Guest author

“Teen Beach Movie” Beach Party Makes Waves at Typhoon Lagoon

1 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Now through September 1st, Typhoon Lagoon guests will get an extra splash of summer as the Teen Beach Movie Beach Party makes its way to the shore of the park’s wave pool. Expect a water balloon toss, hula hooping and more with a DJ providing the tunes. This Limited Time Magic event will happen a few times throughout the day so check for times in the park.

I got to experience the Beach Party on a special day. Three Disney Channel stars from the movie were there to surprise guests! I really enjoyed interviewing Garrett Clayton, Chrissie Fit and Kent Boyd and getting to know them a little better before Teen Beach Movie debuts on the Disney Channel on July 19th.

Garrett Clayton, who plays Tanner, has such an exciting story behind getting his role. He got the call that he was cast in the movie while working at a restaurant. Garrett had also auditioned for another role he was waiting to hear back about and the news went something like “you’re not going to be a cheerleader but you are going to be a surfer.” I asked about the big hair in the movie and Garrett was all for it. His friends once jokingly referred to him as a Ken doll.

You may already know Kent Boyd from his success on So You Think You Can Dance in 2010. It was totally adorable when I asked him about Teen Beach Movie merchandise and “how you feel about having your face possibly on–” and he excitedly blurted out “cake!” and laughed. I was thinking more along the lines of backpacks and lunch boxes but a cake would be way cooler. He thinks it’s fun and noted that his sister grew up with that with High School Musical. Boyd said “I think it’s an honor.” He later noted “I think it would be really weird to be on a bed spread.”

“The shock of it was crazy but I didn’t have a lot of time to live in it because I had to get on a plane the next day and go to Puerto Rico” Chrissie Fit told me about being cast as Chee Chee. Puerto Rico is where the movie was filmed. Chrissie is from Miami, Florida and grew up coming to Walt Disney World with her family.

I talked about the Disney Parks, Disneyland and Walt Disney World, with all three of them. “There’s so much history at Disneyland but Disney World is really a world” said Garrett. When I asked Kent if he preferred Space Mountain or Splash Mountain we ended up talking about these attractions on both coasts. How fun.

Since the Starbucks on Main Street just opened (and we here at Zannaland love Starbucks!) I thought it would be fun to ask the cast what their go-to drink is —

Garrett: Iced black coffee

Kent: Iced Chair latte with soy milk

Chrissie: White Mocha Frappucino

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Big thanks to Nicole Siscaretti for covering this event for Zannaland and getting us the scoop on the Teen Beach Movie Beach Party going on now at Typhoon Lagoon, and to the stars of the movie for taking time to speak to us. If you are headed there this summer, get ready for extra fun! Be sure to watch Teen Beach Movie on the Disney Channel, premiering July 19.

Nicole Siscaretti Teen Beach Movie — Stars Garrett Clayton and Kent Boyd with Nicole (who is recovering from a theme park pyrotechnic fall-out and rockin’ a band-aid while it heals!)

Guest MOVIE REVIEW: The Bourne Legacy

22 August 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

A few weeks back, my husband had the opportunity to attend a screening of Universal Pictures The Bourne Legacy – here’s his review of the film:

The Bourne Legacy is a good movie, and good addition to the Bourne franchise. It can best be reviewed by breaking the movie down into…The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. WARNING: The Ugly contains spoilers.

The Good:
Tony and Dan Gilroy do a great job of working the story seamlessly into the previous Bourne trilogy of movies; fitting the story into the events of the third movie. Jeremy Renner and Ed Norton are amazing in their roles and really stand out in an amazing cast. Renner, in particular, is very believable as Aaron Cross and pulls off the roll with ease.

The Bad
Tony Gilroy directing was just…bad. In one of the opening scenes of the film, two people are talking in a small office. The camera, for some inexplicable reason, “helicopters” around them as they are talking, producing a motion sick feeling that will leaving you needing Dramamine. The rest of the movie is okay directorally until the climatic car chase at the end. This scene looks and feels like it was directed by my 4yo, with my 92yo grandfather working the camera. There is a lot of fast action, but the camera always seems to be zoomed in on a random car bumper, or unaware passenger.

