Disney News

Disney Dream Inaugural Year Dooney & Bourke Bags

4 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

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

Disney Cruise Line Dream Inaugural Dooney — Dream Inaugural Dooney & Bourke Collette tote - $260

Disney Cruise Line Dream Inaugural Dooney wristlet — Dream Inaugural Dooney & Bourke small coin purse - $45

DCL Inaurugal Dooney & Bourke — Disney Dream Inaugural Dooney & Bourke line up!

The satchel on the left of the table should be $195 if going by Dooney pricing online for the same style. Will confirm when possible!

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

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

Disney Dooney & Bourke Multi-colored Mickey Black Handbags

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

Dooney & Bourke Disney Cruise Line Edition and Colored Wristlets

Disney Dooney & Bourke Cindy Sketch in COLORS

Disneyland 55th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke Collection

Disney Dooney and Bourke Princess Handbag Designs

Disney Dooney & Bourke Balloon Design in Black and White

Disney Dooney & Bourke Peace Love Mickey Minnie Denim Bags

Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke Collection

Disney AMC 24 DINE-IN Theatre Fork & Screen Menu & Details!

3 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

AMC Downtown Disney 24 now open, a new theatre experience with a menu of possibilities –

Our local movie theatre has a dine-in option but it is limited to those 21+. While I do enjoy going on date nights with my husband without kids in the theatre, there have been times I wished we could bring all the kids with us and enjoy the dinner option as well. It’s not like the 21+ makes the theatre kid-free, since we still share a theatre with regular movie-goers, the 21+ area is just in the balcony. AMC seems to have perfected the best of both worlds. Guests must be 18+ or accompanied by a 21+ parent or guardian, so you can’t just drop the kids off for dinner and sneak off to House of Blues. The menu showcases something for everyone from appetizers to drinks and desserts. Let’s check out how it works and the Fork & Screen menu offerings:

Watch the latest movies with seat-side service at AMC Dine-In Theatres™, a new experience that combines the cuisine and cocktail options of a restaurant with the fun and excitement of a movie theatre. AMC® offers two options of Dine-In Theatres. If you’re in the mood for casual dining, check out Fork & Screen® or try Cinema Suites® for an upscale experience. Each option has its own exciting atmosphere and selection of tasty, surprisingly affordable menus. How the AMC Dine-In Theatre Experience Works

1. Select your movie, showtime and reserved seating preference.
2. Price includes your movie ticket, dining is at an additional cost
3. Menus are available at your seat. Press the call button and a server will arrive to take your order.
4. Relax and enjoy the movie while you dine at your seat. If you need anything else, simply press the call button.
5. The server will deliver your check before the end of the film.

Guests of Fork & Screen can enjoy in-theatre dining combined with the most current movies and other exciting events presented in the immersive big-screen viewing environment of an AMC theatre. Guests have to be 18 years old or accompanied by a parent or guardian that is 21 years or older. Adult guests are able to order beer, wine, cocktails and food at MacGuffins. Named after a term coined by famed filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, MacGuffins is a warm, relaxing and inviting bar with a spacious lounge. Guests can relax before or after their entertainment at tables and soft-seating areas. Guests 18 years old and over, and minors accompanied by a parent or guardian, are welcome to enjoy MacGuffins.

(Menu updated 5/12 – items and prices subject to change)

New Summer Introductions

New Orleans Lobster Salad Torta | $10.49Chunks of real lobster, seafood, celery, green onions and capers mixed in a light mayonnaise-based remoulade and scooped into a toasted bolillo roll with arugula greens and tomato. Served with a side of fresh fruit.
Sonoma Chicken Salad Torta | $9.99All-white meat chicken, grapes, apples, celery and pecans tossed in a light mayonnaise dressing and scooped into a toasted bolillo roll with arugula greens and tomato. Served with a side of fresh fruit.

Bruschetta Shrimp Pasta | $14.99Pan-seared jumbo shrimp tossed in zesty seasoning with corkscrew pasta and creamy sundried tomato sauce, and sprinkled with fresh tomato and basil bruschetta.
Classic Supreme | $10.99A fully loaded flatbread sprinkled generously with a blend of Italian cheeses and topped with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers and onions.

