Places to Stay

NEW EXCLUSIVE Disney Fantasy Inaugural Dooney & Bourke Bags-Gorgeous!

16 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

I think these might be my favorite designs yet. They are completely different from the front-and-center Disney designs we’ve seen in the past, and in fact, I think if people didn’t look closely, they might not even see that these are Disney branded. I love the almost tattoo-like designs for the Disney Fantasy. Hopefully some day I’ll make it on the ship myself to pick one up.

Disney Fantasy Dooney and Bourke designs - Susanna tote (price to come), Mini barrel (price to come) and Travel duffle-$395

From the Disney Parks Blog:

The new collection is making its grand debut on the Maiden Voyage of the Disney Fantasy later this month. The collection, which will remain exclusive to the Disney Fantasy until later this summer, is sure to be hit with Disney Fantasy guests. “The new collection will be exclusive to the Disney Fantasy until later this summer when it will spread to the rest of the fleet,” explained Laura Caszatt, product developer for Accessories. “To make the new collection even more enticing for Disney Fantasy guests, the select collection silhouettes on the Disney Fantasy will feature leather embossed luggage tags that showcases it was part of the Inaugural Disney Fantasy Voyages.”

In addition, the Disney Parks Blog revealed that a new line will be coming out for the Disney Cruise Line Hawaiian sailings. For those that want a subtle Disney theme with a more recognizably nautical look:

Disney Cruise Line Nautical Dooney and Bourke — Traditional nautical stripes for this Disney Dooney & Bourke design

Don’t forget to check DisneyStore.com for sales of select current released Disney Dooney & Bourke purses and Zannaland’s Disney Dooney & Bourke page with ALL handbag photos and info.

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

Amazing Artist Tribute to Oswald-A Must Watch!

16 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

While we all like to try our hand at drawing a Disney classic like Mickey Mouse or other favorite character, every now and then I stumble across some “fan art” which really elevates that moniker to a new level. This video is perhaps the greatest of all I have seen. I’ve been chatting back and forth with Morgan Ditta on twitter and seen her talk about doing live drawings on uStream but I hadn’t seen her work personally until last night. When I watched this video, I knew instantly I wanted to share it with as many people as possible. Thankfully, Morgan gave me the okay to share it here with you folks, and hopefully you will in turn pass it along to even more people. She’s already gotten over 30,000 views on YouTube!

Morgan is a recent grad of Montclair State, with an Animation/Illustration major. She’s been obsessed with Disney for most of her life and has been influenced artistically by it for years. She is quite fond of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit because he has actually proven himself to be a ‘good luck’ charm for her on several occasions. Without further ado, please enjoy Oswald’s Story:

Wasn’t that beautiful? The music really imbues the story with emotion as well. If you liked this, leave Morgan a comment here, follow her on twitter at @SillyWhims and check out her online portfolio of work here. You can also follow along her spectacular senior project – Project D40, which showcases 6 parade floats and 28 costumes she created herself, to celebrate Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary. Simply stunning! Just as this video is a must-watch, so is Morgan Ditta. I cannot wait to see where the future takes her!

Hidden Details in Storybook Circus in the New Fantasyland

14 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis 8 Comments

View approaching from Fantasyland Station

I was able to make it over to Storybook Circus yesterday and experience it firsthand, after sharing others’ photos of the opening day fun. If I may make a recommendation, I advise you to arrive in Storybook Circus via the WDW Railroad, which pulls up at the new Fantasyland Station, now named Carolwood Park. It is the best way to see the new area, where you immediately see new details and the attractions, rather than construction walls where the other parts of the new Fantasyland are busily being built. As you know, much of Disney’s magic is in the details, and this new area has no shortage of its own magical details.

I was ridiculously happy when I saw the new areas. The Carolwood Park station is just lovely. It fits right in to the 1940’s American snapshot that the traveling circus we see featured in the animated film Dumbo creates. The atmosphere is set right from the start, where the ground itself looks like a dirt road, well-traveled by trolley cars, horses, and circus animals alike – without actually being, you know, dirt.

One of my favorite parts of the Storybook Circus area is the actual train station. Around the back, you’ll find a brand new set of restrooms and the entrance area back onto the train. It is around the corner from the restrooms where we see stacks of luggage waiting to be boarded on the arriving and departing trains. Much in the vein of the amazingly themed Town Square Theatre, the details are here to discover for those who do more than just pass by on their way to attractions.

I’ve gathered some photos here of my favorite details. Be sure to look for them on your next visit, and maybe discover some more on your own! Click to enlarge.

The gorgeous detail of Carolwood Park Station restrooms entrance

Carolwood Fire Dept. sign - love this detail.

