Suzannah Otis

Locals and Visitors-Win $50 To Use At Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores

3 August 2012 by Suzannah Otis 11 Comments

August is now upon us and back to school sales are filling up the local stores. A great place to get some shopping done for the school year is right around the corner from Walt Disney World – the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores. I remember when I was little, I always loved going to the outlets up in New England for back to school clothes, shoes, and backpacks. Not surprisingly, consumers recently surveyed by the National Retail Federation noted that shopping smarter and stretching their budget will be a priority. Now, whether you’re a local or a visitor to our fine state, you could win a $50 gift certificate to use at any of the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, one of Central Florida’s best-kept shopping secrets where you’ll find savings up to 75% off at select stores.

The village-style center offers a customer-friendly shopping experience and 50 spacious outlet shops with convenient store-front parking, including favorites: Aeropostale, American Swimwear, Carter’s, Converse Shoes, Dressbarn, Eddie Bauer Outlet, Fossil, G by GUESS, Gap Outlet, Izod, Levi’s® Outlet Store, Loft Outlet, NikeFactoryStore, Old Navy Outlet and featuring outlet exclusives; OshKosh, Reebok, Samsonite, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger, Travelpro, Wilsons Leather Outlet and many more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tax-free days are now through midnight on Sunday but deals will still be happening throughout the month. Even if you don’t win the giveaway, you can still get in on the savings by downloading a coupon from the Center’s website, then bringing it to Travelpro at the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores to receive a coupon booklet valued up to $400 in savings. The Center is located at 15657 S Apopka Vineland Rd (SR 535), Orlando, FL 32821.

Shop happy!

Russell Brand as Captain Hook?!

1 August 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

For years now, I have enjoyed the Annie Leibovitz Disney Dream Portraits and am thrilled to see a sneak peek at two new photos on the Disney Parks Blog today. When I saw that the first portrait was one of my favorites, Russell Brand, I was even more excited. Check out the two images below:

Russell Brand as Captain Hook – The caption: “Where every moment leaves you hungry for more.” – Image ©Disney and Annie Leibovitz

Jack Black, Will Ferrell, and Jason Segel as the Hitchhiking Ghosts – The caption reads: “Where you can go on the ride of your afterlife.” – Image ©Disney and Annie Leibovitz

The above images and more from Annie Leibovitz will be featured as inserts in fall issues of GQ, O – The Oprah Magazine, People, People En Español, Vanity Fair, Real Simple, Essence, and InStyle. Which is your favorite so far??

LEGOLAND Florida Gets Spooky With Brick-Or-Treat This Fall

31 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Summer isn’t over yet but LEGOLAND Florida is already planning for my favorite time of the year. This Fall they’ll be starting the season off with their all-new Brick-or-Treat Halloween event. I think the park’s setting in Winter Haven will provide the perfect backdrop for this spooky celebration! Check out the official information below as well as some LEGOLAND Florid passholder news:

Just because summer is coming to an end that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. LEGOLAND® Florida has extended their Florida resident Premium Pass offer through August, 31, 2012 so guests can enjoy more interactive fun all year long. Plus, enjoy the all-new water park and special seasonal events including the park’s first big celebration of Brick-or-Treat, a kid-friendly Halloween event.

During Brick-or-Treat, ghouls, ghosts and goblins will descend on Miniland USA transforming it into a fun, haunted scavenger hunt. The whole family will be able to search for scary LEGO® creatures hidden within the 30 million LEGO bricks that make up Miniland USA.

This spooky, kooky event also features trick-or-treating, a brick-or-treat trail, a kids’ four category costume contest with brick-tastic prizes and a build your own Halloween themed LEGO model activity station. And don’t forget to check out the world’s largest LEGO Jack-O-Lantern that can only be found at LEGOLAND Florida.

With the purchase of the Premium Pass, guests will get to experience not only Brick-or-Treat on Saturdays and Sundays in October, but, LEGOLAND Florida’s first birthday celebration, Christmas Bricktacular, Kids’ New Year’s Eve Celebration and much more.

Premium pass holders receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florida and the all-new LEGOLAND Water Park for just $159 plus tax with no black-out dates. Plus, free parking, discounts on food and merchandise and a complimentary subscription to LEGO Club Magazine are also included. Guests can purchase the Premium Pass at the front gate or online.

All events are included with park admission and subject to change without notice. For the most current information on LEGOLAND Florida special events and operating schedule, visit LEGOLAND.com.