Appetizers

Buffalo Chicken Wings | $9.99Jumbo chicken wings glazed with our spicy wing sauce. Served with crisp celery and blue cheese dressing to cool the heat.
Wings & Things Sampler | $12.99Our spicy buffalo chicken wings and golden cheese sticks partnered with onion loops and house-made potato chips, with ketchup, blue cheese and marinara sauce for dipping.
Crab Rangoon Dip | $8.99A new recipe with hot white Cheddar, cream cheese and real crab, seasoned with herbs and spices, and served with a plate of fresh wonton chips and Thai coconut sauce.
Veggie Triple Feature | $7.99Icebox carrots, jicama and celery sticks, served with oven-toasted pizzetta strips, hummus and creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Queso Blanco Dip & Chips | $7.49Diced tomato and green chilies in a white Cheddar cheese dip served with fresh tortilla chips.

Breadstick Sampler | $6.99Two soft pretzel Bavarian breadsticks and six cheesy Pizzetta strips with queso blanco and marinara sauces for dipping.
Golden Mozzarella Sticks | $8.49Delicious mozzarella cheese crusted with breadcrumbs and fried to crispy golden perfection. Topped with our Parmesan blend and served with marinara sauce.
Loaded Potato Skins | $8.49Crispy potato skins covered in melted Cheddar and Jack cheese, topped with hickory bacon, sour cream and green onions. Add crab rangoon dip. $2.99
Parmesan Fries | $6.99Deep-fried until crispy and tossed with our seasoned salt, Parmesan cheese blend and Italian flat leaf parsley. Served with ketchup and garlic basil aioli.

Tenders & Fish

Served with classic-cut fries. Substitute onion loops or Parmesan fries for only $0.99.

Crispy Fish and Chips | $12.49Cold-water cod dipped in a beer batter and fried to a delicious crisp. Served with tartar sauce.
Chicken Tenders | $11.99Traditional crispy chicken tenders with your choice of barbecue sauce, ranch or honey mustard for dipping.
Fried Shrimp | $12.99Shrimp hand-dipped in beer batter made with local pale ale, and flash fried to golden perfection. Served with our sweet house-made ponzu sauce.

Thai Coconut Chicken Tenders | $12.49Our beer-battered golden chicken tenders served with a Thai coconut red chili glaze and sweet house-made ponzu sauce for dipping.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders | $12.49Beer-battered, perfectly golden chicken tenders. Spice them up or cool the heat with buffalo and blue cheese dipping sauces.

Burgers

Served with classic-cut fries. Substitute onion loops or Parmesan fries for only $0.99.

Fire Burger | $10.49Smoldering, seasoned ground beef with jalapeños inside, topped with pepper jack cheese, zesty chipotle sauce, lettuce, tomato and crispy, fried jalapeños.
Mushroom Swiss Burger | $10.49Sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese top an all-American beef burger with lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche-style Kaiser roll.
Blue Max Burger | $10.49Our all-American beef burger topped with blue cheese crumbles, lettuce, tomato and creamy blue cheese dressing on a toasted brioche-style Kaiser roll.

Bacon Cheeseburger | $10.99Our classic aged Cheddar cheeseburger dressed with crispy bacon and topped with lettuce and tomato on a brioche-style Kaiser roll.
Classic Cheeseburger | $9.99Our all-American beef burger with Cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce and sliced tomatoes on a toasted brioche-style Kaiser roll.

Sandwiches

Served with house-made potato chips. Substitute classic-cut fries for $0.99, or onion loops or Parmesan fries for only $1.99.

New Orleands Lobster Salad Torta | $10.49Chunks of real lobster, seafood, celery, green onions and capers mixed in a light mayonnaise-based remoulade and scooped into a toasted bolillo roll with arugula greens and tomato. Served with a side of fresh fruit.
Lime Chicken Griller | $9.99Perfectly grilled and seasoned lime chicken with creamy garlic basil aioli, lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche-style Kaiser roll.
Roast Turkey Club | $10.49Roast turkey with Cheddar, lettuce, sliced tomatoes, crispy bacon and mayonnaise on a toasted brioche-style Kaiser roll.

