Commentary Land

A Fort Wilderness Ode to the Vacation Kingdom of the World

11 September 2014 by Suzannah Otis 7 Comments

During a visit to Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground a few months back, I was filled with an epic case of nostalgia regarding what our beloved Walt Disney World was like when it opened in 1971. I instantly wanted to put fingers to keyboard and reminisce about these times. Granted, I wasn’t born when the resort opened, but a handful of years later, I’d be celebrating my first visit to the Vacation Kingdom of the World. Moved by a more recent visit to celebrate Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue’s 40th anniversary, I was reminded that I really needed to put my thoughts into words.

Fort Wilderness at Walt Disney World’s Opening

What I personally love so much about Fort Wilderness and its restaurant offerings (Trail’s End, Crockett’s Tavern and Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue) is that this area is really unlike any other part of WDW. You walk down the dirt path from the Tri-Circle-D Ranch and you forget all about My Magic+ and Fastpass+ and the hustle and bustle that comes with a Disney vacation these days. You are brought back to a time when families journeyed to tropical and alluring Florida and the Walt Disney World Resort as a respite from the real world and reality itself.

Shortly after Fort Wilderness opened, the Fort Wilderness Railway was finished being built and began service around the property. This is often discussed among the nerdiest of Disney nerds as one thing we all wish we’d gotten to enjoy, or could enjoy again. Sadly, the swampy land proved less-than-ideal for holding up train tracks, and the upkeep became too much to keep the railway active. Winding through some of the long forgotten pathways at Fort Wilderness on foot, you may spy a few railroad ties here and there as a marker of days long gone.

In addition to its own railway, River Country, the first themed water park, opened at Fort Wilderness in 1976. I have wonderful memories of going there with my parents, and riding all the water slides and the tube ride with my dad. River Country, along with Discovery Island, both of which are now closed and abandoned to various states of disrepair, were once the “must-do’s” of our Disney vacations. I do believe both would still be popular today if there were a way to keep them up to date and in shape. While the two current water parks and Animal Kingdom offer more modern, themed, versions than River Country and Discovery Island, there is something to be said for the sweet simplicity of an “ol’ swimming hole” and an exhibit of native Florida flora and fauna.

Other than those two spots, the Marshmallow Marsh area of Fort Wilderness is also now no longer accessible to guests. Marshmallow Marsh was originally a ticketed night-time event, where guests boarded canoes and paddled to a faraway corner of Fort Wilderness alongside Bay Lake. While paddling, they sang old Americana songs, which continued when they arrived at the marsh, around a campfire. Marshmallows could be roasted and a perfect viewing of the Electrical Water Pageant was enjoyed, as it stopped near Fort Wilderness’ banks. Guests would then paddle back to the other side to get back to their campsites. Marshmallow Marsh events ended in the early 80’s, but the area was still able to be reached by a bridge until very recently.

Despite those few changes, Fort Wilderness was, and still is, a wilderness; a place to commune with nature and the real Florida, mixed with some fun western expansion/frontier themes like Crockett’s Tavern and Pioneer Hall. It absolutely boggles my mind that there is a place in Walt Disney World where you can sleep in a tent, while your neighbor at the Magic Kingdom gate may be staying in a deluxe two-bedroom villa at the Grand Floridian. And the fact that those two things CAN coexist, is why people keep coming back and have so much varied and passionate history with the Walt Disney World Resort. The unique ability to experience a little bit of the timeless innocence of the Vacation Kingdom in the 1970’s is why Fort Wilderness is such an important place to so many.

Vintage Fort Wilderness — A vintage Fort Wilderness post card from the 70’s

The Vacation Kingdom of the World

Imagine a time when Walt Disney World consisted of just the Magic Kingdom as its only park. What else would families have to do on their vacation to Orlando, Florida? Well, back then, they may have been more likely to venture beyond Orlando to see Daytona Beach, or even Silver Springs and its glass-bottom boats, or the mermaids of Weeki Wachee. But Walt Disney World knew they had some very special 43 square miles on their hands, and went on to create a genuine vacation kingdom.

Vintage WDW guide — Descriptions of the original three resorts of Walt Disney World in a 1970’s guide. (click to enlarge and enjoy) (image courtesy Vintage Disneyland Tickets)

Great emphasis was placed on relaxation and recreation. Swimming, boating, golf, tennis; all of these things were reasons to come and stay at Walt Disney World. By the mid-1970’s, there were enough monorail trains, ferry boats, resorts and even the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, to encourage you to stay on property and leave the real world (and the rest of Florida) behind. The resort even boasted an official PGA-sanctioned golf tournament, the Walt Disney World Classic played on the Palm and Magnolia courses, begun in 1971.

The lure was not with rides, rides, rides, or even dining or shopping, but a lovely mix of it all. Spend a day in the Magic Kingdom, a day on the links, or enjoying the fun at River Country. End your night with an authentic Polynesian Luau, or dinner and a Broadway-style show at the Top of the World, where California Grill now resides in the Contemporary Resort. If that wasn’t your scene, you could head to Fort Wilderness and enjoy the hoopin’ and hollerin’ known only as the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. It was truly, and in every sense of the definition, a place to relax and enjoy pure family fun.

Present-Day Walt Disney World

Of course, decades later, Walt Disney World Resort is still known for family fun and escaping the real world, but it has become a much different place to do so. With the addition of dozens of new hotel and villa properties, Walt Disney World was faced with the need for transportation for the millions of guests visiting each day. To keep those millions entertained and not all crowded into one theme park, water parks, deluxe dining, spas, shops, movie theatres, and more were added, making Walt Disney World one of the busiest and most diverse places to vacation.

Rather than coming to Walt Disney World to relax and escape, families were now coming to “do it all” and making sure they got the absolute most out of every minute of their vacation. It is hard to sell a vision of relaxing in the Florida sun when there are so many attractions that are must-do, special events to coincide with your visit, places to eat, and things to buy to remember it all when you go home.

Fort Wilderness today — The remnants of the Marshmallow Marsh area, now inaccessible to guests.

At the end of the day, we all know that Walt Disney World is a business, and while that business may involve making magic for every family that walks through its gates (or touchpoints), you can bet your corn dog it also involves making sure you are spending money and coming back to spend even more next time. Is that goal different than it was in 1971? Of course, but at the same time, even in the 70’s, profit was still a goal.

While Walt Disney himself said, “Disneyland is a work of love. We didn’t go into Disneyland just with the idea of making money,” we all know, Walt Disney World Resort is not Disneyland. Although Walt may have had very different ideas for what he originally envisioned with his Florida Project, what was created was a mecca of sorts for families from all over the world to experience the now-renowned Disney magic, and stay put to experience everything else the resort had to offer. Times were different, vacationing was different, and certainly technology was different than today.

How Can We Recapture the Walt Disney World of the Past?

So is that simple innocence of Walt Disney World in the 1970’s still possible? The answer from me is an unequivocal YES. Places like Fort Wilderness are where you will find the purity and “Disney Difference” in theming and surroundings, which many of us grew up experiencing and now long for. For some, the Disney Difference is found with the deluxe Bibiddi Bobiddi Boutique package or Villains Soiree special ticketed-event-within-a-ticketed-event. I’m sure many have visited the parks and other resorts for years and never even stepped foot into Fort Wilderness! Each guest or family has its own wants and needs from a Disney vacation and certainly my ideal may be completely different from yours. Let’s also not forget; every Cast Member has the opportunity to uphold the ideals that Walt envisioned for his parks, and make each guest’s experience a magical one.

Parks and Cast Members aside, if you want to be transported to a different time – standing on its own as a testament to Disney Imagineers, their theming, and creativity – head to Fort Wilderness. Walk around. Away from buses, away from hula hoops and golf carts, further in to the wilderness for which this place was named. Listen to the silence that engulfs you. Soon you hear the wind blowing through the cypress, pine, and oak trees. You hear the native birds singing to each other from high up on those tree tops. In the distance, if the breeze is just right, you may hear the Walt Disney World Railroad whistle.

