Suzannah Otis

From Arrrr to Zarina, The Pirate Fairy Is Packed With Pixie Dust!

31 March 2014 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

I first heard about The Pirate Fairy at Disney’s D23 Expo back in August, and was treated to an appearance by stars Tom Hiddleston and Christina Hendricks. I really liked the premise, and looked forward to seeing it. So I was very excited to receive this dvd/BluRay to review. It did not let me down, and my family and I loved this film, perhaps best of all the Disney Fairy movies.

The backstory is really interesting, and we learn about a Dust Keeper, Zarina (Christina Hendricks), who is always looking for new ways of using pixie dust and figuring out how to harness its power. Unfortunately, Fairy Gary, the keeper of the dust, does not approve of these experiments, which leads Zarina to try things on her own and that in turn has some disastrous consequences. Zarina is ousted and a year passes. A fairy celebration takes place and we learn that Zarina is now a pirate with sinister intent…

What follows next is a fun, colorful series of events which will leave you singing and cheering. The amount of pixie dust and sparkles and colorful visuals in this movie is almost overwhelming – it’s just so pretty! And cute – we get to see a baby Tic Toc Crock, and of course, cabin boy James (Tom Hiddleston) turns out to be a young Captain Hook. Here are some of my favorite parts of the movie, plus the full trailer:

Experimenting – The Pirate Fairy on Disney Video

Baby Croc – The Pirate Fairy – Scene on Disney Video

Trailer – The Pirate Fairy on Disney Video It’s definitely a new favorite around here, with the whole family. During one part of the movie, Zarina mixes up the fairies talents, causing them to have new outfits. As soon as that happened, I thought – they will probably have
dolls with those new outfits – and they do!

Disney Fairies Doll Set - The Pirate Fairy

Also, they have an irresistible Baby Croc Plush which I am definitely picking up…for my 5 year-old…yeah, that’s it.

They also have a 14″ Zarina Doll which I am totally getting – she’s a redheaded pirate who’s name starts with a Z – I have to! “The Pirate Fairy” sets sail April 1, 2014 – hopefully you’ll enjoy it as much as we did!

*Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary dvd to review, but my opinions are my own. Product links are affiliate links, taking you to the same websites, but if you make a purchase, a small portion goes back to help with the costs of running zannaland.com. Thank you for your support!

SeaWorld’s Just for Kids and 50th Anniversay Sea of Surprises

31 March 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

SeaWorld has always been a local favorite for my family, and with the recent 50th Anniversary Celebration and Just for Kids events, they make it more fun than ever to enjoy. This kid-centric festival brings families together to enjoy fun rides, adorable animals and an all-new party zone. “Just for Kids” is included with park admission and takes place Saturdays from March 22 – April 12.

During “Just for Kids”, SeaWorld’s year-long 50^thCelebration will be in full swing. Park pathways will come to life with oceans of spontaneous entertainment. Guests will enjoy a Sea of Surprises featuring new interactive experiences and shows, even more up-close animal encounters and the SeaWorld “Surprise Squad” treating park guests with prizes and special experiences every day.

Here are some photos of our recent visits to celebrate the 50th Anniversary and during the Just For Kids event:

[flickr_set id=”72157643570291023″] Photos in this set are ©Christian DiMarzio

Just For Kids Festival Highlights:

ALL-NEW! Rockin’ Rockhopper Party

Starting at 11 a.m., families can experience warm-hearted whimsical fun and make lasting memories as they dance along to family-friendly DJ’s at the Rockin’ Rock Hopper Party in Antarctica – Empire of The Penguin®, play games, such as Rock Hopper Ring Toss and Penguin Plunge, enjoy live penguin appearances, snow moments, snacks, face painting, caricatures and meet the one and only Puck, star of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin.

ALL-NEW! SEA Garden

Share the wonder of close-up encounters with amazing animal friends and learn how we care for our natural world at our all-new SEA Garden.

Shamu Dance Party

Dance the night away with Shamu & crew at the Shamu Dance Party at the Village Square located at the front of the park. The party begins one hour prior to park closing with a stilt walker emcee who fills the square with music that the whole family can dance to, including popular line dancing songs and party favorites. The Shamu Dance Party continues until 30 minutes after park closing.

Ocean Adventures Kids Program

Kids can go on an educational, card collecting program, also included with admission, starting at 11 a.m. Children will look for the Sea Star icons inside the park, where they’ll discover fun, educational activities. At each location they will collect a stamp and a limited edition Explorer’s card. Once they visit all four locations, they’ll receive a coupon to redeem at select gift shops for a special SeaWorld prize. Limit one prize per participating child.