Sonoma Chicken Salad Torta | $9.99All-white meat chicken, grapes, apples, celery and pecans tossed in a light mayonnaise dressing and scooped into a toasted bolillo roll with arugula greens and tomato. Served with a side of fresh fruit.
Prime Rib Griller | $10.49All-American, slow-roasted, shaved prime rib on a toasted brioche-style Kaiser roll. Served with creamy horseradish sauce.
Southwest Fajita Chicken Wrap | $9.99Melted Cheddar Jack cheese and grilled chicken, fire-roasted red and green bell peppers and diced tomatoes rolled in a flour tortilla. Served with sour cream and salsa.

Quesadillas & Tacos

Thai Bang Shrimp Tacos | $9.99White corn tortillas layered together with southwest sauce and Cheddar Jack cheese, then topped with sweet and sour slaw and crunchy breaded shrimp drizzled with Thai bang sauce. Served with fresh tortilla chips and house-made salsa.
Smoked Brisket Quesadillas | $9.99Grill-toasted flour tortillas stuffed with southwest-seasoned smoked beef brisket and shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.

Fire-Roasted Veggie Quesadillas | $9.49Grill-toasted flour tortillas filled with bell peppers, sweet onions, tomatoes, shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Classic Chicken Quesadillas | $9.99Southwest seasoned grilled chicken and shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melted inside grill-toasted flour tortillas.

Flatbread Pizzettas

Served with marinara sauce for dipping

Classic Supreme | $10.99A fully loaded flatbread sprinkled generously with a blend of Italian cheeses and topped with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers and onions.
Tuscan Pepperoni | $9.99Crispy flatbread with mozzarella and provolone cheeses and shaved pepperoni.

Margherita | $9.99Olive oil brushed over flatbread with mozzarella and provolone cheeses, fresh Roma tomato slices and fresh basil.

Pizzinis

Golden toasted flatbread sandwiches served with house-made potato chips. Substitute classic-cut fries for $0.99, or onion loops or Parmesan fries for only $1.99.

Chipotle Chicken and Bacon | $9.99Grilled chicken, smoky chipotle sauce, melted Cheddar Jack cheese and bacon sandwiched between a golden flatbread. Served with chipotle-style mayonnaise.
Sicilian | $9.99This meat lovers’ Pizzini features salami, pepperoni, ham and melted mozzarella with lettuce and tomato sandwiched between a golden flatbread. Served with garlic basil aioli.

Smokehouse Beef and Cheddar | $9.99Smoked beef brisket and melted cheddar topped with sweet and sour slaw and barbecue sauce and sandwiched between a golden flatbread. Served with our Carolina-style barbecue sauce.

Salads

Select salads available as a wrap and served with a seasonal fruit medley.

Asian Chicken Salad | $10.99Grilled chicken on a bed of crisp greens tossed with sweet Asian dressing and topped with crispy wonton strips and toasted almonds. Available as a wrap with a side of seasonal fruit.
Fresh Fruit Salad | $9.99Fresh strawberries, mandarin oranges, pineapple and melon, topped with toasted pecans and a house-made honey, citrus and yogurt drizzle.

Wedge Salad | $9.49Chilled iceberg lettuce with chopped tomatoes, sweet onions, blue cheese crumbles and bacon with house-made creamy blue cheese dressing.
Chicken Caesar Salad | $10.99Crisp romaine lettuce topped with grilled, all-natural chicken breast, house-made Caesar dressing and grated Parmesan cheese. Available as a wrap with a side of seasonal fruit.

Entrees

Tenderloin Tips | $15.99Tenderloin steak tips with sautéed mushrooms and pearl onions in a red wine demi glace. Served with red bliss mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Blackened Salmon | $14.99Our Cajun-spiced salmon served with red bliss mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Country Fried Steak | $11.99Battered, chopped steak served with country gravy, red bliss mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Bruschetta Shrimp Pasta | $14.99Pan-seared jumbo shrimp tossed in zesty seasoning with corkscrew pasta and creamy sundried tomato sauce, and sprinkled with fresh tomato and basil bruschetta.
Bistro Chicken Mac and Cheese | $11.99Sliced chicken breast on top of our corkscrew pasta, blended with a zesty white cheese sauce and sprinkled with buttery toasted breadcrumbs and bacon.
Chicken Alfredo | $12.49Seared chicken breast sliced and served over fresh pappardelle pasta noodles covered in creamy alfredo sauce and topped with fresh house-made bruschetta.

