Disneyland

NEW Disney Dooney and Bourke Sweethearts Pattern Released

23 March 2014 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Disneylanders were given a surprise from Dooney & Bourke yesterday when an entirely new pattern was released in the parks and the Downtown Disney District. The new Mickey and Minnie “Sweethearts” pattern features black and white classic Mickey and Minnie with touches of hot pink hearts as well as hot pink lining and color on the straps. I love the graphic black and white stripes and think this is a great design.

Coincidentally, I was just in Downtown Disney over here at Walt Disney World yesterday and Tren-D did not have any new designs in the store, but hopefully we will see them soon. Disneyland saw the “It’s A Small World” Dooney & Bourke pattern first as well.

Huge thanks to Chrysty Summers for spotting these new bags and sharing her photos with us here. I’ll of course update as we get more info on availability here at WDW or on the Disney Store Online. For now, it looks like Sweethearts is available at the Disneyland Resort in a larger Shopper Tote style that fully zips up, then the crossbody Letter Carrier, and Barrel styles as well.

Here are the photos (all ©Chrysty Summers):

Mickey Minnie Sweethearts Dooney & Bourke – the Barrel style is $130

What do you think of Sweethearts? Will you add this to your Disney Dooney & Bourke collection?

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!

NEW: Tinker Bell Half Marathon Disney Dooney and Bourke Bag

13 January 2014 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

runDisney just released a sneak peek at the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Disney Dooney & Bourke purses available at Disneyland for the race On January 19, 2014! As with WDW runDisney events, there will be a race expo, opening on the 16th for this event, where racers and spectators alike can purchase merchandise. Last year, the Dooneys sold out in a matter of minutes, so keep that in mind! We’ll have more info as it becomes available:

I love the colors and pattern, but Tink has always been my favorite. What do you think?

Don’t forget to check DisneyStore.com for sales of select current releasedDisney 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!

NEW: “it’s a small world” Disney Dooney and Bourke Bags

10 January 2014 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

With the recent announcement on the Disney Parks blog about an upcoming Minnie and Mickey Disney Dooney & Bourke design, this little beauty seemed to sneak in under the radar – Spotted by helpful friends across the land – an all-new “it’s a small world” Disney Dooney has appeared!

Very little is known about this now, it was first seen in Disneyland last week at Vault 28 at the Downtown Disney District. But it seemed to vanish quickly. (EDIT – Check below for more info!) There have been a few outrageous sales on ebay for the bag…but hopefully it will be in larger supply soon. Special thanks to friends of the blog for letting us share their photos! Here it is:

What are your thoughts? Personally, I like the Small World building design, but think overall this isn’t my favorite design. Perhaps the whimsy and colors of Mary Blair’s art and design would’ve been better served in a fabric design without so much leather involved. That’s just me though, what to you think? It’s definitely a more neutral design for those looking for a subtle Disney touch. Of course I’ll keep you posted about additional bag styles if any for this design and information about purchase and price.

UPDATE: This bag is now available on DisneyStore.com. The price is $285 and it appears the tote is the only style available.

2nd UPDATE: Just received word that these bags are now at Mouse Gear in Epcot! Thanks Shaene Carson for the tip!

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!

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

11 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

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

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

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

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

Welcome to Disney24! Live Updates all 24 hours!

24 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

Goooood Morning Walt DisneyWorld!

Today Disney Parks are embarking on their second ever 24-hour park day for Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World
and Disneyland AND California Adventure in California. I’ll be attending all 24(+) hours here at the Magic Kingdom, and bringing you fun photos and info along the way. I thought I’d post some helpful links here if you’d like to follow along:

Follow my photo adventures on Instagram – @zannaland ( instagram.com/zannaland if you don’t use the app)

I post all my Instagram photos to twitter – @zannaland and facebook – facebook.com/zannaland as well.

Since I’ll be here all day and allll night (that’s 5am – 6am for those playing at home), I may pop onto Ustream to broadcast a parade, some characters, a ride or two, or Wishes as well. Word on the street is there will be some special visits by Mike and Sully from Monsters University so I’ll see what (or who) I can find.

You can find me on Ustream at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/zanna-cam
If you have any requests for photo challenges, rides to go on, snacks to try, drop me a line on and of the above places and I’ll do my best to oblige! And if you are in the parks yourself, be sure to say hi if you spot me (and if I’m passed out asleep, wake me
up!).

Happy Disney24!

Here are some photos and updates from throughout the day:

Here is a Vine video of the train arriving for the Disney 24 opening ceremony.

