Disney Cruise Line’s 25th Anniversary Season

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Disney Cruise Line’s 25th “Silver Anniversary at Sea” season kicks off today, and if guests are planning to sail this summer, we wanted to round out everything they need to know before stepping aboard! While the Disney Wish’s anniversary sailings begin today, these offerings will be added to each ship throughout the coming weeks.

From a first look at the character ensembles to a celebratory song, new entertainment, merchandise, food and beverage offerings and a Castaway Club tier created for our most frequent cruisers, there are so many shimmering details we don’t want everyone to miss!

New looks for characters

To celebrate the signature color of the celebration – Shimmering Seas – here’s a first look as all our favorite Disney friends join Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse with coordinated anniversary looks! While our favorite characters will don outfits that feature swirling designs reminiscent of ocean waves and multi-toned fabric, guests can get in the action with their own shimmering ensemble. 

“Shimmering Seas” song

Whether guests are sailing or not, they can celebrate the anniversary season with a brand-new melody! “Shimmering Seas,” a signature song created especially for the “Silver Anniversary at Sea,” celebrates 25 years of magic at sea in an upbeat tribute to Disney Cruise Line’s past, present and future. If guests are on board this summer, be sure they keep their ears peeled for this celebratory tune!

Themed food and beverage

The “Silver Anniversary at Sea” won’t just be pleasing to the eyes and ears, it will be a celebration for your taste buds as well! Sweets treats made just for the season include a 25th cupcake, a Mickey chocolate sphere, chocolate cream cookie, Captain Minnie crisped rice treat – and if that’s not enough, signature desserts in the family dining venues will be getting a tasty enhancement with a special 25th chocolate piece to add to their already stunning presentation!  

For those over 21, the signature Jubilee by the Sea cocktail – complete with sparkly, silver dusting and a shimmering blue sugar rim – will be available at select lounges, while a special anniversary Coca-Cola bottle, specialty coffee mug, 25thanniversary beer mug and a “Silver Anniversary at Sea” popcorn bucket will provide dual use both on the cruise and as a special keepsake at home.

New entertainment 

In 1998, Disney Cruise Line made history as the first cruise line ever to produce a fireworks show at sea, and these sparkling displays have remained a quintessential part of the Disney Cruise Line experience since. During most Bahamian, Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises this summer that are four nights and longer, the night skies will light up with a shimmering new show that will uphold the cherished Disney tradition of fireworks and honor Disney’s continuing legacy of adventure. The dazzling spectacle will be set to the tunes of iconic and beloved Disney music and will be anchored by the new signature song.

Also in honor of our “Silver Anniversary at Sea,” we are reimagining the time-honored tradition of a Captain’s Reception into the Shimmering Seas Soiree, a regal gathering with all the pomp and circumstance this milestone deserves. On one evening each cruise, guests will be invited to join their ship’s captain, cruise director and some favorite Disney friends in the atrium for a festive anniversary toast.

Shimmering touches

Throughout the 25th anniversary celebration, guests may notice shimmering touches across all five ships, as well as special décor in Disney Cruise Line terminals and a limited-time look for Key to the World cards. On board, shimmering blue accents will adorn each ship’s atrium, while a special anniversary icon will provide the picture-perfect backdrop for a commemorative photo. 

Speaking of picture-perfect, the celebratory season isn’t limited to just the high seas! Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island in The Bahamas, is also celebrating 25 years and will be decked out with anniversary decorations, along with a special surprise shimmering makeover to Mount Rustmore, a Guest-favorite photo spot. 

Themed merchandise

The Shimmering Seas collection features light blue colorways and sparkling fabrics that are reminiscent of sunshine reflecting upon turquoise waters, along with festive silver accents. Shimmering accessories include a new Loungefly backpack and ear headband, new clothing pieces – including a spirit jersey and embroidered Nike polo – and a new line of commemorative jewelry. Guests can also plan to save a little room in their suitcase for other limited-time gifts, including a “Silver Anniversary at Sea” ornament, trading pin and collectible ship replica.

All-new Castaway Club tier

For nearly two-and-a-half decades, members of the Castaway Club have played an integral role in the Disney Cruise Line story. To honor this special anniversary, a new membership tier named “Pearl” was added to honor the valued relationship we have formed with guests over the years and is inspired by the time it takes for a pearl to be formed in nature. With the launch of Pearl today, cruisers who have sailed on at least 25 Disney Cruise Line vacations will have access to more rewards and perks than ever before, including unlimited digital downloads from Disney Cruise Line professional photographers, an early booking window for new itineraries, the ability to schedule on board activities before anyone else, a special gift (one per stateroom) and complimentary dinner at Palo.