There is a whole other hustle and bustle of attractionsfoodshoppingbuyingfastpassing going on across the lake, but you’ve left all of that behind to be surrounded by tall trees, winding paths, and even a working ranch with horses. You may choose to go fishing, ride your bike, swim in the pool, or even go for a horse-drawn wagon ride. The fact that attractionsfoodshoppingbuyingfastpassing is going on across the lake, is perhaps why this place is so very important to Walt Disney World history and its future. There is a reason why people go on family road trips to explore the countryside or visit our National Parks. The simple pleasure and renewal of spirit found in nature – and Fort Wilderness is a perfect example of that.

Magic Kingdom from Fort Wilderness — A Kingdom in the distance from the Fort Wilderness marshes

By the same token, there is also a reason so many of us today are tiki fans, or love mid-century modern architecture and decor, or 70’s retro style. We long for a simpler time, when all of these things were new and undiscovered. A family from a city in the 70’s (or today) may never have known the enjoyment of camping under the stars. A family from New England or middle America may never have been exposed to Polynesian culture, music and food. Walt Disney World’s themed lands and attractions were always a place to experience places or things you may not have ever known existed, without stepping too far away from reality and the safety of a Walt Disney vacation.

The original Walt Disney World resorts just expanded on that idea, letting guests stay in a Polynesian village (with air conditioning), or an old west fort and campsite (with great food and entertainment nearby), or a modern A-frame building with a futuristic train running through it. In a world (and a World) that is constantly changing and improving and trying to do and be the next best thing, it’s comforting and peaceful to have a place where none of that matters. A place where it could be 1971, or 2021, and the feelings evoked are the same.

River Country Sign — The sign, still in perfect condition, welcoming you back to Fort Wilderness from the now abandoned River Country.

So where does this leave us? Should everyone abandon their favorite resort and stay at Fort Wilderness? Maybe not, but at least visit! Should we stop trying to do/see/eat/buy it all and take a more laid back approach to a family vacation? Well, honestly, in my opinion, yes. But I will admit that as a local, and someone who has been to Walt Disney World thousands of times, my view of a Disney vacation may be very different from that of a family that has saved 5 years for a once in a lifetime trip, or even a once a year trip.

At that point, because you are investing a lot of money and precious vacation time, of course the priorities shift. You have to make your 5 year-old and your 15 year-old happy, or make adjustments for your grandma that’s coming along, or your in-laws that are joining you, or even just your friend that wants to do nothing but thrill rides. There is a lot to consider and plan and prepare for. I’m sure a rainy day, which equals a resort day, chilling out and wandering the grounds for me, may mean crying children and frustrated parents that feel like they’ve thrown an entire day and hundreds of dollars out the window. So I get that, trust me.

Take a Step Back

Consider a time where vacation success wasn’t built upon how many rides you got to do. Where you made memories outside of the ride queues and souvenir purchases? Even when I was living in Massachusetts and we’d drive or fly down for a 7-10 days in the 80’s, we would have at least one day of doing just nothing but relaxing. We’d rent a boat, or hang out at the pool, or River Country, or even spend some time at the Village (which was very different than the Downtown Disney of today). I also distinctly remember my parents having “quiet time” every day where they would relax with a book and a stiff drink and I’d entertain myself for a bit.

There’s nothing that says a Disney vacation must be some sort of a “do-or-die” checklist. Disney has these places, these nooks & crannies and off-the-beaten-path activities or spots for you to experience and enjoy. Take some time to appreciate the very different resorts and grounds at Walt Disney World. Appreciate and enjoy your travel-mates and family. Go on a stroll or a jog by yourself and savor your time away from the hustle and bustle of what a Disney vacation has come to mean.

And certainly Fort Wilderness does not own the market of places where you can relax and unwind, or appreciate your surroundings. I could spend all day hanging out at Wilderness Lodge or the Polynesian Resort. The Boardwalk Resort is one of my favorite places during the holidays, because of the 1940’s music playing in the background and the decorations that remind me of my grandmother’s house at Christmas.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts, both French Quarter and Riverside, offer some of the best grounds, walking paths and theming of any Disney resort, in my opinion. Not to mention unique food offerings (but seriously, turn the old Bonfamille’s into Tiana’s Place already – it’s a no-brainer!). I’m sure we all have our favorite resorts for different reasons but some are definitely more conducive to a quieter, gentler Disney vacation where you can and should stop and take time to enjoy the details that have sprung up around you as explore.

Look at the success of the Little Orange Bird‘s triumphant return to his roost. We clamor for vintage attraction merchandise – so much so that they created multiple lines on both coasts and an entire shop dedicated to selling it here in Orlando. Our Disney obsession is with finding a Disney that lets us experience the feelings we did when we were younger, and felt those feelings for the first time. Fort Wilderness is that Disney – a precious time capsule that we get to open every time we visit the Vacation Kingdom of the World. We owe it to ourselves to appreciate this special place unlike any other in the Walt Disney World Resort.

Also, you seriously can’t beat the cornbread at Trail’s End and Hoop-Dee-Doo. Trust me.

Dear EPCOT – My Love Letter to EPCOT Center

19 February 2014 by Suzannah Otis 8 Comments

Dear EPCOT,

I first meant to write you this letter back in October of last year. {You know, for your 30th birthday. But much like the original intent of you, EPCOT, I got a little sidetracked.} I’m here now, though, and I have a few things I want to say to you. Don’t worry, it’s not you, it’s me. No, wait. It is you. It’s all you, EPCOT. I have it bad for you. You may just have been my very first love.

Little 8 year-old me first heard about you in the Birnbaum guide books I would devour at my home in Sharon, Massachusetts. I had been to Walt Disney World as a baby of about 6 months or so, and again in I think 1979 to visit my Ocala relatives and also the Magic Kingdom. But in 1983, my family started planning a really big trip for summer vacation. We would drive down to Orlando from Boston, stopping at historical sites on the way down and back up. We’d spend I think 4 days in EPCOT, staying in the Vacation Villas in Lake Buena Vista. It was a life-changing trip to say the least. Anyway, back to the planning, I would sit and read the 1984 Birnbaum guide from cover to cover. Every little blurb about every attraction, every shop in World Showcase, every restaurant. In my head, I made mental notes of things I wanted to see, like SMRT-1 and the restaurant that turned while you ate, aptly named, The Good Turn. Despite all of this build up in my head, I wasn’t let down by my expectations at all, as can happen in some relationships.

When I first stepped foot inside the turnstiles and Spaceship Earth stood before me, the entrance music swelled around me (this letter best read with that music playing), as if to say, this is something important, take my hand and let’s go to the future. And that we did. The music, the landscaping, the color of the curbs and the trash cans. The architecture; smooth and welcoming yet bold and futuristic. The smells – from the morning smell of Florida – a mix of swamp, humidity, mulch and a hint of flowers somewhere (perfectly recreated in the Universe of Energy), to the smells of the park: oranges, roses, food cooking somewhere, flamingos gathering over by Mexico…every tiny atom of these surroundings imbued itself into my own molecules, beyond even, into my soul. And to this day, when I walk into the main entrance of EPCOT, all of this comes flooding back, as if the very blood in my veins is surging to the surface, remembering what once was. Not only my longed-for childhood in EPCOT, but the majesty, the hope, the ideal that was EPCOT Center. To put it bluntly, EPCOT, I was yours. You had me at the first surge of violins in your Main Entrance Medley.

