Disney parks

D23: Ultimate Disney Fan Event-2026 MEGA GUIDE!

21 July 2026 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Wow! It’s hard to believe 2 years have passed and we are almost at the start of another D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (formerly D23 Expo)! Are you headed to this incredible 3-day event of ALL things Disney and beyond? I’ll be there again covering all the fun and frolicking, and thought I’d share a guide with all the updates as they go live! Of course, I’ll be sharing things on @Zannaland on instagram as they happen and I’m able to update as well! AND, we’ll be breaking down all the news and updates on Up the Waterfall podcast! It’s always an exciting time full of all the things that make being an ULTIMATE Disney fan FUN!

Here are the latest updates straight from the D23 press releases!

July 28, 2026:

Check out the floor map for the 2026 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event! See the map below but click the link to the left for the full sized pdf!

July 21, 2026:

Disney Announces New Shopping Experiences and Exclusive Merchandise Available to Fans at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan EventA first look at the curated stores, limited-edition collectibles, interactive activities, immersive experiences, and treasured keepsakes awaiting fans at this year’s event.

Discover all-new stores including a D23 Marketplace Pin Store, Disney .YNSD by Mickey’s of Glendale, and The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds from Disney Parks.

BURBANK, California – July 21, 2026 – Today, Disney unveiled the full lineup of exclusive retail experiences and merchandise coming to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, taking place August 14, 15, and 16, 2026, in Anaheim, California. Shopping will once again be a cornerstone of this year’s celebration, offering fans even more ways to engage with the stories, characters, and brands they love. Highlights include an all-new store from Mickey’s of Glendale; The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds from Disney Parks featuring props, artwork, and other unique treasures; limited-edition pins and collectibles; first-to-market brand collaborations and books; event-exclusive apparel; collectible vinyl records; and more.

Spanning the Disney universe, these curated shopping destinations transform retail into an immersive part of the event, offering attendees access to exclusive releases, limited-edition merchandise, and unique treasures available only at the event, while creating new ways for fans to celebrate their connection to Disney. Reflecting the passion of Disney’s global fandom and the company’s unmatched ability to create cherished stories that span generations, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year and brings Disney’s unmatched ability to create meaningful connections to life through experiences designed especially for its most passionate fans.

“Shopping is a fan-favorite part of the event, and this year our teams across Disney have come together to make it truly one of a kind,” said Michael Vargo, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. “We can’t wait for fans to discover exclusive merchandise they won’t find anywhere else and take a piece of the magic home to enjoy long after the event ends.”

WHERE TO SHOP

D23 Marketplace

Turn shopping dreams into reality at the D23 Marketplace, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event’s central shopping hub. Offering a curated assortment of merchandise and must-have collectibles, fans visiting this location will find products celebrating some of Disney’s most beloved stories, characters, and franchises including a The Princess Diaries 25th Anniversary Collection, Star Wars and Marvel must-haves, global Disney Parks collections, the return of Disney Fine Art, and so much more. New at this year’s event is the D23 Marketplace Pin Store, a dedicated space featuring specially curated limited-edition and limited-release pins, with new designs released Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Completing the space is D23 Marketplace Photobooths and Medallions, home to personalized products and event exclusive medallions.

Fans will be able to access the D23 Marketplace and D23 Marketplace Pin Store via virtual queue throughout the event with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. The D23 Marketplace Photobooths and Medallions will be accessible via standby queue. All three locations will be cashless with card and contactless payment options accepted. D23 Marketplace will offer merchandise mobile checkout and the D23 Marketplace Pin Store will offer mobile order.

Disney Store

The official home of Disney retail is coming back to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. At Disney Store, fans can shop uniquely imagined special-edition products and collections including Disney x Formula 1®, Blooms by Disney, and an assortment of Disney Store exclusive plush, as well as preview an all-new collaboration with SkinnyDip London. In addition to immersive shopping, the Disney Store booth will also offer interactive experiences including a life-size claw machine photo moment and a limited meet and greet with Disney Artists, featuring special sketch and signing opportunities which fans can pre-register for in the Disney D23 app from now to Friday, July 24, at 12 p.m. PT. Attendees who enter the main entrance of the Disney Store booth can also scan their badge to receive a free event-exclusive, limited-release tote bag or sticker featuring new character illustrations by Disney Artists, while supplies last.

Fans will be able to access the Disney Store via standby queue. Shopping in the Disney Store booth will operate via QR Code where fans will scan to shop and have products delivered directly to their homes via DisneyStore.com. Starting Monday, August 17, at 8 a.m. PT, select merchandise sold during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at the D23 Marketplace and at the Disney Store booth will be available, while supplies last, at DisneyStore.com/d23-event/.

The Walt Disney Company Store

Back for its second year at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is The Walt Disney Company Store with two store locations in the Anaheim Convention Center. The first location, The Walt Disney Company Store, will exclusively host the official collection for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 featuring brand collaborations from RSVLTS, Spirit Jersey, Nike, and Loungefly. In collaboration with the Walt Disney Archives, this store will introduce a collection inspired by Walt Disney’s iconic office in Burbank, Calif.—Suite 3H—where creativity and imagination came to life, a tribute to the visionary who started it all. This location will also feature collections showcasing some fan-favorite Disney animated Epic Rivals, iconic Walt Disney Studios landmarks, and an all-new collection from HARVEYS with one-of-a-kind designs developed through decommissioned seatbelts from Soarin’ Over California. The Walt Disney Company Pin Store will offer a large assortment of limited-edition pins, mystery boxes, and framed sets, perfect for pin collectors of all levels. For a preview of what’s to come at The Walt Disney Company Store, fans can visit D23.com. All merchandise is subject to availability with a daily pin catalogue launching each day: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Fans will be able to access The Walt Disney Company Store via virtual queue on Friday, August 14, with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16, will offer standby queue options only. The Walt Disney Company Store will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted alongside merchandise mobile checkout. Fans will be able to access The Walt Disney Company Pin Store via virtual queue throughout the event with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. The Walt Disney Company Pin Store will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted, processed via mobile order. Physical registers will also be accessible and used for all pin frame sales.

Mickey’s of Glendale

Returning to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in 2026 with all-new Walt Disney Imagineering-inspired merchandise is Mickey’s of Glendale and Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store. Developed especially for fans who love the artistry behind Disney’s Parks, attractions, and stories, Mickey’s of Glendale is the Walt Disney Imagineering campus store and houses exclusive merchandise assortments, pins, and more made by Walt Disney Imagineers. For a preview of what’s to come at Mickey’s of Glendale, fans can visit the Disney Parks Blog. For the collectors, Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store will be a must-visit, launching a new assortment of limited-edition and exclusive pins Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Fans will be able to access Mickey’s of Glendale via virtual queue throughout the event with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. Mickey’s of Glendale will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted, alongside merchandise mobile checkout. Fans will be able to access the Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store via virtual queue throughout the event with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store will be cashless with card and contactless payment options, processed via mobile order.

NEW: Disney .YNSD

Debuting at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 is Disney .YNSD, a personal expression of the living design culture behind Walt Disney Imagineering across apparel, accessories, and beyond. Each lifestyle collection blends contemporary streetwear and layered storytelling, bridging style through thoughtful design, inviting fans to wear the magic and “IMAGINE THE REST.” A preview of the collections that will be featured at Disney .YNSD can be found on the Disney Parks Blog.

