Places to Stay

Shop Disney Friends and Family Event – Save 25%

13 February 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

The Shop Disney Friends & Family Event is here! During this event, February 13-17, 2020, you can get 25% off your entire purchase online at ShopDisney.com! This is a great time to pick up some Disney favorites you’ve been spying or saving in your cart for later! I really love how you’re able to get many of the great items available in Disney Parks online now at ShopDisney, it really gets me through the time when I can’t make it to Disneyland for a while (not that I’m keeping track with a clock counter or anything…).

I know I’m not alone in my love of some of the Disney designer collaborations that have been happening over the past few years (some for a decade – like the Disney + Dooney & Bourke 10th Anniversary that happened recently!). To celebrate our mutual love, I thought I’d put together a list of some of my favorites, to see if some of the same things catch your eye. Of course you can always share some of your favorites that I’ve missed in the comments and I can add them to the list too!

Edited to add: Now that the Friends and Family Sale is live, I have learned some of the designer collaborations are not included in the sale, like Dooney & Bourke. Sorry for any confusion, I didn’t know that when I was sent this info…But I have found some D&B bags that are on sale, so I’ve updated this post to share the ones that are currently on sale, and of course, any of the links will take you to ShopDisney where you can search for your favorites to stock up on during the sale, whether it’s pajamas, plush, Funko Pops or more!

Disney Dooney & Bourke

Well let’s start with the OG collaboration – Disney Dooney & Bourke. They have come out with SO many new designs, there seems to be one for every character or film or even snack at this point! I love that there are still some of the classic original designs available too. Here are some of my newest favorites (I’ve just discovered these bags are not on sale, but they are too pretty to take down, so I’m adding some that ARE on sale at the bottom):

Disney’s Fantasia Dooney & Bourke this new design is gorgeous. I especially love the Fantasia tote design it’s such a classic look!

Disney Dooney and Bourke Pixar hobo bag — Disney Dooney & Bourke Pixar hobo bag

The Disney Dooney & Bourke Pixar collection is brand new and adorable. All your favorites on one bag with some fun pops of color.

Of course, the recently released Disney Park Life design is a new and instant classic. All your favorite Disney park icons on a bright pink bag, it will definitely put a smile on your face. The best part is this design comes in more than just Disney Dooney & Bourke bags so there’s something for the whole family. Here are a couple of Dooneys on sale. (You don’t need a code for these, they are just reduced in price.):

Disney Dooney and Bourke Green Sketch — One of the 10th Anniversary Disney Dooney & Bourke Sketch bags – discounted now!

First on sale is one of the 10th Anniversary bags that came out last Fall – this bright new green color us such a perfect fit for Spring!

Speaking of Spring, the Dooney and Bourke Mickey and Minnie Floral Tote came out with last year’s Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, and now it’s on sale!

Disney Loungefly

The Disney Loungefly designs have been some of my favorite, they really are so creative, sometimes it’s just a pattern of characters or items you know and love, other times, it’s more of a “Disney Bounding” design, where the purse or wallet will look like the character it represents. Kind of like the Loungefly Bo Peep design below. This leads to some really cool items, and lots of conversation starters when you’re in the parks (and out!).

Loungefly Minnie Mouse sequined backpack

Loungfly is mostly known for the classic Minnie Mouse sequined backpack design seen here, but they have many other fun styles too.

The Bo Peep Loungefly mini backpack is such a fun twist on her iconic look – pink and blue with “lace” trim and polka dots.

One of the newest designs is the fun Loungefly Pixar ball, in a crossbody bag. So bright and a perfect addition to a Pixar look with sequins and black accents.

Loungefly Pixar ball crossbody — Loungefly Pixar Ball crossbody

Baby Yoda

Of course it’s not all about purses…it’s also about BABY YODA (ok ok “The Child”) Everything is 25% off, so you can add whatever items you see and want to add to your Disney collection. I mean, who doesn’t need a Baby Yoda hat. I may have to get that one myself.

Hopefully that gives you a little motivation to take advantage of this 25% off sale for the Shop Disney Friends and Family Event.

How do you score 25% off?

Simply use the code “DISNEYPAL” in the promo code area at checkout! You can click any of the links^* on this post to take you to ShopDisney and start saving with the Friends and Family Event! (*links on this page are affiliate links which is no extra cost to you, but zannaland may receive a small commission if you purchase anything, which helps offset our costs to keep bringing you new content.)

What Disney items do you collect? I’d love to hear from you below! And let me know if you’re buying anything during this sale too! I wanna see your shopping scores! 😀

SeaWorld Announces Artists for Seven Seas Food Festival

11 February 2020 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

The Seven Seas Food Festival will begin soon at SeaWorld Orlando!

Coming this spring, guests will be able to experience a festival of fun, food, and music at SeaWorld Orlando. Every weekend during the event, concerts will be held at 6pm at the Bayside Stadium.

THE LINEUP!

·        March 7 – AJR

·        March 8 – Dylan Scott

·        March 14 – Hunter Hayes

·        March 15 – Joe Nichols

·        March 21 – YES and Alan Parsons Live Project

·        March 22 – Edwin McCain

·        March 28 – Gin Blossoms

·        March 29 – Village People

·        April 4 – Jesse McCartney

·        April 5 – Gretchen Wilson

·        April 11 – Scotty McCreery

·        April 12 – Jeremy Camp

·        April 18 – Everclear

·        April 19 – Grand Funk Railroad and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT

·        April 25 – Vanilla Ice and C&C Music Factory

·        April 26 – Chris Janson

·        May 2 – Billy Ray Cyrus

·        May 3 – Sean Paul

All of these performances are included with the price of admission! But for the most exclusive experiences, reserved seating can be purchased online. Additionally, there’ll be a plethora of fun new food items at the event, and the full menu can be viewed on SeaWorld’s website.

The SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival begins February 7th, and lasts Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through May 3rd.

Of course, be sure to keep an eye out for the new ICEBREAKER attraction coming this year as well!

Details Announced for The 6th Annual Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival

11 February 2020 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

Earlier this week we got some exciting new details for the upcoming Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay coming this spring. From concert dates to fun new food items, here’s what we know so far!

DATES!

The fun begins with a Passholder exclusive event!

Feb. 28: Pass Member Exclusive Preview with “Eaglemania: The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band!”

This exclusive event is available ONLY for Pass Members to preview the all-new menu of sips and samples at the 6th Annual Food & Wine Festival.

Be sure to visit Busch Gardens’ website to learn more or purchase your Annual Pass to gain access to this VIP opportunity!

Additionally, we’ve received information with more concert dates during the festival!

Feb 29: Collective Soul
March 1:              The Commodores

March 7:              Chase Bryant & Danielle Bradbery
March 8:              Rachel Platten

March 14:            Ezra Ray Hart
March 15:            THREE DOG NIGHT

March 21:            LOCASH
March 22:            Fitz & The Tantrums

March 28:            Home Free
March 29:            Taking Back Sunday

April 4:                 Third Eye Blind
April 5:                 KC & The Sunshine Band

April 11:               38 Special
April 12:               Micah Tyler & Austin French

April 18:               Lee Brice
April 19:               Clint Black

April 25:               El Gran Combo
April 26:               Toad the Wet Sprocket & The Verve Pipe

Fans of these groups will be excited to know that there are VIP packages available for each act “including reserved concert seating and a 5-item Food & Wine Festival Sampler Lanyard.” And new for 2020, you can upgrade to the Unlimited Food & Wine Festival VIP Seating Package for the ultimate concert-going experience. This new opportunity includes VIP seating for EVERY concert of the 2020 festival!

NEW TREATS!

This year’s event highlights a tasty new dining lineup too! Designed by the award-winning new Executive Chef of Busch Gardens Ernie Reyes, the festival’s menu features 25 NEW food items, and over 80 wines, beers, and cocktails. Here are just a couple of the new dishes to expect:

·        The ALL-NEW Chef’s Corner cabin: featuring three signature dishes carefully crafted by the park’s head chefs – arroz con pollo, pork belly taco with kimchi slaw, and pork tenderloin with champagne watercress sauce.

·        NEW Iconic Coaster Cocktails: including Iron Gwazi Gimlet, Falcon’s Fury Lemon Drop, and Tigris Tea

·        NEW Pick-A-Barrel tasting: create your own flight of liquors and wines from around the world

Guests can also already view the entire remaining menu online, and decide ahead of time what their must-eats are. From there, guests can also upgrade or purchase their Food & Wine Festival Sampler Lanyard. Busch Gardens writes that “Guests can purchase a 5, 8 or 12-item sampler lanyard to use at each festival cabin to explore sample-sized dishes and drink offerings with ease, starting at just $32. Pass Members can purchase an exclusive 15-item sampler for the same price as a 12-item sampler and SAVE 20%!”

COMING THIS SPRING!

The 2020 Food & Wine festival at Busch Gardens begins this spring, running every weekend from February 29-April 26. While you’re there, be sure to check out the incredible new IRON GWAZI attraction opening Spring 2020.

Best Way to Play:

Visit Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival and year-round events is with an Annual Pass that includes 12 months of unlimited visits, FREE parking, FREE Serengeti Safari, merchandise and dining discounts¹, and special limited-time perks throughout the year. Or for a limited time, buy a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 2020 Fun Card and an Adventure Island 2020 Fun Card FREE – Florida families can take advantage of this limited time buy-one-get-one FREE offer and get unlimited year-round park admission to TWO until December 31, 2020².

_{¹All events and attractions listed are included with park admission. Upgrades, specialty food and beverage items are sold separately.}

_{²Some restrictions apply; Blackout dates may apply}

Disney California Adventure and it’s Crazy Past – Up the Waterfall Podcast

10 February 2020 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Disney California Adventure has had quite the history in its short 19 years of existence. February 8th saw DCA’s 19th birthday, so to celebrate we thought we’d venture Up the Waterfall and discuss all the crazy changes this young park has experienced over the years. It’s definitely had some…growing pains. Special thanks to Yesterland.com for all the incredible photos from California Adventure‘s opening days.

Personally, I did not get to enjoy Disney’s California Adventure in its original or even secondary “glory.” This was due to the fact that around the time it was built I was not only dealing with two kids under two, but I was still in California-is-a-foreign-country-I-may-never-get-to mode regarding Disneyland. (But once I did get to experience the Disneyland Difference, I fell head-over-heels in love!)

As a result of not visiting California Adventure for years, I missed a lot of the things we discuss in the beginning of the episode. Sure, I knew about Super Star Limo and the pun-filled Paradise Pier area, but that was sort of it. So this episode was really fun for me to discover some of these things for the first time too.

In this episode, we start out with the history of a second park on the west coast; where and what could have been. Next we chronicle how Disney’s California Adventure first came to be. We cover all of the strange design and attraction choices that existed at park opening in 2001. Followed by the little changes and the major changes that followed.

Flik's Flyers — ARE Egg Rolls the fastest?

When I finally got to visit DCA in 2011, it was full of construction walls and not much else. Really, just Paradise Pier and World of Color were the highlights for me. Certainly, when I returned in 2012, it was a whole new world. Cars Land, Buena Vista Street brought with it a new design standard. All the additions that came with those areas really improved the whole park, making it a must-see destination.

Rounding out the discussion, we share where we think the park will go in the future with the upcoming Avengers Campus. Above all, we ponder what will become of Disney California Adventure in the years to come. What do you think will happen?

We hope you enjoy this week’s episode of Up the Waterfall!

How to Listen to Up the Waterfall

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

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

How to Watch Up the Waterfall

Head to our Up the Waterfall YouTube Playlist – where you can see our opening sequence and some unique images of the Disney California Adventure over the years. Here’s the latest episode:

Feel free to comment below with your memories of Disney California Adventure, any questions or info you’d like to add, or if it’s easier, head to the Zannaland Facebook page and join the discussion there with fellow DCA fans!

