Suzannah Otis

Marvel Super Heroes Assemble on Disney’s Club Penguin

13 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

With the recent record-breaking box-office success of Marvel’s The Avengers, the Marvel phenomenon is set to hit Disney’s Club Penguin. The “Marvel Super Hero Takeover” will be the biggest event in the history of the #1 virtual world for kids. It’s the first time Club Penguin will bring an outside franchise into the world. In the event, kids can dress up as Marvel Super Heroes (Thor, Hulk, Iron Man, etc!) or Super-Villains, join teams to defend or defeat the evil Destructobot, explore the superhero headquarters, and more.

Here’s all the official info from Club Penguin:

Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, June 13th – Marvel mania has reached all the way to Club Penguin Island, the #1 Virtual world for kids, as penguins assemble for the Marvel Super Hero Takeover, an epic online event starting June 14th through July 3rd.

A meteor has hit the island of Club Penguin, powering up the dangerous Destructobot. Players can choose to suit up as one of 14 Marvel Super Heroes or Super-Villains, including Avengers characters such as Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, and Thor, as well as the mischievous Super-Villain Loki.

Club Penguin Marvel Super Hero Takeover - Hawkeye costume

Club Penguin Marvel Super Hero Takeover - Thor costume

“Everyone wants to feel special and believe that they can do something that no one else can do. That optimism is what drives both Club Penguin and the Marvel story lines and characters,” said Lane Merrifield, co-founder of Club Penguin and executive vice president of Disney Interactive Worlds. “Club Penguin and Marvel characters are the perfect match, and I’m sure our players will love it!”

“Bringing our worlds together marks a major milestone for both Marvel and Club Penguin,” said Rob Steffens, Executive Vice President of Marvel Entertainment. “Reactions from the fans are already tremendous, and we’re thrilled that we’re able to bring Marvel and Club Penguin together for such an epic event.”

As part of The Marvel Super Hero Takeover event, players can:

Choose to dress up as Marvel Super Heroes, Super-Villains or civilians
Explore the island, which has been transformed to include new destinations such as a bank, jail, and a superhero headquarters
Join teams to decide whether to defend or defeat the evil Destructobot
Meet Aunt Arctic, the news reporter and editor-in-chief for the Penguin Times, the Club Penguin Island newspaper. She’ll be keeping a close eye on the battle of Super Heroes and Super-Villains around the island

Super Heroes and Super Villains wanted. Visit http://www.clubpenguin.com/marvel and let the adventures begin.

GIVEAWAY – JOHN CARTER Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack [CLOSED]

12 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis 32 Comments

It’s no secret that I love John Carter. Now that John Carter is available on DVD and Blu-ray, there are even more cool things to discover about the movie and film-making process. Along with bonus footage, interviews, and bloopers, Disney’s Second Screen allows you to learn all sorts of behind-the-scenes secrets and facts. Check out the video below from director Andrew Stanton about how Second Screen works:

Here’s another video with commentary from Jon Favreau and others about the influence of John Carter over the years with the science fiction genre. The Edgar Rice Burrows classic series has been a passion of director Andrew Stanton for years, but he’s not alone in his love for this story.

If you haven’t yet seen the film, I urge you to run out and purchase the DVD or Blu-ray. It truly is a classic and my kids love it as well. Thanks to Disney, I’m also proud to be giving away a Blu-ray/DVD Combo pack of John Carter. I’m going to make it super easy to enter – simply leave a comment below sharing what you’re most looking forward to when you see John Carter – or, if you’ve already seen it, what you loved the most. That’s it! Giveaway closed.

[If you’d like to share this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter, I’d love and appreciate it! Just let me know where you’ve shared it in a comment too so I can count that as an extra entry.]

Giveaway ends June 19, 2012 at 11:59pm EDT

Hilton Orlando’s Summer Birthday POOL-ooza Offers Fun for Locals and Visitors

12 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Hilton Orlando pool area — The 7,000-square-foot main pool simulates a beach atmosphere with zero-entry on both sides, and features a water slide perfect for a fun-filled day in the sun.

If someone you love has been ~~cursed~~ blessed with a summer birthday, you know how difficult it can be to ensure they have just as much fun as those with birthdays during the school year when folks are not away on vacation somewhere. Well, the Hilton Orlando has solved that problem by letting the birthday boy or girl have a pool party they’ll remember all summer long. Located right in the middle of all the theme parks and attractions, The Hilton Orlando’s summer birthday pool package is available to non-hotel guests and local residents – perfect!

