Monstrous Summer All-Nighter at Disney Parks

Adventures in Croatia with Disney Cruise Line

posted on April 17th, 2013 by Arnaldo Zanonato, Port Adventures Manager


For the first time in 2013 and again in 2014, Disney Cruise Line is calling on Dubrovnik, Croatia, an ancient walled city on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. As we near the start of our summer in Europe, I want to tell you about some of what our guests will enjoy in this beautiful locale, coined the “Pearl of the Adriatic” by famed English poet Lord Byron.
“Adventures

Surrounded by impressive fortifications that once served to fend off invaders, and filled with stunning baroque architecture and marble walkways, a visit to Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a must-do. Disney Cruise Line offers several ways to see and experience the beauty, history and culture of the area.

Adventures in Croatia with Disney Cruise Line, Featuring the Panoramic Dubrovnik and Old City Tour Adventures in Croatia with Disney Cruise Line, Featuring Walking Tours

First up, guests can take a walking tour of the town with a knowledgeable guide on several of our Port Adventures. Many of the tours, including the Panoramic Dubrovnik and Old Town City Tour, also stop at Park Orsula, a scenic viewpoint from a cliff 650 feet above sea level overlooking Dubrovnik and its riviera.

Adventures in Croatia with Disney Cruise Line, Featuring Adriatic Cruises Adventures in Croatia with Disney Cruise Line, Featuring Dubrovnik Cable Cars

In addition to a guided walking tour, the Riviera Cruise and Cable Car add two more ways to view the town, from the sea and sky. The adventure begins on a wooden motor sailor boat cruise on the clear waters of the Adriatic to the Old Town entrance. Following a walking tour and leisure time, guests hop on a cable car that takes them high above Dubrovnik for a breathtaking view of its signature rooftops and the Dalmatian coastline.
“Adventures

For an even more unique view, guests can join Walking the City Walls and do just that! The walls, completed in the 13th century, are still intact and encircle the old city with a circumference of more than a mile and a half. Guests will walk the entire length, seeing the gorgeous Minceta Fortress, St. John`s Fortress, Bokar Fortress and Maritime Museum all along the way.

Stay tuned for another post next week about how you can enjoy fun in the sun off Croatia’s gorgeous Dalmatian Coast. Until then, if you’ve visited Dubrovnik, tell us what you loved most about this ancient city!

  • Share: 

Tagged:

Filed: Disney Cruise Line

Private Island for a Day at Disney’s Castaway Cay

posted on April 11th, 2013 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line


Hello from Castaway Cay! There are no ships in sight today, but I’m here (with some Disney friends!) getting a taste of what private island life is like.

We arrived this morning and were greeted by an old friend…
“Volleyball

You may recall that I first met him on the island a few years ago, and now he’s back! We’ll be live tweeting about his experience on Castaway Cay all day today from Disney Cruise Line’s Twitter account @DisneyCruise. Be sure to follow us and join the conversation by using the hashtag #CastawayCay!

I’ll share more about our time on the island with you when I return home. Until then, tell me…if you could have Castaway Cay to yourself, what would you do?


For more posts highlighting Castaway Cay, see below:

  • Share: 

Tagged:

Filed: Disney Cruise Line

Recipe for Disney Cruise Line’s Grilled Tuna

posted on April 4th, 2013 by Stephen Walker, Fleet Culinary Standards and Consistency Chef, Disney Cruise Line


One of the many Disney Cruise Line dishes that guests are always raving about is Palo’s grilled tuna. Served with truffle-infused potato risotto, garlic-marinated artichokes and tarragon-veal jus, it’s pretty easy to understand why.

Today, not only am I sharing the at-home recipe with you, I also thought you might like a demonstration of how to make this mouth-watering dish. Take a look at this video with Palo’s Executive Chef Silvio as he shows you how we at Disney Cruise Line prepare and serve this entrée onboard.

Grilled Tuna with Truffle-Infused Potato Risotto, Garlic-Marinated Artichokes, and Tarragon-Veal Jus
Serves 4

Potato Risotto
1/2 pound russet potato, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 shallot, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine (such as chardonnay)
1 cup heavy cream
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon white truffle oil
Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste

Tarragon Veal Jus
1 1/4 cups veal stock
1 cup dry red wine (such as merlot)
3 stalks fresh tarragon

Marinated Artichokes

1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 shallot, sliced
4 artichokes packed in oil,* drained, cut into thirds
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Grilled Tuna
4 (1/2-pound) ahi tuna steaks
Extra virgin olive oil, for grilling
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For marinated artichokes:

  1. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat until it shimmers. Add shallot and garlic, cooking until fragrant and golden.
  2. Add artichokes, tomatoes, and chives. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sauté until tomatoes just begin to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and set aside until ready to serve.

For tarragon veal jus:

  1. Combine red wine and tarragon stalks in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Simmer until reduced by 1/3, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. Add veal stock and simmer until reduced by 1/3, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve and set aside until ready to serve.

