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CELEBRATION, Fla. (April 14, 2015) – During 2015 Alaska sailings, Disney Cruise Line invites guests to experience the destination like never before with a brand-new selection of Port Adventures. These new excursions offer something for everyone in the family to enjoy, from exhilarating alpine forest adventures to hands-on experiences showcasing Alaska’s rich heritage. Disney Cruise Line Exclusive Experiences On the Family Gold Exploration and the Mendenhall Glacier and Mine Ruin Exploration in Juneau, Disney Cruise Line guests experience an exclusive and memorable encounter with an eccentric prospector mining the hills. Families trek to the miner’s camp for stories around the campfire, leaving with tips of the trade and a keepsake from the prospector himself. Families can also explore the Treadwell Mining District on the Family Gold Exploration and pan for gold and garnets at the Alaska Gastineau Gold Mine. They’ll also journey into the abandoned mine at the Maggie Kathleen Tunnel – a first for Disney Cruise Line – with a hard-rock miner, to see the equipment used for extracting ore. In the Mendenhall Glacier and Mine Ruin Exploration Port Adventure, families take in the astonishing sights of the Mendenhall Valley complete with snow-capped mountains and lush green forests. Then they’re off to explore the mine ruins and trails at Douglas Island’s Treadwell Mining District. Delicious Alaskan fare takes center stage at the Klondike Campfire Breakfast, in a Port Adventure exclusively for Disney Cruise Line. Guests begin their day at the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp with a hearty breakfast of steak, eggs and sourdough blueberry pancakes. After being treated to the music and poetry of renowned Yukon poet Robert Service, they pan for gold, with everyone guaranteed to find the precious metal in every pan. The Best of Skagway For the first time, families get a taste of some friendly competition during Skagway’s Klondike Family Challenge, where each immersive activity is paired with a fun challenge. At the Klondike Gold Fields, families pan for gold, interact with dogs and puppies training for sled dog races and feel the thrill of 40 degrees below zero. Disney Cruise Line guests tour the Klondike Gold Fields brewery, sample fresh brews and design their own root beer labels. At the end of the day, families leave their mark by etching their names onto a wooden plank to be hung on the wall at the site’s gold panning shed. An exhilarating new adventure in Skagway takes families to the legendary White Pass Summit, tracing the steps of miners during the Klondike Gold Rush. At the summit, guests get a stunning view of cascading waterfalls and towering mountains before stopping at the Skagway Overlook for an unforgettable view of the glacier-lined Skagway Valley and their Disney cruise ship. After working up an appetite, guests savor a barbecue lunch of fresh Alaskan salmon at the Klondike Gold Fields and learn the skill of gold panning. Another first for Disney Cruise Line guests has them joining the lavishly costumed madam of the Red Onion Saloon for a tour of downtown Skagway. From the century-old McCabe building, a former school now home to the Skagway Museum, guests tour back alleys and former red light districts, hearing rousing stories of women who ventured north during the gold rush era, along with ghost stories about those who never left. The tour culminates with a champagne toast at the famous Red Onion Saloon and historic brothel museum. Adventures in the Great Outdoors From Juneau, teens are accompanied by Disney Cruise Line youth counselors as they gear up for an exclusive Teen Only Canopy and Zip Line Expedition. This off-road adventure includes zip lines and two towering sky bridges over lofty tree platforms. An exhilarating rappel from the treetops concludes this thrilling adventure. Guests can also find their adventurous side in Skagway, with breathtaking views at every turn on the Skagway Adventure Hike. On this new trek, Disney Cruise Line guests journey through the alpine forest and snow-capped mountains of White Pass, led by a guide who shares stories of the area’s gold rush history and wildlife. Another new Skagway experience sends guests gliding over the waters of Summit Lake in the Alpine Lake Canoe Adventure. From their canoes, guests will have panoramic views of Alaska’s most enchanting scenery, including towering mountains, lush green forests and crystal-clear water. They’ll also explore the many coves, inlets and channels surrounding the lake. Details on all Disney Cruise Line shore excursions can be found on the Port Adventures section of disneycruise.com. Beginning June 1, the Disney Wonder will sail a total of 14 seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent. ### View the full article

CELEBRATION, Fla. (April 14, 2015) – During 2015 Alaska sailings, Disney Cruise Line invites guests to experience the destination like never before with a brand-new selection of Port Adventures. These new excursions offer something for everyone in the family to enjoy, from exhilarating alpine forest adventures to hands-on experiences showcasing Alaska’s rich heritage. Disney Cruise Line Exclusive Experiences On the Family Gold Exploration and the Mendenhall Glacier and Mine Ruin Exploration in Juneau, Disney Cruise Line guests experience an exclusive and memorable encounter with an eccentric prospector mining the hills. Families trek to the miner’s camp for stories around the campfire, leaving with tips of the trade and a keepsake from the prospector himself. Families can also explore the Treadwell Mining District on the Family Gold Exploration and pan for gold and garnets at the Alaska Gastineau Gold Mine. They’ll also journey into the abandoned mine at the Maggie Kathleen Tunnel – a first for Disney Cruise Line – with a hard-rock miner, to see the equipment used for extracting ore. In the Mendenhall Glacier and Mine Ruin Exploration Port Adventure, families take in the astonishing sights of the Mendenhall Valley complete with snow-capped mountains and lush green forests. Then they’re off to explore the mine ruins and trails at Douglas Island’s Treadwell Mining District. Delicious Alaskan fare takes center stage at the Klondike Campfire Breakfast, in a Port Adventure exclusively for Disney Cruise Line. Guests begin their day at the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp with a hearty breakfast of steak, eggs and sourdough blueberry pancakes. After being treated to the music and poetry of renowned Yukon poet Robert Service, they pan for gold, with everyone guaranteed to find the precious metal in every pan. The Best of Skagway For the first time, families get a taste of some friendly competition during Skagway’s Klondike Family Challenge, where each immersive activity is paired with a fun challenge. At the Klondike Gold Fields, families pan for gold, interact with dogs and puppies training for sled dog races and feel the thrill of 40 degrees below zero. Disney Cruise Line guests tour the Klondike Gold Fields brewery, sample fresh brews and design their own root beer labels. At the end of the day, families leave their mark by etching their names onto a wooden plank to be hung on the wall at the site’s gold panning shed. An exhilarating new adventure in Skagway takes families to the legendary White Pass Summit, tracing the steps of miners during the Klondike Gold Rush. At the summit, guests get a stunning view of cascading waterfalls and towering mountains before stopping at the Skagway Overlook for an unforgettable view of the glacier-lined Skagway Valley and their Disney cruise ship. After working up an appetite, guests savor a barbecue lunch of fresh Alaskan salmon at the Klondike Gold Fields and learn the skill of gold panning. Another first for Disney Cruise Line guests has them joining the lavishly costumed madam of the Red Onion Saloon for a tour of downtown Skagway. From the century-old McCabe building, a former school now home to the Skagway Museum, guests tour back alleys and former red light districts, hearing rousing stories of women who ventured north during the gold rush era, along with ghost stories about those who never left. The tour culminates with a champagne toast at the famous Red Onion Saloon and historic brothel museum. Adventures in the Great Outdoors From Juneau, teens are accompanied by Disney Cruise Line youth counselors as they gear up for an exclusive Teen Only Canopy and Zip Line Expedition. This off-road adventure includes zip lines and two towering sky bridges over lofty tree platforms. An exhilarating rappel from the treetops concludes this thrilling adventure. Guests can also find their adventurous side in Skagway, with breathtaking views at every turn on the Skagway Adventure Hike. On this new trek, Disney Cruise Line guests journey through the alpine forest and snow-capped mountains of White Pass, led by a guide who shares stories of the area’s gold rush history and wildlife. Another new Skagway experience sends guests gliding over the waters of Summit Lake in the Alpine Lake Canoe Adventure. From their canoes, guests will have panoramic views of Alaska’s most enchanting scenery, including towering mountains, lush green forests and crystal-clear water. They’ll also explore the many coves, inlets and channels surrounding the lake. Details on all Disney Cruise Line shore excursions can be found on the Port Adventures section of disneycruise.com. Beginning June 1, the Disney Wonder will sail a total of 14 seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent. ### View the full article

Family River Cruising in Europe | Adventures by Disney Adventures by Disney introduces family river cruising to 8 unforgettable destinations in 4 countries on an all-inclusive adventure along the Danube river through the heart of Europe. http://di.sn/6...From:Disney ParksViews:256048ratingsTime:01:37More inTravel & Events View the full article

Surrounded by over 45 acres of savanna, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge continues to be one of the most spectacular hotels at Walt Disney World. Opening 14 years ago today, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge lobby soars six stories high under an incredible thatched roof. In September 2000, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was beginning to take shape as construction continued on what is now known as Jambo House. While seeing a giraffe outside the balcony of a guest room is quite unique, the Jambo House is also home to two distinctive restaurants celebrating the flavors of Africa – Jiko and Boma (not to mention they’re absolutely delicious). Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great place to relax and enjoy the ambience of the Resort when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the Parks. Disney Days of Past: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Constructed by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We’ve been waiting, and it’s finally here! The Boathouse is now open! Learn About: The BoathouseDowntown Disney Disney World RestaurantsThe restaurant is located in what will be The Landing Area of Disney Springs (still officially Downtown Disney, but it seems to be getting closer to the changeover everyday.) The Boathouse opened its doors on Monday, but don’t rush out to get an Advance Dining Reservation just yet. While we’ve had success booking through the Open Table website for May 15th and after, Disney still isn’t offering ADRs — a signal that this is clearly a soft opening period, and a time for the staff and kitchen to work out the kinks. There’s been a ton of hullabaloo over what we can expect, food and price-wise. We have lots of information and pics to share with you — as well as some information to clarify! So let’s get started. AtmosphereI’ve been dying to get a peek behind those walls forever — and now they’re down! And the new restaurant is pretty beautiful. As You Approach the Boathouse You’ll see the entrance to the restaurant to the left. The big green tower that we’ve all been watching for a while now is the entrance to the Ship’s Store, the Boathouse’s gift shop. Entrance to Ship’s Store Between the two entrances on the day we visited, there was this tiny little boat right by the front door. I’m thinkin’ it would be pretty fun to take it for a spin. A Tiny Boat By the Front Entrance Here’s a shot from across the water. This is a great way to sort of get your bearings if you’re still wondering where in the grand scheme of Downtown Disney that The Boathouse is located. This also gives you a glimpse of how The Boathouse has “grown” rather organically. I’m looking forward to hearing the story here. Because we all know — this is Disney. There’s always a story. The Boathouse as Seen from the Water View But The Boathouse will be more than just a place to eat. It will also be home to several boat-themed attractions. In other words, it really is a boathouse. We gave you a glimpse of Amphicar dress rehearsals taking place the other day ahead of Monday’s soft opening. And today, we have a few more pics to show you! You’ll find the Amphicar Launch around the side of restaurant, to the left of the main entrance. Amphicar Launch So you think they just hop in the car and drive it into the water, right? Well, of course, it’s not quite that simple. See this Amphicar Captain? That wheel behind him is more than just a fancy prop. The captain’s wheel has many gears just behind and under it. When a member of the staff turns the wheel, it actually rotates the turntable that the Amphicars are parked on. When they come in from the lake, they are facing the street. The car wheels are locked down, and the captain turns this wheel, which rotates the car 180 degrees, so that it’s facing the water again. Pretty swift, eh? Amphicar Captain Stands at the Ready And in case you aren’t tired of looking at these cute little overachievers, here’s another shot. The teal one may just be my favorite. One of the Amphicars on the Ramp And…off he goes! Super fun. One of the Captains Taking an Amphicar for a Spin But the amphicars aren’t the only game in town. While we haven’t yet seen the 40-foot Italian Water Taxis that are touted as another Boathouse draw, there are plenty of interesting watercraft to check out. Like this gorgeous option. I wouldn’t mind cruising the harbor in one of these. Another Beautiful Boat And then, there’s the U-22 Alter Ego, a vintage racing boat. This thing is fierce; it looks like it’s about to blast off to the moon, doesn’t it? Rocket Boat! U-22 Alter Ego While it looks like they’re still trying to get everything arranged and situated, you can definitely tell that this area is going to offer some fantastic opportunities for vintage boat fans to enjoy a look around. But now, let’s get back to the restaurant. Behind The Boathouse, you’ll find one of the restaurant’s three bars, the Dockside Bar. Dockside Bar While you take a walkway to get to the bar, there’s quite a bit of seating situated closer to the building. The sense here is that it will be walk up seating — an outdoor extension to the first inside dining and bar area (which we’ll show you in just a sec). Check out this awesome firepit! I can’t wait to hang out here with an adult beverage. Outdoor Seating Teak Tables and Chairs with a View And I thought this was a pretty fun detail. You may ask, “What happens if one of those fancy vintage Amphicars suddenly loses power?” Well, these little guys will come to the rescue and tow the Amphicars back to the dock. Amphicar Rescue Vehicles — Just in Case Whew! How’s that for a look around outside! Now, let’s head inside for even more touring. When you walk into The Boathouse, you enter directly into the first bar — the Captain’s Raw Bar. This area features a cathedral ceiling and lots of rich wood accents. The feeling is refined, although it has almost a workshop-like vibe. Bar 1 The Raw Bar is actually part of a bar which also serves drinks. Those crazy multitaskers. Raw Bar Raw Bar — Up Close Good news if you’re looking to catch part of a game or your favorite team’s score — there are large TVs situated over the bar area. Bar 1 Televisions There is seating at the bar, of course. And it’s important to note that, while comfortable, none of the designated bar seating includes chairs with back support. If you topple over easily, you may want to request a spot in the dining room! Bar 1 Seating Trendy communal seating has made its way to The Boathouse as well. While these tables seating 8 are termed “family seating”, especially during the soft opening phase, walk up patrons may find themselves seated here with other parties. Bar 1 Family Style and Communal Seating There are smaller tables available too, though. Bar Seating One detail we learned early on was that The Boathouse planned to offer live music, and we found that to be the case during our visit. Over the duration of our meal, two different musicians played in this area, and the music was piped throughout the entire venue. Live Music is Played and Piped Throughout the Restaurant As you would expect, boats and parts of boats figure strongly into the decor of The Boathouse — especially in this first room. Model Boat with Working Motor Outboard motors of all makes and sizes are mounted on the walls and displayed on stands. The staff was very quick to tell us that the models were actually working motors. Why this is important, I’m not sure. But I guess…authenticity? Wall of Motors Close Up of Functioning Outboard Motor But the other detail that you’ll see plenty of are these whimsical Rubber Ducks. While the duckies you spy throughout the restaurant are affixed in place to make sure they don’t walk off , there are plenty of cute varieties for sale in the Ship’s Store. We’ll look at a few options in just a bit. Rubber Ducks Can Be Found Throughout Another fun feature of this area is the booth in a boat! Would you expect anything less from Schussler Creative, who gave us a booth in in the belly of a triceratops at T-Rex? (I must sit at this table.) Boat Booth Seating The custom Chris Craft Boat features a nifty niche cut out, big enough to accommodate at least five. Booth in Boat — Up Close From here, you segue into the the next dining room. Ceiling heights come down, but the boat touches remain. Second Dining Room We saw spare use of aquamarine in the first dining area, and that same color is carried through here. It serves to unify the spaces, as the decor here is drastically different from the entrance. A large central fan keeps air circulating. Chairs in this area have backs, but there are also a few semi-circle booths that you can choose from. Dining Room 2 From here, you move to the third dining area, which seems to me much more refined and upscale. This is also where you’ll find the Admiral’s Club Bar. Wide View of Dining Room 3 The Admiral’s Club Bar This room feels more like a private club. The aquamarine and bright white color scheme differ drastically from the more rustic areas we’ve seen prior to this. Dining Room 3 Table Setting More Seating in Dining Room 3 Be sure to check out the glass “fish tank” that’s the centerpiece of this room. What a fun, low-maintenance way to incorporate marine life into the decor! Glass “Fish Tank” in Dining Room 3 Finally, we move on to an area that will be reserved for private dining functions. The rooms are appropriately called The Regatta and The Trophy Room. The Regatta and The Trophy Room — Private Dining Area Outside Windows and Lighting The rooms, which may be used for overflow dining during busy times, have two main focal points. This large, built-in wine storage area showcases some of the restaurant’s wine collection. Wine Rack The other is a stately fireplace with a marble surround and a mantel that holds The Boathouse’s trophies. Impressive! Now, clearly, the area is being used to store extra chairs during soft opening. Still, you get a sense of how nicely appointed it is. Mantel with Trophies and Models And this is a really cool detail — check out the photo of the boat, and a replica of a boat that’s very similar to the one in the photo, displayed together! Picture and Model of the Same Boat Seating here is very similar to what we found in the previous dining room. Seating Don’t you love the lights? Beautiful Lights Whew! Hang on! We are almost to the food! The last space that I’d like to show you before we dig in is the Ship’s Store. Remember back at the front of the restaurant? You veer right if you’d like to shop a bit. Here you’ll find all manner of merch, from apparel and mugs, to models, and even board games. Cast Member and Display Counters in Ship Store Boathouse Hoodie Boathouse Amphicar Mug Boat Replica Classic Boat Replicas Miniature Outboard Motor Models for Sale Boat-Shaped Game Sets And yep — there are rubber duckies, too. Rubber Ducks Come Come in All Kinds of Fun Themes More Ducks Kangaroo…Duck? Okay…now that you’ve had a look around, let’s get to the food. EatsDuring this time, The Boathouse is featuring two menus: a Bar Menu and a Table Service Menu. Essentially, the bar menu includes raw bar items and more casual fare. There is some overlap to the menus, but if you’re looking for a burger, head to the bar. If you want steaks, it’s the dining room for you. However, if you’re sitting in the bar area, you can order from either the bar or table menu. At least for now. Bar Menu — Front — Click to Enlarge Bar Menu — Back — Click to Enlarge Table Menu — Front — Click to Enlarge Table Menu — Back — Click to Enlarge For our first time out, we decided to stick to entrees, sides, and dessert. But we were lucky to snag a few pics of some raw bar items. Everything that we saw looked extremely fresh and well prepared. Anastasia Gold Farm Raised Caviar — A Boathouse Exclusive Lobster Cocktail and Oysters on the Half Shell Wild Caught Baja Shrimp Cocktail If you’re very observant, you’ll see that we’re seated in the second dining room, right next to the boat booth. Alas, maybe it will be my turn to sit there another day. Our Table Setting You may have noticed during our tour of the dining rooms earlier, but Crystal Hot Sauce is the preferred brand here. You’ll find a bottle on every table. Crystal Hot Sauce on the Table We began our meal with Complimentary Bread Service and Butter. It was perfectly fine, but nothing out of the ordinary. Interestingly, they also brought a Carafe of Ice Water so that we could help ourselves. Complimentary Bread Service We dug right into our entrees. We began with the Swordfish, which is served on a bed of Sweet Corn, Fennel, Andouille and Potato Hash, and Creole Butter. Swordfish Definitely a Louisiana and Cajun vibe here. Swordfish — Different Angle While we couldn’t identify every spice used here, we really enjoyed the dish — especially the savory components. Apparently, chefs are doing a lot of sweet sides with swordfish these days, but this was a good approach. While some have thought the dish too salty, we didn’t feel this way. Swordfish — Up Close Of course, we also had to give a steak a try — so we ordered up one of my favorites — the 8-Ounce Filet Mignon. Steaks are served with your choice of Sauce — Béarnaise, Peppercorn, Red Wine, or the signature Boathouse Steak Sauce. We asked to try them all, and our server cheerfully obliged. (We somehow ended up with a bonus sauce…I’m pretty sure it was an extra order of Hollandaise. And who in the world would complain about that??) Eight-Ounce Filet Mignon, Pictured with All Sauce Choices The steak had a nice crust and was well-prepared. It may have been cooked slightly longer than I would have liked, but it wasn’t tragic. The meat had good flavor and was very tender. In fact, we joked we could have cut it with a spoon. Eight-Ounce Filet — Cross Section, Up Close A word about the sauces…while they were all good, I really liked the signature sauce. Our server shared with us that it actually came about as a result of an internal contest among the chefs. This was the winner! And it’s made fresh in-house, daily. We opted for a couple of extra sides as well. Our first choice was the Grilled Asparagus. Now, first thing I have to clear up — the side is $12, not $21, as was previously discussed. I know, I know. It’s still expensive. But I can tell you that it was incredibly good quality, came with a side of Hollandaise (woo!), and was more than enough for two people. The Legendary Side of Asparagus But we also couldn’t pass up the Shrimp and Andouille Mac and Cheese. Shrimp and Andouille Mac and Cheese It was, in a word, awesome. And huge! I could easily have made an entree of this side dish and happily called it a day. Shrimp and Andouille Mac and Cheese — Up Close Even though we were more than satisfied with our large meal, we couldn’t pass up a chance to sample The Boathouse dessert menu. (If you’re looking for it on the menus above, you’ll find the sweet stuff in the lower left hand corner of the bar menu.) To be honest, the only thing that jumped out at us was the Whiskey Caramel Cornbread Cake. Whiskey Caramel Cornbread Cake Basically, this was a take on an old fashioned berry shortcake, but with a cornmeal cake. Whiskey Caramel Cornbread Cake — Up Close The flavor combination was delicious, even though we would have preferred a sweeter cake. Still, it was fresh and well prepared. And the texture of the cornmeal cake held up nicely to the thin caramel sauce. Whiskey Caramel Cornbread Cake — Cake Detail And with that, our very first meal at The Boathouse was in the books! OverallSo. What do we think of The Boathouse? Well. The jury is still out. Across the board, the food that we ordered was good to great, and we enjoyed friendly, relaxed service. The setting is beautiful, with thoughtful, upscale detail. You really do feel like you’re dining at your chi-chi yacht club. But — those prices. When I take a step back and look at them, they’re a little…well, pricey. $19 for Chicken Fingers? And still, we have sticker shock — albeit less so than previously — from that asparagus. Yes, when The Boathouse comes online with the Disney Dining Plan (and we expect that it will), it will very likely be a Signature restaurant; and participating in the DDP will alleviate the issue of cost for some guests. But still, for these prices I want to have the best meal of my life. Can The Boathouse deliver that? We’ll see! Are you excited to try The Boathouse at Downtown Disney? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: First Look! Amphicar Tours at The Boathouse in Disney World’s Disney Springs (and Reservations Now Available!) Rumor: Yeeha Bob to Perform at The Boathouse in Disney Springs News! Boathouse and Morimoto Confirmed for Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs at Downtown Disney View the full article

We’re all about celebrating a childhood “firsts” here at the Walt Disney World Resort – the first time you meet Mickey Mouse, your first haircut at the barber shop on Main Street, U.S.A., the first time you’re tall enough to ride the Tomorrowland Speedway by yourself. My most memorable “first” was my first character breakfast. It was on the Empress Lily, now Fulton’s Crab House at Downtown Disney. Our colleagues at Disney Junior want to celebrate those firsts with you in the My Magical First Sweepstakes. You can now enter for a chance to win a 5-day, 4-night vacation for four to Walt Disney World Resort from Disney Junior at Disney.com/MyMagicalFirst. Imagine your little one’s first Walt Disney World vacation including: A four-night stay at a Deluxe Walt Disney World ResortFive-day Magic Your Way tickets with Park Hopper OptionA $500 Disney gift cardIt will be a magical time that you will remember forever. Trust me. Check out Disney.com/MyMagicalFirst for all the information including how to enter and keep watching the Disney Parks Blog and the #DisneyKids for more fun for ideas for your little ones. Last Chance to Enter the ‘My Magical First Sweepstakes’ from Disney Junior by Charles Stovall, Public Relations, manager: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

During a behind-the-scenes media event at the Disneyland Resort yesterday, we shared a closer look at some of what is in store for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, beginning May 22. In the video below, you’ll hear thoughts from Steve Davison, vice president of Parades and Spectaculars, Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, on the new nighttime spectaculars currently in development … and watch to the end for your first look at the “Cars” story from the new “Paint the Night” parade! Be sure to catch “World of Color: Celebrate!,” “Disneyland Forever” fireworks and “Paint the Night” parade, part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration beginning May 22, and join the conversation with the hashtag #Disneyland60! Closer Look at Nighttime Entertainment and More Coming for Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Walt Disney’s interest in progress, technology and making strides toward the future has always been something that has shaped Disney Parks, and has inspired new attractions and experiences since day one. During his lifetime, Walt led the charge in developing Audio-Animatronics technology, planned a Tomorrowland for Disneyland park that would allow people to taste what the future may be like, and dreamed of showcasing an “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” in his plans for Epcot. According to “Tomorrowland” Director/Writer Brad Bird and Writer Damon Lindelof, it was Walt’s vision of the future that provided them with a lot of inspiration when creating their “city of tomorrow” for the film. Check out the video below to learn more. The film “Tomorrowland,” opens in theaters nationwide on May 22, 2015. (Guests visiting Disneyland park and Epcot will be able to watch an exclusive sneak peek from the film starting this weekend, as well as see props and images from the movie. The Tomorrowland Theater at Disneyland park will host their sneak peek starting Friday, April 17, and the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot will open its doors on Saturday, April 18). ‘Tomorrowland’ Creators Share How Walt’s Vision of the Future Inspired the Film by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Yep, today is TAX DAY in the US of A, and we know you’ve been buried under receipts and government forms and other boring things for days, weeks, and months. This is me while I’m doing my taxes. But it’s time to take a TAX BREAK…and plan your DISNEY TRIP INSTEAD! Today and tomorrow only, we’re offering our uber popular DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book for 50% off…just to jump start your happy mood! Use code TAXBREAK to get the discount! The fully updated DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 490 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite subjects — food and dining in Walt Disney World. It’s guaranteed to help you navigate your way to delicious dining on your next trip! And if you’re ready to get yours now, head on over to DFBStore.com to pick it up!! Today and tomorrow only, use code: TAXBREAK to get 50% off  the regular price for a limited time! What’s In The Guide?As thousands of repeat customers already know, the Guide includes: A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks.A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience.Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips!Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning.A comprehensive index of bars and lounges. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic.The ability to be read on your mobile device or computer! It’s fully portable right in your pocket!While our 2014 Guide was extensive, Disney World is always updating menus, prices, and other dining info. And we’re always finding new things to tell you about! So we’ve updated our 2015 edition with brand new details and more exclusive info! Check out a couple of sample pages below. Click to enlarge! DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page Here’s Just Some Of What You Get With Our 2015 Guide:Over 490 Pages of Disney Dining and Planning information, tips, reviews, and recommendations!An in-depth Disney Dining Restaurant Reviews section, covering all Disney restaurants, food kiosks, bars, and loungesAn updated Disney Dining Plan section and price analysis for 2015NEW Disney food and restaurant photosAn updated Disney Snacks chapter, including our list of dozens of must-try snacks AND our Top Must-Have Snacks for 2015A comprehensive chapter of What’s New in Disney World in 2015, including new restaurants, menu updates, and moreDetails about how the My Magic+ Planning System and FastPass+ will affect your vacation planningOur picks for Great Snacks you must try this yearTips for scoring a Be Our Guest FastPass for lunch time diningOur suggestions for“off the menu” orders you simply have to tryA fully updated for 2015 list of the must-do restaurants for Disney World first-timersRecommendations for the best restaurants to book when you have babies and toddlersScavenger Hunts, Trivia, and Top 5 List updatesBingo CardsUpdates on all pertinent facts such as dining hours, prices, resources, phone numbers, and restaurant closures/openingsAll new restaurant additions, closures, refurbishments, and added dining experiencesAnd much more!And the best part is: the price hasn’t changed! Our extensive Disney Dining information, fully updated and extended with extra pages and countless new details, will cost you the same amount that it did in 2014. DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page Again, to celebrate you being DONE with your TAXES, we’ll be offering the Guide for 50% off its standard rate for two days only! Order your copy now at DFBStore.com and use code: TAXBREAK for your discount! For more detailed information and screen shots from the e-Book, head over to DFBStore.com! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Grand Launch Sale! DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015 DFB Weekly Deal: $6 Off the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Save! Announcing the DFB Guide 50% Off Thanksgiving Day Sale View the full article

Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge at Disney California Adventure park pays homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood. Today’s signature cocktail demonstration is named after a well-known Hollywood starlet, Ginger Rogers. Watch as our bartender creates the Ginger Rogers cocktail from Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge below: Create your own Ginger Rogers cocktail with these ingredients: 1 Oz dry gin1 Oz dry vermouth1 Oz apricot liqueurSplash of lemon juiceFor reservations, visit Disneyland.com/dine or call 714-781-DINE. VIDEO: Learn to Make the Ginger Rogers from Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge at Disney California Adventure Park by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Okay, so we all know the news surrounding bars and lounges at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has revolved almost solely around two places recently: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace. Learn About: Barefoot Pool BarPolynesian Resort Disney World RestaurantsBut one place we haven’t discussed much at all recently is the Barefoot Pool Bar… primarily because it hasn’t been open. You see, with the major refurbishment of the Polynesian’s Volcano Pool came the closure of its accompanying pool bar. But early this month the pool opened up again — much to the happiness of many a Poly guest! And the Barefoot Pool Bar has reopened right along with it. Not much has changed at the Barefoot Pool Bar itself, still finding its home at the side of the volcano, though the sign is new. Barefoot Pool Bar at the main Polynesian pool Barefoot Pool Bar sign But the general feel is somewhat different, and I think that’s due more to the bar’s changed surroundings more than the lounge itself. For instance, the fence around the pool, which ends at the Barefoot, does change the vibe (though all are still welcome to have a drink at the bar — only Resort guests are permitted swim in the pool, as per usual). Barefoot Pool Bar Barefoot Pool Bar The familiar Disney pool bar drinks still grace the menu (and the full bar is also available). Barefoot Pool Bar menu Specialty drinks closeup Menu closeup Info on menu board A little reminder is posted regarding operating hours. Operating Hours for Barefoot Pool Bar Alas, I didn’t have time to sip, since I was preparing to get in line for Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. But I did take a few moments to do a little exploring in the surrounding areas. Now that the pool is open again and the majority of construction walls are down in the main area surrounding the Great Ceremonial House, we can all at last get a feel for what the renovated Polynesian Village Resort is like. Map of the Polynesian Village Resort So while we’re here, let’s take a walk, shall we? Here’s another look at the pool. Lava Pool One very welcome addition is that of the new hot tub. Hot tub The surrounding pathway from the back of the pool leads to Captain Cook’s, where outdoor seating is once again available. Pathway to the Great Ceremonial House from pool Outdoor seating at Captain Cook’s Heading back towards the beach, even with the addition of the Bora Bora Bungalows (the newest addition to Disney Vacation Club Villas), there are still some good vantage points available from which to view “Wishes” while enjoying a Dole Whip from the Pineapple Lanai. The beach at the Polynesian Castle View And even though the tab to stay at one isn’t within my reach , here’s a look at the Bora Bora Bungalows while we’re here. Bora Bora Bungalows Bora Bora Bungalow And for now, that’s a wrap! Mickey sure hopes you’ve enjoyed this little walking tour… Polynesian Village Resort decal And with that, we say “Aloha” once again from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! Will you be stopping at the Barefoot Pool Bar on our next stop at the Polynesian? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Photo Tour and Food Review: Captain Cook’s Reopens at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Photo Tour and Review: NEW Polynesian Village Resort Lobby, and Tiramisu Cupcake at Captain Cook’s Spotted: Macadamia Pastries at Polynesian Village Resort’s Kona Island View the full article

A driver involved in a 2013 crash that killed an Orlando businessman was arrested Tuesday, a Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman said. View the full article

The Lamborghini involved in a fatal crash at Walt Disney World Speedway was going in a direction for which the track was not originally designed, and some in the racing community are wondering whether that contributed to the passenger's death. View the full article

Tourism officials who survived Florida's other Spring Break fevers are ready to help Panama City Beach out of the horror show that led to a woman being sexually assaulted on the sand as hundreds of revelers looked on. View the full article

A compromise plan for a new high school in west Orange County won approval from the Orange County School Board on Tuesday. View the full article

An Orlando mother was arrested over the weekend after police say she forced her daughter to fight another girl after school Friday afternoon. View the full article

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the Fruitland Park police department, Interim Chief Todd English said tonight. View the full article

A Valencia College student was robbed at gunpoint while riding her bicycle on Little Econ Greenway on Monday night, an Orange County sheriff's spokeswoman said. View the full article

The kickoff of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration is right around the corner, and we have more details to share about some of the new food and beverage offerings sure to dazzle your taste buds. Starting on May 22, Disneyland Diamond Cupcakes will be available at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café – a lemon-flavored cupcake representing the Victorian-era theme of Main Street, U.S.A. The Disney California Adventure Diamond Cupcake will be available at Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café, featuring orange cake that represents the 1930s theme of Buena Vista Street. Specialty drinks are also in the works to celebrate the milestone anniversary. My favorite? The Frozen Pomegranate Silver Sparkler from Jolly Holiday Bakery Café. Other delicious drinks include a special Lucky Fortune Tea featuring mango and red passion fruit at the Lucky Fortune Cookery, Wild Raspberry Rapids Frozen Lemonade from White Water Snacks, Enchanted Cherry Apple Frozen Lemonade from Troubadour Tavern, Honey Bee Frozen Lemonade from Hungry Bear Restaurant and more! While we’ve already given you a taste of some of the new souvenir sippers and popcorn buckets to come, later this summer look for brand-new sippers that will allow guests to partake in the immersive Made with Magic experience in a whole new way. Make a splash with the “World of Color” sipper at Disney California Adventure park, or show your Disney Villain Side with a Chernabog sipper at “Fantasmic!” in Disneyland park. I think you will agree that our teams have created offerings to delight all of the senses throughout the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Continue checking the Disney Parks Blog for more details and join the conversation with the hashtag #Disneyland60. A Taste of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket blasted off Tuesday for a resupply trip to the International Space Station, but the company failed in its attempt to soft-land the booster on a barge. View the full article

Tangled: The Musical” premieres onboard the Disney Magic this November! See scenes from the show's rehearsal and hear from the team adapting this beloved Disney tale to the stage. http://di.sn...From:Disney ParksViews:525106ratingsTime:01:04More inTravel & Events

It’s always so fun to check out the great photos that our members post on the Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza, our Flickr group. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, head over there! We’ll take a virtual eating trip to Disney over work any day of the week. And today, we are all about just a few of the outrageous Caramel Apple options that you have all over the Disney Universe! Snowman Caramel Apples Let’s check out some of the most awesome examples of Caramel Apples that you can find all over Disney for this latest look at our Disney Food Pics of the Week Series! Olaf Caramel ApplesPhotographer: Joel Caceres Whether or not you want to build a snowman, no doubt you’ll enjoy sinking your teeth into a monster-size Olaf Caramel Apple, one of the many Frozen foods we’ve seen this past year in the parks. His little Carrot Nose might just be my favorite part. Olaf Caramel Apples Classic Minnie Mouse Caramel ApplesPhotographer: Kirsten Marie Hutton But you also can’t go wrong with a classic, like the Minnie Mouse Caramel Apple. There is just something captivating about rows and rows of these beautiful and perfect Minnies! Underneath that layer of Rich Chocolate, you’ll find Marshmallow Ears and a thick coating of Caramel. And the huge size means it’s the perfect snack for sharing. Minnie Mouse Caramel Apples World of Color Mickey Caramel ApplesPhotographer: Shnewell But we don’t want to leave Mickey out in the cold! And this Mickey Mouse Caramel Apple that celebrates World of Color in Disneyland…well, it’s nothing short of stunning, I think. How do they do it? Find out here! World of Color Mickey Caramel Apples So much THANKS to all of you who post food photos in the Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza group on Flickr! All images are copyrighted to their photographers. Do not download or re-use without photographer permission. We wanna see your pictures, too! Just head over to the Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza on Flickr and show us your shots. We want to feature your best work as part of an upcoming Disney Food Pics of the Week Series! Want to see other great Disney Food Pics of the Week? Click here to see more great photos from DFB readers! What’s your favorite Disney Candy or Caramel Apple? Share your opinion in comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Disney Food Pics of the Week: Caramel Popcorn Treats! Disney Food Pics of the Week: Epcot’s Germany Pavilion Disney Food Pics of the Week View the full article

We’ve already shared some of the sparkling new decor, entertainment and merchandise coming for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration beginning May 22. Today, I’m excited to tell you that some of our biggest stars will also sparkle for the celebration! Disneyland park guests will have the chance to see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Chip and Dale in these dazzling new duds in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A., throughout the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. We’ll have more about the celebration to share with you soon, so keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog and join the conversation with the hashtag #Disneyland60! Mickey Mouse and Friends to Wear Sparkling New Ensembles for Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Many of you joined us last week at Disney Cruise Line’s first-ever meet-up as our Creative Entertainment team gave a sneak peek at some of the new fun coming soon to our ships. What a great show! I was honored to be a part of it and have the chance to talk with our talented show directors about our new entertainment experiences inspired by “Frozen,” Star Wars and “Tangled.” One of the highlights was getting a behind-the-scenes look at “Tangled: The Musical” in production. For those of you who weren’t able to join us in person, we don’t want you to miss the exciting video we shared. You’ll see scenes from rehearsal and hear from part of the team adapting this beloved Disney tale to the stage for the very first time. Check it out! Which “Tangled” star are you most excited to see on stage? Behind the Scenes of Disney Cruise Line’s ‘Tangled: The Musical’ by Ray Smale: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Imagine winning a Disney Diamond or a Cinderella glass slipper, or enjoying a private excursion and dinner in Disneyland or Disney California Adventure park. Those are a few of the exciting prizes that will be awarded to some lucky guests during the Disneyland Diamond Days sweepstakes, part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration that begins May 22, 2015. Disneyland Diamond Days is an exciting sweepstakes in which daily prizes are awarded to some visitors, on the day they are visiting, as part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Daily prize winners must be present on the Disneyland Resort premises at the time of entry and at the time of prize redemption in order to be able to enjoy these special experiences, and theme park admission is not necessary to enter or win the sweepstakes. In addition to the daily prizes, Disneyland Diamond Days will offer guests a weekly opportunity to win exceptional Disneyland Resort prizes and experiences. Appropriately, the most exciting prizes are authentic diamonds, custom-engraved for Disney! One and two-carat Disney Diamonds will be awarded throughout the celebration, and the one-carat Disney Diamonds will even be paired with a stay in the Disneyland Dream Suite. Other weekly prizes include a clear, crystal Cinderella slipper adorned with a diamond-and-topaz pendant, and unique experiences that only Disneyland can offer, such as a private party in Fantasyland, a romantic cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat, or a tailgate party in Cars Land. The available prize will vary each week. Full official rules will be available at Disneyland.com/DiamondDays on May 22, 2015. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S., D.C., Mexico and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are age of majority as of date of entry. Specific prizes to be awarded in the weekly sweepstakes will be announced online at Disneyland.com/DiamondDays the preceding week. Sponsor: Disney Memories, 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521, U.S.A. Disneyland Diamond Days Sweepstakes to Give Away Dazzling Prizes During Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article