Official Disney

Disney Fantasy Floats Into The Open Sea!

10 January 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

As you may know, I am a huge fan of Disney Cruise Line and believe they do cruising like no one else. You also may have heard I’m a fan of Dumbo, the mascot adorning the back of Disney Fantasy. Things are inching closer to completion for the Disney Fantasy and its maiden voyage – just yesterday the Fantasy floated out of its enclosed dock as it moves on to the next phase of completion. Check out the photos and full press release below:

Disney Fantasy Float Out — PAPENBURG, GERMANY, (Jan. 9, 2012) – The newest Disney Cruise Line ship, Disney Fantasy, floated out of the enclosed building dock at the Meyer Werft shipyard yesterday as fireworks filled the sky. This symbolizes one of the final stages of this ship’s construction and marks a significant milestone towards the March 31, 2012 maiden voyage.

The Disney Fantasy features many of the innovations found on her sister ship, Disney Dream, with several new guest experiences exclusive to the ship that are sure to delight every member of the family. New experiences found on the Disney Fantasy include two Broadway-style musical spectaculars for the Walt Disney Theatre, a dining experience at Animator’s Palate where guests’ own drawings magically come to life, an interactive adventure quest starring the Muppets, a splashtacular water play area called AquaLab, a sophisticated nighttime entertainment area for adults inspired by European travel and much more .

The Disney Fantasy will sail seven-night alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries. All voyages will depart from Port Canaveral, Fla. and include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888-DCL-2500.

Here are the facts on the Disney Fantasy:

Disney Fantasy is the fourth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, joining Disney Magic (maiden voyage in 1998), Disney Wonder (maiden voyage in 1999) and Disney Dream (maiden voyage in 2011).

Birthplace
Meyer Werft – Papenburg, Germany

Maiden Voyage
March 31, 2012

Home Port
Port Canaveral, Fla.

Ship’s Registry
Bahamas

Tonnage
130,000 gross tons

Length
1,115 feet

Beam
121 feet

Draft
28 feet

Height
216 feet

Speed
22 knots cruising speed (maximum 23.5 knots)

Crew
1,458

Passenger Decks
14

Capacity
4,000 passengers

Staterooms
1,250

150 Inside Staterooms (12%)
1,100 Outside Staterooms (88%)
- 199 ocean view
- 901 verandah (includes 21 suites)

Itineraries in 2012
Seven-night Caribbean itineraries (alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean) departing from Port Canaveral, Fla.

Main Public Areas

Atrium Lobby – Deck 3 (atrium spans three decks)
Walt Disney Theatre (1,340 capacity; live original productions) – Decks 3 and 4
Buena Vista Theatre (399 capacity; motion pictures) – Decks 4 and 5
Preludes theatre concessions – Deck 3
Bon Voyage atrium lobby bar – Deck 3
Vista Café – Deck 4
Shutters (Capturing Memories) photo gallery – Deck 4
Vista Gallery – Deck 4
Guest Services – Deck 3
Port Adventures – Deck 5

Family Areas

D Lounge – Deck 4
AquaDuck water coaster – entrance on Deck 12
AquaLab water play area – Deck 12
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – Deck 5
Goofy’s Sports deck – Deck 13
Donald’s Pool – Deck 11
Mickey’s Pool – Deck 11
Nemo’s Reef water-play area – Deck 11
Arr-cade – Deck 11
Mickey’s Mainsail, Sea Treasures, Whitecaps retail shops – Deck 3
Whozits & Whatzits retail shop – Deck 11

Youth Areas

It’s a Small World Nursery – Deck 5
Disney’s Oceaneer Club – Deck 5
Disney’s Oceaneer Lab – Deck 5
Vibe teen club – Deck 5
Edge tween club – Deck 13

Adult Areas

Europa – Deck 4

Skyline
Ooh La La
The Tube
La Piazza
O’Gills

Senses Spa & Salon – Deck 11

Quiet Cove Pool – Deck 11

Satellite Sun Deck – Deck 13

Cove Bar – Deck 11

Cove Café – Deck 11

Meridian bar – Deck 12

Waves bar – Deck 12

Currents bar – Deck 13

Dining

Enchanted Garden main dining (696 capacity) – Deck 2
Animator’s Palate main dining (696 capacity) – Deck 3
Royal Court main dining (696 capacity) – Deck 3
Remy adult-exclusive fine dining (68 capacity) – Deck 12
Palo adult-exclusive fine dining (128 inside / 16 outside capacity) – Deck 12
Cabanas casual dining – Deck 11
Flo’s Café: Luigi’s Pizza, Tow Mater’s Grill, Fillmore’s Favorites quick service – Deck 11
Eye Scream ice cream – Deck 11
Frozone Treats smoothies – Deck 11