Next, we took a trip to Frontierland – Sail down the Rivers of America on the Liberty Belle! (Vine video)

The WDW Railroad from the Rivers of America (Vine video)

All in all, it was another wonderful 24 hour experience at the Magic Kingdom. I know it may seem a little silly to be falling asleep on rides, but just being in the park itself is always fun to me, and the sense of community and camaraderie was out in force last night. The crowds were definitely much much greater this time than in the Leap Year all-nighter in 2011, and I know there were some unhappy guests trying to get up and down and in and out of Main Street. Hopefully Disney can beef up its crowd control a bit to have a better plan for another event like this. It always pains me to see unhappy guests. That was just one tiny portion of the overall successful experience and did not put a damper on my enjoyment at all.

Having the Disney Parks Blog meet-up at the start of the day was a wonderful plus, the donuts were great, seeing old and new friends was great, and seeing Monsters University early was wonderful! Major thanks to the Disney Parks Blog for putting events like that on and adding so many fun surprises and souvenirs to the experience. They certainly don’t have to give back as much as they do, but they seem to always be trying to do more and do better for their readers, fans and park-goers. As a local blogger who is a fan first, it’s an honor and a privilege to be able to be a part of the community like that.

All throughout the day, I wanted to post photos of just some of what Disney means to me, amazing scenery, landscapes and breathtaking architecture that tells a story and creates magic and memories at every turn. I certainly didn’t chronicle my whole day, nor did I make it a mission to ride every ride or experience every show. I did, however, spend some relaxing time experiencing some of the classics that really say Walt Disney World to me. Riding down the Rivers of America on the Liberty Belle was so peaceful and just transported me to another time in history. The animatronics and effects on the river banks have really been tended to lately and it looks great, really making the experience worthwhile. Then over on Tom Sawyer Island, I love to see kids and families (and me!) making their own fun; exploring, running, climbing, laughing and creating their own “interactive experience”.

Being in the park for over 24 hours really lets you focus on the aspects that made you fall in love with Disney to begin with. I am grateful to Disney for letting that happen, and to my friends and all of the Disney community that I shared that with last night. Thanks for following along!

Disneyland Paris Dooney & Bourke Retro Tote Bag Available Online

9 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

A friend online had visited Disneyland Paris over the summer and shared this adorable design, and now it’s available at the
DisneyStore.com. It’s kind of funny that they are using the “retro” design also used at Disneyland here in California and at Walt Disney World, since Disneyland Paris opened in 1991 and that isn’t exactly retro (I mean, I know I’m getting older, but it wasn’t THAT long ago that graduated high school 😉 ) No matter, it’s still a cute design, with bright colors and some favorite attractions at both Disneyland Paris and the Walt Disney Studios next door, in celebration of Disneyland Paris’ 20th Anniversary last month.

Disneyland Paris Retro Dooney & Bourke — Disneyland Paris Tote Bag By Dooney & Bourke – Retro is $349

What do you think? Will you pick up this Disneyland Paris Tote Bag By Dooney & Bourke? I know my rule is I can’t get a location-specific design unless I’ve been there. Which is why I did not get a Disney Cruise Line Dooney until I set sail on the Dream last November (I’d been on the Magic but that was before the Dooney’s existed!) and did not feel like I could get a Disneyland retro design until my first visit to Disneyland back in 2011. (I still didn’t get one, maybe this year will be the year!). How about you? If this design isn’t for you, never fear, there is a return of the Mickey & Minnie black and white Comic design out now too, as an online exclusive. And there’s also the new design coming out this summer! What’s your favorite?

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 and goes directly to the official site, but if you do buy something, I get a small commission. Thanks for reading!

Reflections On Limited Time Magic

8 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

When “Limited Time Magic” was first announced back in October of 2012, it was met with great enthusiasm and high hopes. I know I was not alone in thinking of our distant sister parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea with their various seasonal themes, special merchandise, food, and shows. It also reminded me a bit of what makes Disneyland in California so magical, there are special things that happen throughout the year and then disappear, making them all the more special while they are around. I was truly excited that, as a local to Walt Disney World, we would get a taste of these kind of moments and make our 43 square miles feel a little bit smaller, a little more like the memories I had grown up with.

It’s not quite six months into 2013, and we, as Disney Park fans on the east and west coast of the United States, have been treated to quite a few doses of “Limited Time Magic.” Some, have been incredible successes, as judged by Disney social media fans and critics. Others, have gone by with little fanfare or appreciation. What sparked my desire to write this post was the most recent installment of Limited Time Magic: Disney’s Hollywood Studios “May the 4th Be With You” event, celebrating Star Wars Day as it has come to be known. This was, without a doubt, the greatest Limited Time Magic event to date, in my opinion. But why was this day such a success?