The package is available Monday – Thursday for a maximum of 25 people (including adults). Party guests will receive:

Two poolside cabanas for four hours (between 11 am and 3 pm or 4 pm and 8 pm),
One custom-decorated cake
Two large two-topping pizzas and four pitchers of soda
Full access to the main pool, the adult “quiet” pool, whirlpools, water slide and lazy river
A one-hour activity of choice (volleyball, basketball, or water balloon toss) hosted by Hilton Orlando recreation staff
50% discount on self-parking

The cost of the package is $25 per person with a 15 person minimum, and will provide hours of fun for both adults and children alike, so be sure to splash on over to Hilton Orlando for your birthday celebration. It’s sure to be a swimmingly good time!

Hilton Orlando lazy river — The 892-foot Lazy River gently meanders, winding and twisting alongside the pool and Tropics Bar & Grill, adorned with fountains, waterfalls and water cannons.

Sounds great, doesn’t it? My birthday isn’t even until December and I want to go hang out in the lazy river all day!! We may just have to do this for my daughter’s birthday in August. Check out the other amazing packages the Hilton Orlando offers – they look fantastic! Head over to TheHiltonOrlando.com or call 407-313-4300 to book your getaway now!

Walt Disney Animation Unveils Epic Adventure “FROZEN”—In Theaters NOVEMBER 2013

11 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

BURBANK, Calif. (June 11, 2012) – Walt Disney Animation Studios presents an epic tale of adventure and comedy in “Frozen,” a computer-animated feature film slated for the big screen in November 2013. Directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”), “Frozen” features the vocal talents of film/TV/stage star Kristen Bell as Anna, a young dreamer about to take the adventure of a lifetime, and Tony Award ®-winning actress Idina Menzel as Elsa the Snow Queen. The movie will feature original songs by Broadway greats Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.

In “Frozen,” a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, so Anna (voice of Bell) must team up with Kristoff, a daring mountain man, on the grandest of journeys to find the Snow Queen (voice of Menzel) and put an end to the icy spell. Encountering Everest-like extremes, mystical creatures and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom from destruction.

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

Menzel, who won a Tony Award® as Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Elphaba in Broadway’s “Wicked” (2004), landed her first role on Broadway in 1995 in the Tony Award-winning musical “Rent.” Film credits include “Enchanted” and the feature film “Rent.” She has appeared in a recurring role on TV’s “Glee” and recently released “Idina Menzel Live: Barefoot at the Symphony,” a live concert with an orchestra led by composer/conductor Marvin Hamlisch. Menzel is currently on a North American concert tour.

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

Can’t wait to see and hear more about this new film – what do you think?

Celebrate Father’s Day at the Swan and Dolphin Hotels

11 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

In honor of Father’s Day, guests can receive a special rate and complimentary room upgrade during Father’s Day Weekend

I’ve stayed at the Walt Disney World Dolphin a few times, and dined there and the Swan and loved it each time. The “Heavenly beds” live up to their name and there is a feel of ultimate luxury when you walk in the lobby. The Swan and Dolphin are now offering a deal for dads for the upcoming Father’s Day weekend – check out the details below:

Families looking to give dad the vacation he deserves can now do so with a special Father’s Day offer from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel. For the weekend of June 15-17, guests can receive rooms starting at $199 per night and a complimentary room upgrade at the Orlando hotel.

Located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel offers easy access for dads to spend time with their families in the Disney theme parks, unwind on one of the four championship golf courses or drive an exotic sports car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

In addition, the hotel itself offers a number of amenities and activities that will appeal to dad and the entire family including five pools, recreational activities, and numerous dining options such as Shula’s Steak House and character dining.

Reservations can be made online at www.swandolphin.com/offers or by calling 1-800-227-1500 and mentioning “Father.” Based on rate schedule availability. Offer is valid for stays June 15-17. Taxes, resort services fee and gratuities not included. Not valid with any other special offers, promotions, or for existing reservations or groups.

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot andDisney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit, where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks is open extra time to enjoy select attractions. (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required). The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.

LEGOLAND Florida Hosts LEGO Club Weekend for Father’s Day

8 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

LEGOLAND Florida has been growing brick by brick since opening last Fall. With the recent addition of LEGOLAND’s Water Park now there is even more fun for all down in nearby Winter Haven. Just in time for Father’s Day weekend, LEGOLAND is now hosting a fun LEGO Club Weekend with lots of fun activities and prizes. Check out the news from LEGOLAND below:

Holy LEGOLAND Batman! LEGOLAND® Florida, Central Florida’s newest theme park with over 50 rides, shows and attractions, offers a chance to play like your favorite super hero during LEGO® Club Weekend Jun. 16 and 17. Celebrate with Dad this Father’s Day during this special weekend and let him show off the super hero we already know he is.

