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2022 Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Easter Eggs Display

18 March 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

If you are a fan of the giant edible Easter Egg displays at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, you will love the display this year. Almost all the Easter eggs are brand new designs from the Grand Floridian chefs and absolutely breathtaking. Also new this year is a new place to buy treats, called “The Grand Cottage” located right in the middle of the lobby. We were in the area to grab a new vegan Baby Chick Cupcake and got some photos of the egg displays too to share with you all.

From Luca to Encanto, to Raya and the Last Dragon, to the Rescuers Down Under, there are so many amazing Easter eggs this year – even Captain America has joined in the Grand Floridian Easter Egg fun:

Which one of the Grand Floridian Easter Eggs is your favorite? I think the Piper egg from the Pixar short is so adorable! But, the fact that they turned Spaceship Earth into an Easter Egg with Figment on top? That may be the winner in my book. Huge thanks to the Grand Floridian Pastry Team for their hard work on these Easter Egg creations and sharing them with all of us!

Be sure to make a visit and see these yourself if you’re able and check out the treat for sale in the Grand Cottage as well! So many fun treats to enjoy while you take in the sights all around the Grand Floridian Resort lobby.

If you’d like to see the vegan Baby Chick Lemon Cupcake from the Grand Floridian, head to our sister site VeganDisneyFood.com.

D23 Expo 2022 News and Ticket Info

13 January 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

It is not that far into the new year and we already have some exciting D23 news about the upcoming D23 Expo in September of 2022. D23 is kicking off the new year right, giving us info on ticket pricing and sales, the Mousequerade event, merchandise, and (most exciting to me) the restoration and display of Walt Disney’s plane, used, among other things, to scout the land purchased for the Walt Disney World Resort in the 1960’s.

I am so happy to see that this historic plane has been restored since its removal from the Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. D23 has also announced that there will be even more Walt Disney Archives presentations than ever before. I cannot wait for the Expo this year. I wasn’t able to attend last year and had to send my trusty reporter out, but this year I’m READY for all the Expo action. Let’s keep reading below for the official announcements from D23 and info on when and how to purchase your tickets!

TICKETS FOR D23 EXPO: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT PRESENTED BY VISA^® GO ON SALE JANUARY 20, 2022

The Biggest Disney Fan Event Will Take Place September 9th through 11th in Anaheim, Calif.

Returning Events Include the Disney Legends Awards, Mousequerade Costume Contest, and Much More; D23 Gold Members Receive Special Discounts

BURBANK, Calif. – January 13, 2022 – Tickets for D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa go on sale at 12 p.m. PT, Thursday, January 20 with an exclusive presale for Visa cardholders who are also D23 Members starting on January 19, at 10 a.m. PT. “The Ultimate Disney Fan Event,” hosted by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center September 9th through the 11th, celebrating the magic and excitement of Disney entertainment past, present, and future and kicking off Disney100, the centennial celebration of The Walt Disney Company. All of Disney’s wonderful worlds—including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars—will unite under one roof to showcase what’s new and what’s on the horizon from Disney theme parks, streaming, television, music, products, and films. Complete details are available at D23Expo.com.

D23 Expo 2022 will feature more than 50 shows, presentations, and panels, including the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, which honors the talented individuals who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy, as well as an all-new exhibit curated by the Walt Disney Archives highlighting the 100th anniversary of Disney.

The popular Mousequerade costume contest will return, hosted by Nina West and featuring a star-studded panel of judges including Yvette Nicole Brown (Big Shot, Disenchanted), Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano and creator of Her Universe), and Ally Maki (Toy Story 4, Home Sweet Home Alone). The contest will feature new categories including “Off the Screen,” “Imagine That!,” “Magical Mashups,” and “Cast of Characters,” as well as a fan-favorite award voted on by the audience and a “Best in Show” prize of $2,300. Complete rules for entry and details are available at D23Expo.com.

Presenting Sponsor Visa will be the “Official Way to Pay at D23 Expo,” and Visa cardholders will have access to additional benefits and one-of-a-kind Disney experiences.

