Places to Stay

Adorable Easter Treats and Gifts at Walt Disney World

14 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

A couple of weekends ago we wandered in to the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Confectionery and discovered these sweet Easter treats. I’m kind of hoping the Easter Bunny stops here before visiting my house!

Easter rice crispie treats at Disney — Look at these cute bunny rice crispie treats!

Easter cupcakes at Disney — Delicious-looking Easter cupcakes and cookies at Disney

In addition to the edible goodies, Easter Bunny Duffy was hanging out, along with these cute Mickey and Minnie plush, dressed in chick costumes, inside a zippered egg. Really cute! Those pretty Spring colored glass Mickey plates were hard to resist too!

Easter Duffy and Mickey and Minnie plush "Eggs" — Easter Duffy $30, and Mickey and Minnie plush "Eggs" $11.95/ea

Has anyone tried any of those yummy cupcakes or cookies?? They almost look too cute to eat! Almost. If you plan to be in Walt Disney World for Easter, check out these Disney Easter dining options too.

PARK PHOTOS: Fun Antenna Toppers and Easter Duffy the Disney Bear

28 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Those following my twitter stream may recall my posting a picture of the fun new antenna toppers I found a few weeks back:

Disney Cars Monsters Inc Monorail antenna topper — Cars, St. Patrick's Day Mike W. from Monsters Inc. and a Monorail

Well now that St. Patrick’s Day is over, some more new antenna toppers were spotted in the parks by Disney fan Aurora:

Cars Monorail Flamingo Mohawk Disney antenna toppers — Cars, Monorail, Happy Flamingo with Mouse ears and a Mohawk Mickey!

I love the new additions! The flamingo is one of my favorites as you may remember from my post about the lawn flamingo Disney sells too! The punk rock Mickey head with mohawk, pierced ear and sunglasses is cute too. Just wait till you see the back!

Mohawk Mickey antenna topper — A "Mom" tattoo!

And more new merchandise – for the upcoming Easter holiday, Duffy the Disney Bear is all decked out in an Easter Bunny costume, complete with fuzzy slippers. Will Duffy replace Peter Cottontail?? Thanks to Shelley C. for the photo!

I think the bunny slippers really make this Easter Duffy Bear!

If you’re in the parks and spot something unique or cute that you’d like me to share, just drop me a photo at [email protected] or tweet me @zannaland and I’ll be happy to post it here with credit to you of course! 🙂

LEGOLAND Florida Helicopter Flyover and Preview Tour

23 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Zanna Shelley LEGOLAND helicopter tour — Do we look nervous? About to fly over LEGOLAND Florida!

Local media were treated to a special preview of construction progress at LEGOLAND Florida today. Included in this sneak peak was a helicopter flyover tour of the LEGOLAND Florida theme park – former site of the historical Cypress Gardens. It was my first time up in a helicopter and I must admit I was pretty nervous. Fellow blogger Shelley C. was there with me and we braved this new adventure together – and survived! It was actually totally awesome and I tweeted that I only wanted to travel by helicopter from now on.

During the flyover portion, Todd, our LEGOLAND guide and all-around cool guy gave us all the info on what attractions, rides and experiences were being built for LEGOLAND Florida visitors. The coasters on site are being re-tooled and re-themed with LEGO story lines and several all-new attractions are being built. In addition, the famed “MiniLand” takes center stage, featuring scaled miniature versions of famed cities like New York, Washington DC, Las Vegas, in addition to a special Florida-themed city scape. Adrian Jones, General Manager of LEGOLAND Florida shared that the best part of the MiniLand are the “interactives” or special events which take place at the touch of a button by a guest. In the Las Vegas city-scape, a LEGO couple emerges from a wedding chapel, the dancing waters seen at the Treasure Island are replicated, as well as lights and other fun surprises throughout the MiniLands.