Kid’s Meals

Kid-friendly portions for ages 12 and younger.

Cheese Quesadilla | $6.99Served with apple slices, fries and your choice of a soft drink or 2% milk.
Chicken Quesadilla | $6.99Served with apple slices, fries and your choice of a soft drink or 2% milk.
Chicken Tenders | $6.99Served with apple slices, fries and your choice of a soft drink or 2% milk.

Grilled Cheese | $6.99Served with apple slices, fries and your choice of a soft drink or 2% milk.
Flatbread Pizzetta | $6.99Pepperoni or Cheese. Served with apple slices, fries and your choice of a soft drink or 2% milk.

Desserts

Waffle Sundae | $7.49Two warm Belgium waffles infused with authentic maple flavor, topped off by a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled in luscious caramel and a generous sprinkle of sweet and savory candied bacon.
New York Cheesecake | $6.99Indulgent New York-style cheesecake served with fresh sugar-glazed strawberries.
Chocolate Brownie Sundae | $7.99Moist and fudgy chocolate brownie served warm with a scoop of premium ice cream on top.

Cupcake Duo | $5.99A red velvet cupcake with a chocolate truffle center is perfectly paired with a vanilla bean cupcake stuffed with a vanilla bean-flecked cream.
Epic Chocolate Dream Cake | $6.99This generous slice of cake is so rich and decadent it tastes like a dream. Two layers of milk chocolate pudding are sandwiched between layers of dark chocolate cake and topped with creamy chocolate frosting.

Treats

Popcorn | $8.00With free refill
Plain M&Ms | $4.25
Peanut M&Ms | $4.25
Sour Patch Kids | $4.25
Junior Mints | $4.25
Twizzlers | $4.25
Reese’s Pieces | $4.25
Skittles | $4.25

Welch’s Fruit Snack | $3.50
Sour Patch Watermelon | $3.50
Buncha Crunch | $3.50
Air Head Extreme Sour Belt | $3.50
SunMaid Chocolate Raisins | $3.50
Milk Duds | $3.50

Martinis & Margaritas

Pomegranate MartiniAbsolut Citron Vodka and Cointreau combined with pomegranate liqueur and simple syrup.
Sour Apple MartiniPremium vodka, Sour Apple Pucker and Midori shaken with sours mix to create a deliciously tart cocktail.
CosmopolitanAn absolute classic with Absolut Citron, Cointreau, cranberry juice and a kiss of lime.

Golden MargaritaCuervo Gold and Gran Marnier with sours mix and a splash of lime juice.
Mango MargaritaA fresh and fruity mix of premium tequila, triple-sec and lime juice blended with a mango smoothie.
Strawberry MargaritaPremium tequila, triple sec and lime juice blended with a strawberry smoothie.

Specialty Drinks

Blue LagunaA tropical combination of Tanqueray Gin, Peach Schnapps, cranberry juice and club soda with a splash of Blue Curaçao.
Velvet HammerA luscious mix of white crème de cacao, triple sec and grenadine blended with a vanilla shake.
HurricaneBacardi O and light rum with orange juice, sours mix, a splash of grenadine and Meyer’s Dark Rum for a delicious wave of flavor.
Caribbean CoolerCaptain Morgan and Malibu Rums with orange and pineapple juice and a splash of Blue Curaçao.

Prices are around $7 per ticket extra for Fork & Screen, plus of course the cost of food and drinks. Prices may vary with showtime as well. Watch for updates with Disney AMC pricing as it becomes available. Will you pay for this added experience? Sure beats nachos or a chili dog, in my opinion!

NEW! WDW 40th Anniversary Disney Dooney & Bourke Purses

31 January 2011 by Suzannah Otis 16 Comments

It’s time again for another set of new Disney Dooney & Bourke designs! Many thanks to Shelley C. for snapping these pictures today on the first day of the new Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke designs!

