Check out these awesome Muppet Saga photos- Bella Swine, genius! The Muppets opens November 23 in theaters everywhere!
Disney News
Santa Mickey Dole Whip Mugs at Disney Parks
Just saw these Santa Mickey mugs for Dole Whip and had to share! The line was too long to ask last night but I’ll update as a find more info. If they are like the Halloween Dole Whip mugs, they will be available daily, not just for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The Halloween mugs were available in some resort locations with desserts inside too, so keep an eye out.
Disney Launches Season 2 of the Taste of Disney Web Series
If you’re a local about to be forlorn at the ending of Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival this weekend, or just too far off to experience the festival in person, you can enjoy delectable Disney creations online with Disney.com’s web series. I somehow missed season one, but I’m excited to check out this series for great ideas to recreate Disney masterpieces at home:
The “Taste of Disney” web series on Disney.com offers guests the rare opportunity to explore the delectable culinary experiences found at Disney Parks and bring the magic into their homes. Mother and daughter hosts Pam Brandon and Katie Farmand are back for the second season, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look into the amazing food and special events of Disney Parks.
This season’s episodes feature in-depth interviews with the head chefs and event planners from Disney Parks, sharing their secrets from the most magical dining spots in the country. Fans can look forward to:
- Finding out how 900,000 sumptuous samplings, 338,000 wine glasses and 100,000 desserts are made and distributed over the 45 days of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
- Seeing how some of their favorite iconic foods like Disney’s Polynesian Resort “Tonga Toast” and Main St. Confectionary’s Mickey inspired candy apples are made
- An interview with the chef de cuisine of the Flying Fish Café about the restaurant and one of their most popular signature dishes
- A look at how Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa has inspired the all-new Hawaiian kiosk at theEpcot International Food & Wine Festival and tips for hosting an authentic luau at home
After watching each episode, guests will be able to access the recipes for all featured dishes and make them at home. Guests can also check out the “Meet the Chefs” page for in-depth information about the hosts, chefs and other guests from the series.
Which recipe would you love to see recreated on the series??
Kinect Disneyland Adventures Gameplay Preview
During our first Disneyland visit we managed to squeeze a little D23 Expo in, including this fun preview of the Disneyland Adventures game for Xbox 360’s Kinect. Santa brought my eldest a Kinect last year, and he has loved playing Dance Central, Kinectimals and Kinect Sports. There are absolutely no controllers for the Kinect, because YOU are the controller. It’s pretty amazing and once you get used to it, a great immersive game experience.
Friend and zannaland correspondent Nicole Siscaretti got to experience Disneyland Adventures first hand, as one of the games creators explains the ins and outs of the game. Things like “you never die in Disneyland” (you just splat and come right back) and how you collect coins and can then purchase costumes for your avatar in Bibiddi Bobbidi Boutique within the game.
Kinect Disneyland Adventures arrives in stores November 15th. Be sure to pick it up for your adventurer or the whole family!
Three New MUPPETS Film Clips to Enjoy!
I was just sent these clips and they’ve made me even more excited to see the all-new The Muppets movie opening on November 23rd! The second clip in particular is a perfect example of classic Muppet humor –
Duffy the Disney Bear Passholder Exclusive T-shirt
Since first learning of Duffy the Disney Bear‘s popularity in Japan’s Tokyo Disney Sea, I’ve been a huge fan and supporter of his presence here in the US Disney parks. I love reporting on Duffy’s new outfits and special edition Duffy bears already in costume.
So of course I was in attendance today when 750 Walt Disney World Annual Passholders received a special t-shirt commemorating Duffy’s one-year anniversary in the parks here. Also part of this event was a Duffy book release and signing by the illustrator, Monty Maldovan. This new story book tells the tale of Duffy the Disney Bear and is sure to be a favorite around these parts. The illustrations are simply darling.
I’m continually amazed at what Disney gives back to its guests and annual passholders and today was no exception. Of course, the best part was walking through the door to my little guy and giving him Duffy’s new shirt and book. He was SO excited. As you can see, so were Duffy and friends:
Thanks once again to Disney Parks for a memorable day!
*This photo scene is an homage to one of my very favorite children’s books – Edith and Mr. Bear by the talented Dare Wright.