Well, let me first note that some of the past Limited Time Magic days have also been well-received; Long Lost Friends Week both at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland was lots of fun, True Love Week was also a unique experience, the Easter Week egg hunts were a great success as well. Other offerings of limited time merchandise, ear hats, t-shirts etc. may have been a fun addition, but certainly not to the extent that these other events have been. What’s the magic formula? And more importantly, what can Disney DO with these experiences to improve future park experiences for guests?

I think the most important key to these Limited Time Magic successes is this: community. Sure, you can bond with other folks in line for a t-shirt or a pin that you have to collect, but what better way to feel a part of the Disney community than dancing down a walkway with your favorite character, or standing in a group of fellow fans as you ooh and ahh to fireworks created especially for you? I arrived at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the late afternoon on May 4th, but I still felt instantly a part of the special community. We all had on our Star Wars t-shirts, with smiles on our faces as a legion of Stormtroopers marched down Hollywood Blvd, or Chewbacca stood in line for Star Tours with the rest of us. A dance party is fun, but a dance party with a DJ playing real hits, where Chewie and Greedo dance in the crowds? Amazing. We all felt a part of this wonderful Disney-Star Wars family, and as a local that may or may not experience burn-out visiting the parks so frequently, it was wonderful to have something new going on that brought us all together.

In my personal opinion, I think something like May the 4th is 10 times more successful than Long Lost Friends Week, where guests may have been excited to see old characters, but really it created long lines and offered little more than a photo op and a souvenir autograph card. Fun, but not amazing. The special Limited Time Magic songs that have been created for Long Lost Friends Week and True Love Week were nice, but seemed a bit forced vs. just letting the experiences speak for themselves. Would these weeks that involve character meet and greets work if the characters were just roaming the parks as they did on May the 4th? I’m not sure, certainly I’m no expert in park logistics, but why not give it a try? I think guests would be surprised and delighted by the experience. Part of what made the Easter Week egg hunts so fun is the community aspect of interactivity. Groups of folks were all searching for the same things, finding fellow guests along the way to share experiences with. Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt?

Other parts to the Limited Time Magic offerings have been special food items, which, on their own, may not be too exciting, but when combined with enough other activities to make it part of the fun, can be a great addition. I dined at Kona Cafe a few weeks ago and saw the little cupcake with the smiling strawberry. I had been out of the Limited Time Magic Loop and had no idea this was a “Limited Time Cupcake“, but I thought it was adorable and unique and it made me smile. THAT’s the kind of little, un-looked-for magic that takes me back to the Walt Disney World I grew up loving – proving that it doesn’t have to be a huge character line-up or special show to make a difference.

Which brings me to my next point, what can Disney DO with all of these experiences? Will they end after this year is up? Will we never see a “Long Lost Friend” again now that that week is over? Will Disney stop creating unique new dessert or dining options because this campaign has ended? I certainly don’t think so on the food side of things. Disney fans are so on top of any new cupcakes or other desserts that come out and I think that will always be a way to excite guests and create buzz. But what about the rest of the park experiences?

Seeing fireworks over Disney’s Hollywood Studios was in a word, spectacular. The Star Wars music and amazing fireworks were the perfect mix. They put a smile on my face and made me proud to be a part of this Disney community, experiencing this special event first-hand. Would they be less special if those fireworks happened every Star Wars Weekend? I don’t think so. I’d definitely stay in the park later, and more than likely spend more money on food, drinks, or merchandise because the park was open later. And after seeing those fireworks, I would most assuredly make a special trip back to see them again. I’ve missed Sorcery in the Sky and I think a fireworks display is just what that park needs. Every other weekend? Once a month? I’ll take it!

These are the moments that make great vacations. These are the moments that create memories and cause little kids and grown-ups alike to go back home and spread the gospel of Disney out amongst their friends and family. I can just picture it now, a little boy or girl saying to their friends, “And then, a Stormtrooper walked right by me and stopped and we battled with his blaster and my light saber!” (or a grown up telling his or her friends the same thing 😉 ) Is that memory not so much more powerful than “and then we stood in line and got a photo with the three little pigs.”? Sure, that photo may be a treasured memory, but the former experience was an active memory rather than a passive one, which put the guest in the middle of the story. It wasn’t planned, it wasn’t staged. It was a spontaneous moment and exactly what makes Disney so magical.

My hope is that Disney takes these Limited Time successes and translates them into changes across the parks. Spontaneous character interactions should be the norm, not a one-time experience. Getting the community to rally around a show or fireworks IS possible if it’s done right.