I know I am not alone in my love for you, oh no. There are so many who, as children, adults, or somewhere in between, fell deeply into this same entrancement. EPCOT Center represented everything a perfect theme park should be. Though Walt Disney’s original dream of EPCOT was far different; this was no prototype community of people practicing the perfect synergy of work, home and environmental harmony. What we could do was see the hope of the future (sorry, that phrase is going to be repeated a lot here). We could see how far we had come in the areas of communication, travel and living, agriculture and the seas – and don’t forget imagination, the key to making a successful future a reality. We could also see how other cultures lived, their history and their future – with us, creating the perfect combination of tomorrow’s future. There are hundreds, thousands of us, who hold on to that hope, that dream. EPCOT was so much more than a theme park. It was a promise. An ideal -one we all wanted to work together to achieve. How many dreams were fulfilled because of a childhood visit to EPCOT, seeing the possibilities and what was out there to conquer? How many people were sparked to travel the world because of exposure to other countries in World Showcase? I know my walls were covered with photo posters of other cities and countries because of Impressions de France alone.

I could go on and visit each original attraction and how it affected me as a child, but I think I’ve done that before and most likely will again. And those attractions are for the most part, gone. In many cases, parts of you are just covered up, locked up, or cordoned off. Those are parts that give me hope. Hope that you will some day rise up like a Phoenix from the ashes, reborn to your former glory. Remember Centorium? Remember that long hallway that went around behind it? The second story? The elevator? Remember Image Works? The magic that was around every corner? Remember the sweet simplicity of Horizons? World of Motion? Imagination? CommuniCore? Remember when Figment was a proud symbol of the park, an inquisitive, childlike representation of imagination itself? What message are you sending now, EPCOT? You should’ve been the one park to hold on to your ideals. The one place that didn’t destroy, cut, and homogenize. The message you sent to your early visitors was an important one, one which had such a huge impact, it filled a giant hall of people wanting to remember it last October at the EPCOT 35 D23 celebration, wanting to drink it in, crying tears of remembrance, yet again. Just read the words from the songs on your original album – “listen and you’ll hear the heartbeat of a universe teeming with force…” “just make believe, you’re a tiny little seed…” “it’s fun to be free...” “if we can dream it, then we can do it...” Yes, we can. We can because you told us so, EPCOT.

But you’ve changed, EPCOT. Now, you are full of character greetings, merchandise you can mostly find everywhere on property, interactive games that can be heard around the World, and corporate synergy where attractions once succeeded on their own (with a sponsor of course). Are you, EPCOT, a product of your environment, or are today’s visitors a product of what you are showing them? It’s the classic case of nature vs. nurture. Parts of Communicore were turned into a glorified spot for video games – because that’s what kids wanted? or were kids playing because it was there? Was Kim Possible and then Phineas and Ferb added to entertain the kids, or are kids choosing to play it vs. learning about the World Showcase countries, because it’s there? Sure, times have changed, but EPCOT’s ideals didn’t have to. Am I asking for things to never have changed? Well, maybe a little, but not really. To grow, to improve, to get “plussed” in a way that keeps the original intent but makes it new and fresh. Certainly there have been cases for both improving parts of Disney parks and keeping them the same over the years. Do I think New Fantasyland is a fun place to walk around and see Imagineering details? Definitely. Do I wish it could’ve been done without the cost of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? Definitely. Do I think Mission: Space is a technological and entertainment improvement over Horizons? Nope. Not in a million years. I think we lost beautiful, important attractions in Horizons, World of Motion, and the original Imagination. There was a successful formula employed by Imagineering in those attractions, which we will never get back. There’s a reason all of us EPCOT Center fans have almost every attraction spiel and song memorized. They were powerful messages, brilliant ideals. Thrill rides, schmill rides. You’re better than that, EPCOT and don’t let anyone tell you different. YOU are the ideal. YOU are the hope. And because of that, we all were too. We were here to change the world, because of you.

Now don’t get sad, EPCOT. I still love you. Because I know who you really are. I know what you’ve lost, the pain you’ve experienced, and what you still have to offer. And I’ll always be here, by your side. Just like all of us who grew up loving you, you have your scars. You’ve made your mistakes, and you’ll probably make more too, just like us. Pardon the second Captain EO pun in a matter of sentences, but you’re just another part of me. It’s true. I’ll still enjoy your beautiful architecture, your wonderful landscaping, and the unique food, culture and entertainment your World Showcase countries offer. I’ll still hold out hope that I can climb the stairs of the Image Works once more, or hear a beautiful updated version of Tomorrow’s Child on my descent back through time, with more than just triangles to look at.

WDW Pictorial Souvenir 1984 — From the WDW Pictorial Souvenir in 1984. These were my new bibles once we started going to WDW more.

So where do we go from here, EPCOT? Can we get back to that simple, loving time of the 80’s? I’m afraid we probably cannot, EPCOT. We’ve lost a bit too much. And while I have every hope that today’s Imagineers would love to bring you back to your former glory, and enhance your original ideals, I know better than to think the Imagineers are running the show. I can only hope, as all my EPCOT Center friends do, that they won’t take any more of you away, and that both your role as a theme park, and your goals as a “force beyond our eyes” can be reexamined. Maybe, just maybe, they could bring back your original background music, the songs with beautiful, intertwining melodies that referenced your original attractions, cementing their impact in our minds. Maybe, they could fix things that are broken, remove tarps and unlock doors, and put characters in one location, keeping the purity of the World Showcase and its message. It won’t be easy. It would take someone standing up for something bigger than just profits. Because that’s what EPCOT Center was – something bigger than all of us. It was the dream we all shared together.

“…for today holds the challenge, to make this world a better place to be…” those weren’t just lyrics to us. They were a call to action. We are here, EPCOT, to live up to that challenge. Won’t you join us?

All of my love, now and always,

Suzy ♥

…

I’d love to hear from fellow EPCOT Center lovers out there. What are your thoughts? Do you think we can ever regain what EPCOT Center once was? What are your favorite parts of EPCOT now?

…

Update: August, 2019 –

Well, my darling, it looks as though my letter didn’t get through. You’re getting some work done, and you’ll be younger looking, sparkly, and nice to instagram for sure. The EPCOT of the future is being reborn, and yes, we’ll get some nods to your former glory, a “new” logo that brings back your original one, a new fountain like the one we miss so much. Some loving updates to some countries’ movies, some new green and water spaces. Less concrete and more…you, perhaps? But you’re losing some things too.

When I first wrote my letter, Universe of Energy was still alive and well, and she’s gone now. Greener galaxies will move in, but I have some hope that we’ll see some of your past in that future. Living with the Land has gotten a new high-quality redo of the film within the ride, which made my heart beat a little faster. It’s the little things, you know. We don’t know what will happen to our friend Figment and his Imagination, but I still hope he will have a home he deserves. Yes, I still have hope, EPCOT, it’s still a part of me, you made certain of that.

We’re going to get a brief fireworks show that will remind us all of your original promise, and I can’t wait for that. I’ll remember us, EPCOT. I hope you’ll remember me, even if it is a temporary fling. Remember, EPCOT. Remember us. Forever. Promise?

Still yours,

Suzannah

The State of Zannaland 2014 – Lessons Learned

12 February 2014 by Suzannah Otis 51 Comments

Hello, Faithful, or Casual, or even Never-Been-Here-Before Reader. I am about to embark on something I haven’t done for quite some time here on Zannaland.com – write. Sure, there have been updates, some fun photos to look at, videos to watch, and of course, purses to scramble for, but it has been ages since I actually sat down and shared my thoughts in this format, with you. What follows is me, totally raw, honest, baring my blogging soul. You’ll either learn something about me, or fall asleep trying.

