Suzannah Otis

Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3 on Ice Coming to Tampa!

16 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DISNEY•PIXAR’S TOY STORY 3 IN TAMPA BAY, MAY 19-22

Tickets On Sale Now

TAMPA, FL – Have you heard the Buzz? Toy Story 3, the smash-hit box-office sensation, is so hot it’s cool as everyone’s favorite toys take to the ice in Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3! An award-winning creative team and a cast of world-class skaters are bringing Woody, the pull-string cowboy; space ranger Buzz Lightyear; Jessie, the yodeling cowgirl; and the rest of the gang to fans and families around the country in this brand-new, live, ice spectacular.

Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 is performing at The St. Pete Times Forum from May 19-22. Tickets start at only $16 and are now on sale.

Toy Story 3 On Ice — Lotso, Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the whole gang await!

The summer’s biggest hit movie, Toy Story 3, and memorable moments from Toy Story and Toy Story 2 are hitting the ice in this sensational live production coming toTampa Bay! Catch all the heroic action when Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the Toy Story gang escape from the rambunctious tots of Sunnyside Daycare and race for home, in their most daring adventure ever. A few new faces join the fun, including Barbie’s groovy bachelor Ken and Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear. It’s the biggest Toy Story experience on ice, jam-packed with fast-paced adventure such as Buzz’s galactic battle with Emperor Zurg and a hoe-down on the set of “Woody’s Roundup.” Relive the humor, friendship and charm of Toy Story when Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 takes family fun to infinity and beyond!

Show Times:

Thursday, May 19 – 7:00 p.m.

Friday, May 20 – 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 21- 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 22 – 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Ticket Prices: $16, $26, $34 (Lower Level), $45 (VIP), $75 (Rinkside Dining)

Tickets are available at www.disneyonice.com and www.Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000 or The St. Pete Times Forum Box Office (phone: 813.301.2500). For group ticket sales and information, call 866-248-8740.

Win a “Prom” Date Premiere With Your Creative Prom Invite Idea!

11 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Disney.com to Award a Date to Disney’s “Prom” Premiere to Winner of the Prom Ultimate Invite Contest –

Disney.com is looking for the most creative ways to ask someone to prom in its new Prom Ultimate Invite Contest. In the upcoming Disney movie “Prom,” hitting theatres on April 29, lead character Lloyd just can’t seem to score a date to the biggest event of the year. At Disney.com/PROMContest, fans can help Lloyd by uploading videos that show or tell the most creative ways to ask that special someone to prom. The contest participant with the best idea will be awarded a trip for four to Los Angeles to attend the premiere of Disney’s “Prom,” a $500 Macy’s gift card to get red carpet ready and a chance to meet Disney’s “Prom” stars Nicholas Braun or Aimee Teegarden. Contest entries will be accepted until March 31, 2011.

To find out more, go to Disney.com/PROMContest where the band members from Allstar Weekend provide contest details and share their best ideas for asking a date to prom.

Fans can check out the rockin’ music featured in the movie with 30 second clips of “Not Your Birthday” by Allstar Weekend and “Prettiest Thing” by Oh Darling. Then, they can create their own music videos with their favorite songs and photos from the film by going to Disney.com’s Create and make their own “Prom” Music Slideshow.

You can also check out the trailer on our Prom first look post or the synopsis below:

At “Prom,” every couple has a story and no two are exactly alike. Several intersecting stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches; Disney’s “Prom” portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite. For Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden), it’s a battle of wills as she finds herself drawn to the guy (Thomas McDonell) who gets in the way of her perfect prom. Fellow seniors Mei (Yin Chang) and Tyler (De’Vaughn Nixon) harbor secrets, while others face all the insecurity and anticipation that surrounds one of high school’s most seminal events. There are hundreds of nights in high school, but there’s only one “Prom.” Featuring an emerging ensemble cast and a powerful soundtrack, Disney’s “Prom” hits theaters April 29, 2011.

2nd Annual Disney Social Media Moms Celebration!