Plus, D23 and the Walt Disney Archives, working with new D23 Expo Platinum sponsor Amazon, are restoring Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I company airplane, currently housed backstage at Walt Disney World Resort, and transporting it to Anaheim. The iconic aircraft was seen for years as part of the Studio Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and will be on display at D23 Expo 2022 for guests to see in an exhibit called Mickey Mouse One: Walt’s Plane presented by Amazon.

Returning to D23 Expo 2022 will be the massive show floor full of immersive experiences and special opportunities for guests to see what’s next for Disney around the world—and they may even run into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators, and filmmakers. Guests can also enjoy numerous shopping opportunities, many featuring D23 Expo-exclusive collectibles, at an assortment of Disney and partner pop-up shops including the D23 Expo Emporium, where the ultimate Disney fans can find their ultimate treasures. The 7,000-seat Hall D23 returns and will be joined this year by the 3,000-seat Premiere Stage, the 1,200-seat Backlot Stage, and the expanded, 700-seat Walt Disney Archives Stage for more presentations curated by the staff of the Archives. On the main show floor, the D23 Expo Live! Stage will feature performances, appearances, demonstrations, and more all weekend long, many of which will be livestreamed to guests at home.

D23’s seventh Expo in Anaheim follows the success of D23 Expo 2019, which drew tens of thousands of Disney fans for three star-studded days and nights. Guests were treated to appearances by celebrities such as Robert Downey Jr., Christina Aguilera, Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Angelina Jolie, Robin Roberts, Salma Hayek, Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, and the casts of The Mandalorian and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Guests immersed themselves in the one-of-a-kind exhibit Inside the World of Avatar, saw models and artwork from the new experiences and attractions coming to EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort, and admired iconic costumes on display from Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They also enjoyed a look back at Disney’s rich history through extraordinary panels, presentations, and exhibits and discovered the newest entertainment, technology, and products coming from Disney.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa will go on sale at D23Expo.com beginning January 20, 2022, at noon PT. Guests must be members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club—either at the complimentary General Member level or at the Gold Member level—to purchase tickets. Discounted single-day ($89) and three-day tickets ($229) will be available exclusively to D23 Gold Members. Regularly priced single-day tickets are $99 for a one-day adult admission and $79 for children, and money-saving three-day tickets are also available. This year, a limited number of Hall D23 Preferred Seating tickets (which include admission for all three days and a reserved seating section for all Hall D23 presentations) will be available exclusively to D23 Gold Members. D23 Members who are also Visa cardholders, and who pay with their Visa, will have pre-sale access to a limited number of one-day and three-day tickets for 24 hours beginning January 19, 2022, at 10 a.m. PT, while supplies last. Discounted hotel and Disneyland Resort park tickets are available to all D23 Expo ticket purchasers.

In addition to an exclusive discount on tickets, D23 Gold Members will enjoy special benefits at the Expo, including on-site discounts from select retail locations and a complimentary gift. And guests will be able to visit the D23 Ultimate Fan Lounge presented by Amazon on the show floor. For more information on tickets, ticket prices, and D23 Expo, visit D23Expo.com.

Schedule and talent are subject to change.

About D23 Expo 2022
D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, streaming, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2022 news, visit D23Expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.

About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 99-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com, with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99), Gold Duo Membership ($129.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. Will you be purchasing D23 Expo tickets for 2022?

You can also see other D23 updates here on Zannaland as well as our Disney D23 Expo Retrospective episode of our Up the Waterfall podcast where we talk about all the fun of D23 Expos past:

D23 Disney Fan Club Events Announced for 2022

19 November 2021 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Destination D is happening right now about 5 minutes down the street from my house, but sadly I am not there enjoying the Disney D23 fun. However the updates are still coming in from D23 and of course I wanted to share them here with you. D23 today announced the return of many fan-favorite, in-person events along with keeping some virtual events as well. Here’s the rundown of all the D23: The Official Disney Fan Club events for 2022:

D23 EXPO 2022: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns September 9th through the 11th. Fans will see the latest from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel including a first look at the incredible plans for the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. Plus, more panels and presentations than ever will be livestreamed for fans across the globe. D23 Expo is the largest Disney fan event in the world, with all the wonderful worlds of The Walt Disney Company under one roof across film, television, streaming, theme parks, products, digital, music, live entertainment, and more. Tickets go on sale January 20.