Jones understands that LEGOLAND has a lot to live up to with the past failure of the Cypress Gardens park, even after being re-vamped as an “Adventure Park” with thrill rides. However he is confident that they are up to the task. Jones says they know what they’re doing and they aren’t trying to be everything to everyone. The park is themed to ages 2-12 and they stick to that demographic. Jones joked that they are known for “pink knuckle rides” rather than “white knuckle rides” most theme parks offer. LEGOLAND operates 5 theme parks across the world and they have taken what works best in all the other parks to LEGOLAND Florida, with additional touches never before seen at any LEGOLAND park, including the first wooden roller coaster. Jones notes that money has been allocated for future use and expansion as guest feedback starts coming in. He anticipates the park to be a full-day experience at opening, with expansion extending it to a multi-day park visit.

Another draw to LEGOLAND Florida is the interactive experience parents will enjoy with their children, rather than letting them go on a bunch of kid-based rides as they stand by and watch passively. Jones points out that the quality time parents spend with their children building LEGO at home is transferred to the theme park experience as parents work together with kids on certain rides and attractions, like the Funtown Fire Academy and Driving School.

Something I was happy to see is that LEGOLAND Florida will be preserving the botanical gardens Cypress Gardens was known for, even paying homage with LEGO models of the Cypress Belles that once graced the lush landscapes and gardens. Little LEGO touches will be added throughout the area and Jones says the future might bring some cabanas for kids birthday parties within the gardens as well. There will be a water ski show with a pirate theme which works well with the Florida location.

This is just the tip of the LEGO brick as far as exciting new features at the park. Stay tuned for part 2 of my coverage. Until then, enjoy the photo and video tour of today’s preview as well as highlights of LEGOLAND Florida’s themed areas:

THEMED ZONES:

The Beginning
The Beginning hosts the park entry, ticket and pass sales, the Garden Restaurant and The Big Shop.

The Big Shop – One of the largest retail stores in the world where guests can take advantage of a huge selection of LEGO and LEGOLAND merchandise
The Market – Authentic imported Danishes and freshly baked pastries, espresso, milk, juice, fruit, a selection of yogurts and soft serve ice cream

Fun Town
When guests enter Fun Town, they truly get a sense they’ve entered a LEGO village.

Factory Tour – A firsthand look at how LEGO bricks are made from factory to finish
Studio Store – Visit this store to pick up all your favorite LEGO licensed products, such as Clutch Powers, SpongeBob™, Indiana Jones™, Star Wars™ and Batman™
Granny’s Apple Fries – The park’s signature dessert item made with crisp Granny Smith apples, powdered with cinnamon and sugar and served with a deliciously sweet vanilla cream sauce
Fun Town Theater – Three different 4-D movies will show throughout the day at LEGOLAND’s largest 4-D theater with seats for 700

Miniland USA
The heart of every LEGOLAND Park, Miniland USA will be home to seven specially themed areas:

Florida encompasses the entire state from Mallory Square in Key West to Bok Tower in Central Florida and antebellum mansions in the Panhandle. Miniland Florida also includes an expanded area for Kennedy Space Center and an interactive Daytona International Speedway® racing experience where guests can race LEGO brick cars.
Las Vegas features the world-famous Strip including the Luxor Las Vegas, New York, New York Hotel and Casino, Excalibur, Mirage, Treasure Island, Tropicana, MGM Grand, Venetian, Stratosphere tower and two iconic structures of Paris Las Vegas: the balloon sign and Eiffel Tower. “The Strip” at LEGOLAND also features a miniature wedding chapel, monorails and real-life sounds recorded in Las Vegas.
Washington, D.C. sports faithful re-creations of the White House (including the first family and “first dog”), the U.S. Capitol building, Smithsonian, Washington and Jefferson monuments and parts of Georgetown. An animated marching band parades in front of the Capitol and tiny cherry trees blossom every spring.
New York City features tiny jets of water shooting up from the fountain in Rockefeller Plaza, while an army of animated yellow taxicabs prowls the streets of Times Square. The Statue of Liberty, a cutaway view of Grand Central Station, The Empire State Building, the Guggenheim Museum and the Bronx Zoo are just a few of the iconic landmarks.
A Pirate-themed section hosts a full-on swashbuckling pirate adventure as two opposing pirate ships and their “mates” battle it out upon the high seas.

