Cara Goldsbury | Blog

Victorian Charm in Disney’s Boardwalk Inn’s Sonora Suite

2015-12-07T14:07:16+00:00

Disney's Boardwalk Inn's Vice Presidential Sonora Suite offers a pleasing Victorian-style charm in its 1,744 square feet.

Enter the living room from a columned hallway where an area rug sits atop light wood flooring and the décor consists of an olive green chenille sofa accented with touches of magenta in its throw pillows, two tufted easy chairs in a butterscotch palette, and oval coffee table. Behind the sofa sits a desk, and over a dark wood bureau is a giant-size, wall-mounted TV.

A muraled screen decorates the dining room whose eight-person table is surrounded by green and blue striped upholstered chairs. Off the entry are a service kitchen on one side and a marble half bath on the other. A shallow balcony runs the length of the suite.

On one side of the living area is an upgraded standard-size guest room with two, 2-poster queen beds and a bath; on the other side is the master bedroom featuring a cherry wood king-size bed sitting high off the floor, bureau with TV, and heavy gold drapery.

The marble and granite master bathroom comes with double sink, separate shower, oversized tub, and separate commode area, all highlighted with lovely mosaic tile flooring.

Throughout the suite is Victorian-style neutral floral wallpaper, something that may not be to everyone’s taste, but the outstanding view from the balcony is an all-encompassing panorama of Crescent Lake.

I do like the story behind the suite’s name: Sonora Carver was a woman who had a diving-horse act in the 1920s at the Atlantic City Boardwalk, plunging 40 feet on the back of a horse to land in a tank of water.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Disney Vacations and The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World Resort. She is Chief Executive Concierge at Glass Slipper Concierge®, a travel agency specializing in Disney vacations, and has appeared as a leading Disney expert on two Travel Channel specials, Disney Splurge! and Disney Royalty. She has also been cited numerous times in national news articles, in such notable publications as Forbes Traveler, as an expert on the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Soar to New Heights in Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s 14th Floor Suites

2015-10-15T14:35:37+00:00

Walt Disney World_® Resort's lofty suites on Disney's Contemporary Resort's 14th floor come with spectacular views and minimalistic luxury. One-bedroom Suites offer 1,428 square feet with either a Bay Lake sunrise view or a Magic Kingdom fireworks view, both of which have their virtues. And for larger groups a standard-type guest room can be added to make this a two-bedroom suite with 1,892 square feet.

Enter through a foyer with a metal wall hanging into the living room filled with creamy white furnishings including a queen-size sleeper sofa, round coffee table, desk, and two occasional chairs with, strangely enough, tree stump side tables.

Mounted on the wall is an oversized flat-screen TV, and outside is a nice, deep balcony the length of the living area.

A sofa table and lofty contemporary floor lighting visually divide the living area with the dining room where you’ll find a round, six-person table and a buffet over which hangs a large piece of modern art in gray and green hues.

The dove gray and white-hued contemporary carpeting is a standout. A small kitchen, open to the dining area, offers a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and sink, and a full bath with single sink and shower sits off the entry hall.

The suite’s bedroom is similar to a standard-type guest room with two queens or one king bed covered in white duvets adorned with gray and white graphic bed runners and gray and yellow silk bolsters and pillow. Fronting each bed is a wooden bench padded with gray chenille.

Blond wood furnishings include a small nightstand and bureau/desk combination with a wall-mounted flat-screen TV. The bedrooms has it’s own entry from the outer hallway with a frosted sliding door closet stocked with upgraded robes, electronic safe, iron and ironing board.

Its bath, slightly larger than a standard comes with two areas: one with a tub/shower and an open shelf vanity with single sink, set in solid surface, CaesarStone-type, cream-colored vanity with a perfectly backlit vanity mirror; the other with a commode and small sink. Off the bedroom is another balcony.

Do consider these suites when a fantastic view, large living spaces, and sense of magic are your top priorities.

Table With a View

2015-07-24T19:08:28+00:00

What’s better than a great meal with a great view? In fact, Disney has some of the best to offer. Here are few to contemplate:

California Grill; Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The drop-dead-gorgeous setting on the 15th floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort enjoys Disney’s best view—period. From its lofty heights diners can see the Magic Kingdom® Park, the sparkling Seven Seas Lagoon, and, best of all, Wishes fireworks.