Fans will be able to access Disney .YNSD via virtual queue throughout the event, with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. Disney .YNSD will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted, processed via mobile order.

Disney Studio Store Hollywood

Step into the glamour of classic Hollywood at the Disney Studio Store Hollywood, home to apparel, accessories, and more inspired by the timeless magic of the iconic entertainment capital. Fans visiting this location can shop an all-new curated collection inspired by the El Capitan Theatre’s Centennial Celebration alongside limited-edition pins being released across all three event days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Fans will be able to access the Disney Studio Store Hollywood via virtual queue throughout the event with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. Disney Studio Store Hollywood will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted, alongside merchandise mobile checkout.

Disney Publishing Books & Brew

The hub for Disney best-selling books, reading-inspired products, and beyond is returning to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Disney Publishing will house first-to-market books including must-read graphic novels, autobiographies, and guidebooks as well as collectible “bookcessories,” tarot card decks, book nook kits, and more. At this destination, fans can also enjoy a steady cadence of book signings with some fan-favorite authors as well as a “sip & shop” experience featuring a delicious new Disneyland Resort coffee blend from Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Marquee booth sponsor Penguin Random House will offer gift-with-purchase items, including art prints, sticker blind bags, Disney Editions tote bags, and more.

Fans will be able to access Disney Publishing Books & Brew and make merchandise purchases via standard queue throughout the event. Disney Publishing Books & Brew will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted. Registration to attend in-booth signings will be conducted via virtual queue.

NEW: The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds

Debuting at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in 2026 is The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds on Sunday, August 16, for fans both at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event and globally online. Fans attending the event can preview items up for auction throughout the event weekend by visiting The Disney Experiences Auction Showroom. This is an immersive experience space via standby queue. Details for fans who want to bid will be communicated closer to the event. In addition, the show room will include a shopping experience that will allow fans a unique opportunity to shop rare and remarkable limited quantity props, artwork, and themed items found within Disney’s Parks, Resorts, and ships. A preview of items available during the event can be found here.

Fans will be able to access The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds via virtual queue throughout the event with a standby queue option opening after all boarding groups have been redeemed. The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds will be cashless with only card and contactless payment options accepted, alongside merchandise mobile checkout. Due to the exclusivity of the product, this location will not offer refunds or exchanges.

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will also have some fan-favorite brands and shopping opportunities throughout the show floor featuring D23-exclusive merchandise, including mini backpacks and pins from Loungefly; a lineup of new Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars-inspired Spirit Jerseys; accessory bundles from Little Words Project; an array of Disney inspired watches from Citizen; and more. Brands including Just Play, Wizards of the Coast, Topps, NECA/KidRobot/Enesco, Pandora, Crocs, Her Universe, BoxLunch, Girls Crew, RSVLTS, and more will also have new products available for purchase. Fans of Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game can purchase the limited-edition 2026 D23 Collection and the Winnie the Pooh – Hunny Wizard Premium Foil Playmat at the Ravensburger Store on the show floor. Shopping at the Ravensburger Store will only be available through virtual queue. No standby shopping queues will be available during the event at any time.

HOW TO SHOP

Disney is dedicated to a seamless experience for fans visiting D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event and are excited to announce the return of services that will allow fans optimal opportunity to both shop and explore the show floor. All services can be found through the Disney D23 app and the Disneyland Resort app, available for download on the app store for iOS and Android devices.

Virtual Queue

Select retail destinations will require virtual queue for entry. Sign up for a boarding group with virtual queue and explore the show floor while waiting to shop. Starting 6 a.m. PT and at 1 p.m. PT each day of the event, fans within a 90-mile radius of the Anaheim Convention Center can use the Disney D23 app and the Disneyland Resort app to enter a virtual queue. To provide all fans with an equal opportunity to shop, fans may join in a group of up to two (2) people, one queue at a time, subject to availability. Standby queue options may open throughout the weekend after all boarding groups have been redeemed. Joining the virtual queue does not grant immediate access, and there may still be a waiting period at the location once the boarding group is called. Virtual queue is limited in capacity and may book out. Valid admission is required. Traditional queuing (standby queue) is also available at locations not utilizing virtual queue throughout the event. Retailers who will be participating in virtual queue include D23 Marketplace, D23 Marketplace Pin Store, The Walt Disney Company Store, The Walt Disney Company Pin Store, Mickey’s of Glendale, Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store, Disney .YNSD, Disney Studio Store Hollywood, The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds, and Ravensburger.

This year, Ravensburger will participate in Disney’s virtual queue. Fans will not be able to get in line to purchase products at the show without a virtual queue timeslot. In addition to the items included in the D23 Show Bundle, Ravensburger will also have additional products from Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game, Disney Villainous, and Disney puzzles for sale.

Mobile Order for Pickup

At select shopping destinations, fans will have the option to order and pay for merchandise using the Disneyland Resort app on their mobile device. After joining an eligible store’s virtual queue and being called back, fans will be granted access to place a mobile order at the store entrance. After the order is submitted, a team will assemble the products and fans will receive a notification when their order is ready for pickup. A digital receipt will be sent to the email linked to the Disneyland Resort app, and all eligible discounts will be automatically applied.

Merchandise Mobile Checkout

Save time while shopping by paying for items using the Disneyland Resort app at select retail destinations. Scan each item’s barcode to add it to a shopping bag and pay for items by selecting “Purchase.” Once a purchase is complete, show the QR code confirmation to a Cast Member at the merchandise mobile checkout designated exit to scan before exiting the store. A digital receipt will be sent to the email address linked to the Disneyland Resort app. The merchandise mobile checkout service is available in addition to traditional checkout services.

DISNEY ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES COMING TO THE LARGEST SHOW FLOOR EVER AT D23: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT

Disney unveiled details about what fans will experience on the show floor at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa® . All-new and fan-favorite offerings will bring Disney’s brands and franchises to life like never before across the largest show floor in D23 event history. These expanded, immersive, and innovative experiences, along with unprecedented shopping opportunities and over 50 panels and shows, will be exclusively available to ticketholders during the can’t-miss fan event August 14, 15, and 16, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. Disney also announced an unprecedented Disney Princess concert taking place during D23 Day at Disneyland Resort on Thursday, August 13, the perfect kickoff to the weekend festivities and World Princess Week.
Guests can accept a new mission at Marvel Studios’ TVA Experience: A New Assignment; swap stories with the filmmakers behind a galaxy far, far away at the Lucasfilm pavilion; celebrate Pixar’s 40th anniversary; and travel into the worlds of Disney+ and Hulu in a signature 4D theater. Beyond the marquee studios, fans can venture into the rarely seen vaults of the Walt Disney Archives, get a glimpse of the future of the parks with the Imagineering: Horizons pavilion, discover standout offerings from some beloved brands, and come face-to-face with the magic makers who bring Disney stories to life across the company. Disney continues to create meaningful connections with audiences of all ages and the show floor will offer fans unprecedented opportunities to celebrate some beloved favorites, discover new adventures, and experience the magic in ways only Disney can deliver.

“No one tells stories like Disney, and this year we’re bringing those stories to life on the largest show floor in D23 event history,” said Michael Vargo, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. “The show floor experience invites guests to explore, engage with, and celebrate the brands and franchises they love through immersive activations, unforgettable moments, and one-of-a-kind offerings that bring them closer to the magic than ever before.”

A KICKOFF CELEBRATION

D23 Day at Disneyland Resort* sets the stage for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, officially kicking off the highly anticipated weekend on Thursday, August 13. The celebration features a Disney Legends Cavalcade at Disneyland Park, a complimentary Mickey Mouse ear hat giveaway (while supplies last)**, and a series of magical offerings designed to immerse fans in the spirit of Disney storytelling from the very start. The day also features the return of the Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party at Disney California Adventure Park on Thursday, August 13, offering live entertainment, character experiences, and interactive activities for all guests, including preschoolers and their families.

As the culmination to the day and in anticipation of World Princess Week, a limited number of fans may have the opportunity to experience a live performance of Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration at Disney California Adventure Park. This spectacular performance brings together the largest gathering of Disney Princess talent ever assembled, celebrating the iconic stories across animation, live-action, stage, and music. This one-of-a-kind concert will transform the night with dazzling lights, sweeping projections, and sky-high fountains creating a truly immersive world where the music, magic, and legacy of Disney Princesses shine like never before. Visit Disneyland.com for more information. Attendance will be limited and may require additional steps. A virtual queue confirmation, wristband, and valid admission for Disney California Adventure Park are required to participate in this experience. Show times are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Fans can stream the concert on Disney+ and watch it on Disney Channel, Freeform, and The Wonderful World of Disney on ABC on Sunday, August 16.

SPECTACULAR SHOW FLOOR EXPERIENCES

The creative powerhouse studios of The Walt Disney Company will bring the best of Disney storytelling to the expanded show floor, offering a chance for fans to immerse themselves in beloved films, shows, and streaming content.

The Disney+ Hulu Experience brings streaming to life like never before. The space features a signature 4D theater, exclusive merchandise, a collectible mystery pin quest, and personalized subscription support, alongside immersive photo opportunities inspired by Percy Jackson and the Olympians, FX’s American Horror Story, Camp Rock 3, The Simpsons, Only Murders in the Building, Marvel Television’s VisionQuest, and more.
Marvel Studios will captivate guests on the show floor with an epic activation entitled Marvel Studios’ TVA Experience: Your Next Assignment. Fans will once again join the Time Variance Authority (TVA) and step into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in an immersive walkthrough experience across different worlds, both familiar and new.
The Lucasfilm pavilion will return with an exciting array of photo ops, props, and costumes from current and upcoming stories set in a galaxy far, far away. Guests will also have the opportunity to join fireside chats with the filmmaking teams behind some of their favorite Star Wars shows and movies. Fans can also be among the first to see LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian during a special screening at the Anaheim Convention Center, adding to the incredible Lucasfilm experiences fans will see throughout the event.
Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios are also joining forces for a must-see animation experience on the show floor, inclusive of a special celebration of Pixar’s 40th anniversary. Artist demonstrations, autograph signings with some top filmmakers, fan giveaways, and interactive displays featuring the latest films from these iconic animation studios—including the upcoming Disney’s Hexed and Disney Animation’s Frozen 3, as well as Disney and Pixar’s Gatto and Incredibles 3—make this pavilion one to visit again and again.
Mundo Pixar: The D23 Experience, presented by Disney Rewards Visa® Cards from Chase, will bring a special preview of its globally touring immersive exhibition to the event, inviting guests to step inside some of their favorite Pixar stories. From unforgettable photo moments to a dedicated merchandise shop, guests will experience life-size sets inspired by some of the studio’s most beloved films.
Inspired by the beauty of the Avatar films, the Avatar Experience welcomes guests to journey through the fascinating wonders of Pandora. Step into a lush, bioluminescent world, experience an immersive 4D moment, and explore a gallery of film artistry that showcases the craftsmanship behind bringing the Na’vi culture and Pandora to life.
At select times throughout the day, Bluey and Bingo will be available for photos in The Bluey Movie booth—for real life. Reservations are required for a chance to meet Bluey and Bingo.
Guests can also celebrate the new Simpsons movie—in theaters September 3, 2027—with fun, shareable photo moments to commemorate D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

The popular Disney Experiences pavilion is returning to the event, bringing the magic of the Disney Parks to the show floor for fans of all ages to enjoy. In a time of unprecedented growth, Imagineering: Horizons invites fans to explore their largest pavilion ever showcasing the progress shaping Disney Parks around the world. This exclusive experience gives an up‑close look at the people, the process, and the possibilities brought to life by Imagineers.

Additional fan-favorites include an all-new exhibition from the Walt Disney Archives. Walt Disney Archives: Uncrated will make its debut on the show floor and invite intrepid fans to uncover an unforgettable journey into the vast and hidden warehouses of the Walt Disney Archives—spaces previously reserved for access to Disney archivists, alone. Guests will have the chance to explore themed displays featuring shipments of iconic props, costumes, and puppets from some beloved films, television series, and theme parks, which span generations of history at The Walt Disney Company.

In advance of the Super Bowl on ESPN and ABC this season, fans can experience the thrill of a Super Bowl victory through ESPN’s immersive “We’re Going to the Super Bowl!” activation, featuring photo opportunities, stadium-inspired environments, a confetti-filled victory celebration, and keepsake digital content and giveaways, including an exclusive ESPN Super Bowl D23 pin.

Disney Theatrical Group will spotlight its expanding portfolio of live experiences, from Broadway productions and arena tours to immersive experiences, through a showcase featuring authentic sets, costumes, props, concept art, and dynamic video content. The experience will offer fans exclusive first looks at upcoming projects, behind-the-scenes demonstrations, and live presentations led by hosts, including Disney on Broadway star Ryan McCartan, providing an insider’s look at the creative process behind Disney’s live entertainment.

The Disney VoluntEARS pavilion will invite attendees to lend a helping hand as Honorary Disney VoluntEARS in different projects, assembling 8,000 kits per day for a charitable organization. On Friday, August 14, guests will build wish kits for children with upcoming Disney Wishes in collaboration with Make-A-Wish; on Saturday, August 15, fans will assemble welcome kits for military families with Blue Star Families; and on Sunday, August 16, attendees will put together Disney-themed activity kits for children in hospitals with the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Participants will cap off the experience with a photo opportunity as they exit the pavilion.

The Disney Music Group booth will invite guests into an interactive, music-filled environment. A classic radio booth will host scheduled on-air appearances, where some beloved Disney personalities from across the company will join for exclusive interviews tied to the event—and guests can step up to the microphone to record their own “Be Our Guest” segments with selected recordings eligible to be featured on the Disney Hits SiriusXM channel. A dedicated Disney Concerts area will give guests an up-close look at costumes from The Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide Tour, while additional interactive moments include photo opportunities, prize wheel giveaways, and new exclusive offerings from Disney Music Emporium.

Treat yourself to an immersive walkthrough (or dance through) experience during Lights, Camera, Sparkle! Presented by Disney Consumer Products featuring photo opportunities across two exciting themes—one filled with unique Mickey & Friends and snack-inspired elements and another inspired by Stitch and Angel’s hit “Glitter Glide” music video. Whether you take a snacktastic selfie or the spotlight, there’s photo fun for everyone.