The best way to experience all of the fun, music and treats at “Just for Kids” and SeaWorld’s 50^th Celebration is with an Annual Pass, starting at just $13 per month for Florida Residents. Pass Members can enjoy all four Saturdays of “Just forKids” fun and all of the amazing special events throughout the year, plus the unforgettable animal encounters, world-class thrill rides and family fun found only at SeaWorld.

Follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest details about SeaWorld Orlando’s “Just for Kids” Festival. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #JustForKids.

Medieval Times Social Media Exclusive Offer-All Seats $28!

28 March 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Medieval Times is celebrating March Madness by offering a ticket sale of $28 for all seats! (This offer expires 3/31/2014 and is not valid at the New Jersey or Dallas castle.) I was able to enjoy Medieval Times here in Orlando when they premiered a new show a couple of years ago, I think it’s time I go back! We had a wonderful time and the food was great too. It’s hard not to enjoy the action and be a part of the show, cheering for your knight. You can check out the photos from that visit on my Zannaland Facebook page album page (and feel free to “LIKE” my Facebook page while you’re there!).

This offer expires in just a few days on 3/31 so use code 28MM right now and get ready to joust!

Find more info at MedievalTimes.com and book your visit today online or by calling 1-888-WE-JOUST.

You can also find Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament on Facebook and Twitter.

Newest Disney Vera Bradley Print Mickey’s Perfect Petals to Debut May 4

28 March 2014 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

As with all other Disney partnerships with handbag designers, the Disney Collection by Vera Bradley is another successful venture. I’ve reported on the original debut of the Disney Vera bags, and also shared photos on social media of the additional designs released (stay tuned for an upcoming post on the Disney Vera Bradley bags available on Disney Cruise Line!). Now, according to Steven Miller at the Disney Parks Blog:

Mickey's Perfect Petals — Mickey’s Perfect Petals. Photo ©Disney

…a new event titled, “A Perfect Petals Brunch featuring the Disney Collection by Vera Bradley,” is coming to World ShowPlace at Epcot on Sunday, May 4. This ticketed event will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and will feature the release of a brand new color called “Mickey’s Perfect Petals.” In addition to a scrumptious brunch and a special gift, event guests will have the first opportunity to purchase seven new items. The event store will also carry some previously released colors from 2013, including “Midnight with Mickey” and “Where’s Mickey.”

The best part of this brunch, however, will be a special appearance by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, co-founder of Vera Bradley. Barbara has wonderful stories to share, especially about her mother who played an important role in her life and in the founding of Vera Bradley (it’s fitting that this event will take place the weekend before Mother’s Day!).

If any quantities are remaining following this event, the new “Mickey’s Perfect Petals” items will be released when Cherry Tree Lane opens in the Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace (stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for that opening date). There are no immediate plans to carry this color at Disneyland Resort or on our Disney Parks online store.

Tickets for this event are $125. Admission to Epcot is also required to attend. To register, please visit DisneyParksMerchandise.com beginning at 1:00 p.m. EDT on March 20, 2014. If you are active on social networks, I invite you to join the conversation by using the hashtag – #DisneyVera.

Where's Mickey — The previously released “Where’s Mickey” pattern. Photo ©Disney

Will you be attending the Perfect Petals Brunch, or hoping to get a bag after at a Downtown Disney store? What do you think of the new design? I love the color palette!

LeSportsac Tink Designs Pay Homage to Marc Davis

28 March 2014 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

It’s no secret that we love bringing you the latest Disney designer purses here at Zannaland, and there are certainly no shortage of them lately! I have personally loved the Disney LeSportsac designs from the start because of both the versatility of the bag designs, as well as the tribute to original Disney art that LeSportsac offers. With such wonderful bodies of work from Mary Blair and now Marc Davis, it’s no wonder these bags are instant hits and loved by so many. LeSportsac is truly a great choice for use within the parks as well, with multiple zippered pockets, lightweight, easy-to-clean styles and a choice for every occasion. I know the “it’s a small world” styles were so popular, and I have no doubt the new Tinker Bell patterns will be as well.

LeSportsac Marc Davis Tink — The Marc Davis Tinker Bell print

LeSportsac Neverland Tink — Neverland print

This is just one style, of course you can find so many more at LeSportsac.com AND enter their giveaway for a Tink bag too! Which is your favorite design? The Marc Davis or the Neverland? (I think I’m partial to the Marc Davis personally.)

We’ll be having a giveaway here at Zannaland too, I still have a few “it’s a small world” designs to giveaway, so stay tuned!

NEW Epcot Flower Festival Disney Dooney White Daisy Pattern

28 March 2014 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Disney and Dooney & Bourke keep surprising us! Here is another unannounced new Disney Dooney pattern spotted on instagram and ebay! Available at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Center, the Daisy pattern is available currently in the crossbody Letter Carrier and Satchel sizes. Personally, I LOVE this color scheme, it’s some of my favorite color combos. I think this is a great, subtle Disney pattern for those that don’t want to scream MICKEY! on their handbag. These bags are made with the lighter nylon material, not the coated canvas of the other traditional Dooneys.