Almost 5 years ago, I began this journey of “blogging.” I instantly wanted a better name for that act, but I haven’t found one yet. When I started out, my heroes were The Bloggess and Dooce. After sharing my family adventures and antics, triumphs and tragedies on LiveJournal from 2001 on, I wanted to do it publicly. I’m witty, I thought. My kids are cute, I thought. My life seems like one April Fools joke after another some days, I thought. Surely *I* can do this too. Well. I did. Back in May of 2009, I decided to write up my frustrating experience at a Bath & Body Works. Hilarious, I thought. I felt pretty proud of myself. Even if no one read it but me. Then, I started to do some research into blogging. I saw blogging networks that The Bloggess and Dooce were a part of and figured that’s how I had to go about things to be a success. I joined quite a few in hopes of getting my site out there and getting more views. Most importantly, I discovered that I needed to write product reviews, to, well, get more products to review. Maybe they’d send me a car to drive! Maybe a new set of kitchen appliances! So I reviewed something I bought on my own, to get started. What did I choose? Shaving cream. Genius. I’m not sure why the free offers weren’t piling up in my inbox. Then, nothing happened. I didn’t have anything else funny to say. I felt such pressure to come up with witty, interesting, shareable things to write, that I got overwhelmed and let the site sit while I continued with caring for my then 7-month old, 8 and 9-year old and, our Chihuahua.

During this time, I discovered the Disney twitter community. Wait, there are other people as obsessed with Disney as I am? I thought. It was true. I followed and followed and read and discovered that there were even – get this – Disney BLOGS! People that wrote exclusively about Disney, or theme parks. The giant pixie-dusted light bulb flashing in my face was spotlighting the obvious. I should be writing about Disney. I already had “land” in my blog name, it made perfect sense! (Believe it or not, I’ve actually owned Zannaland.com since 2004, when I first wrote a self-published ‘zine’ and later made jewelry and sold it through the site. It had zero to do with Disney back then, but it’s as if the site name was just waiting for its true purpose – I think all of this is in my About section, but I am reminiscing here, so cut me some slack.)

I got back on the blogging saddle and wrote my first Disney-related post about this revelation I’d had. Then, Michael Jackson died. It hit me pretty hard, being a child of the 80’s that grew up with his posters on my wall and a painters cap full of buttons with his face on them. Realizing the Disney connection with Captain EO, I wrote up another post, through tears, sharing my memories of Michael. And from there, I took off. I shared my memories as a Cast Member, I wrote about my obsession to be on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (Now the Disney Parks Moms Panel) and other experiences here and there. But the most important part was I was writing about me, my thoughts, opinions, and experiences. And for those of you that have been with me from the start, I think that’s why you’ve stuck around. You can get Disney news anywhere. You can get instant photos and videos from those in the parks every day. Rumors, sneak peeks, I’m sure you know where to find those. But I got into this because I loved to write, and I loved Disney. I wanted to share that love with anyone that felt a connection enough to keep reading.

Then somewhere along the way, I got lost in the shuffle, as did my original intent for this site. I branched it off into a second site (Main Street on Zannaland -now absorbed back into the main site) to cover non-Disney things, recipes, family stuff, etc. I quickly realized that wasn’t for me and it was way too hard to promote two different sets of posts to the same people. Everyone told me to just be me, do what I love and not worry about the rest. So I kept trying. I also got chosen to be on the Moms Panel, so that dream was fulfilled. I was a part-time panelist, and my time didn’t start until I believe October of 2010, so I just kept blogging away. Soon, I got invited to my very first Disney event as “media.” It was the Summer Nightastic Preview. This was probably because of the Moms Panel connection, but other friends who had since gotten into blogging too were invited as well, so who knows. I was just thrilled at the opportunity. And thus began the double edged sword that is being “local media.”

Let me begin this section of our story with a huge, mammoth, giant, flashing-with-sirens-DISCLAIMER: I am so unbelievably grateful for every.single.invite I’ve ever gotten from Disney and every other theme park, resort, and restaurant. Seriously. The fact that people with the power to bestow the gift of a special experience, or hotel stay, or meal look at my little blog and say, “yes, let’s invite her” is mind-boggling to me. 6 years ago, I was a boring stay-at-home mom who’d taken to working at Starbucks to fill my time. If you googled my name, you came up with the acknowledgements page in my (now ex-)husband’s technical books, nothing more. I’ve gotten to do, go, and be a part of amazing things. Amazing. If I had to give all of this up tomorrow, I’d be content in the unforgettable journey I was able to be a part of. I am in NO way about to complain about being a part of the “media” (which I will continue to put in quotes because I acknowledge that I am not a legitimate member of the professional media).

All of that said… my voice, my thoughts, my opinions, started to get lost in the shuffle. Over the course of the next 3 years, it became increasingly easier to upload the pictures, give a little description and hit post. I actually thought that maybe that was what people wanted. No one cares what I think, I’d tell myself. They just want the news or update. I was trying to be everything to everyone, and make sure all of their stories got covered by me. It was a very rare thing when I would actually sit down and write something. It got to the point where I was posting lots of press releases and I felt any real posts I was doing got lost in the noise. That’s when I created my “Favorite Posts” section on the main page of the site. That was me trying to justify doing what I was doing. Over the past few years, people would come up to me and say “I love your blog!” and I’d be embarrassed, wondering if they’d read it lately. I wanted to quit and give up the blog altogether many times.

And at the same time, despite knowing I wasn’t living up to my potential, I would get frustrated when I wouldn’t get invited to something I really wanted to cover. And let me tell you, when you get to that point, embarrassing doesn’t begin to cover it. I never wanted to feel entitled. I never wanted to whine about what I wasn’t invited to. But as any blogger (I think moreso Disney bloggers because we are such a tight-knit community) will tell you, it’s hard not to compare and want what other people are getting to do. There, I said it. Sure, if everyone got to do it, then it’s not special or report-worthy any more…but these are tough lessons to learn. I struggled with getting labeled a “mommy blogger,” with trying to be legitimate enough to cover the events news sites were, and with still being a personal blog. Yes, I’m a mom, and I blog. But I don’t always want to talk about my kids. Sometimes I want to talk about theme park history or a really great adult beverage, or a weekend getaway. Where do I fit in?

Fortunately, I’ve met some of THE most amazing people along my 5 year journey. Some I consider my closest and dearest friends. Others, I’ve been lucky to work with and share their information on my site, but they’ve become friends too. I’ve gone to them for advice, they’ve given me support, we’ve shared a drink or a cupcake along the way, and they are now a part of my life. But, unlike many of my friends, I didn’t get into blogging to make a living at it, or even a profit. You won’t see 42 ads on my site, or linked words, or sponsored posts or paid product endorsements. I never wanted that. Sure, I could’ve gone a different way and done it. And there is nothing wrong with the sites that do, more power to them; they made a true success of their site and brand. But I always just wanted to share my thoughts. I know that sounds cheesy and simple, but it is completely true. On my site right now, you will find one google ad, one Disney Store banner, affiliate links to the Disney Store on my purse posts, and Amazon on my movie reviews. The banner at the top is there because my day job is with them, I make no commission or fee from that. That’s it. I didn’t start a blog to get paid for it. Yeah, that would be a cool side-effect, but it’s just not what my goal ever was. However, I realized that by not sharing me in my posts, I’m selling out just the same.

If someone reads a blog about something I experienced at a theme park or restaurant and goes there to do the same thing, because of me, then that is payment enough for me. Sharing common experiences, good and bad, commiserating with other moms trying to get through a day in a theme park with 3 kids…figuring out what a picky eater would enjoy at a particular place…experiencing the joy on your child’s (or your) face when you see something so magical, you just have to share it with the world…knowing you’re going through the same tough time I am, and isn’t it great we can talk to each other about it…that’s why. Not for page views or follower counts or RT’s or shares. Because I wanted to share me, with you. Whoever you are. I now know that I can’t be everything to everyone. I’ve learned that not everyone is going to like me, my blog, what I write or how I write it. They may think my photos are silly or I talk about my kids too much or not enough. All those old sayings about pleasing people are old sayings for a reason. They are true.

