Disney4me

In my opinion, one of the most lovely places in all of Magic Kingdom Park is the castle breezeway inside Cinderella Castle, which is decorated with five amazing mosaics that tell the story of “Cinderella.” GalleryPHOTO GALLERY: Special Images of Cinderella view allIn honor of today’s anniversary, Disney Photographer Ryan Wendler headed out to shoot a special gallery of images of this beautiful area – and it just so happened that he ran into a bit of Disney royalty while he was there. GalleryPHOTO GALLERY: Special Images of Cinderella & Her Castle view allThe “Cinderella” design of the mosaic walls was designed by Imagineer Dorothea Redmond. Each of the five contain hundreds of thousands of pieces of glass fused together with silver and 14-carat gold. The mosaics feature more than 500 colors and if you look closely, you can see that Cinderella’s stepsisters each have a unique facial tint: the face of one stepsister is tinted red (as in “red with rage”) and the other’s visage has a green tint (as in “green with envy”) as they watch Cinderella try on the glass slipper. Be sure to check out both photo galleries above. PHOTO GALLERY: Special Images of Cinderella & Her Castle by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Hundreds of teens caused a disturbance and rushed a movie theater in Ocoee Saturday night, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. View the full article

A girl who sports glass slippers needs to live in a spectacular castle, don’t you think? Sixty-five years ago the film “Cinderella” debuted in theaters. Twenty-one years later, Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park opened to welcome guests from all over the world. According to the “Disney A to Z,” designers at WED Enterprises did find some inspiration from original designs for the 1950 “Cinderella” film along with other famous European palaces and castles. Below is a look at Cinderella Castle still under construction in February 1971. With a home as royal as this, maybe the stepsisters should have though twice about being so cruel to “Cinderella.” Disney Days of Past: ‘Cinderella’ Makes History by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Did you indulge in chocolate for Valentine’s Day? If you were fortunate enough to be at Disney World, we know you had a special day. For those of us stuck at home (and likely in the cold weather), we had fun seeing the new cupcakes and other sweets featured in the Disney Parks and Resorts. Lady and the Tramp Cupcake And while we anxiously await the warmer months, join us in glimpsing the fun Ice Pop Frozen Cocktail coming to France for the 2015 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival. For all the details on the above news and more, just click on the links below! Disney Food NewsYak & Yeti Local Food Cafes at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom has undergone a menu change in recent months.Is chicken back on the menu at ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?A new treat is coming to the Outdoor Kitchen in France for the 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival: the Ice Pop Frozen Cocktail… on a stick!Two new cupcakes at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios are celebrating beloved Disney films: the red velvet Lady and the Tramp Cupcake and the vanilla Cinderella Cupcake!“A Cooking Safari with Mickey” Cookbook Coming Soon to Disney Parks.Did you see the Valentine’s treats featured at Disney World? Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including restaurant closures, menu updates (Doh Bar gone from Cookes of Dublin!), Mardi Gras at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. DFB Reader FindsIf you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or about Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! We love to see how our readers celebrate special occasions at Disney. Reader Danielle shares an anniversary dessert enjoyed at Epcot’s Coral Reef restaurant. Anniversary dessert at Coral Reef This one is a special order dessert and SO worth it. Check out Reader Leilani‘s Cinderella Slipper Dessert. Delicious! Cinderella Slipper Dessert Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015We recently launched The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book! This valuable resource is fully updated for 2015-16 Disney vacations, and is now available for purchase and download to help you make the most of your dining plans while in Disney World. 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!! For our Grand Launch Sale, use code: 2015 to get a $4 discount for a limited time! And at the end of this post, we have details on even more savings! Note: If you purchased the 2014 Guide last year, scroll down for details on repeat purchase discounts. 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 yearOur 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!But, of course we’re offering a discount for our loyal readers!! Again, to celebrate the launch and to thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the Guide for $4 off its standard rate for a limited time! Order your copy now at DFBStore.com and use code: 2015 for your discount! Should I buy the 2015 Guide if I have the 2014 Guide?The 2015 Guide has entirely updated information, an updated Disney Dining Restaurant Reviews section, an updated chapter on snacks, a 10-page “what’s new this year in Disney World” section, extended scavenger hunts, Disney Food bingo, added trivia, and more. If you purchased the 2014 Guide and would like to purchase the 2015 Guide, we’ve got a special discount for repeat purchasers. Email me here to get a limited-time, one-use, exclusive discount code to purchase the 2015 Guide at a $6 discount. Please include the email address you used to purchase the 2014 Guide in the body of your email. 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! Want Even Greater Savings? Here’s How!Great three awesome e-Books bundled for over 30% off! Limited time only… Bundle for greater savings! Our DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle offers: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015, PLUSThe DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks,The DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, ANDThe DFB Guide to Epcot SnacksAll three are being sold together for the first time –and for a massively discounted price. Just $35.95 instead of the regular price of nearly $60.00. Our Snack Guides vibrantly display and review over 500 Disney World snacks (!!), but also showcase some our favorite under-the-radar treats and eats in the parks. Get your DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle — including the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015, the DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, and the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks — for over 40% off here. Find out more about the DFB Guide & Snack Bundle here! Thanks for your support of the DFB!Disney Dooney with Disney Food On to the Round-Up!Mickey Fix shows off our new favorite Disney Dooney and Bourke pattern. Yes, there’s Disney food (turkey legs!! Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars!!) featured on this handbag! Walt Disney World for Grown Ups has fun at Chef Mickey’s. And yes, you must twirl your napkin! AllEars reviews the Fantasmic! Dining Package at Disneyland. DisZine highlights 2016 Star Wars events on the Disney Fantasy. Look for special Star Wars food and beverages too! News13 features the happenings at Downtown Disney. Look for the official Disney Springs unveiling by 2016 at this Orlando hotspot. RocketNews24 depicts meals featuring Disney’s Baymax. So much fun!! 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 Post Round-Up: February 8, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: February 1, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: February 10, 2013 View the full article

A gunman opened fire on a Copenhagen cultural center, killing one man and wounding three police officers in what authorities called a terror attack against a free speech event featuring an artist who had caricatured the Prophet Muhammad. View the full article

New York Times media columnist David Carr died of complications from metastatic lung cancer, according to autopsy results released Saturday. View the full article

DAYTONA BEACH — Be honest. You have no clue what happens for three-plus hours when all those NASCAR drivers are spinning around making left turns at Daytona International Speedway. View the full article

Michele Ferrero, the world's richest candy maker whose Nutella chocolate and hazlenut spread helped raise generations of Italians and define Italian sweets, has died, officials said. He was 89. View the full article

A Marion Youth Academy worker was arrested Thursday after surveillance footage showed him hitting a teen with a handheld radio, Marion County deputies said. View the full article

Groups of Orange County neighbors worried about growth have found a surprising common enemy: the neighborhood public school. View the full article

A 17-year-old boy was charged in the Feb. 8 shooting death of a 39-year-old man in Marion County, officials said. View the full article

Happy Valentine's Day! We have a special treat to share with you today - a heartfelt performance by the Dapper Dans, who recently made a magical moment for one special couple at Magic Kingdom...From:Disney ParksViews:301107ratingsTime:01:59More inTravel & Events

Happy Valentine’s Day! We have a special treat to share with you today – a heartfelt performance by the Dapper Dans, who recently made a magical moment for one special couple at Magic Kingdom Park. Check it out below. Have the Dapper Dans made a memorable moment for you? Tell us in the “Comments” section below. VIDEO: The Dapper Dans Sing ‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart’ at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

A 50-year-old woman lit a soft drink container filled with lighter fluid on fire and rolled it down an embankment toward the tent where two homeless men were sleeping on Thursday, Palm Bay police said. View the full article

The performer who best epitomizes "SNL," to my mind, is Gilda Radner. She displayed a remarkable joy of performing. View the full article

Happy Valentine’s Day! As you can see, the Disney Parks Blog has been transformed to celebrate the day of love and romance. Here’s a roundup of some of our best Valentine’s Day content from earlier in the week. Earlier this week, we shared four new Disney Parks Blog wallpapers themed for Valentine’s Day, including one featuring Pluto, WALL-E and Eve, Simba and Nala, and Donald and Daisy. Which is your favorite? (Check out a complete gallery of wallpapers here on this special page). One of our new blog authors, Victoria Lim, also shared ideas for how to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your girlfriends here at Walt Disney World Resort. Representing the Disneyland Resort, Michelle Harker shared a look at the yummy Valentine-themed treats available this year at Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park. Will your Valentine’s Day celebration include a special Disney touch? Tell us in the comments section below. This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Valentine’s Day at Disney Parks by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Today I want to thank you! Why? Just 14 days ago you wanted to learn how you could create a Disney magical moment for someone special in our “Celebrate 14 Days of Love” series. And now, 14 days later you know some of the secrets. So in appreciation for joining me each day, how ‘bout I provide one last “magical moment” idea for you. Over the past several days, someone’s come to your mind while reading these tips. I saw you smiling and nodding your head … there’s someone very special to you. So, to help, I created this e-card, featuring our new “Frozen in Time” bouquet, so you could share it with them. Whether its expressing your appreciation, affection or admiration, let them know … they’re worth melting for! And so that I can bring you ideal content for our Celebrate 14 Days of Love series in 2016, would you let me know what you’d like to see or learn about at Walt Disney World Floral & Gifts and Disneyland Floral & Gifts? Day 14 – Celebrating You on Valentine’s Day by Jean Volante: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Just a couple of years back, if you wanted to get a decent cup of coffee or tea somewhere inside the Big Purple Gates, you were out of luck. With Nescafe on standby in most spots, the coffee outlook was dismal. And while Twinings teabags are available all over the place, there still wasn’t anything special about them. But in the last few years, Disney has really stepped up their game in both the java and cuppa departments! Today, we’re sharing one of our favorite tips from the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining — Where to Find Good Coffee and Tea in Walt Disney World. Pick up yours today for $4 off using code 2015 right here! StarbucksBy far, the biggest beverage news to hit Disney in the last few years has been its partnership with coffee giant Starbucks. Love them or hate them, you can’t dispute — they’re super popular. The Most Recent Starbucks to Open at Disney — Trolley Car Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Seriously…there’s a reason for the queue ropes inside! Have you seen a Disney Starbucks on a busy morning? Madness! The Line at a Disney Starbucks Can Get CRAZY Long The first two Starbucks to open in Walt Disney World replaced established eateries — Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom and Fountain View in Epcot. Now you can stroll right up to Cinderella Castle with your Vanilla Latte in hand, or enjoy your Frappuccino in the shade of Spaceship Earth. Fountain View Starbucks in Epcot Two additional stores are located in Downtown Disney — one walk-up window nestled between entrances to World of Disney, and a larger store in West Side, which boasts a Starbucks Reserve Counter. Enjoying a Cup of Coffee on the Patio of Starbucks West Side Trolley Car Cafe, the Disney’s Hollywood Studios Starbucks outlet opened just a couple of weeks ago. Trolley Car Cafe is now open! And later this year, the final Walt Disney World store will open in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Aren’t a fan of Starbucks? Joffrey’s is considered the “official” coffee of Disney World and still operates a number of kiosks throughout the Parks, where you can grab a cup of coffee or a selection of espresso drinks. Great Spots for TeaIf you prefer tea to coffee, there are also some great spots for you to enjoy a cup. And we aren’t just talking about your grandmother’s cup of tea. One of my favorite spots for tea is the Royal Anandapur Royal Tea Company, a Joffrey’s location in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I especially love to stop by here for an early morning cup and have that part of the Park to myself for just a few minutes. And with a wide array of exotic choices, I can always try something new. Tea selection at Royal Anandapur Tea Company And on hot and steamy days, nothing is better than a Frozen Chai! Frozen Chai at Royal Anandapur Tea Company If you’re looking for full tea service, you may want to check out Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Lounge in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. But be sure to book an advance dining reservation — it’s become quite popular. Press Pot CoffeeBut if you’re looking for a great pot of coffee to start your day or end your meal, you have some terrific choices there as well. Many of Disney’s table service restaurants offer fresh Press Pots of Coffee. Often, the coffee variety complements the food served in the particular restaurant. For instance, guests dining at the Polynesian Village Resort can enjoy a press pot of genuine Kona Coffee at Kona Cafe. French Press of Kona Coffee Restaurants like Sanaa, Boma, and Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge serve Kenyan Coffee in Press Pots. And we’ve recently enjoyed a delicious signature Italian-style blend in Disney’s newest restaurant, Trattoria al Forno, located at the BoardWalk. Press Pot of Coffee at Trattoria al Forno And the best part? Many of the spots offering Press Pots to share are moderately priced table service eateries. Ready for All of Our Best Tips?We’ve got TONS of Disney World Dining Tips — including even MORE great spots for coffee and tea in the ‘World — in our big, bold, 490-page DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 — and the guide is your ticket to planning your best Disney trip yet! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With sample dining itineraries, plus our “Disney Dining at a Glance” section, featuring “Where Can I Find?” options, you’ll have everything you need to plan the best vacation ever. Click here to get your copy of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 E-book — and use code 2015 for an extra $4 discount for a limited time! What’s your favorite place to enjoy a stellar cup of coffee or tea in Walt Disney World? Leave a comment and share your best tips 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: Happy National Coffee Day! Three Unique Ways to Enjoy Coffee at Disney World A Hot Spot for Great Coffee in Disney World: A Tip From the DFB Guide Tips from the DFB Guide: Best Spots for Dining with a Toddler View the full article

Everyone has their own special memories of the Disneyland Resort – for some, it’s a first visit or a favorite show, and for many, it’s celebrating the beginning of an exciting journey with a loved one. In honor of Valentine’s Day, I’m excited to share stories of three memorable proposals stories recalled by cast members from some of our most romantic restaurants – who were able to make these special moments even more magical. Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge, Disney California Adventure Park When this guest took his girlfriend to the Disneyland Resort for the first time, he decided to propose to her in front of the wishing well at Snow White Grotto. He even presented the engagement ring in a glass slipper! Later that night, the couple celebrated their engagement in a private dining room at Carthay Circle Restaurant, where the cast members had “his & hers” ear hats waiting for them. The bride-to-be was in tears, and so were the cast members at Carthay Circle Restaurant! Blue Bayou Restaurant, Disneyland Park Cast members at Blue Bayou Restaurant were able to make a sweet moment even sweeter for one newly engaged couple. After the groom-to-be proposed (to applause from the entire restaurant), Blue Bayou Restaurant cast members presented the couple with special treats and sparkling cider flutes to celebrate. Napa Rose, Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa The Napa Rose team was very excited to help with this unique proposal! One prince charming created a View-Master-like disc for his girlfriend, with slides showing moments throughout their relationship, ending with a very important question on the last slide: “Will you marry me?” Cast member, Wendy, delivered chocolate truffles to celebrate the moment. Other guests even joined in the celebration … the couple sitting next to the newly engaged guests was so touched by the surprising event, they paid for the couple’s dinner. Where would you pop the question at the Disneyland Resort? Do you have a Disneyland Resort proposal story of your own? Share with us below! And happy Valentine’s Day! ‘I Do!’ Memorable Proposals at the Disneyland Resort by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Popular Alfresco Tasting Terrace on the second floor of Golden Vine Winery at Disney California Adventure park features a very cool wine list, new wine flights and small Mediterranean-inspired plates – a lovely spot for a sip of wine on the open-air veranda. Chef Jorge Cruz has been at Golden Vine Winery less than a year, and after stints at Club 33 and Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Resort, he’s having fun with the menu at Golden Vine Winery. His small plates on the terrace are getting high marks from fans, like the Tenderloin Sliders (recipe below) which is on the Alfresco Tasting Terrace daily menu. At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on February 21-22, Alfresco Tasting Terrace will premiere its Winemaker Events with Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, one of the “Disney Family of Wines,” a diverse collection that displays qualities long identified with Walt Disney and The Walt Disney Company, carrying on the Disney legacy and typifying the passion, innovation and quality that the name Disney symbolizes. The Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard Winemaker Event will feature wine, a special event appetizer menu and fun stories about the Disney family connection to the winery. For instance, Fess Parker (1924-2010) was named a Disney Legend in 1991 and was honored with his own window in Frontierland at Disneyland. Walt discovered Fess in the movie “Them” and asked him to stop by the studio; Fess brought his guitar, met Walt, sang a song, and said goodbye. Walt cast him as Davy Crockett, and he went on to star in many other Disney productions – but will always be remembered for his coonskin cap. Seating is limited. For reservations and pricing, visit the podium at Golden Vine Winery or call 714-817-5700. Guests must be at least 21 years of age to consume alcoholic beverages. Valid photo ID required. Appearances, presentations and events are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Other restrictions may apply. The Alfresco Tasting Terrace daily menu features Mediterranean-inspired appetizers and wines from the “Disney Family of Wines” — consisting of eight California vintners chosen because of their personal relationship with the Disney name. The “family of eight” includes Chappellet Winery, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, Frank Family Vineyards, Gogi, Lasseter Family Winery, MacMurray Ranch, Silverado Vineyards and Skywalker Vineyards. These wines can be sipped with favorite appetizers, like the one below. Tenderloin Sliders Makes 12 Caramelized Onion-Horseradish Aioli 1 white onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced3 tablespoons olive oilSalt and Pepper to taste1 cup mayonnaise2 tablespoons prepared horseradishCoarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to tasteTenderloin Sliders 1 (2-pound) beef tenderloinCoarse salt, to taste3 tablespoons light olive oil, divided12 slider buns, halved1 cup Caramelized Onion-Horseradish Aïoli2 tablespoons micro basil or finely chopped basilFor caramelized onion horseradish aioli: Add oil to a heavy bottom sauté pan over medium-high heat until oil shimmers. Add onions to hot oil, stirring to coat. Add a pinch of salt.Cook, stirring often, until onions are golden, tender, and dark brown in spots. Set aside.Combine mayonnaise, horseradish, and 1/2 cup caramelized onions in the work bowl of a food processor; process until fully combined.Season with salt and pepper to taste.For tenderloin sliders: Bring tenderloin to room temperature 1 hour before cooking. Season beef tenderloin generously with salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 475°F.Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large, ovenproof skillet over high heat. Sear tenderloin on all sides until outside is well browned, about 10 to 12 minutes total.Transfer beef on skillet to oven and roast until center reaches 120°F for rare or 125°F for medium-rare, about 18 to 25 minutes. Let beef rest at room temperature at least 15 minutes before slicing.Cut tenderloin into 1 ½-inch thick slices.To toast buns, heat remaining 1 tablespoon in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Place buns, cut side down, into pan and toast until light golden brown.Place 1 slice tenderloin on the bottom half of each bun; top with a dollop of Caramelized Onion-Horseradish Aïoli and sprinkle with micro basil or chopped basil. Top with top half of buns.Wine Tasting with Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, Feb. 21-22 at Alfresco Tasting Terrace at Disney California Adventure Park by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Even Villains love Disney cruises! In honor of Villaintine’s Day, here’s a look at some of the places you can spot these nefarious characters while sailing the high seas … Singing on stage: The name of our hilarious musical production, “Villains Tonight!” says it all! This family-friendly show on the Disney Dream and Disney Magic features a “Who’s Who” of the Disney villains and places these evil-doers in some irreverent funny moments. Their wacky antics and amusing musical numbers are sure to have you laughing!Partying with pirates: Villains can’t resist a good party! During our famous Pirates IN the Caribbean deck party, an epic battle at sea ensues when they make their appearance. But don’t worry, you’re in for a raucous good time, complete with music, dancing and a spectacular grand finale of fireworks, when the good guys take on the villains. Coming to life on screen: Chances to see your favorite evil foes on screen are plenty, with Disney films shown in our theaters, by the family pool, in the youth clubs and on your stateroom television. Plus, they come to life through technological innovations like our interactive detective adventure game where you’re tasked with determining the villain to save the day!Galavanting in youth clubs: Little cruisers are in for an adventure when villains sneak into the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab to stir up some fun. Activities like our pirate training for young buccaneers wouldn’t be complete without a special visit from Captain Hook to help them learn what it takes to be a swashbuckling pirate. Walking the plank (a.k.a. the deck): Be on the lookout throughout your cruise for infamous characters strolling the upper decks. Don’t be fooled by their charm when they agree to your request for a photo, as they are likely plotting their next evil scheme and scanning the horizon for an opportunity to stir up some mischief!Where else have you spotted a villain on a Disney cruise? Five Places to Spot Villains on a Disney Cruise by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Pam Brandon and the Chefs at Disney have put together yet another cookbook to share some of our favorite dishes — and we have a feeling we’ll be adding this one to our shelves soon! A Cooking Safari with Mickey will feature recipes from the restaurants of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The emphasis will be on the cuisine of South Africa and India. A Cooking Safari with Mickey Cookbook Cover Could it be…is it possible…we’ll finally have the secret to the incredible Butter Chicken?!? We Hope the Book Has ALL the “Slow-cooked in Gravy, Simple and Well-seasoned” Secrets from Sanaa! Expect to see this new volume on sale in Disney Parks this Spring. Will you be seeking out A Cooking Safari with Mickey to add to your Disney Cookbook collection? Leave a comment and tell us if you’re excited to see this one! 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: New Disney Cookbook: Chef Mickey Treasures from the Vault and Delicious New Favorites News! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Cookbook Will Combine All Three Epcot Festivals Delicious Disney Just for Kids Cookbook Now Available View the full article

I recently shared with you photos of the hidden pull-down bed that will be found in the accommodations at the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, which is currently under construction. This nifty pull-down bed feature, along with the pullout couch, means the Deluxe Studio rooms at this resort will comfortably sleep up to five guests. And I stress the word “comfortably” here because, once completed, these 360 Deluxe Studios will be the largest at Walt Disney World Resort. Model rooms shown. Floor plans and furnishings subject to change. The rooms are designed to be flexible, allowing for lounging during the day – indoors and out on your private balcony or patio – and cozy sleeping at night (or during that mid-day naptime, which is always a must in my book). Adding to the “comfy” factor of these accommodations are the convenient storage options. In addition to serving up plenty of closet space, guests will be delighted to find that the coffee table opens to reveal storage inside and the bed is designed to accommodate luggage underneath (fun surprise: you’ll even find a storage drawer tucked under there as well). Of course it wouldn’t be a Disney resort without all those playful design touches that truly make you feel as if you’re vacationing in a Polynesian paradise. Plus, these Deluxe Studio villas will offer a really great feature that will allow families tons of comfort while they’re getting ready to hit the theme parks, or the resort’s soon-to-be-completed revamped feature pool, each morning. But I’ll save that reveal for my next post. Stay tuned for more details and photos from Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows! Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Offers Up Comfort and Extra Space by Amanda Adler: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Our fourth and final Valentine’s Day desktop/mobile wallpaper features a classic Disney couple – Donald and Daisy. Apparently only Daisy can tame Donald’s wild temper with such a sweet gift. Click on the image below to download the wallpaper to your device. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. And check out our complete gallery of wallpapers on our special page. Celebrate Valentine’s Day With Donald & Daisy by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Big news coming out of the Rabbit Hole today … Mad T Party is returning to Disney California Adventure park! When the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration begins May 22, Mad T Party will makes its return – and this time, it will be a new, dazzling experience, marking the 60th anniversary of the Disneyland Resort in its own splendiferous way. Mad T Party joins other sparkling nighttime entertainment coming as part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, including “Paint the Night” parade, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks and “World of Color – Celebrate!” Keep up with the latest news on the celebration here on the Disney Parks Blog, and join the conversation with the hashtag #Disneyland60. We’ll see you when the Rabbit Hole opens once again on May 22! Mad T Party Returns to Disney California Adventure Park as Part of Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Beginning May 22 by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article