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Walt Disney World

My runDisney Race Weekend Sponsored by Enterprise

2 June 2022 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Princess 5K 2011
My original runDisney race – Still running with my phone in hand!

I registered for my first runDisney race back in 2010. It was the Mickey’s Halloween 5K, part of the first-ever Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend that year. It was a different time and I made so many new friends and connections through Twitter. We were all calling it #EpicOctober and meeting up at various times. I was also meeting up with my fellow Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now planDisney) panelists, as it was my first year on the panel. I had never run anything in my life and was very, very worried I would not be able to complete the 5K. So, I didn’t go. I was ashamed, embarrassed and vowed that I would do a runDisney 5K someday, especially after meeting up with all my friends who did it and listening to all the fun they had on the course. So, I registered for the 5K during the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. And this time, I actually did it!

Fast forward many years, and many, many runDisney races have taken place. Over that time, I did a handful of 5K’s and one 10K back in 2016. I then took 7 years off. A lot happened in my life between then and now, and I began to focus more on my health and fitness. I lost 75lbs over the past 2 years, and though I’ve been vegetarian since 2012, I went vegan in 2018, and have been ever since. After these changes, I decided to get back into runDisney races, and vowed that 2022 would be my “Year of runDisney” and I would do all the races I could this year. I bounced back with the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend races in January of 2022, where I did the 5K and 10K again. I had caught the runDisney bug and decided to challenge myself and register for the Disney Fairytale Challenge as part of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – this was doing the 10K and Half Marathon (plus I did the 5K too). Me? Do a half marathon?? I spent the next months being anxious and worried, while still knowing I had it in me to complete it. And I did.

runDisney Princess 5K 2022
runDisney Princess Half Marathon 2022
runDisney race medals 2022

I was not fast, I cried about 5 times (happy cries), but I did it. I am now a half marathoner! The next set of races were the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend – celebrating races from runDisney past, including the fan favorite Expedition Everest 5K and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 Miler.

I wanted to register for the Challenge and do all of the races, but in trying to get both my husband and I registered, I was shut out of the Challenge and the 5K. I was able to register both of us for the Race for the Taste 10K and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ 10 Miler. Closer to the races, I received an email from Enterprise, the official rental car of Walt Disney World, about partnering with them to cover the races and share my experiences on social media. Of course, it was an immediate YES from me, and what follows is my sponsored account of the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend Celebrates Yestermorrow.

Enterprise Rental Car

As part of our partnership, Enterprise provided a rental car for me as well as a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. I was very excited for both of these experiences. We started out by heading to the Car Care Center right near Magic Kingdom Park to pick up the Enterprise rental car. It was a seamless process, and it wasn’t just for me, the others getting their cars or dropping them back off were helped quickly and with minimal effort on the guests part. I picked up my super cool Dodge Challenger in bright orange and knew this was going to be a fun weekend.

Enterprise Rental Car

We then headed over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was again so easy to check-in, I just did it on the ‘My Disney Experience’ application on my phone and didn’t even need to stop at the front desk. We could head straight to the room and unlock our door with the app or a MagicBand. We were given a standard view room, but really lucked out as our view was of the area where some of the animals come at the end of the night, so we really saw so many animals right from our balcony! There were 6 giraffes we could see often, three or four zebras (including a cute younger one), some Ankole cattle, waterbuck, impala, crowned cranes, and more (including bunnies and squirrels which are just as exciting to me). It was so cool to wake up and see giraffes right outside.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of my favorite resorts in all of Walt Disney World Resort anyway, so I was so grateful and excited to get to spend 5 nights there. There are so many options for dining. The pool area is wonderful, and the rooms themselves were so peaceful and comfortable. When I first checked in, I had the balcony door open and was texting my friends that all I could hear was the gentle clicking of the bamboo trees in the distance. I was in heaven.

The next day, after breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, we set out to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo. This is where you pick up all your bibs for the races, your race shirts, and you can also shop for fun merchandise from runDisney partners and official runDisney race weekend merchandise too. It was super easy to pop over in our Enterprise rental car and just park and head in. It’s a really fun way to start off every race weekend, because you are immediately surrounded by others who are doing the same thing you are, having fun, getting excited for the upcoming races, and of course taking photos at the many photo ops all around ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. We got our bibs and found out we were in Starting Group 2 for the 5K and the 10 Miler, but Starting Group 1 for the 10K. What luck! I’ve said before I’m not fast, so getting any extra time from being in a closer starting group is always a bonus that I appreciate greatly!

 

runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend 2022

After getting all of our race info and bibs, we headed back to the resort to just chill before the first race – a night race! The Expedition Everest 5K always took place at night in prior years, so they kept with that tradition, and it didn’t start until 10pm. This was my first ever night race, though many of my friends had done either this race or the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend races that took place at night previously. It was kind of strange being up so late and just waiting for the race to start. I’m still not sure if I prefer that to the early morning 2:30am wake-up calls of the other races I’ve done.

Expedition Everest 5K 2022

runDisney Springtime Surprise Race Recap:

Mother Nature had some other ideas about our nighttime race, and there was worry about rain and lightning. So, in an abundance of caution not only for the racers, but also the amazing volunteers working the course, the course was shortened for the 5K. The scavenger hunt, which was all digital on an app this year, was also postponed getting everyone to finish the race as soon as possible and reduce the risk of weather affecting things. The course had the last half a mile taken off, but by the time we walked to and from the start and finish line, we had all definitely done a 5K that night. Luckily, the rain held off and we didn’t get drenched, so that was a very good thing. It was so fun running through Pandora: World of Avatar at night, with the bioluminescence and all the background sounds of creatures of Pandora in the distance. I loved it.
Expedition Everest 5K 2022

The medal for the Expedition Everest 5K has always been a compass, so I was very excited to finally get one myself. It was truly one of the most fun 5K’s and unique ones as well. I would sign up again in a heartbeat!

The next day, we had a day of rest before the early morning race times began on Saturday. We hung around the hotel, had some pool time, and our family visited so we could all have dinner together from Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village, before we had to head to an early bedtime.

