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This is it! It’s the last week to share your Disneyland Resort memories for a chance to win a trip to the kick-off of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration in spring 2015! So tweet or Instagram your memories now! You only have until midnight on Wednesday, August 27, to enter. This week, in addition to your memories from the past 60 years, we’re looking for your memories from 2000 to the present. What memories have you made with us in the last 14 years? I asked fellow Disney Parks Blog author, George Savvas, for his favorite memory and he shared this adorable photo of his son, taken during the Disneyland Resort 50th anniversary celebration. Show us your 2000s memories with the hashtag #Disneyland60Contest, and be sure to include the decade in your entry description! To enter, post your photos on Twitter or Instagram, using the hashtag #Disneyland60Contest by August 27, 2014, and make sure to let us know the decade in which the photo was taken in the description or tweet. Tip: Make sure your entry is official! To be considered an official entry, your photo must be shared as a new Instagram post with the contest hashtag and the decade in which the photo was taken in the description. Hashtagging an old Instagram photo post will not be considered an official entry. Feel free to screen grab it and re-upload it to Instagram to enter if you have a photo already posted on the channel. When the submission period is complete, we’ll select the top five photos from each decade, and Disney Parks Blog readers will vote for the top photo from each of the Disneyland Decades. Each decade winner will receive a special Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration prize. Then, we’ll give you the chance to vote for one Grand Prize winner from among the winners of each decade. This lucky fan will win a trip to the start of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration in spring 2015! For complete rules, click here. No purchase necessary. Entries must be received by 8/27/14. 18/age of majority+, 50 US/DC only. Void where prohibited. See Rules for details. Last Week to Share Your Favorite Disneyland Resort Memories with #Disneyland60Contest by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

When visiting Fountain View – Epcot’s Starbucks location – you’ll primarily find food items similar to what you’ll likely see at any Starbucks across the country: cake pops, muffins, breads, and Danish pastries, to name a few. Learn About: Fountain ViewEpcot Restaurants Disney World RestaurantsHowever, at the two Starbucks locations in Disney Parks (the other being Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery), there are a few treats specific to these locations – primarily, cupcakes! And it’s always good to see those gems in the case amidst the more standard fare… especially since they come out along with all the other treats at breakfast time, and it’s practically a vacation rite of passage to start your day with a cupcake . The previous selection from Fountain View included the Mickey Cupcake and the Cappuccino Chocolate Cupcake. And we love the Peanut Butter Cup Cupcake at Main Street Bakery! Disney cupcakes at Fountain View Peanut Butter Cupcake at Main Street Bakery A little while ago, Fountain View debuted a new cupcake next to to the Mickey Cupcake (replacing the Cappuccino Chocolate Cupcake), and I decided to give it a try: the Strawberry and Cream Cupcake. (Note that the bakery changes out items seasonally, so these may or may not be there on your visit. :-D) Strawberry and Cream cupcakes in Fountain View case I’m starting to realize that I’ve been completely spoiled by the humongous cupcakes found all over Disney World at places like Starring Rolls Cafe, Contempo Café, and the BoardWalk Bakery, because this cupcake struck me as rather small… when, in actuality, it’s a just, like, a normal-sized cupcake . The swirled strawberry and vanilla frosting is a really nice touch. Strawberry and Cream swirled frosting I prefer a thicker frosting, and though this frosting was airy and light instead, I appreciated that I could spot vanilla bean seeds in the “cream” side of the swirled frosting as well as strawberry seeds from the puree in the strawberry side. Vanilla frosting Strawberry frosting That, unfortunately, is where my appreciation of this cupcake ended. Since it’s a Disney cupcake, I was expecting a filling, so I cut in as carefully as I could to find what was tucked inside the yellow cake base. I wasn’t expecting the strawberry jam that came spilling out, and the way the whole thing kind of fell around it. Inside of Strawberry and Cream cupcake Since I don’t like the consistencies of cake and any sort of jam together, this was a no go for me. It just gives me the heebie-jeebies and I don’t know why! Out of curiosity, are there any food combos that do that to you, or am I alone in this? Anyhoooo, coming back from that tangent… When I mixed everything up it reminded me a little of strawberry shortcake which fans of all things strawberry might really enjoy. (See some other great Disney strawberry shortcake desserts here!) Bite of Strawberry and Cream cupcake But overall I’m giving this one a “thanks, but no thanks.” I do like, though, that the in-park Starbucks have both retained a couple of Disney-specific snacks, and I hope this trend continues as we anticipate arrivals of Starbucks in both Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom in the future! Want Even More Epcot Snack Details?Let’s face it: snacks are a big deal during your Disney vacation. And we’ve got all the info you need to get the biggest bang for your buck! The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book, 2014 Edition helps you to make the most out of your trip. Our fully guaranteed, convenient e-Book format is available for instant download and use on any mobile device, so you’ll be able to enjoy it immediately! Inside the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book you’ll find full-color photos and reviews of over 250 of our favorite Epcot snacks, pricing and dining plan info, bonus items, and more! And for a limited time only, we’re thanking you for supporting this blog by offering the Guide for a $3 discount! To secure the discount, use code Epcot2014 at check-out. And all of our DFB Guides come with a 100% money back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose! Would you like to try the Strawberry and Cream Cupcake? 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 NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: New! Strawberry and Cream Cupcake Debuts at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosReview: Fountain View Cafe Starbucks Guava Pocket and Peanut Butter Brownie in EpcotEpcot’s Fountain View Ice Cream View the full article

