Monstrous Summer All-Nighter at Disney Parks

Sneak Peek of a Stage Spectacular Aboard the Disney Dream – “Disney’s Believe”

posted on February 28th, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line


Did you enjoy getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of “Disney’s Believe” last week?

Well, it’s your lucky day! I’m such a huge fan of this phenomenal production aboard the Disney Dream that I couldn’t resist sharing another sneak peek with you.

Now, enjoy a few scenes from the actual performance.

Did you know this stage show was created exclusively for the new Disney Dream? Here are a few fun facts:

  • “Disney’s Believe” features magical effects designed by a master illusionist.
  • Six high-definition projectors and more than 200 scenic elements come together to create the imaginative worlds of “Disney’s Believe.”
  • More than 300 costumes and 200 wigs are used in the show.
  • The show features more than 20 Disney characters.
  • Each performance of “Disney’s Believe” includes 28 performers and more than 15 technicians.

Now that you’ve gotten a small sampling of some show highlights, you’ll have to see it in person to get the full effect…I’m certain that you’ll enjoy the story as much as I do!

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Newest Disney Cruise Line Ship and Oldest NASA Orbiter Meet at Port Canaveral

posted on February 25th, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line


The Disney Dream in Port Canaveral, By: Matt Stroshane

Guests departing on the Disney Dream voyage yesterday had an extraordinary view of the space shuttle Discovery as it blasted off from the nearby Kennedy Space Center for its final launch.

The mission marks Discovery’s last liftoff for NASA’s oldest orbiter. We captured a photo in Port Canaveral with the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet in the foreground so you can also enjoy this unique spectacle.

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Bonjour, Monsieur Taittinger!

posted on February 23rd, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer


What a treat to meet the man behind the bubbly – Clovis Taittinger was aboard the christening cruise for the Disney Dream, and we had the opportunity to talk with him in Pink, the Champagne lounge in The District. Taittinger, one of the world’s finest French Champagnes, created a special label just for the Disney Dream inaugural year.

Aboard the ship, Taittinger is served in all lounges, and the signature cocktail in upscale Remy is topped with Taittinger. In Pink, the ship’s intimate Champagne lounge in The District, the signature drink is Taittinger Prestige Rose, with a pink elephant from the classic film “Dumbo” gracing the bottle.

We met Monsieur Taittinger at Pink. Take a look.

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Behind the Scenes with SHAG

posted on February 22nd, 2011 by Dara Trujillo, Manager, Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication


Back in January, I had the chance to familiarize you with the artwork of SHAG. SHAG’s retro inspired art has been found in Disneyland Resort for quite a few years and was recently introduced to Disney Cruise Line for the Maiden Voyage of the Disney Dream and to Walt Disney World Resort for our 40th anniversary.

SHAG recently set sail with us on the Disney Dream and while onboard, my friend John caught up with him to learn more about his creative method and inspiration. Take a look at this video to get a behind the scenes look at SHAG as he showcases his latest artwork and talks about his artistic style.

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A Behind-the-Scenes Look at ‘Disney’s Believe’ – the New Musical Aboard the Disney Dream

posted on February 21st, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line


What is Disney best known for? That’s right…its family entertainment, including the unrivaled Broadway-style musical productions you’ll find aboard Disney Cruise Line!

Honoring the recent addition to our fleet, the Disney Dream, I would like to tell you about “Disney’s Believe.” This original musical, created exclusively for the Disney Dream, headlines the repertoire of stage spectaculars presented in the Walt Disney Theatre.

“Disney’s Believe” introduces you to Dr. Cornelius Greenaway, a brilliant botanist obsessed with his work. You’ll also meet his imaginative and spirited daughter, Sophia, who is heartbroken because her father overlooks her birthday while being preoccupied with cultivating his precious plants.

Sophia then makes a special birthday wish…and POOF! Genie from Disney’s “Aladdin” magically appears in Dr. Greenaway’s garden to teach him a valuable lesson about what’s important in life.

Genie magically appears during “Disney’s Believe” to take Dr. Greenaway on an insightful journey.

This exciting production features more than 20 of Disney’s most beloved characters who help Dr. Greenaway reconnect with his daughter. Here’s a glimpse at some of the cast.

More than 20 favorite Disney characters perform in “Disney’s Believe” aboard the Disney Dream.

I don’t want to spoil all the surprises awaiting guests in “Disney’s Believe,” so you’ll have to sail with us to experience the entire show! In the meantime, check out this behind-the-scenes look at the preparation that went into bringing this new story to life:

Do you want to see more? Check back next week for some fun facts about “Disney’s Believe” and to see clips from the show.

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Magical Works of Art Come Alive with Animation to Amaze Disney Dream Guests

posted on February 9th, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line


The newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Dream, is full of surprises and industry innovations. From exploring the ship myself from bow to stern, I discovered one of the coolest highlights aboard and want to tell you all about Enchanted Art.

Close your eyes, and picture yourself on the Disney Dream. You walk up to a still photo that seems to simply be Disney artwork hanging on the wall. All of a sudden, the image comes alive to display an animated scene featuring characters from classic Disney films. You wonder…is it magic?

Of course it’s magic! (And a little dash of technology.) This technologically advanced, magically enhanced artwork recognizes when a guest pauses to admire it and activates several seconds of animation on the LCD screen to immerse the spectator in a unique element of storytelling that’s distinctly Disney.

Children pause to watch framed artwork come to life – a special Disney Dream feature called Enchanted Art

For example, one piece of Enchanted Art appears to be an animation cel from the Disney classic film “Bambi.” Before you know it, the work of art springs to life and Bambi’s friends Thumper and Flower scamper about before a butterfly flutters through the scene.

Another compelling composition illustrates a vintage photo of Walt Disney at his drawing board. When it senses that a guest is present, the still image transforms and the character that Walt is creating becomes animated. Can you picture it?

Nearly two dozen pieces of visually engaging Enchanted Art are sprinkled throughout the Disney Dream, from the atrium lobby to staircases on various decks. And, just because you’ve walked by one specific piece of art before, doesn’t mean you will see the same animation again. Enchanted Art may dazzle you with a different animation sequence the next time you pass by it.

In the atrium lobby and throughout the Disney Dream, Enchanted Art offers an immersive experience for guests passing by

Enchanted Art is also involved in an interactive detective adventure game. Using a map and a game card that you hold up in front of select pieces of art, you can unveil clues and find missing objects to ultimately determine the villain and save the day. That’s right – you get to play the hero!

I bet you are wondering how this works. I will tell you, as long as it’s our secret. Each card has a unique 2D barcode pattern, and the progress of each player is tracked by the game software. There are six potential villains and an array of randomized events – so, you can investigate more than once and have a new outcome each time.

Guests can play a detective adventure game using pieces of Enchanted Art around the Disney Dream

Now, let me tell you – this game is not only for kids. I spent an afternoon searching high and low for villains, and had an absolute blast! I also witnessed families gallivanting around the ship together with their game cards in hand, to discover different villains and explore the marvels of Enchanted Art!

Watch the video to see Enchanted Art in action and to hear from our Walt Disney Imagineers – the creative minds who came up with this brilliant concept.

Are you wondering who the villains of Enchanted Art are? You’ll just have to sail with us to see for yourself!

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More Disney Magic for Boys & Girls Clubs Children

posted on February 4th, 2011 by Christi Erwin Donnan, Manager of Public Affairs, Disney Cruise Line


Boys & Girls Clubs Children Lorenzo White (13), Germaine Childs (9) and Tyasia Childs (6) Posed with the Giant Sailor Mickey Mouse Balloon

Last night, four families from Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida got a chance to attend the Orlando Magic-Miami Heat basketball game at Orlando, Florida’s Amway Center.

Prior to the game, Boys & Girls Clubs children Lorenzo White (13), Germaine Childs (9) and Tyasia Childs (6) posed with the giant Sailor Mickey Mouse balloon located outside the Disney Atrium at the new Amway Center. The family recently sailed onboard Disney’s newest cruise ship, Disney Dream, as part of a special Benefit Preview Cruise which raised $750,000 in support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida.