EDIT: Now available online at DisneyStore.com!

Here are some current photos:

Disney Dooney White Daisy — White Daisy – Letter Carrier $128, Satchel $198. Photo ©DizThruBrownEyes used with permission and thanks! 🙂

Thoughts? Will you be heading to Epcot to get this Disney Dooney?

Check DisneyStore.com for sales of select current released Disney Dooney & Bourke purses and Zannaland’s Disney Dooney & Bourke page with ALL handbag photos and info.

*DisneyStore.com links are affiliate links, which means it costs you nothing extra to click or buy, but if you do, I get a small commission. Thanks for reading!

Details for Destination D 2014 at Walt Disney World

26 March 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

After a date change and few other details, D23 has finally released new information on the Destination D to take place at WDW November 22-23, including ticket prices and sale dates. Normally I like to comment on press releases rather than just post them, but I wanted to get this information out to you as soon as possible! Read below for the official information:

FROM AMERICA SINGS AND IF YOU HAD WINGS TO DISNEY’S GROUNDBREAKING PARTICIPATION IN THE 1964–65 WORLD’S FAIR, GUESTS WILL ENJOY PRESENTATIONS, SCREENINGS, UNIQUE SHOPPING, AND MUCH MORE, NOVEMBER 22 AND 23 AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

BURBANK, Calif. – March 26, 2014 – Walt Disney once said, “We keep moving forward—opening up new doors and doing new things—because we’re curious. And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” It’s in that spirit that guests this fall will have the opportunity to visit—or revisit—some of the most beloved Disney attractions of yesteryear. D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind presented by H2O Plus will take place November 22 and 23 at Walt Disney World Resort. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will bring Disney archivists, Imagineers, Legends, and luminaries together to celebrate fan favorites such as Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with rarely seen concept art and images; vintage video clips; and hours of revealing stories. In addition, there will be a full day of presentations dedicated to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, which debuted beloved attractions like it’s a small world and Carousel of Progress.

Presenters and panelists include Disney Legends Marty Sklar, Bob Gurr, and Alice Davis; Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline; Disney and World’s Fair historians Bill Cotter, Stacia Martin, and Michael Kelley—and more to be announced.

During the weekend, guests will be able to explore a special exhibit designed by the Walt Disney Archives in honor of the event.

The weekend will end with an exciting evening event—Pleasure Island: Rewind. This celebration of the Downtown Disney nightlife district will include areas dedicated to the Adventurers Club, Comedy Warehouse, Mannequins, and 8 Trax. And of course there will be a “New Year’s Eve” celebration to cap the night.

Plus, for the first time, Mickey’s of Glendale, the famed Walt Disney Imagineering store, will set up a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, T-shirts, and collectibles themed to the event. The shop will also carry a special line from H2O Plus, whose products are featured at Disney Resort Hotels.

Highlights of D23 DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H2O Plus will include*:

Disney Goes to the World’s Fair: A look at how Disney became a part of the landmark event
Lost on the Way to the Fair: Pavilion concepts for the World’s Fair that never came to be
Retro Rewind References: Nods to favorites of the past in current Disney Parks attractions
That Was Entertainment: Revisiting beloved theme park parades, shows, and spectacles

The weekend event will take place in the convention center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Tickets, available Wednesday, April 16, are $190 each and available exclusively to D23 Gold and Silver Members for a limited time. Any remaining tickets will be made available to D23 Free Members on May 28 for $250 per ticket. All guests will receive a special gift in honor of Disney’s contributions to the 50th anniversary of the 1964–65 World’s Fair in New York City. A limited number of “Top of the World” tickets will be available featuring reserved seating, early shopping on November 21, an exclusive dinner reception, special collectibles, gifts from H2O Plus and Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, and more.

More details about the program and tickets for D23 DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H2O Plus, as well as a special offer just for members of D23, can be found at D23.com/Events. Additional schedule announcements will be made in the coming months.

Saving Mr. Banks Comes to Blu Ray and DVD

25 March 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Saving Mr. Banks has warmed the hearts of most who have seen it in theatres, and now it’s available on Blu Ray and DVD. I had not previously written about Saving Mr. Banks, mostly because I had very mixed feelings about it. Taking away the idea that this was “based on facts” or historically true, it was a beautiful movie. The problems come in when you think Tom Hanks on screen is Walt Disney…and that’s simply not the case.

There are certainly parts of the movie based on ideas or issues encountered during the acquisition and screenwriting process, but many of the things portrayed tend to twist the truth for the story that Saving Mr. Banks wants to tell. If you go into the film thinking it’s just an interesting story, funny in parts, then it is enjoyable.

