the rundown of Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando Food & Wine Weekends dates and info:

October 16-November 22, 2020

Bull & Bear Chef’s Table – Fridays & Saturdays, 6pm – 10pm
Experience an exclusive multiple course Chef’s Tasting Menu for $145 (plus tax and gratuity). Suggested
wine pairings are available for $45 additional. Reservations recommended. View Menu.

Taste of La Luce – Fridays & Saturdays, 6pm – 10pm
From the kitchen of La Luce, enjoy an exclusive four-course menu for $55 (plus tax and gratuity).
Suggested wine pairing available for $30 additional. Reservation recommended.

NEW: Vegan Tasting Menus
Available at Bull & Bear and La Luce, Friday and Saturdays.

Sip, Swirl & Savor: A Wine Tasting Experience – Fridays & Saturdays, 5:30pm – 7pm,
La Luce Entrance
Regardless of your wine knowledge, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy samples of wine and learn
from an experienced sommelier. Complimentary.

Bonnet Creek Beer Garden – Saturdays, 4:00pm – 5:30pm, Hilton Lobby
Join us for an exclusive tour of Florida’s top craft breweries with samples of their award-winning beers.
Complimentary.

Bar Du Chocolate and Champagne Tasting – Saturdays, 6:30pm – 10:30pm, Peacock Alley
A decadent selection of à la carte chocolate treats hand-crafted by Waldorf Astoria Orlando’s world-class pastry chefs. (watch our video above for more of this amazing display!)

You can reserve any of the dining experiences at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek or Waldorf Astoria Orlando on Open Table. If you are vegan and want to order off the regular menu, I’d recommend letting the restaurant know ahead of time and the talented chefs will be happy to accommodate you! I’d go back just for the vegan pizza any time! 

Have you stayed at either of these properties, or enjoyed their Food and Wine Weekends, or their stellar dining options?
Waldorf Astoria Orlando

I’d love to hear your thoughts or if you plan to check it out. Let me know in the comments below or drop me a line on social media, I’d love to chat about it! Thanks for reading.

 

Disclosure: As mentioned, I was hosted by Hilton for this event, but my thoughts and opinions are, as always, my own. 

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Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks Book Review – Up the Waterfall

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Everyone loves Disney books, and Scott has made no secret that it is his greatest passion. I recently bought him a couple of new releases that came out, and we were given a new holiday book to review – Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks. This book looked so amazing that I thought it deserved its own episode to share the fun and spread the word of this great new title. While we certainly could’ve devoted an entire hour to this one book (it’s THAT chock-full of Disney holiday nuggets), we added a few more recent titles, like the Disney Monorail book and Disney Maps of favorite movies.

As promised, here is a rundown of the books we discussed. The links are affiliate links, which means no extra cost to you, but we will get a very small commission amount, which helps offset the costs to run Zannaland and Up the Waterfall. We appreciate your help and consideration. Just click on the book title or cover image to go to the link to purchase.

Mickey Mouse: From Walt to the World, by Andreas Dejas:

A companion book to a recent exhibition at the phenomenal Walt Disney Family Museum at the Presidio in San Francisco, California, this book details the global phenomenon of the Walt Disney Original, Mickey Mouse, and his contributions to the world, including black and white and color cartoons and films, merchandise, comic books, and even modern art. This book and all the other companion books for all the previous retrospective exhibitions at this first-rate museum are excellent keepsakes showcasing amazing displays. Very highly recommended.Mickey Mouse Dejas book

The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the Sky, by Jeff Kurtti, Vanessa Hunt, et al.:

This book is a fantastic must-have addition to anyone’s Disney book collection. It is filled with not only the history of the monorail itself, but also how Walt Disney became interested in transportation, futurism, and the desire to bring monorails to the parks. Here are some photos from the book (not high-quality scans, just to give you an idea of what lies in store!).

Disney Monorail concept art panorama
The Disney Monorails book inside jacket – as mentioned on the show! – sorry for the quality, but you get the idea.

