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New Sweepstakes Offers D23 Members the Chance to Win a Once-In-a-Lifetime Tour

17 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Hot off the presses, check out this latest bit of news from D23 – a sweepstakes for the ultimate Disney fan (that’s you!) —

In celebration of Disneyland’s 58th anniversary today, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has launched the “Off the Map Sweepstakes.” Twenty-five lucky D23 Members and their guests will be invited to Disneyland Park to visit four of the park’s little-seen but widely heard of locations: Walt Disney’s private apartment, the Lilly Belle VIP parlor car on the Disneyland Railroad, Circle D Ranch, and the Disneyland Dream Suite.

“Our friends at Disneyland will give the winning D23 Members a special glimpse at some of the park’s most amazing hidden gems, special places that most guests never get to see,” said Steven Clark, Head of D23. “Our first ‘Off the Map’ member event in 2012 was such a huge hit that we wanted to reprise it with this special sweepstakes so even more of our members have a chance to visit these truly magical and historical Disneyland locations.”

Winners will be able to explore:

· Walt Disney’s private apartment: Built during the initial construction of Disneyland, Walt Disney’s private apartment is a quaint studio dwelling, filled with Victorian decor, family photos, and antiques selected by the Disney family.

· Lilly Belle VIP parlor car: Disneyland guests have long taken grand circle tours on the Disneyland Railroad, but few ever enjoy the ride from the elegant Lilly Belle VIP car parlor. Named after Walt’s wife, Lillian, the Lilly Belle is truly a piece of history, built in 1955, and refurbished to its modern state of luxury for America’s bicentennial celebration in 1976.

· Circle D Ranch: From the friendly goats at Big Thunder Ranch to the horses who carry guests down Main Street, U.S.A., Circle D Ranch is home to Disneyland’s beloved “four-legged cast members.”

· Disneyland Dream Suite: This private space above Pirates of the Caribbean was originally planned to be another apartment for Walt Disney, but he passed away before its completion. In 2008, Imagineers used some of Walt’s original ideas and some truly magical surprises of their own to transform it into a fantasy villa like no other.

D23 Members may enter the sweepstakes beginning today through August 23 at D23.com. The tour will take place on Wednesday, October 2. Winners will be able to attend with one (1) guest. For complete rules, details, and eligibility please visit D23.com. No purchase required; guests may join D23 for free at D23.com.

First Official Trailer Plus Photos and Thoughts on Saving Mr. Banks!

11 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

I cannot properly put into words how excited I am for Saving Mr. Banks. I have been saying, wishing, hoping for years that a movie about the behind-the-scenes-history of the Walt Disney Company. I have been fascinated since I was a small child with the man himself, Walt Disney, and since learning more and more as I grew up (well, physically anyway, mentally I’m probably still about 11 when it comes to Disney), I yearned for more and more knowledge about how things were done back then. It is rare that an empire is built who’s beginnings intrigue us so. I’m sure the first years of Coca-cola and Pepsi, and certainly Apple are interesting as well, but Walt Disney’s singular determination and devotion to making people happy and his never-ending drive to create new and never-been-experienced things is just a part of what makes him so well-loved.

Since no one is tackling his complete life story in movie-form, Saving Mr. Banks is the next best thing and when I first heard of its production, I believe tiny hearts formed in my eyes. I will admit I was a bit skeptical about Tom Hanks being able to step outside himself and become Walt Disney, and after seeing the trailer below, I kind of feel the same way, but I am still okay with it as I love Tom Hanks as he is. So if anyone was to portray the beloved Uncle Walt, I feel it is him. And after seeing Jason Schwartzman and B.J. Novak as the Sherman brothers, I am head over heels in love. Emma Thompson of course does an amazing job of the not-so-jolly P.L. Travers and I think is another perfect fit. Let’s watch the trailer below and let me know in the comments what you think!

Trailer: Saving Mr. Banks on Disney Video
Thoughts? Here are some more official photos released from the movie studio as well. It was fun to hear that many of the extras cast in the film are actual Disneyland cast members. A lovely touch. More than just excitement for the actors and the film itself, the story of Saving Mr. Banks seems to be a wonderfully heartwarming look at the inner workings of P.L. Travers resistance and final agreement to give over the rights for Mary Poppins. It’s such a wonderful look behind the scenes at a film beloved by all. It’s hard to imagine it almost never was, and knowing that only because of Walt Disney’s persistence and creativity in persuasion do we have such a classic, is a wonderful monument to the man he was. Saving Mr. Banks is set to release on December 20, 2013. See you at the movies!

P.L. Travers Saving Mr. Banks — This photo seems to be from the filming of the iconic Mary Poppins movie premier, with actors to the left and right of Emma Thompson representing Dick Van Dyke and Jule Andrews. (source: imdb.com)

Festival of the Masters 2012 Photo Tour

11 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

John Coulter's artwork for Festival of the Masters — John Coulter’s artwork for Festival of the Masters

The action never stops at Walt Disney World Resort and just when the Halloween events have ended and the International Food and Wine Festival is winding down, the Festival of the Masters shines on the second weekend in November, bringing artists and craftsmen from around the world to Downtown Disney to share their talents. Sponsored by Michaels stores, the Festival of the Masters offers something for everyone, from kids and family crafts, to fine art displays and sales. It is a great way to discover some new favorite artists and see the talent that lies behind Disney’s amazing Cast Members as well.

The Disney art section is always my favorite, with fabulous artists like Will Gay, Noah, Katie Kelly, and so many more, sharing their hard work and interpretation of Disney classics. Be sure to check out the LEGO booths, which offer a chance to create a mosaic tile which becomes part of a larger LEGO mural. There are other interactive stops stretching all across Downtown Disney from the West Side to the Marketplace. Chalk drawings, artist signings and more await. Here are some photo highlights – click any photo to view as a slideshow:

Custom Vinylmation at Festival of the Masters

Patriotic Mickey Festival of the Masters — Patriotic Mickey at Festival of the Masters

Fesitval of the Masters Disney art by Greg Trombo

John Coulter art Festival of the Masters

Katie Kelly's artwork for Festival of the Masters — Katie Kelly’s artwork for Festival of the Masters

Will Gay decks at Festival of the Masters

Will Gay's artwork for Festival of the Masters — Will Gay’s artwork for Festival of the Masters

Festival of the Masters artist signing schedule

Graham Knuttel's sheep sculptures — Graham Knuttel’s sheep sculptures

Graham Knuttel painting at Raglan Road — Graham Knuttel painting sheep at Raglan Road

Festival of the Masters special cupcakes

Ghirardelli craft Festival of the Masters

Lego Mosaic — Gio showing off his Lego mosaic piece

Michaels Duct Tape Craft Festival of the Masters

Michaels frame craft Festival of the Masters

Michaels mosaic Mickey at the Festival of the Masters

Disney’s Festival of the Masters presented by Michaels wraps up today at 5pm, so if you are in the area, stroll on over and get your art on!

It Gets Better. Thank you Disney.

21 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

As sad as it is that there is a need for this campaign, it is so very powerful because, it does – get better. As a child, teen, or even young adult, it’s so hard to see beyond the right now, to a place where the people and things that seem so important today, are just a memory. That’s why the It Gets Better project is wonderful, because you can see people just like you, or even people different from you, that had it rough and got through it.

Whether it’s famous people or everyday folks, it gets better. I thought this video was too important not to share here and hope it gets out to as many people as possible. It is the very things that make you different right now, which will make you amazing in the future.