Throughout the show floor, incredible sponsors have created exciting activations for fans to enjoy, including:

Chevrolet: Celebrate 20 years of Disney and Pixar’s Cars with Chevrolet. Stop by to see the Chevrolet Colorado and Bolt in Cars-inspired wraps, snap pics with Lightning McQueen and Mater, score an exclusive canvas tote giveaway, and watch Trevor Carlton from Disney Fine Arts paint Chevy hoods live.
Heinz: Across oceans, cultures, and cuisines, great flavors bring us together. Explore the world aboard the HEINZ Flavor Ferry, sample globally inspired sauces, and snap photos across four regions. It’s a flavorful world after all, with HEINZ. Be among the first 570 flavor explorers each day to secure a limited-edition “it’s a flavorful world” pin—while supplies last.
Honda: Step into the magic of Disney Animation’s Encanto with Honda. Dance alongside some favorite characters at the photo opportunity, collect commemorative buttons, and explore the Honda Odyssey and Acura MDX inspired by the spirit of family and adventure.
M&M’S®: Step into the spotlight and “Be A Hero” with M&M’S® characters as they audition for the Marvel Universe. As part of this year’s M&M’S® x Marvel activation, immerse yourself in this exciting collaboration with photo booth moments, sampling, M&M’S® Marvel Mini Poster Fan Packs giveaways, and more.

For the first time ever at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, fans can enjoy the thrill of collecting with Topps through an interactive Topps Chrome Disney experience and exclusive trading card offerings. Fans of trading card games can also experience exclusive product offerings, accessories, and photo ops with Wizards of the Coast’s debut booth themed to Magic: The Gathering | MARVEL Super Heroes, and Ravensburger’s interactive Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game booth.

Fans can find other exciting offerings and activations across the show floor from some fan-favorite brands, including interactive photo ops with Marvel Legends role play items and the new Ultimate Grogu animatronic from Hasbro; D23 exclusive mini backpacks, mystery blind box tees, and more from Loungefly; a carnival-inspired game zone complete with giveaways and first looks of new Doorables and Happy Haul lines from Just Play; bracelets, bag charms, bead kits, and exclusive D23 merchandise featuring beloved Disney characters from Little Words Project; gameplay demos of Toy Story: Retro Round-Up and Toy Story 3 Complete Edition and an exclusive pin offering from Atari; an interactive light-inspired personality quiz from Citizen; a prize-packed claw machine, Jibbitz™ charms trading station, and new merchandise from Crocs; a never-before-seen collection of Disney charms, including charm mystery boxes from Pandora; and more.

Fans can also celebrate 125 years of the life of Walt Disney by exploring Walt’s family stories from The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, and the Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago; see displays of Walt’s famed classic vehicles from the Walt Disney Archives; reflect on Disney Legends of the past who worked alongside Walt; meet other friends of D23 including the Disneyana Fan Club; and more.

Many other new experiences can be discovered at the Anaheim Convention Center including the Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds display room on the second floor, the Disney x F1 Mickey car, as well as activations from Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, and more.

Some of the most prominent names from across the worlds of Disney will be onsite to meet with guests at Talent Central presented by M&M’S® that will be open each day on the show floor of the Anaheim Convention Center. Various Disney artists—including incoming Disney Legend Eric Goldberg and Disney Legend Mark Henn; Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer, Pete Docter; and current and former Imagineers—will be available to sign exclusive lithographs, fine-art prints, posters, and other art related to their projects. Stars from award-winning series and shows will be at the event to meet fans, including the stars of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Camp Rock 3, Bob’s Burgers, The Proud Family, The Simpsons, Phineas & Ferb, and the Pros from Dancing with the Stars.

Readers of all ages will also have the opportunity to have their books signed by authors including Bob Weis, former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, and Disney Legend Joe Rohde, as well as meet the official voices of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Bret Iwan and Kaitlyn Robrock, and artists from Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game, Magic: The Gathering | Marvel Super Heroes, Pin Trading, merchandise, and more.

For the first time, Fandango will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Spotlight Stage, which will return to the show floor with a full lineup of panels, interviews, presentations, musical performances, and interactive experiences. Featured programming will include Fandango Front Row, where Disney filmmakers and talent will join Fandango hosts for exclusive live conversations. Fans will hear firsthand about the creative process, the inspiration behind beloved Disney stories, exciting upcoming projects, and the magic that brings them to life. Throughout the day, guests can take part in demonstrations and lessons in voice acting, sketching, dancing, and more on the Spotlight Stage presented by Fandango.

Disney Parks Anniversary Celebrations – Up the Waterfall Episode 26

25 May 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

This week on Up the Waterfall, we explore the many Disney Parks anniversary celebrations. Most of these moments were televised as specials featuring stars of the time, song and dance numbers, and even skits. Now that decades of time has passed, these specials provide loads of entertainment and a spotlight on how things used to be both in and out of the parks.

We discuss the major Disneyland and Walt Disney World anniversaries, recent EPCOT celebrations, and of course, the 100 Years of Magic Celebration. However, it is hard to fit all of that celebratin’ in one show! For instance, Scott remembered after we recorded that he’d forgotten to mention the 6 CD set that came out for Disneyland’s 50th, which is chock-full of amazing recordings. We’ve mentioned that one before in our History of Carousel of Progress episode. Similarly, while looking up photos, I realized I forgot to mention one of the promotions from the 100 Years of Magic – the collectible glasses from McDonald’s! I collected 2 sets, and have since sold them on eBay. So if you watch or listen and find we’ve missed some aspect that you remember or loved, be sure to let us know!

In addition, we promised we’d link to all the crazy anniversary specials that aired on TV back in the day. Thank goodness these are on YouTube, because I don’t think some of them will be showing up on Disney+ any time soon. If you watch them all, let us know your favorite! I think I love the ones where families travel by car and make a whole road trip out of their Disney destination vacation. Despite the cheesiness, they really did capture how things were at the time (maybe minus the breaking into spontaneous song) and what an EVENT it was to visit a Disney park.

All the YouTube TV specials of note:

As we conclude the show, we discuss how things have shifted since the earlier Disney anniversary celebrations. A focus more on merchandise vs. special events in many cases. Let us know what you think of more recent celebrations!

Lastly, as always, we hope you enjoyed this week’s episode and the walk down memory lane with us. Tell a friend if you did, so we can get the word out about our still growing podcast!

How to Listen to Up the Waterfall

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

How to Watch Up the Waterfall

Head to our Up the Waterfall YouTube Playlist – where you can see our opening sequence and see some unique images during some episodes.

Feel free to comment below with your opinions on ANY of these hot button topics, any questions or info you’d like to add, or if it’s easier, head to the Zannaland Facebook page and join the discussion there with fellow Disney Parks fans!

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All Disney Parks Close in Wake of CoronaVirus Concerns

12 March 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

In an unprecedented move, ALL Disney Parks will be closing as of Sunday, with Disney Cruise Line suspending departures as of Saturday. This has not happened since the attacks of 9|11, but we knew this announcement had to be coming soon, the risks were just too great to remain open and provide a breeding ground for this spreading virus. Without being able to control guests arriving from other areas and other risk factors, it would be irresponsible to stay open for business. This is of course a difficult bit a news to bear, as so many folks from all over the world plan months and years in advance to make a yearly, or even once-in-a-lifetime visits to this resort.

If you currently have plans and a booked hotel vacation to any of these parks or destinations, we’d advise contacting your travel agent or whomever you booked with. Wait times will be long, and patience is a must in situations like this. The cast members or employees answering these calls can only do so much, and only have as much information as they are given. We hope Disney releases more information as to plans, and future solutions to these unplanned closures. We will update this post as we hear more official news.

Until then, here is an article from Variety.com, detailing the current closures as of the posting time of this article:

Disney is temporarily shuttering Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Paris, beginning this Sunday and lasting through the end of the month, due to the coronavirus pandemic. It follows the news that Disneyland California and Universal Studios Hollywood are temporarily closing starting March 14 as well.

The announcement means all Disney parks worldwide will be closed by next week.

The Disney Cruise Line is also suspending all new departures beginning Saturday through the end of March. The Walt Disney Company will pay its cast members during that closure period.

The hotels at Disney World and Disneyland Paris will remain open until further notice, as will the retail and dining complexes, Disney Springs at Walt Disney World and Disney Village at Disneyland Paris.

Universal Studios Hollywood expects to reopen on March 28, while Disneyland foresees opening its doors again at the end of the month.

“The health and safety of our team members and guests is always our top priority,” said a Universal Studios spokesperson. “Out of an abundance of caution and in response to the guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health, Universal Studios Hollywood will temporarily close beginning Saturday, March 14. The theme park anticipates reopening on March 28 as we continue to monitor the situation. We will provide timely updates as conditions evolve.”

Disneyland Resort hotels will remain open until March 16 so guests can make necessary travel accommodations. Universal CityWalk remains open, as does Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

It’s only the fourth time in history that Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., has fully suspended operations. The other instances were the Sept. 11 attacks, the morning after John F. Kennedy’s assassination and the Northridge earthquake.

“While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Disneyland Resort, after carefully reviewing the guidelines of the Governor of California’s executive order and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, beginning the morning of March 14 through the end of the month,” Disney said in a statement. “The Hotels of Disneyland Resort will remain open until Monday, March 16 to give guests the ability to make necessary travel arrangements; Downtown Disney will remain open. We will monitor the ongoing situation and follow the advice and guidance of federal and state officials and health agencies. Disney will continue to pay cast members during this time.”

The company added, “Disneyland Resort will work with guests who wish to change or cancel their visits, and will provide refunds to those who have hotel bookings during this closure period.”

Disney was slow to close doors to its theme parks, despite cancellations of major entertainment industry events like South by Southwest and Coachella. The NBA suspended its season Wednesday night after a player tested positive for coronavirus.

But the theme park closure seemed inevitable after California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday called for gatherings with more than 250 people to be canceled or delayed in an effort to halt the transmission of the virus, though Disneyland and other theme parks were exempted from that guidance. Officials have also been encouraging “social distancing” of six feet per person.

Disney closed its parks in Shanghai and Hong Kong in January, and has also temporarily shuttered its parks in Tokyo as well. The Shanghai Disney Resort will reopen some shopping, dining and entertainment options on Monday, but the main theme park will remain shut. Disney reported that it could lose $280 million in revenues due to closures in Shanghai and Hong Kong alone.

Disney heiress Abigail Disney, who has been critical of low wages for theme park employees, wrote Thursday on Twitter, “This is heartbreaking, but it’s the right thing to do. I just hope they honor their obligations to their employees.”

In a newly issued press release on Thursday afternoon, Newsom indicated that more theme park closures would be coming soon.

“Late last night, California put out a new policy on mass gatherings and engaged in deep conversations with Disney and other companies about how to meet it,” he said. “Using that policy, Disney made the right call in the interest of public health and agreed to shut down their California parks. Expect more announcements like this shortly.”

Per the California Dept. of Public Health on Wednesday, the new guidance is as follows through the month of March:

The California Department of Public Health finds the following:

Large gatherings that include 250 people or more should be postponed or canceled.

This includes gatherings such as concerts, conferences, and professional, college, and school sporting events.

Smaller gatherings held in venues that do not allow social distancing of six feet per person should be postponed or canceled.

This includes gatherings in crowded auditoriums, rooms or other venues.

Gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should be limited to no more than 10 people.

This includes gatherings such as those at retirement facilities, assisted living facilities, developmental homes, and support groups for people with health conditions.

A “gathering” is any event or convening that brings together people in a single room or single space at the same time, such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, cafeteria, or any other indoor or outdoor space.

This applies to all non-essential professional, social, and community gatherings regardless of their sponsor.

Knott’s Berry Farm closed early Thursday due to inclement weather but otherwise remains open for business. A spokesperson said it is “aware of the new guidance issued by the State of California last night,” and “is open today as we understand and evaluate what this means for our park, our guests and our associates.”

Representatives for Legoland and SeaWorld San Diego, both theme parks located in California, did not respond to request for comment.

Again, we advise contacting your booking provider if you had booked plans to any of these destinations. We will update as we learn more. Stay safe!

Best Scenic Spots in Disney Parks – Up the Waterfall

17 February 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

This week on Up the Waterfall we took a break from the deep dives into Disney history and have a palate cleanser of sorts with a Best Scenic Spots in Disney Parks episode. This came about from my handful of recent visits to the newest Disney hotels – Disney’s Riviera Resort and Gran Destino Tower, both of which have rooftop restaurants or lounges with amazing views. It made me really appreciate some of the great scenery that exists around Disney parks. Of course, I mean outside of the normal ones we expect like Cinderella Castle and the main “weenies” of the parks.

In this episode we share our favorite scenic spots in Walt Disney World, Disneyland and the Disney resort hotels as well. Do any of our picks align with yours? What did we leave out? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear your best scenic spots in Disney parks picks too!

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

How to Listen to Up the Waterfall

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

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How to Watch Up the Waterfall

Head to our Up the Waterfall YouTube Playlist – where you can see our opening sequence and some unique images of the places we mention. Here’s the latest episode:

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

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Disney on Broadway – Up the Waterfall Episode 17

20 January 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

With the 4th annual Epcot Festival of the Arts underway, we thought it would be great to discuss one of our loves, which is showcased at the Festival – Disney on Broadway! It’s hard to imagine a time before Disney had a presence on the Broadway scene, but they just celebrated 25 years last year. We head all the way back to the Disney Theatre Group and Disney Theatre Productions origins and discuss how they came to be, and how far they’ve come since inception.

In this episode of Up the Waterfall, Zanna and Scott share their own experiences with attending musical theatre and how they first enjoyed Disney on Broadway, as well as the storied history of Disney theatrical productions and how different each show has been.

Have you been to a Disney show on Broadway or a national tour? What about a show on a Disney Cruise Line ship? Let us know in the comments below what your favorite(s) were or what you hope to see in the future. What Disney story would you like to see brought to the stage? Scroll to the bottom to watch the show on video!

Also discussed at the end of episode are some wonderful books showcasing the Disney Broadway productions, as well as the New Amsterdam Theatre, which Disney completely restored for the opening of The Lion King on Broadway. We’ve collected the list of books below in case you want to keep an eye out for one, or add it to your collection! Know of a book we’ve missed? Let us know!

