Things to Do

Summer Adventures: Behind the Scenes at the Georgia Aquarium

30 July 2014 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Happy summer! We are now back home and enjoying the remainder of the summer break at home, reminiscing about our Great Family Road Trip of 2014. Here is the first part of our adventures, our day at the Georgia Aquarium. I had always wanted to visit this aquarium, having heard about the amazing whale sharks for years now. After our visit, I definitely wish I was closer to Atlanta to enjoy this amazing aquarium more often. If you haven’t been, it’s a must-visit.

We began our trek in the wee hours of the morning (3am) in order to let the kids sleep and enjoy the whole day in Atlanta. While we may have been a little tired, we were all still excited to arrive, stretch our legs and encounter something new. Now, when we arrived, it suddenly hit us that it was a Saturday, in the summer, in a large city. So it was a bit crowded at the aquarium. However, being used to Disney crowds, we took it in stride. However keep that in mind when planning your visit. The wonderful folks at the Georgia Aquarium had set aside tickets for our admission, a dolphin show and a behind-the-scenes tour at the end of our day.

Our first stop was to see the whale sharks. There are several different places to see them; as you walk around the tank, on a moving walkway as the fish and sharks swim above you, and a viewing area with a giant window where you can just sit and enjoy the views. It was crazy to see how huge these sharks are, as well as their tank-mates, giant manta rays and other sharks and huge fish. I loved seeing my older kids taking photos on their phones and with their cameras and sharing them on social media, which is of course what the adults were doing too! We then saw the rest of the exhibits in that area and moved on to the beluga whales and penguins. Little Gio loved crawling through these cool tunnel-like crawl spaces where you could view the animals in their habitat from behind glass. We then stopped for lunch and on busy days like that was, the aquarium’s ballroom is open for seating on the floor above the food court area. So we got to enjoy our meals with a great view of beluga whales from the window in the ballroom.

Next up was the Dolphin Show – Dolphin Tales. Coming from the theme park capital of the world with SeaWorld down the street, we felt right at home with this show. It was full of songs and performance and a very dramatic tale told along with the dolphins act. The main song totally got stuck in our head, it was great.

To wind up our day, we met with our guide for our behind-the-scenes tour. Let me say, if you are planning a visit to the aquarium, you simply MUST do this. I think we may have been given a special tour based on what the kids said they were interested in, and we really got to see a little bit of everything, but there are many options depending on your budget, time, and ages in your group. But on a day like we went, it made all the difference to be away from the crowds, seeing above the various tanks and exhibits, and learning so much more on a one-on-one basis. We were able to see the veterinary, research, and commissary areas for the aquariums many creatures. The photo to the right shows 3 teenage penguins, getting accustomed to their habitat before joining the group. Penguins are flatfooted, so they place stones down to mimic the areas they would be walking on in the wild, to make their little flippers shaped the right way. The little guy was quite interested in Gio (and vice versa!)

The highlight of our tour was definitely the feeding of the whale sharks. It was so interesting to see how this is actually accomplished, and learn so much more about the sharks themselves. Everyone loved it. They also have additional programs where you can actually swim with the whale sharks, or beluga whales, or dolphins. Any of those would be amazing to do on a return trip.

Most of all, what we came away with was the feeling of how much the people who work for the Georgia Aquarium truly care about where they work, the animals they help on a daily basis, and sharing knowledge and education with all those they encounter. Every person working, from the admission window to the cafeteria to the workers in the exhibits, were unbelievably friendly and helpful. I’m so very thankful that my family got to experience this great place and I cannot wait to return some day.

Here’s a gallery of the highlights of the rest of our day:

The Georgia Aquarium is a little over a 6 hour drive from the Orlando area, but certainly a lot closer by air! They have extended summer hours and many ticket options for savings when purchasing in advance or online. You can learn more about the various exhibits in the aquarium, including Ocean Voyager, Cold Water Quest, Tropical Diver, River Scout and more. They really highlight all the different regions that our aquatic wildlife come from and what we can do to keep them safe and cared for.

Disclaimer: Very special thanks to the Georgia Aquarium for setting up our admission and tours. We had such a wonderful time – but my opinions and thoughts are my own.

Four Seasons Orlando Resort Opens Dining to All

29 July 2014 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

The Four Seasons Orlando Resort is quickly becoming my favorite place to visit in the Walt Disney World area. The resort itself and the grounds are just so relaxing and inviting. And inviting is exactly what the Four Seasons Orlando is going for, for both locals and non-guests visiting the Walt Disney World Resort. When I first toured the property back in May, discussions were still underway regarding non-guests visiting the property or dining in the 5 restaurants the Four Seasons will eventually have open. At our recent visit we were pleased to hear that the Four Seasons welcomes non-guests to book dining reservations and spa appointments at their gorgeous resort.

To familiarize us with their dining options and spa, we were given a tour of some of their spaces (some are still under construction but will be completed August 3 or later in September) and samples of some of the amazing cuisine that will be offered. Here I’ll share my thoughts and photos on the first place we visited on our tour, Ravello.

Ravello is the Italian restaurant at the lobby level of the Four Seasons. To the right of the front lobby, you come to the Ravello lounge, tastefully decorated in modern design and colors, not giving a hint at all to the type of cuisine awaiting downstairs. You can enjoy lovely water views from Ravello’s large windows and there is comfortable outdoor seating for both the lounge upstairs and the restaurant downstairs. The lounge is open from 5pm – midnight and seats 70 inside and 88 outside, offering a full bar, appetizers, and pastry creations from the chef.

Four Seasons Orlando — Ravello lounge views

A beautiful set of stairs take you downstairs to Ravello’s main dining area, which features an open kitchen concept (as all their dining locations do), dark wood and light colors for a warm but elegant feel. This modern Italian kitchen offers a fresh pasta bar with housemade pastas, pizza with housemade dough and brick ovens, along with regional specialties from resident chef Fabrizio Schenardi, who has an extensive high-end hotel resume of experience and it definitely showed in the items we sampled that evening.

Ravello also offers two private dining rooms, where they will have cooking demos for adults and children as well as 114 seats outside. I have no doubt that Ravello will be a wonderful meeting place for friends to get together and share a great meal and enjoy some amazing cuisine at the same time. The seared tuna we tried is on the menu as Tonno – Pan Seared Tuna | Eggplant Caponata | Saba | Basil Oil, I have to admit, I have avoided tuna in the past because I thought I wouldn’t like it, but I tried this and loved it. It tasted more like melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon than fish. I would order it again in a heartbeat. We also sampled the Veal Ravioli – Veal, Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed | Wild Mushrooms | Truffle Essence, which left me wanting more. The pasta was so light and fresh, with just the right amount of cheese and sauce, an excellent combination of flavors. I will definitely be back to sample the full menu.

Ravello Four Seasons Orlando — Ravello bar

Ravello is open now at the Four Seasons Orlando Resort. You may book a reservation using Open Table. Parking at the Four Seasons is Valet only, but can be validated for a lower amount. I’ll have a full review when I experience the entire menu in a couple of weeks. I’ll also have upcoming posts on the PB&G pool area restaurant, Lickety Split dessert and coffee shop, and The Spa.

Disclaimer: Thank you to the Four Seasons for inviting us out and offering us some tastes of what’s to come at the Four Seasons Orlando. My opinions and thoughts are my own.

Legoland Florida’s Annual Red, Brick and Boom Returns for the 4th!

2 July 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

My family and I LOVE LEGOLAND Florida. I’ve gushed about it many times, and while it’s definitely not the park for everyone, if you are a LEGO fan, or an old Florida fan, you will love it too. I personally think it’s a great addition to an Orlando visit.

It’s almost time for their annual Fourth of July celebration, so I thought I’d share all the details below. A very different but exciting experience and with the addition of the “Everything is Awesome” song, what could be better? Here are the details below:

LEGOLAND® Florida is celebrating the 4^th of July weekend in 2014 with its annual Red, Brick and Boom event! Three nights of fireworks set to The LEGO ® Movie soundtrack will light up the sky for all guests to experience, along with fun activities for the entire family to enjoy. The event allows visitors to celebrate the weekend in style while experiencing LEGOLAND Florida’s more than 50 rides, shows and attractions.

What: LEGOLAND Florida is hosting a special 4^th of July weekend. Activities for guests to enjoy include:

Fireworks choreographed to The LEGO Movie soundtrack, including such hits as “Everything is Awesome!”
Special viewing glasses to turn fireworks into millions of exploding LEGO bricks at night
Collective, interactive build of a giant LEGO American Flag
Special scavenger hunt in Miniland USA to win a LEGO Prize pack and much more

Where: LEGOLAND Florida | One LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven, FL, 33884 |

When: Red, Brick and Boom will run from Friday, July 4^th through Sunday, July 6^th and is included in park admission. Park hours will be extended to 9 p.m. during the three-day event.