Now lets get right to the pictures! (As always, click to enlarge photos)

WDW 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke medium Kristen tote - $270

WDW 49th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke small messenger bag — WDW 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke small messenger bag - $255

WDW 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke small bucket bag - $250

WDW 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke letter carrier - $155

WDW 49th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke wristlets — WDW 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke flap wristlets - $49

WDW 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke design close-up

NEW Wallet photos:

Disney WDW 40th Anniversary Dooney wallet — WDW 40th design checkbook wallet - $175

Disney WDW 40th Anniversary Dooney wallet back — zippered back of wallet

Disney WDW 40th Anniversary Dooney wallet inside — inside the wallet

So what do you think of the new designs? Will you be picking one (or more) up?

Don’t forget to check DisneyStore.com for sales of select current released Disney Dooney & Bourke purses and Zannaland’s Disney Dooney & Bourke page with ALL handbag photos and info.

*DisneyStore.com links are affiliate links, which means it costs you nothing extra to click or buy, but if you do, I get a small commission. Thanks for reading!

The Magic, The Memories and…US!

20 January 2011 by Suzannah Otis 8 Comments

I was recently invited to attend the media preview for the Magic Kingdom’s much anticipated “Castle projection show”. The show was announced some months back along with the 2011 campaign – “Let the Memories Begin“. The show and campaign itself received much criticism from cynics, assuming Disney was just using other people’s photos and videos so they didn’t have to come up with something on their own. Many objections to “YouTube videos on the castle” were heard over the interwebs.

Ever the Disney-supporter, I posted on twitter and facebook about how I supported this campaign. Really, I’m the kind of Disney fan that doesn’t think we are “owed” anything, yet many critics compare each year’s promotion to the Year of a Million Dreams or the What Will You Celebrate? campaigns, which were overflowing with extras, freebies and one-of-a-kind experiences. Last year, you still got a free ticket – if you volunteered for it. This year, however, the focus is on families – no matter what that consists of, and the memories created at Disney Parks throughout the world. After all, aren’t the best “extras” the intangibles that you hold in your heart and mind for years to come?

Despite my understanding and excitement about Let the Memories Begin, I still wasn’t sure how the Castle would fit in to this equation. After all, people don’t typically like when Cinderella Castle is messed with. (I happen to be one of the few people in the universe that thought it was cute – but totally understand those that were upset at its appearance for their visits; a year is a long time for bright pink.) Would this be something that most guests couldn’t relate to if their pictures weren’t selected? Would it disrupt the magic of the kingdom? Well, all my fears were assuaged Tuesday night when I experienced “The Magic, The Memories and You” first-hand.

First we were treated to a press conference with Park executives Al Weiss, and Meg Crofton. We were told about the upcoming news at the Parks (Wild Africa Trek, La Hacienda, Via Napoli, Star Tours 2). Alan Bruun, Associate Creative Director Walt Disney World Entertainment then gave us a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how the new castle show was created. The castle was actually graphed with a grid for the 3-D photo imaging required to ensure seamless projections and special effects. We were shown the locations for the 16 projectors used in the show. In addition to videos pulled from the Let The Memories Begin site where guests can submit their family videos, 500 photos taken in-park that day will be hand-picked to appear in the sometimes twice nightly show on the castle. As Bruun was quoted that night, “it’s a heck of a lot more than a slide-show on the castle”. Since seeing is believing, we all headed over to Cinderella Castle to experience the show for ourselves.

Changes to Via Napoli Dessert Menu

4 January 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

Via Napoli almost instantly won my heart as my new favorite place to dine at Epcot. I’m not even a huge pizza fan, but I just loved everything about this place, from the atmosphere and cast members to of course, the food (much more than just pizza). I covered opening day at Via Napoli as well as another trip with my husband. When out of state friends came to visit Walt Disney World, we naturally met up at Via Napoli for dinner. I recommended my favorite dessert to my friend that night and he loved it. So imagine my sadness when I dined there today with my mom and children (who still had never been) and the dessert menu was missing two items!