When grandparents and grandchildren get together at Walt Disney World, magical moments happen. So enjoy the family adventure of a lifetime in the grandest of style. Learn more about The Grand...From:Disney ParksViews:28119ratingsTime:00:31More inTravel & Events

Grandparents and grandchildren get together to create their own Grand Adventure at Walt Disney World. So enjoy the family adventure of a lifetime in the grandest of style. Learn more about...From:Disney ParksViews:20625ratingsTime:01:01More inTravel & Events

We’re nearly two weeks away from the start of this year’s first Halloween on the High Seas cruise! As we prepare for our extra spooky celebration, bringing ghoulishly good fun to all four ships, we’re putting the finishing touches on our new Pumpkin Trees. Check out these behind-the-scenes photos of our team getting the trees ready to plant on the ships … If you look closely, you may even see some of the décor for our Very Merrytime Cruises. And you thought you needed a lot of space to store your holiday decorations! Who else is excited to celebrate Halloween and all of the winter holidays with Disney Cruise Line? For more about Halloween on the High Seas with Disney Cruise Line, visit these posts: 7 Reasons Halloween is Better on the High Seas with Disney Cruise LineFirst Look at the New Disney Cruise Line Halloween Pumpkin TreesBehind the Scenes: Planting the Disney Cruise Line Halloween Pumpkin Trees by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!” Street Party has been a guest favorite at Magic Kingdom Park since its debut in 2009. This fall, we’re kicking things up a notch with new music, new characters, and a new way for you to be part of the show! We’re even giving this party procession a new name – “Move it! Shake It! Dance & Play It!” Street Party. The fun begins on Main Street, U.S.A., as a high-energy party anthem heralds the arrival of favorite Disney characters – including new additions Stitch and Phineas & Ferb – who parade toward Cinderella Castle as the emcee, stilt walkers, and the rest of our party peeps encourage everyone to join in. Things heat up in the Central Plaza when hosts Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy appear atop giant gift boxes, leading everyone in a medley of remixed classic party songs. Once you’ve moved it, shaken it, and danced it, it’s time to help decide what comes next, as you vote for one of three current hits during the “Play It!” part of the show. You never know which way it might go! The “Move it! Shake It! Dance & Play It!” Street Party will be presented several times daily, starting this fall. In the meantime, you can still enjoy the “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!” Street Party each day at Magic Kingdom Park. ‘Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It!’ Street Party Debuts This Fall at Magic Kingdom Park by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Here’s the windup and the pitch! A little throwback to 1973, when Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Chip and Dale were playing baseball out on the lawn near Cinderella Castle. Hey, batter, batter! See the posts below for more about Vintage Walt Disney World: Vintage Walt Disney World: Summertime for Disney CharactersVintage Walt Disney World: Early Days of Disney Water ParksVintage Walt Disney World: Disney’s Polynesian Resort Through The YearsVintage Walt Disney World: A Classic Game of Baseball by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

WHAT: The beat goes on for 'La Nouba,' the long-running Cirque du Soleil show based at Disney World. The production incorporates dance, gymnastics, acrobatics (including an aerial ribbon routine), humor, live music and — don't be frightened — clowns. There's construction tied to the overhaul of Downtown Disney near Cirque's theater, so plan for an early arrival to deal with traffic and parking challenges. View the full article

Disney is going to be bad to the bone — for one night only. View the full article

Here’s a Disney video-game deal that’s so good many “Frozen” fans might find it hard to just let it go. View the full article

Hey all! The kids are about to go back to school (not sure if you noticed), and we’ve got a great idea for how you can fill up all that extra time you’ll have (ha ha!!). How about reading up and planning your next Disney vacation! While your kids are looking over their new text books, grab your own reading from the DFB Team. Take a look at our Back to School Special — available now through Sunday, August 24th!! For a limited time, you can enjoy $5 off of our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014 by using code School2014! And you can scroll down to the end of the post for details on even more savings! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014Our fully guaranteed, comprehensive e-Book offers more than 450 full-color pages to help you plan your very best Disney World trip ever! With reviews, tips, expert advice, and hundreds of color photographs, you’ll get the biggest bang for your planning buck! And our handy e-Book format has been completely updated for your 2014-15 Disney World vacation. Inside the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014, you’ll find: Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips!Seven sample one-day dining itineraries to help you start the planning process. There are hundreds of dining options in Disney World. These examples, which highlight particular theme parks, touring styles, and dietary needs, will help you get an idea of what a perfect dining day might look like for you and your family.A full chapter on discounts to apply to your Disney Dining experiences.A comprehensive index of bars and lounges. Disney Food Blog readers asked for this feature, and we were happy to make it happen! An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, we devote a whole index to the topic. Every single bar and lounge in Disney World is covered — and includes a review!Details about how the My Magic+ Planning System and FastPass+ affect your vacation planning.Sample Page from the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014 Scavenger Hunts, Trivia, and Top 5 List updates to pass the time while you’re waiting in line.Disney Food Bingo Cards — a whole new way to play with your Disney food!Plus SO much more!The best part? The price is the same for 2014, but we’re offering you this limited time chance to save $5 off the already low cost! And our convenient PDF format makes taking the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014 a snap — download it instantly to your phone and other electronic devices, and go! Grab your guide today; and don’t forget to use code School2014 for an extra $5 off today! Want Even More Savings?Want MORE bang for your buck?!? You’ll enjoy a savings of more than 40% when you bundle ALL of our popular Disney World guides. And during our Back to School Sale, you can take an extra $5 off our already low price with code Everything2014. The DFB Guide Everything Bundle includes all of the following: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014, plusThe DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks,The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks, andThe DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks,The DFB Guide to the Epcot Food & Wine FestivalPLUS PRE-ORDER The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Holidays, updated for 2014 and due for release in late October (You’ll get the 2013 Guides FREE, immediately upon purchase!),AND our DFB Dining Adventures Guide!Don’t forget — all of our e-Books are created to be read on your computer, smartphone, AND tablet; and they all have a 30-day, money-back guarantee! Find out more about the DFB Everything Bundle here! And don’t forget to use code Everything2014 for an extra $5 off the already 40% off price! All Disney Food Blog Dining e-Books are protected by a 30-day, money-back guarantee. You have nothing to lose! Head over to DFBStore.com for more details and information! Good luck with all of your Back to School planning! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Memorial Day Sale! DFB Disney World Dining Guidebook Discounts — Limited Time!Father’s Day Sale! DFB Disney World Dining Guidebook Discounts — Limited Time!Grand Launch Sale! DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014 View the full article

They say when the cat’s away, the mice will play. That general rule applied here. While I was out of town visiting our Disney Theme Park Merchandise offices based on the east coast, my friends and fellow colleagues had some fun in the sun, showing off some of the new Neon Cars Land ‘At-Tire,’ which recently made its way down Route 66 and into Ramone’s House of Body Art and Radiator Springs Curios in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park. Capturing some of the most notable locales in Cars Land, these T-shirts and tanks can be paired with anything from jeans to skirts. Of course, the hats are a great addition to any look! Special Tip: One of the coolest features on these items is the glow-in-the-dark and neon embellishment that has been added to certain areas on the print. Look at the zzz’s that appear on the Cozy Cone Motel or the logo on the Cars Land T-shirt. Here are a few other things that got my wheels spinning. The Cozy Cone Motel light-up magnet and keychain, and of course, our trading pins. Take a look! Will you go with the ‘Flo’ or ‘Cozy’ up with any of these designs? New Cars Land Neon Merchandise at Disney California Adventure Park by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

If you’ve been to Downtown Disney or read our Blog lately, you know changes are coming. The area is undergoing the largest expansion in its history. As we prepare for Disney Springs, much of the area that traditionally houses the Festival of the Masters is unavailable due to expansion work and unfortunately we will not be able to host the event. We appreciate the enthusiastic support we’ve received from the arts community, both locally and nationally, which has contributed to the long-running success of the Festival. Walt Disney World Resort is a strong supporter of the arts and we remain committed to nurturing the arts. We ask for your patience and understanding during this time of growth and look forward to building new memories with you at Disney Springs. Festival of the Masters Update by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Tucked in a quiet corner of Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Martha’s Vineyard is one of our favorite quiet spots for a pre-dinner cocktail or a light bite. And now, new late-afternoon wine pairings combine food and wine with a little enlightenment, with wine experts on hand to talk about what you’re sipping. Upcoming dates are 4-5:15 p.m. September 4, September 25, October 2 and October 30. Wineries aren’t yet announced (the last one was France’s Louis Jadot), but the Disney chefs are having fun with pairing delicious food with whatever is poured – we tried a mild white fish with dry Pouilly-Fuissé, a seafood paella with fresh Chardonnay and a strong red Beaujolais-Villages with a chocolate flourless cake and cherry sorbet. The wine expert and the chef are a delightful duo as they lead guests through the hour-long tasting. No need to takes notes, they’ll send you home with a bookmark that tells about the wines. It’s an intimate setting – no more than 18 guests, and the conversation flows with the wine. Cost varies, but is in the $20-30 range for three wines paired with three small plates, and price depends on what’s being poured. For reservations, call 407-934-3833. Perfect Pre-Dinner Fun: Wine Pairings at Martha’s Vineyard at Disney’s Beach Club Resort by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The "Awesome Mix" of retro 1970s songs featured in hit superhero film "Guardians of the Galaxy" topped the weekly U.S. Billboard 200 album chart for a second consecutive week on Wednesday. View the full article

If you plan to attend the Villains Unleashed special event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 23, be prepared to make room in your food budget for some delightfully evil dishes! Villains Unleashed Comes to Disney Hollywood Studios on August 23 The culinary team has come up with some clever dishes that are sure to bring lots of cackles from guests. Or maybe evil laughs. Mwhahahahahaha! (Sorry. I couldn’t resist.) We have a few pictures and descriptions for you today, and it all looks pretty awesome. Let’s check it out! Special “Villains Unleashed” Menu at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosWith more than 50 Disney Villains on hand to enjoy, no doubt you can party the night away with your favorite “baddie”. But what happens when all that merriment leads to a frightful appetite? Disney has you covered — in themed style, of course. Check out these special Villain Hot Dogs, with images of Jafar and Maleficent branded right onto the buns! They appear to be some of our favorites, like the Pork Barbecue Coleslaw Dog and Macaroni and Cheese Truffle Dog from Fairfax Fare, dressed up for the occasion. Yum! Villain Hot Dogs and Beverages And who can resist scary drinks with gummy worms and candied pepper slices?? Specialty beverages — both alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike — will be available at various venues throughout the park. And get a load of this gorgeous Maleficent Cupcake! The tasty treat features Dark Chocolate Cake, Blackberry Filling, and Blackberry Buttercream. We think it would make a great addition to our Disney Cupcake Gallery! Maleficent Cupcake And this tame little apple hides a secret — Witches Brew! With a whole serving of fruit, it’s gotta be healthy, right? Apple — Villains Unleashed To celebrate a wicked good time, The Hollywood Brown Derby will feature Club Evil, offering an assortment of small plates. Check out options like Off with Their Heads — Deviled Eggs, Pig Crackling and a Garlic Chili Gelée and Lobster Custard with Tobiko Caviar and Citrus Oil. Cruella’s Devious Eyes features Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Spheres, Balsamic Gelée and Basil Oil Powder. Dastardly Small Plate Offerings from Club Evil at The Hollywood Brown Derby Who knew an homage to villainous Disney characters could be such a gourmet experience! Which exclusive treat are you dying to try? Comment below and tell us what sounds good to you! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! New Cupcakes Debut at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosTables in Wonderland May Event: Fantasmic! Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosNews! Hollywood Brown Derby Tests Interactive Special Diets Menu View the full article

Disney Vacation Club Villas | Aulani Resort & Spa A whole new world awaits you with Disney Vacation Club Villas at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Create new memories with your family at this beautiful Hawaiian resort: http://di.sn/hof "Welcome...From:Disney ParksViews:15216ratingsTime:00:31More inTravel & Events View the full article

There’s nothing unusual about getting some rain this time of year at Walt Disney World Resort. But the double-rainbow that appeared after a recent storm at Magic Kingdom Park was anything but ordinary. Cast member Brian Hicks captured a series of beautiful shots and we wanted to share them with Disney Parks Blog readers. Double Rainbow Fills Sky at Magic Kingdom Park by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Festival of the Masters, the long-running open-air art show at Downtown Disney, will not be held this year, a Disney spokesman said Wednesday. View the full article

You’ll find this adorable little sweet for just 10 days, August 22-31, at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe in Disneyland park, and we know you’ll want a picture before you take a bite. This “Mary Poppins”-themed Spoonful of Sugar involves pâte à choux, chocolate caramel ganache, rainbow sprinkles, chocolate pastry cream, dark chocolate gloss, white chocolate coating, a sugar penguin and marshmallows. A lot of work for a single bite. And it’s just $3.29. If this revs up your sweet tooth, the Disneyland Resort pastry chefs have added a dozen more new delights that should be on the menu until early September. Mickey-shaped French macaroons are flavored with raspberry rose and passion fruit. Other fruity desserts include a Meyer lemon strawberry tart, pineapple bundt cake, blueberry cheesecake, lemon honey cupcake, orange crème brûlée and a banana cream éclair. Chocolate fans will love the red velvet whoopie pie and the chocolate brownie mousse. Add a vanilla cream éclair and an oat bran muffin to round out the diverse options. If you prefer something savory with your sweets, Jolly Holiday Bakery Café also offers sandwiches, generous salads, soups and quiche. For more about Jolly Holiday Bakery Café in Disneyland park, check out the posts below: Meal in a Bowl From Jolly Holiday Bakery Café at Disneyland ParkNew Tastes Worth a Stop at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café in Disneyland Park – Plus Cheesy Enchilada Soup RecipeAll About the Details at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café at Disneyland ParkThis ‘Spoonful of Sugar’ is (Almost) Too Cute to Eat at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Disneyland Park by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

On the pathway from Africa to Asia in Disney’s Animal Kingdom stand two unmarked kiosks that are definite gems for those searching for vegetarian fare, or even just a nice change of pace: Mr. Kamal’s and Bradley Falls. Learn About: Mr. Kamal'sAnimal Kingdom Disney World RestaurantsToday, we’re paying a visit to Mr.Kamal’s (and, since Bradley Falls is open seasonally for peak crowds, Mr. Kamal’s is typically your best bet). Of course, we’ve visited Mr. Kamal’s before, most recently after it changed to its current vegetarian menu. We sampled the Falafel Sandwich and Samosas, and were impressed with the Asian Noodle Salad as well. Still, there was one item we’d yet to try at Mr. Kamal’s – the Hummus with Vegetables and Pita. You can pretty much figure out exactly what’s coming to you from the name . Mr. Kamal’s menu Hummus with Veggies and Pita (By the way, if the menu is missing the Asian Noodle Salad or Edamame on your visit, just make a very short trip across the street to Bradley Falls. It picks up those items from the menu when it’s open.) The presentation is simple, as are the flavors. The olive-garnished hummus is accompanied by pita bread, carrots, and celery. I appreciated the handy carry-along box, since it can take some time to find seating in this area. Hummus with Veggies and Pita The chickpea hummus is flavored with garlic, as you’d likely expect. Hummus The pitas are your basic mini pita circles. (Does anyone else call them “Pita Pillows”?) Pita I made little hummus sandwiches from mine . Hummus sammy! And, yes, I ate my veggies… aren’t you proud, Mom? Carrot with hummus Even though everything here is fairly basic doesn’t mean I thought it was boring. I don’t know what kind of amped up refrigerator they have tucked in this tiny kiosk, but my package was so well chilled that it elevated what could have been a very plain snack (or even a light lunch) to something entirely refreshing. Nothing ever got lukewarm even in the summer heat, and the end result was that I enjoyed this dish a lot more than I expected. My top choice at Mr. Kamal’s remains the Samosa, but if the summer Florida heat sometimes affects what you find appetizing, this is a great option to have something simple and light, as well as filling, fresh, and cold. It definitely helped put some pep back in my step, and it may do the same for you. Do you have a go-to snack at Mr. Kamal’s or Bradley Falls? 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 NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review! New Vegetarian Fare and Allergy Kiosk at Disney’s Animal KingdomTop 5 Restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom ParkGuest Review: New Quick-Service Eats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

Ninety degrees, clear blue skies and the sort of fluffy white clouds you see in magazine advertisements – it was a perfect morning to officially open the new Marketplace Boat Dock and Saratoga Bridge at Downtown Disney Marketplace. Earlier today, I joined Vice President of Downtown Disney, Keith Bradford, along with cast members and guests who had gathered to celebrate the milestone- one of many that will ultimately take place as the property undergoes the largest expansion in its history, as it transforms to Disney Springs. The newly-opened bridge offers a pedestrian-friendly connection between Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and more than 70 shopping, dining and entertainment offerings available at Downtown Disney. In addition, the Marketplace Boat Dock, now conveniently located near the Marketplace Bus Loop, provides easy access to the West Side and Pleasure Island. Guests aboard the complimentary water taxi may even learn more about what’s on the horizon (literally!) as they travel from district-to-district. One of my favorite views of Downtown Disney is from this new vantage point; with a view of the entire complex, it’s a great reminder of how much there is to see and do (which, I’ll admit, I sometimes take for granted, since I’m here every day)! Want to experience it for yourself? The Marketplace Boat Dock operates daily starting at 10:30 a.m., weather permitting. Take a ride, then let me know what you think in the comments below! For more on Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, read the posts below: All in the Details: Imagineers Unveil the Storyline of Disney SpringsHeading to Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World? Don’t Miss These Navigation TipsNew Renderings Offer A Glimpse at the Future Access to Disney SpringsConnecting All That’s New at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World ResortA Beautiful Day to Debut a New Bridge and Boat Dock at Downtown Disney by Darcy Clark: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The vision of Disney Springs -- Downtown Disney's transformation into a re-themed venue -- is beginning to take shape. View the full article

The vision of Disney Springs -- Downtown Disney's transformation into a re-themed venue -- is beginning to take shape. View the full article

The legendary Menehune are mischievous little people with magical powers ​who live in the forest and only come out at night. Menehune statues are hidden throughout Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Look for them along the Waikolohe stream, along walking paths, in phone booths, elevators … pretty much anywhere! In fact, so many are hidden in the Waikolohe Valley that Aunty has enlisted Aulani guests to help find them on the Menehune Adventure Trail. Using interactive handsets, your ‘ohana can set out on ​30 challenges that immerse you in the mysteries, legends and lore of Hawai‘i. The Menehune supply plenty of enchantment along the way! The “Unforgettable Details of Aulani” series continues today with ​an inside look at some of the secrets you will discover on the Menehune Adventure Trail. Lava Tube: Deep inside the Pu’u Kilo in the Waikolohe Valley, you might stumble upon a lava tube filled with magma. Watch out – it just may explode! You’ll need the help of the Menehune to divert the magma, avoiding trouble. During this mission to save the island, guests can sense the impressive sights and sounds of a lava flow.Hula Drums: One of Aunty’s friends, Kani, is a master hula teacher who just uncovered an old video of her mother dancing the hula. However, the video has a minor technical difficulty – it doesn’t have any sound! Aunty turns to you and the Menehune to find the right rhythm for the chant using magical instruments along the trail.Kapa: A traditional Hawaiian barkcloth, Kapa is the focal point of one of my favorite missions along the Menehune Adventure Trail. Aunty informs you that a young woman is about to be married, but her mother’s wedding gift, a kapa cloth, remains unfinished. With the help of the Menehune, you can help calm the mother-of-the-bride and complete the magically illuminated pattern.Now is the best time to explore the Menehune Adventure Trail and more on a vacation to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa! Book a consecutive four-night or more stay now through October 30, 2014, for travel between August 15 and December 22 (excluding November 26-29), and receive the fourth night free! Learn more about this great vacation offer here. For more from the “Unforgettable Details of Aulani” series, visit the posts below: Unforgettable Details of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Beginning a Journey at Laniwai SpaUnforgettable Details of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Imagineer Joe Rohde on Design and InspirationUnforgettable Details of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Kapa Name TagsUnforgettable Details of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Menehune Adventure Trail by Tyler Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article