A Day at the New Amsterdam Theatre (Disney) Hardcover – August 31, 2004 by Dana Amendola and Gino Domenico

The New Amsterdam: The Biography of a Broadway Theater (A Disney Theatrical Souvenir Book) Hardcover – October 11, 1997 by Mary Henderson

How Does the Show Go On: An Introduction to the Theater Hardcover – November 27, 2007 by Thomas Schumacher, Jeff Kurtti

Tale as Old as Time: The Art and Making of Disney Beauty and the Beast (Updated Edition): Inside Stories from the Animated Classic to the New Live-action Film (Disney Editions Deluxe (Film)) 2nd Edition – Hardcover – January 31, 2017 by Charles Solomon

The Lion King: Pride Rock on Broadway Hardcover – November 7, 2017 by Julie Taymor

Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida: The Making of the Broadway Musical Hardcover – November 2, 2000 by Michael Lassell

Practically Poppins in Every Way: A Magical Carpetbag of Countless Wonders (Disney Editions Deluxe (Film)) Hardcover – November 6, 2018 by Jeff Kurtti

Tarzan: The Broadway Adventure Hardcover – March 16, 2007 by Michael Lassell

The Little Mermaid: A Broadway Musical: From the Deep Blue Sea to the Great White Way (A Disney Theatrical Souvenir Book) Hardcover – May 12, 2009 by Michael Lassell

Disney Aladdin: A Whole New World: The Road to Broadway and Beyond Hardcover – March 21, 2017 by Michael Lassell

How Does the Show Go On The Frozen Edition: An Introduction to the Theater (A Disney Theatrical Souvenir Book) Hardcover – November 5, 2019 by Thomas Schumacher, Jeff Kurtti (Updated 2019 edition)

We thank you again for listening and watching! Have an idea for a new episode? Let us know below! And tell your friends!

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Up the Waterfall is a weekly Disney history podcast hosted by Zanna and her husband, Disney history buff and bibliophile, Scott Otis, where they share stories of Disney past, present and future.
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What We Miss Most About Disney-MGM Studios – Up The Waterfall Episodes 14 and 15

4 December 2019 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Disney-MGM Studios past, and what we miss, is the topic for this week and last, and what we miss about the Disney-MGM Studios. The hey day of its original opening and the years that followed. We discuss what it was like visiting the park back then and reminisce about our favorites. In this first part, we go over the original Animation Tour, the Backlot Tour (walking and tram), Superstar Television and Monster Sound Show. We also dip a little bit into the Great Movie Ride, in part 1 which we all miss greatly. As you can see below, this turned into a two part series, so we hope you’ll listen or watch to both and take a stroll down Hollywood Blvd or the Streets of America with us as we say, “ACTION!” to episodes 14 and 15 of Up the Waterfall podcast.

The Rocketeer's Bulldog Cafe — The Rocketeer’s Bulldog Cafe on the Backlot Tour

We hope you enjoy the show, and share with us what YOU miss the most about Disney-MGM Studios, what your favorite parts were and what you think we’ll cover in part 2! As always, we thank you so much for listening, watching, and spreading the word to your friends and family. I’ve recently personally gotten some feedback from folks who discovered Up the Waterfall, and I can’t tell you how much it means to hear that people actually listened AND liked it! But no one will know we exist if they don’t hear from our listeners that they recommend Up the Waterfall. We need your help! If you can spread the word, but liking our videos, rating us 5-stars on Apple Podcasts, Google, or wherever you listen, or share this post so others can discover us, we would be eternally grateful. This is a family passion project, and we consider our listeners family too. Thank you for your support!

I’m going to add Part 2 here as well – where we finish up our nostalgic but historic look at the Disney-MGM Studios of yesteryear. In Part 2, we go over the shows at the Premier Theatre – (Hunchback anyone?) as well as the many parades and entertainment spectaculars such as the Rocketeer live every night, Sorcery in the Sky fireworks and more! We hope you enjoy – and let us know your favorites!

Here are some of the blog posts I’ve written on Disney’s Hollywood Studios (or MGM) past:

You Can Leave Your Hat Off

First Impressions of the Disney Studios-Why I Fell in Love

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12 Parks 1 Day?! YES!

11 January 2019 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

As many of you know, Zannaland began almost 10 years ago, as a place for me to share my own stories, tips, reviews, and experiences at Walt Disney World. Those experiences of course included my children, who at the time were 10, 9, and almost 1 year old. They have essentially grown up with Zannaland and all of the amazing adventures we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy. When I started this blog, I’d only ever been to Walt Disney World (and SeaWorld and Busch Gardens in middle school!). I’d never even traveled further west than Chicago for 2 days when I was a travel agent (I did go to Paris and Madrid in high school too, but that was pretty much the extent of my travel). Now, we’ve been to Disneyland and other California destinations about 10 times. We’ve visited 11 different National Parks across the country, and all the area theme parks. And all of our adventures are only just beginning. This travel isn’t all because of Zannaland of course, but it’s been a constant in the background of my childrens’ lives, and we’ve definitely gotten to do some amazing things because of it. Which brings me to the purpose of this post.

My children are now 20, 18, and 10, and yes, two of them aren’t even children anymore. Growing up in the past 10 years, they’ve seen social media take over and become a part of daily life, and how video has replaced blogging in many senses (is anyone even reading this? 😛 ), and how anyone can open up their lives and share it with the world. They’ve now taken the next step and started their own vlog, with a very auspicious first video. After we completed a 6 Parks One Day cross-country challenge last year (which you can see on my Instagram Story Highlights), they took it to the next level and did 12 Parks in One Day here in the central Florida area. Needless to say, I’m incredibly proud of their efforts and love that the video shows their fun (and funny) personalities and a little bit of what it’s like to have grown up in the Orlando area with access to all the fun theme-park opportunities around us. Obviously, this is not a “way to see the parks” video, but just a fun “let’s see if we can do it” video haha. Riding one attraction in 12 parks in 1 day is not the best way to experience Orlando, but it does make for a fun vlog!

12 Parks 1 Day Video!

This will not be the last of their vlogs, just the beginning! I’d love for you to watch and leave a comment or a thumbs up for them. Be sure to subscribe and click the bell to get notifications of their next adventure! What would you like to see them cover in a future video? Let me know what you think in the comments below! Thanks for reading, and thanks for watching!!

Special Disneyland 60th Ears-100% of Price Donated to Make-A-Wish!

22 February 2016 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I wanted to share this story that was recently posted on the Disney Parks Blog – I’m sure by now you’ve seen on Facebook or Instagram or Twitter about the #ShareYourEars campaign where Disney Parks will donate $5 to Make-A-Wish for each photo with Mouse Ears (you can even make your own out of anything!) uploaded to the above social media sites, with the hashtag #ShareYourEars, up to one million dollars. Now there is another way to contribute to such a great cause, and get some new Ears in the process! Check out Michelle Harker’s post below:

I have even more exciting news! One hundred percent – 100%! – of the $19.95 sale price (exclusive of sales tax) of the ear hat shown above will be donated to Make-A-Wish — helping make wishes come true around the world for children with life-threatening medical conditions. No discounts apply. Purchasing limits will apply, and this particular ear hat will be available at Disneyland Resort only at the following locations.

Disneyland park – Disney Showcase and Emporium

Disney California Adventure park – Elias & Co.