10 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 30 Comments

It’s hard to believe it’s been one year since the first-ever Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! It was such an amazing event and so much has happened since that time! I thought it would be great to go over some of my favorite moments from last year’s event as well as what I’m looking forward to this year. Then I thought it would be fun for all the 2011 attendees to link their blogs below so we can get to know each other and our blogs before we meet next week! It’ll also be a great way to connect during and after the event as well! Could I use any more exclamation points??!!

Last year I don’t think anyone really knew what to expect from Social Media Moms. One thing we knew, it was Disney, so it was going to be full of extra magic. We were definitely given the royal treatment and perhaps even a little spoiled with such great speakers like Guy Kawasaki, Chris Brogan, Maxine Clark, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Mary Ellen Hooper and Kathy Ireland. I know I l earned so much and became full of blogging passion by the end of the conference. We may have endured an unexpected cold snap, but pixie dust pulled us through and the surprises and special touches seemed to never end. (Feel free to check out my flickr stream of the 2010 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration!)

Chris Brogan and Zanna — Stalking Chris at a recent media event at Disney for another photo. 😉

One of my favorite moments was Chris Brogan’s speech, which makes me SO excited that he’ll be back this year. Another unexpected surprise was bumping into Chef Robert Irvine, who was there filming Dinner: Impossible and cooking for the amazing volunteers that Disney was honoring. Imagine my shock when I had the chance to meet Chef Irvine again later last year and discovered that the picture of Disney Moms Panelist Kathie and I with the Chef was in his desktop screensaver! These are just some of the amazing memories Disney is able to deliver, sometimes without even trying! I was also lucky enough to have the winning seat at our table for the Cinderella Build-a-Bear centerpiece and was able to take that home to share with the family. I cannot wait to see what magic this year brings.

As if knowing some of us were spoiled last year, Disney has upped the ante and given us accommodations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This will allow me to check off almost all the Deluxe resorts on property (the only one I haven’t stayed at is Yacht Club, but I’ve stayed at Beach Club a million times and toured every hotel on property, so I’m not counting that!) 😉 I am excited to be able to share this experience with my family.

I’m also super excited that I get to hang out with fellow Moms Panelist and bloggy idol Oh Amanda. I haven’t seen her since Moms Panel training and can’t wait to be in the World with her again! Of course I’m thrilled to see lots of friends and people I met last year AND meet lots of new friends too.

Disney's Wedding Pavilion — Dreaming at the Wedding Pavilion (no, I'm not a natural blonde either)

Another highlight I’m looking forward to is the opening presentation and tour by Disney Fairytale Weddings. I have mentioned before that a Disney wedding was always my dream, since the pavilion opened the year we moved down and I worked at the Magic Kingdom. Sure, I had my reception at the Dolphin, but it’s not quite the same. And yes, it’s now been 14 years since I said “I do” but I still hold out hope that I can have a magical vow renewal on property at some point. Maybe for the 20th… 🙂

Anyway, our pixie dust princesses in charge of the Social Media Moms Celebration have hinted that there will be “special guests” during this presentation. I am crossing my heart and hoping it is the one and only David Tutera. To say I am a fan of him and his show is an understatement. I cry at pretty much every episode and wish he was around when I got married! I will try to hold myself back from hugging him to death in the off chance they let hundreds of mom bloggers near him… 😉 I really think he needs to do a special vow renewal episode, no? I’ve already got a built in flower girl and ring bearer!

Attendees, what are you most excited about the upcoming Social Media Moms Celebration? Did you attend last year or is this your first time? Have you been to Walt Disney World before? Share a bit about you and your blog – don’t forget to link it below! And be sure to say hello if you happen to see a crazy red head trying to camp out in the wedding pavilion!!

If you’d like, check out two posts I did last year for attendees planning for their Disney vacation:

Top 5 Must Sees for First Time Disney Visitors

Solo Parenting Tips to Visit Walt Disney World

Explore my Disney News section as well – including Fast Facts on Disney’s Wild Africa Trek and some Disney Merchandise highlights to be on the lookout for!