Castle Hill
Castle Hill takes kids back to medieval times where spells are cast and many knights, damsels and dragons are found.

The Dragon – An indoor/outdoor steel roller coaster that features a spirited and humorous view of life behind the scenes within the enchanted LEGOLAND Castle.
The Royal Joust – Kids ride LEGO-themed horses through a number of medieval scenes where they encounter other riders in a simulated joust.

Land of Adventure
In Land of Adventure, visitors of all ages explore hidden tombs and hunt for treasure.

Coastersaurus – This junior coaster reaches curves and dips in and around a prehistoric jungle of animated and life-sized LEGO brick dinosaurs.
Lost Kingdom Adventure – LEGOLAND Florida’s spectacular dark ride invites guests to fire laser blasters at targets and brave the rugged Egyptian landscape in all-terrain roadsters, while attempting to unearth the vast treasures of a forgotten empire.
Pharaoh’s Revenge – This outdoor attraction lets children and parents fire soft foam balls at enemies and explore the complex maze of the Pharaoh’s kingdom.
Beetle Bounce – Launch 15-feet up toward intricate, brightly jeweled LEGO scarab beetles perched atop two monumental obelisks.
XTreme LEGO TECHNIC® Test Track –Brave guests feel the power of acceleration, braking and maneuverability as they race a life-size LEGO TECHNIC vehicle along a wild roller coaster track.
AQUAZONE® Wave Racers –Riders zip in and out of waves as they dodge water blasters on this dual water carousel ride.

LEGO City
LEGO City is the perfect place for youngsters to live out their dreams in a scaled-down town created just for them.

Fun Town Fire Academy – Families race to put out a “blaze” by piling into a “fire truck” and power it by pumping levers across a paved straightaway. The first family to put out the fire and make it back wins
Driving School – A “real-life” driving experience for children ages 6 through 13, where kids receive their official LEGOLAND driver license.
Junior Driving School – A print-size version driving school course for children ages 3 through 5
Flight School – An inverted steel coaster that lets kids experience the thrill of flight.
The Big Test – This interactive show uses acrobatics, music and playful fun to teach fire safety as the zany crew of Fun Town Fire Department attempts to conquer the “Big Test” to become official firefighters.

Imagination Zone
Imagination Zone emphasizes exploring and creation, while showcasing seven of the most visually exciting LEGO models in the world, including a replica of Albert Einstein’s head.

Game Space – Features 13 game stations where guests can experience LEGO STAR WARS™ and other family friendly games like LEGO INDIANA JONES™, LEGO BATMAN™ and Monsters vs. Aliens all year.
Build & Test – Build a LEGO car and test it against the competition on the digitally timed track.
LEGO MINDSTORMS™ – Build and program cutting-edge, computerized LEGO MINDSTORMS™ robots.
LEGO Clubhouse – Kids and parents stock up on bulk LEGO bricks and Make & Create kits while enjoying ice cream, popcorn, beverages and snacks.
Kid Power Towers – Kids and parents alike hoist themselves up to the top of a tower to get a great view of the entire park and lovely Lake Eloise, and then enjoy a fun “free-fall” to the bottom.

Pirate’s Cove
Pirate’s Cove has been taken over by swashbuckling pirates along the shores of Lake Eloise at LEGOLAND Florida’s very own live-action, water-stunt show.

DUPLO® Village
Duplo Village is ideal for toddlers and their imaginations. Youngsters can fly a plane, drive a car or explore a whole town – designed with their height in mind.

Jake Character From the Never Land Pirates Joins the Line Up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

19 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

My family and I have been enjoying the second Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at Walt Disney World for the past two days. As usual, it has been a pixie-dusted event full of magic, thanks to the keepers of the pixie dust, Laura Spencer and Leanne Jakubowski. Amazing speakers, amazing surprises…and it’s not over yet!

Last night we were treated to dinner inside the Lights, Motors, Action! stunt show stage (aka where the cars actually drive during the show!). The evening was brought to us by the all-new Disney Junior, with special guests Sharkey and Bones -the pirate outfitted duo who sing in between Jake and the Never Land Pirates episodes. We thought it was pretty cool that the actual band was there!

Other Disney characters soon showed up: Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, Donald and Daisy among them. Then another surprise, Jake appeared! I thought I’d share some of the action shots I grabbed last night:

More to come next week from my experiences at Disney’s Social Media Moms Celebration – stay tuned!

2nd Annual Disney Social Media Moms Celebration!

10 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 30 Comments

It’s hard to believe it’s been one year since the first-ever Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! It was such an amazing event and so much has happened since that time! I thought it would be great to go over some of my favorite moments from last year’s event as well as what I’m looking forward to this year. Then I thought it would be fun for all the 2011 attendees to link their blogs below so we can get to know each other and our blogs before we meet next week! It’ll also be a great way to connect during and after the event as well! Could I use any more exclamation points??!!

Last year I don’t think anyone really knew what to expect from Social Media Moms. One thing we knew, it was Disney, so it was going to be full of extra magic. We were definitely given the royal treatment and perhaps even a little spoiled with such great speakers like Guy Kawasaki, Chris Brogan, Maxine Clark, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Mary Ellen Hooper and Kathy Ireland. I know I l earned so much and became full of blogging passion by the end of the conference. We may have endured an unexpected cold snap, but pixie dust pulled us through and the surprises and special touches seemed to never end. (Feel free to check out my flickr stream of the 2010 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration!)

Chris Brogan and Zanna — Stalking Chris at a recent media event at Disney for another photo. 😉

One of my favorite moments was Chris Brogan’s speech, which makes me SO excited that he’ll be back this year. Another unexpected surprise was bumping into Chef Robert Irvine, who was there filming Dinner: Impossible and cooking for the amazing volunteers that Disney was honoring. Imagine my shock when I had the chance to meet Chef Irvine again later last year and discovered that the picture of Disney Moms Panelist Kathie and I with the Chef was in his desktop screensaver! These are just some of the amazing memories Disney is able to deliver, sometimes without even trying! I was also lucky enough to have the winning seat at our table for the Cinderella Build-a-Bear centerpiece and was able to take that home to share with the family. I cannot wait to see what magic this year brings.

As if knowing some of us were spoiled last year, Disney has upped the ante and given us accommodations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This will allow me to check off almost all the Deluxe resorts on property (the only one I haven’t stayed at is Yacht Club, but I’ve stayed at Beach Club a million times and toured every hotel on property, so I’m not counting that!) 😉 I am excited to be able to share this experience with my family.

I’m also super excited that I get to hang out with fellow Moms Panelist and bloggy idol Oh Amanda. I haven’t seen her since Moms Panel training and can’t wait to be in the World with her again! Of course I’m thrilled to see lots of friends and people I met last year AND meet lots of new friends too.

Disney's Wedding Pavilion — Dreaming at the Wedding Pavilion (no, I'm not a natural blonde either)

Another highlight I’m looking forward to is the opening presentation and tour by Disney Fairytale Weddings. I have mentioned before that a Disney wedding was always my dream, since the pavilion opened the year we moved down and I worked at the Magic Kingdom. Sure, I had my reception at the Dolphin, but it’s not quite the same. And yes, it’s now been 14 years since I said “I do” but I still hold out hope that I can have a magical vow renewal on property at some point. Maybe for the 20th… 🙂

Anyway, our pixie dust princesses in charge of the Social Media Moms Celebration have hinted that there will be “special guests” during this presentation. I am crossing my heart and hoping it is the one and only David Tutera. To say I am a fan of him and his show is an understatement. I cry at pretty much every episode and wish he was around when I got married! I will try to hold myself back from hugging him to death in the off chance they let hundreds of mom bloggers near him… 😉 I really think he needs to do a special vow renewal episode, no? I’ve already got a built in flower girl and ring bearer!