How Can I Learn More About This Episode?

Here are some of the books we referenced for this episode (the links will go to the item on amazon.com and are affiliate links – meaning no extra cost for you but a small portion goes back to zannaland if you make a purchase – thank you for supporting our site!):

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

FOLLOW THE ZANNALAND FAMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCH OUR VIDEOS, VLOGS AND PODCAST TOO:

Twitter: @zannaland, @otisney, @badgesickle
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Listen to Up the Waterfall podcast, subscribe on iTunes, or watch Up the Waterfall on YouTube

We thank you for your support and for sharing the love!

Disney’s Sangria University Returns for 2021!

9 February 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Now you may be asking yourself, “Disney’s Sangria University, what’s that?!” First of all, your reaction would be totally understandable because I didn’t know the answer to that myself until a few days ago!

EDIT 12/21: Sangria University is reopened and now available to book on the My Disney Experience App! You can still email [email protected] to request a reservation or set up a private session. Continue reading for what the experience was like when we tried it last year!

See how it looks on the app as you check availability and can book. Thanks to Sara J. for that info!

You can also watch our accompanying video of Sangria University below, to see just what it’s like to attend this fabulous Disney recreational activity!

Since I hadn’t heard of Sangria University before, I wanted to tell you all about it. Keep reading to learn where to find this experience, and if it’s worth spending your time and money on! Now let’s get right to the facts and figures!

What is Sangria University?

Sangria University is a separately booked experience where you get to sample four different sangria types and then make your own sangria! You’ll hear some fun info from your bartender/class leader and receive a certificate at the end! Each session holds 14-15 people.

What’s included in Sangria University?

When you arrive, you are seated with 4 glasses of sangria to sample (these are a good size too) and then create your own sangria in one of the gorgeous balloon glasses from the Dahlia Lounge and Toledo.

You also get an appetizer sample to enjoy during the class. The Lentil Hummus appetizer, which has a harissa topping and pepitas on top. It is normally served with pita triangles, but since I’m vegan, it came with sliced cucumber and carrot sticks to enjoy the hummus with.

Finally, you are presented with a personalized Certificate of Mastery too!

Sparkling Sangria Three Bridges — Sparkling Sangria made with Cava

Sangria University Blanco — Blanco Sangria made with white wine

Three Bridges Lentil Hummus vegan version with cucumbers and carrots

Sangria University recipes — Recipe and info cards from Sangria University

Where is Sangria University?

You’ll attend this interactive activity at the Three Bridges Bar and Grill, at Villa del Lago, which is right in the middle of Lago Dorado, the lake at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Three Bridges has been open for a little while now and is a wonderful addition to the already amazing dining and lounge choices at Coronado Springs. This would be a perfect mid-day pick-me-up before a dinner at Toledo in Gran Destino Tower, or you could just pop back over for dinner at Three Bridges too!

When is Sangria University?

The sessions currently take place on Saturdays from 2:30-3:30pm. If this offering becomes really popular, that time could change or more times/days could be added, so check back to see if there have been any updates. Edited to add: We just heard from the Proprietor of Three Bridges Bar and Grill and they have committed to adding Sundays to the Sangria University Schedule, so you can reserve Sundays from 2:30-3:30pm as well now!

How Much is Sangria University?

$45 per person inclusive of tax. For that price, you get all of the drinks mentioned above, the appetizer, and the personalized certificate at the end.

You can also add additional liquors to your sangria creation, which at the time of posting were $4 each.

There are currently no discounts accepted for Sangria University (so no Tables in Wonderland, Annual Pass, DVC, or Cast discounts).

How Do I Book Sangria University?

At this time, you cannot book on the My Disney Experience or on the Disney Dining line or WaltDisneyWorld.com. But, all you have to do to book Sangria University is call the Coronado Springs Resort Recreation line at 407-939-1004 to make the reservation. You can also email Three Bridges Bar & Grill directly at [email protected] to request a reservation or set up a private session. They also will accept walk-ups if you happen to be at Coronado Springs around that time, if they have any space for the current class.

