Suzannah Otis

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?

Disney and Build-a-Bear Release Wizards of Waverly Place Bear

11 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Disney and Build-A-Bear Workshop have already partnered to bring us adorable costumes representing Disney princesses (I was lucky enough to win a Cinderella bear at Disney’s Social Media Moms Celebration last February, as well as meeting Chief Executive Bear Maxine Clark, who is a wonderful business woman and leader), Buzz Lightyear and Woody from Toy Story among others. The companies have now designed a Wizards of Waverly Place bear which was released on January 21, in stores and online. Maybe this can be a girlfriend for Duffy the Disney Bear? 😉

The official press release follows:

Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, announced today that it is offering a “Wizards of Waverly Place” Bear for $22 (outfits and accessories sold separately). This adorable new furry friend features purple, blue and pink fur with a “Wizards of Waverly Place” logo on its paw and includes a magic wand. The bear arrived at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and buildabear.com on Jan. 21.

“Fans of the Disney Channel Original Series ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ will love this new enchanting bear,” said Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and chief executive bear. “Build-A-Bear Workshop has always been a special place, and the ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Bear is sure to bring an extra dash of magic to our stores.”

The adventures are endless with a wizard as a furry friend! To personalize this bear, Build-A-Bear Workshop will offer a variety of magical-themed clothing and accessories including:

· Wizards of Waverly Place Outfit ($13.50) for a fashion-forward wizard.

· Silver Glitter Flats ($7) add charm to any outfit.

· Wizards of Waverly Place Bag ($6) for a dash of pizzazz.

· Wizards of Waverly Place Scarf ($3.50) to complete this magical look

With each purchase of a Wizards of Waverly Place Bear, Guests will receive a free Wizard Teller, while quantities last, plus $5 off a future purchase at Build-A-Bear Workshop.

About “Wizards of Waverly Place”

The Disney Channel Original Emmy Award-winning show “Wizards of Waverly Place”, features Selena Gomez as Alex Russo. Alex is not your ordinary teenager living in a Manhattan neighborhood. She has a powerful family secret – she and her brothers are wizards in training. When the going gets tough, she and her brothers Justin and Max, tend to use magic to try and solve their problems – with outrageous consequences! While their parents run the family business, Waverly Sub Station, Alex, Justin and Max prepare for a Wizard Competition, which will determine who will become the family wizard and keep their magical powers. This hit show is in its fourth season. “Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie” premiered in 2009, and a new Disney Channel Original Movie is planned for Spring 2012.

About Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. The company currently operates more than 400 Build-A-Bear Workshop stores worldwide, including company-owned stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and franchise stores in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East, and Mexico. Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear Workshop is the leader in interactive retail. Brands include make-your-own Major League Baseball® mascot in-stadium locations, and Build-A-Dino® stores. Build-A-Bear Workshop extends its in-store interactive experience online with its award winning virtual world Web site at bearville.com™.

Amazingly Magical Disney Themed Birthday Party Ideas

10 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 13 Comments

In the course of my travels across the interwebs, I came across a photo of a birthday cake themed to the Disney Pixar movie UP. I had planned to share the photo here with all of you, and then friend and blogging maven (and Moms Panelist too) OhAmanda, shared the blog post that the cake actually came from. I was in awe. She suggested I do a whole post on Disney themed parties. I thought that was a fabulous idea, and she should know, since she created her very own Rapunzel birthday party for her adorable daughter. (Actually, you’ll find below she has a knack for pretty awesome parties!) Thanks to Amanda’s help, I have a bunch of pixie-dusted ideas to share with you here. I think it puts my X-box 360 Controller Cake to shame, but with a little faith and trust…well, you know the rest!

Let’s start off with OhAmanda and her Rapunzel’s Golden Hair Birthday Party. You have to check out all of the unique touches and parts of the party that linked back to the Tangled storyline. Just precious!

{Click photos to enlarge}

Tangled birthday party — Instead of lanterns, they released balloons with lights inside. HOW COOL!

Tangled Rapunzel cupcakes — Remember one of the Pub Thugs wanted to bake cupcakes??

Ok, next up – UP! This UP themed birthday party from Wendy Updegraff completely blew me away. Get it? Balloons? Blew away? Sorry…just look at these unbelievable photos. I think this made even Martha Stewart jealous!