The Gelato Frizzante (my favorite!) and the Copa Di Brutti Ma Buoni (Good but Ugly Sundae) were completely removed from the list. I fell in love with the Gelato Frizzante when we had little samples of it opening day and ordered it again at each visit. My husband tried and loved the Copa di Brutti ma Buoni on his first visit and also enjoyed it. I asked our server what happened but she just said they were taken off the menu. Could we really be the only people that liked them? Perhaps they were too labor intensive to make? In any case, it makes me sad, but since I was usually too full from the meal to have needed dessert, I guess it’s probably a good thing in my case. I always overdid with the Gelato Frizzante! Here are some pictures of the new dessert menu – no items have been added, simply the two removed items: (click to enlarge the photos)

Disney Store International Plaza Tampa Has Reopened!

3 December 2010 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

You may remember my enthusiasm for Tampa’s brand new Imagination Park Disney Store when it opened near me at International Plaza and Bay Street. I was there opening day to experience the magic and share it here with you. The store was amazing and its cast members instantly won me over with their knowledge, kindness and pixie dust. I couldn’t wait to go back with the rest of my children and family and show them around. Imagine my sadness when we returned a couple of weeks later to find the store closed!

A sign outside informed us the store was closed due to water damage. A pipe had burst on the second floor flooding the space above and the Disney Store with 15,000 gallons of water. Yikes. Peeking into the store that day, I could see that everything had been completely gutted and they were removing the hardware pieces while still drying out the store with floor fans. I thought of all the beautiful parts; the trees with projections on them, the gorgeous wall and ceiling displays, not to mention the merchandise – all ruined! I could only imagine how saddened the cast members were about this as well. I spoke to the Disney Store president, Jim Fielding on twitter and he let me know they’d be back open by Thanksgiving.

Disney Store Imagination Park Tampa — The key for the daily Unlock Imagination ceremony

Now the store is re-opened and ready to spread the magic once again, just in time for the holidays!! Jim Fielding asked for my help on twitter to spread the word, so I thought this was the least I could do. I wouldn’t be posting about it if I wasn’t confident that this store is an absolutely amazing experience – the next best thing to being at the parks themselves. Jim assures me that everything is exactly as it was before and the cast members are back and even more ready to help you Unlock Imagination, right in our backyard.

As I said in my first report, it’s just an hour away from the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando (right down I-4 West to I-275) so if you’re driving to the parks or renting a car, it really is worth a trip over here to experience this first Imagination Park in the central Florida area. I’ve shared before what a caring and involved president Jim Fielding is (in addition to his job title he is also a board member of the Make a Wish Foundation and volunteering in Phoenix this weekend). Reaching out to Disney store fans via social media is just one example of that involvement, and what makes shopping at the Disney Store such a rewarding experience.

In addition, the DisneyStore.com has some amazing deals happening right now – what better place to do some holiday shopping? Be sure you add the Disney Store Tampa to your “must do” list for the holidays!

Disney Dream Lives Up To Its Name With the Disney Cruise Line

2 December 2010 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Back when I was a travel agent in the 1990’s, I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural voyage of the very first Disney Cruise Line ship – the Disney Magic. We was able to take my firstborn son on again when he was about 9 months old and it was an incredible experience both times.

Since that time, the Disney Cruise Line has sailed above the bar it set with the Magic. The Wonder debuted, amazing changes have been made to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, and now the all-new Disney Dream is about appear on the horizon this January.

I’m hoping to set sail with my family some time this year, but until I can get a first-hand look, I thought I’d share some of the official info from Disney describing the incredible amenities, special features and Disney magic that make this new ship, well, a Dream!

When the Disney Dream debuts on Jan. 26, 2011, guests will begin embarking on innovation-infused journeys aboard a 4,000-passenger cruise ship where technology has been translated into eye-popping, jaw-dropping experiences – where activities, mealtimes and pastimes elicit smiles, giggles, “wows” and squeals of delight … and occasionally will take your breath away.

Disneyland Readers Take Note – Pirates of the Caribbean Fan Event!

