family photos

New Sweepstakes Offers D23 Members the Chance to Win a Once-In-a-Lifetime Tour

17 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Hot off the presses, check out this latest bit of news from D23 – a sweepstakes for the ultimate Disney fan (that’s you!) —

In celebration of Disneyland’s 58th anniversary today, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has launched the “Off the Map Sweepstakes.” Twenty-five lucky D23 Members and their guests will be invited to Disneyland Park to visit four of the park’s little-seen but widely heard of locations: Walt Disney’s private apartment, the Lilly Belle VIP parlor car on the Disneyland Railroad, Circle D Ranch, and the Disneyland Dream Suite.

“Our friends at Disneyland will give the winning D23 Members a special glimpse at some of the park’s most amazing hidden gems, special places that most guests never get to see,” said Steven Clark, Head of D23. “Our first ‘Off the Map’ member event in 2012 was such a huge hit that we wanted to reprise it with this special sweepstakes so even more of our members have a chance to visit these truly magical and historical Disneyland locations.”

Winners will be able to explore:

· Walt Disney’s private apartment: Built during the initial construction of Disneyland, Walt Disney’s private apartment is a quaint studio dwelling, filled with Victorian decor, family photos, and antiques selected by the Disney family.

· Lilly Belle VIP parlor car: Disneyland guests have long taken grand circle tours on the Disneyland Railroad, but few ever enjoy the ride from the elegant Lilly Belle VIP car parlor. Named after Walt’s wife, Lillian, the Lilly Belle is truly a piece of history, built in 1955, and refurbished to its modern state of luxury for America’s bicentennial celebration in 1976.

· Circle D Ranch: From the friendly goats at Big Thunder Ranch to the horses who carry guests down Main Street, U.S.A., Circle D Ranch is home to Disneyland’s beloved “four-legged cast members.”

· Disneyland Dream Suite: This private space above Pirates of the Caribbean was originally planned to be another apartment for Walt Disney, but he passed away before its completion. In 2008, Imagineers used some of Walt’s original ideas and some truly magical surprises of their own to transform it into a fantasy villa like no other.

D23 Members may enter the sweepstakes beginning today through August 23 at D23.com. The tour will take place on Wednesday, October 2. Winners will be able to attend with one (1) guest. For complete rules, details, and eligibility please visit D23.com. No purchase required; guests may join D23 for free at D23.com.

Retro Walt Disney World-1975-Name That Location

27 September 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I thought in honor of Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary coming up this Saturday, October 1, I’d post some retro photos all week long. I’ve shared some old photos in the past here in Zannaland, but I managed to find a few more this weekend from my mom’s photo albums. This one in particular caught my eye because I really couldn’t tell where it was taken. There is a flag pole, but it’s clearly not in Main Street, U.S.A.’s Town Square. Then friend and Disney history (and present and future) expert, Scott Otis pointed out the Cinderella Castle spire to the left of the balloons. So it must be somewhere to the left of Main Street, in the Crystal Palace or Baby Care/First Aid area? That double little wall area in the background is throwing me off. If you have an exact thought, feel free to share! (Click to enlarge)

Retro WDW 1975 — My brother and sister, 1975 And as with all Disney photos from the 70's, it's difficult to tell which people are cast members are which are actual guests due to attire!

In a funny coincidence, I see that Jud’s Disney Photo of the Day he just posted looks like it could be in a very similar spot! I’m now questioning the date…because photo I have in the other post lists it as 1972, which would make sense because if it was 1975, I’d be almost 2, and probably would’ve been in more pictures. But my mom has this trip listed in the photo album as 1975. Hmm. This may remain a mystery!

Celebrating the 4th in Celebration!

6 July 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

I’ve got some catching up to do with writing on ZannaLand but I’ve been busy packing up and moving a whole hour away from our former home outside of Tampa, FL to our new home in Celebration, FL. It’s been a dream of my husband and I to live here since ground was broken in Celebration back in 1994. I’ll be writing about our experiences soon, but until then, enjoy these two photos from our first Fourth of July celebration in Celebration!

Celebration FL 4th — Market Street in Celebration, FL

Going Bananas at Walt Disney World Since the 70’s

30 August 2010 by Suzannah Otis 12 Comments

In searching for ancient vintage photos from my childhood visits to Walt Disney World, I came across what may perhaps be my favorite. From the looks of my hair, I’m thinking this was around 1st grade, so 1978 or 1979. My Gramma Lucy (my dad’s mom) and I are both enjoying a wonderful Disney treat – a chocolate covered frozen banana. This was once one of my favorites, but I have to admit, I haven’t had one in years. Maybe I need to attempt to re-create this picture so my children can blog about it in 30 years??

wdw frozen banana 1970s — This trip is bananas! B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

In this photo, you not only get to see adorable 6-ish year old me, you get my mom next to me in a long sundress (which is I think back in style today?!) and Jackie O sunglasses, my brother on the other side of me in knee socks and short shorts, and to the far right, you can see part of my sister in a green one-piece tube-top/shorts-set situation. If my dad were in the picture, I can only imagine the fashion fabulousity he would’ve added, given his previous appearances with white pants and reaaaally short shorts.

I think my family is pretty tame compared to the other 1970’s theme-park couture going on, even from behind. Thanks, lady with the matching red pants and vest, lady with the super high plaid bell-bottoms with matching plaid jacket in your hand, and dude behind my brother with his shirt buttoned ALL the way down. You really made this picture worth posting. How did we survive as a species during this time?? Oh that’s right. Disco!