Beauty and the Beast in 3D Trailer

29 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

I remember when Beauty and the Beast first came out like it was yesterday. Yes, that makes me old. I had just started college a month before and the tale of Beauty and the Beast had always been a favorite of mine. To say I was excited to see Disney’s treatment of it is an understatement. Now, *gulp* 20 years later, Disney is re-releasing the film in theatres, and this time in 3D. After meeting Paige O’Hara at Disney’s D23 Expo a few months ago, I’m even more excited! Here’s Disney’s latest information on the project:

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ magical classic “Beauty and the Beast” returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™, introducing a whole new generation to the Disney classic with stunning new 3D imagery. The film captures the fantastic journey of Belle (voice of Paige O’Hara), a bright and beautiful young woman who’s taken prisoner by a hideous beast (voice of Robby Benson) in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff—a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others—and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast’s exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince.

Featuring unforgettable music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, and an enormously talented vocal ensemble, “Beauty and the Beast” was the first animated feature to receive a Best Picture nomination from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

“Like” BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DisneyBeautyAndTheBeast

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST returns to theatres for the first time in 3D on January 13, 2012!

Official BRAVE Trailer Out Today from DisneyPixar

16 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

The time has finally come for the official trailer of the gorgeous Disney Pixar film Brave. We were able to see a sneak peek at D23’s Expo in California over the summer and I’m so happy it’s finally available for public viewing! Simply STUNNING.

The Muppet Saga- Team Kermit?

15 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Check out these awesome Muppet Saga photos- Bella Swine, genius! The Muppets opens November 23 in theaters everywhere!

Festival of Masters Welcomes Artist Graham Knuttel at Raglan Road

10 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

The works of Irish artist Graham Knuttel have found homes among Hollywood royalty like Sylvester Stallone, Whoopie Goldberg and Robert DeNiro. On Nov. 11, 2011, one of the renowned artist’s works will find a home at Walt Disney World Resort.

His latest commission — a painting for Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant at Downtown Disney — will be unveiled during the opening day of Festival of the Masters, one of the Southeast’s most highly regarded juried art festivals since 1975. While the painting will be on permanent display at the pub, Knuttel will exhibit a collection of many new pieces at the Nov. 11-13 festival and will appear at Raglan Road “Meet the Artist” events Nov. 12 at 2 and 3:30 p.m.

Raglan Road Graham Knuttel — Graham Knuttel's Raglan Road painting

Known for his bold, bright canvases of stylized figures, Knuttel’s Raglan Road painting is based on a poem, “On Raglan Road,” written in 1946 by lovesick poet Patrick Kavanagh and recorded in song by Ireland’s greatest folk musician, Luke Kelly. The pub scene in the painting pops with more than two dozen unconventional Knuttel figures that include Kavanagh, Kelly, Irish rockers Bono and The Edge and writers James Joyce and Brendan Behan. Looking closely, admirers may discover a photo of a child wearing mouse ears.

Nearly 150 award-winning artists who create paintings, jewelry, sculptures, photographs and more will show off their works at the festival. There’s also live entertainment and family-friendly activities each day. Hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are complimentary. More information: disneyworld.com/artfestival.

Hope to see you there!

Free Downloadable Demo of Disney Universe Online

10 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

A downloadable demo of Disney Universe is now available free of charge on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network! Players can jump in and swashbuckle their way through the game’s first world, based on the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, and choose from four of the game’s 45 iconic character costumes, from Stitch, Mike Wazowski, Jack Sparrow, and even the classic Disney hero, Mickey Mouse

In addition to the downloadable demo of the game, consumers who are interested in getting a first-hand look at Disney Universe can also visit a participating Best Buy store beginning December 12. Select store locations will have an Xbox 360^®video game and entertainment system available for consumers to play the demo of the game.

Disney Universe offers a four-person multiplayer action experience, with frenzied gameplay that appeals to players of all ages. The game features 45 classic and contemporary iconic character costumes inspired by well-known and legendary properties, such as the Disney•Pixar hits WALL•Eand Monsters, Inc., Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Academy Award® winning classics, The Lion King and Aladdin. You can check out a review at my friend and fellow Disney blogger’s site DisneyEveryDay.com, with review from another friend, John Saccheri, who you may remember from his touching Give Kids the World post here last year. Check out the trailer below:

The downloadable demo available now features swashbuckling adventures with the first level of the game’s Pirates of the Caribbean world and includes costumes inspired by Stitch from Lilo & Stitch, Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc., Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean and one of Disney’s most beloved characters of all time, Mickey Mouse.

