Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment

More Marvel Tokidoki Shirts Bring on the Super+Cute!

6 August 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

It was just about a year ago that I first strolled into Downtown Disney’s West Side shop, D-Street and saw these adorable Marvel Tokidoki crossover t-shirts. Last night I was browsing again and found even more adorable new Marvel Tokidoki shirts. This time, Thor and unicorns are involved. I couldn’t ask for anything better. See the new designs below:

Marvel Tokidoki Spiderman hat — Marvel Tokidoki Spiderman baseball cap

Marvel Tokidoki Storm — Storm gets a Tokidoki makeover too!

Marvel Tokidoki Spiderman vs. Hulk — Hulk vs. Spiderman

Marvel Tokidoki Spiderman hoodie — Back of the Spiderman date hoodie

Marvel Tokidoki Hulk hoodie — Hulk is smashing through your hoodie!

Marvel Tokidoki — Iron Man and the X-Men

Marvel Tokidoki Captain America — Cap is lookin’ serious!

Marvel Tokidoki Iron Man Captain America and Thor — Iron Man, Cap and Thor are in a rockin’ band!

Marvel Tokidoki Thor — Thor, riding a Tokidoki unicorn. Must have.

As mentioned above, I found these at D-Street, but I’m sure they are available in other shops on Disney property as well. I just love this crossover!

Russell Brand as Captain Hook?!

1 August 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

For years now, I have enjoyed the Annie Leibovitz Disney Dream Portraits and am thrilled to see a sneak peek at two new photos on the Disney Parks Blog today. When I saw that the first portrait was one of my favorites, Russell Brand, I was even more excited. Check out the two images below:

Russell Brand as Captain Hook – The caption: “Where every moment leaves you hungry for more.” – Image ©Disney and Annie Leibovitz

Jack Black, Will Ferrell, and Jason Segel as the Hitchhiking Ghosts – The caption reads: “Where you can go on the ride of your afterlife.” – Image ©Disney and Annie Leibovitz

The above images and more from Annie Leibovitz will be featured as inserts in fall issues of GQ, O – The Oprah Magazine, People, People En Español, Vanity Fair, Real Simple, Essence, and InStyle. Which is your favorite so far??

Sneak Peek: LeSportsac New FALL Small World Designs

21 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

We mentioned in the last LeSportsac post featuring the “it’s a small world” line of bags and accessories inspired by Mary Blair, that there would be seasonal designs coming out throughout the year. LeSportsac has just released the first image of its Fall 2012 line for the Small World designs. They are theming these styles to a “Wondrous Journey under the Moroccan Sun”. Let’s see the sneak peek below:

LeSportsac Fall Small World line — Can’t wait to see more of the Fall line! (click to enlarge – ©LeSportsac)

For now, you can order LeSportsac Small World designs online at LeSportsac.com/smallworld but I am hearing they are in Disney Parks as well, so I will keep you posted. The Fall 2012 line will be released in August.

Guest Post: Tom Bricker Shares Spectacular Highlights From Cars Land

16 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

I’m so pleased to have Tom Bricker back sharing his amazing photo skills and some highlights from his recent visit to the grand opening of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. Please welcome Tom again and enjoy his post below:

Cars Land at Disney California Adventure is quite possibly the most beautiful land in any Disney theme park, and is definitely the most immersive. As soon as you set foot in Cars Land, you feel as if you’ve exited Disney California Adventure and stepped foot onto Route 66 in the Pixar film, Cars. Words certainly do not do the beauty of this amazing new land justice, and even photos barely do it justice. That said, I’ll try to do justice to the jaw-dropping beauty of Cars Land by sharing some photos I’ve taken of this all-new land.

If these photos piqued your interest in Cars Land, make sure to check out my Cars Land photos and Radiator Springs Racers photos, where you can view hundreds of additional photos of Cars Land and its flagship attraction, Radiator Springs Racers! Are you thinking about booking a trip to Disneyland Resort to experience Cars Land? Have you already experienced it? Share your thoughts in the comments!