The Ugly
I really liked the movie, and the storyline of a failed government project that is trying to swept under the carpet is riveting. However, toward the middle of the movie you realize that Aaron Cross doesn’t know he’s being hunted down, in fact all he is looking for is more “chems” (the government supplied drugs that make you stronger and faster). The movie proceeds with Aaron trying to save the life of a doctor in order to obtain more drugs, not realizing he is the one being hunted. Then the bomb drops…figuratively. It is revealed that Aaron is only looking for the “smart” drug because his iq test results on his entrance exams were pumped up by his recruiter, thus making him, in his pre-drug state, 12 iq points below normal…and he doesn’t want to go back to that. So basically the moral of Aaron’s crisis is, it’s not good to be…well…not smart. I felt not smart after realizing that was the guiding force behind the plot; he didn’t know he was trying to stay alive, he just didn’t want to be dumb.

All together, the movie was a great addition to the Bourne franchise and very fun to watch…it just won’t make you smarter. – J.F. DiMarzio

The Bourne Legacy opened in theatres August 10

Guest Post: Tom Bricker Shares Spectacular Highlights From Cars Land

16 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

I’m so pleased to have Tom Bricker back sharing his amazing photo skills and some highlights from his recent visit to the grand opening of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. Please welcome Tom again and enjoy his post below:

Cars Land at Disney California Adventure is quite possibly the most beautiful land in any Disney theme park, and is definitely the most immersive. As soon as you set foot in Cars Land, you feel as if you’ve exited Disney California Adventure and stepped foot onto Route 66 in the Pixar film, Cars. Words certainly do not do the beauty of this amazing new land justice, and even photos barely do it justice. That said, I’ll try to do justice to the jaw-dropping beauty of Cars Land by sharing some photos I’ve taken of this all-new land.

If these photos piqued your interest in Cars Land, make sure to check out my Cars Land photos and Radiator Springs Racers photos, where you can view hundreds of additional photos of Cars Land and its flagship attraction, Radiator Springs Racers! Are you thinking about booking a trip to Disneyland Resort to experience Cars Land? Have you already experienced it? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Spidey Sense in Overdrive! Amazing Enhancements to Universal’s Spiderman Ride

8 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Today marked the re-opening of Universal Orlando Resort’s Amazing Adventures of Spiderman at Islands of Adventure. I was unable to make this special opening event this morning, but luckily have a guest author to help give us a detailed review of the new experience. First let’s go over the official facts about the attraction:

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man reopens today with all-new 4K digital high-definition animation, a new highly-sophisticated Infitec 3-D projection system, a new music score and new high-tech 3-D glasses so that guests can experience the improvements the way the attraction’s creators envisioned. The attraction’s sets, audio system and lighting have also been upgraded.

As they reanimated the attraction film, the creative team added hundreds of new details and effects. Guests will see moss swaying in the wind, rats scurrying through the streets and hear electricity arching so close it will raise the hair on the back of their necks. And for the first time ever, Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee will make a cameo appearance inside the attraction. Lee was meticulously animated in 3-D and placed in more than one scene inside the new animation.

Guests Enjoying The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - HR — Guests Enjoying The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

“The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man was so wonderful before,” said comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator, Stan Lee. “But now – with all of the new technology that’s been added – it is indescribably spectacular.”

