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

1 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Teen Beach Movie Typhoon LagoonNow 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.
Teen Beach Movie Typhoon Lagoon
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.”
Teen Beach Movie Typhoon Lagoon
“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.
Teen Beach Movie Typhoon Lagoon
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
…
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!)
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Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Special Events, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Chrissie Fit, Disney Channel, Disney water parks, Garrett Clayton, Guest author, Kent Boyd, limited time magic, Nicole Siscaretti, so you think you can dance, Teen Beach Movie, Teen Beach Party, Teen Beach Party video, Typhoon Lagoon, video, water balloon toss

Video: Beautifully Disney Cosmetics Line Debuts at Downtown Disney

3 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

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Beautifully Disney
Beautifully Disney collection at World of Disney

For those following along on Instagram, twitter or Facebook, I’ve been teasing the Beautifully Disney line of makeup as it launched unofficially Friday night, and officially Saturday morning. Some local bloggers were treated to a mini-makeover demonstration of the eye shadows and lip glosses from the first collection to be released – Wickedly Beautiful. Two other collections will be released in the coming months, and from what we are told, these will be limited release, so if you see something you like, stock up now!

Wickedly Beautiful features a dual personality – princesses and villains, taking you into a world of good versus evil, where soft and deep lacquer crĂšmes shimmer with glitter, richly unite to create modern interpretations of Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, Evil Queen, Lady Tremaine, Ursula, and Maleficent. For every princess-themed shade, there is a complementary villains color to go with it. The collection offers 2 eyeshadow palettes with 4 shadows each, 8 lip glosses and 8 nail polishes, each with a little bit of sparkle and fun that works for everyone. The eyeshadow palettes are Enchanted Kiss – the princess shades, and Midnight Hour, the villains shades.

Beautifully Disney

What we learned this morning is that both the shadows and glosses are build-able, meaning you can use a lighter color for daytime/office wear and then build upon that with a darker shade or an additional pop of color for something more dramatic. I will say this – when I saw the lip glosses last night, I wasn’t convinced they would be worth investing in. But seeing them first hand, as well as the shadows, I was truly impressed and excited to add them to my makeup collection. Little tricks like adding the pop of shimmery silver or gold to the center of your lips on top of the colored gloss, makes a huge difference and looks really lovely in person!

Beautifully Disney
Eye shadow palettes

Another treat for our little preview this morning was a visit from Isabella – the fashion diva who you may remember from the Disney Dooney & Bourke trunk show from last summer. I interviewed Isabella to get a little more insight into the new makeup line. She had a lot of fun things to share about her favorites:

 


Big thanks to Nicole from SparklyEverAfter.com for taking and editing this video! #Smoketural!

Beautifully Disney
Isabella admiring her visage in the mirror inside the travel case

 

Here’s a gallery of photos from the today’s event at Tren-D launching the Wickedly Beautiful collection:

Beautifully Disney
Isabella the Fashion Diva welcomes us to the launch
Beautifully Disney
Disney Parks Blog writer Erin Catalano explains about the product line
Beautifully Disney
Compact mirrors at Tren-D
Beautifully Disney
Beautifully Disney at Tren-D
Beautifully Disney
Beautifully Disney collection at World of Disney
Beautifully Disney
Beautifully Disney
Beautifully Disney travel cosmetic bags
Wickedly Beautiful
Villains lip glosses, plus Ariel
Villains and Ariel lip gloss names
Princesses lip glosses plus Wicked Queen
Princesses lip glosses plus Wicked Queen names
Wickedly Beautiful nail polishes
Wickedly Beautiful nail polishes
Wickedly Beautiful nail polishes
Wickedly Beautiful eye shadow display
Enchanted Kiss eye shadow palette
Midnight Hour eye shadow palette
Enchanted Kiss eye shadow cover
Beautifully Disney
The full Wickedly Beautiful collection

 

Beautifully Disney

The upcoming lines are Unlock the Spell, releasing in Spring/Summer 2013 and Fiery Spirit, releasing in Fall/Winter 2013. Unlock the Spell looks like it has a Belle theme, while Fiery Spirit seems to have Pocahontas as its theme.

Wickedly Beautiful is on sale now at Tren-D and World of Disney in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney, and Vault 28 at Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District. For a limited time, with any $40 purchase of Beautifully Disney, you can purchase the compact mirror for only $10. Current pricing on available Wickedly Beautiful products are as follows:

  • Lacquer CrĂšme Nail Polish $8.95
  • Lip Gloss – $14.95
  • Mirrored Logo Compact – $16.95
  •  Eye Shadow Palettes – $27.95
  • Cosmetic bags vary from $16.95 and up

Beautifully Disney

 

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Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: #Smoketural, Beautifully Disney, cosmetics, Disney makeup, Downtown Disney, eye shadows, eyeshadow palettes, fashion diva, fiery spirit, funny stuff, funny videos, gloss, isabella, Limited Edition, lip glosses, make-up, makeup, makeup collection, makeup line, midnight hour, nail polishes, Nicole Siscaretti, princesses, sparkle, unlock the spell, video, villains, wickedly beautiful

VIDEO: Warren Spector and Peter Ong Discuss Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion for Nintendo 3DS

24 September 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

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Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Junction Point vice president and creative director Warren Spector, Peter Ong and the rest of the team from DreamRift behind the development of Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion for the Nintendo 3DS and some folks from Disney Interactive. We were shown an amazing Disney day and night, meeting with VIP lounges and Magic Kingdom tours and a lovely dinner at California Grill. In between all the wining and dining, we learned so much about the game, from the people that poured their hearts and souls into its creation. It’s rare, as a consumer, to meet the minds behind a video game, and discover all hard work and detail each person contributed.

Epic Mickey Power of Illusion

Hearing from Warren Spector was, as a Disney fan, wonderful. Not only is he a long-time video game fan, but a long-time Disney fan as well. Seeing his passion in action was a treat as he described his involvement in Epic Mickey. I had wondered if Disney nerds experts like those of you reading this now, would find things within the game that would satisfy our particular level of…attention. Warren assured us that we would be in heaven with the specific park and Disney film details within Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion.

Warren Spector
Warren Spector discusses how Epic Mickey Power of Illusion was born

 

In addition, talking through the actual game developers throughout the day and learning how they watched the Disney films used in the game countless times, and various other ways they kept true to the Disney brand, the classic gaming experience they were honoring, and bringing in a whole new generation with the drawing aspect to the Nintendo 3DS.

This video below will shed some light on the thought process behind the game and how game play develops.

 


As far as the details go, yes, it is played on a 3D handheld system, however you can turn OFF 3D any time, if your eyes have had too much or you’d just like a traditional gaming experience. The game is rated G but for ages 7 and up because of the 3D aspect. Too much exposure to the 3D setting on young eyes can be damaging. Outside of that issue, there are no other concerns as far as violence or age range go.

Epic Mickey Power of Illusion
Screenshot from the Aladdin level

I was able to play through the first level of the game, and as a very casual gamer, I was able to figure things out, but there were some parts that were a little frustrating, so keep that in mind with younger players. Of course practice and patience is the key to any successful video game conquest!

Epic Mickey Power of Illusion
Screenshot from the top screen of the Nintendo 3DS

 

Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion is a great game for anyone looking to recreate a classic 16 bit experience with a modern update, or any fan of Disney animated features or Parks. The game will be available on November 18, 2012.

 

Disclosure: Great thanks to the Disney Interactive team for our day in the parks as we learned about this game. I was provided special access at Walt Disney World, dinner and refreshments throughout the day. My opinions and thoughts are my own.

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Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Disney Movie News & Reviews, Reviews, Video Games and Apps Tagged With: disney fan, disney interactive, Epic Mickey, Epic Mickey 2, Epic Mickey Nintendo 3DS, Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion, game developers, handheld gaming, handheld system, Nintendo, Nintendo 3DS, peter ong, traditional gaming, video, video game review, Warren Spector

Disney Parks Halloween Merchandise for 2012 VIDEO

24 August 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

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Halloween is right around the corner, so I decided to head over to Downtown Disney Marketplace and check out the new 2012 Halloween merchandise at World of Disney. The Halloween merchandise should be in all the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Parks now, so check it out! Be sure to see the new Haunted Mansion tombstone collectible pieces as well as the new “Goth Goodies” line of candy, including a chocolate rose.

Here’s a video of the merchandise highlights with a little song to get you in the Halloween spirit:

 

 

 

On the way out, I also snagged some photos of the Halloween/Autumn soaps at Basin. I’m pretty sure those are there year round, but they are pretty!

Basin Autumn soaps
Basin Autumn soaps

 

Basin Halloween soaps
Basin Halloween soaps
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Filed Under: Disney Holidays, Disney Merchandise, Walt Disney World Tagged With: autumn, Disney, Disney Merchandise, Disney parks, Disneyland, Downtown Disney, Downtown Disney Marketplace, Halloween, Halloween merchandise, This is Halloween, video, Walt Disney World

Disney’s Art of Animation Video Tour With Imagineer Interviews

2 May 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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The Art of Animation Resort is a whimsical new place to stay on Walt Disney World property beginning Summer of 2012 with the opening of the Finding Nemo themed rooms. The family suites start at $249 and sleep up to six with two bathrooms and a kitchenette. Opening at later dates will be Cars (June 18), The Lion King (August 10) and The Little Mermaid (September 15) themed sections.

The theming of the resort is similar to the progression of the making of an animated film. In the lobby you are first presented with the Ink and Paint Shop, a merchandise store, and the character sketch wall which has renderings of some of your favorite pals from the resort’s featured movies. Then as you continue out to the pool area and guest room buildings you are rewarded with fabulous landscapes and backgrounds. Here in this video you’ll have a tour of the resort with interviews and commentary from Disney Imagineers like Gary Hoffman, who was the Senior Project Manager over design and architecture for the resort and offers a personal greeting for Zannaland readers below!

 

I can not get over the wondrous colors displayed here. It was a whole lot of fun to photograph, especially the pool area which was rich in tropical and undersea inspired hues. Check out this gallery and tell us what you think of the design!

 

Disney's Art of Animation Resort
It’s just like walking (driving?) into Radiator Springs.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Sneak peek into the Cars area.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Map of the Art of Animation Resort property shows the future buildings.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Hidden Mickey within the Ariel’s Grotto lighting at the food court.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Lion King section of the Landscape of Flavors food court. So pretty.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Sunset over the lobby area. The colors and design are gorgeous!
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Mine! birds at night. Nicely lit.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Master bath area features a nice walk-in shower.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Fun new Mickey toiletries inside the Finding Nemo rooms.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Hopefully no one in your party will have a fear of sharks! I do like the brick-looking tile in this shower area.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Fish are friends…not food! Nicole and Suzannah showing the cute mirrors in the Nemo bathrooms.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
TV and dresser area in the master bath.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Master bedroom in the Nemo family suite.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Sleep sofa/living area of the Finding Nemo family suite.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Finding Nemo family suite kitchenette
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Pull-down Murphy bed in the Nemo family suite.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
With the Murphy bed up in the family suite, it’s a table!
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
New touch-key system for secure entry into the rooms. Just touch your Key to the World to gain access to your suite.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Hidden Mickey in the hallway carpet at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Finding Nemo building, the stairs are topped with “Mine!” seagulls.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Duuude! Squirt hanging out by the Big Blue Pool.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
We all remember these goggles from Finding Nemo right?
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Shark Bait – hoo ha ha! Outside at the Big Blue Pool.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
The Big Blue Pool showcases the most popular parts of the Finding Nemo movie.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Collage of the lobby elements.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
The ladies room in the lobby is pretty in pink with Ariel.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Sample merchandise from Ink & Paint shop.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Ink and Paint merchandise shop waiting for souvenirs!
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Info for the merchandise shop and food court.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Stylized animation scenes as you make your way to the Big Blue Pool.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Unique chandelier focal point in the Art of Animation lobby with artwork signed by John Lasseter.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Lobby area featuring the animation process from sketch to finished design.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Gorgeous check-in area fashioned after color swatches.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Animation Hall, as you enter from parking or the bus.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Entryway to the lobby.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort entrance.

We took so many photos we had to add them to flickr so you could see them all! Check out our flickr Art of Animation photo set to see even more images.

I think this will quickly be the most popular value resort upon opening. Would you like to stay here with your family? Which themed section are you most drawn to?

[Notes from Suzannah: I was also able to preview Art of Animation last weekend during Disney’s Social Media Moms Celebration and was blown away with the level of detail incorporated into this value resort. I think it sets the bar much, much higher for a value resort and with a family of five, I know the family suites here are now an option I will actually look forward to using.

 

In the Finding Nemo area, the landscaping around the pool and buildings look as though they are undersea plants, specifically chosen to make it look like you are in the Big Blue World. Brilliant. The design and details within the rooms are just breathtaking. They are bright and fun for families with young children, but the design palate is cool and mod; adults will appreciate and enjoy staying there as well. I also love that the family suite rooms are accessed by an interior hallway vs. the usual outdoor access value resorts offer. I asked about this decreasing noise level and was told that yes, sounds are reduced with the interior entry as are the instances of bugs getting into rooms (this is Florida after all, home to prehistoric armies of insects!).

 

After peeking through the construction fence into the Cars section, I can see the level of detail does not stop with Nemo. You truly feel as if you are walking into Radiator Springs. I’m excited to see the lush jungle-feel of the Lion King area as well, after getting a little taste of it in the food court – Landscape of Flavors. Be sure to check out all the photos and let us know what you think of this amazing new resort! Big thanks to Nicole for her wonderful video and photos! ~Suzannah]
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Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Planning, Disney Resorts, Guest Authors, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Art of Animation, Art of Animation pool, Art of Animation rooms, Big Blue Pool, Cars hotel rooms, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Social Media Moms Celebration, Finding Nemo hotel rooms, Gary Hoffman, Imagineer interview, Imagineers, Lion King hotel rooms, Nicole Siscaretti, resort preview, resort showcase, Summer to Remember, video

VIDEO: Tour the Gorgeous Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans

21 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis 6 Comments

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Royal Guest RoomsI was given an amazing opportunity to stay at one of the brand new Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. I had a sneak preview of a room mock-up last June, when I also saw the refurbished Port Orleans French Quarter rooms, so I was thrilled to see the finished product in person. To sum up the experience, I was blown away. The rooms are SO gorgeous. After having seen the Cinderella Suite inside Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom last December, I can say that staying in this room would be the next best thing for me. I love all the little details and touches which make it a truly special experience. Rather than just talk about what I loved, I thought I’d create a video highlighting some of the magical embellishments that await guests.

First, let’s go over the back story of the room designs. Princess Tiana, hailing from New Orleans, has invited her royal friends to visit her home. As royalty often do, Tiana’s guests have left behind gifts for her over the years, which she has incorporated into these guest rooms. I’ve captured these gifts and nods to other royal guests in the video. Let’s see if you can find them all!

In addition, things like the wallpaper border in the main room and bathroom area pay homage to the little animal helpers featured in each Princess’s story, the bedspread features their crowns, and of course, some hidden Mickeys can be found here and there. My favorite part by far, is the dazzling fiber-optic effects on each headboard. I am not joking when I say I pressed the button to make it light up all night. I have a soft spot for fiber-optics, going back to the sparkling tiles over at Epcot, so this fun surprise made me insanely happy. I captured the effect on video too, so let’s watch!


The Royal Guest Rooms are now available for booking at only $189 per night, sleeping four. The brand new mattresses were super comfy too, not to mention the delightful “new hotel room scent,” we loved being there! There are 512 Royal Guest themed rooms at Port Orleans Riverside, which join the 384 Pirate Rooms over at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, featuring swashbuckling details including pirate ship beds and buccaneer accessories. Rooms may be booked by calling 407-W-DISNEY. I cannot wait to stay there again!

Special thanks to the folks at Disney Destinations and Laura Spencer for this opportunity. My family and I were truly grateful! Review of our dinner at Boatwright’s Dining Hall coming soon!

 

*If you’d like the run-down of the gifts from other princesses, here you go: Wooden carved frame from Snow White, Magic Carpet from Jasmine, Pumpkin Coach coat rack from Cinderella, Pooch foot rest/ottoman from Belle, Genie’s Magic Lamp is the faucet, look for the dinglehopper and snarfblatt from Ariel on the shower curtain…those are the ones I found anyway!