WALT’S MARCELINE: Walt Disney frequently cited this charming Missouri town where he spent his early childhood as one of his greatest influences. In fact, its lovely main thoroughfare was an inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. D23 Members will have a chance to explore Marceline’s Walt Disney Hometown Museum, enjoy local treats, and mingle with special guests during this limited-capacity, full-day event.

DAVE SMITH WINDOW DEDICATION: On January 24, celebrate the life and legacy of Walt Disney Archives founder and Disney Legend Dave Smith on the day of his Disneyland window ceremony with a special presentation for Gold Members during park hours.

BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY: On January 29, D23 celebrates the 50th anniversary of Bedknobs and Broomsticks at the very place it was made—The Walt Disney Studios lot—with special screenings and the chance to see items on display from the Walt Disney Archives.

GALACTIC MEMBER MIXER: D23 heads to a galaxy not-so-far-away for a special Member Mixer during Star Wars Celebration in May at the Anaheim Convention Center.

THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS OFFICIAL TOUR – PRESENTED BY D23: D23 looks forward to welcoming guests back to The Walt Disney Studios lot soon, giving members the opportunity to visit the world-famous studio. These tours offer fans a unique perspective on historic moments from Disney films, television shows, and theme parks—along with the chance to look inside The Walt Disney Archives and draw inspiration from Walt’s office suite.

FAN-FAVORITE MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES: D23 will celebrate milestone anniversaries for popular films with virtual and in-person events, including favorites such as Lilo & Stitch (20th), Hercules (25th), Aladdin (30th), and The Muppet Christmas Carol (30th).

D23 NIGHTS WITH DISNEY THEATRICAL: The fan club returns with more special D23 nights than ever before at two spectacular musical productions. The North American tours of Disney’s The Lion King and Disney’s Frozen are offering members special ticket packages and post-show Q&As with members of the cast. The first locations for these special events are Austin and St. Louis for The Lion King, and Atlanta and Orlando for Frozen.

MORE MAGIC WITH WALT DISNEY IMAGINEERING: D23 will continue its rich collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering, giving fans a direct connection to the creative minds behind favorite Disney Parks. The D23 x Walt Disney Imagineering Magical Milestones virtual event series celebrates the past and future of parks around the world. This year, D23 x WDI celebrated Disney California Adventure, Shanghai Disney Resort, and Walt Disney World Resort, and next year, members can look forward to a special in honor of the 30th anniversary of Disneyland Paris!

SIGNATURE EVENTS: Following incredible events at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana and Graceland in Memphis, fans can look forward to Gold Member Previews of Walt Disney Archives traveling exhibitions across the country. D23 Gold Members will enjoy advance and opening night screenings at locations such as the El Capitan, AMC Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, and more theaters across the country. Walt Disney Imagineering’s exclusive merchandise store, Mickey’s of Glendale, will open its doors to members. And as always, D23 will celebrate the holidays in style with a special Halloween event (with a Hocus Pocus twist) and—as part of D23 Season of Magic—the return of the holiday favorite Light Up the Season in December 2022!

Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events for 2022 will be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2019 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at D23.com/Events. Additional dates will be posted soon. All events and dates are subject to change.

Will you be attending any of these Disney D23 events in 2022? We sure hope we can!

Drawn to Life REVIEW: Is This New Cirque du Soleil Show a MUST SEE for Disney Fans?

14 November 2021 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Back in 2020 – the last media event I attended before everything shut down, we were given about a 20 minute preview of Cirque du Soleil’s newest show at Disney Springs – Drawn to Life. The media event was for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway’s debut, but it also combined other upcoming events around Walt Disney World. The first link above is to my instagram story for what we saw of Drawn to Life back in March of 2020. Last night, thanks to a cast member-exclusive invite-only dress rehearsal, I was able to see the full Drawn to Life show from Cirque du Soleil. I was completely blown away and knew I had to write a Drawn to Life review here, because EVERYONE needs to see this show.

Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life Review

Cirque du Soleil Theatre

A little background, as you may know and may have seen, the Cirque du Soleil theatre was built to house the original show here, La Nouba. A fan and family favorite, La Nouba ran from December 23, 1998 until December 31, 2017. At the time, fans were unsure if a new show would premiere, but Cirque du Soleil did announce that a new show would replace La Nouba in the future.

