Disney's Hollywood Studios

PHOTO TOUR of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights!

13 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Walking around the corner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios onto New York Street and seeing the overwhelming amount of holiday lights displayed at the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is one of those must-do moments for me, that takes my breath away every year. If I could figure out a way to move into one of those Brownstones on the street, I would pack up in a heartbeat. Heck, I’d even live above the T.P. Tree! 😉 It is such a gift that Disney gives us each year, the beautiful lights, the music, a way to pause and enjoy the wonder and spirit of the season. It’s impossible not to go home happy.

I have so many wonderful memories tied into these lights – with my dad, who loved them as much as I do and loved the Studios too, my mom, as we tear up remembering the times with my dad, my older kids when they were little – I can still picture my now almost-14-year-old son sitting in his stroller, reaching his hand out to catch the “snow” as it fell, and now my youngest gets to experience it all as well and more and more memories are made each year. The past few years I’ve added memories with friends and other locals too. It’s just such a great place to wander and hang out. No parades or fireworks to line up for, just relax and enjoy the sights and sounds that envelope you at every turn.

So without further ado, lets take a look at some highlights from my most recent visit:

Sid Cahuengas is always ready for Christmas!

One of my favorite Disney holiday displays!

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

The T.P. Tree — The infamous Toilet Paper Tree!

Crowds love The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Blue canopy (yes, I guess I went overboard with canopy shots)

VIDEO: Star Wars Weekends Celebrity Host Ashley Eckstein

30 May 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

I had the pleasure of first getting to know Ashley Eckstein, a year ago, when we spoke on the phone and it was like talking to an old friend I’d known forever. Ashley is the star of the animated series Star Wars: Clone Wars on Cartoon Network and design entrepeneur, owner and creative vision behind Her Universe clothing and accessories line for fangirls, young and old. She returns this year for the fourth time to Disney’s Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios, taking the reigns as Celebrity Host along with James Arnold Taylor for the second year in a row.

I was so impressed with Ashley when we had our first conversation, she is the ultimate Disney fan and Star Wars fangirl, and has inspired thousands of young girls, empowering them with wonderful ideals and strength. I was recently given the opportunity to sit down with Ashley in person, so she could tell us a little more about Star Wars Weekends and Her Universe:

Special thanks to Gary Buchanan and the Walt Disney World team for facilitating this interview and recording it for me as well! Of course thanks to Ashley for taking the time to share a little bit of her with all of us.

Ashley recently posted this photo on her Facebook page and I just loved it, not only does she share my love of Wookie hugs, she is just as excited by Disney magic as we all are. I hope she doesn’t mind me sharing it here but it was too cute not to!

Ashley Eckstein and Chewbacca - Jedi and Wookie love!

You can find Ashley signing autographs, speaking and just roaming the parks during Star Wars Weekends, which run May 18 – June 10, 2012. If you can’t make it down, check out Ashley’s designs at HerUniverse.com and follow along with Ashley on Twitter @HerUniverse and Facebook at facebook.com/HerUniverse. The official Ashley Eckstein site also has more news on Ashley’s appearances and upcoming events.

NEW Her Universe Merchandise Debuts at Star Wars Weekends

19 May 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

One of my absolute favorite times of the year are when Star Wars Weekends roll around at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While I do profess that I am a geek/nerd in many ways, Star Wars holds an even dearer place in my heart because I grew up with it too. Like many of my favorite things at Walt Disney World – classic EPCOT Center and Magic Kingdom in the early 1980s, I have an emotional attachment to all things Star Wars.

Being able to walk through a park and see Stormtroopers or Boba Fett just hanging around is just as close to heaven for a kid from the 80’s as you can get. And don’t even get me started on Chewbacca hugs. Add in the cool exclusive merchandise, a parade, celebrity appearances, and the Hyperspace Hoopla show and you’ve got something for everyone. Star Wars Weekends are the perfect place to combine your love of Disney and Star Wars, and there are no shortage of fans who share that love. Last year, the weekend was kicked off with the grand re-opening of Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, but the excitement is still going for 2012 with lots of new surprises in store.

The great thing about Star Wars Weekends is that Disney keeps it fresh, with current stars of the popular Star Wars: Clone Wars animated series appearing each year alongside stars from the classic films as well. One star, Ashley Eckstein, voice of Ahsoka Tona from the Star Wars: Clone Wars series, has become a staple at the Weekends. Ashley and James Arnold Taylor, voice of Obi Wan Kenobi in the same series, join forces as the celebrity hosts for 2012.

Looking for Love in Alderaan Places - LOVE this!

In 2009, Ashley introduced her new line of clothing and accessories aimed specifically at girls and women, Her Universe. Last year, she also introduced designs exclusive to Star Wars Weekends for a limited time. This year she’s back with even more exclusive fun from Her Universe:

Several new apparel pieces are also being introduced for the younger “Jedi-in-training” including several Star Wars youth designs and, for the first time, a Jedi onesie for the tiniest followers of the Force featuring the adorable art of popular Star Wars illustrator Katie Cook.

“I was very excited when Ashley approached me to do kids’ designs for Her Universe,” said Cook. “She’s doing a wonderful thing for the female fan community already… and she’s doing those of us with little girls an even bigger favor by giving the littlest fangirls nerdy gear of their own!”

In addition to the new product line being available at Disney’s Star Wars Weekends, Eckstein will also, for the fourth year in a row, be co-hosting the Behind The Force live stage show and signing autographs each weekend of the event.

“Disney’s Star Wars Weekends is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Ashley Eckstein. “I truly enjoy meeting Star Wars fans of all ages and that’s why I am so excited to be offering merchandise for women, girls and now babies! As the voice of Ahsoka Tano, I cannot wait to see baby girls in an Ahsoka “Jedi in Training” onesie or little girls running around in Ahsoka’s new costume top!”

These new designs are just so adorable and the message they send is one of girl power and strength, so needed today! The new styles will also be available online at www.heruniverse.com on May 21st. Photo credit below: – Kelsey Edwards Photography

I was able to see the new merchandise in person today and loved it all! The “Looking for love in Alderaan places” shirt is hysterical, and the Princess Leia hoodies and Ahsoka tunics are super fun. The little kids shirts and baby onesies were killing me with cute!

Princess Leia hoodie — Of course I had to try one on... 😉

Sophia modeling the Ahsoka Tano tunic - she wants it!

Star Wars Weekends run from May 18-June 10 this year and are a must-do if you are in the area. We’ll have more coverage of the galactic fun in the coming weeks!

Disney’s Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Canopy Show

22 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Yet another family tradition each year and yet another moment to cry tears of joy in a Disney park. My dad loved these lights as well as Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so I’m always flooded with memories when we first turn the orner and see the amazing sparkling colors. I will have to admit, I was a little disappointed with the crowd control this year, normally we can walk right through from the Writer’s Stop, but this year we were detoured at every turn from left of the Great Movie Ride on, and funneled around to the back of the San Francisco area and Lights, Motors, Action!. Unfortunately, this is a terrible way to view experience the lights, especially for first-time visitors. You are able to SEE the lights as you turn into the New York Street area, but cannot gain access until the back, making for teeming throngs of disgruntled guests, and I was among them this week.

Having visited the Spectacle of Dancing Lights (SODL) each year since it premiered, the overall ‘show’ has always started at the end of New York Street and culminated with the turning Peace on Earth globe, angels and the Nativity. Granted, this route has changed slightly since first opening, when guests would get to walk down Residential Street, but the Peace on Earth was always the ‘finale’ so to speak. As years passed, the lights began to dance to music and more and more interactive elements were added. As a result, I understand that there isn’t any one centerpiece or finale, but the current route with countless detours and barricades made for a very disappointing experience.

In addition, there are many more PhotoPass stations now, making it almost impossible to take family photos, or even photos of just the lights, without a line of guests in front of you, waiting for professional photos. Again, I understand why Disney is doing what they are doing, but from a guest standpoint, it’s not something that benefits most people. How about photo stations outside of the fray of New York Street, where PhotoPass software can add the SODL into the background later? Surely, the photos will look better than a close-up of the base of a giant tree of lights, or building, where you can’t see the immense detail and overall wow factor of the experience. Just my thoughts, as a long-time visitor and someone that heard lots of complaints the night I went, and online too.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights — Still awe-inspiring, each year.

Luckily, the lights and the family memories won out in the end and magic again took over, but I implore Disney to work on a better plan that doesn’t involve so much confusion and frustration. When and if you visit, be prepared for crowds and ask the cast members where you actually enter for the lights so you can head there first. My advice is to go during the week and see the lights later in the night, not when the lights first switch on. Those caveats given, I’d love to share one of my favorite musical portions of the nights’ songs, that I was able to record. If, like me, it’s one of your favorite things at Walt Disney World during the holidays, or you aren’t able to make it down to see the lights, I hope you enjoy the show. This video features the all-new canopy, offering some amazing effects.

Step Into the Studios Past With McDonald’s Dick Tracy Crimestoppers Game

14 June 2011 by Ryan P. Wilson 8 Comments

There is something to be said for Disney, and that is that there is something for everyone, from film genres to theme park experiences. Even within a single park theater buffs can find an enjoyable show, while those who detest such theatrics can find an incredible rollercoaster. Expand that idea outward into Disney’s other enterprises, and animation lovers have a wide berth of movies to choose from, whereas macho men have sporting news and events 24/7 on ESPN. Mix in a variety of merchandise for each avenue of entertainment, and there is indeed something centered around any given interest for individuals to collect.

Take me for example. My love affairs with Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Expedition Everest, Disneynature, Frontierland, EPCOT Center, Zorro, Davy Crockett, etc. have all been well documented. Two other films I have long fancied have not been as readily recorded, not because I am ashamed of them, but merely because there is so little to really be gathered on the topics. I am of course speaking of The Rocketeer and Dick Tracy. It is treasures from these movies that really set my heart soaring while I scramble for my checkbook.

If there is a single item related to Dick Tracy that I have continually sought after it is a collection of Crimestopper game pieces tied to the 1990 release. The two stage scratch-offs were from McDonald’s and included a multiple choice scene and a mug shot.

In the multiple choice section, a painted backdrop is used to highlight a scene in which the customer, aka detective, is given an assignment, including finding the location of a robbery, a gangster cheating at cards, or the hiding place of key evidence. Three of the five rub off spots were GAME OVER boxes, while one led to a successful mission and prizes such as free food and drinks, coupons, and cash prizes. The remaining spot was always a tip to the winning location. This often took the form of telling customers which box (A, B, C, D, or E) to scratch, but in the best of cards it was a clue, for example to try the tallest gangster or search near the telephone. This game play made me love these pieces as a kid, and I was drawn to McDonald’s as often as I could convince my parents to drive me there.

The second stage of the game, detachable from the colorful movie scene, featured the name and mug shot of a wanted mobster. Throughout the contest, near mug shots would appear on a most wanted board at participating restaurants. Match a mug shot to your game piece and collect your rewards, up to $1,000,000!

After years of sifting through the evidence, I now have a completed set, well of the scenes at least, with several extras I’ve been able to scratch off. For those of you who enjoy all things tied to the yellow clad detective, I present a full set of scenes and assignments for you to enjoy!

The Scene: A burglary is in progress.
Your Assignment: Help Dick Tracy find the thief’s location.

The Scene: Dick Tracy is chasing The Kid who stole an old man’s watch.
Your Assignment: Find where The Kid threw the stolen watch.

The Scene: Tess Trueheart is being followed.
Your Assignment: Find the mobster following her.

The Scene: The mobsters are at Club Ritz.
Your Assignment: Find the mobster passing counterfeit money.

The Scene: Someone is going through Dick Tracy’s desk.
Your Assignment: Find the evidence that identifies the intruder.

The Scene: The police line-up.
Your Assignment: Pick out the bank robber.

The Scene: The jewel thief is hiding from the police.
Your Assignment: Find his hideout.

The Scene: A bank robber is escaping in a car.
Your Assignment: Find his getaway car.

The Scene: The boiler is about to explode.
Your Assignment: Find Dick Tracy’s best escape route.

The Scene: The Mob is planning a robbery.
Your Assignment: Find who is masterminding the robbery.

The Scene: The Kid is running from The Brow.
Your Assignment: Find where the mobster is.

The Scene: The Mob’s Card Game.
Your Assignment: Find which mobster is cheating.

VIDEO: Star Tours Opening Day Characters in Full FORCE

8 June 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Apologies for the pun in the title, I can’t resist good “force” joke! A few weeks ago I was treated to an amazing experience, which was a media preview of the all-new Star Tours 2 in 3-D — Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Now in addition to being an obviously major Disney fan, I am also a Star Wars geek. So put me in a situation where I can get my picture taken with Boba Fett AND hug Chewbacca, and I’m in heaven. It was a truly amazing night – my husband actually handed Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) a piece of cake! How cool is that?? Anyway, I thought I’d put together a video slideshow highlighting some of the out-of-this-world characters that appeared at the Galactic Preview and the official opening day activities.

If you perhaps aren’t familiar with the new Star Tours, check out this video below for more information on the new destinations and features of the attraction. I’ve been on it about 6 times now, and it’s amazing every time!! My favorite planets are Hoth and Naboo, but I’ve yet to get the Pod Racing yet, so we’ll see! In the video below, you’ll also see a little cameo by yours truly…thanks to the Disney team for allowing us to take part in that fun experience!!

Special thanks to my amazing cast member assistant, Ethan G., for some of the photos in the first video. He was pretty much the nicest and most helpful cast member ever! Thanks Ethan! Also thanks to Betsy Bates for giving me the music for the first video! I get by with a little help from my friends! 😉

Jake Character From the Never Land Pirates Joins the Line Up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

19 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

My family and I have been enjoying the second Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at Walt Disney World for the past two days. As usual, it has been a pixie-dusted event full of magic, thanks to the keepers of the pixie dust, Laura Spencer and Leanne Jakubowski. Amazing speakers, amazing surprises…and it’s not over yet!

Last night we were treated to dinner inside the Lights, Motors, Action! stunt show stage (aka where the cars actually drive during the show!). The evening was brought to us by the all-new Disney Junior, with special guests Sharkey and Bones -the pirate outfitted duo who sing in between Jake and the Never Land Pirates episodes. We thought it was pretty cool that the actual band was there!

Other Disney characters soon showed up: Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, Donald and Daisy among them. Then another surprise, Jake appeared! I thought I’d share some of the action shots I grabbed last night:

More to come next week from my experiences at Disney’s Social Media Moms Celebration – stay tuned!

Mr. Teller of Penn and Teller Visits Disney World

12 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Perusing my twitter stream the other day, I noticed that Mr. Teller, the tacit partner of the magical duo making up Penn & Teller, was in Orlando. The partners were actually performing nearby at UCF but Teller appeared to make his way over to Walt Disney World the next day. I’ve been a fan for years, so I follow both Penn and Teller on twitter. I couldn’t resist sharing when Teller started tweeting pictures of some friends he met at WDW:

From Teller’s tweet: “I’m at Walt Disney World. They seem to favor monarchy in these parts.”

Teller at Disney World — Mr. Teller meets Ms. White

From the tweet: “With a Toy Story army man.”

Teller at Disney's Hollywood Studios — and Mr. Teller meets a green army man

You never know who you’ll see in the World! Have you ever seen a celebrity in the parks? Back when I worked in the Magic Kingdom I saw Bruce Willis (during the Demi years) and Sylvester Stallone at Planet Hollywood. Earlier than that I saw Dick Van Patton over by the ABC Commissary at the Studios. And of course Chef Robert Irvine twice now! I think I’m due for another celebrity meeting, no?

VIDEO: Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights With Snow!

21 December 2010 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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

20 December 2010 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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!