Which brings me to my next point. The last two years have been pretty rough for me, personally. Normally, it’s easy to share triumphs online: new jobs, moving, new baby…but it’s harder, or less accepted anyway, to share the failures. I’ve written about my dad who passed away quite a bit online, mostly for selfish reasons, because I don’t want him or his memory to be forgotten, but also because things weren’t always perfect, and if someone else going through what I or my family did can relate, or someone hugs their dad a little tighter because he’s still around, then all the better. Other than that, though, I kept things pretty upbeat in my online life. It’s much easier to hide behind a mask of sparkles and sunshine, than admit you are struggling. No one really wants to post updates like “Fighting with the husband again…” or “Crying in Epcot on the 4th of July…” and no one really wants to read them either. Or so I thought.

When I finally began posting on my personal Facebook page about my marriage being over, the amount of support I received was overwhelming. It’s amazing how many of us have truly “been there, done that…” but kept it inside too. It took many years for me to get to the point of knowing my marriage of 16 years was ending. I went through the motions for years and years, not knowing there was any alternative. But the funny thing about changing your life, whether it’s blogging, going back to school, or just getting a job, is that it opens your eyes to what you are truly capable of. Independence. Confidence. Happiness. We all deserve all of those things, and it took me a very long time to see that. Once I realized it, and knew things were not going to change at home, I still had to spend the next year living together as we’d just renewed our lease. Then came the waiting for the official paperwork to be complete. In that time, I got a part-time and then full-time job, moved out, paid my own way for things, kept my children happy, and yes, started dating again. To say it’s been a roller-coaster of stress, emotions, ups and downs and everything in between is an understatement. But at the end of the day, it was all worth it. During that time, the support I had from online and real-world friends and family was amazing. Working more and making sure everything was taken care of took me away from writing even more, and it’s just now, almost 2 years later, that I’m figuring it all out. I still have a lot of work in the whole balancing act of family/work/blog/social life, but I am working on it, and that feels great.

So with all of this time to reflect on priorities and goals and happiness and what’s truly important, the nagging in the back of my mind to get away from phoning it in and get back to writing from the heart has gotten louder and louder. So this is me, answering that call, opening that door, and letting the real me, the real zannaland, back out to play. It would be so easy to give up right now, to say, there are now 5347 more “Disney blogs” out there than when you started 5 years ago. Many of them that report just the facts, great photos, great videos, no personal input – and people love them. But then I think of the people I’ve met over the years who have said, you inspired me to start a blog…you inspired me to apply to the moms panel…you inspired me to share my story…and I think of me, 5 years ago, and what I wanted to achieve here and why I started at all. And I can’t give up on that lady back there in 2009. I can’t let her down. She’s in for the ride of her life, and I’m not going to be the one to end it.

So now, with tears in my eyes as I finally conclude this epic ramble (to the sound of grateful sighs that it’s over, I’m sure) – this is my promise to you, whoever you are reading this – this site will share my thoughts and words, my likes and dislikes, my triumphs and tragedies from now until there’s just no more to write about, or we ALL have a blog. To the mom looking for opinions or recommendations, I’ll give you mine. To the single person or couple looking for kid-free ideas or opinions, I can do that too. For the purse maven looking for the latest releases, don’t worry, I’ve still got you covered. For the PR person wanting me to share your news, if it’s something I’m passionate about, I’m on it, with all my heart. Wanna geek out over 1980’s EPCOT or Diagon Alley at Universal? I’m your girl. In short, I’m not going to label or limit myself but rather give you more of the reason you started reading me in the first place – I hope. 🙂 THANK YOU, for being here with me on this journey. It may have changed courses or had extended layovers along the way, but it’s still going and I’m more excited than ever to be taking you all on the next turn.

Reflections On Limited Time Magic

8 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

When “Limited Time Magic” was first announced back in October of 2012, it was met with great enthusiasm and high hopes. I know I was not alone in thinking of our distant sister parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea with their various seasonal themes, special merchandise, food, and shows. It also reminded me a bit of what makes Disneyland in California so magical, there are special things that happen throughout the year and then disappear, making them all the more special while they are around. I was truly excited that, as a local to Walt Disney World, we would get a taste of these kind of moments and make our 43 square miles feel a little bit smaller, a little more like the memories I had grown up with.

It’s not quite six months into 2013, and we, as Disney Park fans on the east and west coast of the United States, have been treated to quite a few doses of “Limited Time Magic.” Some, have been incredible successes, as judged by Disney social media fans and critics. Others, have gone by with little fanfare or appreciation. What sparked my desire to write this post was the most recent installment of Limited Time Magic: Disney’s Hollywood Studios “May the 4th Be With You” event, celebrating Star Wars Day as it has come to be known. This was, without a doubt, the greatest Limited Time Magic event to date, in my opinion. But why was this day such a success?

Well, let me first note that some of the past Limited Time Magic days have also been well-received; Long Lost Friends Week both at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland was lots of fun, True Love Week was also a unique experience, the Easter Week egg hunts were a great success as well. Other offerings of limited time merchandise, ear hats, t-shirts etc. may have been a fun addition, but certainly not to the extent that these other events have been. What’s the magic formula? And more importantly, what can Disney DO with these experiences to improve future park experiences for guests?

I think the most important key to these Limited Time Magic successes is this: community. Sure, you can bond with other folks in line for a t-shirt or a pin that you have to collect, but what better way to feel a part of the Disney community than dancing down a walkway with your favorite character, or standing in a group of fellow fans as you ooh and ahh to fireworks created especially for you? I arrived at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the late afternoon on May 4th, but I still felt instantly a part of the special community. We all had on our Star Wars t-shirts, with smiles on our faces as a legion of Stormtroopers marched down Hollywood Blvd, or Chewbacca stood in line for Star Tours with the rest of us. A dance party is fun, but a dance party with a DJ playing real hits, where Chewie and Greedo dance in the crowds? Amazing. We all felt a part of this wonderful Disney-Star Wars family, and as a local that may or may not experience burn-out visiting the parks so frequently, it was wonderful to have something new going on that brought us all together.

In my personal opinion, I think something like May the 4th is 10 times more successful than Long Lost Friends Week, where guests may have been excited to see old characters, but really it created long lines and offered little more than a photo op and a souvenir autograph card. Fun, but not amazing. The special Limited Time Magic songs that have been created for Long Lost Friends Week and True Love Week were nice, but seemed a bit forced vs. just letting the experiences speak for themselves. Would these weeks that involve character meet and greets work if the characters were just roaming the parks as they did on May the 4th? I’m not sure, certainly I’m no expert in park logistics, but why not give it a try? I think guests would be surprised and delighted by the experience. Part of what made the Easter Week egg hunts so fun is the community aspect of interactivity. Groups of folks were all searching for the same things, finding fellow guests along the way to share experiences with. Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt?

Other parts to the Limited Time Magic offerings have been special food items, which, on their own, may not be too exciting, but when combined with enough other activities to make it part of the fun, can be a great addition. I dined at Kona Cafe a few weeks ago and saw the little cupcake with the smiling strawberry. I had been out of the Limited Time Magic Loop and had no idea this was a “Limited Time Cupcake“, but I thought it was adorable and unique and it made me smile. THAT’s the kind of little, un-looked-for magic that takes me back to the Walt Disney World I grew up loving – proving that it doesn’t have to be a huge character line-up or special show to make a difference.

Which brings me to my next point, what can Disney DO with all of these experiences? Will they end after this year is up? Will we never see a “Long Lost Friend” again now that that week is over? Will Disney stop creating unique new dessert or dining options because this campaign has ended? I certainly don’t think so on the food side of things. Disney fans are so on top of any new cupcakes or other desserts that come out and I think that will always be a way to excite guests and create buzz. But what about the rest of the park experiences?