Saturday morning, we were up bright and early (well, not so bright, it was still very dark out at 2:30am). Having the Enterprise rental car meant we had a little more time to head over to EPCOT and park for the Race for the Taste 10K. My husband Scott and I headed into our starting group 1 and did some stretching before the race began. The runDisney crew always does an amazing job of hyping up the crowd at such an early hour, in rain or shine, cold or heat. This day, the humidity was at about 99% and it was like running through soup, but that didn’t stop the fun.

 

runDisney Race for the Taste 10K 2022

We saw so many fun characters along the course and seeing our friends racing along with us made it even more special. Having the runDisney PhotoPass photographers along the course ensures you’ll have some great memories of the race day and seeing the photos pop in on your app after the race is always a highlight.

runDisney Race for the Taste 10K 2022
runDisney Race for the Taste 10K 2022
Being locals, we aren’t the type to pack in non-stop theme park action during the race weekends. We can go to the parks most of the time, so we like to take the time to relax at our hotel and unwind between races during the runDisney weekends. Saturday night we took advantage of the delicious dining options at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and had some dinner to go from Victoria Falls Lounge and the Mara. It was an early night again as we waited for the 2:30 alarm to go off Sunday morning!
runDisney Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2022

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ 10 Miler was the last race of the weekend, and all of my friends were in the same starting group as Scott and I, so it was a very fun morning as we laughed and got ready to race. Two of our friends ran the whole race, while my other one (Amanda, who got me into runDisney races to begin with) run/walked with us the whole way. The humidity was less savage this day, so it was a great race day.

runDisney Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2022
runDisney Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2022
runDisney Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2022
The runDisney character stops and entertainment along the course was all themed to the Tower of Terror and 1939 (the year the elevator first dropped into the Twilight Zone). It was great fun. I had already done 13.1 miles in February, so I knew I could complete this 10-miler, and each race I ran a little more and walked a little less, so it was all a great feeling of accomplishment too. Unlike the other two races, we finished this one after sunrise, so we got to see the sun rise over EPCOT, after running through Disney’s Hollywood Studios and for the first time ever – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! I will never forget those moments.
runDisney Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2022

Finishing the final race with my husband and my friends was such a wonderful experience. The runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend Celebrates Yestermorrow was a success all around! We finished up our morning with a family breakfast at Boma in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge which has so many wonderful options for everyone to enjoy. After all the racing, we took a much-needed nap. Despite my lack of any real training, I was feeling great and ready to head over to a park and enjoy our last full day of this race weekend.

runDisney race medals 2022

We popped over to EPCOT in our Enterprise rental car and enjoyed some of the delicious bites from the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, going on now through July 4. We ended our night watching Harmonious and wandering through Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts to check out the Easter egg displays before heading home for a good night’s sleep.

EPCOT Harmonious

The next day, reality crept back in as we checked out, returned our rental car (super easy, we didn’t even have to go inside, we just handed them the keys and they said we were all set!) ,and headed home and back to work. I can’t thank Enterprise enough for really making this runDisney weekend an epic one with so many fun moments along the way, I’ll remember it for a very long time. I can’t wait for the next set of runDisney races – see you in November!

*Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of Enterprise.

runDisney race medals 2022
runDisney race medals 2022
I’d love to hear about your runDisney race experiences in the comments below!
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Filed Under: Disney Special Events, Latest News, RunDisney, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney half marathon, Disney races, Enterprise, Enterprise rental car, EnterprisePartner, run Disney, run walking, runDisney, runDisney 2022, runDisney race recap, Sponsored Post, Springtime Surprise 2022, Springtime Surprise Challenge, Springtime Surprise runDisney, Springtime Surprise Weekend, Walt Disney World races, walt disney world resort

2022 Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Easter Eggs Display

18 March 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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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.

 

Easter The Grand Cottage Grand Floridian

Easter The Grand Cottage Grand Floridian

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:

2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs
2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs

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. 

Vegan Baby Chick Easter Cupcake

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Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Resorts, Latest News, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: 2022 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs, Disney Easter eggs, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, Grand Floridian Easter egg display, Grand Floridian Easter eggs, walt disney world resort, Walt Disney World Resort Easter

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

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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 Drawn to Life

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.

Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life Julie

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.

Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life
Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life pencil

Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life

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.

Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life

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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Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Things to Do, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Cirque, Cirque du Soleil, Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life, Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life review, Cirque du Soleil Walt Disney World, Disney Drawn to Life, Disney Springs, Drawn to Life, Drawn to Life 2021, Drawn to Life review, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World entertainment

A Closer Look at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Details

3 September 2021 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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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!

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure

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.

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure fountain

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure

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

La Creperie de Paris exterior

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure

Rich layered architectural details

La Cave d'Ego Remy's Ratatouille Adventure fountain

Anton Ego’s Wine Cellar!

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure vespa

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:

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure fountain

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

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure queue
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure queue
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure queue
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure queue
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure queue
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure queue
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure queue
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure queue
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure queue

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:

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure on ride

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure on ride
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure on ride
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure on ride
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure on ride
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure on ride
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure on ride
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure on ride
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure on ride

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.

La Creperie de Paris
La Creperie de Paris

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! 

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Filed Under: Disney Attractions, Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Latest News, Photos From the Parks, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney details, Epcot, EPCOT details, EPCOT's France, France pavilion, La Creperie de Paris, Remy ride, Remy Ride area, Remy ride details, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Porte Cochere Open!

25 July 2021 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is going through a major makeover, and it’s almost complete! The Polynesian resort recently reopened all guest rooms after being open for only DVC rooms since the resort opened after pandemic closure. However, the monorail station and porte cochere have been closed since around November of last year, and did not open with the rest of the resort last week. We recently visited Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (today!) and saw that the porte-cochere is now open to guest vehicles!