Downtown Disney District – World of Disney Store

Well done, Disney! And if anyone’s in Disneyland and wants to pick me up some, let me know! 😉

Twenty Eight & Main-New Disney Merchandise Line-Limited Release Items

27 August 2015 by Suzannah Otis 5 Comments

While I may be totally messing with Disney’s intended demographic for their newest merchandise line, Twenty Eight & Main – designed for the “Discerning Gentleman…” I can’t help but be excited for the great graphics and designs used and the promise of more to come. A few months back, Merchandise Communications Manager Steven Miller gave us a little sneak peek of the Twenty Eight & Main line, via the Disney Parks Blog:

One of the merchandise programs I’m most excited about this year is called Twenty Eight & Main. This Disney Theme Park Merchandise exclusive collection of quality goods was designed for the discerning gentleman who enjoys visiting Disney Parks (hey, that’s me!). When I first saw artwork last summer, I couldn’t wait to tell the world just how awesome it looks. I caught up with Bobby Bongiorno, merchandiser for graphic apparel, to learn more about what other gentlemen like me can expect later this year.

“Twenty Eight & Main will be known for quality and attention to detail,” explained Bobby. “We intend to use unique fabrics and washes for many items. We will also include embellishment techniques such as light weight embroidery, patches and appliqués to create items that will be functional and will fit great. The look will be classic, yet stylish and modern in every sense.”

The collection will contain apparel items such as short and long-sleeved shirts, vintage-style T-shirts, hats and more. There will also be accessories including drinkware, D-Tech phone cases and other travel items.

And now, a few of these items are showing up with a bit of detective work on the Disney Store site…I shared the links this morning on my twitter and facebook accounts, but when I found some more products, I thought it warranted a blog post to spread the love.

Here is what I’ve found so far – wood signs and t-shirts – the signs are a bit pricey at $130 each, but DisneyStore is running a $30 special on Twenty Eight & Main tees when you buy 2 or more, so that’s something anyway. From what we are hearing, the quality of these shirts will be worth it. We’ll have to see. As for now, the designs are tempting:

Carousel of Progress Wood Sign – Limited Release

Carousel of Progress Limited Release Tee

Florida Project Wood Sign - Limited Release — Florida Project Wood Sign – Limited Release

Twenty Eight & Main Wood Sign – Limited Release

Twenty Eight & Main Tee – Limited Release

Some of the Twenty Eight & Main line of designs had already shown up at the small kiosk called The Sign Shop in the Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Steven Miller also asked Bobby about the inspiration behind the program’s name, in case you were wondering:

“The name was inspired by the year of Mickey Mouse’s debut and the timeless Main Street, U.S.A.” replied Bobby. “The lion reaching towards the star symbolizes Walt Disney’s pursuit of his dreams. The same lion can be found on the coat of arms featured on iconic Disney Park castles.”

More Twenty Eight & Main items debut this fall in select merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. (And right now at the DisneyStore.com!) We’ll be sure to keep tracking any new releases. Until then – happy shopping!

All attached links are affiliate links bringing you directly to the product displayed or DisneyStore.com-no extra cost or steps for you, and you help support zannaland.com with any purchase made. Thank you for reading!

You Can Leave Your Hat Off

26 October 2014 by Suzannah Otis 8 Comments

I began writing this as a caption to a photo I had posted before on Instagram, of a hat-free view of Disney’s Hollywood Studios (of course, then known as Disney-MGM Studios). My thoughts got away from me, and I had soon reached “caption limit” on Instagram, so I copied and pasted what I’d been writing into my “Notes” on my phone. I had never before written a blog post on my phone, save for very short updates about new purses being released while I may have been away from my laptop. But I was lost in the moment, and just kept typing. What follows is that post.

I hope we have this uncluttered view again with the removal of the hat. Part of what drew me in to the wonders of Walt Disney World as a child were the incredibly themed environments found at each park. In my, and many others’ opinions, part of the disappointments in park-related decisions made by Disney executives almost always stem from this suspension of theming. Throw a couple of birds from unrelated movies into a classic, original WDW attraction like the Enchanted Tiki Room, and Disney purists will be unhappy. Destroy the basic essence of a movie-studio-related theme park and over time, it becomes a shell of a park; a mishmash of random attractions and unrelated shows which are either outdated or have nothing to do with “The Hollywood that never was and always will be.”

One major part of that mishmash was a giant Sorcerer’s hat, which while, yes, related to an animated film from Walt Disney, had no business being at the end of Hollywood Boulevard, a walkway brimming with Hollywood history, homages, and iconic architecture. The hat was not an icon, it was a pin store in the shape of a hat, and a temporary one at that, created for the “100 Years of Magic” celebration, when special light-up pins were sold which interacted with park elements. As with many things in Disney parks these days, it became easier to leave this store up. It no doubt made loads of money in both merchandise and photo pass sales. It also conveniently solved that pesky issue of the main “weenie” in this park being a non-Disney entity (Grauman’s Chinese Theatre). But as we Disney purists know, lack of Disney branding does not equal some sort of disconnect between the guest and where they are spending their hard-earned vacation dollars. By the same token, throwing up an over-sized bit of Disney-themed “magic” in the form of a hat, does not equal Disney quality and dedication to a properly themed environment.

In this author’s experience and humble opinion, throwing sparkles and pixie dust on any and everything does not make Disney Magic™. Disney magic is found in the people, the experiences of feeling as if you are flying over London in a pirate ship, sailing down the Amazon River with a jovial guide, setting out on a “two-week Safari” in Africa, journeying to the very port of imagination, or to 11 different countries without needing a passport. Or, stepping right into Hollywood past, present, or somewhere in between. For a little girl from Massachusetts, Hollywood and California seemed like a foreign country, a place so out of reach, who knew if I’d ever get there. But I could at the Studios. I learned so much about making movies and animation and special effects and stunts. Much like I learned about communication and agriculture and transportation and future technologies at EPCOT. When it first opened, Disney-MGM Studios became my second favorite park. Magic Kingdom was a distant third for me, because it was never about thrills or rides for me, it was about experiences and the Disney experience was unparalleled in EPCOT and MGM. I know I’m not alone in my thoughts. However, I also know there are many, many folks who go to Walt Disney World for completely different reasons. They go for princesses and fairytales and escaping a reality that can’t compete with pixie dust. Obviously, I am a fan of Disney; it has ruled a large portion of my life for many years. But I looked at my early experiences not as an escape from reality, but as a way to make a better reality. And that reality, to me, was “doing something right or not at all.” Going above and beyond regular expectations. Transporting you to a place where you believed you belonged.

That’s why the hat bothered me and so many others. The hat took you out of the carefully themed environment that created this new reality, and became nothing more than a giant inflatable waving arm creature on the side of the road. Much like the giant Mickey hand, wand, and “2000” attached to Spaceship Earth, these temporary side-show attractions play to the lowest common denominator of theme park goer, and dumb down the experience to nothing more than a “LOOK! SALE!” sign. Never mind that a wonderful, well-designed attraction awaits inside Spaceship Earth or the Great Movie Ride, we aren’t trusting you to discover this and be delighted on your own. We are putting this hand and this hat here to say, “at least you’ll take a photo and hopefully buy a pin here!” And while none of us can safely say what Walt would’ve wanted, and haven’t been able to for some time, what Walt was known for and insisted upon, from day one, was quality. Walt himself said, “Quality will out.” as well as “I would rather entertain and hope that people learned something than educate people and hope they were entertained.” I love that quote, because it certainly worked on me. I learned so much, that it became a very part of my being.