Drawn to Life is Born

In November of 2018, casting calls for Drawn to Life were posted. Two years later, at the above mentioned March 2020 event, everyone was very excited to welcome the new show. Then, the world turned upside-down. We all wondered if the pandemic would mean the end of Drawn to Life and even Cirque du Soleil in general. Luckily, they made it through and now Drawn to Life will debut on November 18, 2021. The first 3 nights are already sold out, which is a great sign for the success of the show.

Drawn to Life Storyline

Something that La Nouba was missing was a Disney connection. La Nouba was amazing, the Cirque performers are the best of the best, and the costumes, makeup, and staging are beyond compare. But, there was no Disney in the show. Honestly, I liked that, as a fan of live theatre and performance, I loved that La Nouba opened that world to people that may not have ever seen it otherwise. I was a little worried that the Disney addition would make it too commercial-looking or comparable to a Disney On Ice performance (not that there’s anything wrong with Disney on Ice, but Cirque du Soleil is known for its incredible creativity and pushing of boundaries). My fears were quashed when I saw the preview in March of 2020. My mind was then completely blown last night when I saw the full show.

My one sentence Drawn to Life review: the show is a love letter to the art and artistry of Disney animation. This is what I thought throughout the show, and then when I went on the website today to look for images to use here, I realized, they had used almost the exact wording in their description of the show. It truly lives up to that statement. Here is how the Drawn to Life storyline is described on the site:

Drawn to Life invites you into an astounding world where the art of Walt Disney Animation is experienced like never before. Gather your whole family for an unforgettable leap into this amazing new show—a live acrobatic journey where the stage is transformed into a giant animation table. The art of classic Disney animation is reinterpreted through Cirque du Soleil’s innovative design, acrobatic performances, dazzling choreography, and eclectic costuming alongside all-new Disney animation and an original score inspired by timeless Disney music. The show is absolutely alive with all the high-flying, mind-blowing exuberance that Cirque du Soleil is famous for.

This love letter to the art of Disney Animation celebrates life in all of its motions and emotions. The show tells the story of a determined girl [named Julie] who discovers one last gift left by her animator father: a sequence of unfinished drawings. Guided by a magical pencil and a quirky troupe of imaginative muses, she embarks on an inspiring quest filled with her childhood Disney memories. We’ll follow her as she leaps into a whimsical world of animation and discovers new possibilities that animate the story of her future. Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney.

What the description and the short preview we saw in March didn’t prepare me for was the emotional journey that starts pretty much immediately when the show begins. It really pulls you in and you are invested in Julie’s adventures. The story weaves itself expertly between the cirque performances so nothing seems out of place or interfering with the flow. Every character highlights and celebrates some portion of the animation process, including mistakes. Speaking of characters, there are several sets of performances where my jaw was hanging open (thankfully masks are required so no one could see that), others where I audibly gasped, and still others where my mask hid the tears streaming down my cheeks. It is a journey.

Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life Animation desk — After more than a year of waiting, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products are excited to announce that Drawn to Life is scheduled to open on Nov. 18, 2021. The new family-friendly show coming to Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., is a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering and will take residency at Disney Springs (Matt Beard, Photographer).

In recent times, hardcore Disney fans have been complaining of a lack of major celebration by Walt Disney World for the 50th anniversary and a focus more on current movie characters, merchandise, and food rather than the storied nostalgia of the company. Drawn to Life has put all of that history and nostalgia, combined it with Disney storytelling and heart, and incredible artistic performances to create a must-see event that every Disney fan will appreciate. It is the most “Disney” show I have seen in recent years, and it’s not even technically a Disney show. The creators have concentrated down the essence of the history and the process of creating the magic that we all know and love as “Disney.”

Drawn to Life Technical Feats

The theater was originally designed for La Nouba, but the stage area has now been completely redone to fit Drawn to Life. The stage design and technical effects for Drawn to Life are mind-blowing. You will probably spend a good portion of the show wondering “how did they DO that??” but at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how, it just looks spectacular. We were seated four rows back on the right of the stage and there were many (most) times I could not see how things were being accomplished. I can only imagine how it looks from slightly further back. The entire tech crew is to be commended for the magic they have created here.

