Disney News

The First and Only Broadcast on Disney Fairytale Weddings Debuts Today

11 August 2010 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

A new podcast devoted to covering all of Disney’s Fairytale Weddings will debut today. Inside Disney Weddings is hosted by Scott Sheppard and Carrie Hayward will be released weekly each Wednesday and is available via iTunes and is also available at their website – Inside Disney Weddings and on Facebook.

Inside Disney Weddings is the only program dedicated to weddings and honeymoons at the Disney parks and on the Disney Cruise Line. Each week, Scott Sheppard and Carrie Hayward take a look at what’s new and exciting in the world of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. Topics range from the latest news, planning information and money-saving tips to in-depth interviews and event coverage. The program also features special guests, including industry experts and real Disney brides and grooms, along with caller Q&A, giveaways and contests.

“I’m thrilled that Scott Sheppard and Carrie Hayward have teamed up to bring us the new ‘Inside Disney Weddings’ program,” said The Disney Wedding Blog founder Carly Morgan. “Scott has worked in the Disney wedding industry for years, and Carrie—a past Disney bride and the author of ‘PassPorter’s Disney Weddings & Honeymoons’—has become the expert on all things Disney weddings. I can’t think of a better team!”

Scott Sheppard is the CEO of Inside Media Networks. IMN creates targeted talk programming for creative, B2B and consumer lifestyle markets. Its talented team of broadcast and communication professionals has successfully built desirable niche audiences by leveraging online content-distribution tools, including podcasts, blogs and social networks. IMN also provides consulting services to clients wishing to transition from traditional to new media and establish or expand their own brands. With a background in terrestrial broadcasting and professional radio and television production, IMN is considered the leading technical expert in the fields of new media and podcasting today.

Print and broadcast journalist Carrie Hayward is the author of “PassPorter’s Disney Weddings & Honeymoons,” a guidebook and bridal organizer for weddings, vow renewals, commitment ceremonies and honeymoons at Walt Disney World and on the Disney Cruise Line. She is also the E-Book Editor at PassPorter Travel Press, an independent publisher of best-selling Disney park guidebooks. She was married at Walt Disney World in 2008.

From the site: This week’s show offers an introduction to the four types of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings at Walt Disney World and on the Disney Cruise Line—Escape, Wishes, Couture and Cruise—and sets the stage for an in-depth look at each type of wedding in the coming weeks.

If you’re planning a wedding, honeymoon or renewal, or just love everything about weddings like me, be sure to check out this magical new podcast!

Disney Dooney and Bourke Princess Handbag Designs

30 July 2010 by Suzannah Otis 10 Comments

NOTE: If you are looking for the Disney World Princess HALF MARATHON Dooney & Bourkes – click here!

In an interesting turn of events, Disney has decided to release its newest design collaboration with Dooney & Bourke online first. The new Princess designs are at the Disney Store online. The new designs are a Disney Princess twist of the Pop Novelty design at DooneyandBourke.com. Here are the currently available styles:

Disney Dooney Princess tote — Disney Dooney & Bourke Princess Tote - $220 Click to see on DisneyStore.com

Disney Dooney Princeses — Disney Dooney & Bourke Princess Domed Satchel - $220 Click to see on DisneyStore.com

Dooney & Bourke Exclusive Disneyland 55th Anniversary Collection

11 July 2010 by Suzannah Otis 12 Comments

Following in the vein of Disney Cruise Line exclusive Dooney & Bourke bags, Disneyland park now gets its own special collection of these wildly popular handbags. Once again featuring Dooney & Bourke designer Ian Ray, Disneyland fans are sure to enjoy this newest offering from perhaps the most popular marriage of fashion and fun.

The bags showcase so many iconic images from the different silhouettes of Mickey through the years, to Mickey Mouse Club I.D. cards as well ticket media and famous phrases associated with ‘The Happiest Place on Earth.’