Thanks for visiting and see ya real soon!

Creating Magic and Memories at the Harmony Barber Shop

8 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

I’m pleased to bring you a guest post today from a wonderful Disney fan and friend, Mary Jo Collins. Known as “MoJo” by most, she just effervesces with Disney magic and pixie dust when you meet her. I am honored to have her here sharing some wonderful stories and information on everyone’s favorite barber shop – Harmony. You may remember we recently took our littlest guy, Giovanni there for his first haircut. The magic they share will truly touch your heart. Take it away, Mo Jo! (click to enlarge photos)

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Echoing through the air, a beautiful rendition of “Goodbye, My Coney Island Baby” serenades a starry eyed child sitting high in the swinging chair. Just a few minutes earlier, a story about the big fish caught last week is followed up with talk of the weather. From the ornate carved woods and the checkerboard floor to the good conversation abound, you have been taken back to a place gone by. It is a quaint barber shop with a harmonious barber shop quartet nestled on a familiar street. It’s not Mayberry. And it’s not Floyd Lawson standing behind the chair with his scissors in hand. It is much more. It is the Harmony Barber Shop. Many families around the world have visited this fine establishment to experience the time-honored tradition of a haircut in the Magic Kingdom.

Harmony busy day — The bustling Harmony Barber Shop

Harmony empty chair with booster — The barber's chair awaits a child

Harmony Emily window — Emily enjoys the view from the window of the Harmony Barber Shop

Considering Walt Disney’s fondness of a hometown Missouri barber shop, Main Street, U.S.A. would not be complete without this hidden gem. Discovering the essence of an old-timey barber shop in today’s world where a quick 5 minute cut at a SuperCut is just status-quo would certainly make Walt proud. Even the barbershop quartet, the Dapper Dans, is occasionally on-hand to treat guests with their excellent four-part harmony. Here, anyone is welcome to take a seat in the barber’s chair and be exposed to some magical hair treatments. Matter of fact, about 400 guests of Walt Disney World experience the Harmony Barber Shop each week.

With the Dapper Dans on Main Street, U.S.A.

Located just past City Hall on the corner of Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom, the Harmony Barber Shop offers the traditional haircut, as well as a variety of specialty menu treatments. While the barbers have a license and usually years of experience, they are indeed Cast Members and are experts at entertaining children and comforting them during the process. Hours of operation are 9 am to 5 pm, seven days a week. Walk-ups are always welcomed, but advanced reservations can now be made thru Walt Disney World Reservations. Ask for a booking via “Children’s Activities”, otherwise the Cast Member may have a hard time locating it. They accept 2 reservations at the top of each operational hour and 2 reservations at the half hour. The 2 reservations per half hour are given priority, then walk-ups are taken on a first come, first serve basis.

Harmony Blaise First Haircut — For some children the first hair cut can be scary, Cast Members try to comfort the child with toys, bubbles and Mickey Mouse stickers. Pictured here is Blaise before his first hair cut.

A standard haircut for an adult is $19 and children 12 and under is $15. The barbers always offer some special pixie dust to top off the new do for no additional charge. To add a little festive color to your current style or to your freshly cut hair, add $5 for the color gel. Men can also get a beard or mustache trim for $10. Now, the Harmony Barber Shop’s most famous treatment is the “First Haircut” and rightly so. People have been known to delay their child’s first haircut for months so that they could do this world renown experience on an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World. To the delight of the children, they are treated to fun with pixie dust, bubbles and Mickey Mouse stickers till their hearts content. After the first haircut concludes, the child is awarded a certificate and a “My 1^st Haircut” embroidered Mouse Ears. Then to finish the show, pictures are taken with the ubiquitous “big red scissors” and Mickey cape. The “First Haircut” with all the special extras is $18.

Harmony first hair cut Jennifer — Noah was mesmerized by the Mickey Mouse stickers during his first hair cut.