Azusa sticker — My favorite luggage sticker: Azusa Californa - Drink your OJ!

Chicago luggage sticker — Wonder who in Imagineering is from Chicago? 😉

You can see more luggage sticker close-ups here on flickr.

Storybook Circus — Bear tracks! And monkeys too! Behind these walls is where the new Casey Jr. Splash and Soak Station will be located. I wonder if that's where all these animals are headed to cool down?

Storybook Circus trashcan - can't wait to see the others in the new Fantasyland!

UPDATE! At the recent Orange Bird unveiling, my friends and I wandered over to the Storybook Circus area again, since one friend had not been yet. I was surprised to see these new props out on display and wanted to share them with you all!

Storybook Circus elephant tubs — Check out the new water tubs with some familiar elephant names...

Storybook Circus details — More new details - "Melody Time Brass Horns - Always in Toon" and "Property of Hyacinth Hippo - the most exquisite sensation of the big top"!

Hyacinth Hippo trunk and"The Big Bad Wolf - Balloonologist Extraordinaire - He'll huff and he'll puff and create the animal of your choice!"

I could post a hundred more photos, but for now I’ve created a Storybook Circus set on flickr and you can see the rest of my photos there. Including lots more of Dumbo and the Barnstormer. Enjoy!

Review of Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras in Florida

13 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

While I’ve been to New Orleans before, never during Mardi Gras, and it’s certainly not a destination with a family reputation. With that in mind Universal Orlando Resort has been bringing Mardi Gras to central Florida for years now. One of the highlights is the Mardi Gras parade, where guests receive beads from the passing floats – a favorite for kids in the crowd. This year’s parade takes guests on a journey through the earth’s different ecosystems with elaborately themed floats including: bayous and swamps, rainforest, coral reefs, the deep blue sea and Polar Regions. Every year, the parade’s hand-crafted floats are built by Blaine Kern Artists – the same company that designs the floats for the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans.

Universal also puts together a French Quarter Courtyard, where guests can enjoy authentic New Orleans bands every night before the headliner concert. Since 2006, more than 20 bands have traveled straight from The Big Easy to Universal Orlando to perform Blues, Jazz and Zydeco music for partygoers – adding to the authenticity of Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration. The French Quarter also features delicious Cajun cuisine, including jambalaya, gumbo, beignets and much more. We were able to sample the gumbo, jambalaya and beignets and they were pretty darn good! Spicy and authentic!

Mardi Gras Parade at Universal Orlando - loved the floats!

In addition, there are headline bands performing each Friday and Saturday, which is included in the price of park admission! We saw Big Time Rush, which was very well-received by the local tween crowds. Speaking of crowds, this is one of two caveats I have for families heading to Universal Studios Florida for these events. We had been here for the Christmastime events, with Mannheim Steamroller performing. Let’s just say there are a few more people in the park to see Big Time Rush vs. Mannheim Steamroller. When we arrived at 4:30, guests had already staked out their spots for the concert at 8:30 after the parade. We had to make our way from the lakefront area where we’d seen the wonderful parade to the stage area for the show and trying to maneuver through the crowds – with strollers, was pretty scary. While I can appreciate the amazing value of a free show like this, when it’s geared toward families, better crowd control and exit pathways could be worked on.

The second issue I had was with the amount of alcohol being served. This isn’t so much a Universal issue as I had the same report during Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival. Seeing employees walking around selling jello shots just gives off a different vibe, however. I get that it IS Mardi Gras after all, an event not exactly known for teetotaling. I don’t pretend to shield my children from the realities of adults on vacation, but that much alcohol in any environment makes me uncomfortable, and it is billed as a “family event”

That said, the little kids show we were treated to when we first arrived was super cute, with costumed characters dancing to zydeco music and throwing beads at the end. The kids in the audience all loved it and it was a great way to get them introduced to the music and excitement of the event. I think overall it’s a super fun event for families and adults alike, maybe just plan to get the stroller-set home after the parade.

Here are the remaining performers and performances for Universal’s Mardi Gras:

Mardi Gras Event Dates

Headliners (performing in the Music Plaza)

New Orleans Bands (performing in the French Quarter)

Friday, March 16	J. Cole	Lil’ Brian & The Zydeco Travelers
Saturday, March 17	Sugar Ray	Lil’ Brian & The Zydeco Travelers
Friday, March 23	Hot Chelle Rae	J.J. Caillier & The Zydeco Knockouts
Saturday, March 24	B.o.B	J.J. Caillier & The Zydeco Knockouts
Friday, March 30	Plain White T’s	Soul Project
Saturday, March 31	Prince Royce	Soul Project
Saturday, April 7	Cyndi Lauper	Rockin’ Jake
Saturday, April 14	KC & The Sunshine Band	Big Al & The Heavyweights

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You can see the rest of my photos from the evening at my Flickr account!