Here are the top 10 unique new elements in The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man:

The action is more life-like than ever. Guests will actually see the movement of the characters’ muscles and the changes in their facial expressions.
The new HD film animation combined with brand-new, highly sophisticated Infitec 3-D projection, allows guests to experience mind-blowing details they’ve never been able to…from the flames spewing from Hobgoblin’s pumpkins to the electricity arching through Electro’s body to the stitching on Spider-Man’s gloves.
Guests will experience the ride’s new details through all-new 3-D “Spider-Vision” glasses, complete with new lenses made of dichroic filters for amazing color and clarity.
The enhanced attraction features a new original music score. It is the same Spider-Man theme you love – with a rockin’ twist.
The ride vehicle’s audio system has been upgraded from 8-channel to 16-channel so riders will be even more immersed in the action. Guests will experience 3-D sound quality.
All of the film animation for The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man has been completely reanimated in 4K high-definition – that’s one of the highest HD resolutions available.
Every single scene in the attraction has at least one new element.
There are hundreds of cool new details for guests to discover in the attraction. Lighting, sets, graphics, props and even scenic detail have been updated to further enhance the animation’s tremendous improvements.
Legendary comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee makes a cameo appearance in the new film animation.The attraction experience continues to use the latest technology to provide guests a fully integrated and immersive experience with some of their favorite Marvel characters.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - Scream - HR — Yikes!

Sounds fabulous, right? Now let’s hear from fan and fellow blogger Blaine Cummings, who experienced the ride in person this morning:

From when you first enter the building, to after you exit, The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure truly lives up to it’s name, amazing! Spiderman himself along with a group of little heroes helped reopen the ride! Cannoned confetti and streamers topped off the excitement!

When first getting in the queue you could easily tell everything was repainted and made more vibrant! Since it was reopening day I waited in line for about an hour, but the theming and cartoon news action to watch kept me well entertained the whole time. They changed up the queue just a bit, where there used to be a green screen to take pictures, there is now a trophy cabinet full of awards. A few by the man himself, J. Jonah Jamison. If you look even closer you might recognize a few names as some of the creative team on the attraction.

Before getting on I noticed that there were all new 3D glasses! Much like the ones Walt Disney World brought in for Star Tours: The Adventure Continues. These were a bit more durable though, with hard lenses made of dichroic filters.

Everything including audio, visuals, and even the vehicles themselves seemed to have a whole new touch up! This was not just new animation added in, this was the whole package. The ride was much smoother and reacted with the scenes much better than in the past. The onboard audio synced with the buildings speakers perfectly creating an excellent illusion of everything going on. Each vehicle’s sound system was enhanced from an 8-channel to a 16-channel to immerse you in the experience.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - Doc Ock - HR — The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - Doc Ock

The animation was very impressive! More realistic and drew you in more. They didn’t just copy it second by second, they changed a few bits up. It still all followed that same exact story, with a few twists!

You may have heard that Stan Lee makes a cameo in the attraction, he does! I saw him twice actually! I’ll add in below where you can see him in a spoiler section. All around a very “Amazing” revamp of a classic attraction. I’ll be returning to ride multiple times in the future!

SPOILER: Stan Lee can be found about half way through the ride, right after you encounter the Hob Goblin, you turn and run into Doc Ock, Stan is right under the theatre marquee that Doc blasts with the ray gun. He also appears again at the end of the ride when all of the villains are webbed up, he’s right under and to the left of them.

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Thanks, Blaine! I can’t wait to head over there myself and check it out! Hopefully this Saturday when we’ll be experiencing Universal’s Mardi Gras party with the family!

You can find Blaine online at: DisneyMagicMan.blogspot.com on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DisMagicMan and YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyMagicMan.

For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Guest Post: Guide For Bringing First-timers to Walt Disney World

8 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Today brings another great guest post, this time from Scott Gustin, a Senior Web Producer at MyFox8.com in North Carolina, and major Disney fan. You can find Scott on twitter @scgustinwdw and writing for his tech-savvy site, TheSocialMouse.com, where he discusses Disney’s social media forays and use of technology. I love his blog and tweets and am so happy to share his post here today. Below he shares his tips – from personal experience – about visiting Walt Disney World with guests who’ve never experienced the wonder before.