Seeing fireworks over Disney’s Hollywood Studios was in a word, spectacular. The Star Wars music and amazing fireworks were the perfect mix. They put a smile on my face and made me proud to be a part of this Disney community, experiencing this special event first-hand. Would they be less special if those fireworks happened every Star Wars Weekend? I don’t think so. I’d definitely stay in the park later, and more than likely spend more money on food, drinks, or merchandise because the park was open later. And after seeing those fireworks, I would most assuredly make a special trip back to see them again. I’ve missed Sorcery in the Sky and I think a fireworks display is just what that park needs. Every other weekend? Once a month? I’ll take it!

These are the moments that make great vacations. These are the moments that create memories and cause little kids and grown-ups alike to go back home and spread the gospel of Disney out amongst their friends and family. I can just picture it now, a little boy or girl saying to their friends, “And then, a Stormtrooper walked right by me and stopped and we battled with his blaster and my light saber!” (or a grown up telling his or her friends the same thing 😉 ) Is that memory not so much more powerful than “and then we stood in line and got a photo with the three little pigs.”? Sure, that photo may be a treasured memory, but the former experience was an active memory rather than a passive one, which put the guest in the middle of the story. It wasn’t planned, it wasn’t staged. It was a spontaneous moment and exactly what makes Disney so magical.

My hope is that Disney takes these Limited Time successes and translates them into changes across the parks. Spontaneous character interactions should be the norm, not a one-time experience. Getting the community to rally around a show or fireworks IS possible if it’s done right.

Seeing the Dapper Dans sing boy band songs, while amusing, isn’t something that will create memories that last a lifetime. In fact, if such a big deal hadn’t been made of the Dapper Dans singing boy band hits prior to that week, it probably would’ve had a much bigger impact. I could see a much bigger buzz having formed around a spontaneous rendition of “Bye, Bye, Bye,” with viral video happening and social media channels reposting all over the place. But knowing it was coming, it was just like, “Oh, ok. Cute.” At least that’s how I saw it.

Having a new set of ear hats, while cool and fun, isn’t what will form the moments that make lifelong Disney fans and guests. Keep ’em coming, the designs are great. But don’t call them “Limited Time Magic” when we all know they are just new merchandise for us to buy. (And don’t get me wrong, I LOVE merchandise. It’s where I got my start with Disney, selling merchandise on Main Street, U.S.A. – and some of the new t-shirt and other designs have been absolutely fantastic lately. But keep it separate from something that’s meant to create excitement about the parks themselves.) Keep the “magic” alive by not watering it down with experiences that happen every day anyway. Characters roaming through a park without a line to stand in? Magic. Fireworks in a park that never sees them? Magic.

Disney has had some incredible successes lately from the food booths at the Flower & Garden Festival, to New Fantasyland, to the promise of a new parade at Magic Kingdom. The most successful Limited Time Magic events have been those that truly create magical moments, instigate buzz, and make lifetime memories with guests. The kind of thing where you can say “I was there for…” such as the next major Limited Time Magic event – Disney Parks on both coasts being open 24 hours. I was there for the One More Disney Day event, and it was a unique experience like no other. May 24th is right around the corner and I know I’ll be at the Magic Kingdom all 24 hours.

I know Disney has it in them to translate these limited moments into future guest experiences that create lifelong Disney fans and supporters. I hope the decision-makers take a look at what the response has been and work on ways to make Limited Time Magic a little less limited and a little more magical. I had such a wonderful time at the May the 4th event, it made me super excited for Star Wars Weekends, but I hope some of that intimate, community feel of May the 4th can translate into not only Star Wars Weekends, but the rest of the parks as well.

What are your thoughts? What have your favorite Limited Time Magic moments been and what would you most like to see in the future?

Inside the Siemens VIP Lounge in Epcot’s Spaceship Earth

21 September 2012 by Suzannah Otis 11 Comments

As an EPCOT Center child, once I discovered that Future World lounges existed, it was on my bucket list to see them all. For the most part, it’s been happy accidents that I’ve seen them, just being with the right people or at the right event, and today was another example of that. I can now cross the Spaceship Earth lounge off my list thanks to an event put on by the Disney Interactive Media Group promoting the upcoming Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion game for the Nintendo 3-DS. I’ll have a post on that event soon, but for now, let’s head into the lounge!

Siemens VIP Lounge Spaceship Earth Epcot — Comfy chairs and couches, with LED color-changing lamps

Warren Spector discusses how Epic Mickey Power of Illusion was born

Pretty cool, right? I love how the various parts of the lounge can change color at a whim. Very Future World! Prior to the redesign in 2007 with Siemens, the lounge was run by AT&T and Bell System before that. Siemens employees can check in here and take advantage of the lounge during their stay at Walt Disney World.

The other lounges within Future World are the GM lounge (currently under reconstruction with Test Track’s refurbishment), the HP lounge at Mission: Space. The former United Technologies lounge at The Seas, The Wonders of Life lounge and one above The Land are sometimes available for special events. The former Kodak lounge at Journey into Imagination and the Universe of Energy lounge are no longer used. There are World Showcase lounges above the American Adventure and the Norway pavilion which are also used for special events.

in the Siemens VIP lounge — I was happy to be experiencing the Spaceship Earth VIP lounge with my friends Amanda Tinney and Nicole Siscaretti! A fun night for all.

Have you been in an EPCOT corporate lounge?

Little Mermaid Section Photos & Review at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

20 September 2012 by Suzannah Otis 8 Comments

On my recent tour of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, I also checked out the newest area, the Little Mermaid section. These rooms are the traditional “value” rooms seen in other resorts, not the family suites or “value plus” experience found in the Finding Nemo, Cars, and Lion King buildings. The rooms here start at $94/night vs. the $248/night starting price for the family suite rooms. Having noted that, when I visited the Little Mermaid section, I was a bit disappointed – relatively speaking.

Disney's Art of Animation Little Mermaid buildings — Giant Dinglehopper awaits you!

On its own, the Little Mermaid fits right into the All-Star and Pop-themed buildings. However, down the road from the Cars buildings, there is just no comparison. Here we are met with giant and I mean GIANT characters and props from the film. When you first walk in, you have two photo ops, a very over-sized Dinglehopper and an even larger Snarfblat. Sure, they are familiar icons from the film, but why so big? Does this mean we have been shrunk to krill-size creatures upon entering this area? That would be plausible if we didn’t then happen upon the statue of Prince Eric which Ariel keeps in her grotto. It is slightly over-sized, but for the most part, on par with how it looks in the movie. Then to your right is a behemoth-sized Ursula and an equally towering King Triton. It is almost impossible to make characters that huge not look deranged somehow…and these are no exception. Also, with no interior doors and hallways, the buildings are also covered with 2-D cut outs of fish from the film and bubbles, which are a far cry from the expertly themed buildings in the rest of the resort.

Again, I get that it’s in keeping with the super-sized theme that the other value resorts are known for, but when you feel actually immersed over in the Cars section, it’s just hard not to wonder what the other buildings would’ve been like with those same rules applied. Perhaps it is because the Cars section is so wonderful that it stands out on its own and is the one out of place. I will say that I enjoy the details that are present, like the ship’s mast and crows nest themed light posts along the walkways, and the attempt at a beachy/underwater landscaping mix. I would just personally prefer to stay in the Cars or Lion King section, were I to stay in this resort. We’ll see inside a Cars section room in a later post, and I’ll also discuss the dining options and other resort information in the coming weeks. Until then, with my opinions out of the way, let’s take a look at the Little Mermaid buildings:

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What are your thoughts on the Little Mermaid buildings? Will you choose this section of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort over other value resort options?

Inside Disney’s Art of Animation Resort-Lion King Room Photo Tour

19 September 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

After my initial tour of Disney’s new Art of Animation Resort, which has opened in phases, the last two buildings, Lion King and Little Mermaid are now open. I thought I’d venture back over and tour the new areas to share here with you. In addition to the exterior of the Lion King and Little Mermaid buildings, I was able to tour a Cars and Lion King room. I’ll be sharing the other photos in subsequent posts, but for now, let’s check out a Lion King family suite and its surrounding buildings.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort Lion King — Hakuna Matata!