Disney's Polynesian open porte cochere

The main lobby entrance is still not open, but bell services is available to take luggage around to the check-in area. We thought we’d share some photos of the open porte cochere at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort here with you all:

Disney's Polynesian open porte cochere
Disney's Polynesian open porte cochere
Disney's Polynesian open porte cochere
Disney's Polynesian open porte cochere

You can see that cars can now drive under, but the lobby entrance is still walled off. Notice the beautiful new thatched roof and unique lighting, reminiscent of the lobby lighting, only rather than multi-colored glass balls, these are all white, and look a little odd in my opinion, but maybe at night they’ll fit right in.

Polynesian reopened porte cochere

As of now, the monorail station is still not reopened, and we have no official date as to when that will open to guests. Those staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort must use alternate transportation, such as boats, buses, or walking to the TTC to get elsewhere in Walt Disney World (or use your own car or car service).

Polynesian reopened porte cochere

As a reminder, here’s what the finished porte cochere at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will look like:

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Port Cochere artists rendering

What do you think of the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s newly opened porte cochere? Are you excited to experience it any time soon? Let us know! ‘Ohana also recently reopened, you can check out our vegan food reviews on VeganDisneyFood.com, our sister site!

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Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Disney Resorts, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney's Polynesian reopened 2021, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Polynesian Village porte cochere open, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort monorail station reopened, Polynesian Porte Cochere reopen, Polynesian refurb, Polynesian refurbishment

Paint a Castle Activity at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

16 June 2021 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

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I’m sure you’ve heard of the various Walt Disney World Resort hotel recreation activities, which can vary from Movies Under the Stars (watching Disney movies outside on the hotel grounds), to trivia by the pool, to making tie-dyed Mickey t-shirts. A fairly new activity was one I knew I had to come out and try the minute I saw it – painting a castle! The Once Upon a Painting activity takes place at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. You get to paint your very own ceramic light-up castle to take home, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Magic Kingdom and monorail resorts. I signed up to paint a castle at the Contemporary and wanted to share our experience with you. We recorded a full video of the experience as well so scroll down to watch what the process was like.

Once Upon a Painting activity
Contemporary Resort Activity Schedule
Once Upon a Painting activity
Once Upon a Painting activity
The Once Upon a Painting signs were everywhere!

The Once Upon a Painting castle activity began back in March, where it took place at Chef Mickey’s restaurant. When Chef Mickey’s reopened, the activity was moved to California Grill, so now the views are amazing inside and out. I brought my resident artist (my daughter Sophia) and camera man (my son Christian) and we had a great time deciding how to paint our castle (I let Sophia do the painting). You’re given colors to choose from and once your castle is complete, you leave it with the Disney Recreation team and they spray a clear coat on top to make it glossy. Depending on the amount of castles at your session, it could be picked up same day, or the next day.

Once Upon a Painting activity
List of paint colors
Once Upon a Painting activity
You choose your paint colors here
paint a castle Disney's Contemporary
The Blank castle before
Once Upon a Painting activity
Paint brushes and water
Once Upon a Painting activity
Our paint colors
Once Upon a Painting activity
Sophia in action

You pick up your finished painted castle at Community Hall, located in Bay Lake Tower on the first floor. Community Hall is open daily from 10am – 10pm and they have all sorts of other fun activities going on in there. If you are unable to wait for your castle to be finished by the recreation team, you can take it home without the clear coat and finish it at home if you’d like too. Here are all the details:

What: Once Upon a Painting ceramic castle activity

Where: Disney’s Contemporary Resort at the California Grill

When: Mondays and Fridays from 12:30 – 2:30p, must check in by 1:30 to participate. We used up almost all the time so keep that in mind as you create your masterpieces!

Cost: $30+ tax per castle

How to Book: Call 407-824-1347 or by visiting Community Hall at Bay Lake Tower. Space is limited, but walk-ups are possible if there is room.

Once Upon a Painting activity
Castle with a castle view
Once Upon a Painting activity
Can you see the Figment prints?
Finished Light Up Castle craft
The finished product!

We had so much fun painting our castle, and watching everyone else’s creations as well. It was amazing how unique each person’s castle was. Of course, I had to go with Figment colors. Sophia even added little Figment foot prints on the stairs.

 

Watch our Once Upon a Painting experience here:

 

Have you done this or any other activity at a Disney hotel? I’d love to hear about it! I’ve always wanted to do the Mickey tie-dying too, maybe that’ll be next on our list. If you’re looking for a more adult activity, remember Sangria University at Coronado Springs Resort is open again too! We have a full review and Sangria University video as well. 

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Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Disney Resorts, Videos, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Castle painting, Castle painting activity, Contemporary, Disney crafting, Disney hotel activities, Disney recreation, Disney's Contemporary Resort, DIY castle, DIY Disney craft, Once Upon a Painting, Paint your own castle, Walt Disney World hotels, Walt Disney World recreation, Walt Disney World Resort activities

History of Pleasure Island from Rosie O’Grady’s to Raglan Road

4 June 2021 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Welcome friends! We once again have a sparkling new Up the Waterfall podcast to share with you! This time it’s all about the interesting history of Pleasure Island. Believe it or not, our story begins with a little spot down the street from Walt Disney World – Rosie O’Grady’s at Church Street Station. In this latest Up the Waterfall, we take you though the history, the backstory, and the demise, of Pleasure Island.

Rosie O'Grady's Church Street Station

 

As always, you can hear the full podcast wherever you download your podcasts. We’ve got a handful of places to download and listen to Up the Waterfall here and at the bottom of this post.  You can also watch the video highlights version of Up the Waterfall, which will show you fun historical footage and images of what we’re talking about to go along with the show. Please subscribe to the audio or video version so you know when we next upload. We’d love to hear from you too, share with a friend, leave a comment or review/rating. That helps us know you want more fun shows!

I mention in this episode that I would list all of the “histerical” plaques that once adorned the original buildings at Pleasure Island. Here they are below, thanks to MousePlanet for providing this info.