Disney Vault 28 will be the first to offer these Disneyland® Resort Dooney & Bourke co-branded bags. This fashionable collection highlights the essence of Disney with color, art and a nostalgic touch.

Click each picture below to head to the DisneyStore.com and purchase these bags!

Bags and prices are as follows:

Medium Tote – $270.00

Small Messenger – $ 255.00

Letter Carrier – $155.00

Large Wristlet – $70.00

Checkbook Wallet – $175.00 (not pictured)

Dooney & Bourke Disneyland designs — Disneyland 55th Anniversary collection featuring Dooney & Bourke's Ian Ray - photo ©Disney

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!

Return to the Future – Captain EO Sails Back to Epcot

30 June 2010 by Suzannah Otis 5 Comments

Captain EO was one of the first topics I covered a year ago when I started blogging about Disney. I had just heard the sad news of Michael Jackson’s death, and felt the need to share some of my happy memories and give whatever tribute I could at that time. There was much chatter on twitter and elsewhere wondering if and hoping that Captain EO would return to the Disney Parks in memory of Michael Jackson. Disneyland was the first to experience the film again in February and Walt Disney World fans were happy to hear of its triumphant return this summer, with Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland rounding out the film’s engagement this summer.

Beginning July 2, fans of all ages will get to see the film for the first, or perhaps 100th time. I was invited to preview (or is that re-preview?) the film today to see the new enhancements promised with the movie’s return to its original home in the Magic Eye Theatre next to Journey into Imagination. As with most fans of the original EPCOT Center, there are so many memories tied to the time period that Captain EO was born into. As much as I loved the original 3D film Magic Journeys, Captain EO was a first rate replacement. I’m trying to think of a similar musical artist who could star in a film produced today and receive the acclaim that Captain EO did in its time…and coming up blank. There is a reason there was such a ground swell of support to bring this piece of musical, film and technological history back where it belonged. Can you tell I’m a fan?

Captain EO sign — The original Captain EO logo sign from 1986

I wasn’t alone in that sentiment today. Cast members previewing the show cheered as they entered the theatre and throughout the movie. Michael Jackson, and in turn Captain EO, are still King.

It was heartwarming to hear Dan Cockerell, Vice President of Epcot, trying to locate the original plans for the Captain EO triangle sign that used to hang at the entrance to the theatre. It turns out they didn’t need the plans at all, the sign was hanging on an office wall – untouched for 16 years since the film left Epcot. They simply applied a new coat of paint and returned the sign to its rightful home.

The new effects fit in seamlessly and definitely add to the enjoyment of the movie. I don’t want to give anything away, but let’s just say you’ll feel like you’re right in the movie now in addition to dancing out the aisles as you exit.

It was also amazing to see just how many people had not seen the original film at all – not surprising, given the average age of new cast members just joining the company, but amazing nonetheless (and definitely makes me feel ancient!). They certainly did not sound disappointed and the film, the story, and the music have stood the test of time. Even my two older children are excited to see Captain EO in person. My son in particular has become a huge Michael Jackson fan over the year since he passed away and it really makes me happy that he can see the musical genius and artistry he with which he was synonymous.

If nothing else, Captain EO is a gift to the fans of his music; fans of a different time when Epcot was EPCOT. I for one, am grateful for that gift. It truly is a work of art to be preserved and passed along and I am thankful to Disney for giving it back to the fans today. I cannot wait to bring my children back to see Captain EO again and again, as my parents did with me, 24 years ago.

Enjoy some more photos from today’s event:

Captain EO preshow area, showing the original behind-the-scenes footage. Imagineer fans, be sure to look for 1980's Joe Rohde! 😉

Captain EO opening — Dan Cockerell introducing Captain EO and sharing a bit of history with the audience.

Captain EO exit — Fans exiting the preview of Captain EO (cameo by Deb Wills from Allears.net!)