All above photos by photographer Matt Beard and courtesy of Disney. Since you can’t take photos or video of the show, and I don’t want to spoil any of the surprises for you, you’ll have to take my word that it is worth a viewing and a must-see show. I don’t think I can give a Drawn to Life review without mentioning the costumes and makeup; a major part of the show which should not be ignored.

Each character is made to look like some part of the animation process, either the faces animators make to replicate in their designs, or an implement itself like a pencil or paintbrush. The costume are bright and memorable, making each group or individual performance stand out.

Drawn to Life Acts

Here is a little more about the creation of the show and two recently announced acts that are featured in Drawn to Life:

Drawn to Life, written and directed by Michel Laprise with Fabrice Becker as Director of Creation. Developed in partnership with Michael Jung, Executive Theatrical Development, Walt Disney Imagineering along with Walt Disney Animation Studios, the story is driven by 10 unique acrobatic acts alongside animation from beloved Disney films. In addition, the show features all-new animation created by Disney artists led by Animation Director Eric Goldberg, best known for characters such as the Genie in the Disney Animation classic “Aladdin.”

In the “Garden of Lines” unicycle act, Julie is swept into a wonderland of familiar shadows, shapes and outlines in an homage to cherished tales that inspire an animator. Julie’s whimsical mood fixates on a mischievous marionette from a time-honored Italian fairytale. Five playful unicyclists representing the Blue Fairy of the classic Disney Animation film “Pinocchio” appear to effortlessly float across the stage, performing synchronized stunts and individual tricks with pinpoint precision.

“The Old Mill” double wheel act is inspired by Walt Disney’s groundbreaking 1937 animated short of the same name, which is seen in projections throughout. In a display of tenacity, perseverance and rise-and-fall motion, owls dreamed up by Julie’s imagination weather a storm using teamwork and courage to carry them through the powerful wind and rain that threaten their windmill home. The windmill of the film is represented in a spectacular, churning, fast-moving double wheel structure. Gravity-defying acrobats are in constant motion with the turning wheels—at times airborne—with astonishing balance and agility.

Drawn to Life is the 50th production created by Cirque du Soleil and its premiere coincides with the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration. With an international cast of 62 artists, Drawn to Life will perform Tuesday through Saturday at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.

I will note that “The Old Mill” double wheel act is one of the moments where I audibly gasped and my jaw hung open for most of the performance. The unicycles were mesmerizing and even though there were no technical effects there, I still wondered “how did they DO that??”

**Final Drawn to Life Review Thoughts**

Almost 24 hours later, I’m still thinking about how incredible Drawn to Life is. I highly recommend it and I can’t wait to bring my entire family back so they can experience the wonder and magic themselves. Congratulations to everyone involved in Drawn to Life for an amazing success. I can’t wait for word to get out about this amazing Cirque du Soleil experience.

If you want a sneak peek at some of the designs used in the show or just to get some nice merchandise, the Cirque du Soleil Store at Disney Springs West Side is now open.

For more information on show tickets, dates and pricing, visit cirquedusoleil.com/drawntolife.

If you see the show, I’d love to hear what your thoughts were!

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New Trailer for SING 2 + Posters and Stills from the Film!

4 November 2021 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

Fans of Illumination’s 2016 film Sing rejoice! Announced earlier this year, the sequel has received a brand new trailer out today, with some stylish new promo art to boot.

I know I personally was a fan of the original film – featuring performances from Matthew McConaughey, Taron Egerton, Scarlett Johansson, and more. The gang is back together for this sequel, and to celebrate, the studio has released a fun poster collection of the cast.

This holiday season, the new chapter in Illumination’s smash animated franchise arrives with big dreams and spectacular hit songs as the ever-optimistic Buster Moon and his all-star cast of performers prepare to launch their most dazzling stage extravaganza yet …all in the glittering entertainment capital of the world. There’s just one hitch: They first have to persuade the world’s most reclusive rock star—played by global music icon Bono, in his animated film debut—to join them.