1 December 2010 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Captain Jack is BACK and treating west coast fans to an exclusive look at the brand-new trailer for Walt Disney Pictures “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” in 3D on December 13, 2010, at AMC Downtown Disney Theatre 12 in Anaheim, California, as part of an exclusive “Pirates Fans First!” event. “Fans First!” winners will also have the chance on that day to be the first to experience the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction that started it all. Fans can enter to win a vacation for four to the event by “Liking” Yahoo! Movies on Facebook (www.facebook.com/YahooMovies) or entering the sweepstakes via Disney Movie Rewards (www.DisneyMovieRewards.com). Fans can also gain access to this exclusive event by listening to 102.7 KIIS-FM starting December 6^th.

In addition to being the first to see the new trailer for “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” and ride on the Pirates of the Caribbean theme park attraction, the lucky fans will be treated to a special Pirate after party, plus special commemorative gifts—but not until all of them have sworn to the “Pirate’s Oath” in a ceremony on the bow of the Columbia sailing ship. For added fun, fans who come to the event in pirate costume will have additional opportunities to win special prizing.

Following the “Pirates Fans First!” event, the trailer will premiere on Yahoo! Movies, Disney.com, and other premium online destinations around the world at 1 p.m. PST. Later the same day at 7 p.m. EST the domestic broadcast debut will occur on “Entertainment Tonight” as part of their December Event for “Pirates.”

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3D™. Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed tale of truth, betrayal, youth and demise. When Jack crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.

The international cast includes franchise vets Geoffrey Rush as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa, and Kevin R. McNally as Captain Jack’s longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs, plus Sam Claflin as a stalwart missionary and Astrid Berges-Frisbey as a mysterious mermaid.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” is written by “Pirates” veterans Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio. The executive producers are Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, Barry Waldman, Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio and John DeLuca.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” sails into theatres around the world in May 2011. Official website: Disney.com/Pirates. “Like” Pirates on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PiratesoftheCaribbean.

NEWS: Disney’s Mars Needs Moms Trailer

29 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Take out the trash, eat your broccoli—who needs moms, anyway? Nine-year-old Milo (Seth Green) finds out just how much he needs his mom (Joan Cusack) when she’s nabbed by Martians who plan to steal her mom-ness for their own young. Produced by the team behind “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” and “The Polar Express,” “Mars Needs Moms” showcases Milo’s quest to save his mom—a wild adventure in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D that involves stowing away on a spaceship, navigating an elaborate, multi-level planet and taking on the alien nation and their leader (Mindy Sterling). With the help of a tech-savvy, underground earthman named Gribble (Dan Fogler) and a rebel Martian girl called Ki (Elisabeth Harnois), Milo just might find his way back to his mom—in more ways than one.

· Berkeley Breathed, a Pulitzer-Prize winner for his comic strip “Bloom County,” is the author and illustrator of the book “Mars Needs Moms.” The story was inspired by a particular moment of disagreement that took place between his son Milo and his wife.

· Producer Robert Zemeckis, who wrote, directed and produced “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” and “The Polar Express,” is a pioneer in performance-capture filmmaking. The process digitally captures the performances of the actors with computerized cameras in a full 360 degrees, allowing actors like Jim Carrey and Tom Hanks to play several roles of varying ages in one film, and for 36-year-old Seth Green to portray a 9-year-old.

Walt Disney World New Years Eve Celebration Dinner Party Events

27 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Here are two separate ticketed events for celebrating New Years Eve in style at Walt Disney World —

Over at the Magic Kingdom, there are three special Fireworks Dessert Parties – at 7:30 and 10:50 on December 30, 2010 and at 10:30 on December 31, 2010. The Dessert Party will include the usual dessert fare and beverages plus a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage to toast the New Year!

Guests ages 10 and up $39.99, guests 3-9 $21.99

In addition Disney is offering a one-time Dinner and Dessert Party, December 31, with check-in beginning at 6:15pm. Dinner includes artisan breads, fruit, cheeses, sushi, salads, seared tuna, beef short-ribs, and carved pork. Dinner will then be followed by the same dessert items mentioned above.

Guests ages 10 and up $155.99, guests 3-9 $76.99

Click to enlarge the photos and see more details: