Places to Stay

Parks Merchandise Update: Yo Ho, Yo Ho, Some Pirates Garb for Ye!!!

9 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Ever since the first Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides trailer washed ashore, nary a pirate or landlubber alike could keep their excitement hidden for the 4th installment of the Johnny Depp-infused pirate movies, named after the classic Disneyland and Walt Disney World attraction. While there has never been a shortage of pirate merchandise at the parks, Disney has now made it even easier to part with some of your dubloons!

Check out the latest booty, including On Stranger Tides themed items too: (as always, click to enlarge the photos!)

Pirates On Stranger Tides Merchandise in Epcot's Mouse Gear

You can check out some of these items at DisneyStore.com if you aren’t heading to the parks any time soon! Head over to the Disney Parks Blog for more exclusive merchandise from On Stranger Tides.

Happy Mother’s Day from ZannaLand!

8 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I’m not sure I can top my post from last Mother’s Day here on ZannaLand, but I wanted to mark the occasion nonetheless, so here’s wishing all the moms reading this the Happiest of Mother’s Days! I hope you are able to spend the day basking in love and appreciation from your little (or big) ones.

I woke up to breakfast in bed and some hand-made cards and gifts from my three little loves, including my 2 year-old who managed to write ALL the letters to “Happy Mom Day” and “love Gio” on his card…they may not all be next to each other in the right order, but they’re on the paper! 😉

Later today we are heading to Epcot for our annual tradition of Mother’s Day lunch in France at Les Chefs de France with my mom – this year joined by some very dear friends who I consider family as well. I couldn’t ask for anything more!

Disney Mother Reunion — Here's an image I found of some Disney moms getting together! Who is your favorite Disney mom?

I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Amazing Alice in Wonderland-Themed Restaurant in Tokyo

7 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

Thanks to a friend with a mutual love of all things Alice in Wonderland, I stumbled across this link and had to share it here on ZannaLand. This is definitely yet another reason for me to get to Japan and I am definitely adding Alice of Magic World to my list of must-sees. They even have Chesire cat tail pizza slices and what looks like Cheshire cat face noodles too. I’m not sure I’d want to leave! Here’s the article originally posted at TrendHunter:

ALICE OF MAGIC WORLD

Tokyo is home to some odd theme restaurants, but Alice of Magic World is one I’d actually like to try. This eatery is inspired by the Lewis Carroll classic, and features several different “rooms” with aesthetics that channel the must-read children’s book.

The first two images depict the “forest” room. Neatly trimmed “hedges” made of carpet and immaculate topiaries are surrounded by checkered floors and walls, mirrors and odd-shaped doors. In another room, a heart-shaped table and chandelier made of hearts beckon an aspiring Queen of Hearts; nearby, playing card tables are set off by lush black banquettes and blood-red seats.

Alice of Magic World was designed by Fantastic Design Works Co., and is the fourth Alice in Wonderland-themed restaurant owned by its restaurant group.

Check out these surreal photos: (click to enlarge)

Ashley Eckstein Brings Star Wars Fangirl Fashion to Life with Her Universe

28 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Star Wars^TM Fangirl Apparel from Her Universe^TM
to be Offered for the First Time at Star Wars Weekends at
Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park

LOS ANGELES, CA – Returning to Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. as Celebrity Host of “The Clone Wars: Behind the Force,” actress Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars) will also be bringing an all-new, unique range of Star Wars fangirl-focused products to the month-long event at Walt Disney World Resort. Available for the duration of Star Wars Weekends 2011, Eckstein’s line of Her Universe apparel and accessories was created as a response to the ever-increasing demand for fashionable “geek chic” products among the growing community of female fans.

In addition to a product line that already includes female-focused shirts and undergarments, Her Universe will be premiering two new shirt designs at this year’s Star Wars Weekends event. Featuring images of Jedi Master Yoda and other famous characters from the beloved Star Wars Saga, both designs will be offered in female sizes with female fits – and, for the first time ever, two popular Her Universe designs will also be available in children’s sizes. The new designs will be available exclusively for a limited time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Star Wars Weekends 2011.

“As the voice of Ahsoka Tano, it warms my heart to see an increase in young girls who are now Star Wars fans because of The Clone Wars,” says Eckstein. “However, it bothered me when those little girls had to go to the boys section to buy their Star Wars shirts. Now little girls can buy shirts that are specially made just for them!”

In addition to regular autograph signings each weekend, Eckstein will also be available for special merchandise autograph signings each day inside the theme park where her exclusive Her Universe apparel will be sold.