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10 Tips for Taking Newbies to Disney World

At some point in your Disney-filled life, you will accept an incredibly scary challenge: taking someone to Disney World for the first time.

Now, let me begin by stating I will primarily focusing on adult touring. While taking a child to Disney World for thefirst time is likely one of the greatest things you will ever do, taking another adult that doesn’t quite appreciate Disney the same way you do can be a real challenge.

A few years ago, my wife and I took two of our best friends to Walt Disney World. We have been dozens of times and go several times each year. After hearing us rave about Disney, they decided they wanted to tag along for a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. Our friends, also married, flew down to Orlando and met us for the second half of our vacation. They were both making their first-ever visit to Walt Disney World. During this trip, I learned some valuable lessons for making the trip enjoyable for you and the first-timers.

1. Lower your expectations of your friends.
The bottom-line: your friends will never love Disney as much as you do, no matter how much you want them to. Despite gathering dozens of fastpasses, buy them free Dole Whips and locating the perfect spot for fireworks, it’s likely not going to happen. Instead of expecting your friends to reach your high level of Disney fandom, just do your best to show the first-timers the “best of the best.”

2. Take it slow!
One mistake I have made is feeling obligated to show the first-timers EVERYTHING. While it is well known being at the gates at 8 a.m. is the best way to get the most out of your day, your friends don’t know this. You can recommend getting up early by mentioning shorter wait times, but ultimately, I would leave it up to the first-timers to decide if you will be at the park for rope drop.

3. Do the parades!

We have seen most of the parades several times. However, with first-timers, you must hit the parades. While I’m not a huge fan, I know that parades are a big part of the Disney experience and what people expect when they visit the parks.

4. Make a list of the “best of the best”

I always write down the must-do attractions for each park. Then, before the trip, I go over the list with the first-timers and find out what they are most interested in. If your friends don’t ride roller coasters, there’s no need to have them speed walk to Everest at 9 a.m. An itinerary is also a good idea when planning the trip. While your friends will likely make fun of you, I find it necessary when taking first-timers.

5. Know the first-timers

Before the trip, talk to them about their expectations. You should have a clear understanding of what they expect, their knowledge of Disney, dietary expectations, cost limitations, etc. Talking before the trip will help you avoid unnecessary stress while at Disney World.

6. Be knowledgeable

I find that first-timers really appreciate those little “secrets” about the parks. Share your knowledge!

7. Be cliché

Buy the Mickey hats, get your first-timers the “first visit” pins, ride ‘It’s a Small World.’ Do all the cliché things to help fulfill the first-timers’ expectations of the Disney experience.

8. Pick the perfect time of year

If possible, be sure to pick a time of year that is best for the first-timers. If possible, pick a time of year that has low crowds and cooler temperatures. If the first-timers are less about rides and more about the experience, consider going after Thanksgiving so they can see the Christmas decorations at Disney World.

9. Bring snacks into the parks

While this seems like an obvious tip for everyone, I find that first-timers always have a hard time with the cost of food inside the parks. By packing snacks, it can help offset that frustration when the first-timers realize food inside the parks can be expensive.

10. Don’t stress out!

Planning a trip for other people is always stressful. However, if you clearly understand the first-timers’ expectations, you can better plan a trip that is fun for all. If you get stressed out, so will everyone else. As always, never forget – you’re at Disney World!

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What are your top tips for traveling with newbies? Share them below! Big thanks to Scott for sharing his thoughts with us today. Be sure to follow Scott on twitter ( @scgustinwdw & @thesocialmouse ) and check out TheSocialMouse.com.