Before I share the photos, a quick note about all of the buildings at Art of Animation. When I first saw the property back in April, what I was most impressed with were the tiny details. In the Finding Nemo section, it was the landscaping, made to look like you were actually under the sea, along with things like the swim mask featured in the film, famously marked with “P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney”. The giant sea creatures were fun for the kids, but it was those details that really made the theming work for me. The rooms were also pretty and full of muted colors like you saw in the movie.

By far my favorite section was Cars. It was as if you were walking into a less-vast Radiator Springs. After visiting Disney California Adventure and seeing the “real” version of Cars Land, of course this area cannot compare, however it’s an excellent second place. What makes it so great is the perspective. You see the cars, properly-sized, as you would in the film and you feel as if you are a part of the town. The landscaping, again, is a key detail, painting a desert scene in keeping with Radiator Springs. You’ve got the Cozy Cone motel and other landmarks that are again, properly sized so it feels natural. The rooms inside are in keeping with this theme and, I think, a nice mix of racing vs. Radiator Springs decor. We’ll see photos of the rooms in an upcoming post.

The Lion King buildings sort of straddle the line between the over-sized Finding Nemo and (as we’ll also see in later) Little Mermaid rooms and the proper perspective of the Cars section. The Lion King statues are bigger than life-sized, but not so huge that it feels just silly and not at all realistic. I like the unique layout of the Lion King buildings, with the famous “Hakuna Matata” log that Simba, Pumba and Timon dance across in the movie and the Elephant Graveyard where the three hyenas, Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed are found. Of course all of the wonderfully detailed scenes are riddled with “Please Do Not Climb” signs, which will probably make this a battleground for cast members trying to protect guests and those guests hoping to get that really cool photo from their vacation. I do love the lush look of the building entrances and the overall fun but not too over-the-top theme of the Lion King buildings. Later I’ll discuss the Little Mermaid buildings and my thoughts on their theming. Now, onto the photos!

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What do you think of the Art of Animation Resort in general? What about the new Lion King section? Share your favorite details in the comments below:

10 Reasons You MUST Visit SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove

23 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

I first visited Discovery Cove when they were building their Grand Reef area over a year ago. Before that, I must admit, I thought it was just a place to swim with dolphins and that was it. BOY, was I mistaken. Even before the Grand Reef expansion, there was so much to do at Discovery Cove, it really is a hidden oasis tucked into lush, tropical landscaping where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the local area theme parks and do something we all could do more – relax!

I was shocked to learn some of the details of Discovery Cove back then, and of course, since that time, the Grand Reef is now open and offers amazing salt water snorkeling experiences, and the new Freshwater Oasis is open, where you can swim next to otters and marmosets. I figured if I was so in the dark about exactly what Discovery Cove has to offer, some of you might be too.

I’ve put together a list of 10 reasons why you need to put this on your must-do list and make it a part of your next Orlando vacation:

10. Swim With Dolphins – When I thought Discovery Cove, I thought dolphin interaction – but what exactly does that mean? Here guests can swim with an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin during a 30-minute interactive adventure. Accompanied by a trainer, groups of six to eight guests wade into shallow water and become acquainted with their dolphin through hugs, kisses and rubdowns. Then, taking the adventure one step further, guests interact with their dolphin in deeper water for an exciting dorsal fin tow ride back to shore. Guests must be at least 6 years old for the dolphin swim experience.

Dolphin Interaction at Discovery Cove — Dolphin interaction ©SeaWorld

9. Swim Among Rays and Tropical Fish – Such detail was put into the planning and creation of the Grand Reef, and it recreates some of the most famous tropical canyons around the world. I stepped in for the first time recently, and was amazed to see gigantic (like, almost Fiat-sized) rays floating right by my feet. Other tropical fish are also swimming about and you can check them all out with your snorkel and mask. There is an area to see Lion Fish behind glass and more to explore within the reef.

8. SeaVenture Underwater Walking Tour – is an underwater walking tour where guests, wearing dive helmets, find up-close encounters with sharks (safely behind massive panoramic windows), one-on-one touches with unique animals and schools of fish and gentle rays.

7.Wind Away River – I also explored this for the first time last week and was pleasantly surprised at the experience. You hear “lazy river” and you think floating around passively in an inner tube for a spell. Wind Away River is so much more. You float or swim through caves, under waterfalls, through areas with a huge water depth, see fallen artifacts under the clear water, float through an aviary and more. It is truly an adventure and I loved it.

6. Freshwater Oasis – This newly opened area is an alternative to the chilly salt water in the Grand Reef. Here the clear waters contain no fish, you can float around or snorkel just to explore the various rocky structures in the Oasis. There is a fun area in the center called Monkey Island, where marmosets make their home and you can watch them eat and play in their natural habitat. The other section is a cave area where Asian small-clawed river otters play behind glass. You can view them as they dive under water, eat clams, or even sleep. Another area provides a shallow place to sit in a floating chair and just soak in the wonderful tropical atmosphere around you. Check out my video below:

5. White Sand Beaches – Each of the water-filled adventure areas are surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches. You can relax in a lounge chair, and watch the water around you. Guests can claim their own spot among the tall shady umbrellas, lazy hammocks, sunning lounges and beach chairs. Buckets and sand toys are sprinkled along the beach for kids to enjoy. (All amenities are included with admission.)

4. Aviary and Animal Appearances – I loved the aviary when we visited. The sheer number and type of birds is overwhelming. You can feel them right out of your hand, or just walk through and gaze at the colorful birds around you. Also throughout Discovery Cove are SeaWorld animal care experts with various animals for you to meet and even pet. We saw a tortoise, sloth, marmoset and kinkajou just in the couple of hours we were there.

3. Attendance is Limited to 1000 Guests – I love this aspect of Discovery Cove. You leave the crowds behind and feel truly at ease and stress-free when you enter Discovery Cove. The area is big enough that you will never feel cramped for space or fighting for a good spot. It’s heavenly!

2. Food is Included – Yes – you read that right. Your admission for the day includes meals and snacks! You are given an ID badge when you check in and you simply need to show it at the snack areas or restaurant to enjoy unlimited access to a fantastic selection of food and drink all day long. A full, hot breakfast is served at Laguna Grill until 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. From familiar fare to chef specials, all dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients and incorporate healthy elements, with daily seafood selections, salad options, and vegetarian dishes available. Snack stations throughout the park provide all-day service, and offer everything from yogurt and soft pretzels to fruit smoothies and gourmet coffees. Ice-cold beverages, including bottled water, juices, sodas, wine and beer are also offered all day. Talk about stress-free!

1. Your Ticket Includes 14 Days at SeaWorld or Aquatica – The biggest concern with Discovery Cove is admission cost. But as you can see above, your ticket includes SO much value. In addition, you are given passes to come back to SeaWorld or Aquatica – the water park next door, for 14 consecutive days – before or after your visit to Discovery Cove! Also included in your Discovery Cove day is: All swim gear (mask, snorkel, and swim vest or wetsuit), towel, locker, sunscreen and other amenities, all day self-parking, a complimentary photo portrait of guest and their party upon entry t0 park.

Have I convinced you yet?? I know I cannot wait to bring my whole family back to enjoy a full day of memory-making adventures. Due to the exclusive nature and 1000-guest limit at Discovery Cove, advance reservations are required.

Reservations and information are available by visiting DiscoveryCove.com or by calling 1-877-434- 7268. *Prices vary seasonally.

I was provided complimentary entry for myself to experience the new Freshwater Oasis, but all my opinions and excitement are my own.