“Disney’s Hollywood Studios has played a huge part in my life,” says Eckstein. “Growing up in Orlando, my dad worked for Walt Disney World and I was at the theme park the first week it opened in 1989. It was a dream of mine to follow in my father’s footsteps and work for Disney. On my 16th birthday, I applied for a job at the ‘happiest place on Earth’ and was assigned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios where I would spend my weekends dancing in the parades and working in the restaurants! Now, to return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends as a host and a designer is magical!”

Running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 20 through June 12, Disney’s Star Wars Weekends is an annual event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park celebrating the Star Wars Saga, as well the animated television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. In addition to offering fans a unique opportunity to join Jedi Masters, Sith Lords and Star Wars celebrities for special shows, presentations and memorabilia, the 2011 event also marks the launch of the all-new Star Tours attraction: Star Tours –The Adventures Continue. For more information on Star Wars Weekends, visit: disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends or disneyparks.com/blog.

Ashley Eckstein Her Universe — Love this Padme Art Deco shirt!

Ashley Eckstein Her Universe Boba Fett Underwear — And hello? Who *doesn't* have a Boba Fett-ish?? 😉

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty psyched for this line!! As one Star Wars fan to another, this is a Force to be reckoned with!

For more information on Her Universe, visit www.heruniverse.com or by following Ashley on Twitter at and visiting the Her Universe Facebook page.

Lucasfilm, STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

Alice in Wonderland Sculpture Hiding in Kissimmee

28 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I must admit, sometimes my family does not actually stay on Disney property. I know, I know, it’s shocking! A lot of times we just plan last minute things and we don’t want to go to the expense of a Disney resort, but we also don’t want to stay in a shady place. When we travel with my mom, we need to have enough room for everyone, so we often stay at timeshare condos that rent their villas. In this case, we stayed at one for my husband’s birthday. Imagine my surprise as we stopped by the main registration building at Westgate Villas and Jerry pointed out this amazing Alice in Wonderland metal sculpture just sitting unassumingly next to some palm trees, without another Disney reference in site. I wouldn’t have even noticed it if he hadn’t said anything. Obviously I had to take pictures of it! (Click to enlarge)

Alice in Wonderland sculpture — Hmm...curiouser and curiouser...

Did anyone else know this was hiding back here off 192 in Kissimmee? Anyone know more details about how or why it was commissioned or donated? I’d love to hear the story behind it! In the meantime, it’s a cool and mysterious little treasure hiding off Disney property. Quite a happy discovery!

Indiana Jones Hat Disney Antenna Topper

27 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

Thanks to @RoraBorieAlice for sending over these pics for our ever-increasing antenna topper collection! A great idea for the adventurer in your life – or just someone that loves hats! 😉

Disney’s “Royalty” Prepares for a Viewing of the Royal Wedding

26 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I do have a love for all things British and the Royals are no exception. I was dazzled by serendipitously following Princess Diana around the parks when she visited Walt Disney World with Princes William and Harry way back in 1993. Before that I remember watching her wedding on television as an even younger girl. Now as fate would have it, I’ll be able to watch this latest Royal wedding in the Place Where Dreams Come True…

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — In celebration of the long-awaited Royal Wedding, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons will host its first-ever “Tweet Up” and a viewing party on April 29, 2011, from 4-8 a.m. at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion at Walt Disney World Resort.

The first 250 people who responded to a “tweet up” invitation have already secured their seats in Disney’s Wedding Pavilion. [UPDATE: The response to the “Tweet Up” mentioned above was so astounding — the 250 RSVPs for which the event was originally planned poured in during a period of about two hours — that Fairy Tale Weddings event organizers convened, broadened the plan for the viewing party, and re-opened the invitation … and then closed it again when a second wave of RSVPs poured in Tuesday, April 19, 2011. The number of guests expected for the event is now in excess of 500.]

“Everyone remembers where they watched the last royal wedding,” said Korri McFann, marketing director, Disney’s Fairytale Weddings & Honeymoons. “April 29 is another royal occasion and we are thrilled to offer such a special viewing to help create lasting memories for moms, daughters, families and friends.”

Guests are invited to dress up in “princess or prince attire” — or come in their pj’s — for the early-hour gathering to watch, via live television, the royal couple tie the knot. Deemed as the biggest royal wedding since Princess Diana and Prince Charles, the exchange of vows between Kate Middleton and Prince William will take place at Westminster Abbey with the Archbishop of Canterbury officiating.

In addition to the viewing, the occasion at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion will include:

An English-inspired breakfast will be served to honor the occasion.
Cinderella’s Coach, which was crafted by Bennington Carriages — coach maker for the British Monarchy — will be available as a backdrop for pictures.
Newly-released Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Jewels and tiaras, as well as Disney Princess-inspired wedding gowns from Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo will be showcased.
There’ll be a few entertainment surprises in store.

