Disney4me

Meet Aulani’s ‘Ohana | Concierge | Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa View the full article

I’ve been lucky enough to see “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” twice now, and enthusiastically recommend making plans to see it “in summer!” This week in Disney Parks photos, we take a look at some of the incredible visuals from this theatrical interpretation for the stage of Anna and Elsa’s story, now performed daily in the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure park. Here are a few of the behind-the-scenes videos we’ve shared capturing the making of the show: Casting Talented Performers for ‘Frozen – Live at the Hyperion’ at Disney California Adventure Park Get a Sneak Peak at Some of the Innovative Technology Coming to ‘Frozen – Live at the Hyperion’ at Disney California Adventure Park Designing Costumes for ‘Frozen – Live at the Hyperion’ at Disney California Adventure Park Weaving a Musical Tapestry for ‘Frozen – Live at the Hyperion’ at Disney California Adventure Park View the full article

If you’re a fan of Victoria and Albert’s then you might be super excited about this news — or totally bummed, maybe. Scott Hunnel, chef de cuisine at Victoria and Albert’s, has been promoted to Executive Chef at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Chef Scott Hunnel The move means that Chef Hunnel will oversee all of The Grand’s restaurants, which include Citricos, Narcoossee’s, and the Grand Floridian Cafe. While this is terrific news for the resort, there is one question that doesn’t have an immediate answer: will Chef Hunnel continue to helm Victoria and Albert’s? During a recent interview with Scott Joseph, Hunnel stated that he would continue in a leadership capacity at V&A’s. However, anonymous sources suggested that a new chef de cuisine would be hired to oversee the day to day operations of Victoria and Albert’s, which is the culinary crown jewel of Walt Disney World. And while we’re on the topic of Victoria and Albert’s, we understand that one of our favorite spots in all of Walt Disney World, the Chef’s Table area, has recently undergone a renovation. I can’t wait to check it out for myself on my next visit to this special place. What do you think of Chef Hunnel’s promotion to head culinary honcho at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa? Leave a comment and tell us what you think the move will mean to Victoria and Albert’s! Source: Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide Source: Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide 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: News! Disney Chef Scott Hunnel Named James Beard Award Semi-Finalist; Wolfgang Puck To Receive Lifetime Achievement Award News: New Dining Plan Options and Chef Hunnel Named James Beard Semi-Finalist Disney’s Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant Earns AAA Five Diamond Award View the full article

With the Grand Opening of Shanghai Disney Resort just one week away, cast members and Imagineers are putting the finishing touches on our newest family entertainment destination – an international Disney experience that grew out of years of collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering (both in Shanghai and in the U.S.), Shanghai Shendi Group, and a team of renowned Chinese designers, engineers, artists and cultural advisors. This unique blend of Disney magic and China’s cultural spirit is what Disney chairman Bob Iger refers to as “authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese,” and it has been the guiding principle of Shanghai Disney Resort. Connection to Nature The design of Shanghai Disney Resort carefully reflects the desire for peaceful surroundings and family bonding time that are so important in Chinese culture. In Shanghai Disneyland, Gardens of Imagination is the first land at a Disney park designed as a garden, with 15 acres of lush, green space for families to gather and relax. Wishing Star Park, just outside the main entrance to Shanghai Disneyland, evokes the native landscape and historic legacy of China’s Yangtze River Delta. The park offers guests a chance to escape the busy pace of modern life to enjoy vibrant and thriving natural habitats, including woodlands and gardens with both Chinese and Western roses. A Familiar Language Classic Disney storytelling comes to life in new ways at Shanghai Disney Resort, as many familiar songs and stories are presented in Mandarin. On Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the song “Heigh-Ho” was recorded in Mandarin especially for the attraction. At the Walt Disney Grand Theatre in Disneytown, guests can enjoy the first-ever Mandarin production of the Broadway hit THE LION KING. And in a first for any Disney park, guests may have their names embroidered on Mickey Mouse ear hats in either Chinese or English! Art and Architecture Design and art play a major role in creating the distinctly Chinese experience throughout Shanghai Disney Resort. Chinese artists sculpted and painted 62 magnificent, flying horses on the Fantasia Carousel. In Disneytown, traditional Shikumen architecture reproduces the unique heritage of Shanghai, and Liuli glass – a traditional Chinese art form – is represented in seven large Mickey Mouse sculptures crafted by a local Chinese artist. An International Blend of Talent Disney’s world-class entertainment team has worked closely with renowned Chinese directors, choreographers and designers to bring classic stories to life at Shanghai Disneyland. Chinese acrobats perform in “Tarzan: Call of the Jungle,” adapted by choreographer Li Xining, with intricate costumes created by designer Li Rayding. The magical musical, “Golden Fairytale Fanfare,” presents spectacular moments from Disney stories, directed by Chinese stage director and filmmaker Chen Shi Zheng with an original song written in Mandarin by Keith Chan and Peter Kam. We are excited to welcome families to this unique Disney experience when Shanghai Disney Resort officially opens June 16! Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more as the big day draws closer. View the full article