Castaway Club Gift

If guests are still working their way toward the Pearl Castaway Club tier, don’t worry – we still have a special gift for them! Castaway Club members who sail during the “Silver Anniversary at Sea” this summer will receive a limited-edition framed art print (one per stateroom) to commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime celebration while supplies last. As shown above, this design was created by Disney artist Joe Kaminski, whose work is featured in The Art of Disney galleries, Disney resort hotels and Disney Cruise Line ships.

Sailings featuring “Silver Anniversary at Sea” festivities kick off across the fleet this month and will sail through September. We can’t wait for everyone to experience all the shimmering fun as we celebrate 25 years of Disney Cruise Line! Bon voyage!

First Look at ‘Shimmering’ Disney Cruise Line 25th Anniversary Treats

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Uncategorized

This summer, Disney Cruise Line is celebrating its 25th anniversary. As you might expect, the cruise line will offer special limited-time treats and novelty items for guests to celebrate the occasion.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Disney Cruise Line and, to celebrate, the entire fleet will be welcoming aboard a variety of delicious eats and sips inspired by the shimmering seas. I’m thrilled to share with you a first look at what tasty options you’ll have to sea to believe.

As the “Silver Anniversary at Sea” draws near, the talented pastry chefs and mixologists have been hard at work creating items sure to make a splash, because what better way to celebrate than with flavor?

Let’s jump in and take a peek at all the shimmering sweets, sips, and novelties setting sail this summer from May through September!

First up, we’re exploring the treats that will be available. The 25th Disney Cruise Line Cupcakefeatures a decadent vanilla sponge cake topped with vanilla frosting, 25th chocolate décor, and, of course, shimmering sprinkles. It’s not just beautiful but delicious too! This sweet selection will be available via amenities on the ship.

If you love chocolate and candy, you’re in luck because there’s a special item specifically crafted for the sweet tooths out there at all the sweet shops on each of the ships – the Mickey Chocolate Sphere. This sweet treat showcases a chocolate Mickey Mouse sphere adorned with the 25themblem and is filled – yes, filled – with a variety of candy pieces. Simply crack it open and treat yourself.

At both Cabana’s and Marceline’s Market locations, two of the desserts will be getting a Silver Anniversary at Sea upgrade. The 3 Layer Carrot Cake with lemon frosting will be adding 25thchocolate décor and the Disney Cruise Line Anniversary Chocolate Marquise will feature rich chocolate truffle crème topped with the 25th chocolate décor as well!

Are you a fan of chocolate cookies? I ‘shore’ hope so! At the concierge lounge, the Chocolate Cream Cookie enrobes a chocolate cream cookie with dulce de leche filling into rich dark chocolate and is decorated with the Silver Anniversary at Sea logo as well as the signature shimmering sprinkles. Also in concierge, the Celebration Cupcake tops a tasty red velvet sponge cake with vanilla frosting, shimmering sprinkles, and 25th chocolate décor.

Captain Minnie is also joining in on the anniversary festivities with the Vanilla Crisped Rice Treat offered at all Cove Café locations. This vanilla-flavored crisped rice treat puts Minnie at the helm with special décor for both her and the anniversary.

Last but certainly not least for food, signature desserts throughout the entire fleet will be getting a tasty enhancement. All of these spectacular sweets will be adding a special 25th chocolate piece to their already stunning presentation. At Palo, the classic Chocolate Soufflé with double chocolate sauce, vanilla crèmeanglaise, and vanilla bean gelato will also have a chocolate 25thanniversary piece for you to enjoy!

Do you know what makes a refreshing Coca-Cola event better? When it’s decked out in Disney Cruise Line Silver Anniversary at Sea décor, that’s what! At Preludes and beverage locations on board, you’ll be able to purchase one of these special bottles as a tasty way to celebrate this momentous occasion.

For those over 21, there is an adult beverage you won’t want to miss at certain lounges across the fleet. The signature Jubilee by the Sea cocktail combines 818 Blanco Tequila, Luxardo Maraschino, and fresh lemon juice with a sparkly, silver dusting and a shimmering blue sugar rim. You’ll even get to bring home a special bookmark featuring how to make this tasty cocktail at home.