As a “Champion of the Community” and the “official cruise line of the Orlando Magic,” Disney Cruise Line was featured prominently throughout the game, including the 65-foot-high Sailor Mickey Mouse balloon from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which made its first non-parade appearance in Central Florida last night and was located outside of the Disney Atrium.

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Disney Dream Visits Castaway Cay for Fun in the Sun During Ship’s Maiden Voyage

posted on January 31st, 2011 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures By Disney, Disney Vacation Club


What a week!

On Sunday morning, the Disney Dream returned from her four-night maiden voyage to the Bahamas, a cruise filled with smiles and laughter from the many veterans and first-time Disney Cruise Line guests aboard our newest ship.

After stopping in Nassau on Thursday and a leisurely day at sea Friday, on Saturday the ship visited Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, for some sun-soaked fun among its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Disney Dream guests enjoyed fun in the sun at Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island in the Bahamas

Guests made the most of the sunshine, clear skies and many enhancements we’ve recently added like Pelican Plunge, a 2,400-square-foot floating platform with two corkscrew water slides.

Pelican Plunge is one of many recent enhancements on Castaway Cay

Back on the ship, on Friday night we presented an updated version of our popular stage show “The Golden Mickeys: A Timeless Tribute” in the Walt Disney Theatre. On Saturday, we proudly debuted an all-new production, “Disney’s Believe,” which was met with boisterous applause at all three performances.

On Friday, Cruise Director Rachel Quinn introduces “The Golden Mickeys: A Timeless Tribute,” one of three stage shows presented in the Walt Disney Theatre

On behalf of the ship’s crew members and the many cast members who support the Disney Dream back on land, thank you to all the maiden voyage guests for sharing the fun with us! For everyone else who’ll be sailing with us soon or is maybe thinking about taking their first Disney cruise, we hope you’ve enjoyed these exclusive reports on the Disney Parks Blog and Twitter.

Snorkeling is one of many family activities on Castaway Cay Several surprises await guests who explore the island’s snorkeling lagoon Serenity Bay offers a relaxing oasis exclusively for adults Children play in the clear waters of Castaway Cay
Goofy’s Golf is a tongue-in-cheek miniature golf course with beautiful views from Deck 13 Disney Cruise Line guests enjoy stunning sunsets at sea “Disney’s Believe” is a brand-new stage spectacular only on the Disney Dream Pink is a stylish cocktail bar within The District that was inspired by champagne

Here are some highlights from the sands of Castaway Cay and inside the magnificent Walt Disney Theatre:

If you’ve enjoyed our reports from the maiden voyage of the Disney Dream, add a comment below and let us know what you liked the most!

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Maiden Voyage Guests Enjoy Innovation and Pixie Dust Aboard the Disney Dream

posted on January 28th, 2011 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures By Disney, Disney Vacation Club


After visiting Nassau in the Bahamas yesterday, the Disney Dream is spending today at sea during her four-night maiden voyage.

On Thursday, Disney Cruise Line guests spent the day enjoying everything from the thrills of AquaDuck, the world’s only water coaster aboard a cruise ship…

Maiden voyage guests enjoy an exhilarating ride on AquaDuck, the only shipboard water coaster

…to the chic sophistication of exclusively adult venues like Skyline lounge, where the ever-changing penthouse view features famous metropolitan skylines that transform from day to night and showcase a variety of stunning cities.

Adult guests sip on signature cocktails in Skyline, aboard the Disney Dream

On Thursday morning, two local marching bands met the ship upon her arrival in Nassau for a lively welcome filled with sound, color and rhythm. For guests who chose to explore the city through Port Adventures, it was a chance to soak up the rich history and culture of the Bahamas.

A Bahamian marching band greets the Disney Dream upon the ship’s arrival in Nassau

For those who stayed aboard the Disney Dream, it was an opportunity to enjoy all the magical innovations throughout the ship, including fun spaces for children in Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, and the grownup entertainment offerings in the five interconnected venues of The District.

