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This week we awarded the second Disney icon from the Disneyland Diamond Days sweepstakes to Adam Stover from Los Angeles, Calif. Adam won the gorgeous tanzanite-jeweled crown inspired by the Disney film, “Sleeping Beauty.” Adam and his guest also enjoyed a three-day, two-night Disneyland Resort vacation package. Take a look at the special ceremony held in his honor! The next Disney icon – the dazzling Mickey Mouse ear hat adorned with crystals, a large topaz and pavé diamonds – will be awarded soon. Don’t miss your chance to win an exclusive Disney icon, theme park experiences and even authentic Disney Diamonds laser-engraved with a special “Hidden Mickey”! For details, Official Rules, a full list of prizes, odds of winning, and to learn more about Disneyland Diamond Days, visit Disneyland.com/DiamondDays. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S., D.C. and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are age of majority as of date of entry. Sweepstakes ends 6:59 AM PT on 9/9/16. Each weekly drawing starts Friday at 7:00AM PT and ends at 6:59 AM PT the following Friday. Each eligible weekly entry automatically entered into final prize drawing but not into any daily drawings. Limit one (1) entry per person per day (from 7:00 AM PT to 6:59 AM PT the next day), regardless of method of entry. Only certain prizes determined by the Sponsor will be awarded in any given week; specific prizes to be awarded in the weekly drawing will be announced online at http://www.Disneyland.com/DiamondDays the preceding week. Sponsor: Disney Memories, 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521, U.S.A. View the full article

iNSIDE Disney Parks - Episode 5 | Christmas in July View the full article

As a Storybook Land Canal Boats guide, Disneyland Resort cast member Lenny Dailey’s role combines a traditional tour guide, a canal boat captain and a storyteller. Lenny’s responsibilities include talking about the various miniatures in the attraction, which represent the worlds where Disney characters live. Lenny explains that the attraction was called Canal Boats of the World when it opened in 1955. In June 1956, the attraction was reopened as Storybook Land Canal Boats featuring most of the fanciful, highly detailed settings that are still loved today. In this video, Lenny tells us more about his role and this historic attraction! View the full article

Best Views From Walt Disney World Resorts | The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort View the full article

It may only be July, but there’s magic happening right now inside Holiday Services at Walt Disney World Resort as we gear up for Christmas at Disney Parks. We know that many of you are beginning your holiday vacation planning right now – and you won’t believe the lengths Disney goes through to make sure every moment of your holiday experience is magical, whether you’re visiting our parks, Disney Springs, Disney Cruise Line or a Disney Vacation Club property. In this episode, Jenn Fickley-Baker takes you behind the scenes at Holiday Services, showing us what the team does and how they do it. You will even get a first-look at some of the newest décor coming to Walt Disney World Resort this holiday season! Next, Erin Glover takes you to Disneyland Resort where she’s talking with guests celebrating the Diamond Celebration. We’ll hear them share their lasting memories from 60 years of Disney Magic. Then, you’ll hear from Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless, the creator of one of Disney Springs’ newest restaurants, Frontera Cocina. Enjoy the show! View the full article

Earlier this summer, Broadway star Kissy Simmons performed aboard the Disney Wonder for our Stars Set Sail live concert series presented by Disney Theatrical Group. Simmons is known for her role as Nala in the Broadway production of “The Lion King,” so it came as no surprise when she sang “Shadowland,” a powerful song from the musical. Simmon’s show in the Walt Disney Theatre showcased her journey to becoming an actress, which started as a childhood dream and flourished after encouragement from a high school teacher. Her performance included songs such as “Reflection” from “Mulan,” “A Whole New World” from “Aladdin,” and “A Change in Me” from “Beauty and the Beast.” Additional Broadway performers are joining us this summer, so keep following this blog series to learn more. Take a look back at other stars who set sail with us recently: Kevin Massey and Kara Lindsay on the Disney Magic Alton Fitzgerald White on the Disney Magic Mandy Gonzalez on the Disney Magic Susan Egan on the Disney Magic View the full article

While I was growing up, summertime with my family always involved an awesome camping trip complete with yummy barbeque meals, nature walks, and of course, a nightly campfire to tell stories and share s’mores! So this summer, what better way to relive and recreate those camping memories than by staying in one of the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort? Fort Wilderness is nestled among 750 acres of pine and cypress forest right in the heart of Walt Disney World Resort with woodland trails, hearty home-style eatery options, exciting activities and entertainment, and these private cabins are a great for those who want to ‘rough it’ in comfort. I visited Wilderness Cabin 118, just steps away from the Settlement area. The cabin is tucked away in the resort’s #100 loop, which is made up mostly of campsites, except for two cabins. What a unique spot that’s perfect for being close to so many of the recreation activities like horseback riding, or dining such as Trail’s End Restaurant! Each cabin sleeps up to six guests and has a living room, bedroom, full bathroom, modern kitchen, private patio, (with wooden rocking chairs!) and a charcoal grill. There’s rustic charm everywhere you look–with nods to wildlife on the lampshades and nature-inspired patterns on the curtains–and you can enjoy the best of the great outdoors, but with all the comforts of home. View the full article

We’re back at the new Coca-Cola Store Orlando in Disney Springs to check out some new sips… already! Learn About: Coca-Cola Store Orlando Rooftop Beverage Bar Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants You see, the Coca-Cola Store Orlando just opened earlier this month, bringing not only TONS of merchandise dedicated to the iconic beverage, but also a brand new sipping experience at the Rooftop Beverage Bar — one of the coolest new spots to take in the views of Disney Springs. In the opening days, however, only the all-day menu was available. So, we were able to take in the new International Tray, which gives guests the chance to sample sixteen beverages from all over the world, and the Float Tray featuring mini Ice Cream Floats with eight different Coca-Cola brand soda flavors. (You can take a tour of the full location here.) Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar Area In the weeks since, they’ve debuted their Adult Beverage menu. That’s right — beginning at 3:00 pm daily, a list of drinks is available for guests 21 and over (though you will also find a few Mocktails, too!). It features a combination of classic cocktails along with a few twists. Adult Beverage Menu Oh, and I actually thought it was kind of cool to spy the Sinatra Select on the list as well, made with Coca-Cola and Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select — though at $30 a pop, I can’t say I’ll be imbibing anytime soon myself. Instead, I grabbed a Cherry Coke Ripper, a Celery Yellow Cooler, and a Long Island Cooler. Cherry Coke Ripper, Celery Yellow Cooler, and Long Island Cooler The Cherry Coke Ripper features Malibu Rum, Southern Comfort, grenadine and Cherry Coke. It’s garnished with a maraschino cherry. Cherry Coke Ripper The cherry flavor here isn’t actually as prominent as you’d assume from the name — I also picked up on peach to almost the same level as the cherry. Overall, it’s quite fruity, but the Southern Comfort still gives it a little bit of bite. The Celery Yellow Cooler is made with Hendricks Gin, Sprite, and Celery Bitters, and garnished with a cucumber peel. Celery Yellow Cooler The celery bitters deliver an unusual — and very pronounced — flavor. The result was that it tasted a lot like a mixture of ginger and citrus. It’s definitely a summer-friendly drink, but that doesn’t mean it’s light on the punch. This one carries some strength with it! Finally, the Long Island Cooler is Grey Goose, Herradura, Bacardi, Hendrick’s Cointreau, orange juice, Coca-Cola (there it is!), and lime juice, presented with a lemon slice. Long Island Cooler As you may have surmised from the list of ingredients , this one is VERY strong. Even so, the featured liquors are actually quite smooth at the same time. The lime juice gives it a slight, summery twist away from your typical Long Island Iced Tea, and overall, it’s a fun little change-up! I honestly enjoyed every drink, but I do have some thoughts on the menu itself. With so many different soda flavors offered on the regular menu, it would be fun to see a little more adventure or variety from the norm, you know? That said, one of the bartenders shared that they do have plans to change up the menu seasonally and might offer some more complex drinks in the future. And that’s excellent news, because it gives me the exact excuse I need to come back! Will you be stopping by the Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar soon? What do you think of the new Coca-Cola Rooftop Beverage Bar? 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 Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: The Coca-Cola Rooftop Beverage Bar in Disney Springs News: Coca-Cola Store Orlando Opens July 2nd at Disney Springs News: World of Coca-Cola Coming to Disney Springs View the full article

I began my role as chief photographer for Disneyland Resort Public Relations in 2005, and it has been an incredible ten years. There have been so many wonderful experiences that I will cherish forever. I have not only had the privilege of photographing the Disneyland Resort, but also interacting with guests and working with many talented cast members as well. However, this fantastic journey is coming to an end, as I am retiring and moving on to my next adventure. I would like to leave with you a few of my favorite Disney Parks After Dark images. It has been an absolute pleasure being able to share my images with you here on the Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Elena of Avalor is poised to start her reign on television, but Disney's first Latina princess already has made an impression in toy stores, on social media and among families. "I have an 8-year-old daughter, so I'm aware," said Rachel Newcomb, professor of anthropology at Rollins College in Winter... View the full article

CUPCAKES! Isn’t looking for special cupcakes at Disney World as fun as hunting hidden Mickeys?! Learn About: Contempo Cafe Disney World Restaurants If you agree, you’ll certainly have some fun options this summer! It seems like every visit to the parks comes with a fun new cupcake find. And today’s find comes from one of our go-to resort spots that we can always depend on for a fun treat: Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort! For a short time, we can delight in not only one, but two new cupcakes! We haven’t seen anything quite like these two seasonal treats, and we’re excited to share them with you! First up: the Banana Flip Cupcake! This beauty is a vanilla cupcake topped off with a mound of banana buttercream icing. Banana Flip Cupcake Those chips along the sides are caramel, and two dried banana slices are wedged on the top. I think the dried banana is a creative touch that you don’t see all the time on a cupcake. Plus, with banana on top, it’s basically a health food, right?? Banana Flip Cupcake Closeup But I saved my favorite part for last: the delicious banana custard filling center. It was the perfect balance of banana and custard, so it wasn’t overly “banana-y.” Even though there’s plenty of icing on top, I always look forward to the surprise inside a Contempo Café cupcake! It’s flavorful and has a great creamy texture that complements the cake well. Banana Flip Cupcake Cross-Section The only part I wasn’t too crazy about were the caramel chips, which were a little too sweet for me, but overall it is a delicious and summer friendly addition! Also new for the summer is the Cherry Cupcake. Isn’t it lovely?? Cherry Cupcake The name may not sound all that exciting, but the flavors were wonderful and one of a kind. The cake itself is cherry flavored and topped off with a pistachio buttercream! How often do we see pistachio icing?! On top of the icing are cherry flavored sprinkles and, of course, an actual cherry. I wasn’t expecting the sprinkles to be cherry flavored, so that was a fun surprise! Cherry Cupcake Closeup This one didn’t let us down because it has a filling as well: cherry, of course! While the banana filling was smooth, this filling was more jam-like with nice large cherry pieces mixed throughout. Cherry Cupcake Cross-Section But if you are going to try this cupcake make sure you REALLY love cherries because it is super flavorful. I loved the unique pistachio flavor in this one as well. Overall It is always fun to visit Contempo Cafe to check out their pastry case for some unique and seasonal items. I think banana and cherry are perfect flavors to enjoy during the summer, so even though these cupcakes are not overly creative or Disney-branded, they are still summer-classic flavors to enjoy. But make sure you get there quickly, because the Cherry Cupcake is only around until July 30th and I’m sure the new additions will be making their way soon! Will you be stopping by the Contempo Cafe to try their new seasonal cupcakes? Let us know if the 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 Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Guest Review: Two New Cupcakes at Contempo Cafe in Disney World Review: Watermelon Cupcake at Disney’s Contempo Cafe Review: Star Wars Cupcake at Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort View the full article

There's a new addition to the high-end accessories from Disney partner Dooney & Bourke: MagicBands. Disney plans to launch the limited edition wristwear, 1500 in each of four designs, at an event on Saturday, July 23, in the Marketplace Co-op at Disney Springs, according to the Disney Parks Blog... View the full article

As we celebrate 61 years of magic at Disneyland park, we’ve been looking back at original, opening-year attractions. Some have changed through the years and some have stayed the same … but still others are not here at all anymore, like the Mule Pack. Mule Pack was an opening-day attraction on July 17, 1955, and continued until it became Rainbow Ridge Pack Mules in 1959. In 1960, the mules moseyed up to the mine train and became Pack Mules Through Nature’s Wonderland until 1973. Then, on September 2, 1979, the wildest ride in the wilderness opened at Disneyland park, and where there was once a tranquil journey through nature became the soon-to-be legendary Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The original town of Rainbow Ridge remained as a reminder of the former attractions that once roamed this area of Frontierland, and the runaway mine train raced right into guests’ imaginations for all the years that followed. Can you name the other attractions that have roamed Rainbow Ridge and Nature’s Wonderland? View the full article

WHAT: Dinosaur, the prehistoric time-travel attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom, will close soon for some refurbishment. The ride features fast-paced encounters with a styracosaurus and a velociraptora cearadactylus, not to mention a meteor shower. The attraction, which includes animatronics,... View the full article

As many of you already know, Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort is a shopper’s paradise … especially with all the new openings in the Town Center neighborhood. And my tween daughter LOVES to shop! We just took a trip to the newest stores and she found many treasures. Let me share our journey and some of the places we visited, as they may appeal to your tween, too. Sugarboo & Co – Sugarboo & Co is a family-owned business and inside you will find some fun novelty items! The owner’s whole philosophy for the store is to offer products that remind us of our childhood. My tween found items that I, in fact, loved as a kid! For instance, she purchased her very first “Mad Libs” there, along with a retro harmonica and a magic card set. Some other fun gifts for special occasions were a balloon modeling kit, a Jurassic in a Jar – DIY Terrarium Kit and Fancy Pea Shooters. Volcom – This place is a fabulous one for tween boys. My daughter has a classmate’s birthday party coming up and I was able to find some goodies here for him. The brand combines surfing, skating and snowboarding fashion all in one, so I picked up some tween board shorts. There’s so much cool apparel to choose from! UNIQLO –UNIQLO is a Japanese brand that carries great, affordable fashion for adults and kids … and perfect for back-to school shopping for all tweens. The clothing is designed to be simple and of great quality. They are soft to the touch and comfy. And the prices … so affordable! Sprinkles Cupcakes – After hitting those three stores, it was time for a treat so we headed to a cupcake ATM machine! I’ve never seen anything like it! Sprinkles, the cupcake bakery first made famous in Beverly Hills, has a cupcake ATM machine with fresh cupcakes available all day. The cupcakes are handcrafted … and so yummy! Of course, you can always go into the store and order one, but the ATM machine made the experience so unique and fun. ZARA – One more stop for some more back-to-school goodies! Zara is one of the largest international fashion companies out there with trendy and cute items in the kids section, located upstairs, for both girls and boys. The clothes are so fashion-forward and adorable. Lilly Pulitzer – One final stop and it was my absolute favorite! I love to wear happy, bright-colored dresses to work and I can find them at Lilly Pulitzer. My “mini-me” has been begging me for her own Lilly dress … so the time had come to initiate her. In a section just for young girls, my daughter had trouble choosing just one item. I have a feeling we will be back. There’s so much more at Town Center at Disney Springs so grab your own youngster and check it out! And for more information on planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort with your tween, check out www.disneyworld.com/Tweens. View the full article

In today’s Disney Doodle series, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what Lilo, Stitch, and Lilo’s older sister Nani would do if they had the chance to visit Walt Disney World Resort. As you can see, they’d likely be drawn to the surf lessons offered at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Surfing is, as we learned in the movie “Lilo and Stitch,” the real “Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride.” View the full article

Duuude… Check out this TOTALLY RIGHTEOUS Crush Sipper Cup that we just spotted at The Mara and Uzima Springs Pool Bar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge! Crush Sipper Cup I know. We were like, “WHOA,” too!! Crush Sipper Cup sign This souvenir cup comes filled with a Frozen Beverage (Raspberry or Mango Pina Colada — non-alcoholic) for $14.00… at The Mara, anyway. A Cast Member shared with us that these cups are at select Quick Service locations, so it’s possible the Crush Sipper may be filled with soda or other beverages at different spots. Here’s a few more shots from some other angles so you can see Crush… you know, just chillin’ and catching a wave. Crush Sipper Cup Crush Sipper Cup Crush Sipper Cup If you’ve spotted Crush during a stop at a Disney World Resort, please let us know with a comment so others can know where they might find him! (In fact, one of our Instagram followers let us know that they’ve seen him at Columbia Harbour House in the Magic Kingdom.) And if you DO see him, be sure to give him some FIN from us here at the DFB! Have you spied the Crush Sipper Cup at a Disney World Resort? 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 Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Spotted: Adventurers Club Sign at Disney World Merchandise Locations News!: Disney World and Disneyland to Offer Braille Menus at Select Locations Starting March 1st Spotted: 2015 Starbucks Disney Parks Holiday Souvenir Mug View the full article

Do you love emojis? Do you love Disney Parks? Then I’ve got great news for you! In the new Disney Emoji Blitz – a game for mobile devices where players can collect and play with hundreds of Disney and Pixar emojis – you can earn special Disney Parks emojis! “Emojis are all about telling stories and expressing feelings,” says Nacia Chambers, Executive Producer on Disney Emoji Blitz. “The Disney Parks emojis, maybe more than others, help our players to tell their own Disney stories. It’s not the story Disney tells you in the theatre, but the story you make with Disney in our parks … what rides, what iconic foods and souvenirs you love personally. Now you can collect them in emoji form!” Nacia shared the emoji message above, closing with, “And seriously, who doesn’t agree with this?” Disney Emoji Blitz is the first mobile game connected to a custom keyboard and features more than 400 emojis of Disney and Pixar characters, including favorites from “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” “Cinderella,” “Frozen,” “Finding Dory,” “The Muppets,” “Toy Story” and more. A fast-paced match-3 game, Disney Emoji Blitz lets players match emojis to score points and unlock new Disney and Pixar emojis. Each emoji collected blasts the board with expressive power-ups like icing away emojis with Elsa from “Frozen” or scaring emojis with Sulley from “Monsters Inc.” Players complete missions to boost the score and earn prizes such as rare Disney Parks-themed Mickey Premium Bar, Matterhorn and Mickey Mouse Ear Hat emojis. Once an emoji is collected within the game, it is also unlocked in the Disney Emoji Blitz keyboard, which can be used to send Disney and Pixar emojis to friends in messages. Download Disney Emoji Blitz now for free with in-app purchases on the App Store and Google Play. New Disney and Pixar-themed emojis will be added in the coming months. View the full article

One of my favorite places at Epcot is La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion. Not only does it provides an escape of the crowds but it’s a place where you can learn a lot about tequila, mezcal and more. The tequila bar celebrates the heritage and tradition of tequila-making in Mexico! Even the beautiful murals around La Cava show the story of how tequila is made! Since National Tequila Day is on July 24th, Hilda Castillo, one of the tequila ambassador at La Cava del Tequila, wants to share information about Mexico’s popular distilled beverage that originated in the city of Tequila, Mexico. Tequila is made from the blue agave plant while the mezcal is made from any type of agave plants and at La Cava there are over 200 tequila and mezcal brands. If Hilda is not at La Cava during your visit, the bar has tequila “connoisseurs” that will give you all educate on the rich tradition and heritage of tequila-making and all of the information you need to experience the best tequilas and mezcals from Mexico, along with specialty margaritas and Mexican appetizers. View the full article

This summer, guests at Disney California Adventure park are falling in love with “Frozen” all over again when they experience “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,” our all-new theatrical interpretation of Disney’s blockbuster hit film. The interior of the park’s Hyperion Theater was completely transformed in preparation for the show, so you’re immersed in the world of “Frozen” from the moment you step inside. This time-lapse video gives you an idea of some of the incredible work that went on behind the scenes, leading up to the debut of “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” in May. Of course, the final component to truly bring the space – and our show – to life is the remarkably talented cast. Be sure to grab a seat inside and join them on your next visit to Disney California Adventure park. “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is a must-see! View the full article

Earlier this month, signs for the upcoming AbracadaBar appeared on Disney’s Boardwalk… AbracadaBar sign Though the building itself is still surrounded by construction walls, Disney has provided a small glimpse of the inside. AbracadaBar Coming to Disney World’s Boardwalk Just a few details, really, but enough to make us even more excited for the opening of this magical cocktail lounge! (By the way, no official opening date has been announced as of yet, but signs currently point to somewhere around August 14th in conjunction with the anticipated reopening of the Flying Fish located right next door.) The dark wood bar surrounded by walls covered with ornately patterned wallpaper will transport guests back to circa mid-1940s… to the night 70 years ago when a group of Boardwalk magicians, illusionists, and magician’s assistants visiting the social club vanished into thin air, leaving only their magic in the air behind them, which guests will experience when they visit the bar and try the “Enchanting Elixirs” and “Curious Concoctions” that the magicians themselves conjured up in the Golden Age. ©Disney Could one of those magicians be Nyokaa (whose “Eyes See No Lies”), as referenced on the framed print on the left? As expected with any Disney dining spot, it looks like details will abound in the decor, if this next photo is any indication. ©Disney So, whaddya think so far? Are you as pumped as I am about this addition to Disney’s Boardwalk?! I’m excited to hear what you think… Is the AbracadaBar on your list of must-visits when it opens? 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 Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Sneak Peek! Signage Arrives on Disney World’s Boardwalk for the Upcoming AbracadaBar Sneak Peek INSIDE: Ample Hills Creamery on Disney World’s BoardWalk (And Rumored Opening Date!) News: Flying Fish and the NEW AbracadaBar Lounge Open in Late Summer View the full article

Today we’re happy to share with you the first look inside AbracadaBar, a new cocktail lounge that will soon open for business at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. When it comes to describing this new location, “magic” is key. As the story goes, this little lounge was a former stomping ground for the famous magicians, boardwalk illusionists, and lovely magician’s assistants of the Golden Age. After a show, prestidigitators would gather to “conjure” up new cocktails, swap magic tips and tricks, and stay up all night attempting to “out-charm” each other with their extraordinary illusions. According to BoardWalk lore, it was on just such an evening that every single magician in the lounge vanished into thin air, and was never seen again … Now, after sitting vacant for nearly seventy years, the secret magician’s lounge is now back in the spotlight and making its world debut as “AbracadaBar.” Once inside, guests will get a special peek at the sophisticated social club of some of the most famous illusionists of the 20th century. While it’s rumored that the magicians who frequented the lounge vanished without a trace decades ago, their magic still remains strongly intact, and can be seen, heard, and savored in the bar’s signature cocktails. From its enchanted magic show posters and mystifying mirrors, to vintage props and tricks left behind years ago, AbracadaBar promises to be just as surprising and magical as its name suggests. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more details on this curious new location. View the full article

Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment (ASE) cast members take center stage with Walt Disney Imagineering in the new signature restaurant Tiffins, located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as they invite guests to join them in their travels around the world. Restaurant and lounge guests can get a peek at the travels and collaborations, including photos and field notes from our very own Disney/ASE conservationists. One of the conservationist featured is Joseph Soltis, PhD, Science Manager, for his work with Elephants and Bees. “I was very excited and proud to be up there with so many conservation champions that I admire,” Dr. Joseph said. “I think it was very cool to have ‘real’ pictures of our very own conservationists in action around the world.” Conservation Director Anne Savage, PhD, is also featured. “I have to say I was thrilled first of all to be asked by the Walt Disney Imagineering team to contribute … It’s so exciting to see the guests look at all the photos from our conservation programs in Africa and Asia and hear them make such positive comments about how Disney is making a difference in the world.” Animals and conservation also play a role in the restaurants décor. Look at the walls in the various galleries within Tiffins, and you may notice the 10 animals that we are working to save through The Disney Conservation Fund’s “Reverse the Decline, Increase the Time” initiative. One piece of art is inspired by Zoological Manager Chad Harmon, and his Horns and Heroes Project. The sculpture of a Sumatran rhino was carved in Bali, and then Portfolio Creative Executive Joe Rohde, collaborated with Dr. Anne to find the exact DNA of the Sumatran rhino to place behind the sculpture. The DNA slowly fades away as a symbol of the species fading into extinction. The Nomad Lounge helps further immerse guests into Disney’s conservation stories and allows them to join our cause in multiple ways. Guests can purchase hanging tags for $1 that they can personalize with their own stories of animals and travel. The tags are hung around the Nomad Lounge. Proceeds from drinks like Snow Leopard Salvation and Painted Wolf ‘The Den’ Pinotage also go toward the conservation of those species. Dr. Anne said, “Whether guests are seeing the photos from our various ASE conservation projects around the world or reading about some of our experiences in the field with wildlife as they look through the Nomad Lounge menu, it is thrilling to be able to share these stories with our guests. It is these types of experiences that can inspire our guests to join Disney in helping to protect wildlife.” Tiffins and Nomad Lounge open every day at 11:30 a.m. View the full article