So why all this fuss over “just a hat” or “just an outdated boat ride in Norway”? Because these two very contrasting situations illustrate what Disney history fans are constantly hoping for and striving to see played out in park updates, new attractions, even merchandise. And while adding a Frozen attraction to Norway may be a perfect example of how to destroy a themed environment and entertain without educating, the smaller victory of removing the hat is a step toward acknowledging that it did not belong in a themed environment. Am I appeased enough by this decision to think nothing will replace this space? That Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with its closure of the Backlot Tour and Jack Sparrow experience is going to create an all-new “Hollywood that never was”? No. I am no longer that naive or even hopeful. The closures of attractions like Horizons, World of Motion, the original Journey into Imagination, the original Backlot Tour with special effects walking tour, and now Maelstrom, have slowly chipped away at the belief that those running Disney have the same ideals they once did. As dramatic and silly as it may sound to the casual fan, or person who goes to Disney for a completely different experience, these closures have broken little pieces of my heart.

You can throw out the “Disney is a business” line till the cows come home, but Disney is not filing for Chapter 11 any time soon. Disney has become such a name in quality and service because of the PAST, not the present. The kids who grew up going to Disneyland and Walt Disney World fell in love with a very specific set of business ideals and level of quality – from the person designing the rides to the person sweeping up spilled popcorn. The next generation fell in love with Disney movies and tv shows and yes, the theme parks too, but at a completely different level of expectation. Disney magic wasn’t found just within the details of Adventureland and Fantasyland, but in princess breakfasts and makeovers and pirate parties and dance parties and in “themed areas” which consist of fake snow stapled to cardboard cutouts and plastic backdrops. And they think it’s great and keep coming back for more. And as long as we as guests keep accepting that as a great Disney experience, there will be more of less and less of more.

To continue in this train of thought, those who check in here regularly, may have noticed I haven’t posted in well over a month, and wondered why my first post after that break is now a critique of the Walt Disney Company. Well, a lot has happened in that month; I traveled up and down the coast of California, got engaged, and also during that time, many other bits of news and changes have happened within the Walt Disney Company, all of which have led me to re-evaluate, yet again, why and what I write here at my site. As you may recall, I had a sort of mid-blog-crisis-and-subsequent-manifesto piece called The State of Zannaland, back in February. And since that time, I’ve written only two other pieces which were really from the heart and expressed why I began writing about Disney to begin with. I struggled quite a bit in the last couple of months, which, I know, probably sounds very silly to the casual reader. There are so many blogs and sites out there with information on Walt Disney World, or Disneyland, or Disney in general. Merchandise updates, the latest news or promotion Disney was releasing…and I didn’t want to be just another site parroting back info directly from Disney, or blindly supporting every decision the company made. At the same time, I know many of my readers found me back in the days of my Moms Panel application process, or followed my previous updates, and were wondering why I either wasn’t posting, or was now challenging the choices and decisions Disney was making. I didn’t want to alienate any readers, or cause people to be upset by what I was now writing. But the real-life things I experienced recently put a lot of Disney-blog things into perspective. At the end of the day, I must be proud of what I release here.

I avoided posting about Maelstrom closing here and only shared a few of my thoughts on twitter, but that closure was truly a slap in the face to a child of EPCOT such as myself. It was in a sense, what tipped the scales to get me from trying to still support Disney’s decisions and find the good and trust in their choices, to realizing that the Walt Disney World I grew up loving and evangelizing about, was not, in fact, the same company I was blogging about. That is not to say that there aren’t many, many talented, passionate folks who work for Disney and still hold those ideals and do their absolute best with what they are given to work with. But the decisions coming from the top no longer show a concern for long-term guest entertainment through learning, and gaining life-long return guests and fans. The short-sighted decisions for FrozenFrozenFrozenNowNowNow, are disappointing and disheartening to say the least. The removal of this hat, gives a small glimmer of hope that perhaps there is still a beating heart within this Frozen body, if you’ll pardon the bad analogy. (I think I’ve heard enough people telling me to “let it go” in the past month to warrant one bad Frozen analogy.)

As stated in my previous post, I did not get into blogging to make money, or have internet fame, or make a business out of what I write. I never wanted to be sponsored to write about what other people wanted me to, and I definitely never wanted to be part of 1,000 people writing the same thing. I’ve been writing here for over 5 years, and attended many, many blogging conferences in that time. I learned a lot about how to monetize, how to appeal to brands, how to pitch yourself to get products or create relationships that would improve your blog and get you more readers in the process. But I always, always, felt lost in that process. I never wanted to review products, or like I said above, share the same things 100’s or 1000’s of blogs were sharing. And yet, even after my State of Zannaland post, I was afraid to completely pull out of that world. What I realized while traveling last month, was that I wasn’t afraid any more. Part of our trip took us to the Walt Disney Family Museum, part of it to some of the highest elevations in Yosemite National Park, and part of it to Walt Disney’s old haunts and historical places from when he was first starting his animation studio and later Disneyland. I know it doesn’t sound like those three things have a common thread, but what they gave me was an overwhelming sense of perspective, and a re-igniting of the ideals that made me start this blog to begin with.

Thanks to Yesterland.com for this photo. See how this view makes sense?

All of the people I respect the most in this blogging-about-Disney world are those who post their true thoughts, don’t censor, don’t sugar coat, and tell things like it is, for better or for worse. I want to be one of those people, I want to respect my own writing and want to be respected for my thoughts and honesty. There is a lot of talk online about positivity; always being positive and surrounding yourself with positive people and avoiding the negative, to the point of removing negative people from your life. I think a lot of the actual meaning behind this ideal is lost among Disney fans. There is a *huge* difference between being positive, and wearing both rose-colored glasses and blinders in your life. Being positive in your own personal life, to overcome challenges you face, obstacles you encounter and achieving your goals, is great. It’s wonderful. A must-do. None of us would get anywhere if we were crippled by self-doubt and negativity. Much of my own life has been plagued by self-doubt, and it took me until I was almost 40 to realize that I was worth more, and take steps to achieve my own happiness. However, being negative about a multi-billion dollar company and its decisions, is not, in any way, shape or form, the same thing.

Turning a blind eye to a corporate decision, from a corporation you have dedicated your blog to, or consider yourself a major fan of, is just plain silly, and serves no one in the end. To use a simple analogy, it’s like the old tale of the Emperor’s New Clothes. If you have enough people telling you how great and wonderful you look, for fear of upsetting their Emperor, you continue to believe the illusion, until one voice shares the truth, and you realize you are standing naked in a crowd, looking like a fool. Do you think Walt Disney never objected to any suggestion or refused to listen to any critique? No. You can be a positive person and keep negativity out of your life, and still object to decisions and choices that a person or company you love make. There is a huge difference between saying “I don’t agree with that, so it’s dumb and so are you.” and saying, “I don’t agree with that, and here’s why.” and taking that opinion into account as a valid one, based on the reason and if done in an intelligent, respectful way. Being blind to any opinion different from yours helps no one out in the end, it’s not how we grow as people, as friends, and even as corporations. So I will no longer be the voice afraid to speak, the blog afraid to post, the friend afraid to have a different opinion. And today, that opinion is that it is a wise and wonderful choice to remove the sorcerer’s hat from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you are sad that it is going, you are of course entitled to that opinion, but ask yourself if it truly fit in to what Disney theme parks are all about.