NEW Nylon Disney Dooney & Bourke Cindy Sketch Backpack and Satchel

14 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

Today at the Disney Dooney and Bourke launch event at Downtown Disney’s Tren-D, in addition to the Walt Disney World Retro line and Charms line, two new nylon bags were released. The original Cindy Sketch is now available in a backpack and large satchel style, both made with a light nylon material, similar to that found in LeSportsac bags. Definitely a light and easy-to-care-for alternative to the coated canvas or fabric that previous Dooneys were made with.

Here are the new nylon bags, now for sale at Tren-D:

Disney Dooney backpack — “Fashion Diva” Isabella was on hand to show us the new bags – the nylon backpack in the Cindy Sketch print is $198

Disney Dooney nylon satchel — The nylon Cindy Sketch satchel, as modeled by Isabella – $238

Disney Dooney nylon satchel and backpack — More of the display in Tren-D – side-view of the satchels

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.

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

Never Before Seen Disney Dooney and Bourke Purses at Tren-D

14 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Today Downtown Disney’s Tren-D hosted a special Dooney & Bourke event to celebrate the release of the new Walt Disney World Retro and Charms lines. We were also treated to a trunk full of un-produced and unreleased Disney Dooney & Bourke samples.

Here are some photos from what was available this morning:

Prices ranged from $195 down to $85 and are probably not going to last long! Let’s hope Disney does this again soon, it was great fun!

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!

AMAZING Disney Dooney & Bourke Event Details You Don’t Want To Miss!

13 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

Disney Dooney unproduced — Unreleased Disney Dooney & Bourke styles? Oh MY! ©Disney

The Disney Parks Blog just shared details that shocked even me. They will be offering never-before-seen unproduced Disney Dooney & Bourke bags for SALE at tomorrows event which premiers the Walt Disney World Retro line and Charms bags. Check out the news from the Parks Blog:

Laura Caszatt, product developer for accessories, gives a quote about what to expect.

“For the first time ever, we will be offering about 50 unproduced items for sale,” said Laura. “These items contain never-before-seen colors and trims. During the development process, we received these bags for review, and for various reasons, we decided not to produce them. The release party seemed like the perfect opportunity for fans of Dooney & Bourke to add a unique bag to their collection.”

The bags will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. There will be a limit of one bag per guest. Retails for the unique bags will vary from $85 to $350 (no discounts offered), and we will feature a variety of styles, including wristlets, cross body bags, barrel bags, and more. One of Laura’s favorite items is the large “sketch pattern” tote in purple (pictured above).

As a reminder, guests can meet Dooney & Bourke Creative Director Ian Ray and Disney Design Group Artist Susan Foy from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Laura said there will be another surprise guest joining the party early in the morning.

“We are excited to introduce the world to our newest fashion diva,” continued Laura. “We think guests will love her, so be sure to dress to impress.”

All-New Disney Epic Mickey 2 Opening Movie Titled “A Story Begins”

12 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I am SO ready for Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two to be released! Disney Interactive just announced that the new game will be featured in a panel at the San Diego Comic Con show this Sunday, July 15th. In anticipation of that panel, the game’s creators have given us this never-before-seen opening movie for the game, called “A Story Begins.” Read all about the official news and watch the video below:

BURBANK, Calif. — (July 12, 2012) – “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” will be presented in a panel discussion taking place on Sunday, July 15^th at 1:00 p.m. at the San Diego Convention Center, Room 25ABC. Participating in the panel are video game designer Warren Spector of Disney Interactive’s Junction Point, Peter David, award-winning comic writer and author of the upcoming “Disney Epic Mickey 2 Graphic Novel” and Marv Wolfman, award-winning American comic book writer and co-writer of “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two.” The panelists will discuss how the team mapped out the story for this innovative new video game and unveil the first details surrounding the graphic novel, a 48 page retelling of Mickey’s return to Wasteland that will extend the video game experience for readers. Additionally, Becky Cline, Director of The Walt Disney Archives will be on hand to discuss the historical significance of Walt Disney’s first cartoon star, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, who is prominently featured in the video game. The panel will reveal all-new gameplay footage and artwork, and a special never-before-seen sequence of pages from the upcoming graphic novel.

