A Mom’s Point of View: Family Cruising Aboard the Disney Dream
posted on May 18th, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
A couple months ago, we introduced you to Andi – the Disney Cruise Line specialist on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel.
Andi recently sailed on the Disney Dream to host a series of videos providing a parent’s point of view on our newest ship. Check out the first video and join Andi as she takes you around the decks of the Disney Dream.
Be sure to follow along in the coming weeks as Andi takes a deeper dive into Disney Dream innovations, adult areas, youth activities, entertainment, dining and more.
See these posts for more family fun aboard the Disney Dream:
Have Questions Planning Your Disney Cruise Line Vacation? Andi Has Answers
posted on March 31st, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
Are you thinking about taking a Disney Cruise Line vacation? Do you need help mapping out the best time of year for your family to travel, selecting an itinerary or picking which Port Adventures to book? Would you like planning and packing tips from a parents’ perspective?
Well, I have good news! There’s someone who can answer all these questions and more. I’d like to introduce you to Andi.
Andi, a mother of four, is part of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel, and is our official Disney Cruise Line Mom. She and her family sail with us often, so she knows our ships from bow to stern and understands the ins and outs of traveling with kids of all ages (and also how to enjoy the adult spaces on a Disney cruise).
Andi told me, “The next best thing to going on a Disney vacation is planning one. From toddlers to teens, we’ve experienced just about everything while cruising with children and I call all hands on deck when helping others make planning decisions for a Disney cruise. It brings me such joy to share my experience with fellow sea-faring Disney guests.”
Visit Andi and ask her your Disney Cruise Line questions at www.disneyworldmoms.com. And, keep an eye out for more Disney Cruise Line info and tips from Andi on the “Mom” Knows Best tab of our Facebook page.
“My best advice is to research and plan while on land, but once you’re on a Disney ship, sit back, relax and hold those plans loosely for unexpected magical surprises,” Andi said.
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Bake it Yourself: Recipe for an Animator’s Palate Appetizer from Disney Cruise Line
posted on March 24th, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
One of my favorite things about sailing on a Disney cruise is the food. In fact, thinking about it makes me hungry right now! Each of the restaurants on our Disney Cruise Line ships feature unique and delectable dishes created by some of the most outstanding chefs at sea.
What’s our secret to making such mouthwatering meals? I actually want to give you a little taste of how we do it, by sharing a recipe from one of our menus on the Disney Dream. It’s an amazing appetizer at Animator’s Palate that’s sure to please your palate…the Sesame-Flavored Shrimp and Caramelized Onion Cheesecake with Asian Barbecue Sauce. I can tell you from experience that this slice of perfection is both rich and delicious. Yum!
Want to cook it in your own kitchen? Here’s how…
Crust
1 1/2 cups panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
6 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Shrimp Filling
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion
1 1/4 pounds raw shrimp, cleaned
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
28 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup liquid eggs
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded smoked Gouda
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Micro greens, for garnish
Asian Barbeque Sauce
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 1/2 teaspoons Asian barbecue sauce*
1 teaspoon hot bean sauce*
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce*
1 tablespoon dry sherry
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/3 cup chicken stock
For the crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine all ingredients in medium bowl, stirring until well blended. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch spring form pan. Bake crust until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- Cool completely before filling.
For the shrimp cheesecake filling:
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and sauté until caramelized. Add shrimp, and sauté until just opaque. Stir in sesame seeds. Set aside to cool.
- Combine cream cheese, salt and pepper in large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in eggs 1 at a time; add cream, beating until well combined. Stir in smoked Gouda and chopped parsley.
- Spoon filling into crust. Place cheesecake on a baking sheet. Bake until cake puffs and top browns, but the center wobbles just slightly when pan is shaken, about 1 1/2 hours. Transfer pan to rack and cool. (Cheesecake can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
- Run a long, thin knife around pan sides to loosen cheesecake. Carefully remove ring, and cut into 14 pieces.
- Serve at room temperature with barbecue sauce and micro greens.
