Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment

Best Scenic Spots in Disney Parks – Up the Waterfall

17 February 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

This week on Up the Waterfall we took a break from the deep dives into Disney history and have a palate cleanser of sorts with a Best Scenic Spots in Disney Parks episode. This came about from my handful of recent visits to the newest Disney hotels – Disney’s Riviera Resort and Gran Destino Tower, both of which have rooftop restaurants or lounges with amazing views. It made me really appreciate some of the great scenery that exists around Disney parks. Of course, I mean outside of the normal ones we expect like Cinderella Castle and the main “weenies” of the parks.

In this episode we share our favorite scenic spots in Walt Disney World, Disneyland and the Disney resort hotels as well. Do any of our picks align with yours? What did we leave out? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear your best scenic spots in Disney parks picks too!

We hope you enjoy this week’s episode of Up the Waterfall!

How to Listen to Up the Waterfall

You can listen anywhere you download and listen to podcasts, including:

(If there’s a podcast service where you can’t find our show, let us know and we’ll get it added there!)

How to Watch Up the Waterfall

Head to our Up the Waterfall YouTube Playlist – where you can see our opening sequence and some unique images of the places we mention. Here’s the latest episode:

Feel free to comment below with your favorites spots, any questions or info you’d like to add, or if it’s easier, head to the Zannaland Facebook page and join the discussion there with fellow Disney fans!

Zannaland and Up the Waterfall Community – Let’s Connect!

FOLLOW THE ZANNALAND FAMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCH OUR VIDEOS, VLOGS AND PODCAST TOO:

Twitter: @zannaland, @otisney, @badgesickle
Instagram: @zannaland, @UpTheWaterfall, @otisney, @badgesickle
Zannaland’s facebook page
Zannaland on YouTube
Listen to Up the Waterfall podcast, subscribe on iTunes, or watch Up the Waterfall on YouTube

We thank you for your support and for sharing the love!

VLOG: 2020 EPCOT Festival of the Arts

16 February 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

We’ve done a preview video of the 2020 Epcot Festival of the Arts, but we thought we’d go back and share our experience. This time we took part in the paint by numbers mural and completed the Figment Scavenger Hunt that takes place with each ArtfulEpcot Festival.

If you haven’t been, here’s a rundown of all there is to see and do at the Epcot Festival of the Arts:

Art: This festival features so many different kinds of Disney art – Chalk Art in 3-D by artists, Paint-by-Numbers mural that you get to paint each day. Disney artists are there sharing their creations in print, postcard and original canvas form. Different artisans showing how art can be added to scarves, shirts, even bicycle-powered spin art this year.

Food: As with all the other Epcot festivals, there are various food booths or kiosks offering unique treats. With this Artful Epcot festival, they try to make the food items more artistic, either deconstructing a classic dish, or theming it after a famous art style.

Merchandise: Ear hats, spirit jerseys, MagicBands, plush…all the usual suspects are at this festival. You can find unique Figment designs for the Festival of the Arts. Each year they try to switch up Figment’s look for another art style. You can see more of the Festival exclusive merchandise in our Epcot Art Festival Preview

Disney on Broadway: Each year we are treated to Broadway stars singing their current or former Disney on Broadway roles, or other Disney favorites as solos and duets. This is one of my favorite parts of this festival.

Here’s our latest vlog – where we get creative with the Paint by Numbers mural, and find some Figment art with the Figment’s Brush with the Masters scavenger hunt!

We hope you enjoy our 2020 Epcot Festival of the Arts vlog! Have you been to the Epcot Festival of the Arts? What was your favorite part? Tell us in the comments below! Also be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to know when we upload a new video or podcast!

Zannaland and Up the Waterfall Community – Let’s Connect!

FOLLOW THE ZANNALAND FAMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCH OUR VIDEOS, VLOGS AND PODCAST TOO:

Twitter: @zannaland, @otisney, @badgesickle
Instagram: @zannaland, @UpTheWaterfall, @otisney, @badgesickle
Zannaland’s facebook page
Zannaland on YouTube
Listen to Up the Waterfall podcast, subscribe on iTunes, or watch Up the Waterfall on YouTube

We thank you for your support and for sharing the love!

VLOG: City Works Disney Springs Dining Review!

