Places to Stay

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience – A Chocoholic’s Dream

4 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

In addition to the new Terra vegan booth and the Chase Visa Lounge, also new at the 2012 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience. When I heard the title of this exhibit, I was thrilled. Chocolate. Experience? Sign me up!

Located inside the Festival Center in the former Wonders of Life pavilion, you can smell the sweet aroma of chocolate as you approach the Ghirardelli area. At the entrance, Cast Members offer you a Ghirardelli sample, just as they do at the Downtown Disney location. Yum. Inside you can learn about the process of making chocolate, from the “bean to the bar” and also purchase a small cup of Drinking Chocolate. It is basically like drinking melted chocolate chips, and heavenly. Wine is also available for purchase.

In the back of the Ghirardelli area is a fun display of amazing artistic creations by Disney chefs, made entirely of chocolate. Be sure to check them out! The Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience is open daily from 9:00 a.m. through park close.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience — Wine and drinking chocolate at the Ghirardelli exhibit

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience chocolate displays — Amazing chocolate art from Disney chefs – image ©AttractionsMagazine

Be sure to check it out before the Food and Wine Festival ends on November 12!

A Vegetarian And a Tween Visit Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival

3 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

Epcot exit sign — Wise and delicious advice from an Epcot sign

That may sound like the opening to a strange Disney joke, but really, it’s just how a recent visit to Epcot’s 17th annual International Food & Wine Festival went. There are a couple of weeks left in Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival which has been running since September 28 and continues through November 12, 2012.

This year has been chock full of delicious international cuisine as usual, and some new tastes this year too, including the first all-vegan booth, Terra. I recently had a chance to explore some options as a new vegetarian and was surprised at what I could still enjoy.

At Terra, I tried all of the options and found the Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice and Chili Colorado with House-Made Chips and Cashew Cheese to be delicious options, even for my meat-eating friends. I will fully admit to “meatless meat” getting a bad reputation, but the Trick’n Chick’n is so close to the real thing, it made me pause and wonder, “what IS this made from?” It’s that good. The sauce was spicy (which I love) and delicious. The chili is made with “beef-less beef tips” and you really are hard pressed to tell the difference. Great new additions this year.

Colorado Vegan Chili — Chili Colorado with Cashew ‘Cheese’

Some of my other favorites were found at the Greece booth, one of my standbys. I have always loved Spanakopita and this year was no different. I also enjoyed the Greek Salad with Pita Bread, always yummy. New this season was the Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey. Sounds like an odd combo, but it worked together wonderfully and was a great snack item. I also discovered in Poland a delicious mushroom and cheese on toast dish called Zapiekanki-Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Cheese Bread with House Made Ketchup. It was really too much for one person, definitely big enough to share.

Griddled Greek Cheese with Honey and Pistachios

Mushroom Cheese Toast — Zapiekanki-Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Cheese Bread with House Made Ketchup

Speaking of sharing, my daughter ordered the Ravioli di Formaggio All’emiliana (Baked Cheese Ravioli, Creamy Beef Bolognese, Parmesan, Mozzarella) in Italy and it was a huge portion. Great value and she loved it. Her other favorites were the California Roll in Japan and the Milk Chocolate Créme Brûlée in France, yearly must-haves for her. This year, she tried the Bailey’s Chocolate Lava Cake from Ireland too. That’s perhaps the best part of the Food & Wine Festival, the fun international meal you can make out of stopping for tastes here and there, around the World Showcase promenade.

Sophia displaying the California Roll from Japan

Bailey's Lava Cake — Bailey’s Lava Cake from Ireland

In the past, I have been hesitant to bring my kids to an evening at Food & Wine, because it has become a “drinking around the world” event for many people, to the point of excess. However, I recently went, on a Friday night, with 10 Girl Scouts, and we all had a wonderful time. We were insulated in our own little group and were able to avoid any unpleasantry that can arise when large groups of folks are combined with large amounts of alcohol. That’s not to say those groups aren’t there, but you can choose to ignore them and still have a wonderful time.