Photographer Jessica Claire shared not one but TWO amazing Alice in Wonderland-themed birthday parties. I would live in these pictures if I could!! Be sure to head over to see the rest of Annabelle in Wonderland and Nicola’s UNbirthday.

While we’re looking at Alice in Wonderland themed ideas – check out OhAmanda‘s Ace Party (as in Ace of Spades!) for her little guy:

Here’s another of OhAmanda‘s masterpieces – her Snow White birthday party – complete with Seven Dwarfs mine and Wicked Queen’s punch!

Be sure to check out OhAmanda.com‘s Pirate themed birthday party and Muppet Puppet Party too! I need her to plan my next birthday I think.

If traditional Disney is your thing, I’ve got two Minnie Mouse themed birthday parties to share with you. One from At Second Street blog and the other from Two Parts Sugar as shared on DisneyEveryDay.com. Seems like Disney parties are on everyone’s mind this month! Check out these adorable ideas:

Hey Howdy Hey, here’s another great party! Check out this Toy Story Jessie-themed party from Beth Kruse!

I hope you enjoyed these party-inspiring photos and blogs! All photos are copyright their original owner and just shared here to spread the magic. For even more fun (and easy to create) birthday party ideas, check out FamilyFun.com. If you have a Disney themed party that you went all out for, let me know!

Disney Junior Moves In to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Channel

10 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Disney Junior Live on Stage - coming in March to Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney news buffs may have heard that Playhouse Disney Live on Stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been closed to make way for the all new Disney Junior Live on Stage, opening in March. Until the new show starts in the Studios, you can check out the new Disney Junior line up starting on Valentine’s Day – February 14th on the Disney Channel.

Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney programming block is becoming “Disney Junior,” a new multiplatform brand devoted to children ages 2-7 and their families. Disney Junior will invite parents and grandparents to join their children in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, both classic and new, while incorporating specific learning and developmental themes.

Among the new series are “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” an animated adventure combining new and classic Disney characters Captain Hook and Smee (“Peter Pan”); a series of Disney Poetry Shorts which showcases poems for children set against classic Disney animation; two short form series, “Mickey Mousekersize” and “Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps,” to encourage healthy lifestyles for preschoolers and families; “Babar and the Adventures of Badou,” an updated version of the classic “Babar,” that introduces King Babar’s energetic eight-year-old grandson, Badou, and friends as they explore the world of Celesteville; and “Tinga Tinga Tales,” a vibrant animated adventure inspired by traditional African animal folktales and the art of Tanzania. Playhouse Disney hits “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny,” “Special Agent Oso” and “Imagination Movers,” among others, will be part of Disney Junior.

As part of Disney’s Magic of Healthy Living initiative, which encourages healthier lifestyles for kids and families, Disney Junior will premiere two new short-form series, “Mickey Mousekersize” and “Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps.” Hosted by Mickey Mouse, “Mickey Mousekersize” focuses on the fun of exercising and encourages children at home to get up and move along with Mickey and pals. “Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps” features Oso and friends as they watch a live-action kid demonstrate three healthy steps to exercising and eating right.

For more information, visit www.DisneyJunior.com.

You can also “Like” Disney Junior on Facebook!

Check out these videos of the magic coming to your living room:

Disney Junior – Where The Magic Begins

Disney Junior Through a Child’s Eyes

Sneak Peek of Jake and the Never Land Pirates!

NEW Valentine’s Day Mickey Antenna Topper

9 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I’ve got quite a few Valentine’s Day Mickey antenna toppers from over the years, but Disney has now added another one for me to collect! Thanks go once more to Shelley C. for the photos!

Valentines Mickey antenna topper — Will you Be Mine? 😉

In Epcot for Valentine’s Day? Get Free Bottle Engraving at Guerlain!

8 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

From Walt Disney World Events:

“The Scent of Love is in the Air”
Guerlain Fragrance Event
February 10-14, 2011
La Signature Shoppe, France Pavilion, Epcot®

Complimentary bottle engraving with any Guerlain fragrance purchase on the last two days of this event – February 13 &14 from 1:00pm-7:00pm

The scent of love is in the air… surprise your valentine this year with a fragrance from Guerlain. La Signature Shoppe in the France Pavilion at the World Showcase at Epcot® has a wide variety of gift giving ideas and fragrance gift set solutions that will bring joy and delight to any recipient.