Disney Parks Blog Trick-or-Meet Up a Spooky Success!
You’re probably used to coming here and reading about how great Disney is in some way or another. Well, after a special event last night, be prepared for me to gush about Disney. I’m speaking of the Disney Parks Blog “Trick-or-Meet Up” which took place last night in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square after park closing. This was the Disney Parks Blog team’s second-ever tweet-up, the first being the after-hours Star Tours grand re-opening event. I have been lucky enough to attend both and while I had a wonderful time at the Star Tours tweet-up, I have to say, the team really outdid themselves for this Treat-Up.
Guests were encouraged to dress in costume for the event, and many obliged the request. Lots of fun costumes from both attendees and cast members. It was so fun to see creativity in full-force. We all checked in at Blizzard Beach and awaited the all-clear so we could head over in luxury – Disney Cruise Line buses – for the Treat-Up to begin. We were shuttled backstage and entered by the Splash Mountain Frontierland parade gate. Even as a former cast member, these special chances to get behind the magic are always exciting. Of course no photos of this out of respect for the show.
We were ushered over to the Hall of Presidents, where those in costume could pose for formal photos before taking a seat. This was a perfectly organized event and I loved the way it was presented. Getting to hear Director of Social Media, Leanne Jakubowski, speak and introduce members of the Disney Parks Blog team in attendance was wonderful. Gary Buchannan, ever the jokester, was dressed as a giant Disney turkey leg, complete with nametag. Also present were Thomas Smith (aka Indiana Jones), Laura Spencer, Marissa May (as Boo!) and Jennifer Fickley-Baker as well as Steven Miller who escaped the Grid for the night in his TRON: Legacy costume. I sometimes take for granted the names and faces I know through my experiences with the Walt Disney World Moms Panel and this blog, but it was so nice to see the team interacting with guests.
Jason Surrell, gifted Imagineer and Haunted Mansion fanboy all rolled into one, was our first ghost-host for the evening. Inside the Hall of Presidents, he recounted some of Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion history and differences in the other Haunted Mansion attractions at Disney Parks world-wide. He let us know how important it was for current Imagineers to honor the work of the original designers of the Mansion, noting that Pete Carsillo, who apprenticed under Imagineer Blaine Gibson, took the designs to Mr. Gibson to get his blessing before proceeding. Jason then took questions from the audience which provided more laughs and entertainment for all.
After the presentation, we were each given a pre-filled trick-or-treat bag with a schedule of the evening’s events. We could then head over for drinks and a dessert buffet in the form of Mickey rice krispie treats, chocolate-covered brownie spiders and white chocolate cheesecake eyeballs. Ghoulish delights!
Small tours were given of the new interactive Haunted Mansion queue and by two of its designers, Pete Carsillo and Eric Goodman. So far this year, I’ve had the opportunity to meet five Imagineers. I’m not sure what I expected (other than me not being worthy?), but I am consistently shocked by how down to earth, welcoming and genuine they all have been. Pete and Eric are no exception. It was a treat to see how excited they both were by the details, homages and hidden connections within the queue. I can’t wait to go back in the daylight and see some of the details they described.
Throughout the night various characters were roaming Liberty Square: costumed Donald, Daisy, Mickey and Minnie, Dr. Facilier, who is my new favorite face character at Magic Kingdom, a couple of Mansion ghost sisters, Dapper Dans in Ghoulish form, and extra spooky Haunted Mansion cast members. Trick-or-treat stations were also set up in the square giving us even more treats than we’d already received.
Randomly selected guests were given blue wristbands at check-in which provided them with a Haunted Mansion hitchhiking ghost poster, signed by the artist, Tom May. I was one of those selected, as was my friend and cohort, Nicole! While picking up our posters, we got a chance to speak some more with Jason Surrell, whose parents and wife were there with him. Again proving how down to earth and real these amazing creative forces are. The fact that Disney has facilitated these experiences is just wonderful and truly how Walt would have wanted it, I feel. To see the number of young high school and college kids on twitter inspired by these Imagineers makes me excited and confident for the future of Walt Disney’s legacy.