I haven’t even touched on the wonderful seminars, classes and sessions that take place each year at the Festival. Be sure to check out the Festival Center next to Mission Space and Ellen’s Energy Adventure for more information, and fun Festival merchandise too. The merchandise was especially top-notch this year. Also new this year is the Chase Lounge, inside the Festival Center, where Disney Chase Visa cardholders can relax and have a refreshment in between their Epcot adventures. Right before the Chase Lounge is the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience, where you can try drinking chocolate, a chocoholic’s dream! You can find out SO much more about the Food & Wine Festival seminars, menus and basically everything you need to know at the Disney Food Blog’s Food & Wine pages too.

New Video Takes Us Behind The Scenes At SeaWorld’s Antarctica

25 October 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

SeaWorld Orlando is working on an amazing new attraction called Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, opening in 2013. If you haven’t seen the construction in person or heard what it’s all about, SeaWorld has released a series of YouTube videos with behind-the-scenes info on Antarctica.

The second Behind The Freeze focuses on the stars of our 2013 adventure — the penguins! SeaWorld’s top animal expert, Mike Boos, showcases the species of birds that will make their home at Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin when it opens at SeaWorld Orlando next spring.

Get ready for an epic exploration into an icy world like you’ve never seen before. Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, the most immersive mega-attraction ever created by SeaWorld – is coming in spring 2013. Set in the majestic grandeur of the icy South Pole, this exhilarating ride will glide, slide and transport your family to the penguins’ surprising world where you can brave a blizzard. Be dazzled by ice and lights. Then it sets you free to explore a one-of-a-kind penguin colony in an expanse that brings you above and below their icy world. It’s an awe-inspiring penguin attraction only SeaWorld could create.

The Antarctica Website provides a way to stay tuned to Behind-The-Freeze webisodes that will continually take fans behind the scenes with the designers and animal experts as they create Orlando’s coolest, must-see 2013 experience, even revealing icy secrets along the way.

After having walked past construction of Antarctica a few times, I’m super excited to experience this attraction in person. It looks like it will be an unforgettable adventure!

VIDEO: Secret of the Wings Skating Rink Opens at Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District

24 October 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

In a fun tie-in with the newest Disney Fairies installment – Secret of the Wings, the Downtown Disney District opened a skating rink themed to the movie. For readers that haven’t ventured out west, the Downtown Disney District is a lively promenade featuring unique shopping and dining, as well as exciting nighttime entertainment. Located just outside the Parks and adjacent to the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, the Downtown Disney District offers something for everyone from early morning until late at night.

This magical ice skating rink will be located between AMC 12 Theatres and the ESPN Zone, and will invite guests of all ages to glide along to special music and lighting effects. Skates will be available for rent, and helmets will be provided and required for each skater’s safety. Starting November 12, a special holiday village will surround the rink, with themed chalets where guests can purchase seasonal foods and merchandise. Sounds adorable!

Here’s a video with details from the opening ceremony and interviews from the Downtown Disney general manager as well as the Secret of the Wings filmmakers:

SeaWorld Spooktacular Offers Family Fun For All – Included In Regular Ticket!

16 October 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular has become one of my family’s favorite events each year. Included in the regular ticket price, the Spooktacular takes place each weekend in October from noon until park close. Adults and children alike each get a trick-or-treat bag to collect candy and treats along the way. There are countless photo opportunities and characters roaming around, each with some fun interaction to offer. Sesame Street’s The Count also has a fun show called Countdown to Halloween.

In addition, Penelope’s Party Zone over at Bayside Stadium offers a chance for kids to listen to stories, dance, make crafts, all for free. Kids can also partake in optional activities for a fee, including decorating apples and rice crispie treats, face painting and sand sculptures. Before and after the Party Zone are midway-type games similar to those in Shamu’s Happy Harbor, only with Halloween-themed prizes. For $3, each person is a winner of a small prize, and could win a larger prize too. Snacks, drinks and Halloween merchandise are also available along the Spooktacular Underwater FantaSea Path.

SeaWorld Spooktacular — SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular!