For potato risotto:

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook potatoes until tender but not falling apart, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add shallot, cooking until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, or until very fragrant and golden.
  3. Add white wine, simmering until reduced, about 3 minutes. Add cream, simmering until reduced and slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Drain potatoes and return to hot saucepan to allow excess water to evaporate.
  5. Gently fold cooked potatoes into cream mixture. Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and fold in truffle oil and parmesan cheese.

For grilled tuna:

  1. Preheat grill to 400°F.
  2. Rinse tuna steaks and pat dry. Brush both sides with oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Place tuna on hot grill and sear each side 2 minutes for rare. If you prefer well done, cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes per side.

To serve:
Evenly divide potato risotto among 4 serving plates. Cut tuna steaks in half and place over potatoes. Evenly divide artichoke mixture among plates and drizzle with tarragon veal jus.

*Note: Artichokes packed in oil can be found in specialty grocery stores, some supermarkets, and online at www.williams-sonoma.com.

  • Share: 

Tagged: , , ,

Filed: Disney Cruise Line, Disney Dining

Disney Cruise Line VoluntEARS Salute National Literacy Month

posted on April 3rd, 2013 by Rebecca Peddie, Manager of Public Affairs at Disney Cruise Line


Some of my most cherished memories from when my children were young are quiet times spent together reading a good book. Reading aloud gave us a chance to bond over favorite stories, while instilling a love of reading that continues today.
“Disney

Crew members from Disney Cruise Line ships recently made memories of their own, saluting National Literacy Month with special visits to schoolchildren in our ports of call. Taking place as part of the Disney Reading Together program, these visits brought Disney VoluntEARS to read with children in Grand Cayman, St. Thomas and Nassau. And while the efforts were designed to promote literacy and inspire children to enjoy reading, I really think that our crew most enjoyed getting to spend quality time sharing stories with young readers.
“Disney

Since launching 10 years ago, our Reading Together program has taken crew members into schools to read aloud, inspired cast and crew members to make personal donations through book drives, and has helped to distribute more than 7,000 books to children in communities across the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Taking time out to read together can make a big impact – both on the children and the adults that share the story.

I’m sure the crew can’t wait to return to read with the schoolchildren again. Do you have a favorite Disney story you enjoy sharing with your family?


To read more about other ways Disney VoluntEARS and Disney Cruise Line give back, see the posts below:

  • Share: 

Tagged: ,

Filed: Community Outreach, Disney Cruise Line

This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Spring & Summer Sneak Peeks

posted on March 30th, 2013 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager


This week on the Disney Parks Blog, we shared a few sneak peeks at offerings that are coming soon to Disney Parks.
First Look at Star Wars Weekends 2013 Merchandise Including The Jedi Mickey’s Starfighter

Some exciting images we shared from Walt Disney World Resort came from Steven’s look at new Star Wars Weekends merchandise that will be available soon at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Which item are you most excited about? I can’t wait to buy my son this Jedi Mickey’s Starfighter.
Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure: Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake Featuring Exclusive Disney Character Experience

Disney Cruise Line also offered a look ahead at some of the amazing sights cruisers on their Alaskan itineraries can expect to see later this summer. Looks like an amazing trip!

Be sure to check out this gallery for some more images of things to come this spring and summer at Disney Parks.

  • Share: 

Tagged: , , ,

Filed: Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Discover Alaska’s Annette Island with Disney Cruise Line

posted on March 28th, 2013 by Arnaldo Zanonato, Port Adventures Manager


It is no secret by now that our voyages to Alaska offer some of the most amazing Port Adventures available in our entire portfolio, worldwide. Every year we search for new ways to excite our guests and help them discover the rich culture and diversity of our ports of call.
Discover Alaska’s Annette Island with Disney Cruise Line
For our 2013 summer season, we’ve added two new Port Adventures from Ketchikan to Annette Island, home to the only native reservation in Alaska. These excursions, which offer a rare glimpse of a working village, will immerse guests in the culture of the Tsimshian people, whose ancestors followed Anglican missionary William Duncan in ocean-going canoes to settle on this rugged uninhabited island in 1887.
Discover Alaska’s Annette Island with Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line guests on the Exclusive Annette Island Native Discovery will tour Father Duncan’s Church and Cottage (a museum), hear interesting stories of the village’s totem poles, explore local arts and crafts, and see a local native dance group perform traditional and contemporary dance ceremonies in their clan house.

The Annette Island Cultural Celebration with Family Activity excursion offers guests even more immersion with a unique hands-on experience. Families will construct their very own drum and learn how Tsimshian people teach youngsters about their ancestors using drum beats, song and dance.
Discover Alaska’s Annette Island with Disney Cruise Line
What’s more, on the catamaran cruise to Annette Island, guests have yet another opportunity to view some of Alaska’s wildlife, like seals, eagles and dolphins, just to name a few. Hidden gems such as Annette Island are yet another reason why when the ship is in port, you must venture ashore!