Disneyland Resort guests might be chillin’ at the all-new “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” at Disney California Adventure park this summer, but it’s Southern California so there’s plenty of warm weather to go around for the remaining weeks of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. It’s also the perfect time of year to grab a hotel room and stretch out vacations by a few more days! For instance, guests can save up to 25 percent on premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel and save up to 10 percent at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, on select Sunday through Thursday nights between August 14 and September 29, 2016. Book through September 15, 2016.* By staying at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, you’ll have easy access to both Disneyland Resort theme parks, as well as Extra Magic Hour, an early morning admission option, on select mornings (separate theme park admission and valid hotel key card required).** Click here to book your vacation today! *Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel. Travel must be completed by 9/30/16. Savings on premium rooms are available on Premium, Deluxe and Woods/Garden/Courtyard rooms; select Concierge rooms; and Paradise, Artisan and Regal suites. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required to enjoy the Parks. **Disneyland Resort Hotel Guest Extra Magic Hour currently allows registered Disneyland Resort hotel guests admission into select attractions at Disneyland Park on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and Disney California Adventure Park on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday before the applicable park opens to the general public. Check disneyland.com for schedule of when each park offers Extra Magic Hour. Each registered hotel guest (ages 3 and older) must have a valid theme park ticket and active hotel room key card. To enhance the Extra Magic Hour experience, it is strongly recommended that guests arrive at least one hour and 15 minutes prior to regular park opening. Applicable theme park, days and times of operation and all other elements including, but not limited to, operation of attractions, entertainment, stores, restaurants and appearances of characters may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity, cancellation and other restrictions. View the full article

Marked by a diverse culture, time-worn buildings and historic maritime traditions, the Renaissance city of Livorno, Italy, is a favorite vacation destination with much to see and do for Disney cruisers. This Italian oasis is situated along Tuscany’s western coast, and it’s your gateway to Florence, Pisa and charming seaside villages when cruising the Mediterranean with us this summer. Florence and Pisa – Several of our Port Adventures take you to either Florence or Pisa to discover the history and grandeur of these Italian towns. This excursion let’s you experience both, with departure options for families of all ages or adults traveling without children. Your time in Florence includes a guided walking tour to see iconic spots, along with free time to explore the shopping area and have lunch on your own. In Pisa, you’ll visit Miracle Square to encounter a medieval cathedral with its famous tilting bell tower: the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Portofino and Santa Margherita – Discover the Italian Riviera as you travel by land and sea to the resort town of Santa Margherita and the picturesque fishing village of Portofino, a destination of the rich and famous known for its colorful houses and quaint harbor. The journey includes a short drive along the Via Aurelia, the ancient Roman “Golden Sun” road along the coast, plus a boat cruise complete with views of lush vegetation, little inlets and secluded beaches. You’ll enjoy free time in both seaside towns to dine, shop in exclusive boutiques and soak up the local culture. Cinque Terre Scenic Boat Tour – Another opportunity for fun under the Mediterranean sun, this cruise takes you along one of the world’s most scenic shorelines to explore the hillside towns of Vernazza and Monterosso. You’ll pass the “Cinque Terre,” named after five seaside villages perched on the same rocky cliffside and characterized by beautiful walking paths, churches, castles, breathtaking views, and first-class food and wine. In addition to guided walking tours, you’ll also have free time in Monterosso to sample local culinary specialties, take in the idyllic views from the beach or browse the local shops. Now that I’ve given you a look at what to do in our Italian ports, next up I’ll give you my suggestions for Port Adventures in France when we call on the stunning port of Villefranche. Remember, when the ship’s in port, venture ashore! View the full article