Sanaa; Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

This charmer of a restaurant has the advantage of full-length picture windows overlooking the savanna with views of the resort’s grasslands filled with hundreds of roaming exotic animals.

Capa; Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

This lovely restaurant, located at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando within Golden Oaks at Walt Disney World Resort, has spectacular views on offer. From its lofty perch on the 17th floor, guests can partake in not only the restaurant’s Spanish-influenced cuisine, but also the sweeping views and evening fireworks.

La Hacienda de San Angel; Epcot®

La Hacienda has the advantage of a prime location on the World Showcase Lagoon. Here you’ll find excellent, traditionally-made Mexican food and, if luck has it, a prime view of Epcot’s nighttime spectacular, Illuminations.

Fulton’s; Downtown Disney® Area, Walt Disney World Resort

Dine on fresh seafood in a docked Mississippi riverboat either outdoors under the stars or indoor dining, but if it’s prime seating you want, ask to sit in the bow of the boat for perfect sunset views.

Ariel’s Grotto; Disney California Adventure® Park

There’s outdoor seating if you so desire with fantastic views of Paradise Pier along with a parade of Disney princesses during your meal.

Napa Rose; Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa

If you love a view of kitchen action, consider the restaurant’s Chef’s Counter accommodating up to eight people with two seatings per evening. At the counter are three menu options: the regular dining room menu, a four-course Vintner’s Table pre-fixe menu that changes weekly . . . or simply have Chef prepare a multi-course meal according to his whim and your taste. Feel free to chat up the kitchen staff, asking any questions that might come to mind.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Disney Vacations and The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World Resort. She is Chief Executive Concierge at Glass Slipper Concierge®, a travel agency specializing in Disney vacations, and has appeared as a leading Disney expert on two Travel Channel specials, Disney Splurge! and Disney Royalty. She has also been cited numerous times in national news articles, in such notable publications as Forbes Traveler, as an expert on the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Bath Time Disney-fied

2015-05-26T22:58:27+00:00

There are some incredible baths to enjoy at Disney resorts, particularly in their famed Signature Suites. After a long day at the parks or on the beach, throw in some bubble bath, lie back, and just relax. Here are the best of the best.

Adventureland Suite, Disneyland_® Hotel

Here, in this exciting Disneyland_® Resort suite, you’ll find a claw foot tub right in the middle of the safari-style master bedroom surrounded by expedition helmets and explorer maps, a four-poster king bed draped in mosquito netting, slate floor covered with Oriental rugs, crocodile-stamped leather easy chairs, and luggage-style end tables! And if you get tired of soaking here, head to the suite’s rock-lined steam/rain shower/whirlpool tub complete with rain forest sound effects.

Big Thunder Suite, Disneyland Hotel

As sensational as this suite is, it’s the master bath that really stands out. Enter through a sliding barn door to find a freestanding copper tub set in a stone surround alcove, pebble-lined steam shower, above-counter copper sinks, and a TV concealed within the vanity mirror.

Fairy Tale Suite, Disneyland Hotel

In this romantic suite sleeping only two is a massive white marble bath featuring a mosaic of Sleeping Beauty Castle spread over a fantasy whirlpool tub flanked by Corinthian columns. Shooting stars twinkle above double sinks with a makeup vanity nestled in-between; mosaics adorn the marble flooring; a luxurious steam shower is encased in frosted glass; and a separate room houses the bidet and commode. To top it all off, the vanity mirror disguises a built-in, almost magical TV.

Royal Assante Suite, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

At Disney’s version of an African safari lodge is one of the grandest suites at Walt Disney World_® Resort with panoramic views of the main savanna teeming with exotic wildlife. It’s master bath offers a delicious freestanding soaking tub set below arched ceilings just off the master bedroom with its mosquito net-draped king bed composed of tree trunks.

Lei Hulu Suite, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

This contemporary Vice-Presidential suite comes not only with the beauty of Hawaii, but with a master bath to write home about. Aquatically themed with Italian mosaic tile covering the walls and floor, there is an wet area with whirlpool tub and steam shower featuring body jets and rain showerhead.

‘Ahu ‘Ula Suite, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Exotically decorated in lush King Kamehameha red and gold tones, Aulani’s Presidential Suite’s bath features lava flagstone and mosaic flooring, a large steam shower with rain head, and a freestanding bathtub that looks out on the bedroom through a large picture window.

It’s All in the Details - Disney Details, That Is

2015-05-26T21:42:14+00:00

A stay at a Disney Resort always proves to be quite fascinating. But it’s the little details that make the difference. Here are a few of my favorites:

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Geyser

On the shore of Bay Lake, the resort’s very own re-created geyser, surrounded by a steaming expanse of geothermal activity, erupts at the top of every hour from early morning to late night. Take an after-dark stroll when the waterfall is lit and the scenery is even more spectacular.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Safari Guides

While the air pulsates to the beat of African drums, “safari guides” staff several viewing areas located throughout the resort to help in identifying wildlife and to communicate interesting information about the animals on the savanna.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s Monorail

Whoever conceived of the notion to run the Monorail right smack dab through the heart of the resort’s Grand Canyon Concourse was brilliant. Pretty darn magical!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa’s Entertainment

Guests’ preferred gathering spot here is the soaring five-story Grand Lobby topped with stained-glass cupolas and massive filigreed chandeliers. Strewn with potted palms, cushy seating, and extravagant flower arrangements, it’s at its liveliest in the late afternoon and evening hours when entertainment rotates between a relaxing piano player and a dynamic “big” band.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa’s Lobby

Three carved ki’i (“tiki” elsewhere in Polynesia) grace the entry of the lobby where twin pools of water in lava rock represent the balance of the feminine and masculine side of the resort—one calm and gently flowing, the other wilder with rushing water through large boulders. Arched ceilings supported by massive timbers illuminated with clusters of basket lighting soar overhead, and a story-telling mural of Hawaiian life wraps high above the flagstone flooring.

Disneyland® Hotel Signature Suite’s Sound Effects

The Signature Suites’ at Disneyland Hotel offer some pretty cool sound effects. Don’t jump when the doorbell rings in the Adventureland Suite—it’s only the sound of drums in deepest, darkest Africa! The Big Thunder Suite has a doorbell that rings like the howl of a wolf and a foyer with sounds effects from a runaway mine train. The whimsical Pirates of the Caribbean Suite’s doorbell (are you catching on that doorbells are a big thing here?) rings with “Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life For Me.” Tough enough to get this ditty out of your head after a ride on the Disneyland Park attraction, even tougher when the kids are ringing it over and over again! And who greets you on arrival at the Fairy Tale Suite? None other than Tinker Bell with a sprinkling of pixie dust in the suite’s entry hall!

Grand Entrances á la Disney

2015-03-11T12:49:51+00:00

All of the beautifully themed Disney resorts evoke a positive response upon entering the lobby. But some of them make you giddy with delight, maybe even causing an involuntary “WOW”.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Teddy Roosevelt would exclaim “bully” to Walt Disney World® Resort’s dramatic depiction of an early 1900s national park lodge. I challenge you to keep your jaw from dropping open on your first encounter with its awesome eight-story lobby. Celebrating the grandeur of the National Parks of American’s Northwest, it’s a marvel where walls of split logs and rugged rock surround the huge, open expanse filled with oversize leather chairs and Native American crafts of beaded moccasins, feathered headdresses, textiles, and drums. Two authentic 55-foot Pacific Northwest totem poles overlook rustic stone and hardwood floors topped with Native American rugs, tepee-topped chandeliers, and a bevy of “park ranger” staff who roam the lodge attending to guests. A favorite pastime is relaxing in rocking chairs fronting the massive, 82-foot-tall fireplace composed of rockwork replicating the diverse strata of the Grand Canyon.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

