🙂
Jud
Disney
New Disney Pixar “Forever” Stamps from the USPS
My local Post Office suggested that I order from USPS.com, which I did, and I received the sheet I ordered today! I get the sheet because it usually has some sort of write up on the obverse side and this indeed did! It cost face value plus $1 for ordering on line, and is speedily delivered, and saves you the problem of wondering when, or even if, your local PO will get them!
🙂
Jud
What Would Historically Accurate Disney Princesses Look Like?
One artist, Claire Hummel has taken it upon herself to answer this question. She shares her creations at her Tumblr blog and her DeviantArt page. Claire has been sharing these visions since March of this year and according to her FAQ, plans to continue giving more Disney characters a fashionistically (yes, I just made that word up) accurate twist. I encourage you to visit her blog and seek out each original posting, as she goes into detail about the process behind her decisions for each look as well as sharing some videos of the process. In the meantime, I thought I’d post all of the current princesses she has shared to date – EDITED to add – she has now added Mulan, Tiana, and Rapunzel, which I’ve updated below. Check out her links above for more info and to purchase prints! (click to enlarge)
What are your thoughts? Which is your favorite? Which character would you like to see represented next?
David Tutera Visits Social Media Moms at the Disney Weddings Platinum Soiree
Things have been so busy around here at ZannaLand so I’m just now getting around to my recaps of the amazing 2nd annual Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. One of the many highlights for me (and as you remember, something I was hoping for!) was getting to meet wedding planner and ultimate dream maker, David Tutera. It was wonderful to hear him speak about making brides feel special, and to speak to him about how much he enjoys visiting the Disney Parks as well!
The Disney Social Media Moms Celebration kicked off at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, where attendees were treated to a Platinum Soiree welcome reception. Champagne flutes and a buffet of candy – not sure what could be much better than that. We were able to see some of the amazing wedding cakes that Disney Fairytale Weddings offer and meet with “Franck” from Father of the Bride (after whom the Wedding Pavilion salon is named) and “Edna Mold” from The Incredibles who entertained us in between speakers. Check out this photo tour of the evening’s events:
We then headed over to the pavilion for some amazing speakers and presentations.
Next, we were treated to a real, live Disney Fairytale Wedding vow renewal ceremony! The “wedding party” (aka Disney performers) danced down the aisle in fabulous attire as our almost-still-a-newlywed bride of 2 years joined her prince to renew their vows once again at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion.
Outside, we awaited the bride and groom and I was lucky enough to stand across from David Tutera where I got a little more time to talk (okay, and take some pictures..he’s just so darn handsome – look at that profile!)
The event was, in a word, breath-taking. I have been a fan of Disney’s Fairytale Weddings from the start, but it was such a treat to be able to experience a little of what their magic is like in person, not to mention the wonderful speakers and sites we were able to see. It is still a hope and a dream that I will someday have a Disney vow renewal. My 15th wedding anniversary is coming up this October, but that might be a bit too soon to pull something off, so I’ll shoot for the 20th. 😉
Stay tuned for more recaps from the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration coming up on ZannaLand!
Gowalla and Disney Reveal Passholder Exclusive Virtual Pin
We are easy to spot; we’re the ones constantly looking at our phones, searching for locations to check in to and of course, share with the world (and cursing the lack of cell service to complete our check in!). Who doesn’t want to know that we are getting our morning coffee at Starbucks, buying socks at the mall, or enjoying seeing a movie with friends? As newbies find out quickly, quite a few people not only aren’t interested but actually get annoyed with constant check ins! Hrmph. Never fear, there are actually settings in all services which allow you to keep your check-ins to yourself, only share with friends, or share with twitter, facebook, or both.
While each of us use the apps or services in a different way – some to meet up with friends in the same location, others to keep family informed, others just to chronicle their every move, we’re all in it for the fun, and yes, tiny pixelated rewards we may get for checking in. Disney teamed up with popular service Gowalla a few months back and created official Disney check-ins, virtual pins, trips to complete and items to pick up along the way. With the huge social media army nestled firmly within the Disney fandom, this was a natural and welcomed partnership.
Fans could now share their Disney visits and experiences as they happened online. Users can take a photo of a location and leave it behind for future visitors to see. Gowalla also uses random items which may be found or dropped along the way and with the Disney partnership, those items now included Mickey Mouse ear hats, Hitchhiking Ghosts, and Walt and Mickey Partners Statues. Disney created their own official “trips” which include checking in to multiple locations, either within one or more parks, the resorts, or a combination of places within Walt Disney property. Committed users will be rewarded by the trip completion and a virtual pin to add to their collection. Another benefit is visitors themselves can make their own trips which guests can also complete, adding to the fun and competitive aspect of checking in.
Gowalla has now announced a new Walt Disney World Passholder exclusive virtual pin. No details have been given as to whether proof of Passholder must somehow be shown to obtain the virtual pin. Perhaps just not publicizing it anywhere but the Passholder newsletter is the level of “exclusivity” mentioned. If there’s one thing the Disney community does, it spreads news, so I’d imagine many guests will be achieving this particular pin, Passholder or not. I’ll have to report back on it when I complete the challenge myself. One of the spots, Disney Junior – Live on Stage! does not premier until March, but the check-in spot is available currently, so there may be some dishonest checking in among die-hard Gowalla users. Below are the complete set of spots you must check in at to earn the Passholder virtual pin.
Personally, I love the marriage of Disney and Gowalla and for an obsessive personality like my own (hence my blog), it’s just the thing to keep me excited about the next big thing at Walt Disney World. Much to the dismay of my family, my check-in addition is not going anywhere any time soon. Unlike many other Disney collections (Dooney & Bourke purses, Vinylmation, constantly updating Disney merchandise…) this virtual one is compact, portable, and best of all – free! I no longer fear ending up on an episode of “Disney Hoarders” (that would make an awesome show, btw), my fears now involve a drained battery in my phone. My 12 year old son is following along in my footsteps and we now challenge each other to see who can check in to a spot first. Makes a mother proud…
Gowalla is a free app available for Android, Blackberry, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Palm devices.