More than anything, the Harmony Barber Shop leaves an indelible memory for so many guests. From a first hair cut to a fun punk hair-do with pixie dust, the transformations that occur on a daily basis at the Harmony Barber Shop are a perfect example of the campaign “Let the Memories Begin.” The change in appearance of its patrons is no less dramatic than the change in their spirit. It’s a homey, personal memory that is so rare while vacationing, but is so perfectly composed at the Harmony Barber Shop. Here are a few more of the thousands of memories that have been culminated over the years. Don’t miss John Eric’s story at the end.

Special Occasion Hair Cut with Pixie Dust.

Having never had my hair cut in a barber shop before, my 40^th birthday trim in the Harmony Barber Shop was a refreshing treat on a scorching June day.

Harmony 40th Mary Jo — Celebrating my 40th Birthday with a trim!

Harmony celebrating the Goofy Challenge — Jeff celebrated the finish of the 2011 Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge with a new cut.

Pixie Dust.

Spiked to perfection after a trim.

Harmony child cut with spiking — Barbara created super spikey hair to the delight of Wyatt

First haircuts, Harmony style.

Harmony first Cindy2 — Getting the first hair cut

Harmony first Cindy — Covered in Mickey Mouse stickers for the first hair cut

Harmony first cut Neil — Walt Disney World Moms Panelist Leslie helps entertain her son during his first hair cut on his very first birthday!

Harmony first Cindy big red scissors — The finale of the first hair cut experience... Pictures with the big red scissors and Mickey cape

Harmony first cut neil mickey ears — The famous "First Haircut" Mickey Ears

A Celebration of life.

John Eric Bartels’ mom and dad had always dreamed of having their son’s hair cut at the Harmony Barber Shop. In April 2008, Jay and Alisha took their son John Eric to Walt Disney World for some much needed magic. Fighting a battle against Stage IV Neuroblastoma Cancer, 22 month old John Eric didn’t have hair to cut. However, the dream of having their son encounter the Harmony Barber Shop was important. With love and compassion, the Cast Members gave John Eric a special, one-of-a-kind treatment. After the lavishing of the Mickey Mouse stickers, a unique “Hidden Mickey” was painted on the back of his head. John Eric watched contently looking in the mirror as the barber worked her magic. He was so proud of his “Hidden Mickey” that he wore it for several days. The heart and soul of John Eric and his parents were lifted that day by their amazing experience. Jay and Alisha will always be grateful for this memory.

Harmony John eric in the window — John Eric loved his experience at the Harmony Barber Shop

Harmony john eric stickers — Getting bunches of Mickey Mouse stickers

Harmony John Eric getting his HM — John Eric getting his "Hidden Mickey"

Harmony John Eric HM — John Eric loved his "Hidden Mickey"

This article is written in memory of John Eric Bartels (June 18, 2006-May 16, 2008)

Harmony in memory of John Eric2 — John Eric with Pluto

Harmony john eric display — The day in the Harmony Barber Shop will always be a cherished memory.

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Many thanks to Mary Jo for sharing these wonderful photos and family stories with us. In addition to being a wonderful mom of two adorable Disney kids (Emily and Wyatt above), you can find Mary Jo on twitter at @MoJoDisney, on facebook, and hanging around the WDW Radio team, where she is a member of the WDW Radio Running Team, Finisher of 11 Disney Running Races (including Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge)! She just came back from the WDW Radio Disney Dream cruise – maybe we can convince her to come back and write about that here too!

Latest Disney Dream Portraits by Annie Leibovitz

3 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

As seen on celebuzz.com, here are the latest in famed photographer Annie Leibovitz’s Disney Dream series for Disney Parks. In the photos, Penelope Cruz and Jeff Bridges recreate Beauty and the Beast, Olivia Wilde puts her own twist on Snow White (with the help of Alec Baldwin) and Queen Latifah takes on evil Ursula from The Little Mermaid. Click to enlarge photos:

Queen Latifa Annie Leibovitz Disney Dream portrait — Queen Latifah as Ursula (Annie Leibovitz/Disney Parks)

Olivia Wilde and Alec Baldwin Annie Leibovitz Disney Dream portrait — Alec Baldwin as the Mirror and Olivia Wilde as the Wicked Queen (Annie Leibovitz/DisneyParks)

Jeff Bridges and Penelope Cruz Annie Leibovitz Disney Dream portrait — Jeff Bridges as the transformed Beast and Penelope Cruz as Belle (Annie Leibovitz/Disney Parks)

Here are some behind-the-scenes photos of the process as well –

Mars Needs Moms Gift Pack GIVEAWAY!