Fiber Optics in Royal Guest Room
Magical Fiber-optics in Royal Guest Room
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Filed Under: Commentary Land, Disney Movie News & Reviews, Disney Resorts, Reviews, Walt Disney World Tagged With: caribbean beach resort, cinderella suite, Disney princesses, Disney Royal Guest Rooms, fiber optics, headboard, Hidden Mickeys, Port Orleans French Quarter, port orleans riverside, port orleans riverside resort, Port Orleans Royal Guest Rooms, Princess and the Frog, princess themed rooms, Princess Tiana, royal friends, Royal Guest Rooms, sneak preview, themed hotel rooms, video, video tour

Disney’s Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Canopy Show

22 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

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.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

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.

 

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Filed Under: Disney Holidays, Family Memories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas light display, dancing lights, DHS, Disney Christmas, Disney holidays, disney park, Disney parks, Disney's Hollywood Studios, family tradition, hollywood studios, Jennings Osborne, nativity, Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, Osborne Lights, residential street, SODL, video, videos, Walt Disney World

VIDEO: Ho Ho Highlights From Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

28 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Peppermint Castle
It's a Candy Cane Castle!

It’s no secret that I love Christmastime. It’s the perfect time of year for me – everything is sparkly and festive (it’s so much easier to get away with sparkles everywhere now!), you can walk around singing songs and no one thinks you’re crazy…and you can be EXTRA cheerful (hopefully people will be extra cheerful back!). I’ve said before that Walt Disney World during the holidays is just magic times ten. The spirit of the season is amped up and you find little details and cheer around every corner.

That is part of why I love Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. I’ve shared more reasons why on TampaBay.com’s mom blog, Whoa, Momma! It’s an annual tradition for my family and the holidays officially start when you see the castle glittering in Dream Lights and see the Once Upon A Christmastime Parade. In addition to reading about it, my friend and video correspondent Nicole Siscaretti has captured some of our favorite moments from our most recent Very Merry Party to share here:

 

If you can make it down to Walt Disney World during the holidays, I highly recommend this magical special event. If you can’t, just keep watching the video while you have some hot chocolate and cookies! 😉

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Filed Under: Disney Holidays, Disney Planning, Disney Special Events, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Christmas Parade, Disney Christmas, Disney holidays, Disney videos, free cookies, free hot chocolate, gingerbread castle, Holiday The Magic The Memories and You, Holiday Wishes Fireworks, Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Nicole Siscaretti, video, Walt Disney World

VIDEO: Fun Overview of LEGOLAND Florida on Opening Day

26 October 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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I had some friends along with my family at the Grand Opening of LEGOLAND Florida back on October 15, and my good friend Nicole recorded some of our experiences that day. This is just one short example of the many sights to enjoy at LEGOLAND. I’ll still be spotlighting a few of my favorites in the coming days here on Zannaland but until then, enjoy this video from Nicole!


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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, Guest Authors, LEGOLAND Florida Tagged With: Guest posts, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND Florida Grand Opening, LEGOLAND theme park, Nicole Siscaretti, Polk County FL, video, Winter Haven FL

VIDEO: Epcot’s Candlelight Processional With Corbin Bernsen

22 December 2010 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

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I’m embarrassed to say I’d never really sat through an entire Candlelight Processional until last year at Walt Disney World Moms Panel training. We’d walked  by before but I’d never thought I or the kids could sit through the whole thing (read: yes, I thought it’d be boring). After being moved to tears last year, it is now among the must-do events of the holiday season at Walt Disney World. I actually thought before seeing the entire performance, that it was all stuffy old hymns and one looong narration of the Christmas story. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The show starts out with a toe-tapping song Shout For Joy and immediately you are filled with spirit and ready to join in! The narration then flows throughout the subsequent songs, weaving the Christmas story in words and music. It is truly beautiful and as I mentioned, moves me to tears.

Here’s a video of some images, songs and narration by Corbin Bernsen, I hope you enjoy it and add the Candlelight Processional to your must-do holiday events too!

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Filed Under: Disney Holidays, Disney Special Events, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Candlelight Processional, Corbin Bernsen, Disney holidays, Epcot, Epcot Christmas, Holidays Around the World, video, Walt Disney World

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