Suzannah Otis

ZannaLand News Update!

12 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

Today I’m currently running around organizing and packing for a weekend trip to Walt Disney World to represent the Moms Panel. I’m very excited and will share the details (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and lots of other fun “hair-raising” items!) with you in several future posts. So in the mean time, I thought I’d do a quick update of some other things I’ve been working on.

The Walt Disney World Moms Panel – One Year Later

11 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

A little over a year ago, I was floating in a surreal dream of having actually achieved my dream of being selected for the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. It’s hard to imagine a time before my Moms Panel journey began…but I thought I’d try to reflect back on it after an action-packed year. Of course, my year has been doubly blessed because so much has happened as a result of the blog as well. I am grateful for all that this past year has brought, in terms of friendships, personal successes, lessons learned and dreams come true. The wonderful thing about dreams coming true…once they do, you get to move on to the next dream. And let me tell you, a girl can get used to dreaming big!

In putting together the video I’m about to share below, I remembered when I first started looking into DisneyWorldMoms.com and watching the official video Disney released announcing the 2009 panel. I recall watching the video and seeing the faces of the moms and dads on the panel and just thinking, “That will never be me. I can’t imagine.” (but at the same time secretly hoping) The people on the panel seemed like rock stars to me; people you admired from afar but could never be a part of their world. Despite that, I had a dream…and now not only am I one of the chosen few Walt Disney World Moms Panelists, I call each and every one of them friend.

NEW Muppet Movie with Jason Segel First Look Photo!

10 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 7 Comments

Check out this picture sent to us from Disney – the first look at the all-new Muppet Movie featuring the writing and acting talents of Jason Segel, which is tentatively called The Muppets and premiers December 25, 2010. Click for the full-size image:

Muppet Movie Jason Segel — Who's that Muppet with an iPhone?!

According to TheFilmStage.com, Jason shares that “His name is Walter and he teams with Kermit the Frog and his muppet pals “to put on a show to save their old theater.” … Walter is the kind of guy who faints when he sees Kermit. Walter has a little bit of a self-confidence issue because he’s the only person like him that he’s seen aside from the Muppets….Segel explained. His dream is to meet the Muppets and be around people who are like him.“

Can’t wait for this film, being a huge Muppet AND Jason Segal fan!

Disney Store Times Square NYC Behind the Scenes With Jodi Benson

9 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Today’s post is brought to you by fellow Disney fan and friend, Jennifer Meyering. Jennifer may be found with other Walt Disney World planning experts at their fan site – Disney Dream Depot. Each week they put on a web chat on Disney topics and share their advice with readers and viewers alike. She was recently chosen by Jim Fielding, the Disney Store President and favorite among Disney twitter fans, to experience a special backstage tour of the brand new Times Square Disney Store before its official grand opening. I asked Jen to share her family’s experience here with us – be sure to watch the accompanying slide show with pictures from the event! Enjoy!

I recently had one of the most amazing experiences I could have ever imagined– a Behind-the-Scenes look of the new Times Square Disney Store! I was able to have this wonderful experience courtesy of the Disney Store President (Jim Fielding) and a contest he had on Twitter. I won entrance into the very limited space D23 event at the new Disney store on November 7.

The event was a pre-opening behind-the-scenes look of the new store that included a continental breakfast, remarks by Jim Fielding, and the chance to meet Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid. It was everything, and more, that you would expect.

My Favorite TRON:Legacy Clip So Far – “Long Time” and NEW TRON Trailer

8 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

I will admit that just a few months ago I’d never even seen the original TRON film. My husband had always loved it and I had bought him little collectible figures over the years, but never really knew what the fuss was. I finally watched the movie and while it is of course dated, I could definitely see the cult appeal and the amazing technology it used at the time. It is pretty cool and has stood the test of time in that regard. Now with 2010 advancements in film and special effects, TRON: Legacy promises to pick up where TRON left off, but in a bigger, better (stronger, faster?) way.