We had such a wonderful time, there’s simply no reason not to head to SeaWorld during the Spooktacular weekends. More than Spooktacular, my family just loves spending time at SeaWorld. There is so much to do and it’s such a relaxing, laid-back way to enjoy the day, see amazing sea creatures at every turn, and take in some awe-inspiring shows. While we were there, my youngest son asked why we weren’t “eating with Orcas” (aka Dine With Shamu) so clearly he knows how to get the most out of SeaWorld! I can’t wait for our next visit.

You can find more information at SeaWorldOrlando.com

Photo Tour of Be Our Guest Restaurant With Quick Serve Areas!

15 October 2012 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

Over the weekend, you may have seen the buzz about the Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland opening up with a “Dress Rehearsal” of its completed areas. I’ll have many more photos to come if you missed some of my Instagrams on Twitter or Facebook, but I thought I’d start with some of the Be Our Guest Restaurant, since it is such a highly anticipated new dining location and boy, does it live up to its hype as far as appearances go.

The Walt Disney Imagineers have done an amazing job of bringing the classic Beauty and the Beast animated movie we all know and love, to life. We see familiar creatures and architectural details as well as some new interpretation of how Beast’s home would look. The details and tiny surprises are just perfect and will provide hours of enjoyment as something new is discovered each visit.

Be Our Guest Restaurant opens to the public on November 19. You can find menu info and more over at The Disney Food Blog.

See the wonder for yourself:

New Fantasyland — The mountains and cascading waterfall are just breathtaking.

I hope you enjoyed the photo tour, I’ll have many more photos of New Fantasyland to come in the next few days. The photos above are free to share, but if you do, please provide a link back to zannaland.com. Thank you!

Disney’s Classic Cinderella Comes to Blu-ray

15 October 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

When I was first sent Cinderella on Blu-ray, I was instantly amazed at how flawless the animation looked. As a Disney fan, we sometimes take the classics for granted, especially when we so often see different incarnations of the films in the theme parks. When you see Cinderella as a character meet and greet, or hear “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” countless times, you sometimes forget just where the beautiful story, songs, and images come from. So it was a lovely reminder as to what a wonderful character Cinderella is herself, and the story that unfolds around her.

As with all Disney animated films, sometimes my children have not seen them, or remember seeing them, so it was a treat to introduce Cinderella to my 3 year-old son and re-introduce it to my 12 year-old daughter as well. Cinderella is a great example of a hard worker who still has dreams but doesn’t shirk her responsibilities, certainly something kids and adults need reminding of. Her hard work and dreams pay off in the form of her fairy godmother as she is transformed from the little cinder girl in rags to an elegant lady in a sparkling gown. I just love the movie and the little side stories with the mice, the step-sisters and Cinderella herself.

Special Bonus Features on the Cinderella Diamond Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo pack are:

• “Tangled Ever After Animated Short
• Behind the Magic: A New Disney Princess Fantasyland
• Diane Disney Miller Intro
• Personalized Digital Storybook: Bibbidi-Bobbidi-You (Disney Second Screen Experience)
• The Magic of the Glass Slipper: A Cinderella Story
• DisneyView
• Classic DVD Bonus

In addition to the Blu-ray combo pack, Cinderella Diamond Edition is now available in the following formats: a collector’s 6- Disc Jewelry Box Set (Cinderella Blu-ray + Cinderella 2: Dreams Come True Blu-ray/Cinderella 3: A Twist in Time on a single Blu-ray + Cinderella DVD + Cinderella 2 DVD + Cinderella 3 DVD + Cinderella Digital Copy Disc), a 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy), a 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD), and High-Definition Disney Digital.

Cinderella Diamond Edition is definitely a must-have for any fan of Disney, or just a fan of happily ever afters!

*Disclosure: I was provided this Blu-ray for the purposes of review but my opinions are my own. Links within this review are affiliate links which, if used to purchase something, will give a few cents back to keep zannaland running. Thanks!