Attendees, what are you most excited about the upcoming Social Media Moms Celebration? Did you attend last year or is this your first time? Have you been to Walt Disney World before? Share a bit about you and your blog – don’t forget to link it below! And be sure to say hello if you happen to see a crazy red head trying to camp out in the wedding pavilion!!

If you’d like, check out two posts I did last year for attendees planning for their Disney vacation:

Top 5 Must Sees for First Time Disney Visitors

Solo Parenting Tips to Visit Walt Disney World

Explore my Disney News section as well – including Fast Facts on Disney’s Wild Africa Trek and some Disney Merchandise highlights to be on the lookout for!

Thanks for visiting and see ya real soon!

Creating Magic and Memories at the Harmony Barber Shop

8 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

I’m pleased to bring you a guest post today from a wonderful Disney fan and friend, Mary Jo Collins. Known as “MoJo” by most, she just effervesces with Disney magic and pixie dust when you meet her. I am honored to have her here sharing some wonderful stories and information on everyone’s favorite barber shop – Harmony. You may remember we recently took our littlest guy, Giovanni there for his first haircut. The magic they share will truly touch your heart. Take it away, Mo Jo! (click to enlarge photos)

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Echoing through the air, a beautiful rendition of “Goodbye, My Coney Island Baby” serenades a starry eyed child sitting high in the swinging chair. Just a few minutes earlier, a story about the big fish caught last week is followed up with talk of the weather. From the ornate carved woods and the checkerboard floor to the good conversation abound, you have been taken back to a place gone by. It is a quaint barber shop with a harmonious barber shop quartet nestled on a familiar street. It’s not Mayberry. And it’s not Floyd Lawson standing behind the chair with his scissors in hand. It is much more. It is the Harmony Barber Shop. Many families around the world have visited this fine establishment to experience the time-honored tradition of a haircut in the Magic Kingdom.

Harmony busy day — The bustling Harmony Barber Shop

Harmony empty chair with booster — The barber's chair awaits a child

Harmony Emily window — Emily enjoys the view from the window of the Harmony Barber Shop

Considering Walt Disney’s fondness of a hometown Missouri barber shop, Main Street, U.S.A. would not be complete without this hidden gem. Discovering the essence of an old-timey barber shop in today’s world where a quick 5 minute cut at a SuperCut is just status-quo would certainly make Walt proud. Even the barbershop quartet, the Dapper Dans, is occasionally on-hand to treat guests with their excellent four-part harmony. Here, anyone is welcome to take a seat in the barber’s chair and be exposed to some magical hair treatments. Matter of fact, about 400 guests of Walt Disney World experience the Harmony Barber Shop each week.

With the Dapper Dans on Main Street, U.S.A.

Located just past City Hall on the corner of Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom, the Harmony Barber Shop offers the traditional haircut, as well as a variety of specialty menu treatments. While the barbers have a license and usually years of experience, they are indeed Cast Members and are experts at entertaining children and comforting them during the process. Hours of operation are 9 am to 5 pm, seven days a week. Walk-ups are always welcomed, but advanced reservations can now be made thru Walt Disney World Reservations. Ask for a booking via “Children’s Activities”, otherwise the Cast Member may have a hard time locating it. They accept 2 reservations at the top of each operational hour and 2 reservations at the half hour. The 2 reservations per half hour are given priority, then walk-ups are taken on a first come, first serve basis.

Harmony Blaise First Haircut — For some children the first hair cut can be scary, Cast Members try to comfort the child with toys, bubbles and Mickey Mouse stickers. Pictured here is Blaise before his first hair cut.

A standard haircut for an adult is $19 and children 12 and under is $15. The barbers always offer some special pixie dust to top off the new do for no additional charge. To add a little festive color to your current style or to your freshly cut hair, add $5 for the color gel. Men can also get a beard or mustache trim for $10. Now, the Harmony Barber Shop’s most famous treatment is the “First Haircut” and rightly so. People have been known to delay their child’s first haircut for months so that they could do this world renown experience on an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World. To the delight of the children, they are treated to fun with pixie dust, bubbles and Mickey Mouse stickers till their hearts content. After the first haircut concludes, the child is awarded a certificate and a “My 1^st Haircut” embroidered Mouse Ears. Then to finish the show, pictures are taken with the ubiquitous “big red scissors” and Mickey cape. The “First Haircut” with all the special extras is $18.