Disney Dream Inaugural Year Dooney & Bourke Bags
We’ve seen the Disney Cruise Line Dooney & Bourke designs for a while now but with the christening of the brand new floating kingdom, the Disney Dream, an entire new design has been created and is now on sale for the inaugural year of sailings. There was some worry that these new bags would only be available for the actual first inaugural sailing but rest assured, when a new ship debuts, its entire first year is considered the inaugural year. How long into the year these styles will last remains to be seen of course! We can also now assume or hope at least that when the Fantasy sails into Port Canaveral, we will be treated to another exclusive design from Dooney & Bourke. I want to extend special thanks to StitchKingdom for the permission to share his photos below. Be sure to visit his site if you don’t already, he has tons of reviews and info on the Dream’s inaugural voyage!
The satchel on the left of the table should be $195 if going by Dooney pricing online for the same style. Will confirm when possible!
Other Disney Dooney & Bourke collections may be found here on ZannaLand:
Disney Dooney & Bourke Original Cindy Sketch in White – NEW STYLES!
Disney Dooney & Bourke Multi-colored Mickey Black Handbags
Disney Dooney & Bourke Brown Mickey, Navy Mickey, Pink Minnie Purse Designs
Dooney & Bourke Disney Cruise Line Edition and Colored Wristlets
Disney Dooney & Bourke Cindy Sketch in COLORS
Disneyland 55th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke Collection
Disney Dooney and Bourke Princess Handbag Designs
Disney Dooney & Bourke Balloon Design in Black and White
Disney Dooney & Bourke Peace Love Mickey Minnie Denim Bags
Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke Collection
The Magic, The Memories and…US!
I was recently invited to attend the media preview for the Magic Kingdom’s much anticipated “Castle projection show”. The show was announced some months back along with the 2011 campaign – “Let the Memories Begin“. The show and campaign itself received much criticism from cynics, assuming Disney was just using other people’s photos and videos so they didn’t have to come up with something on their own. Many objections to “YouTube videos on the castle” were heard over the interwebs.
Ever the Disney-supporter, I posted on twitter and facebook about how I supported this campaign. Really, I’m the kind of Disney fan that doesn’t think we are “owed” anything, yet many critics compare each year’s promotion to the Year of a Million Dreams or the What Will You Celebrate? campaigns, which were overflowing with extras, freebies and one-of-a-kind experiences. Last year, you still got a free ticket – if you volunteered for it. This year, however, the focus is on families – no matter what that consists of, and the memories created at Disney Parks throughout the world. After all, aren’t the best “extras” the intangibles that you hold in your heart and mind for years to come?
Despite my understanding and excitement about Let the Memories Begin, I still wasn’t sure how the Castle would fit in to this equation. After all, people don’t typically like when Cinderella Castle is messed with. (I happen to be one of the few people in the universe that thought it was cute – but totally understand those that were upset at its appearance for their visits; a year is a long time for bright pink.) Would this be something that most guests couldn’t relate to if their pictures weren’t selected? Would it disrupt the magic of the kingdom? Well, all my fears were assuaged Tuesday night when I experienced “The Magic, The Memories and You” first-hand.
VIDEO: Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights With Snow!
Without a doubt, the amazing Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season at Walt Disney World. It’s a family tradition and I can’t tell you how many pictures I have of my kids in strollers looking up with their mouths hanging open at the awe inspiring lights before them. This year, I captured the lighting ceremony, the snow and more on video to share here with you. I hope you enjoy it and get a chance to check them out in person at Disney’s Hollywood Studios if you haven’t yet!
Mulch Sweat N’ Shears Rock Christmastime at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
I have to admit, I am guilty of never having sought out or listened to the DHS “house band” Mulch Sweat n’ Shears. I had no idea what I was missing! During Disney’s Holiday Showcase last month, we were lucky enough to attend a dinner served right inside the stage area of Lights, Motors, Action! and treated to a holiday performance by Mulch Sweat n’ Shears. Their Jack Black-like front man delighted my tweens and entertained the whole crowd. Both older kids proclaimed them their new favorite band. I hope you enjoy their version of the Paul McCartney favorite “Wonderful Christmastime” as they performed it.
Be sure to check out Mulch Sweat n’ Shears next time you’re in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I can’t wait to hear their regular set after the holidays too!
Duffy the Disney Bear Arrives in Epcot-Photo Tour of Everything Duffy
Walt Disney World Ambassador Vanessa Rosas introduced Vice President of Epcot, Dan Cockerell who then welcomed Mickey (dressed in his sea captain outfit) and Duffy from the nearby Friendship boat landing. After singing the official Duffy song and cutting the ribbon, Duffy headed over to the first of his two appearances: 12:20pm – 2:30pm and 3:45pm – 7:00pm. Be sure to check the official times guide or with Guest Relations to see when Duffy is appearing during your visit.
Speaking with Disney Trading Project Manager and all around cool guy, Steven Miller (who let me know today he’s taking on more projects, including Duffy – awesome!), he expressed the excitement about bringing Duffy on board and the many new things to come in the next few months. He was just shown a mock-up of the promised Duffy Ear Hat and said it looks great. Can’t wait to see it!
It was a good sign for potential success that all the World Showcase-themed costumes were sold out in a matter of hours! More are on the way and “Everything Duffy” Cast Members told us there will be a Halloween costume coming soon along with the other Duffy holiday and celebration costumes we mentioned previously on ZannaLand.
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