Can I book a private party for Sangria University?

YES! If you want to book this fun experience for a bridal or engagement shower, a team building event with your company, a birthday party, or just a fun private party with a group of your friends, you can set up a special time and day to experience Sangria University! See above for the email address to set that up.

So there you have it, all the facts! I really enjoyed this experience, and would definitely recommend it for a unique activity to enjoy with the beautiful surroundings of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, learn a little bit, and enjoy some delicious sangria and hummus too.

It’s definitely more of a fun and low-key session, not super heavy on the traditions of sangria or history. In fact, all of the sangria that you sample are created by the Three Bridges, so they aren’t tied to any one traditional blend. It’s a great way to enjoy 4 very different ways to experience sangria, and even more exciting that you get to try your hand at blending your own flavors!

Special Thanks to Athena from Three Bridges Bar & Grill for inviting my friend Amanda from VeganDisneyFood out to experience this, and to Amanda for asking me to join her! We were provided with a complimentary session, however, my thoughts and opinions are, as always, my own!

- Have you experienced Sangria University?
- What did you think? What about any other unique resort offerings?
- Let us know in the comments below if you have, or plan to be, a graduate soon!

Want to remember these tips? Save the Disney’s Sangria University-How to Book pin to your favorite Pinterest board!

Follow the Zannaland team on social media, watch our videos, vlogs and podcast too:

Twitter: @zannaland, @otisney, @badgesickle
Instagram: @zannaland, @otisney, @badgesickle
Zannaland’s facebook page
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Listen to Up the Waterfall podcast

We thank you for your support and for sharing the love!

VLOG: Becoming Villains at a Disney After Hours Event

8 February 2020 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

We explore what it takes to become a true Disney villain – even though that may just consist of riding a few rides and eating a hotdog or two. Look, there’s only so much we can do, this villainy thing is hard work.

Disclosure: Disney hosted us for this event, but these opinions are our own!

To learn more about this event, check out our separate post on it here:
https://zannaland.com/villains-after-hours-what-to-expect/

To learn more about Character Couture, check here:
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/05/character-couture-packages-at-walt-disney-world-salons/

To see our video of this event last year, check here:
https://zannaland.com/villains-event-breakdown/

And to see our video of the full castle show at this event from last year, check here:
https://zannaland.com/villains-unite-show/

The History of the Carousel of Progress – Up the Waterfall Episode 19

3 February 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Now most carousels just go round and round without getting anywhere. But on this one, at every turn, we’ll be making progress. And progress is not just moving ahead. It’s dreaming and working and building a better way of life. Progress is the sound of a motor, the hum of a turbine, the heartbeat of a factory, the sound of a symphony, the roar of a rocket. Progress is people getting release from drudgery, gaining more time to enjoy themselves and live richer lives. And as long as man dreams and works and builds, this progress will go on…in your life and mine.

And with those words, Rex Allen began the original “Progressland” attraction hosted by General Electric at the 1964-65 World’s Fair in New York. Progressland is more familiar to us as the theatre portion of the experience – the Carousel of Progress. In truth, there was quite a lot more to the World’s Fair exhibit and we go over all of its retro-fabulous history. While we may all be able to recite the current iteration of the classic Carousel of Progress attraction, it does have a very interesting and storied past, including Walt Disney’s personal involvement in its creation.

Progressland pavilion at the 1964 World's Fair - a Walt Disney Production - the original Carousel of Progress — General Electric’s Progressland pavilion – a Walt Disney Production – from the 1964-65 World’s Fair in New York

In this episode of Up the Waterfall podcast, we journey back to the very beginnings of this beloved attraction, the changes it has experienced over the decades, and what we hope will happen for its future. We hope you enjoy this info-packed episode, I know we loved recording it!