The Pleasure Island Plaques

PLEASURE ISLAND (entrance plaque on the bridge by the ticket booths)
Founded 1911
An unverifiable, anecdotal, purely subjective, theoretical alleged purported history. Also, ersatz. A living monument to “the wise fool, the mad visionary, the scoundrel, the scalawag, and the seeker of enjoyment.” Merriweather Adam Pleasure, who purchased the island in 1911. Pleasure’s profitable canvas manufacturing/sail fabricating empire, founded on this site, provided him with the capital to indulge his lifelong interest in the exotic, the experimental, and the unexplainable. Known as the Grand Funmeister, Pleasure disappeared during his 1941 circumnavigation of the Antarctic. His sons, Henry and Stewart, took over the island and the Pleasure enterprises. Their mismanagement led to bankruptcy in 1955; Hurricane Connie hit that same year, and Pleasure Island was abandoned. In 1987, Archaeologists uncovered the site and its remains, and a large scale reclamation project was begun. In 1989, the new Pleasure Island was re-opened and dedicated to the legacy of Merriweather Adam Pleasure: “Fun for all, and All for fun!”
Placed here by the Pleasure Island Histerical Society.

THE EMPRESS LILLY
The Floating Arts Palace
1886
Originally christened The Floating Arts Palace, this vessel plied the mighty Mississippi River for 25 years. Boat fancier Merriweather Pleasure purchased it in 1911 to use as a home, guest house, and entertainment center while he began construction on Pleasure Island. In 1918, the former showboat was unmoored and transformed into a summer houseboat for steaming down the tree-lined waterways of Central Florida. In 1971 the boat was restored to her original glory and re-commissioned The Empress Lilly in honor of Mrs. Lillian Disney.

LILLY PLAZA
1922
Originally a turnaround for the limousines of guests visiting the Pleasure family houseboat. The plaza was remodeled for the July 4, 1937, debut of the 118-member Pleasure Island Philharmonic Concert Band conducted by Maestro Don G. O’Vanni. The P.I.P.C.B. concerts on this site ended with a piece Mrs. Isabella Pleasure commissioned, the haunting “Fugue for Triangle, Piccolo and Steampowered Riverboat Whistle.”

PORTOBELLO YACHT CLUB
Pleasure Family Home 1918
Island Founder Merriweather Pleasure built this home for his family who lived on their beloved island for 20 years. Here, Mrs. Isabella Pleasure hosted hundreds of tea socials, garden parties and croquet tournaments, featuring fine food and uninhibited conversation. As she often said, “If you don’t have something nice to say, come sit next to me!” Restored in 1989 as a joint effort of the Walt Disney Company and the Levy Restaurants.

PORTOBELLO ROSE GARDEN
Mrs. Isabella Pleasure, wife of Island founder Merriweather Pleasure, spent 20 years and several-hundred-thousand dollars attempting to crossbreed a “true blue” rose. Like others before her, she had to be content with variations on the color lavender. Mrs. Pleasure’s garden, first planted in 1919, was recreated in 1989 from notes in her journals and diaries.

BRIDGE
Originally constructed 1914
This bridge stood until 1943, when young Stewart Pleasure, son of Island founder Merriweather Pleasure, piloted the family showboat directly into the graceful span connecting Pleasure Island with the mainland. Stewart supervised the rebuilding of the bridge in 1944, but destroyed it again on September 2, 1954. The current bridge was built from the 1914 plans by the Walt Disney Company.

MERRIWEATHER’S MARKET
M. A. Pleasure’s Original Sailmaking Factory
1912
Foundation and wellspring of the considerable fortune of Island founder Merriweather Adam Pleasure. Once a month during the full moon, Pleasure could be seen on the roof of this building, chanting to the goddess of the the tides to keep his various enterprises afloat. Pleasure Island’s first sail was completed here December 18, 1912. After the assembly of the last sail on June 4, 1931, perfectionist Merriweather Pleasure insisted that the factory be preserved intact. The building was devastated by Hurricane Connie in 1955. Restored in 1989.

MANNEQUINS
Pleasure Island Canvas Works Fabrication Plant
1912
Second building erected on the island, this actually housed Merriweather Pleasure’s famous canvas fabrication works. In the 1930s, it was converted to a soundstage for Invincible Pictures, then into a design studio and workshop for various Pleasure projects. Most notable of these was a huge locomotive powered by a combination of steam and magnetic power. A colossal turntable was installed to facilitate the work on this revolutionary product, called Maxwell’s Demon, that was intended to revolutionize world transportation. It didn’t. For further unverifiable information on the life and times of Pleasure Island, refer to the theoretical histerical plaques located at the island’s entrances.

THE ISLAND DEPOT
Pleasure Island Administration Building
1913
Originally a wooden shack housing Pleasure Island’s paymaster/accountant/bookkeeper, telegraphy office, mailroom, first aid station, and social center, the first building on this site (constructed in 1913) burned to the ground in 1933 during a party celebrating the repeal of Prohibition. A subsequent building erected on the site was blown apart by a savage 1944 typhoon. Refurbished 1988-1989. The complete and dubious history of Pleasure Island is inscribed at each island entrance.

FIREWORKS FACTORY
Fireworks Laboratory and Storage Bunker
1922
Island founder Merriweather Pleasure had a passion for pyrotechnics. In 1922, he persuaded China’s premier fireworks inventor, The Bang Master, to immigrate to Orlando. The Master’s lab and storage bunker were built on this spot, and for the next four years Orlando’s citizens enjoyed stupendous Independence Day aerial displays. On July 3, 1927, a stray spark from Pleasure’s pipe set off an explosion that was heard in Tampa, 82 miles away. Mrs. Pleasure insisted that the wreckage of the factory be preserved as a reminder of “Pleasure’s Folly.” Renovated as a joint venture by the Walt Disney Company and the Levy World Company.

CHANGING ATTITUDES
Pleasure Perfect Upholstery
1923
Six full-time seamstresses worked here to refurbish the interiors of the custom yachts in the Pleasure Island Dry Dock. In 1934, the shop was responsible for stuffing the head of a rare Mongolian Yakoose for the Adventurers Club. This profitable sideline ended in 1943 when a war time shortage of kapok put taxidermy on the endangered species list. Further information on the incredible doings at Pleasure Island from 1911 to the Present Day is inscribed on the ersatz histerical plaques at all island entrances.

DOODLES
The Machine Shop
1937
Built as a custom tool-and-die shop for fearless flyer and Island founder Merriweather Pleasure’s “X-Thing” project. His granddaughter, Katie, converted it into Katie’s Kustom Kars, the first female owned and operated auto customizing shop in the Southeastern United States. Katie, a.k.a. Doodles, closed the shop in 1954 to join the Air Force as a test pilot for the only customized X-1 ever built.

ROCK AND ROLL BEACH CLUB
(XZFR Rockin’ Rollerdome-a roller skating dance club)
Building X
1937
Island founder and UFO enthusiast Merriweather Pleasure built his experimental “X-thing” here. Pleasure himself designed this super amphibious aircraft that could harness the power of the wind. The “X-Thing” flew only once—Sept. 1, 1940—with Pleasure himself at the controls. The test flight is shrouded in mystery, but upon landing Pleasure began broadcasts to outer space. Beamed from the roof of this building, the international Morse Code messages repeated “W-E-L-C-O-M-E.” Further information on the incredible doings at Pleasure Island from 1911 to present day may be found inscribed on the quasi-historical plaques at all Island entrances.

REEL FINDS
(Hammer and Fire – shop that featured titanium jewelry, stoneware, and wall hangings)
Fittings Foundry
1923
The bronze foundry for Pleasure Island Yacht Refurbishing Inc. was built in 1923. Unique custom fittings, individually cast at great expense, were required to achieve the “pleasure principle” of lavish but functional ornamentation of sailing vessels.
Further information on the illustrious and illusionary past of Pleasure Island may be found upon the plaques at each island entrance.

History Pleasure Island

YESTEREARS
Remains of Pleasure Island Ltd. Chandlery and Tool Crib
1924
One of the many support facilities for the cornerstone of Island founder Merriweather Pleasure’s commercial empire, Pleasure Canvas and Sailmakers, Ltd. A 1944 hurricane sheared off the front of the building, sending a million (more of less) bolts, screws, linchpins, lugnuts, and spanner wrenches into the depths of Lake Buena Vista. The silly saga of Pleasure Island is told in its imprecise entirety at each island entrance.

SUSPENDED ANIMATION
Navigational Pleasure Graphics Ltd.
1924
Island founder and graphics connoisseur Merriweather Adam Pleasure rocked the art world when he lured R. North Camilpoter, America’s premier gold leaf stylist, to Orlando. Camilpoter spent his days peacefully hand-painting the bows of the yachts Pleasure refurbished. When Hurricane Charlotte damaged the building in 1944, only three years after his patron’s demise, the graphic artist was too dispirited to rebuild. History buffs: The incredible and unverifiable story of Pleasure Island is summarized for your entertainment at each island entrance.

AVIGATORS SUPPLY
Pleasure Shipping and Receiving
1924
Island founder Merriweather Pleasure had this building constructed to facilitate his business refurbishing ships and yachts. It later became a clearing house and depot for the booty from his global adventures. In 1939, Pleasure befriended a group of native Floridian stunt pilots, the “Avigators” who operated a short-lived import/export business here from 1949-1951. The entire history of Pleasure Island is misrepresented on the plaques located at each entrance to our island.

SUPERSTAR STUDIOS
Mrs. Pleasure’s Music Parlor
Composed 1929
Built to store island matriarch Isabella Pleasure’s gargantuan collection of 78 rpm Italian opera records. Immediately upon her passing in 1949, her two sons sold her collection (valued at $475,000) to an Orlando junk dealer for $150. Refurbished by the Walt Disney Company and Star Trax Enterprises in 1989. Find the fabulous fable of Pleasure Island and its founding family on the plaques at each entrance to the island.

VIDEOPOLIS EAST/CAGE
Artificial Intelligence Lab
1929
Built for Island founder Merriweather Pleasure’s son Henry, the “mad genius of Lake Buena Vista” and Henry’s life work, the Pleasure Cellular Automaton. Henry died thinking his experiments in artificial intelligence had failed. But when the building was reopened in 1987, the automaton was alive and thriving. In fact, it directed the refurbishing of its home and designed the sophisticated computer hardware that shows itself to best advantage. The complete and purely subjective saga of Pleasure Island is synthesized on the ersatz histerical plaques at the Island’s entrance.

LOMBARD PROMENADE
1929
Designed by Island founder and incurable romantic Merriweather Adam Pleasure after a trip he and wife Isabella took to San Francisco. They both fell in love with the city’s back-and-forth boulevard, Lombard Street. Isabella wanted a photograph as a souvenir, but Merriweather insisted on recreating the street itself. It later became a favorite site for the legendary, day-long hide-and-seek tournaments organized by the Pleasure grandchildren.
The fabled follies of Pleasure Island and its founding family are recorded on the histerical plaques at each island entrance.

COMEDY WAREHOUSE
Power Station
1912
This building became a storage facility when Pleasure Island was electrified in 1928. Six years later, the power station became home to the Pleasure Island Thespian Players, founded by and featuring Isabella Pleasure, wife of island founder and drama enthusiast Merriweather Pleasure. The players specialized in elaborate Central Florida Historical Pageants, including the seminal “Song of the Seminole.” After Mrs. Pleasure’s death in 1949, the building was closed and the players disbanded.  Since its restoration by the Walt Disney Company, this site is again a warehouse, storing strange notions, again attractions and ideas slightly ahead of their time.

NEON ARMADILLO
The Greenhouse
1927
Constructed to house the vast array of exotic desert plants collected by island founder, a globe-trotter and amateur cactogogist Merriweather Pleasure. Pleasure regarded the Greenhouse as his personal Eden. He nurtured his “prickly pals,” as he called them, with fanatical devotion. After Pleasure’s disappearance in 1941, his Greenhouse was sealed off. When it was reopened in 1989, scientists discovered a huge and happy family or armadillos. The inhabitants were immortalized in neon by the Island renovators.

ADVENTURERS CLUB
Founded 1932
This imposing building was designed to house the huge personal library and archeological trophy collection of island founder and compulsive explorer Merriweather Adam Pleasure. Pleasure won the plans in a game of dominoes and attributed them throughout his life to noted architects Sir Edwin Luytens, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and Eliel Saarinen. The building became the headquarters for the Adventurers Club, Pleasure’s zany band of globe-trotting friends. Exotic souvenirs of the members’ outlandish expeditions and riotous adventures were displayed on the walls. After Pleasure vanished at sea in 1941, the Club was sealed until it was opened to the public for the first time in 1989.

WEST END PLAZA
1941
Island founder and stargazer Merriweather Adam Pleasure was convinced during the sole flight of his “X-Thing” aircraft that he could make contact with alien beings. Working feverishly, Pleasure completed the world’s first and only Alien Landing Platform on July 4, 1941. His wife Isabella immediately laid claim to it for her beloved Pleasure Island Philharmonic Concert Band. Much to Merriweather’s disgust (“How can ‘they’ land when that blasted band is playing?’”) this became home base for the P.I.P.C.B.

THE PLEASURE ISLAND AMC 10 THEATERS
Pleasure Canvas Works
Fabrication Plant No. 12
1922
Originally constructed to house Island founder Merriweather Pleasure’s burgeoning canvas fabrication business. Hoping to discover and patent a cheap, clean, abundant, renewable source of power, Pleasure had the building refitted in 1938 as a laboratory for testing “thermomagnetics”—a process designed to harness the earth’s magnetic force. The success of the experiment was proven in 1940 when the facility blew sky high with no visible, provable use of combustibles. Pleasure commanded that the ruined super structure and outbuildings remain as testimony to “the awesome power of the planet”. Rebuilt jointly by American Multi-Cinemas, Inc. and the Walt Disney Company. Opened in 1988.

LOOKOUT POINT, PLEASURE ISLAND
Defense League
1941-44
Son of Island founder Merriweather Pleasure, “Paranoid Henry” Pleasure camped up here every single night from December 8, 1941, to V-J Day. He was convinced that the Axis powers were plotting an assault on America by coming ashore at Pleasure Island, which was then—and remains—80 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. In his nearly four years of vigilance, Henry fired his musket only once. He mistook a family of herons for the leading edge of an invasion force. The herons escaped unharmed.

Here’s the video version of our History of Pleasure Island Up the Waterfall podcast:

 

 

We hope you enjoy our History of Pleasure Island episode of Up the Waterfall! Do you have memories from Pleasure Island’s history that you want to share with us? Let us know in the comments below, or join us on our weekly LIVE show each Thursday at 8pm right on our Zannaland YouTube channel. See you there!

 


As always, we thank you for watching and listening! If you enjoyed, please share with a friend so more folks can learn about our growing podcast. Also please leave a review on Apple or Google podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Thank you!

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Head to our Up the Waterfall YouTube Playlist – where you can see our opening sequence and see some unique images during some episodes.

Feel free to comment below with your opinions on ANY of these hot button topics, 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 Parks fans!

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Filed Under: Disney Past, Up the Waterfall Podcast, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Adventurer's Club, Adventurer's Club history, church street station, Disney history, Disney history podcast, history of pleasure island, orlando entertainment history, Pleasure Island, rosie o'grady's, Up the Waterfall, Up the Waterfall podcast

Sneak Peeks: The World’s Most Magical Celebration – Walt Disney World’s 50th

19 February 2021 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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The anticipation and speculation have been building for years, and the year is finally here. Starting October 1 of this year, the World’s Most Magical Celebration will begin at Walt Disney World Resort here in Orlando, Florida. Until that time arrives, we have some Walt Disney World 50th sneak peeks to share. While we don’t yet know what special events, foods, or merchandise will commemorate this celebration, we do now have some artist concepts of how the icons for each theme park will be decorated. We also have a look at Mickey and Minnie’s EARidescent new outfits to celebrate.

Mickey and Minnie Earidescent
Beginning Oct. 1, 2021, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will host “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. They will dress in sparkling new looks custom made for the 18-month event, highlighted by embroidered impressions of Cinderella Castle on multi-toned, EARidescent fabric punctuated with pops of gold. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Of course prior to now, we’ve watched several changes taking place throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. These include a makeover of the Magic Kingdom toll booth plaza, also featuring an iridescent look. The main entrances at Disney Springs, World Drive and Western Way are also all getting new paint jobs to match the shades of blues and greys used elsewhere. Lastly, Cinderella Castle has received phase one of her makeover, with the new pink shade and bright blue turrets. But what else is in store?

Cinderella Castle 50th Anniversary Decor
In this artist rendering, Cinderella Castle shines with new golden and EARidescent décor at Magic Kingdom Park as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” which begins Oct. 1, 2021, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney)


According to Disney,

…the castle will add even more magic at night, joined by icons at each of the other three theme parks as they transform into Beacons of Magic. In the video above, you can get a feel for what they’ll look like, with pixie dust on Cinderella Castle, magical fireflies inhabiting the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and special new touches coming to life on the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Hollywood Tower Hotel Beacon of Magic
(Disney)

And at EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another and resembling stars in a nighttime sky. This permanent new lighting will continue beyond “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” as a defining feature of the park.

Spaceship Earth Beacon of Magic
(Disney)

I’m all for lighting package upgrades, but messing with Spaceship Earth is always risky business. Of course back in the Y2K years, there was both outrage and excitement (by some perhaps?) for the hand with the “2000” on it, later turned into an “Epcot.” Later, during the “Monstrous Summer Celebration” of 2013, Spaceship Earth was turned into Mike Wazowski. Briefly, Sulley appeared on there as well, along with the Death Star. Many believed marring the architectural and engineering perfection that is Spaceship Earth is an act of blasphemy. (As was projecting a space station responsible for destroying entire planets and their inhabitants onto a structure which represented hope and understanding at its very core…but I digress.)I do tend to agree, as I really think Spaceship Earth is such a marvel as it is. Its current lighting package really just highlights that simplistic yet awe-inspiring beauty.