Disney Maps: A Magical Atlas of the Movies We Know and Love, by Disney Book Group:

This is a fun book that families will love. I know Gio would love getting his hands on this book to explore the various lands we know and love from Disney animated movies. It provides a character list and fun facts about each film too. Here is an example of the Ratatouille pages:

 

Entertaining with Disney: Exceptional Events From Mickey Mouse to Moana! by Amy Croushorn:

This book is like Pinterest in book form. Entertaining with Disney is all organized by theme and has detailed instructions for creating the crafts, making the snacks, and setting the scene for your exceptional Disney events. I got this book for Scott as kind of a joke because he’s not really an entertainer in any way, but he is a completist, so he can cross this one off his list. However, *I* love it, and even if I don’t make any of these super cool themed parties, it’s really relaxing and fun to look at! Here’s the Peter Pan spread:

Entertaining with Disney Peter Pan

 

The Art of Disney Costuming – Heroes, Villains, and Spaces Between, by Jeff Kurtti and the Staff of the Walt Disney Archives:

This book is a companion piece to the D23 Expo Archives exhibit from the most recent Expo in 2019. There are spectacular close-ups of the many beautiful and detailed costumes displayed there, as well as backstories. There are also sections on the costumes created for Disney parks, really fascinating stuff. Here are a couple of pages from the book:

 

 

Holiday Magic at Disney Parks: by Graham Allan, Rebecca Cline, and Charlie Price:

The headliner of this episode, Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks (out October 20, available for pre-order now) is a must-have for any collection. Packed with nearly 1,900 amazing photographs, it truly is an encyclopedia of information, detailing the history of the Fall and Winter holidays at Disney parks. This includes decorations, snacks and food items, parades, spectaculars, parties, and rethemed attractions at ALL of the Disney Parks, and Disney resorts as well.

Featuring comprehensive descriptions and photos, the authors have documented the history of these holiday offerings from Disneyland’s earliest years to present day. This book is a great way to see all the holiday fun and remember the magic. We can’t say enough about this masterpiece. Here are just a few of the many, many, pages of documentation:

Disneyland holidays Tomorrowland
How amazing is this vintage Tomorrowland photo from Disneyland??

Again, these are not high-quality scans, just some photos to show you the treasures that lie inside these books. I know I can’t wait to get my hands on them myself and dig into this Disney history. We hope you enjoyed this book-filled episode. If so tell us in the comments below, leave us a review wherever you watch or listen, give us a thumbs up on Zannaland’s YouTube and Subscribe to see all our other videos. Thank you as always for watching and listening! We’d love to know if you pick up any of these titles for your Disney book collection! You can watch this week’s episode right here:

Ways to Help Laid Off Cast Members: 

As we mentioned on the end of the show, it is such a devastating time for so many. As locals, and a Cast Member family, we want to spread the word as much as possible about ways to help if you can. 

Cast Member Pantry Facebook group for Orlando area Cast Members

Ear for Each Other Facebook group featuring Cast Members from both coasts offering their services or talents for sale

Google Sheet with Cast Member run Small Shops and businesses

Also check out our friends Sarah and Tom Bricker’s post on ways to help, including donating to the Second Harvest Food Bank in both Orlando and Orange County, California. Thank you for reading, and thank you for helping the magic makers. 

As always, we thank you for watching and listening! If you enjoyed, please share with a friend so more folks can learn about our growing podcast! Thank you!

Listen to Up the Waterfall:

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Watch Up the Waterfall:

Head to our Up the Waterfall YouTube Playlist – where you can see our opening sequence and see some unique images during some episodes.

Feel free to comment below with your opinions on ANY of these movie choices, any questions or info you’d like to add, or if it’s easier, head to the Zannaland Facebook page and join the discussion there with fellow Disney Parks fans!

Zannaland and Up the Waterfall Community – Let’s Connect!

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