14 February 2020 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

Join us for another fun vlog as we review the new City Works Eatery at Disney Springs. This is the newest restaurant at Disney Springs, located next to the new NBA Experience. With over 90 craft beers on tap, City Works Eatery and Pour House makes for a fun addition of American sports-bar style flair to your vacation.

City Works currently has nine locations across the country in cities and towns including Fort Worth, Tex.; Frisco, Tex.; King of Prussia, Pa.; Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Schaumburg, Ill.; Tysons, Va.; Wheeling, Ill.; and Vernon Hills, Ill. With 90 local and global beers on tap, the restaurant offers a wide range of rare and unique craft selections. All locations are open for brunch, lunch and dinner, and prices range from $13-$20 for lunch and $15-$28 for dinner.

City Works will have 30-40% of its draft beer taps dedicated to local breweries and eight wines on draft. It will also offer a seasonally changing cocktail menu and a fully stocked bar, plus a whiskey list. Guests can enjoy Happy Hour specials, including $2 off well drinks, local craft beers and glasses of wine, and $7 bar bites Monday through Thursday 3-6 p.m. Drink specials also are available 10 p.m.-midnight.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.-midnight, Friday 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Saturday 10:30 a.m.-1 a.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m.-midnight. It also offers brunch dishes on the weekends 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

We’ll have a full blog post review soon, but until then, enjoy our City Works video review! You can check out our other Zannaland Videos here.

Shop Disney Friends and Family Event – Save 25%

13 February 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

The Shop Disney Friends & Family Event is here! During this event, February 13-17, 2020, you can get 25% off your entire purchase online at ShopDisney.com! This is a great time to pick up some Disney favorites you’ve been spying or saving in your cart for later! I really love how you’re able to get many of the great items available in Disney Parks online now at ShopDisney, it really gets me through the time when I can’t make it to Disneyland for a while (not that I’m keeping track with a clock counter or anything…).

I know I’m not alone in my love of some of the Disney designer collaborations that have been happening over the past few years (some for a decade – like the Disney + Dooney & Bourke 10th Anniversary that happened recently!). To celebrate our mutual love, I thought I’d put together a list of some of my favorites, to see if some of the same things catch your eye. Of course you can always share some of your favorites that I’ve missed in the comments and I can add them to the list too!

Edited to add: Now that the Friends and Family Sale is live, I have learned some of the designer collaborations are not included in the sale, like Dooney & Bourke. Sorry for any confusion, I didn’t know that when I was sent this info…But I have found some D&B bags that are on sale, so I’ve updated this post to share the ones that are currently on sale, and of course, any of the links will take you to ShopDisney where you can search for your favorites to stock up on during the sale, whether it’s pajamas, plush, Funko Pops or more!

Disney Dooney & Bourke

Well let’s start with the OG collaboration – Disney Dooney & Bourke. They have come out with SO many new designs, there seems to be one for every character or film or even snack at this point! I love that there are still some of the classic original designs available too. Here are some of my newest favorites (I’ve just discovered these bags are not on sale, but they are too pretty to take down, so I’m adding some that ARE on sale at the bottom):

Disney’s Fantasia Dooney & Bourke this new design is gorgeous. I especially love the Fantasia tote design it’s such a classic look!

Disney Dooney and Bourke Pixar hobo bag — Disney Dooney & Bourke Pixar hobo bag

The Disney Dooney & Bourke Pixar collection is brand new and adorable. All your favorites on one bag with some fun pops of color.

Of course, the recently released Disney Park Life design is a new and instant classic. All your favorite Disney park icons on a bright pink bag, it will definitely put a smile on your face. The best part is this design comes in more than just Disney Dooney & Bourke bags so there’s something for the whole family. Here are a couple of Dooneys on sale. (You don’t need a code for these, they are just reduced in price.):

Disney Dooney and Bourke Green Sketch — One of the 10th Anniversary Disney Dooney & Bourke Sketch bags – discounted now!

First on sale is one of the 10th Anniversary bags that came out last Fall – this bright new green color us such a perfect fit for Spring!

Speaking of Spring, the Dooney and Bourke Mickey and Minnie Floral Tote came out with last year’s Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, and now it’s on sale!

Disney Loungefly

The Disney Loungefly designs have been some of my favorite, they really are so creative, sometimes it’s just a pattern of characters or items you know and love, other times, it’s more of a “Disney Bounding” design, where the purse or wallet will look like the character it represents. Kind of like the Loungefly Bo Peep design below. This leads to some really cool items, and lots of conversation starters when you’re in the parks (and out!).

Loungefly Minnie Mouse sequined backpack

Loungfly is mostly known for the classic Minnie Mouse sequined backpack design seen here, but they have many other fun styles too.

The Bo Peep Loungefly mini backpack is such a fun twist on her iconic look – pink and blue with “lace” trim and polka dots.

One of the newest designs is the fun Loungefly Pixar ball, in a crossbody bag. So bright and a perfect addition to a Pixar look with sequins and black accents.

Loungefly Pixar ball crossbody — Loungefly Pixar Ball crossbody

Baby Yoda

Of course it’s not all about purses…it’s also about BABY YODA (ok ok “The Child”) Everything is 25% off, so you can add whatever items you see and want to add to your Disney collection. I mean, who doesn’t need a Baby Yoda hat. I may have to get that one myself.

Hopefully that gives you a little motivation to take advantage of this 25% off sale for the Shop Disney Friends and Family Event.

How do you score 25% off?

Simply use the code “DISNEYPAL” in the promo code area at checkout! You can click any of the links^* on this post to take you to ShopDisney and start saving with the Friends and Family Event! (*links on this page are affiliate links which is no extra cost to you, but zannaland may receive a small commission if you purchase anything, which helps offset our costs to keep bringing you new content.)

What Disney items do you collect? I’d love to hear from you below! And let me know if you’re buying anything during this sale too! I wanna see your shopping scores! 😀

Disney California Adventure and it’s Crazy Past – Up the Waterfall Podcast

10 February 2020 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Disney California Adventure has had quite the history in its short 19 years of existence. February 8th saw DCA’s 19th birthday, so to celebrate we thought we’d venture Up the Waterfall and discuss all the crazy changes this young park has experienced over the years. It’s definitely had some…growing pains. Special thanks to Yesterland.com for all the incredible photos from California Adventure‘s opening days.

Personally, I did not get to enjoy Disney’s California Adventure in its original or even secondary “glory.” This was due to the fact that around the time it was built I was not only dealing with two kids under two, but I was still in California-is-a-foreign-country-I-may-never-get-to mode regarding Disneyland. (But once I did get to experience the Disneyland Difference, I fell head-over-heels in love!)

As a result of not visiting California Adventure for years, I missed a lot of the things we discuss in the beginning of the episode. Sure, I knew about Super Star Limo and the pun-filled Paradise Pier area, but that was sort of it. So this episode was really fun for me to discover some of these things for the first time too.

In this episode, we start out with the history of a second park on the west coast; where and what could have been. Next we chronicle how Disney’s California Adventure first came to be. We cover all of the strange design and attraction choices that existed at park opening in 2001. Followed by the little changes and the major changes that followed.

Flik's Flyers — ARE Egg Rolls the fastest?

When I finally got to visit DCA in 2011, it was full of construction walls and not much else. Really, just Paradise Pier and World of Color were the highlights for me. Certainly, when I returned in 2012, it was a whole new world. Cars Land, Buena Vista Street brought with it a new design standard. All the additions that came with those areas really improved the whole park, making it a must-see destination.

Rounding out the discussion, we share where we think the park will go in the future with the upcoming Avengers Campus. Above all, we ponder what will become of Disney California Adventure in the years to come. What do you think will happen?

We hope you enjoy this week’s episode of Up the Waterfall!

How to Listen to Up the Waterfall

You can listen anywhere you download and listen to podcasts, including:

(If there’s a podcast service where you can’t find our show, let us know and we’ll get it added there!)

How to Watch Up the Waterfall

Head to our Up the Waterfall YouTube Playlist – where you can see our opening sequence and some unique images of the Disney California Adventure over the years. Here’s the latest episode:

Feel free to comment below with your memories of Disney California Adventure, any questions or info you’d like to add, or if it’s easier, head to the Zannaland Facebook page and join the discussion there with fellow DCA fans!

How Can I Learn More About This Episode?

Here are some of the books we referenced for this episode (the links will go to the item on amazon.com and are affiliate links – meaning no extra cost for you but a small portion goes back to zannaland if you make a purchase – thank you for supporting our site!):

Zannaland and Up the Waterfall Community – Let’s Connect!