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I was provided entrance to Universal Orlando Resort and dinner for my family and myself on the night we attended, but this in no way affected my review or opinions contained herein. Thanks to Universal Orlando for a great night.

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More information about Universal Orlando Resort may be found at UniversalOrlando.com.

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Fantasyland’s Storybook Circus Soft Opening!

12 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis 9 Comments

Thanks to Twitter for giving me the heads up about the Fantasyland soft opening of the Storybook Circus area. Since I couldn’t make it over today, extra special thanks to friend and theme park news hound Banks Lee for letting us share the Storybook Circus opening photos here!

As of right now, the interactive queue created for the dueling Dumbo attractions is not yet opened. We’ll keep you posted with any updates.

Welcome to the Circus! Photo ©Banks Lee. Notice the character line-up of Goofy, Dumbo, Casey Jr., Pete, and Humphrey!

I am personally SO excited to see Humphrey the Bear in the parks. While he may belong in a National Park according to his backstory, he has always been a favorite character of mine and the possibility of getting Humphrey merchandise makes me giddy!

Wiseacre farm sign — Back of the former Wiseacre Farm sign! Photo ©Banks Lee

peauts in floor — Disney in the details! Peanuts in the cement in the ground! Photo ©Banks Lee. I have confirmed with Imagineering that the peanut shells are not real, peanut allergies are safe! 😉

The following photos are © Facebook group – WDW and Back Again.

Goofy's Barnstormer - The Great Goofini kids coaster is now open too.

WDW Railroad Fantasyland station — WDW Railroad Fantasyland Station now reopened! The clock face says "Carolwood Park" a lovely tribute to Walt's original backyard train set, named the Carolwood Pacific.

Friend and professional photographer David Manning just shared the following panoramic photos with me (click to enlarge):

Panoramic shot of the area from the Storybook Circus train station. Photo ©David Manning

Panoramic Dumbo — Panoramic shot of the new Dumbo. Photo ©David Manning

New Great Goofini Barnstormer — Amazing shot of the newly themed Barnstormer - The Great Goofini. Photo ©David Manning

Don’t forget to get your pilot’s license!

Dumbo pilots license — Photo ©David Manning

More to come when I get to the Magic Kingdom myself!

Spidey Sense in Overdrive! Amazing Enhancements to Universal’s Spiderman Ride

8 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Today marked the re-opening of Universal Orlando Resort’s Amazing Adventures of Spiderman at Islands of Adventure. I was unable to make this special opening event this morning, but luckily have a guest author to help give us a detailed review of the new experience. First let’s go over the official facts about the attraction:

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man reopens today with all-new 4K digital high-definition animation, a new highly-sophisticated Infitec 3-D projection system, a new music score and new high-tech 3-D glasses so that guests can experience the improvements the way the attraction’s creators envisioned. The attraction’s sets, audio system and lighting have also been upgraded.

As they reanimated the attraction film, the creative team added hundreds of new details and effects. Guests will see moss swaying in the wind, rats scurrying through the streets and hear electricity arching so close it will raise the hair on the back of their necks. And for the first time ever, Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee will make a cameo appearance inside the attraction. Lee was meticulously animated in 3-D and placed in more than one scene inside the new animation.

Guests Enjoying The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - HR — Guests Enjoying The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

“The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man was so wonderful before,” said comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator, Stan Lee. “But now – with all of the new technology that’s been added – it is indescribably spectacular.”

Here are the top 10 unique new elements in The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man:

The action is more life-like than ever. Guests will actually see the movement of the characters’ muscles and the changes in their facial expressions.
The new HD film animation combined with brand-new, highly sophisticated Infitec 3-D projection, allows guests to experience mind-blowing details they’ve never been able to…from the flames spewing from Hobgoblin’s pumpkins to the electricity arching through Electro’s body to the stitching on Spider-Man’s gloves.
Guests will experience the ride’s new details through all-new 3-D “Spider-Vision” glasses, complete with new lenses made of dichroic filters for amazing color and clarity.
The enhanced attraction features a new original music score. It is the same Spider-Man theme you love – with a rockin’ twist.
The ride vehicle’s audio system has been upgraded from 8-channel to 16-channel so riders will be even more immersed in the action. Guests will experience 3-D sound quality.
All of the film animation for The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man has been completely reanimated in 4K high-definition – that’s one of the highest HD resolutions available.
Every single scene in the attraction has at least one new element.
There are hundreds of cool new details for guests to discover in the attraction. Lighting, sets, graphics, props and even scenic detail have been updated to further enhance the animation’s tremendous improvements.
Legendary comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee makes a cameo appearance in the new film animation.The attraction experience continues to use the latest technology to provide guests a fully integrated and immersive experience with some of their favorite Marvel characters.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - Scream - HR — Yikes!