In the imposing, five-story thatch-roofed lobby of Walt Disney World Resort's version of a safari lodge the first impression is nothing but wow! Resplendent overhead chandeliers formed by Masai shields and spears tower over the boulder-lined lobby. Safari-chic seating areas offer hand-carved coffee tables, handsome hand-woven rugs, richly tinted rattan and cane chairs, and relaxing leather sofas adorned with African textile throw pillows. A rope suspension bridge spans the lobby and draws the eye to balconies carved with graceful antelopes and a 46-foot picture window framed by branches of an intricate ironwork tree. The centerpiece of the lobby is the one-of-a-kind sacred Ijele, a 16-foot, dazzling mask created by the Igbo people of Nigeria.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Walt Disney World Resort guests’ preferred gathering spot is the soaring five-story Grand Lobby topped with stained-glass cupolas and massive filigreed chandeliers. Strewn with potted palms, cushy seating, and extravagant flower arrangements, it’s at its liveliest in the late afternoon and evening hours when entertainment rotates between a relaxing piano player and a dynamic “big” band. Because the resort possesses a popular wedding chapel don’t be surprised to see white-gowned brides frequently roaming the lobby. If you’re in luck a Cinderella coach with footmen and white ponies will be on hand to whisk away the newly wedded couple.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa

This Disneyland® Resort hotel’s nature-themed, majestic lobby is favorite meeting place for guests. An accolade to the turn of the 20th century Craftsman style constructed of stone and native wood, it features massive arched beams hung with Mission-style chandeliers and comfy seating around the grand piano. Better yet, each afternoon and into the evening is storytelling and live entertainment around the great hearth where there’s a fire lit year round.

Top of the World Dining at Disney’s California Grill

2015-02-09T18:32:07+00:00

Over the course of almost two decades California Grill has attained cult status and is consistently one of the toughest tickets in the “World” to obtain reservations. Here my favorite things are all in one place: a super wine list, outstanding cuisine, striking décor, and fabulous views. The drop-dead-gorgeous setting on the 15th floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort enjoys Disney’s best—period. From its lofty heights diners can see Magic Kingdom® Park, the sparkling Seven Seas Lagoon, and, best of all, the Wishes fireworks show.

An inventive approach to seasonally focused food goes along with the restaurant’s coveted position, and now that the restaurant has been remodeled in a mid-century look with modern touches, everything is better than ever. White walls mix with warm fabrics and carpeting in sunset colors of yellow, red, and orange, and the massive picture windows are perfect for peering out at that spectacular view. The open kitchen is still the restaurant’s central focus, but lines are cleaner and the views more expansive now that windows are floor to ceiling with virtually no interruption except for minimal framing.

Upon entering the restaurant you are greeted by a massive cabinet featuring 1,600 bottles of mostly California wine. Offering everything from boutique wines to those of South Africa or Oregon, there is absolutely something for everyone. If your table isn’t yet ready on arrival nab a seat in the lounge area or at the bar where some of the best views are to be had.

Begin with the dangerously delicious lavender focaccia served with a salty slab of butter. As for appetizers, I’m a easy target for meatballs but twice I attempted these three-meat (pork, lamb, and veal) varieties flavored with piquillo peppers and eggplant piperade and twice they arrived at a temperature slightly warmer than ice cold.

A Caesar salad was also sent back due to lettuce that tasted as if it had been left out in the refrigerator for several days; besides, I didn’t care for the sundried tomatoes scattered on top of the blasé dressing. But you can never go wrong with the Sonoma goat cheese ravioli, one of my absolute favorite appetizers ever, thin-thin pasta in a pool of tomato-fennel broth and slivers of fresh basil. Or the seasonal variation of lobster bisque; on my last visit it came with hints of squash, pumpkin, and lemon crème fraiche, not heavy or overly rich which is always my preference.

The ever-present grilled pork tenderloin, perfectly pink in the center with a zinfandel glaze accompanied by renowned goat cheese polenta (if you’re smart you’ll order a side of this for the table to leave plenty for yourself) has always been a favorite, but now it is served “two ways” along with a braised lacquered pork belly with country applesauce. The oak-fired, actually a bit charred on the outside, filet with an excellent heirloom tomato risotto (made with tomato juice instead of the normal chicken stock) and rich tomato butter is another highlight of the stellar menu.

But if you want something light choose the seasonal fish paired with a Nicoise-style salad with the fish lightly breaded then sautéed to a crisp golden brown before being perched atop a piquant salad. Or choose the surprisingly tasty shellfish mole with fragrant cilantro-lime rice studded with lobster, scallops, Gulf shrimp, and sweet potatoes. Not your typical Mexican mole . . . this dish is almost Indian in terms of flavor and spices with a touch of heat.

While great sushi and sashimi might be the last thing one would expect at Walt Disney World, here only the best is served along with ten varieties of sake. But while the spicy Kazan roll is a favorite I find it so strange with a huge amount of mayonnaise-based Fireball Sauce smothering the entire plate and totally overwhelming the taste of the rolls filled with a variety of seafood.

Finish with warm fritters, banana stuffed and cinnamon dusted with dipping sauces (peanut butter crème anglaise, chocolate, and caramel) and even toasted caramel marshmallow.

Procuring a window seat here can be tough but don’t be discouraged; time your meal around the fireworks and head outside to not one but two super observation platforms for a bird’s-eye view of the extravaganza.

Disney Cruise Line Port Exploration - George Town, Grand Cayman

2015-02-09T18:07:13+00:00

The Grand Caymans are known for tidy little George Town where you'll find crystal clear turquoise water, excellent scuba diving, and almost 300 banks. And on several Disney Cruise Line itineraries you'll enjoy a stop here. Like many Caribbean ports, George Town can be bit overrun, but nevertheless it’s a favorite stop, one that you’ll need to access via tender. The water here is exceptional, so if possible plan an activity that includes a dip in its crystal clear beauty.

Your tender will drop you right smack in the middle of town where you’ll find shops galore. If there’s time consider lunch at Rackam’s Waterfront Bar and Grille, just a half block past the pier (hang a left). Nothing fancy, but you can’t go wrong with the views or the food; favorites include the fresh snapper escovitch, fish ‘n’ chips, and conch fritters.

Family Day at Tiki Beach. If relaxing on a lounge chair on a beautiful beach is your idea of a perfect day then Tiki Beach is the place for you. Only a 10-minute drive from the pier, arrive at this section of Seven Mile Beach and be treated to fruit punch or rum punch drink before settling in on your beach chair for 2.5 hours. If you need a bit more activity then you may choose from a variety of water sports equipment available for rent at an additional charge. No roughing it here where there are restrooms, a changing area, and fresh-water showers as well as a restaurant and bar. On your way back you'll have the option of staying in town to explore.

Two-tank Dive Tour. Like Cozumel, Grand Cayman is a must for those certified to dive. Experience the Cayman Wall, famous for its variety of colorful coral and marine life, as well as a second dive site that may include a shipwreck or another reef. Be sure to pack and bring along your dive card.

Catamaran, Reef, and Kittiwake Snorkel Sail. Board a catamaran from the Seven Mile Beach area and sail to two snorkeling spots. First the USS Kittiwak shipwreck, sunk off the coast to become a dive and snorkel spot, then a shallow reef where there are schools of tropical fish and marine life. Relax later on the beach at Sea Grape Beach Club.

Adventure to the Stingray City Sandbar. If you are going to swim with stingrays an excursion to this beautiful sandbar is one of the best. Board a 65-foot, custom-built double deck, power catamaran and enjoy panoramic views and ocean breezes on your 40-minute journey across the North Sound to the world-famous Stingray City. Before entering the water you'll will be briefed about boat and safety protocols and how to safely interact with the rays. Southern stingrays live in 3 to 6 feet of water on a natural sand-bar located just inside the fringing reef making conditions perfect for viewing these amazing southern stingrays in their natural habitat. While in the water the instructors will encourage the stingrays to the surface making it easy to touch them and take photos.

A Year of Awesome Dining

2014-12-16T18:20:04+00:00

It's been another great year of awesome meals in and around the Disney parks and at sea on Disney Cruise Line. Here's my lineup for my best dishes of 2014.

Branzino; Ravello, Four Seasons Orlando

A whole Mediterranean seabass, pan seared, stuffed with bunches of rosemary and thyme along with celery hearts (never knew I liked celery hearts!) served with garlicky Borlotti beans. Phenomenal!

Oak-grilled Blacks Harbour True North Salmon, Flying Fish Café, Disney’s Boardwalk Entertainment District

Luscious sustainable salmon, crispy skinned and perfectly pink married to a Vermouth, dill, caper, and butter emulsion for even more flavor with the added crunch of cucumbers from the Epcot® Land Pavilion and a topping of Vidalia onions and fennel.