You’re in for a treat this summer in World Showcase at Epcot, when the talented artists and athletes of Les Parfaits Inconnus take the stage at the Canada pavilion. Hailing from Québec, Les Parfaits Inconnus combine music, circus art and comedy to create an off-the-wall performance unlike anything seen before! Demonstrating a mastery of several circus disciplines and proficiency with musical instruments, the performers of Les Parfaits Inconnus fill their audience with wonder and delight. You’re invited to join in the fun with Les Parfaits Inconnus, appearing for a limited time on the Mill Stage in the Canada pavilion at Epcot. View the full article

With Speak Like a Whale Day this Saturday, we wanted to share more details on the fun taking place throughout the day at Disney Parks that will celebrate Dory, her unforgettable spirit and can-do attitude. Opening in theaters nationwide on June 17, “Finding Dory” features a fun and talented voice cast, including Ellen DeGeneres as Dory, Albert Brooks as Marlin, Ed O’Neill as “septopus” Hank, Kaitlin Olson as whale shark Destiny and Ty Burrell as beluga whale Bailey. To celebrate the day, on June 11 guests will receive a complimentary “Speak Like a Whale Day” button when entering a theme park at the Disneyland Resort or exiting a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort, while supplies last. Guests will also receive buttons at distribution locations on the Disney Cruise Line ships, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. At the Exposition Park on the West Side of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort and at the Downtown Disney Live! Stage at Disneyland Resort, dive into the fun with a live DJ hosting music, games and giveaways from 11am to 4pm. And throughout the afternoon little minnows and adults alike can learn the ancient art of whalespeak in a fun and interactive presentation. Guests will also be invited to Speak Like Whale with special activities hosted on all 4 Disney Cruise Line ships. At The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot, guests may have the opportunity to participate in brief personalized experiences with one of our animal experts throughout the day. Based on your interests, our cast members can provide insider’s knowledge about our animals and point out the real-life species who inspired the characters of Dory and her friends, including a sea star like Peach and clownfish like Nemo. And be sure to visit Dory and her friends across our big blue world including: “Finding Nemo – The Musical” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Pixar Play Parade at Disney California Adventure park Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot and Disney California Adventure park Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland park Nemo’s Reef water play area and Undersea Magic dinner show featuring Crush, the totally tubular turtle, at Animator’s Palate aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy Ships If you’re not able to celebrate the day at Disney Parks, share in the fun by uploading a video of your best whale impression and tag with #SpeakLikeAWhaleDay. Make it an unforgettable day! View the full article

This summer, audiences at the Disneyland Resort are being surprised and delighted by “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,” our all-new adaptation of Anna and Elsa’s story presented in a theatrical interpretation for the stage. Here’s what some of our guests had to say about the show, our incomparable cast of talented performers and the astounding staging and visual effects. “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is now playing daily at the beautiful Hyperion Theater in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure park. View the full article

Magic All Around - Early Fall Vacation | Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

What a delightful idea – book a spa treatment (or two), make a dinner reservation at Disney Springs and check into Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Your work is done for a relaxing getaway. We tried it and we’ll be back. When you book a massage, facial or other services at the beautiful Senses Spa, you can check in early, then head to the spacious High Rock Spring Pool or fitness center to start the day. Just before treatment time, shower and head to the spa’s whirlpool, steam room and luxurious heated lounge chairs for a catnap. The quiet spa feels worlds away from the bustle of the theme parks. As the sun sets, stroll over to the boat dock behind the check-in area for a five-minute ferryboat ride to Disney Springs – dinner, people watching, live music, shopping, Cirque Du Soleil, Splitsville bowling – you can make an evening of it, or just relax with a cocktail and dinner. From Irish fish ‘n chips at Raglan Road to Morimoto Asia’s steamed dumplings or the lobster roll at The BOATHOUSE, there’s such diverse cuisine. An after-dinner cupcake or ice cream at Sprinkles it the perfect ending to an indulgent day. The ferryboats run regularly across the water, so it’s an easy return to tuck in for the night at beautiful Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – the convenience might just be the biggest treat of all. To book a stay, call 407-939-5277. View the full article