“The story in ‘Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two’ will immerse players in an even deeper and richer gameplay experience than before as they take on the roles of Mickey Mouse and Oswald to befriend and battle their way through the world of Wasteland on a brand new journey of creativity and discovery,” said Warren Spector, creative director and vice president, Junction Point. “We’re honored to have collaborated with such talented individuals as Marv Wolfman, Peter David and Becky Cline on Mickey and Oswald’s next adventure, and we look forward to offering Comic-Con attendees a behind-scenes-look at the game and graphic novel.”

Written by Peter David and illustrated by Fabrizio Petrossi, the “Disney Epic Mickey 2: Graphic Novel” is a 48 page retelling of Mickey Mouse’s return to Wasteland to help Oswald the Lucky Rabbit as he faces the Mad Doctor. The graphic novel extends the videogame experience for readers and will include exclusive footage, a backstage pass, and more.

The “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” video game returns Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Wasteland, an alternate world filled with more than 80 years of forgotten Disney characters and theme park attractions. But for the first time, Mickey and Oswald will join forces as true partners – Mickey with the magical paint brush that allows him to wield paint and thinner, and Oswald with a powerful remote control that allows him to command electricity. This new co-op play further enhances the idea that “PlayStyle Matters” – a unique approach to gameplay pioneered by Warren Spector where players tackle challenges the way they want to in order to explore a variety of possibilities and storylines, but always with consequences for their chosen actions.

Development for “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” for the Wii™ system from Nintendo, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system is being led by Disney Interactive’s Junction Point. Supporting the latest technology, the game will also feature full support for the PlayStation®Move motion controller. “Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion” for the Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system is under development by critically-acclaimed developer DreamRift, in collaboration with Junction Point. The games are currently unrated by the ESRB. For more information, go to www.disney.com/disneyepicmickey.

Can’t wait to play! Will you be picking up Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two?

Celebrate the Olympic Games at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel

12 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Just received this news from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel – looks like it would be a great way to celebrate and experience the opening ceremonies of the upcoming Olympic Games in London. Check out the details below – the event is open to hotel guests and the public:

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is celebrating the summer games with a special event in the Dolphin lobby featuring the broadcast of the opening ceremonies in London displayed on large screen televisions, complimentary food and beverage and an opportunity to meet with past summer games medalists.

The event will take place Friday, July 27 from 6 – 9pm and is open to hotel guests and the general public. On hand to interact, take photos and sign autographs with guests will be medalists: Wendy Bruce-Martin (’92 gymnast), Scott Johnson (‘84 and ’88 gymnast) and Fred Tyler (’72 swimmer). “Gold medal” cookies, British-themed edible treats and recreational activities for kids will all be part of the festivities at the Orlando hotel.

For more information and to RSVP for the event, visit www.swandolphin.com/summergames. (Reservations are not required.)

About the athletes:

Bruce-Martin was part of gymnastics team USA in 1992 and helped the team bring home the bronze medal from Barcelona, Spain. Bruce-Martin now coaches gymnastics, with the goal of opening her own gym. Bruce-Martin was recently inducted into the USAG Gymnastics hall of fame in 2010 and the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Johnson is a two-time Olympian gymnast, winning the gold medal in 1984 and captaining the team in 1988. Since retiring from gymnastic competition in 1988, Johnson has continued to train up-and-coming gymnastic competitors in the Orlando, Fla. area.

Tyler earned a gold medal in the 4×200 meter freestyle relay and took fifth in the 200 meter free at the 1972 games in Munich, Germany. He currently teaches at Lake Mary High School in Lake Mary, Fla. and was previously the school’s head aquatic coach where he trained numerous state champions and All Americans in both swimming and water polo.

What: Summer Games Celebration at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel

When: 6:00pm – 9:00pm, July 27

Opening ceremonies broadcast begins at 7:30pm

Where: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, Dolphin Lobby

1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 32830

Who: The event is free and open to hotel guests and the public (Please note, there is a fee for on-site parking)

For more information: Visit www.swandolphin.com/summergames or call 407-934-4000

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!