Turn Tricks into Bricks at LEGOLAND Florida’s 1st Brick or Treat Halloween Event

10 October 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

It’s been far too long since I’ve visited LEGOLAND Florida, one of my favorite parks in central Florida. I love the low-key, relaxing atmosphere and how there is something adorable or surprising at every turn. The park recently announced a new Star Wars area of their Minilands opening in November 2012 and crafted entirely from 1.5 million LEGO bricks. The interactive area will include scenes and characters from the iconic movie series. The LEGO Star Wars Miniland Cluster will become the eighth interactive area in the park’s Miniland USA, a walk-through, interactive attraction that uses LEGO brick to recreate famous American cities such as Washington DC, New York and San Francisco.

Another reason LEGOLAND Florida is so special is it retained the unique “old Florida” feel of its former resident, Cypress Gardens. I absolutely love seeing the huge trees, waterfalls and other lush landscaping throughout the park. LEGOLAND Florida also keeps the fun going all year long with themed events like the upcoming Brick or Treat Saturdays.

Pirates, witches, dracula and even Mr. Potato Head made appearances at LEGOLAND Florida this weekend during its first kid-friendly Halloween celebration of Brick-or-Treat presented by Wells Fargo. This month-long spooky, kooky event takes place on Saturdays in October from 10am-9pm and Sundays in October from 10am to 5pm.

During Brick-or-Treat, presented by Wells Fargo, Miniland USA has been transformed into a fun, haunted scavenger hunt for the whole family with the invasion of LEGO Monster Fighters and their enemies. With extended hours on Saturdays, Miniland USA gets a bit more spooky when the sun goes down and the fog rolls in on these LEGO cities.

This thrilling family event also features trick-or-treating along the brick-or-treat trail, a kids’ four category costume contest with brick-tastic prizes and a build your own Halloween themed LEGO pumpkin model activity station. Only found at LEGOLAND Florida, families can also check out the world’s largest LEGO Jack-O-Lantern made of 26,500 LEGO bricks and capture a great photo memory.

Activities Include:

LEGO® Pumpkin Build: Build your own LEGO Pumpkin at the model activity station in the Wells Fargo Fun Town 4D Theatre Plaza
LEGO® Monster Fighters Haunted Scavenger Hunt: Help the LEGO Monster Fighters capture monsters haunting the cities of Miniland USA in this haunted scavenger hunt. The whole family can enjoy searching for these creatures found in the over 30 million LEGO bricks that make up Miniland USA. With extended hours on Saturdays, Miniland USA gets a bit more spooky when the sun goes down and the fog rolls in on these LEGO cities.
Brick-or-Treat Trail: Trick-or-Treat along the Brick-or-Treat trail near the Pirates South Stadium for goodies, tasty treats and other fun surprises
Dance Party: Join us for our spooky Dance Party in the Haunted Miniland USA with a live DJ and dance games (Saturday only)
Kids Costume Contest: Show off your BOO-tiful costumes in the Kids Costume Contest in the Wells Fargo Fun Town 4D Theatre Plaza to win brick-tastic prizes like LEGO product and tickets to LEGOLAND Florida. Children may enter one of 4 specialized categories: Heroes & Villains, LEGO Monster Fighters, LEGO Themed, and most Creative.

I know this is something my whole family would love as we always have such a great time, even my 13 year-old, who is technically older than the demographic, loves it there. Will you be heading to LEGOLAND Florida for Brick or Treat? You can find more information on tickets and park hours at LEGOLAND.com

Tiny Top Hats Take Over Disney Parks!

7 October 2012 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Nicole and Suzannah and tiny hats — My friend Nicole and I with our tiny hats!

During my first-ever visit to Disneyland in August of 2011, my friend and I kept seeing people wearing these adorable tiny top hats. We finally stopped someone and asked where they got theirs. The Mad Hatter, we were told. So we headed directly there and purchased matching Tinker Bell tiny hats. And wore them ALL.DAY. It was a wonderful memory and we thought we were being so cool by getting something that only existed in Disneyland. Well, come to find out, thanks to Twitter, Walt Disney World had the same hats. Wah wah. Oh well. We still had so much fun wearing them and all I have to do is look at that hat in my room and smile.