Sounds fabulous, right? Now let’s hear from fan and fellow blogger Blaine Cummings, who experienced the ride in person this morning:

From when you first enter the building, to after you exit, The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure truly lives up to it’s name, amazing! Spiderman himself along with a group of little heroes helped reopen the ride! Cannoned confetti and streamers topped off the excitement!

When first getting in the queue you could easily tell everything was repainted and made more vibrant! Since it was reopening day I waited in line for about an hour, but the theming and cartoon news action to watch kept me well entertained the whole time. They changed up the queue just a bit, where there used to be a green screen to take pictures, there is now a trophy cabinet full of awards. A few by the man himself, J. Jonah Jamison. If you look even closer you might recognize a few names as some of the creative team on the attraction.

Before getting on I noticed that there were all new 3D glasses! Much like the ones Walt Disney World brought in for Star Tours: The Adventure Continues. These were a bit more durable though, with hard lenses made of dichroic filters.

Everything including audio, visuals, and even the vehicles themselves seemed to have a whole new touch up! This was not just new animation added in, this was the whole package. The ride was much smoother and reacted with the scenes much better than in the past. The onboard audio synced with the buildings speakers perfectly creating an excellent illusion of everything going on. Each vehicle’s sound system was enhanced from an 8-channel to a 16-channel to immerse you in the experience.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - Doc Ock - HR — The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - Doc Ock

The animation was very impressive! More realistic and drew you in more. They didn’t just copy it second by second, they changed a few bits up. It still all followed that same exact story, with a few twists!

You may have heard that Stan Lee makes a cameo in the attraction, he does! I saw him twice actually! I’ll add in below where you can see him in a spoiler section. All around a very “Amazing” revamp of a classic attraction. I’ll be returning to ride multiple times in the future!

SPOILER: Stan Lee can be found about half way through the ride, right after you encounter the Hob Goblin, you turn and run into Doc Ock, Stan is right under the theatre marquee that Doc blasts with the ray gun. He also appears again at the end of the ride when all of the villains are webbed up, he’s right under and to the left of them.

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Thanks, Blaine! I can’t wait to head over there myself and check it out! Hopefully this Saturday when we’ll be experiencing Universal’s Mardi Gras party with the family!

You can find Blaine online at: DisneyMagicMan.blogspot.com on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DisMagicMan and YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyMagicMan.

For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.

The Disney Wedding Podcast-One Stop Spot for Romantic Disney Planning

8 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Although I have been happily married for going on 16 years, and did enjoy a Walt Disney World Dolphin reception, something that will always be on my “bucket list” is having a Disney wedding. I love all things about wedding planning: wedding shows, wedding blogs, wedding photos…it’s fun to get inspiration and plan your own dream ceremony (or renewal in my case!). That’s actually how I came to know the name behind the all-new Disney Wedding Podcast, Carrie Hayward. Somehow I stumbled upon her wedding planning and trip photos from her amazing ceremony at Epcot’s Morocco pavilion and I knew then, she was me hero.

After meeting Carrie at the last Social Media Moms Celebration in February 2010, I asked her to write a guest post about the Disney’s D23 Expo and share her experiences with us. Carrie’s Disneyland and Walt Disney World knowledge is astounding and matched only by her creativity and ability to plan amazing events at Disney parks. I am excited to share news of Carrie’s newest venture, The Disney Wedding Podcast and hope you will give it a listen. Whether you are planning your own event, or just daydreaming like me, you won’t be disappointed by the tips and information found within the podcast. Here is all the official info:

“The Disney Wedding Podcast” is released weekly on Wednesday and is available via iTunes worldwide at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/disney-wedding-podcast/id503483435. The program is also available at http://disneyweddingpodcast.com/ and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Disney-Wedding-Podcast/355079001189132. The show’s Twitter account is @DisneyWedCast.

“I’m so happy to hear that Carrie Hayward is bringing us the all-new ‘Disney Wedding Podcast,'” said The Disney Wedding Blog founder Carly Morgan. “Carrie is a past Disney bride and the absolute Disney wedding expert, having penned the must-have Disney wedding guide, ‘PassPorter’s Disney Weddings and Honeymoons.’ I can’t wait to hear the info, interviews and insider information she has lined up!”