Creating Magic and Memories at the Harmony Barber Shop

8 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

I’m pleased to bring you a guest post today from a wonderful Disney fan and friend, Mary Jo Collins. Known as “MoJo” by most, she just effervesces with Disney magic and pixie dust when you meet her. I am honored to have her here sharing some wonderful stories and information on everyone’s favorite barber shop – Harmony. You may remember we recently took our littlest guy, Giovanni there for his first haircut. The magic they share will truly touch your heart. Take it away, Mo Jo! (click to enlarge photos)

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Echoing through the air, a beautiful rendition of “Goodbye, My Coney Island Baby” serenades a starry eyed child sitting high in the swinging chair. Just a few minutes earlier, a story about the big fish caught last week is followed up with talk of the weather. From the ornate carved woods and the checkerboard floor to the good conversation abound, you have been taken back to a place gone by. It is a quaint barber shop with a harmonious barber shop quartet nestled on a familiar street. It’s not Mayberry. And it’s not Floyd Lawson standing behind the chair with his scissors in hand. It is much more. It is the Harmony Barber Shop. Many families around the world have visited this fine establishment to experience the time-honored tradition of a haircut in the Magic Kingdom.

Harmony busy day — The bustling Harmony Barber Shop

Harmony empty chair with booster — The barber's chair awaits a child

Harmony Emily window — Emily enjoys the view from the window of the Harmony Barber Shop

Considering Walt Disney’s fondness of a hometown Missouri barber shop, Main Street, U.S.A. would not be complete without this hidden gem. Discovering the essence of an old-timey barber shop in today’s world where a quick 5 minute cut at a SuperCut is just status-quo would certainly make Walt proud. Even the barbershop quartet, the Dapper Dans, is occasionally on-hand to treat guests with their excellent four-part harmony. Here, anyone is welcome to take a seat in the barber’s chair and be exposed to some magical hair treatments. Matter of fact, about 400 guests of Walt Disney World experience the Harmony Barber Shop each week.

With the Dapper Dans on Main Street, U.S.A.

Located just past City Hall on the corner of Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom, the Harmony Barber Shop offers the traditional haircut, as well as a variety of specialty menu treatments. While the barbers have a license and usually years of experience, they are indeed Cast Members and are experts at entertaining children and comforting them during the process. Hours of operation are 9 am to 5 pm, seven days a week. Walk-ups are always welcomed, but advanced reservations can now be made thru Walt Disney World Reservations. Ask for a booking via “Children’s Activities”, otherwise the Cast Member may have a hard time locating it. They accept 2 reservations at the top of each operational hour and 2 reservations at the half hour. The 2 reservations per half hour are given priority, then walk-ups are taken on a first come, first serve basis.

Harmony Blaise First Haircut — For some children the first hair cut can be scary, Cast Members try to comfort the child with toys, bubbles and Mickey Mouse stickers. Pictured here is Blaise before his first hair cut.

A standard haircut for an adult is $19 and children 12 and under is $15. The barbers always offer some special pixie dust to top off the new do for no additional charge. To add a little festive color to your current style or to your freshly cut hair, add $5 for the color gel. Men can also get a beard or mustache trim for $10. Now, the Harmony Barber Shop’s most famous treatment is the “First Haircut” and rightly so. People have been known to delay their child’s first haircut for months so that they could do this world renown experience on an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World. To the delight of the children, they are treated to fun with pixie dust, bubbles and Mickey Mouse stickers till their hearts content. After the first haircut concludes, the child is awarded a certificate and a “My 1^st Haircut” embroidered Mouse Ears. Then to finish the show, pictures are taken with the ubiquitous “big red scissors” and Mickey cape. The “First Haircut” with all the special extras is $18.

Harmony first hair cut Jennifer — Noah was mesmerized by the Mickey Mouse stickers during his first hair cut.

More than anything, the Harmony Barber Shop leaves an indelible memory for so many guests. From a first hair cut to a fun punk hair-do with pixie dust, the transformations that occur on a daily basis at the Harmony Barber Shop are a perfect example of the campaign “Let the Memories Begin.” The change in appearance of its patrons is no less dramatic than the change in their spirit. It’s a homey, personal memory that is so rare while vacationing, but is so perfectly composed at the Harmony Barber Shop. Here are a few more of the thousands of memories that have been culminated over the years. Don’t miss John Eric’s story at the end.