The cast of the original film returns for this exciting sequel. Joining them are a few fun new faces, and we were provided a set of posters to introduce them! Here are just some of the new members of this ensemble:

(From left to right, Halsey, Pharrell Williams, and Bono)

Advance tickets are now available for the film’s official release – but those who can’t wait can experience Sing 2 on Thanksgiving day. Tickets are available here for sneak preview screenings at more than 1000 theaters nationwide – get them while you can!

I know I’m excited for this one, so stay tuned here for my inevitable review of the film when it releases December 22!

Holidays Return at LEGOLAND Florida Resort!

1 November 2021 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

It’s beginning to look a lot like Brick-mas! LEGOLAND Florida Resort is preparing for it’s most wonderful event of the year, HOLIDAYS at LEGOLAND presented by Hallmark Channel.

The park will receive a seasonal makeover and bring new entertainment, meet-and-greets, and more all included in general admission. Guests can enjoy:

Rocking around the LEGO Tree

Located in the heart of LEGO^® City, our giant LEGO^® tree comes to life each event evening with dazzling lights that dance along to holiday tunes. For the first time, guests can enjoy this interactive spectacle in full 360-degrees, making it a magical experience from every angle.

Entertainment that “Sleighs”

Brand-new original stage shows will add even more holiday joy this season, as well as the return of fan favorite, The Very Merry Mix-Up, where Mrs. Claus’s crew of holiday helpers return for some frosty fun with the help of LEGO^® Gingerbread Man inside the LEGOLAND^® Fun Town Theater.

Kids’ New Year’s Eve Celebration

Ring in 2022 with our Kids’ New Year’s Eve fireworks. Colorful bursts of LEGO^® bricks light the night sky over Lake Eloise, at a kid-friendly time of 8 p.m. every night from Dec. 26 to Dec. 31

The event is sure to build memories to last a lifetime! HOLIDAYS at LEGOLAND presented by Hallmark Channel will run November 26-28, and December 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 24-31 from 10am to 7pm – and the park will add an extra hour of festive fun for it’s New Years Eve event from December 26-31, closing at 8pm those nights.

Check out our past coverage of the event here, and stay tuned for when we visit later this year!

First Look at Pixar’s LIGHTYEAR!

27 October 2021 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

Earlier this year, Disney/Pixar announced the new pseudo-prequel to the beloved Toy Story character, LIGHTYEAR. Today, we get our first look at the film in this exciting teaser!

The sci-fi action-adventure presents the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear—the hero who inspired the toy—introducing the legendary Space Ranger who would win generations of fans.

The film – which stars Chris Evans in the titular role – is scheduled to release June 17, 2022. No word yet on whether the film will debut on Disney+ Premier Access – something that Disney’s most recent releases have not been doing.

We know we’re excited to see what this story has in store, so be sure to stick around here for more updates on the film!

LEGOLAND Florida Celebrates 10 Years!

23 September 2021 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

It feels like LEGOLAND Florida has been for longer than I can remember – but it’s only celebrating its 10th anniversary next month! In that time, the Florida resort has become a classic destination for locals and tourists alike. To celebrate these 10 Awesome years, LEGOLAND is debuting attraction openings, party pop-ups, and Halloween fun.

The LEGOLAND Story

The LEGOLAND^® Story will immerse LEGO^® lovers in the unexpected origin story of everyone’s favorite brick. Guests will also learn about the ever-evolving theme park experience and how LEGOLAND^® Parks were built, brick by brick!

LEGO MASTERS: L-R: Contestants Mark and Steven in the “Master Build – Day & Night” season finale episode of LEGO MASTERS airing Tuesday, Sept 14 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2021 FOX MEDIA LLC. CR: Tom Griscom/FOX

This new attraction will bring guests into the history of LEGO with exclusive, photo-worthy displays, and artifacts from LEGO’s past. Fans of LEGO MASTERS will also find the official winning models from Season Two of the show, along with the second and third place models on display.

In the entry to The LEGOLAND Story, will be the all new LEGOLAND Coffee Co., a new café featuring flash-chilled iced coffee and seasonal flavors.

Birthday Bash Party Pop-Ups

WINTER HAVEN, FL — Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. (PHOTO / LOCK + LAND, Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort)

Families are invited to join in the brick-tastic birthday bash on October 15 to dance along with their favorite LEGO^® characters and friends. Party-packed play moments, surprise character appearances and pop-up entertainment will make this one awesome party!

LEGOLAND Florida will become home to a “more-than-20-foot” birthday cake, on display now through the end of the year. And if that wasn’t sweet enough, Granny’s Apple Fries – a LEGOLAND staple – will be offering the Apple Fries Cupcake and Birthday Cake Latte, ONLY on October 15.

MINILAND Reopening October 15

LEGOLAND’s most iconic area of the park has been under construction this year to fit the entire area with a new shade structure. That reopened area will finally be open October 15, just in time for the park’s exciting celebrations.

Brick or Treat Returns: Saturdays & Sundays in October

The classic Halloween event returns this year. It too has become a staple of the park – with its BOO-tastic fireworks, treat trails, and extended hours every event night.

This kid-friendly event is the only time of year guests can meet exclusive classic LEGO^® monster characters, enjoy Halloween shows and go trick-or-treating to collect loads of candy during the ultimate kids Halloween celebration.

While you’re at the park celebrating ten crazy years, be sure to check out the other awesome experiences and attractions that have debuted in 2021! Those looking to find tickets or passes can do so here.

And be sure to stay tuned here for more LEGOLAND updates!

A Closer Look at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Details

3 September 2021 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Cast members were recently given preview days at the all-new Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction over in EPCOT’s France pavilion. With that preview, they also got to enjoy the newest restaurant, La Creperie de Paris, which offers both quick service and table service options for crepes. We’ll share a look at all the Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure details, including the new France pavilion expansion, and La Creperie too.

Get ready for a squeak preview of what you can enjoy when this area, ride, and restaurant officially open on October 1!

As you approach the Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction, you will pass through this canopy, which signifies the transition from “real world” Paris to that of the Ratatouille movie setting, with more exaggerated details and animated style of architecture.

At first glance, it looks like the streets of Paris, but a closer look shows whimsical drain pipes and chimneys you’d see in the animated film.

La Creperie de Paris exterior

Rich layered architectural details

Anton Ego’s Wine Cellar!

You may recognize that scooter from the Ratatouille film!

Now let’s take a look at the entrance and queue details of the Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ride:

Click to enlarge any of the photos below and just hit the back arrow to return to the post:

Time to ride the ride! We won’t share too many photos, but here are a few to give you an idea of what to expect on this 3-D trackless ride through Gusteau’s restaurant:

I will be experiencing this ride in person in the coming week at another Cast preview where guests are allowed, and a Passholder preview. I cannot wait! Be sure to follow along on @zannaland on instagram to see what I share from my visits!

You can also see inside, the full menu, and vegan options at La Creperie de Paris on our sister site, VeganDisneyFood.com.

What’s your favorite detail of this new Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure area?

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, La Creperie de Paris, and the entire France expansion in EPCOT’s World Showcase opens October 1 as part of Walt Disney World Resort’s Most Magical Celebration on Earth. See you there!

OH BOTHER: Tickets Available for Disney’s WINNIE THE POOH Stage Adaptation

26 August 2021 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

Want to visit Winnie The Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood? Just book a ticket to Broadway! Featuring songs by the Sherman Brothers’ and by A.A. Milne, this beautifully crafted musical stage adaptation of the classic characters opens on Time Square’s Theatre Row beginning October 21, 2021.

WINNIE THE POOH: THE NEW MUSICAL ADAPTATION is developed and presented by renowned family entertainment creator Jonathan Rockefeller – whose spectacular puppetry was previously seen in productions of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and Paddington Gets in a Jam.

Tickets to the show are now available here.

Due to an overwhelming response, Rockefeller Productions is opening a new block of weekend tickets for the highly anticipated show.

Jonathan Rockefeller and Rockefeller Productions [in association with Disney Theatrical Productions] embraced the challenge of re-imaging Disney’s Winnie the Pooh for a new audience by bringing it to life on stage in puppet form.

I know that I personally wish I could book a flight to New York just to catch a performance of this show, so stay tuned here for more updates on the production as we receive them!