Walt Disney World

Disney’s “Royalty” Prepares for a Viewing of the Royal Wedding

26 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I do have a love for all things British and the Royals are no exception. I was dazzled by serendipitously following Princess Diana around the parks when she visited Walt Disney World with Princes William and Harry way back in 1993. Before that I remember watching her wedding on television as an even younger girl. Now as fate would have it, I’ll be able to watch this latest Royal wedding in the Place Where Dreams Come True…

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — In celebration of the long-awaited Royal Wedding, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons will host its first-ever “Tweet Up” and a viewing party on April 29, 2011, from 4-8 a.m. at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion at Walt Disney World Resort.

The first 250 people who responded to a “tweet up” invitation have already secured their seats in Disney’s Wedding Pavilion. [UPDATE: The response to the “Tweet Up” mentioned above was so astounding — the 250 RSVPs for which the event was originally planned poured in during a period of about two hours — that Fairy Tale Weddings event organizers convened, broadened the plan for the viewing party, and re-opened the invitation … and then closed it again when a second wave of RSVPs poured in Tuesday, April 19, 2011. The number of guests expected for the event is now in excess of 500.]

“Everyone remembers where they watched the last royal wedding,” said Korri McFann, marketing director, Disney’s Fairytale Weddings & Honeymoons. “April 29 is another royal occasion and we are thrilled to offer such a special viewing to help create lasting memories for moms, daughters, families and friends.”

Guests are invited to dress up in “princess or prince attire” — or come in their pj’s — for the early-hour gathering to watch, via live television, the royal couple tie the knot. Deemed as the biggest royal wedding since Princess Diana and Prince Charles, the exchange of vows between Kate Middleton and Prince William will take place at Westminster Abbey with the Archbishop of Canterbury officiating.

In addition to the viewing, the occasion at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion will include:

An English-inspired breakfast will be served to honor the occasion.
Cinderella’s Coach, which was crafted by Bennington Carriages — coach maker for the British Monarchy — will be available as a backdrop for pictures.
Newly-released Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Jewels and tiaras, as well as Disney Princess-inspired wedding gowns from Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo will be showcased.
There’ll be a few entertainment surprises in store.

I can’t wait to see the magic Disney has in store for this event. I will be there, tweeting and perhaps even live-blogging so be sure to follow me on twitter @zannaland as well as the official Disney Fairytale Weddings account @DisneyWeddings!

David Tutera Visits Social Media Moms at the Disney Weddings Platinum Soiree

25 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Things have been so busy around here at ZannaLand so I’m just now getting around to my recaps of the amazing 2nd annual Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. One of the many highlights for me (and as you remember, something I was hoping for!) was getting to meet wedding planner and ultimate dream maker, David Tutera. It was wonderful to hear him speak about making brides feel special, and to speak to him about how much he enjoys visiting the Disney Parks as well!

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration Platinum Soiree — Our Welcome sign - I love that you can see the Polynesian Resort in the background here!

The Disney Social Media Moms Celebration kicked off at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, where attendees were treated to a Platinum Soiree welcome reception. Champagne flutes and a buffet of candy – not sure what could be much better than that. We were able to see some of the amazing wedding cakes that Disney Fairytale Weddings offer and meet with “Franck” from Father of the Bride (after whom the Wedding Pavilion salon is named) and “Edna Mold” from The Incredibles who entertained us in between speakers. Check out this photo tour of the evening’s events:

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration Platinum Soiree Candy Bar — The Candy Bar awaited us - what a cool wedding reception idea!

Disney Weddings candy bar — Close-up of the Candy Bar - thanks to OhAmanda.com for the photo!

Franck and Edna Mold — Thanks to OhAmanda.com for this photo of Franck and Edna!

We then headed over to the pavilion for some amazing speakers and presentations.

Disney's Social Media Moms Celebration Platinum Soiree — The Princess collection gowns were on display for us - Snow White

David Tutera speaks about changing bridal expectations and bringing wedding fashion ahead of the curve.

Next, we were treated to a real, live Disney Fairytale Wedding vow renewal ceremony! The “wedding party” (aka Disney performers) danced down the aisle in fabulous attire as our almost-still-a-newlywed bride of 2 years joined her prince to renew their vows once again at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion.

Outside, we awaited the bride and groom and I was lucky enough to stand across from David Tutera where I got a little more time to talk (okay, and take some pictures..he’s just so darn handsome – look at that profile!)

Suzannah and David Tutera — David was SO gracious and patiently posed for pictures with all who asked. It was a dream come true for me!

The event was, in a word, breath-taking. I have been a fan of Disney’s Fairytale Weddings from the start, but it was such a treat to be able to experience a little of what their magic is like in person, not to mention the wonderful speakers and sites we were able to see. It is still a hope and a dream that I will someday have a Disney vow renewal. My 15th wedding anniversary is coming up this October, but that might be a bit too soon to pull something off, so I’ll shoot for the 20th. 😉

Stay tuned for more recaps from the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration coming up on ZannaLand!

Happy Easter from Mr. and Mrs. Bunny at the Magic Kingdom!

24 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Happy Easter to all!! Hope you have a wonderful day no matter what you celebrate!

Easter bunny at Magic Kingdom — Happy Easter from the Easter Bunnies!

Thanks to @JEFF_EMT for sharing this fun photo!

Mickey, Minnie and the Princesses Move in to Town Square Theater

15 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

The same day we checked out the Easter treats in the Magic Kingdom we also ventured over to the all-new recently opened Town Square Theater. The theater is the new home for the character meet and greets that were taking place over in Mickey’s Toon Town Fair before it closed. Formerly Expo Hall, Town Square Theater is adjacent to Tony’s restaurant, to the right as you enter the Magic Kingdom park. There are some lovely details to this new area, so I thought I’d share some photos below:

Character greeting sign — Mickey's hand points out that character greetings are this way! (and crushes that lady's head 😉 )

Wait time for Mickey — When we were there, the wait time for Mickey was only 5 minutes

Princess wait time — While the Princesses wait was 30 minutes

Town Square Fast Passes — Around the corner from Tony's, to the right of the Chapeau, is the Fast Pass distribution area for Town Square Theater

Town Square Theater entrance — Atrium inside Town Square Theater leading to the queue

Tony's Town Square — Looking over to Tony's from the atrium of Town Square Theater (construction was still going on on the low walls)

Town Square queue — The extensive queue area, leading to either Princessess or Mice!

Mickey wait time — Inside is another wait time board for Mickey

I’ll leave the rest of the experience inside Town Square Theater as a surprise for when you are able to visit but until then, I leave you with some friends, posing with our favorite rodents –

Thanks to pals and all-around awesome folks Nicole, Cade, and Mike for letting me share their photo with you all!

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!

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!

Get A FastPass To Mickey This Spring At The Magic Kingdom

22 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Following Tom Staggs revealing press conference last week, Disney is now releasing details from the first change: FastPasses to meet characters.

Here’s more from the official Disney press release:

Magic Kingdom officials have a hunch a really “hot ticket” in their realm this summer is going to be something other than a ride, a snack or a show. Rather, it’s a first-ever opportunity to nail down a time to meet with Mickey Mouse.

When meet-and-greets with Mickey move into a permanent new location in Town Square later this spring, Magic Kingdom guests will be able obtain a Disney’s FASTPASS ticket specifying a one-hour window when they can return to see the popular character for hugs, photos and autographs — without waiting in the standby queue. It will mark the first time the complimentary, computerized service has been available for a character meet-and-greet at any Disney Park.

Since spending time with Disney characters is at the top of the “must-do list” of many guests, the FASTPASS ticket will allow them to experience their Mickey Mouse meet-and-greets more conveniently. As a result, guests will be able to devote more time enjoying other Magic Kingdom experiences with family and friends.

The new meet-and-greet location, Town Square Theater, will be located inside the current Exposition Hall area just inside the park entrance. Imagineers already are working to completely transform the space for the new experience. “This isn’t just remodeling Expo Hall; it is completely re-imagining this entire venue as a beautiful Victorian-era theater and the new home for Mickey Mouse,” Jon Georges, WDI Director, Senior Show Producer, said.

“Mickey and Main Street, U.S.A. are great examples of pure Americana that complement each other very well,” Concept Designer Jason Grandt said. “We drew a lot of inspiration from classic Mickey animated shorts such as The Nifty Nineties and Mickey’s Grand Opera. Many of the scenes in these shorts look like they take place right on Main Street.”

Guests arrive at a building befitting Mickey Mouse’s stardom — with a grand-Victorian-theater elevation, including a marquee that glistens with gold-leaf trim and sparkles with lights. Inside, there’s a mosaic floor, lush curtains with gold rope tie-backs and polished-brass chandeliers. Imagineers are creating new elements and surprises for Magic Kingdom guests, including an interactive queue — with an extra touch of Disney magic — and highly themed retail shops.

The queue takes guests “backstage,” where Mickey is waiting to greet them in a rehearsal-room environment amid posters, steamer trunks and stage props.

In addition, during the New Fantasyland construction, royalty will be visiting as the Disney Princesses will be in Town Square Theater to meet and greet their loyal subjects.

Currently, guests can visit with Mickey Mouse in Tomorrowland, in a location to the right of Space Mountain. Meet-and-greet experiences with the Disney Princesses are currently at Adventureland Verandah.

NEW Disney Dooney & Bourke Stripes Designs!

20 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 7 Comments

Those tracking Disney Dooney & Bourke auctions on ebay spotted these new styles this week. Thanks once more to Shelley C. for capturing these photos for us at Downtown Disney’s TrenD shop. Let’s see the newest Disney Dooney designs – the Gwenny Large Tote, the Large Erica and Zippered Wristlets in black and white, and red white and blue. They are canvas with leather handles and accents.

Disney Dooney Stripes — Stripes Large Gwenny Tote in black and white - $185

Disney Dooney Stripes Red — Disney Dooney & Bourke red stripe Large Erica bag - $150

Disney Dooney Stripes wristlets — Stripe zippered wristlets in red and black - $45

What do you guys think of this newest style? So far the impressions I’m seeing online is that they are a little hypnotic. Will you add these to your list, or pass?

Other Disney Dooney & Bourke collections may be found here on ZannaLand:

Disney Dooney & Bourke Original Cindy Sketch in White – NEW STYLES!

Disney Dooney & Bourke Multi-colored Mickey Black Handbags

Disney Dooney & Bourke Brown Mickey, Navy Mickey, Pink Minnie Purse Designs

Dooney & Bourke Disney Cruise Line Edition and Colored Wristlets

Disney Dooney & Bourke Cindy Sketch in COLORS

Disneyland 55th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke Collection

Disney Dooney and Bourke Princess Handbag Designs

Disney Dooney & Bourke Balloon Design in Black and White

Disney Dooney & Bourke Peace Love Mickey Minnie Denim Bags

Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke Collection

Disney Dream Inaugural Cruise Dooney & Bourke Designs

Disney Parks Memories Sweepstakes-Win a Vacation to Disney!

18 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

Let the Memories Begin with the Disney Parks Memories Sweepstakes!

Enter the Disney Parks Memories Sweepstakes for a chance to win a 4-person family vacation to a Disney Resort each week in February 2011!

Guests can enter either online or via mobile once a day for the chance to win:

· Current week: 5-days, 4-nights at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida

· Week 4: 7-days, 6-nights at any Disney Resort worldwide

Guests can also go to the sweepstakes site each day to download the Daily Digital Download, featuring exclusives such as Disney-themed picture frames, wallpapers and more.

The sweepstakes runs from now until Feb. 28, 2011. For rules, please see: Official Rules

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?