During this special event guests purchasing a Guerlain fragrance February 13 & 14^th, can have their purchase personalized by our bottle engraver.

Complimentary bottle engraving available with any Guerlain fragrance purchase from 1:00pm-7:00pm on February 13 & 14, 2011 only. Available at the La Signature Shoppe in Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort. Theme Park admission is required.

Make Personalized Valentines and Crafts on Disney.com’s Create!

8 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

What better way to show some love than with your favorite Disney characters, right? Now you can create a valentine on Disney.com/Create with the new Minnie Mouse Digital Painter on Disney.com. You and your family can use stamps to create your own pictures of Minnie and the gang, or draw a unique piece of art using whimsical Valentine-themed pens and fun backgrounds.

: Click to head to Disney.com/Create and make your own masterpiece!

After creating valentines on Disney.com’s Create, you can get even more Minnie Mouse fun at Disney Family.com with cute Valentine’s Day printables for kids and parents to make together. Check out the Mickey & Minnie Cutie Valentine’s Candy Boxes for a unique gift or the Mickey & Minnie Valentine’s Day Flowers to decorate the house with. For more Valentine’s Day fun, check out Disney Family.com.

♥ Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥

Minnie’s Masquerade on DVD With Mickey Mote & Extras-Plus $5 Off!

8 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Minnies Masquerade Plus Mickey Mote — Minnie's Masquerade with Mickey Mote out today-February 8, 2011

This latest release features four playful Minnie-themed adventures previously seen on the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse TV show, a never-before-seen episode, and a free paper mask with festive embellishments that kids can personalize. And as a special option for consumers, Disney has packaged a version of the DVD to include the exclusive Mickey Mote – a child-friendly handheld remote control, shaped like Mickey ears, that takes children’s viewing experience to a whole new level of play. The DVD + Mickey Mote Play Set is the ultimate value for moms and equally fun and engaging for kids! The Mickey Mote uses infrared wireless technology and may not be compatible with all devices.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie’s Masquerade starring Disney’s Fab Five — Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Daisy – takes viewers on an all new adventure as they dress-up in their favorite costumes for Minnie’s Masquerade Ball. In this episode, Minnie needs some help getting everything ready for her party including making royal crowns for their costumes, searching for Sir Goofalot’s lost shoe, stringing up paper lanterns and much, much more. At the ball, Professor Von Drake hosts the great Clubhouse Costume Show and gives out prize ribbons to all the friends who have dressed up in some funny and fancy costumes. All it takes is a heaping helping of imagination…and the right Mouseketools.

About Disney’s Exclusive Mickey Mote:
Disney’s Mickey Mote works with any Disney Preschool DVD that includes the Discovery ModeTM feature – an interactive “Watch & Play” feature on the DVD. All parents have to do is program the remote control – there’s an easy and quick set-up guide in each DVD- and select the Discovery Mode feature on the menu screen. Within minutes, kids will be easily responding to questions, throughout the story, about scenes they just watched by pressing one of four color-coded buttons on the device — a yellow star, green circle, orange triangle or blue square – to click in their responses. Discovery Mode features include two levels of play, which provides more challenging questions as the child grows.
The Mickey Mote can be used with any Disney Preschool DVD that includes the Discovery Mode feature. To date there are more than 11 titles that can be used with the remote control, just take a look at the back of the package to make sure. The Mickey Mote really was easy to program and my little guy loved being able to play along and interact!

Check out a clip of the all-new episode on Minnie’s Masquerade DVD:

Even though I have a little Prince and not a Princess, he absolutely loved this DVD. It totally captured his attention and he wanted to wear a crown and be a Prince, so his big sister made him one out of construction paper to wear. This is a great addition to our family’s collection and toddler-preschool entertainment!

Minnie's Masquerade dvd coupon — Click for a $5 coupon on the DVD playset!

Gowalla and Disney Reveal Passholder Exclusive Virtual Pin

5 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 5 Comments

If you’ve ever gone anywhere with someone who uses location-based check-in apps like Foursquare, Gowalla, or even Facebook Places, you’ve probably rolled your eyes at the very least or perhaps cautioned us from walking into a fountain as we attempt to check in. Everywhere.