Disney Universe is now available for the Xbox 360^®video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Wii™ system from Nintendo and Windows PC.

Published by Disney Interactive Studios, Disney Universe is rated E10+. Please visit www.DisneyUniverse.com for more information.

For more information about Disney Universe, please visit www.DisneyUniverse.com. DisneyUniverse is now available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation, Wii and Windows PC.

Disney Launches Season 2 of the Taste of Disney Web Series

9 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

If you’re a local about to be forlorn at the ending of Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival this weekend, or just too far off to experience the festival in person, you can enjoy delectable Disney creations online with Disney.com’s web series. I somehow missed season one, but I’m excited to check out this series for great ideas to recreate Disney masterpieces at home:

The “Taste of Disney” web series on Disney.com offers guests the rare opportunity to explore the delectable culinary experiences found at Disney Parks and bring the magic into their homes. Mother and daughter hosts Pam Brandon and Katie Farmand are back for the second season, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look into the amazing food and special events of Disney Parks.

This season’s episodes feature in-depth interviews with the head chefs and event planners from Disney Parks, sharing their secrets from the most magical dining spots in the country. Fans can look forward to:

Finding out how 900,000 sumptuous samplings, 338,000 wine glasses and 100,000 desserts are made and distributed over the 45 days of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Seeing how some of their favorite iconic foods like Disney’s Polynesian Resort “Tonga Toast” and Main St. Confectionary’s Mickey inspired candy apples are made
An interview with the chef de cuisine of the Flying Fish Café about the restaurant and one of their most popular signature dishes
A look at how Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa has inspired the all-new Hawaiian kiosk at theEpcot International Food & Wine Festival and tips for hosting an authentic luau at home

After watching each episode, guests will be able to access the recipes for all featured dishes and make them at home. Guests can also check out the “Meet the Chefs” page for in-depth information about the hosts, chefs and other guests from the series.

Which recipe would you love to see recreated on the series??

Three New MUPPETS Film Clips to Enjoy!

3 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

I was just sent these clips and they’ve made me even more excited to see the all-new The Muppets movie opening on November 23rd! The second clip in particular is a perfect example of classic Muppet humor –

Final Official Muppets Movie Poster

29 July 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

We’ve seen all of the hype and the trailers, now it’s time to see the final official movie poster for The Muppets – opening November 23, 2011! Click to enlarge and view in high quality: Check out my Muppets Review HERE!

Some fun facts about The Muppets:

Funnyman Jason Segel (TV’s “How I Met Your Mother,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”) stars in, co-writes and executive produces “The Muppets.”
· “The Muppets” is directed by James Bobin, who was a director/writer/EP for HBO’s “Flight of the Conchords.”
· Kermit received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2002. His song “The Rainbow Connection” was nominated for an Academy Award®.
· Bret McKenzie, who starred in, wrote for and served as composer for HBO’s “Flight of the Conchords,” is the music supervisor for “The Muppets,” as well as the writer/producer on some of the songs, which include big Muppet-style opening and closing numbers.
· It’s been 11 years since the Muppets’ last big-screen feature film.

Disney Pixar’s BRAVE Official Teaser Trailer and Wallpaper

29 June 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

I’ve been excited about DisneyPixar’s Brave since first hearing about it, back when the working title was “The Bear and the Bow” (I like BRAVE much better for the record) and now that we’ve been treated to Brave concept art and official promotional posters, the excitement is growing. During the Cars 2 screening I was able to attend a few weeks back, we saw the Official Brave Trailer (click to view in full-screen hi-def) and I was blown away. I am in love with the rich landscapes and unbelievable detail shown here. Pixar is already known as masters of realistic-looking designs and characters but this type of mythical environment is something new. Critics are saying it is on par with Hiyao Miyazaki‘s films, with which I am also obsessed, for their reverence and amazing depiction of nature. Well enough babble from me, let’s watch the trailer!

I’m also including this official image release, which if you click to enlarge and right click on, you can save it for wallpaper on your computer – it’s currently on mine! Enjoy Princess Merida!

Brave Meridia First Image — Click to enlarge and save as wallpaper!

EDIT: After watching the trailer a few dozen times, I decided to take this screenshot from one of my favorite parts of the trailer. It’s not going to be as high quality as the above official photo, but I thought I’d share it anyway in case anyone else loved this sweeping scene of the castle and surrounding mountains. Click to enlarge and save if you’d like.

Become a fan of Brave on Facebook: http://facebook.com/PixarBrave

Official Brave Website: http://disney.com/Brave

Brave coming to US theaters June 22, 2012