LEGOLAND Florida’s Shopping Pass Makes Back To School Bricktacular

27 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I’m not sure I would’ve thought to head to LEGOLAND Florida for my back to school shopping, but the park is making it pretty tempting to head down there and get some fun supplies! If you purchase a one-day ticket and leave the park within an hour, your ticket price will be reimbursed at the front gate – and if you buy $20 or more of merchandise, even your parking fee will be refunded! Check out the official news below:

Winter Haven, FL (July 27, 2012) – With back to school right around the corner, moms and dads are looking for great deals while kids are searching for the coolest backpacks, lunch boxes, T-shirts, hats, thermoses, gadgets and supplies as they gear up for school. LEGOLAND® Florida now offers a shopping pass allowing shoppers access into the park to shop for the latest LEGO® and LEGOLAND Florida apparel, school supplies and LEGO merchandise that kids will love.

With the purchase of a single day ticket at the front gate ticket window, shoppers will be given access to the park for one hour and will be reimbursed upon their check-out at the front gate ticket window. Shoppers will even get their parking reimbursed with a park purchase of $20 or more.

Shoppers can explore The Big Shop in the Beginning of the park, one of the largest LEGO retails stores in the world and discover a ginormous selection of all things LEGO. Along with the Big Shop is the LEGO Studio Store where shoppers can pick up LEGO-licensed products like Harry Potter, SpongeBob™ and Star Wars™ or visit the Minifigure Market to create their own custom mini-fig.

Of course to experience all the interactive fun including 50 rides, shows and attractions and the all-new LEGOLAND® Water Park, guests can visit www.LEGOLAND.com for more ticket information.

With convenient services like this, and the fact that LEGOLAND Florida has not increased its ticket prices, LEGOLAND is winning over the hearts of tourists and locals alike!

GIVEAWAY: Disney On Ice Rockin’ Ever After Tickets for Orlando Performances

24 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

We shared Feld Entertainment’s newest Disney on Ice show a few weeks ago -check out video and details at my Rockin’ Ever After post. Now we are giving away FOUR tickets to an Orlando showing of Disney on Ice Rockin’ Ever After! Simply enter below for your chance to win 4 tickets to a show of your choice on the following dates:

Friday, September 7, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 9, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Show takes place at the Amway Center, 400 West Church Street – Suite 200, Orlando, Florida 32801

Winner will be selected July 30 – just enter below using the Rafflecopter widget so you don’t even have to leave this page to enter, “like” or follow anything! Simply click on the “Do It” buttons in the widget below and follow the instructions that pop up. (You must be logged in to Facebook or enter your email for the widget to work) Good luck!

THIS GIVEAWAY FROM 2012 IS CLOSED

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here is more info on ticket prices and a special code for discounted tickets –

$52 Front Row, $37 VIP, $27, $22, $15 (Ticketmaster service charges and facility fees notincluded.) All seats are reserved, and tickets go on sale to the public July 20 at 10 a.m. Tickets are available at DisneyOnIce.com or ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Amway Center box office (phone for information only: 407-440-7900). For group ticket sales and information, call 866-248-8740.

SPECIAL: Get 4 Tickets for just $48 with code MOM12, valid for specific performances!

Belle Be our Guest — See Belle, Ariel, Rapunzel and Merida at Disney on Ice Rockin’ Ever After!

Disclosure: I was provided with tickets for my family to attend a performance in exchange for this giveaway. I love their shows and I hope you do too!

10 Reasons You MUST Visit SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove

23 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

I first visited Discovery Cove when they were building their Grand Reef area over a year ago. Before that, I must admit, I thought it was just a place to swim with dolphins and that was it. BOY, was I mistaken. Even before the Grand Reef expansion, there was so much to do at Discovery Cove, it really is a hidden oasis tucked into lush, tropical landscaping where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the local area theme parks and do something we all could do more – relax!

I was shocked to learn some of the details of Discovery Cove back then, and of course, since that time, the Grand Reef is now open and offers amazing salt water snorkeling experiences, and the new Freshwater Oasis is open, where you can swim next to otters and marmosets. I figured if I was so in the dark about exactly what Discovery Cove has to offer, some of you might be too.

I’ve put together a list of 10 reasons why you need to put this on your must-do list and make it a part of your next Orlando vacation:

10. Swim With Dolphins – When I thought Discovery Cove, I thought dolphin interaction – but what exactly does that mean? Here guests can swim with an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin during a 30-minute interactive adventure. Accompanied by a trainer, groups of six to eight guests wade into shallow water and become acquainted with their dolphin through hugs, kisses and rubdowns. Then, taking the adventure one step further, guests interact with their dolphin in deeper water for an exciting dorsal fin tow ride back to shore. Guests must be at least 6 years old for the dolphin swim experience.