FOLLOW THE ZANNALAND FAMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCH OUR VIDEOS, VLOGS AND PODCAST TOO:

Twitter: @zannaland, @otisney, @badgesickle
Instagram: @zannaland, @UpTheWaterfall, @otisney, @badgesickle
Zannaland’s facebook page
Zannaland on YouTube
Listen to Up the Waterfall podcast, subscribe on iTunes, or watch Up the Waterfall on YouTube

We thank you for your support and for sharing the love!

Disney’s Sangria University Returns for 2021!

9 February 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Now you may be asking yourself, “Disney’s Sangria University, what’s that?!” First of all, your reaction would be totally understandable because I didn’t know the answer to that myself until a few days ago!

EDIT 12/21: Sangria University is reopened and now available to book on the My Disney Experience App! You can still email [email protected] to request a reservation or set up a private session. Continue reading for what the experience was like when we tried it last year!

See how it looks on the app as you check availability and can book. Thanks to Sara J. for that info!

You can also watch our accompanying video of Sangria University below, to see just what it’s like to attend this fabulous Disney recreational activity!

Since I hadn’t heard of Sangria University before, I wanted to tell you all about it. Keep reading to learn where to find this experience, and if it’s worth spending your time and money on! Now let’s get right to the facts and figures!

What is Sangria University?

Sangria University is a separately booked experience where you get to sample four different sangria types and then make your own sangria! You’ll hear some fun info from your bartender/class leader and receive a certificate at the end! Each session holds 14-15 people.

What’s included in Sangria University?

When you arrive, you are seated with 4 glasses of sangria to sample (these are a good size too) and then create your own sangria in one of the gorgeous balloon glasses from the Dahlia Lounge and Toledo.

You also get an appetizer sample to enjoy during the class. The Lentil Hummus appetizer, which has a harissa topping and pepitas on top. It is normally served with pita triangles, but since I’m vegan, it came with sliced cucumber and carrot sticks to enjoy the hummus with.

Finally, you are presented with a personalized Certificate of Mastery too!

Sparkling Sangria Three Bridges — Sparkling Sangria made with Cava

Sangria University Blanco — Blanco Sangria made with white wine

Three Bridges Lentil Hummus vegan version with cucumbers and carrots

Sangria University recipes — Recipe and info cards from Sangria University

Where is Sangria University?

You’ll attend this interactive activity at the Three Bridges Bar and Grill, at Villa del Lago, which is right in the middle of Lago Dorado, the lake at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Three Bridges has been open for a little while now and is a wonderful addition to the already amazing dining and lounge choices at Coronado Springs. This would be a perfect mid-day pick-me-up before a dinner at Toledo in Gran Destino Tower, or you could just pop back over for dinner at Three Bridges too!

When is Sangria University?

The sessions currently take place on Saturdays from 2:30-3:30pm. If this offering becomes really popular, that time could change or more times/days could be added, so check back to see if there have been any updates. Edited to add: We just heard from the Proprietor of Three Bridges Bar and Grill and they have committed to adding Sundays to the Sangria University Schedule, so you can reserve Sundays from 2:30-3:30pm as well now!

How Much is Sangria University?

$45 per person inclusive of tax. For that price, you get all of the drinks mentioned above, the appetizer, and the personalized certificate at the end.

You can also add additional liquors to your sangria creation, which at the time of posting were $4 each.

There are currently no discounts accepted for Sangria University (so no Tables in Wonderland, Annual Pass, DVC, or Cast discounts).

How Do I Book Sangria University?

At this time, you cannot book on the My Disney Experience or on the Disney Dining line or WaltDisneyWorld.com. But, all you have to do to book Sangria University is call the Coronado Springs Resort Recreation line at 407-939-1004 to make the reservation. You can also email Three Bridges Bar & Grill directly at [email protected] to request a reservation or set up a private session. They also will accept walk-ups if you happen to be at Coronado Springs around that time, if they have any space for the current class.

Can I book a private party for Sangria University?

YES! If you want to book this fun experience for a bridal or engagement shower, a team building event with your company, a birthday party, or just a fun private party with a group of your friends, you can set up a special time and day to experience Sangria University! See above for the email address to set that up.