Whether it’s recycling more than 325 tons of materials each year or utilizing advance technology to conserve energy, at Disney Cruise Line we’re dedicated to minimizing our impact on the environment. It was an honor for us to have these efforts recognized recently by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. They awarded Disney Cruise Line with the Port of Vancouver’s Blue Circle Award for its EcoAction Program, which celebrates our environmental stewardship and the use of shore power when the Disney Wonder is in port. The Port of Vancouver is equipped with shore power technology that allows us turn off the ship’s engines when it’s docked and “plug in” to the port’s power source allowing all onboard services to run as normal. By connecting to shore power, we’re able to save fuel and reduce air emissions. Three of our Disney Cruise Line ships are specially designed to use shore power when visiting other equipped ports. You can learn more about other Disney Cruise Line environmental efforts here. View the full article

Looking for a new way to relax at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park this summer? A special cabana is just the thing! Available for a full or half-day rental, Beachcomber Shack Cabanas and Polar Patio Cabanas are premium spaces that provide shade, upscale Adirondack seating for ultimate relaxation, rental towels and more. These Cabanas include a service attendant who does the legwork if you want to purchase food and drinks from the a la carte menu. A private locker, all-day drink mugs, and a cooler stocked with ice and bottled water ensure you will have everything you need to stay cool. For reservations and pricing information, please call (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529. View the full article

We’d like to wish a very Happy Birthday to Vivoli il Gelato! Learn About: Vivoli il Gelato Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants That’s right – the Disney Springs gelateria is turning a year old! This spot has been serving scoops of housemade gelato (with many ingredients imported directly from Italy), sorbet, specialty espresso beverages and baked goods since last June when it first opened its doors. What a difference a year makes, huh? Since Vivoli il Gelato opened, it has been joined in Disney Springs by spots like Joffrey’s Tea Traders Café, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, Morimoto Asia, and The Ganachery… and that’s JUST in The Landing neighborhood alone! All of that makes this first birthday for Vivoli il Gelato even more momentous, seeing as it can now be considered one of the bona fide veterans of the Disney Springs dining locations added over the past year. Vivoli il Gelato And to celebrate the anniversary, the spot will be serving a limited-run flavor for THIS WEEKEND ONLY! While supplies last, Disney Springs guests will have the chance to try a custom-made Tiramisu Gelato, based on the traditional Italian dessert. ©Vivoli il Gelato It’s a fitting tribute, of course, since the Disney Springs location is the only storefront outside of Florence (Firenze), Italy for the family-owned Vivoli Gelateria founded in 1932. So stop by and grab a scoop in a cup or cone… and be sure to wish them a very Happy Anniversary while you’re at it! Have you tried a scoop at Vivilo il Gelato? We’d love to hear about it 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: News! Vivoli Gelateria Coming Soon to The Landing in Downtown Disney News: Where to Find Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream and Pumpkin Gelato in Disney World Disney Springs News! Details About The Edison and the Opening of Vivoli Gelateria View the full article

There’s that amazing Central Florida sunset showing off again! Tonight’s “After Dark” image was snapped during sunset in Future World at Epcot. In the background, you can spy the peaks of the Imagination Pavilion, which is home to the Journey into Imagination with Figment attraction. What a view those guests on the Monorail must have! View the full article

Ten years ago today, Disney•Pixar’s “Cars” sped into theaters and crossed the finish line as an instant favorite. Just six years later, in 2012, fans stepped through the gates of Disney California Adventure park and straight into Radiator Springs when Cars Land opened at the Disneyland Resort. For the first time ever, “Cars” fans could walk down Route 66 into Radiator Springs and on into Ornament Valley. They could meet the movie’s stars, face-to-fender, including Lightning McQueen and Mater. Cars Land remains one of the most popular lands at the Disneyland Resort, thanks to the immersive feeling of stepping straight into one of your favorite Disney•Pixar films … not to mention the three amazing attractions! What is your favorite part of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Long time readers of the Disney Parks Blog know how much I love Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. I’ve enjoyed many delicious Dole Whips while watching the singing birds and crooning flowers in this South Seas musical celebration. Today, I’m thrilled to announce an all-new adventure in the “Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room” from Disney Kingdoms. This five-part comic series will debut this fall at Disney Parks. You may recall reading previous articles about Disney Kingdoms comics such as Figment 2 or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This new adventure will include the immersive storytelling inspired by Walt Disney Imagineering magic, and the fantastic artwork found in those previous series. The series will be written by Jon Adams. Artwork will be penciled by Horacio Domingues with cover artwork (shown above) by Brian Kesinger. I recently spoke with the creative team behind this new series including writer Jon Adams; Brian Crosby with Disney Kingdoms; and Walt Disney Imagineers Tom Morris, Executive Creative Director; Andy DiGenova, Associate Producer; and Josh Shipley, Creative Services Specialist. Steven: What makes the Disney Kingdoms series unique? Tom: “The Disney Kingdoms series gave us an opportunity to build on stories from our classic Disney Parks attractions that guests love. We’re hoping the books inspire readers to revisit favorite attractions with a new perspective. For this series, we’re taking guests to a tropical island filled with everything loved from the original attraction and introducing some new characters, stories and places to discover.” Steven: How is the storytelling in this series different from previous series? Jon: “The Enchanted Tiki Room is a place of legend, fantasy and mystery. I grew up watching shows where new characters were introduced each week into a familiar setting that had previously established characters. I wanted to apply that vignette storytelling concept to this new series. In each issue, new visitors will arrive by boat to an isolated island populated by singing birds, plants, and ancient Tiki gods.” Andy: “We loved Jon’s fresh approach to storytelling. It was different than our previous [Disney Kingdoms] comics that had more linear stories.” Brian: “There’s a sense of mystery about the island and Jon’s idea had us asking questions: Why is the island enchanted? How does it connect the people who visit the island? There will be a nice connection for guests who read all five issues in this series.” Steven: I love collecting all things Tiki-related including artwork. What will readers see when they pick up an issue? Josh: “The illustrations will be extremely colorful and the images will pop off the page. They will make readers feel like they are on that mysterious island. We pulled reference images from the Walt Disney Imagineering Resource Library to really connect the comic illustrations to the Disney Parks experience. We’ll also feature variant covers by other artists such as a cover with José by Walt Disney Imagineer Jason Grandt.” Look for the Enchanted Tiki Room series this fall in select merchandise locations at Disney Parks. View the full article

There was a time I used to take the bus to and from work everyday. It was simple, I didn’t have to worry about parking, and it was actually faster than if I was driving. I also use buses, subways and ferries while traveling on vacation. So, yes, I’m a huge fan of mass transportation systems. And here at Walt Disney World Resort, one of the great advantages of staying at a Disney Resort hotel is the transportation (the system is fabulous). Walt Disney World Resort has a complimentary network of buses, boats and monorails transporting guests between Disney hotels, theme parks, Disney Springs, and Water Parks. How cool is it that you can either take the bus, the monorail or the ferry to go to Magic Kingdom Park? I think it’s quite magical to arrive at the park on the ferry and watch Cinderella Castle as it gets closer and closer. Transportation at Walt Disney World Resort is air conditioned (you will be thankful during summer time), and there’s hardly any wait. My tip is to use free transportation, enjoy the scenic views with your family, your grandchildren and be stress free. On your next Disney vacation, leave the driving to someone else, honestly. Check out our Complimentary Resort Transportation information and visit us soon! View the full article

The new Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar restaurant at Disney Springs is putting on finishing touches for a summer opening. The inspiration of celebrity Chef Art Smith, a native of Jasper, Fla., (and a former cast member in the Disney College Program), the restaurant will give guests a taste of classic Florida fare – Fried Green tomatoes with Shaved Country Ham, Iron Skillet Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Sugar and his signature Fried Chicken and Doughnuts. In the Southern Shine bar, Florida flavor reigns with distilled spirits made here in the Sunshine State as well as farm-fresh herbs and house-made elixirs used to enhance cocktails. In fact some of the sips , such as vodka from Winter Park Distilling and craft beer from Crooked Can in Winter Garden are locally made in our own back yard. Dwayne McQuillen, the restaurant’s general manager, told me that the Southern Shine bar will offer nearly a dozen Florida-centric drinks. He recently gave us a preview and shared a few of the restaurant’s fresh Florida recipes. This recipe for the Bootlegger uses Wicked Dolphin rum from Cape Coral, Fla., and homemade grenadine. Bootlegger Serves 1 1 rounded teaspoon blackberry jam 1 ounce Florida dark rum 1 ounce Florida light rum 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 2 tablespoons grenadine 1 tablespoon simple syrup Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously and pour over ice. View the full article

Central Florida attractions are partnering on travel packages that pair behind-the-scenes peeks and VIP treatment at Walt Disney World with two days for visitors to venture elsewhere. The seven-day vacation Adventures by Disney, the company's global-travel arm, contrasts with the long-standing... View the full article

Recently, we shared several ways to celebrate “Speak Like a Whale Day” this June 11 at Disney Parks. And today, we have yet another to share – it’s the opportunity to join us and see an advance screening of Disney•Pixar’s film, “Finding Dory,” at AMC Disney Springs 24 at Walt Disney World Resort before the film opens in U.S. theaters on June 17, 2016. Our next Disney Parks Blog hosted meet-up begins at 1 p.m. ET at AMC Disney Springs 24 at Walt Disney World Resort. During the event, you’ll be part of an advance screening of Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory.” In the film, Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” reunites everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, with her friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. Directed by Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”) and produced by Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”), the film features the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton. RSVP for the meet-up now by sending us an email with your name, address and if you’ll be bringing a guest to WDW.BlogMeetUps@disney.com. Only one guest is permitted. A limited number of attendees may attend the meet-up, so be one of the first to sign up. Also, here are a few things you should know: All attendees who sign up for the meet-up must be 18 years or older, but guests do not need to be 18 or older. Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” is rated PG and will be presented in RealD 3D. Limit one guest per registrant. We will send an email to individuals whose valid RSVPs are received by us via email before we reach the planned capacity to confirm their attendance for the meet-up. If confirmed, it will be necessary for the registrant and guest to check in across from AMC Disney Springs 24 West Side for access to the event. The confirmation will include those details. Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in. Meet-up confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value. Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person and guest. If you do not receive an email from us confirming your reservation, then your RSVP was not accepted. The meet-up is subject to change or cancellation without notice. This post will be updated after capacity has been reached. And here is other important information to know: This is a pre-release screening of the movie. Captioning, descriptive video and assisted listening devices will not be available. Please arrive early. Seating is first come, first seated. No one will be admitted late. The screening may be overbooked and seating is not guaranteed. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (WDSMP), its affiliates and the theatre are not responsible for overbooking. We may refuse, revoke or limit admission in our sole discretion at any time. NO RECORDING The screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any video or audio recording devices (including, without limitation, cameras) into the venue and you consent to a physical search of your belongings and person for recording devices. If you attempt to enter with a recording device, you will be denied admission. If you attempt to use a recording device during this screening, you consent to your immediate removal from the venue and forfeiture of your recording device and its contents. Any attempted unauthorized recording will be reported to law enforcement and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. We reserve the right to pursue any and all available remedies at law and in equity for any unauthorized recording and/or copyright infringement, including without limitation statutory damages of up to $150,000 per violation, and nothing contained in this notice shall be construed to limit our available remedies and/or legal recourse. You assume all risks of personal injury arising from or incidental to attending the screening, whether occurring prior to, during, or after the event. Further, by attending you grant permission to Marvel, its licensees, licensors, affiliates and agents, to record and utilize your name, voice and likeness to publicize the screening and promote the movie.REMEMBER: NO RECORDING DEVICES OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION MOBILE DEVICES, CAMERAS, LAPTOPS, IPADS, ETC.) PERMITTED! View the full article

Walt Disney World has visitors seeing Animal Kingdom in a whole way: In the dark. The theme park introduced a handful of elements with after-sunset appeal recently. Some are brand-new; some are add-ons to existing attractions. To accommodate, Animal Kingdom's daily hours have been extended until... View the full article

Next week brings the official opening of Shanghai Disney Resort in China, and you’re invited to help us celebrate this historic occasion at the Disneyland Resort! On Thursday, June 16, join us in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and enjoy special entertainment and photo opportunities in honor of the opening of our newest world-class Disney destination. The festivities will feature colorful performances by local community groups, along with character appearances by Mulan and Mushu! Some favorite Asian-inspired food & beverage offerings, including pork bao, almond cookies and pot stickers, will also be available for purchase. In addition, we’ll be giving away a button commemorating the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort to each guest entering the Disneyland Resort theme parks, while supplies last. Hope we see you there! View the full article

#DisneyGrandMoments – A Special Pair of Mickey Ears | Magic Kingdom View the full article