Dolphin Interaction at Discovery Cove — Dolphin interaction ©SeaWorld

9. Swim Among Rays and Tropical Fish – Such detail was put into the planning and creation of the Grand Reef, and it recreates some of the most famous tropical canyons around the world. I stepped in for the first time recently, and was amazed to see gigantic (like, almost Fiat-sized) rays floating right by my feet. Other tropical fish are also swimming about and you can check them all out with your snorkel and mask. There is an area to see Lion Fish behind glass and more to explore within the reef.

8. SeaVenture Underwater Walking Tour – is an underwater walking tour where guests, wearing dive helmets, find up-close encounters with sharks (safely behind massive panoramic windows), one-on-one touches with unique animals and schools of fish and gentle rays.

7.Wind Away River – I also explored this for the first time last week and was pleasantly surprised at the experience. You hear “lazy river” and you think floating around passively in an inner tube for a spell. Wind Away River is so much more. You float or swim through caves, under waterfalls, through areas with a huge water depth, see fallen artifacts under the clear water, float through an aviary and more. It is truly an adventure and I loved it.

6. Freshwater Oasis – This newly opened area is an alternative to the chilly salt water in the Grand Reef. Here the clear waters contain no fish, you can float around or snorkel just to explore the various rocky structures in the Oasis. There is a fun area in the center called Monkey Island, where marmosets make their home and you can watch them eat and play in their natural habitat. The other section is a cave area where Asian small-clawed river otters play behind glass. You can view them as they dive under water, eat clams, or even sleep. Another area provides a shallow place to sit in a floating chair and just soak in the wonderful tropical atmosphere around you. Check out my video below:

5. White Sand Beaches – Each of the water-filled adventure areas are surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches. You can relax in a lounge chair, and watch the water around you. Guests can claim their own spot among the tall shady umbrellas, lazy hammocks, sunning lounges and beach chairs. Buckets and sand toys are sprinkled along the beach for kids to enjoy. (All amenities are included with admission.)

4. Aviary and Animal Appearances – I loved the aviary when we visited. The sheer number and type of birds is overwhelming. You can feel them right out of your hand, or just walk through and gaze at the colorful birds around you. Also throughout Discovery Cove are SeaWorld animal care experts with various animals for you to meet and even pet. We saw a tortoise, sloth, marmoset and kinkajou just in the couple of hours we were there.

3. Attendance is Limited to 1000 Guests – I love this aspect of Discovery Cove. You leave the crowds behind and feel truly at ease and stress-free when you enter Discovery Cove. The area is big enough that you will never feel cramped for space or fighting for a good spot. It’s heavenly!

2. Food is Included – Yes – you read that right. Your admission for the day includes meals and snacks! You are given an ID badge when you check in and you simply need to show it at the snack areas or restaurant to enjoy unlimited access to a fantastic selection of food and drink all day long. A full, hot breakfast is served at Laguna Grill until 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. From familiar fare to chef specials, all dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients and incorporate healthy elements, with daily seafood selections, salad options, and vegetarian dishes available. Snack stations throughout the park provide all-day service, and offer everything from yogurt and soft pretzels to fruit smoothies and gourmet coffees. Ice-cold beverages, including bottled water, juices, sodas, wine and beer are also offered all day. Talk about stress-free!

1. Your Ticket Includes 14 Days at SeaWorld or Aquatica – The biggest concern with Discovery Cove is admission cost. But as you can see above, your ticket includes SO much value. In addition, you are given passes to come back to SeaWorld or Aquatica – the water park next door, for 14 consecutive days – before or after your visit to Discovery Cove! Also included in your Discovery Cove day is: All swim gear (mask, snorkel, and swim vest or wetsuit), towel, locker, sunscreen and other amenities, all day self-parking, a complimentary photo portrait of guest and their party upon entry t0 park.

Have I convinced you yet?? I know I cannot wait to bring my whole family back to enjoy a full day of memory-making adventures. Due to the exclusive nature and 1000-guest limit at Discovery Cove, advance reservations are required.

Reservations and information are available by visiting DiscoveryCove.com or by calling 1-877-434- 7268. *Prices vary seasonally.

I was provided complimentary entry for myself to experience the new Freshwater Oasis, but all my opinions and excitement are my own.

Sneak Peek: LeSportsac New FALL Small World Designs

21 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

We mentioned in the last LeSportsac post featuring the “it’s a small world” line of bags and accessories inspired by Mary Blair, that there would be seasonal designs coming out throughout the year. LeSportsac has just released the first image of its Fall 2012 line for the Small World designs. They are theming these styles to a “Wondrous Journey under the Moroccan Sun”. Let’s see the sneak peek below:

LeSportsac Fall Small World line — Can’t wait to see more of the Fall line! (click to enlarge – ©LeSportsac)

For now, you can order LeSportsac Small World designs online at LeSportsac.com/smallworld but I am hearing they are in Disney Parks as well, so I will keep you posted. The Fall 2012 line will be released in August.