Captain EO Merchandise!! I have it on good authority that Fuzzball will be here by the end of the summer!! Maybe my original Fuzzball needs a friend??

Disney Dooney & Bourke CRUISE Edition!

15 April 2010 by Suzannah Otis 13 Comments

Well what to my wondering eyes should appear – a brand NEW Disney Dooney & Bourke design! That’s right folks, the Disney Parks Blog just released a fabulous new picture showcasing the all-new Dooney & Bourke design – exclusive to the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic ships.

This design is similar to the first Disney Dooney & Bourke sketch print, but this time our favorite Disney Cruise Line icons are featured. Check out the new handbags and purses below:

Disney Dooney & Bourke Cruise Line — The Disney Dooney & Bourke co-branded Disney Cruise Line print handbags

I know I won’t be able to get one of these Disney Cruise Line prints any time soon, but if any of my readers are headed on a Disney Cruise soon – please let me know! 😉 Thanks to Disney and Dooney & Bourke for keeping the excitement and buzz going on this great collaboration!

UPDATE: Scouring ebay has provided news of a NEW Disney Cruise Line Dooney & Bourke wristlet style in 3 colors – red and navy, navy and red, and yellow and navy:

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

*ShopDisney.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!

Disney Online Honors Winner of PixieHollow.com Fairy House Design Contest

7 April 2010 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

DISNEY ONLINE HONORS WINNER OF PIXIEHOLLOW.COM FAIRY HOUSE DESIGN CONTEST

Winning Design Revealed During Special Celebration at 17th Annual Epcot® International Flower and Garden Festival

WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT – LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL – April 7, 2010 – Disney Online announced today the winner of its “Design a Fairy House Art Contest,” which ran in February on the popular online world for girls, Disney Fairies Pixie Hollow (www.PixieHollow.com). The fairy house, inspired by 15-year-old winning designer, Zoe P., from Frazier Park, Calif., was revealed during a special ceremony on April 3 in the Pixie Hollow Garden at the 17^th Annual Epcot® International Flower and Garden Festival. Zoe and her family were in attendance to celebrate the momentous occasion, as the fairy house will be on display for the duration of the festival.

Give a Day Get a Disney Day-Disney’s 2010 Promotion

29 September 2009 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

This year, Disney Parks asked, “What will you celebrate?” and offered up free admission on your birthday as one answer to that question. Many have been wondering what next years marketing campaign would bring about. Disney announced today that celebration is still important, but this time it’s celebrating the gift of volunteerism.

Disney Parks have been giving back for years in many amazing ways, with their VoluntEars program being one of the most well known. Now hoping to incite some of that same spirit of giving among Disney guests, they have rolled out the Give a Day, Get a Disney Day program for 2010.

As announced yesterday, Disney now has an official blog, which contains more details on the promotion. To make this even more fun for participants, Disney has brought the Muppets in for this campaign. Muppet humor abounds on their “Cheers for Volunteers” Tour site. The tour will be traveling across the US, Puerto Rico and Canada teaming up with local organizations for even more volunteer opportunities. The site has several fun features such as desktop wallpaper, games and site flair, including the two images you see in this entry. You can also follow the fun on twitter with @DisneyParksTour. gonzo

Beginning January 1, 2010, guests can register for a day of volunteer service with participating organizations and reap the benefits of giving back and a thank you from Disney in the form of free park admission. If guests do not wish to use their free admission, they may donate it to a Disney-chosen charity, receive a special FastPass for certain rides for up to 5 guests in their party (there is limited availability for these based on first come-first served), or choose a collectible Ear Hat figuring with trading pins.

Mouse ears off to Disney for initiating such a wonderful program. In this day of ‘what’s in it for me’ getting back to grass-roots volunteerism will have endless benefits. Disney has just sweetened the deal by rewarding your efforts. Let’s all hope the desire for families and individuals to help others extends far beyond a one day event, and builds lifelong traditions.