Once again, we’re taking Disney cruisers all over Europe this summer to experience incredible landscapes, historical sites and rich culture. The Disney Magic began the grand tour in Northern Europe and, for the first part of its tour, is calling on ports throughout the Baltic, Norway, Iceland and the British Isles. Next, Disney cruisers will have the opportunity to visit incredible ports in Portugal and Spain as we journey seven nights from Dover, England, to Barcelona, our homeport for the Mediterranean season. Today, I’ll tell you about Port Adventures in Vigo, located in northwest Spain’s Galicia region. Santiago de Compostela – Several Port Adventures give you the opportunity to visit the capital of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, the most visited pilgrimage destination since the Middle Ages. Full- and half-day guided tours, plus an on-your-own option, give you flexibility to customize your family’s experience in the Old Town filled with impressive Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings. For those who want to enhance their day with a regal dining experience, opt for the tour with lunch at Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, a beautifully restored 16th-century building that was a former pilgrim hospital. Baiona and The Fortress – Explore the Old World on your visit to the historic village of Baiona, where Christopher Columbus landed in 1493 after his return from the New World. You’ll have the unique chance to climb aboard a replica of the caravel La Pinta. Used by Columbus on his first transatlantic voyage, it’s anchored in the village harbor. Next up is a tour of the 17th-century Monterreal Fortress, followed by appetizers at the Parador de Gondomar, a former fortress surrounded by pine forest and an impressive view of the ocean. Galician Highlights – Exclusively for adults, this Port Adventure takes you to Spain’s albariño wine region for a tasting at a cellar in the village of Cambados, known for producing some of the best white wine in the world. Your day includes a walking tour of the historic town, where you’ll admire traditional Galician houses, as well as a visit to the province of Pontevedra to explore the medieval Castle of Soutomaior, which dates back to the 12th century. Up next, I’ll give you a glimpse at ways your family can have fun in Lisbon, Portugal. Remember, when the ship’s in port, venture ashore! View the full article

Fans of cupcakes have had a lot of eye candy lately here on DFB. Learn About: Main Street Bakery Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants We loved spotlighting the yummy eats — including cupcake sundaes! — at the newly-opened Sprinkles in Disney Springs. And don’t forget the Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake, the latest creation from the Boardwalk Bakery. But the recent creations from Contempo Cafe, including the Watermelon Cupcake and the unbelievable Churro Cupcake, have really wowed us. Now those were all gorgeous and fun, but our most recent cupcake spotting comes from our old nostalgic favorite, the Main Street Bakery. Today, we’ve got the Donald Duck Butt Cupcake! Donald Duck Butt Cupcake! When I first saw this in the bakery case I couldn’t figure out what it was supposed to be. But when the Cast Member spotted me looking and said “it’s Donald Duck!” — I couldn’t help but laugh! And I think that is the entire point of this fun, must-be-Philharmagic-inspired cupcake! (You all remember the distinctly duck-butt end of Philharmagic, right? ;-D) So, when it comes to components, this one is simple. The cake here is vanilla and the icing is delicious vanilla buttercream. Donald is made up of some white frosting and his cute feet are fondant. The water is made from blue sprinkles that are much more shimmery in person. Donald Duck Butt The flavors aren’t exactly groundbreaking, but they are classic and perfect for the less adventurous cupcake eaters. And I’m sure the little ones would get a kick out of a duck butt! Donald Duck Butt Cupcake – Inside I’ve been loving all of the these new cupcakes! And even though this one may seem simple in comparison to the fun flavors we’ve been seeing, it is always nice coming back to a classic. Plus, we are happy to see our favorite duck getting some Disney food love! Will you be stopping by Main Street Bakery to try the Donald Duck Butt Cupcake? Please let us know in the comments! 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: Re-Review: Peanut Butter Cupcake at Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery Snack Series: Peanut Butter Cup Cupcake at Main Street Bakery Review: Sweet Treats at Main Street Bakery Starbucks in Magic Kingdom View the full article

We’re celebrating World Oceans Day today by kicking off a new video series – Behind the Waves featuring Disney Channel Star Jenna Ortega from the hit new TV series Stuck in the Middle. Jenna’s giving us an inside look at the many ways Disney Cruise Line is helping to protect the environment. In this first video, Jenna meets with a Disney Cruise Line animal expert to learn more about how guests can connect with nature on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, and how Disney Cruise Line is involved in a multi-year project to restore the health of coral reefs. Be sure to stay connected for more Behind the Waves of Disney Cruise Line. You can learn more about other Disney Cruise Line environmental efforts here. View the full article