Move It Move It to Gaylord Palms this Winter for ICE! Featuring Merry Madagascar

18 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Madagascar characters at Gaylord Palms — King Julien, Gio – my 3 year-old, me, and Mort!

This morning we learned that the 2012 season of Gaylord Palms Resort’s ICE! will feature Alex, Marty, Gloria and the whole gang with a Merry Madagascar theme. Alex the Lion and King Julien were on hand last year with the Kung Fu Panda themed ICE!, for character greetings. Now in addition to Alex and Julien, there is a Mort and Gloria and penguins characters as well. Mort is simply adorable and my favorite, so I was excited to see him there.

ICE! is an amazing display of sculpted ice along with some play areas as well. Gaylord Palms will present ICE! from November 10, 2012 – January 1, 2013 and will be themed after the Dreamworks Animation holiday special Merry Madagascar. An interactive world of colorful ice sculptures and four two-story ice slides carved entirely from two million pounds of ice. It is truly breath-taking (and don’t worry, winter parkas are provided!).

Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating will be back this year as well, where you can choose from two different options to create a gingerbread cookie family or a complete gingerbread house – don’t forget the gumdrop buttons! Gingy will be on-hand for photos after you finish your edible creations.

Gaylord Palms also offers amazing holiday decor throughout the sprawling Florida-themed resort. Holiday lights, trees and entertainment as well as scavenger hunts offer plenty to keep you in the Christmas spirit.

ICE! tickets start at $22.99 for adults and $13.99 for children – you can call 407-586-2000 or head to ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com for more information. There are also special packages starting at $189 per night, where you can enjoy the beautifully renovated rooms and Cypress Springs Water Park within the resort grounds.

I can’t wait to Move It, Move It! in November!

Oh, and as a special treat – Gaylord Palms brought in Vanilla Ice to sing his hit “Ice Ice Baby” for this fun announcement. Vanilla Ice is back and better than ever! Check out the video of his performance below:

Guest Post: Tom Bricker Shares Spectacular Highlights From Cars Land

16 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

I’m so pleased to have Tom Bricker back sharing his amazing photo skills and some highlights from his recent visit to the grand opening of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. Please welcome Tom again and enjoy his post below:

Cars Land at Disney California Adventure is quite possibly the most beautiful land in any Disney theme park, and is definitely the most immersive. As soon as you set foot in Cars Land, you feel as if you’ve exited Disney California Adventure and stepped foot onto Route 66 in the Pixar film, Cars. Words certainly do not do the beauty of this amazing new land justice, and even photos barely do it justice. That said, I’ll try to do justice to the jaw-dropping beauty of Cars Land by sharing some photos I’ve taken of this all-new land.

If these photos piqued your interest in Cars Land, make sure to check out my Cars Land photos and Radiator Springs Racers photos, where you can view hundreds of additional photos of Cars Land and its flagship attraction, Radiator Springs Racers! Are you thinking about booking a trip to Disneyland Resort to experience Cars Land? Have you already experienced it? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Treasure Planet and Home on the Range Now on Blu-ray

15 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I’m always thrilled when Disney releases more of its feature animated films on Blu-ray, because I know it means the best quality picture, and I usually get to introduce my children to a film they either hadn’t seen or have forgotten about. In this case, Treasure Planet was one of my oldest son’s favorites back when it came out. It was one of the first Disney films he wanted to watch on repeat daily. He just loved the characters and was at the perfect age to get attached to them. Home on the Range was actually one of my daughter’s favorites when it was released as well. She loved the yodeling scene and the horse, played by Cuba Gooding Jr. While neither movie may have received critical acclaim and they aren’t my personal favorites, they represent a part of Disney history and certainly, like my children, built fans with their release.

That said, both films look spectacular on Blu-ray. There are some scenes that seem to just be made for this technology and the backgrounds and colors are just fantastic. The Bonus Features for Home on the Range are: Audio Commentary; animated short “A Dairy Tale: The Three Little Pigs;” 4 Deleted Scenes; Music Video; Trailblazers: The Making-of “Home on the Range;” Art Review; YodelMentary; Joke Corral: Herd of Jokes. On Treasure Planet the Bonus Features are: Deleted Scenes; RLS Legacy: Virtual 3D Tour & Treasure Hunt; DisneyPedia: The Life of a Pirate Revealed; Visual Commentary and More!

If you are looking to complete your Disney film library, of course these are must-haves, I think Home on the Range is worth it for the yodeling scene alone and Treasure Planet for the amazing space special effects scenes. They are available July 10 on Blu-ray:

Add them to your collection today!