Harmony first hair cut Jennifer — Noah was mesmerized by the Mickey Mouse stickers during his first hair cut.

More than anything, the Harmony Barber Shop leaves an indelible memory for so many guests. From a first hair cut to a fun punk hair-do with pixie dust, the transformations that occur on a daily basis at the Harmony Barber Shop are a perfect example of the campaign “Let the Memories Begin.” The change in appearance of its patrons is no less dramatic than the change in their spirit. It’s a homey, personal memory that is so rare while vacationing, but is so perfectly composed at the Harmony Barber Shop. Here are a few more of the thousands of memories that have been culminated over the years. Don’t miss John Eric’s story at the end.

Special Occasion Hair Cut with Pixie Dust.

Having never had my hair cut in a barber shop before, my 40^th birthday trim in the Harmony Barber Shop was a refreshing treat on a scorching June day.

Harmony 40th Mary Jo — Celebrating my 40th Birthday with a trim!

Harmony celebrating the Goofy Challenge — Jeff celebrated the finish of the 2011 Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge with a new cut.

Pixie Dust.

Spiked to perfection after a trim.

Harmony child cut with spiking — Barbara created super spikey hair to the delight of Wyatt

First haircuts, Harmony style.

Harmony first Cindy2 — Getting the first hair cut

Harmony first Cindy — Covered in Mickey Mouse stickers for the first hair cut

Harmony first cut Neil — Walt Disney World Moms Panelist Leslie helps entertain her son during his first hair cut on his very first birthday!

Harmony first Cindy big red scissors — The finale of the first hair cut experience... Pictures with the big red scissors and Mickey cape

Harmony first cut neil mickey ears — The famous "First Haircut" Mickey Ears

A Celebration of life.

John Eric Bartels’ mom and dad had always dreamed of having their son’s hair cut at the Harmony Barber Shop. In April 2008, Jay and Alisha took their son John Eric to Walt Disney World for some much needed magic. Fighting a battle against Stage IV Neuroblastoma Cancer, 22 month old John Eric didn’t have hair to cut. However, the dream of having their son encounter the Harmony Barber Shop was important. With love and compassion, the Cast Members gave John Eric a special, one-of-a-kind treatment. After the lavishing of the Mickey Mouse stickers, a unique “Hidden Mickey” was painted on the back of his head. John Eric watched contently looking in the mirror as the barber worked her magic. He was so proud of his “Hidden Mickey” that he wore it for several days. The heart and soul of John Eric and his parents were lifted that day by their amazing experience. Jay and Alisha will always be grateful for this memory.

Harmony John eric in the window — John Eric loved his experience at the Harmony Barber Shop

Harmony john eric stickers — Getting bunches of Mickey Mouse stickers

Harmony John Eric getting his HM — John Eric getting his "Hidden Mickey"

Harmony John Eric HM — John Eric loved his "Hidden Mickey"

This article is written in memory of John Eric Bartels (June 18, 2006-May 16, 2008)

Harmony in memory of John Eric2 — John Eric with Pluto

Harmony john eric display — The day in the Harmony Barber Shop will always be a cherished memory.

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Many thanks to Mary Jo for sharing these wonderful photos and family stories with us. In addition to being a wonderful mom of two adorable Disney kids (Emily and Wyatt above), you can find Mary Jo on twitter at @MoJoDisney, on facebook, and hanging around the WDW Radio team, where she is a member of the WDW Radio Running Team, Finisher of 11 Disney Running Races (including Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge)! She just came back from the WDW Radio Disney Dream cruise – maybe we can convince her to come back and write about that here too!

NEW Disney Dooney & Bourke Stripes Designs!

20 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 7 Comments

Those tracking Disney Dooney & Bourke auctions on ebay spotted these new styles this week. Thanks once more to Shelley C. for capturing these photos for us at Downtown Disney’s TrenD shop. Let’s see the newest Disney Dooney designs – the Gwenny Large Tote, the Large Erica and Zippered Wristlets in black and white, and red white and blue. They are canvas with leather handles and accents.