So there you have it, all the facts! I really enjoyed this experience, and would definitely recommend it for a unique activity to enjoy with the beautiful surroundings of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, learn a little bit, and enjoy some delicious sangria and hummus too.

It’s definitely more of a fun and low-key session, not super heavy on the traditions of sangria or history. In fact, all of the sangria that you sample are created by the Three Bridges, so they aren’t tied to any one traditional blend. It’s a great way to enjoy 4 very different ways to experience sangria, and even more exciting that you get to try your hand at blending your own flavors!

Special Thanks to Athena from Three Bridges Bar & Grill for inviting my friend Amanda from VeganDisneyFood out to experience this, and to Amanda for asking me to join her! We were provided with a complimentary session, however, my thoughts and opinions are, as always, my own!

- Have you experienced Sangria University?
- What did you think? What about any other unique resort offerings?
- Let us know in the comments below if you have, or plan to be, a graduate soon!

Want to remember these tips? Save the Disney’s Sangria University-How to Book pin to your favorite Pinterest board!

Follow the Zannaland team on social media, watch our videos, vlogs and podcast too:

Twitter: @zannaland, @otisney, @badgesickle
Instagram: @zannaland, @otisney, @badgesickle
Zannaland’s facebook page
Zannaland on YouTube
Listen to Up the Waterfall podcast

We thank you for your support and for sharing the love!

VLOG: Becoming Villains at a Disney After Hours Event

8 February 2020 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

We explore what it takes to become a true Disney villain – even though that may just consist of riding a few rides and eating a hotdog or two. Look, there’s only so much we can do, this villainy thing is hard work.

Disclosure: Disney hosted us for this event, but these opinions are our own!

To learn more about this event, check out our separate post on it here:
https://zannaland.com/villains-after-hours-what-to-expect/

To learn more about Character Couture, check here:
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/05/character-couture-packages-at-walt-disney-world-salons/

To see our video of this event last year, check here:
https://zannaland.com/villains-event-breakdown/

And to see our video of the full castle show at this event from last year, check here:
https://zannaland.com/villains-unite-show/

The History of the Carousel of Progress – Up the Waterfall Episode 19

3 February 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Now most carousels just go round and round without getting anywhere. But on this one, at every turn, we’ll be making progress. And progress is not just moving ahead. It’s dreaming and working and building a better way of life. Progress is the sound of a motor, the hum of a turbine, the heartbeat of a factory, the sound of a symphony, the roar of a rocket. Progress is people getting release from drudgery, gaining more time to enjoy themselves and live richer lives. And as long as man dreams and works and builds, this progress will go on…in your life and mine.

And with those words, Rex Allen began the original “Progressland” attraction hosted by General Electric at the 1964-65 World’s Fair in New York. Progressland is more familiar to us as the theatre portion of the experience – the Carousel of Progress. In truth, there was quite a lot more to the World’s Fair exhibit and we go over all of its retro-fabulous history. While we may all be able to recite the current iteration of the classic Carousel of Progress attraction, it does have a very interesting and storied past, including Walt Disney’s personal involvement in its creation.

Progressland pavilion at the 1964 World's Fair - a Walt Disney Production - the original Carousel of Progress — General Electric’s Progressland pavilion – a Walt Disney Production – from the 1964-65 World’s Fair in New York

In this episode of Up the Waterfall podcast, we journey back to the very beginnings of this beloved attraction, the changes it has experienced over the decades, and what we hope will happen for its future. We hope you enjoy this info-packed episode, I know we loved recording it!

Progressland at night 1964 World's Fair — General Electric’s Progressland pavilion at night

You can listen anywhere you download and listen to podcasts, including:

(If there’s a podcast service where you can’t find our show, let us know and we’ll get it added there!)

You can also watch on our Up the Waterfall YouTube Playlist – where you can see our fun opening sequence and some fun images of the Carousel of Progress over the years. Here’s the latest episode:

Feel free to comment below with your memories of Carousel of Progress, any questions or info you’d like to add, or if it’s easier, head to the Zannaland Facebook page and join the discussion there with fellow Carousel of Progress fans!

Progressland concept art — Early concept art for the Progressland energy-filled future

Here are some of the books and recordings mentioned in this episode (the links will go to the item on amazon.com and are affiliate links – meaning no extra cost for you but a small portion goes back to zannaland if you make a purchase – thank you for supporting our site!):