Additionally, as you’re sipping on your favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktail, you may even see the exclusive 25th Anniversary coaster and napkins showcased only during these celebratory sailings.

If you’re looking to take home some of the fun with you, we’ve also got you covered. Available at coffee shops on board, you’ll discover the Specialty Coffee Mug with a unique anniversary design featuring the Disney Cruise Line fleet and even Mickey Mouse himself. These mugs also come with specialty coffee – yum!

The beer drinkers out there can also bring home a special keepsake from their sailing – the 25thAnniversary Beer Mug sketched with the anniversary logo.

And finally, no Disney celebration is complete without a popcorn bucket! For these special adventures, you’ll be able to purchase the Silver Anniversary at Sea Popcorn Bucket showcasing 25 years of Disney Ships, from the very first, the Disney Magic, all the way to the fleet’s newest addition, the Disney Wish!

If you’re sailing with us this summer, I hope you enjoy this exciting anniversary with your family, friends, and loved ones – and that your trip is filled with shimmering delights along the way!

As you can see, the foodie adventures on land and sea are endless with Disney and we’re so happy to share them with you.

Animal Kingdom 25th Anniversary Treats, Merchandise, Photo Ops & More

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks

Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 25th Anniversary is quickly approaching. Disney is celebrating with special merchandise, photo ops, treats, and more! 

From a Disnet Cast Member;

Jambo! It’s an exciting time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and we can’t wait to share all that is new with you. Just in time for the celebration of Earth Month and the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22, which is also Earth Day, let’s go on an adventure and explore the magic of nature at the theme park we love so much.

From special merchandise to nature-themed food and beverage offerings to adventurous in-park experiences, there are so many opportunities to celebrate. Check out these four ways below!

1 – TREE’t Yourself with 25th Anniversary-Inspired Merchandise

In honor of this milestone, you can show off your love for the park with items from the new Disney’s Animal Kingdom 25th Anniversary collection, available starting April 21 for a limited time at Island Mercantile, Discovery Trading Company and Mombasa Marketplace. The earthy collection includes everything from a commemorative Spirit Jersey to a tumbler and a pocket tee. Guests can also find a limited-edition commemorative Earth Month pin available for purchase now at select retail locations in the park. All of these items add up to the perfect “OOTPD” (outfit of the park day) for your next trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Also, the excitement doesn’t stop there. Coming soon is a 25th Anniversary Mini Loungefly Backpack and bucket hat that you won’t want to miss out on!

2 – Take Your Taste Buds on an Adventure With Commemorative Menu Offerings

What’s a Walt Disney World celebration without some delicious treats? Throughout Earth Month and on the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can enjoy new food and beverage offerings that celebrate this unique park.

New items debuting throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom exclusively on April 22 include the Colossal Elephant Roll and the 25th Anniversary Alive with Magic Cupcake. At Tiffins Restaurant, guests can enjoy a 25th Anniversary Dessert Platter, or they can dig into a 25th Anniversary Earth Tart at Tusker House Restaurant.

Additional Earth Month-themed sweets and sips will be available in the park throughout April, like the Bee Hive Mousse Dome and Flamingo Cupcake as well as the Bubbling Pink Lagoon and Viva Gaia Tonic drinks. Fun fact: The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail Sundae features a white chocolate image of Kejana, one of the beloved gorillas you can see in the park.

All of these items and more can be found in the Disney Eats Earth Month Foodie Guide.

3 – Strike a Wild Pose with Friends and Family

Starting April 16, Disney PhotoPass Service will offer photo ops in celebration of Earth Month and the park’s 25th anniversary! You can enjoy special props, Magic Shots and more to celebrate when you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

In the spirit of sustainability, the 25th anniversary sign prop is made completely out of recycled materials, including upcycled sign backers as well as cast member costumes and patches.

4 – Explore Commemorative Wilderness Experiences

Adventure is out there at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this month, and as someone who loves to draw, I am most excited about The Animation Experience at Conservation Station. During the month of April, you can learn to draw characters like Dumbo, Terk from “Tarzan,” Crush or Bruce from “Finding Nemo,” Tigger from “Winnie the Pooh”  or Simba from “The Lion King”! Adventure doesn’t stop there though; from April 16 to April 23, Wilderness Explorers have the opportunity to earn a special badge by completing a limited-time nature challenge.

To experience the 25th anniversary celebration on April 22 and the rest of the guest-favorite thrills throughout the park, you must have a valid park ticket and a park reservation for Disney’s Animal Kingdom.