Disney Dooney Stripes — Stripes Large Gwenny Tote in black and white - $185

Disney Dooney Stripes Red — Disney Dooney & Bourke red stripe Large Erica bag - $150

Disney Dooney Stripes wristlets — Stripe zippered wristlets in red and black - $45

What do you guys think of this newest style? So far the impressions I’m seeing online is that they are a little hypnotic. Will you add these to your list, or pass?

Other Disney Dooney & Bourke collections may be found here on ZannaLand:

Disney Dooney & Bourke Original Cindy Sketch in White – NEW STYLES!

Disney Dooney & Bourke Multi-colored Mickey Black Handbags

Disney Dooney & Bourke Brown Mickey, Navy Mickey, Pink Minnie Purse Designs

Dooney & Bourke Disney Cruise Line Edition and Colored Wristlets

Disney Dooney & Bourke Cindy Sketch in COLORS

Disneyland 55th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke Collection

Disney Dooney and Bourke Princess Handbag Designs

Disney Dooney & Bourke Balloon Design in Black and White

Disney Dooney & Bourke Peace Love Mickey Minnie Denim Bags

Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke Collection

Disney Dream Inaugural Cruise Dooney & Bourke Designs

Mr. Teller of Penn and Teller Visits Disney World

12 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Perusing my twitter stream the other day, I noticed that Mr. Teller, the tacit partner of the magical duo making up Penn & Teller, was in Orlando. The partners were actually performing nearby at UCF but Teller appeared to make his way over to Walt Disney World the next day. I’ve been a fan for years, so I follow both Penn and Teller on twitter. I couldn’t resist sharing when Teller started tweeting pictures of some friends he met at WDW:

From Teller’s tweet: “I’m at Walt Disney World. They seem to favor monarchy in these parts.”

Teller at Disney World — Mr. Teller meets Ms. White

From the tweet: “With a Toy Story army man.”

Teller at Disney's Hollywood Studios — and Mr. Teller meets a green army man

You never know who you’ll see in the World! Have you ever seen a celebrity in the parks? Back when I worked in the Magic Kingdom I saw Bruce Willis (during the Demi years) and Sylvester Stallone at Planet Hollywood. Earlier than that I saw Dick Van Patton over by the ABC Commissary at the Studios. And of course Chef Robert Irvine twice now! I think I’m due for another celebrity meeting, no?

Disney and Build-a-Bear Release Wizards of Waverly Place Bear

11 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Disney and Build-A-Bear Workshop have already partnered to bring us adorable costumes representing Disney princesses (I was lucky enough to win a Cinderella bear at Disney’s Social Media Moms Celebration last February, as well as meeting Chief Executive Bear Maxine Clark, who is a wonderful business woman and leader), Buzz Lightyear and Woody from Toy Story among others. The companies have now designed a Wizards of Waverly Place bear which was released on January 21, in stores and online. Maybe this can be a girlfriend for Duffy the Disney Bear? 😉

The official press release follows:

Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, announced today that it is offering a “Wizards of Waverly Place” Bear for $22 (outfits and accessories sold separately). This adorable new furry friend features purple, blue and pink fur with a “Wizards of Waverly Place” logo on its paw and includes a magic wand. The bear arrived at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and buildabear.com on Jan. 21.

“Fans of the Disney Channel Original Series ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ will love this new enchanting bear,” said Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and chief executive bear. “Build-A-Bear Workshop has always been a special place, and the ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Bear is sure to bring an extra dash of magic to our stores.”

The adventures are endless with a wizard as a furry friend! To personalize this bear, Build-A-Bear Workshop will offer a variety of magical-themed clothing and accessories including:

· Wizards of Waverly Place Outfit ($13.50) for a fashion-forward wizard.

· Silver Glitter Flats ($7) add charm to any outfit.

· Wizards of Waverly Place Bag ($6) for a dash of pizzazz.