We are easy to spot; we’re the ones constantly looking at our phones, searching for locations to check in to and of course, share with the world (and cursing the lack of cell service to complete our check in!). Who doesn’t want to know that we are getting our morning coffee at Starbucks, buying socks at the mall, or enjoying seeing a movie with friends? As newbies find out quickly, quite a few people not only aren’t interested but actually get annoyed with constant check ins! Hrmph. Never fear, there are actually settings in all services which allow you to keep your check-ins to yourself, only share with friends, or share with twitter, facebook, or both.

While each of us use the apps or services in a different way – some to meet up with friends in the same location, others to keep family informed, others just to chronicle their every move, we’re all in it for the fun, and yes, tiny pixelated rewards we may get for checking in. Disney teamed up with popular service Gowalla a few months back and created official Disney check-ins, virtual pins, trips to complete and items to pick up along the way. With the huge social media army nestled firmly within the Disney fandom, this was a natural and welcomed partnership.

Disney Gowalla places — Some of the most popular Walt Disney World check-in spots on Gowalla. There are Disneyland spots as well.

Fans could now share their Disney visits and experiences as they happened online. Users can take a photo of a location and leave it behind for future visitors to see. Gowalla also uses random items which may be found or dropped along the way and with the Disney partnership, those items now included Mickey Mouse ear hats, Hitchhiking Ghosts, and Walt and Mickey Partners Statues. Disney created their own official “trips” which include checking in to multiple locations, either within one or more parks, the resorts, or a combination of places within Walt Disney property. Committed users will be rewarded by the trip completion and a virtual pin to add to their collection. Another benefit is visitors themselves can make their own trips which guests can also complete, adding to the fun and competitive aspect of checking in.

Disney Gowalla trip pins — Some of the virtual Disney pins from Gowalla for trip completion

Gowalla has now announced a new Walt Disney World Passholder exclusive virtual pin. No details have been given as to whether proof of Passholder must somehow be shown to obtain the virtual pin. Perhaps just not publicizing it anywhere but the Passholder newsletter is the level of “exclusivity” mentioned. If there’s one thing the Disney community does, it spreads news, so I’d imagine many guests will be achieving this particular pin, Passholder or not. I’ll have to report back on it when I complete the challenge myself. One of the spots, Disney Junior – Live on Stage! does not premier until March, but the check-in spot is available currently, so there may be some dishonest checking in among die-hard Gowalla users. Below are the complete set of spots you must check in at to earn the Passholder virtual pin.

Gowalla Disney Passholder Virtual Pin check-ins — Disney Passholder Virtual Pin check-ins

Personally, I love the marriage of Disney and Gowalla and for an obsessive personality like my own (hence my blog), it’s just the thing to keep me excited about the next big thing at Walt Disney World. Much to the dismay of my family, my check-in addition is not going anywhere any time soon. Unlike many other Disney collections (Dooney & Bourke purses, Vinylmation, constantly updating Disney merchandise…) this virtual one is compact, portable, and best of all – free! I no longer fear ending up on an episode of “Disney Hoarders” (that would make an awesome show, btw), my fears now involve a drained battery in my phone. My 12 year old son is following along in my footsteps and we now challenge each other to see who can check in to a spot first. Makes a mother proud…

Gowalla is a free app available for Android, Blackberry, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Palm devices.

Disney Dream Inaugural Year Dooney & Bourke Bags

4 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

We’ve seen the Disney Cruise Line Dooney & Bourke designs for a while now but with the christening of the brand new floating kingdom, the Disney Dream, an entire new design has been created and is now on sale for the inaugural year of sailings. There was some worry that these new bags would only be available for the actual first inaugural sailing but rest assured, when a new ship debuts, its entire first year is considered the inaugural year. How long into the year these styles will last remains to be seen of course! We can also now assume or hope at least that when the Fantasy sails into Port Canaveral, we will be treated to another exclusive design from Dooney & Bourke. I want to extend special thanks to StitchKingdom for the permission to share his photos below. Be sure to visit his site if you don’t already, he has tons of reviews and info on the Dream’s inaugural voyage!