24 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 10 Comments

You may remember the Mars Needs Moms trailer I shared with you back in November. Now in anticipation of the March 11th opening of the movie in 3-D, I’m happy to bring you a giveaway of fun Mars Needs Moms items for Mom AND child! This giveaway gift basket will include:

– MARS NEEDS MOMS T-Shirt (Adult Size)

– MARS NEEDS MOMS T-Shirt (Youth Size)

– MARS NEEDS MOMS Temporary Tattoos (3-pack)

If you’d like a refresher on the Mars Needs Moms story, check out the newest trailer below:

~~To enter, simply:~~

~~1. Comment below with what you think your kids would do if you went to Mars.~~

2. “Like” the Mars Needs Moms facebook page.

3 (optional for an extra entry). Share this giveaway on twitter or facebook. You can use the two buttons at the top of this post, or just copy and paste the link yourself. https://zannaland.com/mars-needs-moms-giveaway Please provide a link in a separate comment below if you have shared this giveaway.

~~Giveaway ends on March 8 and winner will be announced on this post on March 9, 2011.~~

Good luck!

CONGRATULATIONS to Kathie, aka magic2go on twitter (and fellow Walt Disney World Moms Panelist!) for getting randomly chosen as the gift pack winner!! Random.org picked #3 and that’s her! Be on the lookout for your prizes in the mail!

Thanks to everyone for participating. More giveaways to come!

Get A FastPass To Mickey This Spring At The Magic Kingdom

22 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Following Tom Staggs revealing press conference last week, Disney is now releasing details from the first change: FastPasses to meet characters.

Here’s more from the official Disney press release:

Magic Kingdom officials have a hunch a really “hot ticket” in their realm this summer is going to be something other than a ride, a snack or a show. Rather, it’s a first-ever opportunity to nail down a time to meet with Mickey Mouse.

When meet-and-greets with Mickey move into a permanent new location in Town Square later this spring, Magic Kingdom guests will be able obtain a Disney’s FASTPASS ticket specifying a one-hour window when they can return to see the popular character for hugs, photos and autographs — without waiting in the standby queue. It will mark the first time the complimentary, computerized service has been available for a character meet-and-greet at any Disney Park.

Since spending time with Disney characters is at the top of the “must-do list” of many guests, the FASTPASS ticket will allow them to experience their Mickey Mouse meet-and-greets more conveniently. As a result, guests will be able to devote more time enjoying other Magic Kingdom experiences with family and friends.

The new meet-and-greet location, Town Square Theater, will be located inside the current Exposition Hall area just inside the park entrance. Imagineers already are working to completely transform the space for the new experience. “This isn’t just remodeling Expo Hall; it is completely re-imagining this entire venue as a beautiful Victorian-era theater and the new home for Mickey Mouse,” Jon Georges, WDI Director, Senior Show Producer, said.

“Mickey and Main Street, U.S.A. are great examples of pure Americana that complement each other very well,” Concept Designer Jason Grandt said. “We drew a lot of inspiration from classic Mickey animated shorts such as The Nifty Nineties and Mickey’s Grand Opera. Many of the scenes in these shorts look like they take place right on Main Street.”

Guests arrive at a building befitting Mickey Mouse’s stardom — with a grand-Victorian-theater elevation, including a marquee that glistens with gold-leaf trim and sparkles with lights. Inside, there’s a mosaic floor, lush curtains with gold rope tie-backs and polished-brass chandeliers. Imagineers are creating new elements and surprises for Magic Kingdom guests, including an interactive queue — with an extra touch of Disney magic — and highly themed retail shops.