· Wizards of Waverly Place Scarf ($3.50) to complete this magical look

With each purchase of a Wizards of Waverly Place Bear, Guests will receive a free Wizard Teller, while quantities last, plus $5 off a future purchase at Build-A-Bear Workshop.

About “Wizards of Waverly Place”

The Disney Channel Original Emmy Award-winning show “Wizards of Waverly Place”, features Selena Gomez as Alex Russo. Alex is not your ordinary teenager living in a Manhattan neighborhood. She has a powerful family secret – she and her brothers are wizards in training. When the going gets tough, she and her brothers Justin and Max, tend to use magic to try and solve their problems – with outrageous consequences! While their parents run the family business, Waverly Sub Station, Alex, Justin and Max prepare for a Wizard Competition, which will determine who will become the family wizard and keep their magical powers. This hit show is in its fourth season. “Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie” premiered in 2009, and a new Disney Channel Original Movie is planned for Spring 2012.

About Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. The company currently operates more than 400 Build-A-Bear Workshop stores worldwide, including company-owned stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and franchise stores in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East, and Mexico. Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear Workshop is the leader in interactive retail. Brands include make-your-own Major League Baseball® mascot in-stadium locations, and Build-A-Dino® stores. Build-A-Bear Workshop extends its in-store interactive experience online with its award winning virtual world Web site at bearville.com™.

Amazingly Magical Disney Themed Birthday Party Ideas

10 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 13 Comments

In the course of my travels across the interwebs, I came across a photo of a birthday cake themed to the Disney Pixar movie UP. I had planned to share the photo here with all of you, and then friend and blogging maven (and Moms Panelist too) OhAmanda, shared the blog post that the cake actually came from. I was in awe. She suggested I do a whole post on Disney themed parties. I thought that was a fabulous idea, and she should know, since she created her very own Rapunzel birthday party for her adorable daughter. (Actually, you’ll find below she has a knack for pretty awesome parties!) Thanks to Amanda’s help, I have a bunch of pixie-dusted ideas to share with you here. I think it puts my X-box 360 Controller Cake to shame, but with a little faith and trust…well, you know the rest!

Let’s start off with OhAmanda and her Rapunzel’s Golden Hair Birthday Party. You have to check out all of the unique touches and parts of the party that linked back to the Tangled storyline. Just precious!

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Tangled birthday party — Instead of lanterns, they released balloons with lights inside. HOW COOL!

Tangled Rapunzel cupcakes — Remember one of the Pub Thugs wanted to bake cupcakes??

Ok, next up – UP! This UP themed birthday party from Wendy Updegraff completely blew me away. Get it? Balloons? Blew away? Sorry…just look at these unbelievable photos. I think this made even Martha Stewart jealous!

Photographer Jessica Claire shared not one but TWO amazing Alice in Wonderland-themed birthday parties. I would live in these pictures if I could!! Be sure to head over to see the rest of Annabelle in Wonderland and Nicola’s UNbirthday.

While we’re looking at Alice in Wonderland themed ideas – check out OhAmanda‘s Ace Party (as in Ace of Spades!) for her little guy:

Here’s another of OhAmanda‘s masterpieces – her Snow White birthday party – complete with Seven Dwarfs mine and Wicked Queen’s punch!

Be sure to check out OhAmanda.com‘s Pirate themed birthday party and Muppet Puppet Party too! I need her to plan my next birthday I think.

If traditional Disney is your thing, I’ve got two Minnie Mouse themed birthday parties to share with you. One from At Second Street blog and the other from Two Parts Sugar as shared on DisneyEveryDay.com. Seems like Disney parties are on everyone’s mind this month! Check out these adorable ideas:

Hey Howdy Hey, here’s another great party! Check out this Toy Story Jessie-themed party from Beth Kruse!

I hope you enjoyed these party-inspiring photos and blogs! All photos are copyright their original owner and just shared here to spread the magic. For even more fun (and easy to create) birthday party ideas, check out FamilyFun.com. If you have a Disney themed party that you went all out for, let me know!