However, not to be lost in the world of computerized technology, TRON: Legacy is at its roots the story of a father and son, which is perhaps why this next clip appealed to me so much. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still stoked to be surrounded by cool glowing costumes and light cycles set to an original Daft Punk score, but without a story, there is nothing. Press play to watch this clip below and see if you agree:

Hilarious Disney Tangled Vignette Grounded For Life & Meet the Sidekicks Clip

8 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 5 Comments

Disney just sent over these clips from their new animated feature film Tangled and I actually rushed to update here and share them with you, they are that great!

The first video – a vignette entitled “Grounded For Life” actually made me laugh out loud. This was a great little piece put together by Disney that really endears you to Rapunzel and her plight. I’m sure kids and tweens can relate to their own not-quite-so-severe groundings!

Now in Walt Disney World – Disney SNUGGIES!

7 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Friend and fellow Disney and theme park fan Banks Lee spotted these beauties for sale at the Magic Kingdom the other day. I have to say, I have never before wanted a Snuggie^*…until now! I think Disney did a great job with the two designs and hopefully there will be even more in the future as well!

I also saw some Nightmare Before Christmas Snuggies when I was in Hot Topic the other day so be on the lookout for those too. (Which is funny since Tim Burton has actually openly poked fun at the Snuggie phenomenon!)

Disney Mickey and Minnie Snuggie — Banks did not catch the price, but I'm willing to bet they are around $20+ I will look for them next weekend!

EDIT: Thanks to Orlando Attractions magazine for tweeting that they are for sale at around $28 (30 with tax). I was in the ball-park huh? 🙂

Many thanks to Banks Lee for permission to share this photo with you all!

*Of course I have to say that Snuggie is a registered brand name and these are not Snuggie brand, but it’s much easier to say than “sleeved blanket” 😉

Epic Mickey and Kingdom Hearts Merchandise in Hot Topic!

6 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

While visiting our local mall the other day, I noticed tons of cool new Epic Mickey and Kingdom Hearts merchandise at Hot Topic. I thought I’d share some here so Epic Mickey fans can be sure to stock up on their favorites before the game is released on November 30!

Epic Mickey Kingdom Hearts Hot Topic — Epic Mickey and Kingdom Hearts T-shirts and jewelry at Hot Topic

Get TANGLED With a Rapunzel Pasta Trick for Your Little Princess!

5 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 5 Comments

I was flipping through the November issue of Parents magazine, and this little article in the “Time for Fun | Play With Your Food” section caught my eye! I Thought I’d share it for all those with little ones who are as excited as we grown-ups about Disney’s upcoming animated feature Tangled! I’m sure even the little prince’s out there would love this fun twist on pasta.

Here’s what Parents magazine says to do:

“Boil a handful of angel-hair (capellini) pasta plus a few green bow ties (farfalle), and toss in butter or olive oil. Place angel hair on a plate as shown, and decorate with a bow tie. “

I’m going to try this out with my princess and two princes, I hope you will too!

Don’t forget Disney’s Tangled opens in theatres on November 24 – when Rapunzel will let her hair down with her best friend Pascal the chameleon, Flynn Rider and Max the horse!

Disney’s The Search for Santa Paws Special Pre-Order Plush

3 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

When Santa and his new best friend, Paws, discover that the boys and girls of the world have lost the spirit of the season, they take a trip to New York City. But after Santa loses his memory, it’s up to Paws, a faithful orphan named Quinn (AMERICA’S GOT TALENT’s Kaitlyn Maher), her new friend Will (THE GAME PLAN’s Madison Pettis) and a wonderful group of magical talking dogs to save St. Nick and show the world what Christmas spirit is really all about. With the Blu-ray & DVD release of Disney’s THE SEARCH FOR SANTA PAWS on November 23rd, Disney is offering up a few early holiday gifts:

Disney Movie Rewards has a special Pre-Order offer that includes a FREE Plush Pup!

Here’s an all-new Sneak Peek of the film!