It’s also important to note that Disney says this new lighting will be permanent, beyond the 50th celebration. Personally, I’m waiting to see what it looks like. I do love a good night sky, and perhaps it will be a rotating situation where it appears occasionally, reverting to the original look in between. What do you think?

Tree of Life Beacon of Magic
(Disney)

As far as the Tree of Life, I love what they’ve done recently with the “Awakenings” projection show. I’m sure that what they add will be great. For Tower of Terror, normally I’d say it would take away from the theming Disney worked so hard to create. However, they’ve kind of already set the precedent there with the holiday projection shows. I do think the projections are fun too, if you take yourself out of the “Hollywood Tower Hotel” mindset.

Cinderella Castle will be a wonderful centerpiece for the celebration. I am excited to see how things come together as October draws near. What are some additions or events you hope will take place during the 50th celebration?

We’ll of course be covering more as the date draws near. Be sure of follow @zannaland on instagram and watch our Up the Waterfall live show each Thursday at 8pm eastern on YouTube!

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

FOLLOW THE ZANNALAND FAMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCH OUR VIDEOS, VLOGS AND PODCAST TOO: 
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We thank you for your support and for sharing the love! 

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Filed Under: Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Disney Special Events, Official Disney, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Beacon of Magic, Cinderella Castle makeover, EARidescent, Mickey and Minnie 50th, Mickey and Minnie EARidescent, Spaceship earth lighting, Tower of Terror lighting, Tree of Life lighting, Walt Disney World 50th, Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary, Walt Disney World anniversary, WDW, WDW 50th, World's Most Magical Celebration

Ranking Extinct Disney Attractions – Up the Waterfall Episode 44

21 October 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Another fun stroll down memory lane, this week we discuss Extinct Disney Attractions. More than just discuss, we rank them! This is one of those episodes where you’re going to want to watch it rather than (or in addition to) listening, as we rank them with cool graphics created by Christian.

Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland

Speaking of Christian, he chose the 30 extinct attractions that we ranked, so if you have any rides you think we should’ve included, please direct your comments to him! 😉 All joking aside, I think we could do quite a few more of these and still not get to all the former favorites that once existed at Disney parks. I know personally I would’ve added the Disneyland Peoplemover, which I never got to experience, as well as Magic Journeys among others. What rides do you miss the most? Or shows, or restaurants? We want to hear it all!

Scott’s Trivia Corner

This week we also brought back Scott’s Trivia Corner, with an answer to our last trivia question, which was all the way back on our Scariest Disney Attractions episode. Be sure to listen for that result. Because this week’s question was a little confusing, we wanted to include it here too so you can make a better guess – come on Disney trivia buffs we know you’re out there! Here it is:

There is one Disney park that featured TWO extinct attractions in TWO separate lands. During their time in the parks, they featured the SAME song, voiced by the SAME person (actor or actress, not character). One of which was an attraction with an Audio-Animatronics character voiced by an entertainer who sang the same song LIVE, in the second extinct attraction – a stage show. What are these two attractions, and as an added bonus, what was the featured song? Confused?! Yeah I was too haha! Two attractions…two characters…two lands…one person…one song. Try to figure it out and let us know in the comments below, or by commenting on the video, on social media, wherever you’d like to answer!

Journey into Imagination original

We thank you as always for listening and watching our Extinct Disney Attractions episode – if you can, please leave us a review on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen, and like and subscribe on YouTube. It really helps get the word out and spread the Disney love! See more ways to connect below:

Ways to Help Laid Off Cast Members: 

As we mentioned on the end of the show, it is such a devastating time for so many. As locals, and a Cast Member family, we want to spread the word as much as possible about ways to help if you can. 

Cast Member Pantry Facebook group for Orlando area Cast Members

Ear for Each Other Facebook group featuring Cast Members from both coasts offering their services or talents for sale

Google Sheet with Cast Member run Small Shops and businesses

Also check out our friends Sarah and Tom Bricker’s post on ways to help, including donating to the Second Harvest Food Bank in both Orlando and Orange County, California. Thank you for reading, and thank you for helping the magic makers. 


As always, we thank you for watching and listening! If you enjoyed, please share with a friend so more folks can learn about our growing podcast! Thank you!

Listen to Up the Waterfall:

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

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Google Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • I Heart Radio
  • Anchor

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

Watch Up the Waterfall:

Head to our Up the Waterfall YouTube Playlist – where you can see our opening sequence and see some unique images during some episodes.

Feel free to comment below with your opinions on ANY of these movie choices, 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 Parks 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
  • Instagram: @zannaland, @UpTheWaterfall, @otisney
  • Zannaland’s facebook page, Up the Waterfall on Facebook
  • 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! 

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Filed Under: Disney Attractions, Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Disney Past, Disneyland Resort, Top Stories, Up the Waterfall Podcast, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney history, Disney history podcast, Disney past, Extinct Attractions, Extinct Disney attractions, Up the Waterfall, Up the Waterfall podcast

Hidden Details of the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World – Up the Waterfall

7 October 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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One of the things that separates amusement parks from theme parks, is just that, the theme. Theming takes you out of the real world and puts you into the environment that the creators want you to experience and be a part of. In the realm of theme parks, Disney has been the leader for quite some time. Part of what helps Disney achieve that status, is “story” or backstory if you will, and the layer upon layer of detail used to create that story.

On this week’s Up the Waterfall show, we focus on Magic Kingdom and some of its many hidden details. All of these details pull you into the story, if you take the time to notice them. We list our favorites, but because we didn’t want a 3 hour show, we don’t mention ALL of the details, as there really are stories behind everything.

We start right at the front of the Magic Kingdom and go clockwise through the lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. The list below will serve as a guide along with the podcast, leaving out any we didn’t mention, and room for more we may add!

Main Street, U.S.A.  

Walt Disney World Railroad Main Street Station: there are quite a few timetables with references to other Disney parks, movies, and characters.

Main Street Windows: most everyone knows that the names on the windows of Main Street, U.S.A. reference Imagineers and folks involved in the creation and legacy of Walt Disney World and Disney Parks in general. We reference the Windows on Main Street book from 2009, which is a great guide to the stories behind these windows. There’s also an updated version from 2014, Main Street Windows: A Complete Guide to Disney’s Whimsical Tributes.