Check out these posts to learn more about voyages to Alaska with Disney Cruise Line:

  • Share: 

Tagged:

Filed: Disney Cruise Line

Explore Alaska’s Wildlife with Disney Cruise Line

posted on March 27th, 2013 by Arnaldo Zanonato, Port Adventures Manager


Wildlife exploration is one of the top activities in Alaska, so for this summer Disney Cruise Line has added brand new tours in Juneau that allow guests to witness the very best of the Inside Passage’s marine and coastal wildlife.
Explore Alaska’s Wildlife with Disney Cruise Line

The new Wilderness Safari & Beach Exploration excursion starts out on a high-speed, water-jet powered vessel that can venture to areas unreachable by conventional boat. Whales, sea lions and brown bears are just a few of the species guests may spot that thrive in this pristine environment. The tour also includes a visit to the remote coast of Admiralty Island, where guests can relax or explore while enjoying the area’s stunning beauty.
Explore Alaska’s Wildlife with Disney Cruise Line

Also in Juneau, like most Disney Cruise Line destinations, guests have the option to explore the port of call privately through our Signature Port Adventure Collection. Our private arrangements are a great option for large parties traveling together, families who want to create their own itineraries, or those would like a more in-depth experience with a private guide.
Explore Alaska’s Wildlife with Disney Cruise Line

New this year in Juneau is the Private Whales, Fishing and Wildlife Adventure, where guests can enjoy Alaska’s coast up close and personal, customizing their experience with iconic activities such as whale watching and fishing. Groups have their very own captain and private vessel with several amenities like snacks and beverages, binoculars and fishing gear, plus other VIP options that can be added upon request!

Whether you do it with a group or on a private port adventure, when the ship’s in port, venture shore!


Thinking about sailing to Alaska with Disney Cruise Line? Learn more in these posts:

  • Share: 

Tagged:

Filed: Disney Cruise Line

Join Donald Duck and Pan for Gold in Skagway, Alaska, with Disney Cruise Line

posted on March 26th, 2013 by Arnaldo Zanonato, Port Adventures Manager


I love when we here at Disney Cruise Line are able to combine the magic of our Disney characters with the rich culture of our ports of call. It is not a simple process, but when that formula is right, we are sure to create memorable experiences, like the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake Featuring Exclusive Disney Character Experience.
Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure: Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake Featuring Exclusive Disney Character Experience

A guest favorite for the past two seasons, this Port Adventure returns this summer to tell the story of the prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush. Guests will visit a trail camp complete with gold panning, great family entertainment and an all-you-can-eat outdoor feast featuring Alaskan salmon. Visiting the camp and in full local attire is Donald Duck, bringing along a few surprises.

Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure: Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake Featuring Exclusive Disney Character Experience Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure: Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake Featuring Exclusive Disney Character Experience

 
After all this, guests will still have time to explore Skagway or take part in the many other options in this quaint and pristine corner of the Alaskan inside passage.

As I always say, when the ship’s in port (especially in Alaska!), venture ashore!


Check out these posts to learn more about voyages to Alaska with Disney Cruise Line:

  • Share: 

Tagged:

Filed: Disney Cruise Line

Donald Duck’s Adventures in Alaska with Disney Cruise Line

posted on March 25th, 2013 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line


Whales, glaciers and bears, oh my! Things got a little wild when Donald Duck faced Alaska’s rugged frontier during his summer voyage with Disney Cruise Line. See for yourself…

If you want to see more of Donald’s adventures in Alaska, follow @DisneyCruise on Twitter as we show you photographs all this week. Which Disney character would your family most like by their side as you venture into the great Alaskan frontier?

Read on for more about Disney Cruise Line:

  • Share: 

Tagged: ,

Filed: Disney Cruise Line

Take 5: Plan a Vacation With Disney Parks

posted on March 23rd, 2013 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks


The Waikolohe Valley at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

The magic of Disney exists in every corner of the Earth, and often one day isn’t enough to experience all the happiness. Now that spring and summer are upon us, it’s the perfect time to plan a dream getaway with Disney – be it a trip to one of our theme parks, a family-friendly cruise with Disney Cruise Line, or an exotic guided tour with Adventures by Disney. Read the posts below to find out how you can enjoy a magical vacation with Disney Parks. What does your ideal Disney vacation include?

Take 5: Vacation Planning With Disney Parks

  1. Enjoy Spring at the Disneyland Resort With New Hotel Offer – Just in time for spring, save up to 20% if you book by April 27 with this Disneyland Resort hotel offer.
  2. Warming Up for a Spring Vacation at Aulani? Now Offering Four Nights for the Price of Three, April 7 through May 23 and May 27 Through June 8 – Warming up for a spring vacation at Aulani? This offer will help you spend extra time in the Hawaiian sunshine.
  3. Exploring Costa Rica with Adventures by Disney: Part 3 – Disney Parks Blog author Jason Lasecki shares some of the top experiences from his week-long vacation with Adventures by Disney to Costa Rica.
  4. Disney Cruise Line Prepares for 2013 Summer in Alaska – Beginning in May, the Disney Wonder will return to Alaska for another summer season exploring the grandeur of America’s 49th state.
  5. Moms Panel Monday: There’s Always Something New to See at Disney Parks – Disney Parks Moms Panelist Bernie Edwards shares his ideas for a different twist you can put on your Disney Parks stay.
  • Share: 

Tagged: , , , , ,

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Vacation Planning, Walt Disney World Resort