Since then, tiny hats have sort of exploded in Disney Parks. They now compete with Mouse Ear Hats and Mouse Ear Bands as the most popular headpiece to see around the parks. So far I’ve seen our Tinker Bell hat, a Cheshire Cat striped one, a Mad Hatter hat, and now a few more from the Mad T party in Disney California Adventure. Last night at Downtown Disney’s World of Disney here in Walt Disney World, I saw three new hats, all villain-themed. In addition, another kind of hat [I’m sure it has a name, but I am unsure of its official title – a fascinator? cocktail hat?] has appeared in the Parks. I saw the Ariel version, complete with tiny Dinglehopper in California Adventure in September, and again last night. A Mulan style hat was there too, with a tiny fan as its little accessory. Super cute.

;

Here are photos from last night:

Cruelle DeVil tiny hat — Cruella DeVil tiny hat

;

;

;

Villains tiny hats and bags – I love the bags too, sparkly and a good size!

;

;

;

And also while I was in California in September, I saw these fun and fancy animal print Ear Hats – which I still haven’t seen in Walt Disney World yet. Also pictured is the Haunted Mansion bowler hat which has been around for a month or so and also super cute. (Please forgive my hamming it up, I was just being silly but didn’t get photos of the hats by themselves so there you go :P)

Animal print Mouse Ear Hats and Haunted Mansion bowler hat

;

What do you think of these tiny top hats and ear hats? Would you wear them in the Parks (or at home?) 😉

Why Dine With Shamu is a SeaWorld Must-Do!

28 September 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

SeaWorld Orlando recently invited me to try out their Dine With Shamu (Now called Up Close Dining at Shamu Stadium) experience. I really didn’t know anything about it, and had pictured having tables right next to the Shamu Stadium show or something, picturing us all getting splashed at the end of the meal. Well, I was right and wrong. No splashing, and it was a wonderful experience which I would gladly do again, in fact, I can’t wait to go back.

The Dine With Shamu experience is actually behind Shamu Stadium. Before heading in for your meal, you can check out the orca whales swimming in the viewing tanks, which provide some great photo opportunities. You are then checked in and escorted to your table. I was a bit surprised when we walked in, as I realized we were actually behind and to the right of the “stage” of the Shamu show. I thought, “well, this isn’t going to be a very good view at all…” but I soon discovered it was the best view of all. (Click to enlarge all photos.)

The Dine With Shamu times are before or after the Shamu show, One Ocean, so what you actually get is an almost private, interactive display from several whales and their trainers. It is truly an amazing experience and I didn’t want to leave when our time was up. The 90-minute meal gives you plenty of time to enjoy the delicious buffet, watch the trainers and whales and get some one-of-a-kind photos.

The buffet was another pleasant surprise. There were so many choices, even the pickiest eaters (or vegetarians like me) had plenty to try. Tons of breads, salads, pastas, seafood and meats using sustainable, organic, seasonal or locally grown ingredients that aim to minimize environmental impacts to animals and their habitats.. The kids section had mac and cheese, plain pasta, and hot dogs (my 3 year-old was in heaven). And there was what seemed like an endless array of delicious desserts too – and not just little bite-sized options, but giant pieces of cake! My entire group was really impressed with the options. All-you-can-drink soft drinks were also included, as well as beer and wine.

I just couldn’t get over what a wonderful, relaxing, unique experience Dine With Shamu was. A great respite from the heat of the parks, and it’s a small enough space that you don’t feel crowded or rushed or like you are waiting in a huge line for the buffet. The price is only $29 for adults – you really cannot beat that deal.

I left feeling like this was how we had to dine every time we come to SeaWorld. It’s almost silly not to book this experience! Each time I visit SeaWorld, I am continually impressed with how they do things. It is unlike any other area theme park and has quickly become one of my family’s and my favorite places to visit. I urge you to visit SeaWorld Orlando, check out the all-new Turtle Trek (which I finally got to experience first-hand and LOVED) and other great shows, and book a Dine With Shamu meal – you won’t regret it!

Disclosure: my family and I were provided with a complimentary Dine With Shamu meal, but my opinions and thoughts are my own.