The Chapeau Telephone: this is an old favorite, you used to be able to listen to several full conversations on there. According to our friends at the RoadSideTrippers instagram account, they checked it out about a week ago, and sadly the line kept cutting out a lot, so it wasn’t up to its old performance. Hopefully when times are better, Disney can spare some love for this little detail.

Adventureland

Jungle Cruise: most of us remember the half a plane used in the Casablanca scene of the Great Movie Ride (rest in peace), well the other half of that plane is right in the Jungle Cruise!

skipper canteen bookshelves

Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen: This relatively new (by Magic Kingdom standards) restaurant is chock full of references to the Jungle Cruise itself and other Disney attractions and names. Right as you enter you are greeting with a painting of Dr. Albert Falls, and an abstract of his wife Alberta, who opened up the restaurant. Once inside, the doors on the second floor are nods to original Imagineers and legends, including Marc Davis, Harper Goff, and Bill Evans, landscape designer for Disneyland and the Jungle Cruise itself.

The real magic (and hidden details), however, lies in the bookcases which lead to the “hidden” rooms of the restaurant. Almost every book in the shelves is some reference or pun, including author names like “Cap Size” and “Sid Truss” along with nods to created characters like Merriweather Pleasure of Pleasure Island lore, and even “Vagnini” a nod to former archivist, Disney Imagineer (and friend!) Steven Vagnini. We won’t list all the titles and names here, but be sure to check them out next visit. We didn’t even touch on all of the S.E.A. references in this spot, so stay tuned for a future discussion on that very topic.

Tortuga Tavern: Scott gives us the rundown on the rich backstory of this spot, with lots more than just the book with some characters’ names written in it! Be sure to look around next time you visit.

Frontierland

Pecos Bill’s: yes, another restaurant – but it’s really a great way to insert lots of details that you don’t have to worry about being missed as you ride by in an attraction! Funny thing, I actually missed most of the ones Scott mentioned in Pecos Bill’s! Sounds like I need to get back there right quick! We touched briefly on the redux of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad queue area, but again, this is a spot that we feel needs more attention than just a part of a podcast. If you have a favorite, let us know (I am very partial to the Barnabus T. Bullion painting that looks eerily like my beloved Tony Baxter – the Imagineer responsible for Big Thunder Mountain of course).

Liberty Square

The enjoyable part about Liberty Square is that so much of its detail can be traced back to actual history. In all cases of Disney parks planning, Imagineers go above and beyond to have authentic details, pay homage to actual places or events, or at the very least expand upon the references we know and love. Liberty Square is no exception. With homages to “2 if by sea” lanterns, use of the original Liberty Bell mold to cast the Disney version, and architecture that looks like you are walking through historic Boston or Philadelphia, it’s a wonderful place to explore.

Fantasyland

Cinderella’s Fountain: or La Fountaine de Cindrillon in French, is a beautiful little detail. I recently discussed it on my zannaland instagram page as well, which was actually the impetus for this episode!

Sir Mickey’s: a very fun shop with lots of great visuals to see right off the bat (giant vines from a beanstalk and the face of a giant peeking in from the eaves), to minute details referencing two original Mickey shorts.

Under The Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid: As we know, this was once the spot of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. We show you all the hidden references to this original ride in the Fantasyland area, and a special hidden Steamboat Willie as well.

Nautilus Little Mermaid

Tomorrowland

Robotic Palm Trees: this is a favorite “fun fact” that gets thrown around, but we couldn’t not mention it. The backstory is that the Tomorrowland Power Company uses these metal palm trees to harvest the suns rays, and the “coconuts” that grow are “energy balls” to harvest and provide power for the citizens of Tomorrowland.

Tomorrowland palm trees
photo: Shawn Spencer

Space Mountain Queue: There is a rich rundown of hidden details within the queue, including references to other Disney theme parks and their Space Mountains, as well as former “futuristic” attractions. We mention our favorites on the show.

We had to end our episode there, but we know there are so many more we didn’t mention. Listen or watch below and let us know your favorite details or what we missed. We’d love to hear from you. And make sure you look up, look down, and look all around next time you’re in the Magic Kingdom! Scroll down to see where to listen and connect with us, but before that, as mentioned on this episode, we’d like to share some places to help displaced Cast Members, many of whom are Imagineers or directly responsible for the details we know and love. If you can, please help. Thank you.

Ways to Help Laid Off Cast Members: 

As we mentioned on the end of the show, it is such a devastating time for so many. As locals, and a Cast Member family, we want to spread the word as much as possible about ways to help if you can. 

Cast Member Pantry Facebook group for Orlando area Cast Members

Ear for Each Other Facebook group featuring Cast Members from both coasts offering their services or talents for sale

Google Sheet with Cast Member run Small Shops and businesses

Also check out our friends Sarah and Tom Bricker’s post on ways to help, including donating to the Second Harvest Food Bank in both Orlando and Orange County, California. Thank you for reading, and thank you for helping the magic makers. 


As always, we thank you for watching and listening! If you enjoyed, please share with a friend so more folks can learn about our growing podcast! Thank you!

Listen to Up the Waterfall:

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

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Google Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • I Heart Radio
  • Anchor

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

Watch Up the Waterfall:

Head to our Up the Waterfall YouTube Playlist – where you can see our opening sequence and see some unique images during some episodes.

Feel free to comment below with your opinions on ANY of these movie choices, 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 Parks 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
  • Instagram: @zannaland, @UpTheWaterfall, @otisney
  • Zannaland’s facebook page, Up the Waterfall on Facebook
  • 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! 

Up the Waterfall logo

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Filed Under: Disney Attractions, Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Top Stories, Up the Waterfall Podcast, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney Attractions, Disney rides, Great Movie Ride, Haunted Mansion, Hidden Details Magic Kingdom, Hidden Disney Details, Hidden Mickeys, Magic Kingdom, Up the Waterfall podcast, Up the Waterfall show

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