LEGO® Club Weekend will be action-packed with fun for the whole family:

Whether you’re young or just young-in-spirit, come dressed in your favorite super hero costume to have a chance to win cool prizes. Prizes include a LEGO® prize pack filled with Super Hero product and LEGOLAND® Florida tickets and the ultimate Warner Brothers® grand prize of an XBOX 360 Console.

Be among the first to preview the all-new LEGO® Batman 2: DC Super Heroes video game at the all-new Warner Bros.™ Games Zone. Compliments of our partner, Warner Bros.™ Interactive Entertainment, the first 200 guests to come and play will get a free LEGO® Batman 2 poster. Warner Bros.™ Games Zone, an all-new attraction in the Imagination Zone at LEGOLAND® Florida, is every gamers dream and a great way to take a break from the heat. This interactive game zone is where kids can test and play the latest LEGO® video games and interact with high-tech technology such as, iPads and playable video kiosks.

Become an official certified super hero by defeating the villains at Super Hero Training Camp. The Gardens have been transformed into the ultimate training facility so you can practice your super powers.

Challenge your family to a Super Hero Scavenger Hunt. Your favorite heroes and villains have invaded Miniland USA and it’s up to you to save it. And for your hard work, the winner will take home a LEGO® prize pack filled with Super Hero product and LEGOLAND® Florida tickets.

Meet Max, the LEGO® Club mascot, and get your picture with him.

Enjoy special discounts on food and beverage.

All events are included with park admission and subject to change without notice. The best way to experience LEGOLAND® Florida for the best value is with the Premium Pass, which offers 12 months admission to LEGOLAND® Florida and seasonal access to the all-new LEGOLAND® Water Park for just $179 for adults and $149 for child/senior. Single-day LEGOLAND Florida guests may upgrade to a water park attraction ticket for an additional $12 per person (children under 3 are $3). The Premium Pass is now available for purchase at www.LEGOLAND.com or AAA Auto Group branches.

All who attend the LEGO® Club Weekend event can register to become a LEGO® Club member for free.

Summer Nights Arrive at SeaWorld Orlando

7 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

SeaWorld just sent over their latest news for summertime events and happenings. Looks like lots of fun will be happening over the next couple of months!

Summer Nights at SeaWorldis a nighttime spectacular that only SeaWorld could create, and the best place to be in Central Florida when the sun sets. Waves of fun wash over the park with incredible shows, an all-new attraction, thrilling coasters under the stars, and a nightly fireworks and fountain finale.During Summer Nights –- June 23 through August 12 — SeaWorld is open until 10 p.m., providing even more time for guests to play.

Headlining Summer Nights is the all-new TurtleTrek, where guests can live the miraculous 3D 360 journey of a sea turtle; Shamu Rocks, a larger-than-life experience where guests jam to a rock-n-roll beat and watch as whales perform amazing behaviors; Sea Lions Tonite, a hilarious, satirical show featuring Clyde and Seamore that will have everyone in stitches; and Reflections, the sky-filling fireworks and fountains finale that ends the night with a bang.

Summer Nights at SeaWorld, plus the amazing, new TurtleTrek – the only attraction of its kind in the world – coupled with amazing admission offers and values, makes the park a must-see for locals and residents this summer. The best admission deals can be found online by visiting SeaWorldOrlando.com.Additional details:

All-new: TurtleTrek
SeaWorld Orlando’s newest attraction, TurtleTrek, comes to life with SeaWorld’s unique blend of up-close encounters with manatees and sea turtles and state-of-the art entertainment, making for a real adventure and a first-of-its-kind 3D 360 degree dome theater film that is completely surrounding and immersive.

Shamu Rocks
Rock the night away with Shamu during this spectacular whale show with more flash – and certainly more splash – than a rock concert. Shamu Rocks is a high-energy celebration of unprecedented proportions, combining awe-inspiring whales with a stunning light show, water fountain display and music from some of the hottest rock stars in the industry.

Sea Lions Tonite
SeaWorld’s popular sea lion comedic duo takes the laughs into the night. Hilarious hijinks ensue in this evening show as the park’s talented sea lions, otters and walrus parody other favorite daytime SeaWorld shows and attractions. And this year, a new spoof based on the park’s newest attraction – TurtleTrek — will keep guests laughing all night long.

Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Show Finale
SeaWorld is showcased in a whole new light during this spectacular celebration of soaring fountains and dazzling fireworks. A newly arranged soundtrack features the thrilling and inspirational music of SeaWorld’s most popular shows, including segments of the incredible score from TurtleTrek. Families and friends will experience a wondrous connection that lights the night like never before.

Manta
An even more extraordinary sensation by moonlight, Manta lets you find out what it’s like to spin, glide, skim and fly like a giant ray when you experience the only flying roller coaster of its kind in the world at nighttime, under the stars.

Summer Nights VIP Tour
Experience the highlights of SeaWorld Summer Nights, VIP-style. This six-hour, guided tour includes an opportunity to feed dolphins, front-of-the-line access to our most popular rides, including Manta, and reserved seating at our exhilarating night shows, Shamu Rocks and Reflections. Included with the tour is the convenient, all-you-care-to-eat All Day Dining Deal, where you and your family can enjoy all of your favorite foods from your favorite participating restaurants!

For more information visit SeaWorldOrlando.com

PHOTOS: Inside Walt Disney World’s NEW Dumbo Interactive Kids Lounge

6 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Disney fans may have been following the news of the opening of the next phase of the new Dueling Dumbos attraction at the Magic Kingdom’s Storybook Circus area, part of the new Fantasyland expansion. The Disney Parks Blog recently shared some video from inside the tent:

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Thanks to Nicole Siscaretti we now have some photos from testing going on today at the Magic Kingdom. You can find more photos and awesome video of the activities and interactive areas inside the new Dumbo queue at Nicole’s new site: SparklyEverAfter.com – be sure to check it out! The area should be open permanently for all guests in the next few weeks.

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Enjoy the photos – can’t wait to take my little guy down there to check it out in person soon!

Wreck-it-Ralph Trailer Debuts – Old School Gamers Rejoice!

6 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

We first caught the trailer and some behind-the-scenes info for Wreck-it-Ralph at last year’s D23 Expo in Anaheim and I fell in love. As a little girl who grew up with Atari 2600 and spent many a day playing Centipede, Donkey Kong, Pac Man and more in arcades, the storyline appealed to me instantly. Throw in some appearances by Q*Bert (I was SO addicted to that game!) and more classic video game characters, and you’ve got millions of kids from the 80’s ready to “press play” on this film.

Here’s the official synopsis from Walt Disney Animation Studios:

Walt Disney Animation Studios and Emmy®-winning director Rich Moore (TV’s “The Simpsons,” “Futurama”) take moviegoers on a hilarious, arcade-game-hopping journey in “Wreck-It Ralph.” Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly, “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,” “Step Brothers”) is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix (voice of Jack McBrayer, “30 Rock”), the “good guy” star of their game who always gets to save the day. But after decades doing the same thing and seeing all the glory go to Felix, Ralph decides he’s tired of playing the role of a bad guy. He takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a game-hopping journey across the arcade through every generation of video games to prove he’s got what it takes to be a hero.

Wreck-it-Ralph's Sugar Rush — The land of Sugar Rush

On his quest, he meets the tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (voice of Jane Lynch, TV’s “Glee”) from the first-person action game Hero’s Duty. But it’s the feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman, “The Sarah Silverman Program”) from the candy-coated cart racing game, Sugar Rush, whose world is threatened when Ralph accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens the entire arcade. Will Ralph realize his dream and save the day before it’s too late? “Wreck-It Ralph” crashes onto the big screen on November 2, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

Walt Disney Animation Studios released the first official trailer today so now everyone can see the genius that is Wreck-it-Ralph – check it out!

What did you think? I love it!

New Epic Mickey 2 Release Date, E3 Trailer and Warren Spector Interview

6 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Disney is showing a huge presence at the E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) conference going on in Los Angeles this week. We’ve seen an amazing Epic Mickey 2 booth, including Oswald ear hats and game demos, along with some fantastic pieces from the Disney Archives and other new merchandise.

Also released at E3 was a new Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two trailer, with an emphasis on Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. This makes me even MORE excited to play this game!

Also check out this great interview with Warren Spector Creative Director and Vice President, Junction Point and Disney Archives Director Becky Cline discussing the amazing history of Oswald:

Epic Mickey: The Power of Two will hit shelves November 18, 2012 – see you there! You can check out screenshots and more info at my other Epic Mickey 2 post.