For the Asian barbeque sauce:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine vegetable oil, shallots and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Asian barbecue sauce, hot bean sauce and hoisin sauce; cook for 3 minutes. Add sherry and cook for 1 minute. Add soy sauce, sugar and stock; cook for 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to a blender and process until liquefied. Let cool.
*Asian barbeque sauce, hot bean sauce and hoisin sauce are all typical condiments used in Asian cooking. They are available at Asian-foods stores, and in many grocery stores.
Makes 1 (9-inch) cheesecake
Enjoy!
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Kids Can Enjoy High-Tech Fun and Games Aboard the Disney Dream with Magic PlayFloor
posted on March 22nd, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
There’s lots of innovation and technology aboard the Disney Dream. Every time I sail, I discover something new that completely “wows” me. I’ve showed you high-tech highlights like AquaDuck and Enchanted Art, but now I want to tell you about Magic PlayFloor – a cruise-industry first that takes interactive gaming to the next level.
When kids jump onto the Magic PlayFloor, they can engage in group activities and games where their movements determine the action on a giant grid of LCD screens. They might scramble around the perimeter to control the tilt of a virtual maze or leap over lasers with favorite Disney characters.
We knew the kids would love it, so we created two versions of the Magic PlayFloor to double the fun – one at Disney’s Oceaneer Club and the other at Disney’s Oceaneer Lab (the youth spaces designed for cruisers ages 3-10).
Youth counselors also incorporate the Magic PlayFloor into storytelling activities, where kids are immersed into their favorite Disney films. They might fly over the streets of London with Peter Pan, ride ocean waves with Crush from “Finding Nemo” or race around a track like Lightning McQueen from “Cars.”
Want to see the Magic PlayFloor in action? Check out this video.
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A Day in the Life of Mickey Mouse Aboard Disney Cruise Line
posted on March 15th, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
Have you ever wondered how Mickey Mouse spends his day on a Disney cruise?
It’s all ears on deck when we set sail, and everyone’s favorite mouse has quite the busy schedule. He plays many roles throughout each voyage, appearing in stage shows, hosting deck parties and meeting and greeting guests around the ship. You never know where you might spot him for a photo op.
We followed Mickey around to get a glimpse of his exciting day-to-day life at sea…and here’s a sneak peek just for you.
What’s your favorite part of Mickey’s day aboard Disney Cruise Line?
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The Disney Dream Ship Horn Delights Guests with Six Familiar Melodies
posted on March 9th, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
There’s something magical about a Disney Cruise Line ship. Whether it’s the elegant design reminiscent of classic 1920s and 1930s ocean liners or the subtle touches of Disney whimsy sprinkled throughout, our guests love the uniqueness of the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Dream. And, there’s nothing more unique than the ships’ horns.
In particular, the Disney Dream features six different melodies. During our energetic deck parties and upon departure from a port of call, the horn loudly resounds – getting everyone excited for the voyage ahead.
Are you wondering which six songs the Disney Dream horn plays? Even if you haven’t sailed on the newest addition to our fleet yet, you can hear them all today in this special video we created just for you…click below to listen!
Which melody is your favorite?
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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
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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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.
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.
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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New Online Process Makes Checking In Fun, Easy and ‘Goofy’ for Disney Cruise Line Guests
posted on February 16th, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
At Disney Cruise Line, it’s our goal to make everything hassle free, and most importantly FUN, for our guests. Now, it’s even possible for you to enjoy the process of checking in online for your cruise.
We recently updated My Online Check-In at disneycruise.com, making it especially simple for you to complete the required paperwork from the comfort and convenience of your own home prior to your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Not only is this easier than filling out forms at the port, it also expedites the embarkation process. We’ve also added some extra-special elements of entertainment to this seemingly routine task to get you excited about your upcoming voyage!
You can even expect to be delighted by some classic Disney storytelling when you access the check-in page. In fact, you’ll be greeted with an original animated short starring Goofy. Whether you’re preparing for a cruise or not, you’ll love this informative and inspirational video. Check it out!
This new functionality is engaging and intuitive – what more could you ask for? We know you’ll enjoy it, and that’s only the beginning of the loads of fun you’ll have on your Disney cruise! See ya real soon…
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