Progressland at night 1964 World's Fair — General Electric’s Progressland pavilion at night

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

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

You can also watch on our Up the Waterfall YouTube Playlist – where you can see our fun opening sequence and some fun images of the Carousel of Progress over the years. Here’s the latest episode:

Feel free to comment below with your memories of Carousel of Progress, any questions or info you’d like to add, or if it’s easier, head to the Zannaland Facebook page and join the discussion there with fellow Carousel of Progress fans!

Progressland concept art — Early concept art for the Progressland energy-filled future

Here are some of the books and recordings mentioned in this episode (the links will go to the item on amazon.com and are affiliate links – meaning no extra cost for you but a small portion goes back to zannaland if you make a purchase – thank you for supporting our site!):

Walt Disney and the World's Fair — The images from this post are from this CD set and booklet an amazing trove of Disney history!

Designing Disney by John Hench — Designing Disney – Imagineering and the Art of the Show by John Hench

Walt Disney Imagineering book — Walt Disney Imagineering – A Behind the Dreams Look at Making Magic Real

FOLLOW THE ZANNALAND FAMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCH OUR VIDEOS, VLOGS AND PODCAST TOO:

Twitter: @zannaland, @otisney, @badgesickle
Instagram: @zannaland, @otisney, @badgesickle
Zannaland’s facebook page
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Listen to Up the Waterfall podcast, subscribe on iTunes, or watch on YouTube

We thank you for your support and for sharing the love!

VIDEO: Disney’s Vero Beach 2 Bedroom Villa – ROOM TOUR

2 February 2020 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

We take a tour of the 2 bedroom villa option at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, despite saying in the beginning that it is a 1-bedroom villa.

For more information and current rates on this room, visit: https://verobeach.disney.go.com/rates-rooms/

VLOG: Disney’s Vero Beach Resort Tour

1 February 2020 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

We take a special trip about an hour away from Walt Disney World to go visit Disney’s Vero Beach Resort & Spa. How very secretive of us!

Disney Parks Biggest Hits and Misses – Up the Waterfall Episode 18

27 January 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Hello friends! This week’s episode of Up the Waterfall podcast could get a little heated! Scott and I have each compiled our lists of what we think are the biggest hits and the biggest misses/flops/disappointments or whatever you’d like to call them, across the Disney parks. Will you agree? Will you want to yell at us next time you see us in the parks?! Have a listen or a watch and see if you agree!

I know for me, some of my “misses” may not be the concept itself, but what it has turned into, or what effects it had on the parks and the way they run, as well as the way we visit them. As usual, Scott’s ideas may surprise you as they surprised me, and we even had the same item for a miss, unplanned.

You can listen in everywhere you download and listen to podcasts – if there’s a place you’d like to listen and can’t find us, let me know and I’ll be sure we add it there. You can of course find it on Apple podcasts and Google Play in addition to Anchor and many other locations. If you’d like to see our facial expressions and the amazing opening sequence that Christian created for us, head to ZannaLand on YouTube to watch (and see our other vlogs and videos too!)

Some fun other blogs to read relating to this topic are:

The Hollywood that Never Was and Never Should Be

D23 and Me (and You!)

Backstage Magic Tour – for the Disney Fan Who’s Seen It All

We hope you enjoy this episode, and invite you to share your favorite hits and misses in a comment below, or find us on whatever social channel you prefer to share your comments there.

WE THANK YOU AGAIN FOR LISTENING AND WATCHING! HAVE AN IDEA FOR A NEW EPISODE? LET US KNOW BELOW! AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

FOLLOW THE ZANNALAND TEAM ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCH OUR VIDEOS, VLOGS AND PODCAST TOO:

Twitter: @zannaland, @otisney, @badgesickle
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Up the Waterfall is a weekly Disney history podcast hosted by Zanna and her husband, Disney history buff and bibliophile, Scott Otis, where they share stories of Disney past, present and future.
Listen to Up the Waterfall podcast, subscribe on iTunes, or watch on YouTube

We thank you for your support and for sharing the love!