A Bahamian marching band welcomes the Disney Dream to Nassau Another Bahamian band performs for Disney Cruise Line guests in Nassau Children experience exciting twists and turns during a wild ride on AquaDuck Guests of all ages enjoy the thrills and crystal-clear views aboard the AquaDuck water coaster
Crush, the totally cool turtle dude from the Disney•Pixar animated motion picture “Finding Nemo,” chats with children in Disney’s Oceaneer Club Young guest, Albert, samples the fun in Andy’s Room, one of five areas within Disney’s Oceaneer Club Reece, 6, plays inside Monster’s Academy within Disney’s Oceaneer Club “Anyone Can Cook” is the motto of a fun activity for kids in Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab

After the sun went down, it was time for a ship-wide pirate party, including a special themed menu in the onboard family restaurants, Animator’s Palate, Enchanted Garden and Royal Palace. Up on the pool deck, the fun continued with Mickey’s Pirates IN the Caribbean, an all-ages deck party.

Many families embraced the ship’s pirate-themed festivities with elaborate costumes

Afterward, a rollicking pirate ship battle broke out under the stars during a brand-new fireworks spectacular called Buccaneer Blast! DJ Randy kept guests rocking during Club Pirate, the hottest dance club at sea, which was followed by a late-night screening of “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” on the ship’s giant Funnel Vision display.

Guests filled the ship’s upper decks to see the fireworks spectacular, Buccaneer Blast!

Here arrrrr some highlights from another magical day aboard the Disney Dream:

During Friday’s day at sea, Captain Tom Forberg treated guests with a “drive-by” visit to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, which was hosting our flagship vessel, the Disney Magic. To guests’ delight, a mini Disney concert echoed across the island as the ships tooted their horns back and forth, including many familiar Disney melodies played by the Disney Dream.

Follow Disney Cruise Line on Twitter at twitter.com/disneycruise for real-time tweets and photos during the maiden voyage. Then come back to the Disney Parks Blog on Monday for another exclusive report from the ship – and from the sands of Castaway Cay!

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Introducing the Art of SHAG to Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line

posted on January 28th, 2011 by Dara Trujillo, Manager, Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication


I can still remember the first time that I saw a piece of art by SHAG. I had walked into one of our product development offices and spotted a rendering of a map filled with icons and attractions, in a style I had never seen before on Disney Merchandise.

The bold colors and retro look really captured my attention. I asked about the artist and was told his name was Josh Agle, better known as SHAG to all his fans.

I am so excited to share with you news about an upcoming appearance by one of my new favorite artists, SHAG who will be making his first appearance here at the Walt Disney World Resort on Monday, January 31 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

SHAG Walt Disney World Art

SHAG will be signing deluxe prints of the 40th Anniversary Map. The artwork showcases the original icons of the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. SHAG has captured the essence of fun and wonder that has comprised our magical kingdom since it opened its gates on October 1, 1971.

This is the very first item in the highly anticipated collection scheduled to debut in Summer 2011 – but this is just a sneak peek. Once SHAG’s event concludes on Monday, January 31, the artwork will go back into the vaults not to be released until the full SHAG Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary collection is unveiled later this summer. For more information on this sneak peek and signing be sure to visit www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

'Top Deck' by SHAG

In addition to the amazing artwork that Shag has created for Walt Disney World, he has also created new artwork for Disney Cruise Line! SHAG’s Disney Cruise Line artwork captures the magic and excitement of the and the tropical island paradise of Castaway Cay. SHAG’s original artwork, ‘Top Deck‘ and ‘Island Intermission’ were both created just for the Disney Dream.

'Island Intermission' by SHAG

Not only have we created limited edition prints of these exquisite pieces of art, but we have developed so much more to showcase the artistic styling’s of SHAG. The talented teams at Disney Theme Park Merchandise have pulled elements out of each of the paintings and applied them in fun and creative ways to commemorative merchandise keepsakes. SHAG’s artwork for the Disney Cruise Line can be found on charm bracelets, designer apparel for men and women, postcard sets, as well as home goods such as a tumbler set and coaster collection.

Keep a look out later this spring for another post on the Disney Parks Blog all about SHAG and the new line of artwork he created for Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary – the new merchandise collection is going to become a must have for every Disney collection.

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