The queue takes guests “backstage,” where Mickey is waiting to greet them in a rehearsal-room environment amid posters, steamer trunks and stage props.

In addition, during the New Fantasyland construction, royalty will be visiting as the Disney Princesses will be in Town Square Theater to meet and greet their loyal subjects.

Currently, guests can visit with Mickey Mouse in Tomorrowland, in a location to the right of Space Mountain. Meet-and-greet experiences with the Disney Princesses are currently at Adventureland Verandah.

NEW Disney Dooney & Bourke Stripes Designs!

20 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 7 Comments

Those tracking Disney Dooney & Bourke auctions on ebay spotted these new styles this week. Thanks once more to Shelley C. for capturing these photos for us at Downtown Disney’s TrenD shop. Let’s see the newest Disney Dooney designs – the Gwenny Large Tote, the Large Erica and Zippered Wristlets in black and white, and red white and blue. They are canvas with leather handles and accents.

Disney Dooney Stripes — Stripes Large Gwenny Tote in black and white - $185

Disney Dooney Stripes Red — Disney Dooney & Bourke red stripe Large Erica bag - $150

Disney Dooney Stripes wristlets — Stripe zippered wristlets in red and black - $45

What do you guys think of this newest style? So far the impressions I’m seeing online is that they are a little hypnotic. Will you add these to your list, or pass?

Other Disney Dooney & Bourke collections may be found here on ZannaLand:

Disney Dooney & Bourke Original Cindy Sketch in White – NEW STYLES!

Disney Dooney & Bourke Multi-colored Mickey Black Handbags

Disney Dooney & Bourke Brown Mickey, Navy Mickey, Pink Minnie Purse Designs

Dooney & Bourke Disney Cruise Line Edition and Colored Wristlets

Disney Dooney & Bourke Cindy Sketch in COLORS

Disneyland 55th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke Collection

Disney Dooney and Bourke Princess Handbag Designs

Disney Dooney & Bourke Balloon Design in Black and White

Disney Dooney & Bourke Peace Love Mickey Minnie Denim Bags

Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke Collection

Disney Dream Inaugural Cruise Dooney & Bourke Designs

Disney Parks Memories Sweepstakes-Win a Vacation to Disney!

18 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

Let the Memories Begin with the Disney Parks Memories Sweepstakes!

Enter the Disney Parks Memories Sweepstakes for a chance to win a 4-person family vacation to a Disney Resort each week in February 2011!

Guests can enter either online or via mobile once a day for the chance to win:

· Current week: 5-days, 4-nights at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida

· Week 4: 7-days, 6-nights at any Disney Resort worldwide

Guests can also go to the sweepstakes site each day to download the Daily Digital Download, featuring exclusives such as Disney-themed picture frames, wallpapers and more.

The sweepstakes runs from now until Feb. 28, 2011. For rules, please see: Official Rules

Mr. Teller of Penn and Teller Visits Disney World

12 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Perusing my twitter stream the other day, I noticed that Mr. Teller, the tacit partner of the magical duo making up Penn & Teller, was in Orlando. The partners were actually performing nearby at UCF but Teller appeared to make his way over to Walt Disney World the next day. I’ve been a fan for years, so I follow both Penn and Teller on twitter. I couldn’t resist sharing when Teller started tweeting pictures of some friends he met at WDW:

From Teller’s tweet: “I’m at Walt Disney World. They seem to favor monarchy in these parts.”

Teller at Disney World — Mr. Teller meets Ms. White

From the tweet: “With a Toy Story army man.”

Teller at Disney's Hollywood Studios — and Mr. Teller meets a green army man

You never know who you’ll see in the World! Have you ever seen a celebrity in the parks? Back when I worked in the Magic Kingdom I saw Bruce Willis (during the Demi years) and Sylvester Stallone at Planet Hollywood. Earlier than that I saw Dick Van Patton over by the ABC Commissary at the Studios. And of course Chef Robert Irvine twice now! I think I’m due for another celebrity meeting, no?