I can’t wait to see the magic Disney has in store for this event. I will be there, tweeting and perhaps even live-blogging so be sure to follow me on twitter @zannaland as well as the official Disney Fairytale Weddings account @DisneyWeddings!

David Tutera Visits Social Media Moms at the Disney Weddings Platinum Soiree

25 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Things have been so busy around here at ZannaLand so I’m just now getting around to my recaps of the amazing 2nd annual Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. One of the many highlights for me (and as you remember, something I was hoping for!) was getting to meet wedding planner and ultimate dream maker, David Tutera. It was wonderful to hear him speak about making brides feel special, and to speak to him about how much he enjoys visiting the Disney Parks as well!

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration Platinum Soiree — Our Welcome sign - I love that you can see the Polynesian Resort in the background here!

The Disney Social Media Moms Celebration kicked off at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, where attendees were treated to a Platinum Soiree welcome reception. Champagne flutes and a buffet of candy – not sure what could be much better than that. We were able to see some of the amazing wedding cakes that Disney Fairytale Weddings offer and meet with “Franck” from Father of the Bride (after whom the Wedding Pavilion salon is named) and “Edna Mold” from The Incredibles who entertained us in between speakers. Check out this photo tour of the evening’s events:

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration Platinum Soiree Candy Bar — The Candy Bar awaited us - what a cool wedding reception idea!

Disney Weddings candy bar — Close-up of the Candy Bar - thanks to OhAmanda.com for the photo!

Franck and Edna Mold — Thanks to OhAmanda.com for this photo of Franck and Edna!

We then headed over to the pavilion for some amazing speakers and presentations.

Disney's Social Media Moms Celebration Platinum Soiree — The Princess collection gowns were on display for us - Snow White

David Tutera speaks about changing bridal expectations and bringing wedding fashion ahead of the curve.

Next, we were treated to a real, live Disney Fairytale Wedding vow renewal ceremony! The “wedding party” (aka Disney performers) danced down the aisle in fabulous attire as our almost-still-a-newlywed bride of 2 years joined her prince to renew their vows once again at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion.

Outside, we awaited the bride and groom and I was lucky enough to stand across from David Tutera where I got a little more time to talk (okay, and take some pictures..he’s just so darn handsome – look at that profile!)

Suzannah and David Tutera — David was SO gracious and patiently posed for pictures with all who asked. It was a dream come true for me!

The event was, in a word, breath-taking. I have been a fan of Disney’s Fairytale Weddings from the start, but it was such a treat to be able to experience a little of what their magic is like in person, not to mention the wonderful speakers and sites we were able to see. It is still a hope and a dream that I will someday have a Disney vow renewal. My 15th wedding anniversary is coming up this October, but that might be a bit too soon to pull something off, so I’ll shoot for the 20th. 😉

Stay tuned for more recaps from the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration coming up on ZannaLand!

Happy Easter from Mr. and Mrs. Bunny at the Magic Kingdom!

24 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Happy Easter to all!! Hope you have a wonderful day no matter what you celebrate!

Easter bunny at Magic Kingdom — Happy Easter from the Easter Bunnies!

Thanks to @JEFF_EMT for sharing this fun photo!

Mickey, Minnie and the Princesses Move in to Town Square Theater

15 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

The same day we checked out the Easter treats in the Magic Kingdom we also ventured over to the all-new recently opened Town Square Theater. The theater is the new home for the character meet and greets that were taking place over in Mickey’s Toon Town Fair before it closed. Formerly Expo Hall, Town Square Theater is adjacent to Tony’s restaurant, to the right as you enter the Magic Kingdom park. There are some lovely details to this new area, so I thought I’d share some photos below:

Character greeting sign — Mickey's hand points out that character greetings are this way! (and crushes that lady's head 😉 )

Wait time for Mickey — When we were there, the wait time for Mickey was only 5 minutes

Princess wait time — While the Princesses wait was 30 minutes

Town Square Fast Passes — Around the corner from Tony's, to the right of the Chapeau, is the Fast Pass distribution area for Town Square Theater

Town Square Theater entrance — Atrium inside Town Square Theater leading to the queue

Tony's Town Square — Looking over to Tony's from the atrium of Town Square Theater (construction was still going on on the low walls)

Town Square queue — The extensive queue area, leading to either Princessess or Mice!

Mickey wait time — Inside is another wait time board for Mickey

I’ll leave the rest of the experience inside Town Square Theater as a surprise for when you are able to visit but until then, I leave you with some friends, posing with our favorite rodents –

Thanks to pals and all-around awesome folks Nicole, Cade, and Mike for letting me share their photo with you all!