About The “The Disney Wedding Podcast”

“The Disney Wedding Podcast” is the only program dedicated to weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries and other romantic occasions at the Disney parks and resorts. Each week, Carrie Hayward takes a look at what’s new and exciting in the world of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. Topics range from the latest news, planning information and money-saving tips to in-depth interviews and event coverage. The program also features special guests, including industry experts, wedding vendors and real Disney brides and grooms.

About Carrie Hayward

Print and broadcast journalist Carrie Hayward is the author of “PassPorter’s Disney Weddings & Honeymoons,” a guidebook and bridal organizer for weddings, vow renewals, commitment ceremonies and honeymoons at Walt Disney World and on the Disney Cruise Line. She is also the E-Book Editor at PassPorter Travel Press, an independent publisher of best-selling Disney park guidebooks. She was married at Walt Disney World in 2008.

I hope you’ll check it out – and happy planning!

New Unique Minnie Mouse Ear Headbands-A Style for Everyone

5 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis 7 Comments

Perhaps it’s because I’ve been deep in the action of defeating villains in the Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom game, but I hadn’t noticed these adorable new Minnie Mouse Ear headbands until yesterday, walking out of the park. I remember Steven Miller discussing the upcoming new designs back in September, but I guess they have arrived! Anyway, old or new, I thought they were pretty sweet and thought I’d share them here. It’s been fun to see girls wearing them in the parks, and they definitely make wearing ears cooler for a whole new demographic.

Minnie Mouse headbands — The collection of Minnie Mouse ear headbands at the Emporium

Which style is your favorite? I love the purple ones, but I love feathers too, so it’s hard to choose a favorite! Headbands were $19.95 at time of posting.

Things To Do With 24 Hours At Disney-One More Disney Day!

28 February 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

Tomorrow is the day we’ve all been waiting for – One More Disney Day, where both the Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World and Disneyland will be open from 6am Wednesday, February 29 through 6am Thursday, March 1. It sounds like a dream come true, doesn’t it? But then you may stop and think, well, what am I going to DO for 24 hours? I thought I’d put together some ideas to ensure the day, and night, and day again, is a memorable!

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Find 24 Hidden Mickeys – look around, they’re everywhere!

Ride an attraction 24 times – not all attractions will be open for the full 24 hours so check before you head over.

Play Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom – you know I will be!!

Create your own scavenger hunt – look for certain items (a crown, a star, a squirrel!), see who can find the most yellow things – the sky’s the limit!

Count the ghosts on Haunted Mansion – play in the queue!

Have 24 different snacks – popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs, egg rolls, you can come up with 24, right?

For the hardcore snacker – have 24 Dole Whips! (or Mickey Bars, or snack treat of choice!)

Check out the cool One More Disney Day merchandise commemorating the momentous day.

Buy 24 Disney Dooney & Bourke purses? (Just seeing if you were paying attention – but if you have the means, be my guest – and let me know, I’ll post about you!)

Take 24 Disney Photos! Friends and followers of mine on twitter know of my addiction to Instagram. There have been several photo challenges on there, just for fun, with prompts of things to capture and post. Now friend and fellow blogger ThemeParkMom has come up with a #Disney24 photo challenge for those of us spending the next 24 hours surrounded by endless photo opportunities. Check it out and post your photos to instagram, twitter, with the hashtag #24DisneyPhotos, or publicly on facebook. ThemeParkMom will be sharing her favorites on her blog, so check back there.

Castle with balloons — One of my many Instagrams - balloons are a favorite of mine

In addition to these fun ideas, here is the official entertainment line-up for tomorrow, from the Disney Parks Blog:

Two performances of the Main Street Electrical Parade, at 10 p.m. and midnight

Four showings of “The Magic, The Memories and You!” at 7:45 p.m., 9 p.m., 11 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. (March 1)

The Frontierland Hoedown near Country Bear Jamboree, at 2:45 a.m., 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.

Disney’s Dance the Night Away Party at Cinderella Castle, from 1 a.m. – 5:30 a.m.

Character greetings throughout the night, including:

Phineas and Ferb in Tomorrowland

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Fantasyland

Mickey and Minnie Mouse in Town Square, wearing their pajamas for the party in Florida before heading out west to visit guests at Disneyland park

Finally – have fun! If you are in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World – look me up on twitter @zannaland. I’ll be there off and on throughout the day and I’d love to meet up!

Most Curious (and CUTE) Disney Antenna Topper Ever!

19 February 2012 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a new Disney antenna topper, but this one made me squeal with delight. (Literally, it was pretty embarrassing for my family.) Behold the Cheshire Cat antenna topper!!!