The evening ended with a private viewing of the Headless Horseman trotting through the square, which is always a thrilling sight. On our way back to the busses, we were each gifted with a hitchhiking ghost poster and a Nightmare Before Christmas Pumpkin King Vinylmation. I was blown away by the generosity of Disney at this free event. The personal level of interaction, the behind-the-scenes tours and feeling like the Disney Parks team was just as happy to be there as we were, made for an A+ event from start to finish. Thank you again, Disney Parks Blog team, Imagineers, and everyone that made last night a thrilling success. I know I’m not alone in hoping there will be a similar holiday tweet-up in the next few months!
The Disney Parks Blog recently launched their facebook page, with behind-the-scenes videos and tidbits. Be sure to “Like” the page and follow on twitter to get the latest news and updates.
Harvey’s Handbags in Disney Halloween Prints at Disneyland
I caught this little bit of news from the Orange County Register’s site and thought some of my readers might be interested. I know the Harvey’s seatbelt bags we’ve seen around the parks (see below for past designs) are a big hit with some guests and definitely give the Disney Dooney & Bourke designs a run for their money. Now Disneyland is set to receive an all-new set of Harvey’s bags with Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas prints for Halloween as well as two other collections with a Halloween theme. The collections will debut this Saturday, September 10, 2011. I may have to bribe some of my California friends to pick me up all of them one!
Here’s the story from the OC Register (emphasis mine):
Disney Vault 28, a women’s clothing and accessory store for women in Downtown Disney, is debuting a new line of specially-designed handbags inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” on Saturday.
Disney spokeswoman Michelle Harker said the latest offering of Harveys Seatbeltbags will feature scenes from the Tim Burton movie. Additionally, two other collections featuring Halloween-themes of skulls and bats will be available.
Harveys are made from seat belt material, woven together to create bags, wallets and other accessories.
The popular handbag company, based in Santa Ana, debuted a Disney-inspired line of bags and wallets in 2008. Harveys spokeswoman Ashley Cope said the “Nightmare Before Christmas” line is the fifth Disney-inspired collection.
The bags will range in price from $128 to $238 and carry a lifetime guarantee.
Cope said Dana and Melanie Harvey, who started the handbag company, will attend the launch at Disney Vault 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Here are some photos from Harvey’s of the prints used in the Nightmare Before Christmas designs —
EDIT: Here are photos from the bags, now available at Harvey’s site:
No word right now as to whether these new designs will reach Walt Disney World stores any time soon, but I’ll keep you posted. Currently, most stores carrying the Disney Dooney & Bourke bags also carry these Harvey’s designs (which I’ve been meaning to post about since April – my photo files are a scary place!) —
As much as I love Jack Skellington, there IS something about Minnie’s bow design that really appeals to me. I think it’s the polka dots, they always get me!
Aulani, Halloween and Epcot Food & Wine Festival Duffy the Disney Bear!
A reliable source (aka one of my amazing Disney cast member friends) has just let me know that an all-new Duffy Bear will be released for the 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! The design of the Duffy must remain secret for now, but hopefully he’ll be released a little before the opening day of the Festival, September 30th.
EDIT: Thanks to the all-powerful StitchKingdom for letting me know that Food & Wine Duffy was actually at the D23 Expo! I actually walked right by him and didn’t take any pics. Oops, bad blogger. Can I blame being overwhelmed by Disneyland goodness? 😉 In any event, thanks to StichKingdom.com, I can now share photos of the Food & Wine Duffy NOW!
That’s right, not only is there a 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Duffy, there’s an Aulani Resort Duffy and Halloween and Holiday Duffy’s too! Collect them all! 😉
Speaking of Food & Wine, did you know that the Disney Food Blog Mini-Guide to the 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is on sale now? The best part is it’s all in a .PDF file so you can carry it on your smart phone or iPad where ever you go, while you dine around the world! I’ve seen this guide, and it is worth every penny.
See Photos of World Showcase Booths and Food Before You Arrive!
You’ll have access to menus and photos (including many food photos!) from the World Showcase booths. You’ll also get location, time, and price details for every single event, concert, and seminar at the Festival. Our exclusive and customized bonus sections will help make your trip to the Festival your best visit ever.
Take a look before your trip to decide what menu items and events your family will enjoy, then book early to make sure you’re one of the lucky attendees! Time is money on a Disney Vacation; get the most out of both!
Keep checking back for news on the Food & Wine-themed Duffy!!