Seeing the Dapper Dans sing boy band songs, while amusing, isn’t something that will create memories that last a lifetime. In fact, if such a big deal hadn’t been made of the Dapper Dans singing boy band hits prior to that week, it probably would’ve had a much bigger impact. I could see a much bigger buzz having formed around a spontaneous rendition of “Bye, Bye, Bye,” with viral video happening and social media channels reposting all over the place. But knowing it was coming, it was just like, “Oh, ok. Cute.” At least that’s how I saw it.

Having a new set of ear hats, while cool and fun, isn’t what will form the moments that make lifelong Disney fans and guests. Keep ’em coming, the designs are great. But don’t call them “Limited Time Magic” when we all know they are just new merchandise for us to buy. (And don’t get me wrong, I LOVE merchandise. It’s where I got my start with Disney, selling merchandise on Main Street, U.S.A. – and some of the new t-shirt and other designs have been absolutely fantastic lately. But keep it separate from something that’s meant to create excitement about the parks themselves.) Keep the “magic” alive by not watering it down with experiences that happen every day anyway. Characters roaming through a park without a line to stand in? Magic. Fireworks in a park that never sees them? Magic.

Disney has had some incredible successes lately from the food booths at the Flower & Garden Festival, to New Fantasyland, to the promise of a new parade at Magic Kingdom. The most successful Limited Time Magic events have been those that truly create magical moments, instigate buzz, and make lifetime memories with guests. The kind of thing where you can say “I was there for…” such as the next major Limited Time Magic event – Disney Parks on both coasts being open 24 hours. I was there for the One More Disney Day event, and it was a unique experience like no other. May 24th is right around the corner and I know I’ll be at the Magic Kingdom all 24 hours.

I know Disney has it in them to translate these limited moments into future guest experiences that create lifelong Disney fans and supporters. I hope the decision-makers take a look at what the response has been and work on ways to make Limited Time Magic a little less limited and a little more magical. I had such a wonderful time at the May the 4th event, it made me super excited for Star Wars Weekends, but I hope some of that intimate, community feel of May the 4th can translate into not only Star Wars Weekends, but the rest of the parks as well.

What are your thoughts? What have your favorite Limited Time Magic moments been and what would you most like to see in the future?

They’re BAAAACK – Disney Dooney & Bourke 2013 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Bags!

5 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

The Tinker Bell Disney Dooney & Bourke Bags are perhaps the most asked-about designs of all the Disney Dooneys to date. I SO wish they’d release them as a regular bag as well, but until then, you can snag one by registering for the 2013 Tinker Bell Half Marathon at Disneyland – taking place January 19-20 next year. By extremely popular demand, runDisney has decided to re-release the commemorative Tink Dooney & Boourke purses that it sold for the inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon in Disneyland.

More photos of the bags at last year’s Tinker Bell Half Marathon post – the design is the same with a new 2013 commemorative hang tag.

Purses must be pre ordered through Active.com by a registered participant. Only 2 bags per person. This should eliminate some of the issues from last year, where bags sold out in minutes!

Prices:

$92.00 – Dooney & Bourke Wristlet
$209.00 – Dooney & Bourke Cross Body Purse
$246.00 – Dooney & Bourke Small Shopper

Purses must be picked up at the Disneyland Hotel event merchandise location on Friday, January 18th (11am – 7pm) or Saturday, January 19th (9am – 5pm). Any Dooney & Bourke Purses not picked up at the Expo will not be mailed and will not be refunded. Quantities are limited.

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!

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

14 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis 15 Comments

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

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

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

Starbucks barista — Me in barista form, circa 2007

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Starbucks California Adventure — Just Got Happier!

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

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

VIDEO: Secret of the Wings Skating Rink Opens at Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District

24 October 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

In a fun tie-in with the newest Disney Fairies installment – Secret of the Wings, the Downtown Disney District opened a skating rink themed to the movie. For readers that haven’t ventured out west, the Downtown Disney District is a lively promenade featuring unique shopping and dining, as well as exciting nighttime entertainment. Located just outside the Parks and adjacent to the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, the Downtown Disney District offers something for everyone from early morning until late at night.

This magical ice skating rink will be located between AMC 12 Theatres and the ESPN Zone, and will invite guests of all ages to glide along to special music and lighting effects. Skates will be available for rent, and helmets will be provided and required for each skater’s safety. Starting November 12, a special holiday village will surround the rink, with themed chalets where guests can purchase seasonal foods and merchandise. Sounds adorable!

Here’s a video with details from the opening ceremony and interviews from the Downtown Disney general manager as well as the Secret of the Wings filmmakers: