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Top Stories

Study Scareonomics at Monsters University-Official Poster Released

3 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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After sharing several fun images and teaser trailers with alternate endings, Disney-Pixar has now released the official movie poster for Monsters University, starring the voice talents of Billy Crystal and John Goodman. At Monsters University, we’ll see what sort of scare-jinx the pair got into before working together on the Scare Floor. Be sure to check out the official Monsters University campus website too, where you can purchase apparel to show your school spirit!

 

Monsters University movie poster

Like MONSTERS UNIVERSITY on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity

 

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY arrives in theatres everywhere on June 21, 2013!

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Filed Under: Disney News, Movies & Books, Official Disney, Top Stories Tagged With: billy crystal, Disney, Disney Pixar, Disney•Pixar, Disney|Pixar, John Goodman, Monsters Inc, Monsters Inc prequel, Monsters University, Monsters University official poster, movie poster, official Disney, Pixar, teaser trailers

GIVEAWAY: Epic Mickey 2-The Power of Two Game Plus Oswald Ears

3 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis 71 Comments

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Disney’s Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is shaping up to be THE gift for the holiday season, and now you have a chance to get one of five copies I’m giving away here at Zannaland, thanks to the wonderful folks at Disney Interactive. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, you’ll also get a set of Oswald ears, so you can play your game in style.

Oswald Ear Hats

 

I’m going to make entering extra simple, with the use of Rafflecopter below. Just log in using facebook or your email and check off the options for extra entries without leaving this page. The one mandatory entry is leaving a comment on this page. If you need a little inspiration or just want to learn more about the Epic Mickey 2 gameplay, head over to my Epic Mickey 2 review for the game trailer and some gorgeous hi-res photos of the gameplay.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Best of luck in the giveaway and in saving Wasteland!

Epic Mickey 2 The Power of Two game giveaway

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Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Giveaways, Official Disney, Top Stories, Video Games and Apps Tagged With: contest, Disney, disney interactive, Disney Interactive Studios, Epic Mickey, Epic Mickey 2, Epic Mickey 2 game giveaway, Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, Giveaway, Junction Point, Oswald ears, Oswald ears giveaway, rafflecopter

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Delivers Holiday Magic

29 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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One of the most common questions I was asked while on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel, and still get asked today, has always been, “Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party worth the ticket price?” My answer has always been a resounding, “YES!” This season, my response is the same, it’s so worth it.

There are quite a few beacons which light the way to the holiday season: Starbucks serving their holiday flavors (pro tip: peppermint is actually available year round – shhh!), the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, showcasing the Radio City Rockettes and the famous Santa finale, and of course, the Magic Kingdom’s annual Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, where it snows on Main Street, U.S.A., hot cocoa and cookies are free throughout the park, and holiday magic swirls around you at every turn. Disney does magic better than anyone around, and during the holidays, the pixie dust is increased and the spirit of the season is everywhere.

This year, all the things that make the Christmas Party so great are back again:

  • Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa
  • Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade
  • Holiday Wishes Fireworks Spectacular and
  • Shows and dance parties at the Castle forecourt, Tomorrowland, and Frontierland
  • Special character meet and greets

My favorites the marching wooden soldiers in the parade, and the beautiful Holiday Wishes fireworks, which always bring a tear to my eye.

This visit, as locals who attend the party yearly, I decided to do something a little different and just roam around and check out the holiday extras around the park.  As a result, we stumbled upon the group Rusty Cutlass performing outside of Pirates of the Caribbean. This jaunty band of pirate lads (and lass) were fantastic to experience. My four year-old absolutely loved watching and getting to participate by taking the pirate’s oath and dancing around to the music. They played a mix of holiday classics melded with a Caribbean twist and were just great fun. Be sure to keep an eye out for them on your next visit, and if you love acts like this, which really make Walt Disney World special, be sure to stop by City Hall or Guest Relations and let them know how much you appreciated the performances!

You can watch videos of the parade and party highlights from past years’ posts too.  Here are some photos from this year’s party – click any photo to view as a slideshow:

Castle Dream Lights
Merry Christmas from the Place Where Dreams Come True!
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Cinderella Castle Dream Lights
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Holiday Wishes over Cinderella Castle
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Holiday Wishes, it was a foggy night – apologies for my obstructed view
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Fireworks light up the sky
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
The jolly ol’ elf himself, Santa Claus, ends the parade
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
The famous Wooden Soldiers march in the parade
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey and Minnie Mouse kick off the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Cookies and Cocoa (and other treats!) in Tomorrowland
Rusty Cutlass
Rusty Cutlass reciting the Pirate Oath
Rusty Cutlass
Rusty Cutlass performing holiday cheer
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Snow on Main Street, U.S.A.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Head to City Hall to visit with Santa Claus and tell him your wishes
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Wooden Soldiers stand at attention in Town Square
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Main Street, U.S.A. with holiday flair

 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets may be purchased online for select nights through December 21, 2012.

Disclosure: I was provided complimentary tickets to the party for the purposes of this post. My thoughts and opinions and love of Christmas are my own.

 

 

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Filed Under: Disney Holidays, Disney Movie News & Reviews, Disney Special Events, Theme Park Holiday Events, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: christmastime, dance parties, Disney Christmas parade, Disney Christmas Party, Disney holidays, Disney Special Events, Disney videos, free cookies, free hot chocolate, holiday events, Holidays, hot cocoa, Magic Kingdom, merry christmas party, Mickey's Christmas Party, Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World Holiday decorations

Disney LeSportsac Winter 2012 London Collection

27 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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LeSportsac’s collaboration with Disney, using Mary Blair-inspired designs under the “it’s a small world” moniker, is quickly gaining popularity just like the Disney Dooney & Bourke collection has done for the past few years. With the success of the initial summer Disney LeSportsac line, the Fall and Winter line started appearing in Disney parks as well as being available for purchase online.

I was recently in TrenD at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney Marketplace, and saw many of the new Winter London collection for sale:

 

Disney LeSportsac Winter 2012 London
Everyday bag with charm – $98

 

Disney LeSportsac Winter 2012 London
Kasey letter carrier with charm – $48

 

Disney LeSportsac Winter 2012 London
Mini Basic Backpack with charm – $78

 

Disney LeSportsac Winter 2012 London
Picture Tote in the “Time to Share” pattern with charm – $148

 

Keep an eye out for more of these cute designs showing up at a Disney park near you!

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Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: backpack, collaboration, cute designs, Disney LeSportsac, disney park, Disney parks, Disney purses, Downtown Disney, Downtown Disney Marketplace, Fancy That, handbags, It's a Small World, lesportsac, LeSportsac Disney Small World Collection, letter carrier, London 2012 collection, london collection, Mary Blair, original art, purses, Small World, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World, winter line

Disney’s Art of Animation Celebrates its First Christmas

27 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Disney's Art of Animation Christmas twinkling tree

With such a colorful entrance into the Disney resort family, Art of Animation resort was in my sights to check out for the holidays to see just what Disney had up its sleeve to decorate their newest resort. Being a Value, or Value Plus resort, of course the Christmas decorations will be a little more low-key than say the Deluxe resorts. Still, it was fun to see and the decor definitely fits into the resort’s capture of the animation process.

Like the overall theme of Disney’s Art of Animation, the Christmas decor starts off colorless, like a blank page, with sketches. As you progress through the lobby, color is added and as a fan of rainbow colors and white Christmas trees, I was in heaven! It’s a very fun, colorful display, that just makes you happy. All that’s missing are those fun rainbow candy canes my mom always used to get!

 

 

 

Here is a gallery overview of the holiday decorations and details of Disney’s Art of Animation resort – click any photo to view as a slideshow:

Disney's Art of Animation Christmas twinkling tree
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Looking back at the check-in area from Ink & Paint Shop
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Swag within Ink & Paint Shop
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Decorations within the Ink & Paint merchandise shop.
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Crush was the only representative from Finding Nemo.
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Above the exit to the pool area and guest room buildings. There are more sketches in the swag.
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
The one sketch on the tree that was not Ariel or Young Simba.
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
The lobby tree at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Looks like a multi-colored tree, but upon closer inspection, you’ll find familiar sketches nestled within the branches.
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Pretty pink background and green wreath!
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Blue swag in the middle of the check-in area.
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Had to use the flash on this one, so you could see the adorable pink wreath!
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
The check-in area features colorful wreaths contrasting the color on the walls behind them.
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Small tree in the kids area of the lobby.
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Multi-colored wreath inside the lobby.
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Inside the lobby, the color begins.
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
Here, all the decorations are pure white, with no color, just like the sketches-to-painted cells progression within the lobby.
Disney's Art of Animation Christmas
The outside of the resort as you approach.

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Disney Holidays, Disney Resorts, Top Stories Tagged With: AoA, Art of Animation, Art of Animation Christmas, Christmas, Christmas decorations, Disney, Disney Christmas, Disney Christmas decorations, Disney holidays, disney resort, Disney Resort holiday decor, Disney Resorts, Disney resorts holidays, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, holiday decoration

20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Disney Dooney and Bourke Bags

20 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis 6 Comments

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WDW Marathon Dooney & Bourke BagsKeeping up with the tradition of limited edition Disney Dooney and Bourke handbag designs for the Run Disney half marathon races, Disney has come out with a new design for the 20th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Marathon.

A blue bag with various Mickey Mouse silhouettes in different designs, this bag is less about racing icons and more about the Big Cheese himself. There is one version of Mickey in a running pose, which is what sets this design apart from previous Mickey designs. There will also be a special WDW Marathon hang tag as was on the previous RunDisney Dooney & Bourke limited edition bags. limThe pricing for the bags are: $280.00 for the Dooney & Bourke Satchel Purse and $200.00 for the Dooney & Bourke Letter Carrier Purse. The prices include tax and a non-refundable processing fee.

This time around Disney has gotten smart and set up the bags for pre-purchase at their active.com race registration site. There is a maximum 2 bag purchase per registration. Hopefully these new stipulations will ensure less eBay poachers and more fans of the bags themselves.

If you’re ready to run and grab your bags, click here to order.

 

Walt Disney World 20th Anniversary Marathon Dooney & Bourke Bags

 

 

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

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

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Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Disney Special Events, RunDisney, Top Stories Tagged With: 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon, 2013 WDW Marathon, 20th anniversary, designer bags, designer handbags, designer purses, Disney, Disney Dooney, Disney Dooney & Bourke, Disney Dooney and Bourke, Disney marathon, Disney marathon Dooney & Bourke bags, Disney Merchandise, Disney parks, Dooney & Bourke, Dooney and Bourke, Dooney marathon purse, exclusive Dooney and Bourke, half marathon, handbags, letter carrier, Limited Edition, limited edition Disney Dooney & Bourke, limited edition merchandise, marathon logo, marathon weekend, purses, runDisney, runners, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World marathon, WDW Marathon

It’s ICE ICE Baby! – Top 5 Favorite Scenes From Gaylord Palms Merry Madagascar

19 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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One of my favorite parts of living in Orlando are the wonderful holiday events and happenings. Gaylord Palms is an absolutely gorgeous resort and it becomes a sparkling jewel for the holidays. My family and I love making ICE! an annual tradition, where over 2 million pounds of ice are carved by skilled Chinese artisans, with a new theme for each holiday season. This year, it’s “Merry Madagascar” and all of your favorites are there; King Julien, Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman, and of course, MORT! There are SO many amazing things to see at ICE!, I think I took over 100 photos. However, rather than show you everything, I want to share my top 5 scenes, and hopefully entice you to get over to Gaylord Palms and see the rest in person!

My Top 5 Favorite Scenes at Gaylord Palms ICE! – Merry Madagascar

5. Frozen Coconuts!

Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
This is in my top 5 not because of the adorable Mort on King Julien’s lap but because of the coconuts to the right. They are just so cute!

 

Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
See? Coconuts! Out of ice! So fun.

 

4. Sparkly Penguins!

Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
Another of my favorite parts – these little columns the penguins are on were SPARKLY and PINK in person!

 

3. Pink Eiffel Tower and pastel St. Basil’s!

Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
A pink and purple Eiffel Tower in ice?! Yes, please.

 

Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
St. Basil’s Cathedral in the ice slide area is also a favorite – I love the color choices.

 

 2. Super Slides!

Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
The famous ice slides!

 

1. Frozen Waterfall!

Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
This waterfall was my absolute favorite feature. SO beautifully colored and the bubble details are just great.

 

Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
Bubbles detail on the frozen waterfall. So pretty!

 

But there is much more to the holidays at Gaylord Palms than just ICE! Within the ICE! area, there are also special character greeting photo ops and Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating, as well as a huge selection of holiday and themed merchandise and a cafe serving holiday treats. In addition, the main atrium lobby has breathtaking Christmas decorations and a nightly Christmas show called Luminescence – featuring The Edge Effect, and the Polar Bear Pursuit Scavenger Hunt. Below is a gallery of some more highlights from Gaylord Palms holiday happenings – click any photo to view as a slideshow:

Gaylord Palms holiday lights
Such a beautiful resort all the time, even more so at the holidays!
Gaylord Palms Holiday decor
The lights and tree in the atrium lobby are just gorgeous. The holiday show is wonderful too.
Gaylord Palms ICE!
Gingy with two of my little Christmas elves.
Gaylord Palms ICE!
Gingy! This is Gingy’s Gingerbread decorating area, for an additional cost, you can decorate various types of gingerbread with Gingy!
Gaylord Palms ICE!
More Merry Madagascar merchandise.
Gaylord Palms ICE!
Lots of ICE! themed merchandise is available as well as a wonderful selection of holiday ornaments and decor.
Gaylord Palms ICE!
Merry Madagascar ICE! mugs in the shop after the ice area.
Gaylord Palms ICE!
Also inside the ICE! experience, you can get fun photos with some of your favorite Madagascar characters. ICE! is so much fun, even more so with a group of great friends!
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
As always, the ICE! presentation ends with a solemn ice nativity scene.
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
Bubbles detail on the frozen waterfall. So pretty!
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
1. This waterfall was my absolute favorite feature. SO beautifully colored and the bubble details are just great.
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
My frozen kids had a blast.
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
Santa and Christmas are saved!
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
More of the ice slides.
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
2. The famous ice slides!
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
3. A pink and purple Eiffel Tower in ice?! Yes, please.
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
Ice Kremlin in the ice slide area.
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
Another of my favorite parts – these little columns the penguins are on were SPARKLY and PINK in person!
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
MORT!
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
See? Coconuts! Out of ice! So adorable.
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
King Julien with Mort (my favorite!).
Gaylord Palms ICE!
The entrance to ICE! with shopping area and a cafe for holiday treats.
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
Merry Madagascar in ICE!

 

You can see the rest of my photos on my ICE! 2012 flickr set.

The best way to see all of the wonderful holiday offerings is of course, to stay right at the Gaylord Palms. Guests seeking a complete Christmas experience can purchase special “Christmassy DreamWorks Experience” packages starting at $189.99 per room, per night (for a three night stay)! Packages include unlimited visits to ICE! and a number of other activities, including a ShrekFeast Interactive Character Meal, and more!

ICE! is open daily from Nov. 10, 2012 through Jan. 1, 2013, including holidays. Ticket prices for children start at $9.99, and adult ticket prices start at $18.99. Florida Residents — Save an extra $4 per ticket. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.christmasatgaylordpalms.com. ICE! is presented by Coca-Cola.

Disclosure: I was provided tickets to attend a media preview of ICE! but my thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Filed Under: Central Florida Family Entertainment, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, Orlando Area Resorts, Top Stories Tagged With: Christmas at Gaylord Palms, Gaylord hotels, Gaylord Palms, Gaylord Palms ICE!, Gaylord Palms Orlando, Gingy, Gingy's Gingerbread Decorating, holiday events, holiday season, Holidays at Gaylord Palms, ice sculptures, Ice slide, ICE!, King Julien, Madagascar, Merry Madagascar, nativity, nativity in ice, Orlando area resorts, Orlando holidays, penguins

Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln: A Powerful Look At Our Nation’s History

15 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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In our present day of social media, apps and instant gratification, it can be hard to impart the lessons of our U.S. history and the people that made our land great, in a way that has a memorable effect. Because of this, the motion picture industry can be a powerful tool in bringing stories and history that might not be learned otherwise, to the masses. Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln is a perfect example of this.

Daniel Day Lewis in Lincoln

Personally, I have always been a fan of history of any kind, and U.S. history was no exception. I loved reading about the development of our country, from colonial times to the pioneers to the creation of the National Parks. When you read about history however, it can be hard to get past the bullet point highlights of a particular time frame or a persona. Abraham Lincoln, known as “Honest Abe” has a reputation few can compare to. Honesty, doing the right thing, and frank candor are what he is known for. This peek into his presidency offers a much more raw and unfiltered look at what actually went on to achieve the end of the Civil War and the ratification of the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery.

Despite Lincoln’s reputation as an honest and forthright president, the film shows that he did whatever it took to get the 13th Amendment passed, even employing some undesirables to get the signatures he needed. It was a fascinating look at the process and I found myself wanting to learn more about each name and person that appeared on screen. I wanted to know their story, their contribution to our nation, their place in history. I guess perhaps that is the best compliment I can give Lincoln, as a film – the fact that it made me want to go out and learn more.

The cinematography, costumes and overall feel of the film was just wonderful. I loved little details like panning across a planning room with Lincoln and his advisers, and how each gentleman in the room had their own little journal. Just seeing how authentic everything looked was like being able to step back in time to what running the country and living in the 1800’s was really like. I was also relieved that, although the loss of life in the seemingly endless battles of the Civil War is important to note, it wasn’t the focal point of the movie, and the blood and gore was kept to a minimum (but it is there in places). The way they handled Lincoln’s assassination was extremely well done and I was impressed as well.

LINCOLN

The performances by one and all were simply flawless. Daniel Day Lewis seems to be born to play our 16th president, in almost an eerie way. Sally Field was amazing and powerful as Mary Todd Lincoln and each additional character lent something important to the screen. It was truly an ensemble cast and the writing made it enjoyable from start to finish. I loved the little stories Lincoln would tell and how his cronies would groan and get frustrated with him telling them. His jokes injected a much-needed levity to the subject matter and seeing the human side of him as a father and husband was a unique insight.

I loved the film and I cannot wait to see it again, own it when it comes out on DVD, and begin my quest to learn more about our country’s history. I recommend this to anyone and everyone, it should be required viewing to appreciate and honor the story of the United States; to learn and grow from our history.

;


Lincoln opens in theatres on Friday, Novermber 16. In preparation for the release of the film, you can now go behind-the-scenes of the movie with this exclusive interactive book “Lincoln: Discover the Story.” See how a crucial time in America’s history was recreated and brought to the screen with beautiful photos, art, interviews, music and more!

Available for now for FREE download for the iPad: http://bit.ly/QbEVRP

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Movie Reviews, Movies & Books, Reviews, Top Stories Tagged With: 13th amendment, abraham lincoln, Daniel Day Lewis, Dreamworks Lincoln, Dreamworks Pictures, honest abe, linclon, Lincoln movie, Lincoln movie review, Lincoln review, movie review, presidency, Sally Field, Steven Spielberg

Confessions of a Former Barista: Thoughts on Starbucks in Disney Parks

14 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis 15 Comments

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California Adventure StarbucksThose who know me online and off are aware of my established reputation as a coffee addict. If you checked my instagram and twitpic accounts, photos of me drinking coffee probably rank second only to castle photos, much to the dismay of those who follow my adventures and are tired of seeing my coffee shots, I’m sure.

I had my first cappuccino in Boston’s North End, the area known for its Italian residents and authentic restaurants and pastry shops. Growing up in New England, of course I was also brought up with a Dunkin Donuts on every corner. I had avoided Starbucks out of a panicked fear of what to order. That finally changed in 2004 when a friend wanted to meet me at a Starbucks. I looked at the menu board and almost passed out in confusion. I just told her to order me something, and she got me an iced peppermint white mocha. If any drink was the right one to start off my first Starbucks experience, that was it. It was SO good, a perfect mix of sweet and peppermint and coffee all in one. I was in heaven, and Starbucks had officially gained a new disciple.

Starbucks became my new friend, and whenever I was near one, I went in and tried something new. It wasn’t only the coffee itself, but the act of getting the coffee, the cup, the whole ritual. I am actually an enigma to the baristas wherever I go, because I do not have a regular drink. I like to switch it up and though I will go through phases, I don’t have any one favorite drink. Baristas like to know your drink order if you are a regular. Ideally, once they see you walk in, they grab a cup, write up your drink, and have your total before you can even reach the counter. And that is fostered and encouraged by management. So I’m messing with that system a little, but it’s okay. Despite the reputation Starbucks and its baristas sometimes have for being snobby, they really are just concerned with making great coffee and giving exceptional service. Sound like any other company we know?

Starbucks barista
Me in barista form, circa 2007

Back in 2006, I found myself with some free time on my hands, as both of my oldest children were now in school. I had befriended a barista and she encouraged me to work with her part-time. So I did, and it was perhaps the best thing I’d done in a long, long time. Making coffee was actually fun and the customers who ordered it were seemingly just as excited about it as I was. I took pride in my position and in everything I made, and soon was tapped to be a trainer for the store.

There is a reason why Starbucks as a company has such a wonderful reputation, and why their service is always so amazing when you go there. They do not automatically hire someone just because they know how to pour a cup of coffee. They look for people, or partners, who are passionate about coffee and giving great service. Once on board, partners receive extensive training – before they even get near the coffee they learn where it comes from, why they roast it the way they do, and how it gets to the stores. Employees are also instantly stockholders in the company, making their success and the company’s success one in the same.

It was an honor to wear the green apron every day and go the extra mile whenever possible to make people’s days that much brighter. Until I’d worked at both Disney and Starbucks, I didn’t realize how similar they were, in the act of making people happy and ensuring needs and expectations are met and exceeded. Even now, I find myself still picking up trash I may see on the ground in the Parks, or helping out a guest with a question even though I haven’t worked there in 16 years. Similarly, I find myself defending Starbucks to strangers and friends, and educating them on what each drink contains and what they might like. What can I say? When you find your passions, they never really leave you.

Because of that love of coffee and knowledge of how Starbucks works, I was thrilled and excited to hear about their partnership with Disney Parks. I’d walk through the parks and think, “all that’s missing is a Starbucks” (okay and maybe Horizons and the original Journey into Imagination and World of Motion, while you’re at it). And now it’s finally happening. Would it be the same if another national coffee chain were brought into the parks? I don’t believe so. I truly feel that the training and allegiance Starbucks has to its product and its people is unparallelled. Dare I say, even greater than that of the Walt Disney Company. Starbucks took something as simple as coffee beans and water and elevated it just enough to make it an experience and a luxury rather than a necessity. It made coffee something the average person felt they had to have, pay more for, and come back again and again.

Fiddler Fifer and Practical Cafe
Look at the gorgeous Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Cafe at Disney’s California Adventure. Photo ©TheDisneyResort

Starbucks, at least every store I’ve encountered, has well-trained, knowledgeable staff who are committed to making you exactly what you want. Granted, that level of training and service is concentrated into one niche and defined set of tasks versus the 60,000+ Cast Members who work in varied roles across Walt Disney World alone. That said, I do hope the devotion to training and service established by Starbucks is kept up by Disney. If anything, walking into a Starbucks at at Disney Park should be the ultimate guest service experience, given the reputation of both companies. The key here will be consistency and dedication to the products being served. I know it’s hard in some Food and Beverage roles to be passionate about slinging scrambled eggs or french fries for their entire shift. Making several hundred Frappuccinos a day is no different, but the reputation for hand-crafted drinks made to your specifications precedes the ‘hourly Cast Member working Food & Beverage’ stereotype that may exist.

I have now experienced the first Starbucks within a Disney Park (the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Café at Disney California Adventure) several times, during two separate trips.  Apart from the drink choices and the competitive prices, it definitely did not feel like a regular Starbucks experience, due to the nature of the set-up. I had to actually seek out the “Starbucks” sign, it isn’t the focal point of the space, inside or out. The café features Disney theming first, and Starbucks products second. Because of the popularity when it first opened, cast members were stationed with digital ordering devices to expedite the vast line. My first visit was the longest time I’d ever waited for a drink, but I expected it, and because of my personal addiction to Starbucks, it was totally worth it to me. I’d have waited in the Radiator Springs Fastpass line to get an iced Caramel Macchiatto with no complaint. However, knowing what it takes time-wise to make each drink served on the menu, I couldn’t help but play armchair barista and wonder if there was a better way to get drinks out in a timely manner. Iced lattes are one of the easiest drinks to make and should not take more than a few minutes if you have a person dedicated to that type of drink vs. trying to create Frappuccinos, hot drinks, and iced drinks all at the same time.