Leek, Fontina, and Truffle-laced Trofie Macaroni & Cheese; Flying Fish Café, Disney’s Boardwalk Entertainment District

A side of the restaurant’s contemporary version of macaroni & cheese gets my vote for Disney’s best, composed of Fontina cheese mixed with tiny trofie pasta laced with leeks and truffles. Delish!

Flaming Lobster on the Spit; Bull & Bear, Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Undoubtedly the most dramatic dish in all of Orlando! A pre-cooked, whole Maine lobster hanging from a spit, rolled out on a cart, and flambéed table side. Below the lobster sits crusty bread that absorbs all the butter and liqueur as it drips off the lit lobster, actually one of the best aspects of the entire dish.

Shellfish Mole; California Grill, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Atop a fragrant cilantro-lime rice sits lobster, scallops, Gulf shrimp, and sweet potatoes drizzled in not-your-typical Mexican mole. California Grill’s version is almost Indian in flavor and spices and quite spectacular.

Palo; Disney Fantasy

It’s really the entire experience here that wows, but if I had to pick one dish it would be the mascarpone ravioli swimming in a light cream sauce filled with sweet chunks of lobster.

Remy; Disney Fantasy

Again, it’s the entire experience but the king crab topped with salty caviar with a side of crabmeat and baby radishes served with a mother of pearl spoon was exceptional.

Grilled Colorado Rack of Lamb; Napa Rose, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa

Thick, beautiful lamb chops rubbed with Provencal herbs beneath which is a pool of Scarlet Nantes carrot puree rich with butter and cream and Cabernet jus studded with poached whole radishes and flavorful artichoke bottoms.

Club 33; Disneyland® Park

A breakfast at Club 33, Disneyland’s newly renovated private club, was memorable not so much for the food, although a special breakfast meal of eggs benedict was awfully nice, but for the atmosphere and the company of a great group of my Disney peers.

The Luxury Guide to Disney Vacations and The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World Resort. She is Chief Executive Concierge at Glass Slipper Concierge®, a travel agency specializing in Disney vacations, and has appeared as a leading Disney expert on two Travel Channel specials, Disney Splurge! and Disney Royalty. She has also been cited numerous times in national news articles, in such notable publications as Forbes Traveler, as an expert on the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Party at Sea!

2014-12-15T18:59:45+00:00

Disney Fantasy has some of the best adult-only areas afloat. Set off by itself on Deck 4, those age 18 and over (note the drinking age onboard is 21) enjoy Europa nighttime entertainment district featuring sophisticated bars and trendy lounges inspired by European travel. Here is what you can expect from it's five nightclubs:

La Piazza. This central lounge is reminiscent of Italy’s outdoor plazas with a vintage carousel theme. It’s a great place for cocktails around the bar or in a cozy booth for two. There’s even a classic Vespa with a sidecar for decoration.

O’Gill’s Pub. The ship’s sports bar is fashioned after an Irish neighborhood pub with an atmosphere of dark woods, brass accents, and great Irish beers. Enjoy a pint while catching the big game on high-def televisions.

Ooh La La. A whimsical French boudoir ambience with velvet-tufted walls, Victorian furniture, and Louis XIV-style chaise lounges, this hot spot puts on the sparkle along with champagne and fun cocktails. Much like Pink on the Dream, it’s a gal’s dream-come-true with a “jewel box” feature bar mimicking diamond facets. During daytime hours wine and champagne tastings are offered here on select days; there’s even a chocolate tasting one day at sea.

Skyline. Much like the Skyline bar on the Disney Dream only a bit larger, the ever-changing city skylines featured are: Paris, London, Athens, Barcelona, Florence, St. Petersburg, and Budapest. Here too the music changes by city, and the drink menu reflects signature concoctions from each. During daytime hours mixology classes are offered on select days.

The Tube. It’s 1960s London where guests lounge on mod furniture, hang out in the red English phone booths, dance the night away on an illuminated Union Jack dance floor, and sip on London-inspired drinks. This is definitely the most hopping place onboard.