The music, the Richard Sherman parts, and even most of the flashback scenes, were lovely. Emma Thompson’s acting was very fun to watch, even if what little I know about the real P.L. Travers made it seem completely unbelievable. Paul Giamatti as the limo driver was another fun subplot, completely made up for the film, but well done nonetheless. Thinking about Walt Disney saying “Get on the damn horse, Pam!” makes a Walt Disney fan’s skin crawl…and that’s one of several moments where I just have to think it’s a fictional film about people that sometimes resemble Walt Disney and those who made Mary Poppins come to life on film. And again, it was enjoyable for me, but I don’t look at it as factual or the way things happened. That said, I’m happy to own it on dvd and be able to watch it again because the music alone and funny parts are great. Here are the bonus features you’ll find on the Blu-ray:

· The Walt Disney Studios: From Poppins to Present (Blu-ray & Digital HD) – Join Director John Lee Hancock on a tour of the Disney Studios lot, reflect on studio life during the making ofMary Poppins, and discover how Walt’s creative spirit still flourishes today.

· Let’s Go Fly a Kite (Blu-ray & Digital HD) – Cast and crew sing break out in a rousing, heartfelt tribute to Composer Richard Sherman on the last day of filming.

· Deleted Scenes

Stargaze (Blu-ray & Digital HD) – A picture on Walt’s desk leads to a flashback of Pamela’s childhood.
Nanny Song (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital HD) – The Sherman Brothers perform a song for Pamela that she is less than thrilled with.
Pam Leaves (Blu-ray & Digital HD) – After yet another disagreement with Walt, Pamela leaves his office and heads for the airport.

*Digital HD bonus offerings vary by digital retailer

Disclaimer: I was sent a complimentary copy of Saving Mr. Banks for the purposes of review. My opinions are my own. Retail link is an affiliate link, which takes you to Amazon.com but any purchases send a small amount back to Zannaland. Thanks for reading!

NEW Disney Dooney and Bourke Sweethearts Pattern Released

23 March 2014 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Disneylanders were given a surprise from Dooney & Bourke yesterday when an entirely new pattern was released in the parks and the Downtown Disney District. The new Mickey and Minnie “Sweethearts” pattern features black and white classic Mickey and Minnie with touches of hot pink hearts as well as hot pink lining and color on the straps. I love the graphic black and white stripes and think this is a great design.

Coincidentally, I was just in Downtown Disney over here at Walt Disney World yesterday and Tren-D did not have any new designs in the store, but hopefully we will see them soon. Disneyland saw the “It’s A Small World” Dooney & Bourke pattern first as well.

Huge thanks to Chrysty Summers for spotting these new bags and sharing her photos with us here. I’ll of course update as we get more info on availability here at WDW or on the Disney Store Online. For now, it looks like Sweethearts is available at the Disneyland Resort in a larger Shopper Tote style that fully zips up, then the crossbody Letter Carrier, and Barrel styles as well.

Mickey Minnie Sweethearts Dooney & Bourke – the Barrel style is $130

What do you think of Sweethearts? Will you add this to your Disney Dooney & Bourke collection?

Check DisneyStore.com for sales of select current released Disney Dooney & Bourke purses and Zannaland’s Disney Dooney & Bourke page with ALL handbag photos and info.

*DisneyStore.com links are affiliate links, which means it costs you nothing extra to click or buy, but if you do, I get a small commission. Thanks for reading!

Frozen on Blu Ray and DVD March 18

20 March 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

There isn’t much to be said about Disney’s latest animated feature, Frozen that hasn’t already been said…except that you need to get it on Blu-Ray and DVD. Oh, wait, that’s probably already been said too! Well, if you are on the fence for some unknown reason, or for some other unknown reason haven’t seen it in theatres yet either, get thee to a retailer of some sort and bring Frozen home!

You can read my previous review of Frozen if you’d like, and check out the bonus features below:

The Making Of Frozen (Blu-ray, Digital)

· D’frosted: Disney’s Journey From Hans Christian Anderson to Frozen (Blu-ray, Digital)

· Breaking The Ice – The Real Making Of Frozen (Blu-ray, Digital)

· 4 Deleted Scenes with introduction by Directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee

· Original Theatrical Short – “Get A Horse” (Blu-ray, Digital & DVD)

· “Let It Go” Music Videos by Demi Lovato, Martina Stoessel & Marsha Milan Londoh (Blu-ray, Digital & DVD)

· Frozen Teaser Trailer (Blu-ray, Digital & DVD)

*Digital bonus offerings will vary per retailer
Click below to purchase Frozen right now!

Disclaimer: I was sent a complimentary copy of Frozen for the purposes of review. My opinions are my own. Retail link is an affiliate link, which takes you to Amazon.com but any purchases send a small amount back to Zannaland. Thanks for reading!