By the very nature of a theme park location, the interactions and service will be different. With the exception of a few locals perhaps, there won’t be recognized regulars and because of the fast-paced busy location, the interaction between guest and barista will probably be minimal as a rule. However, that does not mean that the traditional Starbucks experience must be lost in the shuffle. My hope is that the Cast Members set in those roles and the Starbucks trainers that guide them, will share their passion with each cup that passes across the counter in a Disney Park, making it one of the best partnerships to date.

Starbucks California Adventure
Just Got Happier!

There may be grumblings about Starbucks going into the Main Street Bakery, but as was pointed out in the Disney Parks Blog update, the items folks were concerned about being missing are available in other areas of the Magic Kingdom, and the Bakery will keep its name. Walt Disney’s first park, Disneyland, was founded with partnerships like Coca Cola, Pepsi, and Carnation, as were all the additional theme parks. Starbucks is a logical choice for a stable, established partner with a bevy of loyal and addicted fans. And have you seen their baked goods and treats?? I am ridiculously excited to be able to walk around multiple Disney Parks holding a delicious, fresh espresso drink. I’m also curious to see how the Starbucks concept fits into the Future World of Epcot in Fountain View Ice Cream, since the other two locations are set in a vintage time period. And if by chance you are not a coffee fan, Starbucks has some fabulous non-coffee drinks as well like iced teas, green tea options, and non-coffee Frappuccinos and hot chocolates too.  My passions are aligning, and I like it. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Starbucks partnership, let me know what you think in the comments below.

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Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney News, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: coffee addict, coffee shops, coffees, Disney, Disney California Adventure, Disney coffee, Disney parks, Disney Starbucks, Disneyland, dunkin donuts, Epcot, Fiddler Fifer Practical Cafe, Fountain View Ice Cream, lattes, Magic Kingdom, Main Street Bakery, starbucks, Walt Disney World

Behind the Scenes: Wilderness Lodge Christmas Comes to Life Overnight

13 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree InstallationLast evening I stumbled upon the serendipitous event of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Christmas tree installation. I have never, in all of my years of visiting Walt Disney World, ever seen resort holiday decorations being put up, so it was fun to sit back and watch this spectacle. Of course, it’s easy to assume these overnight transformations happen by magic and pixie dust alone, but as I learned last night, it’s actually a huge, multi-cast member operation full of semi-trucks, cranes, ladders and patience!

Below is a slideshow of last night’s events, which continued into the wee hours of the morning. The whole operation began a little after 11pm and I stayed to witness it through 2am, when there was still quite a bit left to assemble on the tree, but so much had already been pixie dusted too. Enjoy the photos of the process!

 

Click any photo to view as a slideshow:

Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree
I couldn’t stay until they were done, but here’s a gorgeous photo of the finished lobby from the talented Tom Bricker.
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
The tree is raised up to get more branches installed
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
The Bear family is back in place, waiting to be lit up
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
Some deer await their new home
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
Another view of the tree being installed
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
More decorations waiting to get installed
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
More sections of the tree stand are installed
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
Ready to be raised higher
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
The lights in one section are briefly turned on
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
Assessing the situation
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
Raising the tree
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
THEY use antlers in all of their decorating too!
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
The first parts of the tree are installed
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
More installation preparation
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
The crane goes up almost to the ceiling
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
Garland installed on every other floor
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
The wreath on the fireplace installed
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
A crane is brought in to hang a chain from the ceiling to support the tree
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
A large wreath is installed over the lobby fireplace
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
Unwrapping tree parts
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
Close-up of the tee pee ornaments
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
More tree parts – look, the famous tee pees!
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
A wreath awaits installation
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
Smaller trees are brought in and the floor is protected for the cranes to come in
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
Wreaths are brought up to higher floors too
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
Boxes of wreaths and tree limbs arrive in the lobby
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
The “before” – setting the stage for the Christmas tree installation
Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree Installation
Outside wreaths are installed

 

More photos like the last one may be found at Tom Bricker’s site DisneyTouristBlog or on his Flickr account.

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Filed Under: Disney Holidays, Disney Resorts, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: behind the scenes, Christmas, Christmas decorations, christmas tree, Disney, Disney Christmas decorations, Disney holiday, Disney holiday resort decor, Disney hotel decorations, holiday decorations, photos, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World, Wilderness Lodge, Wilderness Lodge Christmas tree, Wilderness Lodge Christmas tree installation, Wilderness Lodge tree

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