STAY COOL WEEK: Best Pools in Walt Disney World Resort

10 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

It’s day two of Stay Cool Week here on Zannaland and I thought for the ultimate cool-down we’d take a dip in some of my favorite pools on Walt Disney World property. Of course these are just my personal preferences and as different as they all are, it’s really hard to pick a number one favorite. I managed to narrow it down to a Top 5 , however:

5. Port Orleans Resort – I’m kind of cheating a bit from the start because I’m putting Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter together. I love French Quarter’s fabulous sea serpent water slide, complete with King Neptune riding atop the serpent’s head. I remember staying there when the resort first opened and just being amazed by the slide and never wanting to leave. Riverside’s main feature pool, Ol’ Man Island, boasts a swimmingly good time for all. I love the shade that surrounds this pool and the water falls and sprays from rustic beams and found items, like an old kitchen sink.

4. Coronado Springs Resort – The Dig Site is one of my favorites because of its size. It’s easy to feel over-crowded in some resort pools, but here there is enough space to spread out and enjoy. A fun slide and the beautiful Mayan pyramid-themed waterfall serve as a scenic backdrop. The Dig Site also boats one of the biggest hot tubs I’ve ever seen, if that’s more your style for relaxing. I love that the playground area is right around the corner, so it’s easy to go from playing to pooling. If you get there before the water slide opens, there’s a fun little ceremony the cast members perform with the kids on-hand too.

Disney's Coronado Springs pool — The Dig Site – ©Disney

3. Caribbean Beach Resort – The main pool here is located at Old Port Royale and themed to a Spanish fortress. This is definitely one of the most fun pools for kids (and adults) to explore, complete with pirate cannons and two water slides. For the little ones under 48 inches tall, there is even a kids play area with hoses to squirt, a giant bucket which fills with water and pours down, and 3 smaller water slides. The lush greenery and lakes of the Caribbean Beach Resort surround you and hammocks and shady spots are only a few steps away if you’d like a break from the water.

Disney's Caribbean Beach pool — Caribbean Beach Resort pool, themed after a fictional Spanish fortress, called Fuentes del Morro. ©Disney

2. Wilderness Lodge – Silver Creek Springs pool is one of my absolute favorites because of its location and surroundings. The majestic Wilderness Lodge was modeled after the the Old Faithful Inn which opened in Wyoming in 1904. The bubbling “hot spring” in the back of the lobby creates an amazing egress to the pool area at the edge of Bay Lake. The water flows outside from the lobby and over a rocky waterfall where it then becomes part of the pool. Add a water slide, breathtaking views of Fire Rock geyser, which erupts like clockwork on the hour, with Bay Lake behind it, and you have one my favorite pools to truly relax and feel at one with nature.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge — The beautiful Wilderness Lodge grounds. ©Disney

1. Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts – This has been my favorite pool since first staying at the Beach Club after it opened. Sand on the bottom of a pool? Years later and I still think that’s one of the coolest things ever. Nooks and crannies, a whirlpool to get swept up in the current, a ship-wreck-themed water slide tunnel, and a built-in lazy river, and you pretty much have pool perfection. It’s no secret that this is the most popular pool on property and with good reason. There is something for everyone to enjoy and I could literally spend all day floating and splashing around.

Did I mention your favorite Walt Disney World pool? Which ones top your list? Check back tomorrow for more Stay Cool Week!

5 Parenting Lessons From Disney Pixar’s Brave

19 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

This companion piece to my initial spoiler-free Brave review will contain some references to plot points or ideas within the film which may spoil it for those wishing to be surprised. If you’d like to be prepared for bringing your children to the movie, or are looking for some discussion topics either before or after seeing Brave, I wanted to put this list together. If you do not want any elements of Brave spoiled, do not continue reading below, and head over to my review, which contains no spoilers. Thanks!

1. It is rated PG.

When I think of PG-rated Disney animated films, I instantly think of The Black Cauldron. I’m not sure Brave is quite at that level, but I did jump out of my seat one time and the bear scenes are pretty suspenseful and loud. Certainly the under-7 set may be shaken. In addition, there is a scene where the clans are being rousted by Merida’s dad, Fergus, as he tells tales of finding and killing Mor’du, the bear that took his leg so many years ago. In the midst of his story-telling, he and others throw their weapons at an already stuffed bear standing within the castle hall. It’s was pretty disturbing to me to see a once-living bear getting an axe stuck in its head as it stared blankly ahead. That said, I don’t feel the violence in any way exceeds other Disney animated features. The battle with Maleficent is pretty scary, as are most of the villain battles throughout the years.

There are also few ‘risque’ scenes – one where the clansmen must parade kilt-less back into the castle and you see quite a few derrieres, in the dark. The housemaid, Maudie, also has quite a bit of cleavage showing, which is a running gag as the triplet brothers are constantly hanging above her trying to steal cookies or retrieve keys, etc. Definitely not on the level of the Judge Frollo/Esmeralda scenes in Hunchback of Notre Dame, but a departure from the norm, I suppose.

2. The setting is REAL! Unlike most Disney animated films, either from Walt Disney Animation or Pixar, the world of the story is a surreal or non-existent place. Even when we know Ratatouille or Little Mermaid take place in France, in Brave, the setting itself is one of the stars of the film. The sweeping mountains, the sparkling lakes, the foreboding forests and ancient stone formations – really exist. With those facts, Brave is a wonderful stepping off point for exploring other lands, cultures and history. As with most ancient cultures, there are elements of mythology and a suspension of reality {in Brave’s case, in the form of the “Wisps” which guide Merida and the witch}, but the history is there to share with your children.

3. The Importance of family. As mentioned in my Brave review, we are treated to a strong family relationship here. Two solid, loving parents, and family members who put each other above all else. Sure, not every family is like that, and that’s okay, but it’s a refreshing change to see family love rather than plotting and evil. Merida may briefly forget these bonds and their importance, but therein lies one of the lessons of the film. When Merida’s mother is helpless and at her mercy, Merida also realizes she needs her mother and appreciates all she had done for her up to that point.

4. Children can be independent. So often parents are guilty of hovering, sheltering our children from every possible misstep or danger. As with The Little Mermaid or Jasmine in Aladdin, the parents in Brave start out demanding that their child act a certain way or live out a pre-determined future. With Merida’s spell, she is given no option but to act on her own, make her own choices and learn a great deal in the process. In the end, her parents support her making a wise decision rather than dismissing her because she is only a child. Merida doesn’t end up happily ever after with a prince charming. She ends up happy, with her own life. That was something I loved in the film. It would’ve been so easy for the creators to have Merida fall in love with one of her suitors at the last minute for a nicely tied-up ending. Instead, the story showcases Merida’s strength of character as well as that of her parents for letting her choose her own happiness.

5. Honor. The above points regarding family all lead to the important lesson of honor found throughout the film. Merida wanted to change her fate but ended up changing more than just hers. When her mother was turned into a bear, it became a way to bond as mother and daughter. Merida had grown up favoring her father’s archery and battle lessons vs. her mother’s etiquette and princess training. Seeing how important Merida’s skills were in her time of need was an eye-opener for Merida’s mother, Elinor, as it was for Merida to realize how much she needed her mom. It’s not just Merida who must honor her parents, but Elinor and Fergus who must honor their daughter and her future fate. The lesson is honor, among every family member.

To recap, Brave offers some wonderful parenting moments to share with your child and the storyline certainly helps to appreciate the bonds we have with our children. Though the violence and action are there, the rest of the movie more than overshadows any brief scare little ones may experience. The characters are strong, especially Merida and Elinor, and their strengths are not diminished for a typical happy ending.

Brave opens everywhere June 22 and I cannot wait until I can see it again, I know it will become a classic in our family.

Disclaimer: I was provided free passes to see a screening of Brave with my family but as with all reviews, my opinions were my own and not affected.