Additional Details: For more information, please visit Florida.LEGOLAND.com.

Westgate River Ranch Offers All-Inclusive Glamping Experience Sweepstakes

30 June 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I will admit, I had no idea this place existed before now, but this place looks super unique and fun. I have been a fan of Westgate Resorts for years, they really have some great properties to stay at and usually offer tons of activities for guests. The Westgate River Ranch seems to take those activities back to the real Florida for a truly memorable experience!

The first resort to introduce the concept of glamping (glamorous camping) to Florida, Westgate River Ranch is now offering a sweepstakes for an all-inclusive glamping vacation. Sweepstakes winners will satisfy a craving for the outdoors in the comfort of a completely outfitted glamping tent (accommodating up to four guests) for three days and two nights, and will receive a complimentary golf cart rental, two rodeo tickets and a $25 resort credit.

To enter the sweepstakes, contestants must “like” the Westgate River Ranch Facebook page at www.facebook.com/westgateriverranch and complete the entry form. For more information, visit www.wgriverranch.com/glamping-sweepstakes or call (863) 692-1321.

Situated on 1,700 lush acres in the heart of Florida’s cattle lands and surrounded by approximately 400,000 acres of state and federally protected wetlands, Westgate River Ranch is distinguished as the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi. Located just 80 miles south of Orlando, the cowboy-themed resort offers a guest ranch vacation full of activities for adults and children, including the longest-running Saturday night championship rodeo in the United States.

Following a multi-million dollar renovation and recent property re-launch, Westgate River Ranch introduced the concept of glamping for those who wanted to combine the fun and camaraderie of camping with the conveniences of a hotel room. Soaring popularity led to the creation of a glamping concierge, along with plans to double the inventory of tents and private bathrooms from 10 to 20 in July.

Glamping tents are pre-set on raised platforms and include deluxe interiors, a screened-in porch with two rocking chairs and access to private bathrooms. Amenities also include: a mini refrigerator, microwave, air conditioning, electrical outlets, a ceiling fan, private gas propane grill, private picnic table and various board games. The bathrooms are also fully outfitted with showers with hot water and hair blow dryers.

For official sweepstakes rules, visit http://woobox.com/offers/rules/9ystnv. Good luck!

Disney’s Maleficent Offers a Twist on Sleeping Beauty

30 May 2014 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

Like many others, I was completely on board and excited for Disney’s live-action Maleficent, a new look at the “real story” of the dark fairy who we first meet in the classic Sleeping Beauty tale. I had previously fallen in love with the Wicked book series by Gregory Maguire, and thought the way in which it totally turned our thoughts and ideas of “good” and “evil” upside-down and gave us a whole new anti-hero to love. I had high hopes that Maleficent would do something similar and we would find a new appreciation and understanding of this mistress of evil. Unfortunately this was not exactly the case.

As a way of warning, I will note that while I usually keep my movie reviews spoiler-free or with a huge warning ahead of the spoiler parts, I am going to forego that this time, in favor of informing everyone exactly what to expect. If you’d prefer a spoiler-free review, I will not be offended if you leave now and find your information elsewhere. That said, there be spoilers ahead!

To summarize Maleficent, it is the tale of two lands, one is ruled by kings and men and we can understand it instantly as a generic European kingdom. The other is the Moor, a marshy forest full of magical and fantastical creatures of varying size and ability. Maleficent has sort of made herself the protector of the Moor and all who dwell within, who only want peace and to be undisturbed by humans. But a small boy appears, trying to steal a jewel. In pardoning him, Maleficent and the boy, Stephan, form a friendship that grows over the years until, on Maleficent’s 16th birthday, it blossoms into love in the form of a kiss. After that, Stephan disappears and is left to the kingdom of men and its corruption. What follows then is the familiar story with a few twists thrown in. She saves a raven, by transforming him into a man, who then becomes her servant as he owes her a life debt. It isn’t until after Maleficent’s spell is cast on the baby Aurora that the story begins to change and Maleficent’s hardened and betrayed heart soon grows again as she watches over Aurora. I’ll leave it at that, saying that it may not end the way you are expecting and it will certainly challenge your views of good and evil. And now on to my thoughts on Maleficent…

First, the Pros:

Angelina Jolie. She is a perfect, perfect choice for this role, as if she were born to play it, and I’d be happy if she walked around the rest of her life in her Maleficent attire saying “Well, well” whenever it seems to fit. I think, given the story she had to work with, she brought Maleficent to life in a charming, beguiling way and she truly makes the movie worth seeing, if nothing else.