Special Occasion Hair Cut with Pixie Dust.

Having never had my hair cut in a barber shop before, my 40^th birthday trim in the Harmony Barber Shop was a refreshing treat on a scorching June day.

Harmony 40th Mary Jo — Celebrating my 40th Birthday with a trim!

Harmony celebrating the Goofy Challenge — Jeff celebrated the finish of the 2011 Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge with a new cut.

Pixie Dust.

Spiked to perfection after a trim.

Harmony child cut with spiking — Barbara created super spikey hair to the delight of Wyatt

First haircuts, Harmony style.

Harmony first Cindy2 — Getting the first hair cut

Harmony first Cindy — Covered in Mickey Mouse stickers for the first hair cut

Harmony first cut Neil — Walt Disney World Moms Panelist Leslie helps entertain her son during his first hair cut on his very first birthday!

Harmony first Cindy big red scissors — The finale of the first hair cut experience... Pictures with the big red scissors and Mickey cape

Harmony first cut neil mickey ears — The famous "First Haircut" Mickey Ears

A Celebration of life.

John Eric Bartels’ mom and dad had always dreamed of having their son’s hair cut at the Harmony Barber Shop. In April 2008, Jay and Alisha took their son John Eric to Walt Disney World for some much needed magic. Fighting a battle against Stage IV Neuroblastoma Cancer, 22 month old John Eric didn’t have hair to cut. However, the dream of having their son encounter the Harmony Barber Shop was important. With love and compassion, the Cast Members gave John Eric a special, one-of-a-kind treatment. After the lavishing of the Mickey Mouse stickers, a unique “Hidden Mickey” was painted on the back of his head. John Eric watched contently looking in the mirror as the barber worked her magic. He was so proud of his “Hidden Mickey” that he wore it for several days. The heart and soul of John Eric and his parents were lifted that day by their amazing experience. Jay and Alisha will always be grateful for this memory.

Harmony John eric in the window — John Eric loved his experience at the Harmony Barber Shop

Harmony john eric stickers — Getting bunches of Mickey Mouse stickers

Harmony John Eric getting his HM — John Eric getting his "Hidden Mickey"

Harmony John Eric HM — John Eric loved his "Hidden Mickey"

This article is written in memory of John Eric Bartels (June 18, 2006-May 16, 2008)

Harmony in memory of John Eric2 — John Eric with Pluto

Harmony john eric display — The day in the Harmony Barber Shop will always be a cherished memory.

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Many thanks to Mary Jo for sharing these wonderful photos and family stories with us. In addition to being a wonderful mom of two adorable Disney kids (Emily and Wyatt above), you can find Mary Jo on twitter at @MoJoDisney, on facebook, and hanging around the WDW Radio team, where she is a member of the WDW Radio Running Team, Finisher of 11 Disney Running Races (including Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge)! She just came back from the WDW Radio Disney Dream cruise – maybe we can convince her to come back and write about that here too!

Disney Parks Discovery Series – Disneyland Paris Review from Erin Foster

8 April 2010 by Suzannah Otis 6 Comments

Readers will have of course noticed that my primary focus here at ZannaLand is the Walt Disney World Resort. It is where I have enjoyed countless memories from childhood through present times. As much as I love everything about it, I also write about it because I have not had the good fortune to experience any of the other parks and resorts Disney has to offer. I hope to remedy this sad state of affairs as soon as I can but until that time, I figured I should not in turn, deprive you of the wonderful experiences out there. That’s where my friends come in.

I asked for some help in bringing an overview of the non-Disney World parks to my readers and first up is the lovely and intelligent Erin Foster, from the Walt Disney World Moms Panel, a self-admitted Disney Geek and in my opinion, a veritable font of Disney knowledge. Erin recently returned from her family’s first trip to the Disneyland Resort Paris. Once I got over wishing I could somehow stow away in their luggage, I asked her to share her experiences here with us. Je vous présente avec plaisir, Madame Foster!