The Special Effects. They are top notch, and definitely fun to watch…they don’t necessarily always make sense or get explained and sometimes seem to be used just for the sake of “look at this cool creature we can make!” but they should be appreciated nonetheless.

Maleficent’s Redemption. I’m all about redemption and second chances and understanding the misunderstood. I love that Maleficent is redeemed and isn’t labeled a villain and evil by movie’s end. I think the audience will be able to identify with most of her story and feel for her.

The Cons:

Character Development. This saddens me the most about this film, and is what dashed my hopes more than anything else. There was such an amazing chance to retell this story well, giving each character a solid backstory and enough development to be understood and appreciated. That simply didn’t happen. We get brief glimpses of a young Maleficent as well as a young Stephan, but there are still so many questions left unanswered. What happened to Maleficent’s parents? What happened to Stephan’s? Why is Maleficent the only fairy of her kind? What are the other kinds of creatures in the Moor all about? Why is Stephan so easily swayed to betray Maleficent and forget about their childhood experiences?

In addition, I think the use of Diavel as the raven we all know from Sleeping Beauty as Diablo, was almost a crutch to allow Maleficent to do anything she needed to do. If she had infinite magic, she could’ve done anything, but instead she used Diavle almost to the point of him wanting to leave. That said, I almost feel as though his character is the most solid. He has the conscience and keeps Maleficent in check when her anger or irresponsibility goes too far, before she sees the error of her ways.

The Special Effects. I know, I just put them in the “pros” section. But really, there are so many cool effects and creatures created for this film that we just can’t appreciate because we know nothing about them. I was reminded of Oz the Great and Powerful and the random creatures that first appear when Oz lands. I was definitely left with a “what was the point of that?” with many of the effects, both Maleficent’s powers and the creatures we see. I’m not saying taking the time to explain each creature and give it a backstory would’ve been the answer, but perhaps most of them just weren’t even necessary…focus on the characters and let the power of the story carry the film.

The Story. I could lump this together with character development but I think it needs its own section. I loved Maleficent’s story. I even loved Aurora’s story, though she doesn’t have much to do with it herself. But everything else happening around it, just left me disappointed. The three fairies who “care” for Aurora are so unlikable and annoying, I began to cringe every time they came on screen. The same with King Stephan. We don’t know enough about him to warrant his decent into a mad king who will stop at nothing to “protect” his daughter, though when confronted with her toward the end, shows absolutely no fatherly love whatsoever. Everyone but Maleficent was very frustrating to watch, and even then, there are many unanswered questions with her as well.

PARENTS GUIDE: In my opinion, this is NOT a young-family-friendly Disney film. It is not bloody or full of gore, but as a mom of a pretty tough 5 year-old, I know I’d be dealing with nightmares from the tree and root creatures alone, not to mention some pretty tough scenes to watch like Maleficent waking up to discover her wings gone and the various fight scenes. It is definitely not a film for younger fans of Sleeping Beauty. I would place it on par with Lord of the Rings-type of action minus the gore. I’d compare it to Harry Potter, but the focus is not on children and their experiences, so I can’t say it would be received the same way to kids as the first few Potter films. Obviously each parent knows their kids the best and can decide with their children what they can handle, but I think some research should be done before blindly going in because it is based on a Disney princess movie.

So overall, I was sadly disappointed with Maleficent. I wish it could’ve been done better and been a film which would stand the test of time and offer a new sort of fairy tale and inspire kids and adults alike to look at things from a different point of view. As it stands, I can’t in good conscience recommend the film. Even if I’d read this review myself before seeing the film, I would’ve still seen it because I am a fan of Angelina Jolie and I would’ve wanted to see the story myself, but keep your expectations low if you choose to go to Maleficent this summer.

PREVIEW: The Four Seasons Orlando-Disney’s Elegant New Neighbor

22 May 2014 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

If you’ve driven down Bonnet Creek Parkway or Vista Boulevard lately, you’ve seen the luxurious monolith rising in the sky – for the future home of the Four Seasons Orlando. Nestled within Disney’s ultra-exclusive multi-million dollar residential community, Golden Oak, the Four Seasons Orlando will be unlike any other resort property at Walt Disney World. On Disney property, but not owned by Disney, the Four Seasons is a completely unique resort experience, offering many amenities that Disney Resorts offer, as well as some of their own. I was recently given two different tours, two weeks apart, of the property while it is under construction. Despite the incomplete state of the hotel, its beautiful future shone through.

The Four Seasons Orlando will soon be a glittering gem for those wanting to experience the ultimate in resort luxury. We were unable to take photos while construction is ongoing, but the resort was kind enough to let us use their photos of completed rooms and suites. On my second tour, we were permitted to take photos from the top floor of the pool areas.

Before we move on to the description of the amenities and all that the Four Seasons Orlando has to offer, I want to go over the overall feel of the resort. As mentioned above, even with construction taking place all around us, the elegance and impeccable design choices were already apparent. As you enter the resort, the gorgeous tile is all around you, and you are immediately drawn to the “fireworks chandelier” as you walk through the lobby. This sparkling multi-floor chandelier pays homage to the fireworks which will be such an integral part of the resort’s views. Designed in Czech Republic by Jozef Baca and Veronika Kopecna, the inspiration was a dark sky illuminated by a spectacular firework display – in much the same way, this magnificent chandelier lights up the entire grand entry of Four Seasons Resort Orlando. More than 30,912 crystal components in radiant hues of light topaz, light smoke, amber and honey are featured. The chandelier weighs more than 1,223 pounds (555 kilograms) and requires 250 sleeves of LED lighting.

Four Seasons Orlando chandelier — The fireworks chandelier. This is even more breathtaking in person. Photo courtesy @FSOrlando

I was consistently impressed throughout the guest room and finished public areas with the attention to lighting and design details. The overall feel is one of timeless but contemporary elegance. Graphic shapes and a color palette that will stand the test of time. Relaxation and luxury envelop you with every glance around your guest room. The hallways are in pleasing yellow and grey tones, while the rooms are completed in either aqua blues or light oranges – it was hard to pick a favorite. The rooms feature state-of-the-art features including iPads in each room, flat screen TVs and in-mirror TV in bathroom, as well as digital touch buttons by the bed and the front door to request service, privacy, and more.

Four Seasons Orlando Guest Room — A Standard King Bed room with Fireworks View

Here are all the facts about the property:

444-rooms, with standard guest rooms offering the largest square footage in Orlando, open for reservations for stays beginning this August
King guestrooms all have a queen-size sleeper sofa bed in room (perfect for families) and the resort also offers many connecting rooms via an interior hallway and suites
Many accommodations offer spectacular vistas over the Magic Kingdom® Park’s nightly fireworks display from the comfort of one’s furnished balcony

Gallery of guest rooms at the Four Seasons Orlando – click to enlarge. All photos in this section courtesy Four Seasons Orlando:

Enjoy world-class dining experiences, including:

Ravello: a culinary trip to the Amalfi coast – colourful, lively, and rich with the aromas and flavours wafting from the open kitchen.
Capa: named for the matador’s red cape, sets the stage for tapas and steaks with rooftop fireworks views. (Opening later this September)
PB+G: stands for pool, bar and grill, where guests can choose creative salads and poolside fare coupled with smokehouse BBQ specialties and hang out in the lounge with its central bar, dine on floating pavilions, or simply grab and go.
Plancha: in the golf clubhouse, all guests can savour Cuban American cuisine in a lakeside setting.
Lickety Split: a fast-casual, grab-and-go spot on the lobby level, Lickety Split will offer fresh juices, smoothies, lattes, cappuccinos, gelato, baked goods, sandwiches and more.

Additional Fun: Three Har-Tru tennis courts, a 24-hour fitness centre, Spa with 18 treatment rooms, Tom Fazio-designed golf course and an adults only pool surrounded by private cabanas.

I will admit, when I first learned of the Four Seasons building on Disney property, I wondered if they would even try to cater to kids or families. I was more than pleasantly surprised by what they have to offer at the resort:

Can have as much or as little Disney as you’d like as part of your vacation – can have the Four Seasons experience with Disney, or the Disney Experience, with Four Seasons
Complimentary transportation is provided to the main Disney theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios) in plush motor coaches
This new property can accommodate large families – the 16th floor features the Royal Suite that can be configured with up to three separate living rooms and nine – yes, nine – bedrooms
We have our own amusement area for kids – Explorer Island. A five acre (two hectare) playground packed with fun for all ages, Explorer Island includes a 7,590 square foot (705 square metre) family pool with a lazy river winding around a “ruined” mansion, climbing wall, waterslides, and more. Look forward to beach volleyball, basketball, a video gaming centre, outdoor movie nights on the Starstruck screen, and more
Twice weekly on-site Disney Character Breakfast with Goofy and Pals, plus on-site Disney Planning Center
Complimentary Child Care: (Yes, you read that correctly.) Younger guests enjoy Kids For All Seasons, located on Explorer Island in the Mansion, where kids ages 5-12 will be entertained and supervised by our staff. Complimentary child care is unique in this market.
Just for Kids Amenity: A welcome amenity is provided, as well as child-size bathrobes and complimentary baby and children’s toiletries, as well as cribs, high chair, playpen, bottles, and toys at no extra charge

Views of the (still under construction) recreation areas:

Four Seasons Orlando Pool Area — Adult pool at the Four Seasons

So as you can see, the Four Seasons Orlando will be a resort for everyone; the single traveler or couple, the family traveling together or with a nanny, or a group who need more space that the Royal Suite and additional rooms can offer. Another plus to this resort is the elegant and technologically advanced ballrooms. They can be separated into three smaller rooms or left as one large space, as well as making use of the outdoor terraces. The chandeliers outside the ballroom are just gorgeous, looking like twinkling crystal flowers intertwined. I instantly wanted to have an event in this space, and I’m sure it will be a popular choice for weddings and more once open.

As you can tell, I’m already passionate about this wonderful new addition to the Orlando resort line up – which is unlike any other resort, on Disney property or otherwise. I cannot wait to see the finished product and experience a resort stay myself. I know with the combination of luxurious accommodations, the views, the amenities, and what promises to be first class dining, I will not want to leave. I’ll be featuring more about the Four Seasons Orlando in the weeks to come, so keep checking back! Special thanks to the Four Seasons PR and travel sales team for the tours and special glimpse into this work of art .

Follow along with the Four Seasons Orlando team at:

Disney On Ice Brings “Frozen” to Life This Fall

20 May 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Just announced today is the news that many Disney On Ice fans knew was coming – Disney’s Frozen is coming to Disney on Ice. A whole new show has been created around everyone’s favorite snow-bound sisters, which is sure to excited Frozen fans young and old. Disney on Ice presents “Frozen” will be touring the country, but information about the Orlando dates and tickets are below, from Feld Entertainment:

Feld Entertainment, Inc., the worldwide leader in producing live touring family entertainment, today announced that its 34^th Disney On Ice spectacular will bring the Academy Award^®-winning and number one animated feature film of all time,Disney’s “Frozen,” to life. Disney On Ice presents “Frozen” visits Orlando from September 5 – 7 for seven performances at the Amway Center. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. The Academy Award^®-winning tale will be told live for the first time in this production, capturing the dynamic between two royal sisters, Anna and Elsa. Anna, a girl with an extraordinary heart, embarks on an epic journey to find her sister, the magical Elsa, who is determined to remain secluded as she finally feels free to test the limits of her powers. Rugged mountain man Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, the lovable and hilarious snowman Olaf and the mystical trolls help Anna along the way in this story about love conquering fear. Audiences will get to sing along with such musical masterpieces as “Let it Go,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Fixer Upper.”

Producer Nicole Feld with the Disney On Ice Frozen set model

In Disney On Ice presents Frozen, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse take the audience through the magical story based in Arendelle, with special appearances by beloved Disney princesses and favorite characters from Disney/Pixar’s “Toy Story” and “Finding Nemo” and Disney’s “The Lion King,” who come together to prove that true love is the greatest power of all. Director Patty Vincent says, “Our goal is to showcase these heartwarming characters in a way that allows the audience to cheer and sing along throughout this emotional journey.” To create a completely immersive experience for the audience, the set design will encompass the space from the ice surface up through the air, drawing everyone into the story and closer to the characters. Families will feel that they are trekking up to the North Mountains with Anna, Kristoff and Sven, and they will tangibly experience the storm inside Elsa. Elsa’s magic will be enhanced by state-of-the-art special effects, while her emotions will be conveyed through powerful skating. Visit the Disney On Ice website for more information, (http://www.disneyonice.com) and stay current on the latest developments through social media, including instructions on how to access pre-sale codes for tickets, as early as today, May 20: {Edit: use pre-sale code “tweets” for tickets now!}

Facebook (www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce)
Twitter (@DisneyOnIce)
YouTube (www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce)

Dates and Times at the Amway Center: (400 West Church Street – Suite 200, Orlando, Florida 32801)

Friday, September 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 6 at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 7 at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

TICKETS: $16, $22, $30, $39 (Premium) & $65 (Front Row). Group sales, call 866.248.8740. Buy tickets at amwaycenter.com, Chase Box Office at Amway Center, Ticketmaster retail locations, charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 or at Ticketmaster.com. All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges. For Amway Center box office and ticket information, visit amwaycenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Amway Center box office). The Amway Center is located at 400 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Amway Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue.

Downtown Disney Marketplace Starbucks Opens-West Side to Follow

19 May 2014 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Today marked one of the first completed changes to the Downtown Disney Marketplace area, soon to be renamed Disney Springs, with this area being called The Landing. The Starbucks kiosk nested between the doors outside of World of Disney opened for business today. Cherry Tree Lane and Centerpiece are set to open inside the Marketplace Co-Op shops on June 6 and the more grand, flagship Starbucks store will open on the West Side on May 30.

Below are some photos of the newest Starbucks location on property. Unlike the Starbucks within the theme parks, this is a completely independent location and does not feature Disney decorated cups or any Disney bakery items. No annual pass or cast discounts available on drinks, but cast members are supposed to be able to get merchandise discounts. Stars may be earned using your registered Starbucks cards as well as redeemed, which is nice since the parks locations are unable to redeem rewards. Prices seem to be a bit steep compared to non-tourist location local Starbucks, but I guess that’s to be expected. Personally, I’m excited to have another “local” Starbucks to choose from, even if parking for this one may be a bit dicey for a while! (Click to enlarge photos – slideshow best viewed on a desktop)

The opening crew of baristas, ready to craft your beverage!

I’m sensing a lot of these shots will be appearing on Instagram soon!

The West Side Starbucks location will be a flagship design, similar to the one recently opened in the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort. That location is gorgeous, so I’m even more excited to see ours open on May 30. The West Side Starbucks will feature 150 seats, which includes indoor and outdoor seating, It will be open from 9am to midnight, which is also a Godsend when you need a coffee late at night – that’s not just me, right?! This location will feature the regular Starbucks menu items both food and beverages, as well as the second and third Clover machines in the area (a Winter Park location has one). The Clover machine coffee will feature a separate register and ordering area.

Currently, 40 Starbucks locations within the US are serving alcohol, and while the West Side store will not open with this option, they are going to begin testing this service in Orlando. If they do start serving beer and wine here, it will be after 4pm.

Downtown Disney West Side Starbucks — West Side Starbucks construction

What do you think? I’m always excited for a new Starbucks, but the West Side location makes me very happy. Part of the fun of Starbucks is being able to relax and enjoy your drink, usually with a view, and maybe even get some work done too. I look forward to having a mobile office location there soon.

Rock Your Disney Side Heroes and Villains 24 Hour Party Details

16 May 2014 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

For the third year in a row, Disney Parks in the US are doing a 24-hour Disney day. Starting with Leap Day back in 2012, we all enjoyed “One More Disney Day” followed in 2013 by the Monstrous Summer Memorial Day 24 Hour Party. This year, we will all Rock Your Disney Side with the Heroes and Villains 24 Hour Party. Guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Disney hero or villain and enjoy 24 continuous hours in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom or the Disneyland Resort parks. The party will feature lots of Hero and Villain photo ops, entertainment and specialty food items as the parks stay open from 6am May 23 – 6am May24. Here’s a rundown of what to see, where to eat and what to do at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom:

Let’s start with the food! There are quite a few must-try options available only for the event, hopefully there are no cupcake overdoses! (All food photos ©Disney)

Rock Your Disney Side Cupcake – at the Main Street Confectionery, Big Top Souvenirs, or Prairie Outpost & Supply
Maleficent Cupcake, Frozen-themed Cupcake, & Olaf Carrot Cupcake – at the Main Street Bakery

Princess-themed Cupcakes – will be found at Gaston’s Tavern
Poisoned Apple Waffle Sundae – Sleepy Hollow

Poisoned Apple Shortcake Sundae – Storybook Treats

Olaf Sipper Cup with Specialty Beverage – found at Friar’s Nook and The Lunching Pad
Heroes and Villains-themed Cotton Candy – various locations at Outdoor Food carts

Mickey’s Kitchen Sink Sundae – at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (but I believe this is available normally now)

If 6am is too early to Rock Your Sweet Tooth, many dining locations will be offering a breakfast option on the morning of the 23rd or 24th depending on location. One of my favorite moments of last year’s event was having beignets at 5am in front of Cinderella Castle. Hoping for something to top that this year! For organization purposes, I put together a handy dandy table of what’s available:

Location Name:	Friday 5/23	Saturday 5/24	Hot Breakfast Served:
Main Street Bakery	yes	yes	breakfast sandwiches
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor	no	yes
Casey’s Corner	yes	yes	breakfast sandwich
Auntie Gravity’s	yes	no
The Lunching Pad	yes	yes	breakfast hot dog
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe	no	yes	breakfast sandwich
Cheshire Cafe	yes	no
Storybook Treats	no	yes
Friar’s Nook	no	yes
Pinocchio Village Haus	no	yes	breakfast flatbread pizza
Gaston’s Tavern	yes	yes
Liberty Square Market	yes	no
Sleepy Hollow	yes	yes	breakfast waffle sandwich
Columbia Harbor House	yes	yes	French toast sticks & bacon
Westward Ho	yes	yes
Pecos Bill’s	no	yes	breakfast sandwich
Sunshine Tree Terrace	yes	no
Aloha Isle	no	yes

As more information becomes available on other dining locations or times, I’ll of course update this post.

Entertainment options will offer a little something for everyone to enjoy:

Special Character Greetings will take place both Friday and Saturday – Disney heroes and villains will be making appearances around the park, check the Times Guide for more information.
Special Photo Opportunities both Friday and Saturday will be held at the Rose Garden and Rocket Tower Plaza.
Disney’s Up All Night Dance Party and Frontierland Dance Party will rock the night away starting at 2am and ending at 5:15am in Frontierland and 5:45am by Cinderella Castle.
Incredibles Super Movie Night will take place after the #IncrediblesSuperDanceParty! and show a screening of The Incredibles from 11pm – 5am.
It’s Good to Be Bad Villainous Celebration is a special night time parade with Disney villains taking place before the Main Street Electrical Parade at 10:45pm on Friday and 12:45am Saturday, along the usual parade route.
Kiss Goodnight – to culminate the 24 hour party, this farewell will happen at 5:50am Saturday morning at the Town Square Train Station.

Merchandise – in addition to all the food items above, a special Rock Your Disney Heroes and Villains Glow in the Dark T-Shirt and other Rock Your Disney Side items will be available at the Emporium.

Transportation to the parks from Disney resorts will begin 45 minutes prior to park opening and the monorail will end operations between the TTC and Epcot at 11pm.

Will you be rocking your Disney Side for 24 full hours? I know many think we must be crazy to stay in a park for that long, but the reason I love it is because it is the perfect way to experience the park as I want to; enjoying the scenery, landscaping and gardens, the quiet little nooks where you can just people watch and relax. I’d be happy not going on a single attraction, although I must admit, riding the Peoplemover in the wee hours of the morning is a must do. Hopefully we can get some rides in on the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train too if there are soft openings happening. The fact that Starbucks is there now is perfect too. If you do go, take some time to enjoy the aspects of the park that you would never normally see – sunrise over the Castle is a must. What are you most looking forward to experiencing? Let me know in the comments below!

Disney’s Cinderella Live Action Movie Poster and Teaser

15 May 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

This image and teaser was just released today and has already caused quite a buzz. Originally announced at the D23 Expo last summer, the live-action film will give more insight into the backstory of Cinderella’s parents before dipping in to the familiar tale. The official synopsis below:

The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.” She will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an apprentice at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit (Richard Madden). Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand, and a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham-Carter) steps forward and – armed with a pumpkin and a few mice – changes Cinderella’s life forever.

A live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella” brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realized characters in a visually dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation.

What do you think? “Cinderella” will be released through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on March 13, 2015.

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