The Disney Cruise Line (DCL) Discussion Thread

[the ghost]

Good point. Didn't look at it that way, but that would be freaky. Also like I said before I am sure the views will be AWESOME!

[Mosaic513]

I am fortunate to be attending the 2011 Disney Earmarked Conference on the Disney Dream January 23-26 and look forward to getting a chance to ride the Aqua Duck. While I will be in training in the morning during the cruise the afternoons and evenings will be free so I hopefully be able to get a good amount of photos too.

[thrillgeek]

I really like what I saw in the video. I'm honestly surprised something like this hasn't been done already. Looks fun!

[ScottBrown]

It looks very tame, but that will give some GREAT views of everything. Either way it looks fun and is an awesome concept though!

I think while it *looks* tame, I have a feeling that basically being on the side of the ship is going to add a certain level of TERRIFYING to it! I know that even the rock walls on the RCCL ships are pretty "standard", but when you get closer to the top of them, and you turn around and look out and it FEELS like you can fall right into the ocean, it adds a certain OMFG aspect to it!

 

Its kind of like the rides on the Stratosphere, on the ground they would be nothing but up there they are a whole new level of frightening

[jray21]

^I was thinking the same thing. I've been on the Disney Magic and Wonder, and thinking of the ride on an even bigger ship will definitely add a ton of fear factor to it.

[jedimaster1227]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/11/take-a-ride-on-aquaduck-with-me/

 

Disney Cruise Line fans might remember that last year on the blog I revealed one of the most exciting features coming to the Disney Dream – AquaDuck, the first water coaster aboard a cruise ship.

 

I wrapped up that message by saying “we’ll have to wait until 2011 to actually experience the AquaDuck” since the ship’s inaugural cruise is set for January 26, 2011.

 

I thought that would be true, really I did. But it’s not. Not for me and a few lucky Disney cast and crew members, anyway.

 

A few weeks ago I was among the first people to ride AquaDuck! (Have I mentioned that I love my job?)

 

It was a chilly day at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany so we wore wetsuits for several solo rides down the 765-foot flume. Capturing our fun on the two-person raft was a high-definition camera protected with plenty of padding – and insurance!

 

I wish I could have taken all of you with me. Instead, I brought back this exclusive video to tide you over until the Disney Dream begins sailing out of Florida’s Port Canaveral next year.

 

Take a ride with Cruise Director Rachel Quinn as Peter Ricci of Walt Disney Imagineering describes some of the features that make AquaDuck a not-to-miss experience for our guests 48 inches or taller.

 

I’m in the video too but you’ll have to look carefully to spot me. Here’s a hint.

 

Now that you’ve seen AquaDuck in action, who wants to ride?

 

[coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=disneyparks_536_2d8z[/coastertube]

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/11/inside-the-disney-dream/

 

Can you believe it’s only been a few weeks since the Disney Dream made her public debut? So much has happened since then.

 

After the ship floated out from the dry dock where she was built in Papenburg, Germany, work has continued taking place all throughout her interior to prepare for the first Disney Cruise Line guests early next year.

 

In a couple of recent blog posts we asked what you wanted to see inside the Disney Dream so I’m thrilled to offer an exclusive peek at some of the fantastic spaces coming to life aboard the ship.

 

Here’s a view of the three-deck atrium lobby taken earlier this month. It’s the first sight that will greet guests when they board at Florida’s Port Canaveral.

 

Wow, huh? Now imagine what it will look like when finished.

 

The Art Deco chandelier was custom designed for the Disney Dream and measures seven meters in diameter. Decorated with Swarovski crystals, it’s covered with 24-karat gold plating and cascades four meters down from the atrium ceiling.

 

Some of the areas you asked to see are featured in today’s video and photo gallery, including a few nearly finished staterooms, the pools on Deck 11, the Deck 3 atrium, Animator’s Palate, the Vibe club for teens on Deck 5, the Pink champagne bar for adults on Deck 4 and the Senses Spa and Salon on Deck 11. Enjoy!

 

I’ll have more photos to share next week, including a look at Royal Palace and Enchanted Garden, two of the rotational restaurants guests will enjoy on every cruise.

 

Meanwhile, the Disney Dream arrived in Hamburg, Germany, yesterday after completing sea trials on Europe’s North Sea. She’s undergoing a final dry dock before her delivery ceremony early next month at Bremerhaven, Germany.

 

Tell us if you like what you see and we’ll keep sharing more sneak peeks with you.

 

[coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=disneyparks_539_aki6[/coastertube]

Edited November 24, 2010 by jedimaster1227

[JimmyBo]

Holy Eff! This ship looks amazing. I want to go on another Disney Cruise sometime in the near future and any ship that Disney has will be perfect. I just love how Disney ships look...they make Carnival look like a piece of total crap.

 

Jimmy "Me loves the Disney shtuff" Bo

[SharkTums]

^We're thinking the Fantasy for October 2012 (Dream's sister ship)...care to join?

[Wes]

grumblegrumble

[BeemerBoy]

....they make Carnival look like a piece of total crap.

Doesn't Carnival pretty much do that on their own?

[JimmyBo]

^We're thinking the Fantasy for October 2012 (Dream's sister ship)...care to join?

 

Possibly! It depends on the family and if we have an addition by then

[SharkTums]

^There's a nursery onboard, even more a reason to join us!

[jedimaster1227]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/12/creativity-whimsy-await-disney-cruise-line-guests-aboard-the-disney-dream/

 

Last week I took you inside the Disney Dream for an exclusive look at some of the areas you asked to see aboard our newest ship, which is nearing completion in Germany.

 

Today I’ve got more terrific photos that show a small sample of the creativity and fun Disney Cruise Line guests will discover on every deck. These are a few of the spaces you asked to see in recent blog comments so keep the requests coming and we’ll do our best to deliver.

 

Recognize this familiar face? Eye do! It’s Mike Wazowski from the Disney∙Pixar film “Monsters, Inc.” He’s got a starring role in Monsters Academy, an interactive space for kids inside Disney’s Oceaneer Club on Deck 5. The wisecracking monster reminds me that much of the Disney Dream still requires hard hats as workers continue putting the finishing touches on the ship’s 14 decks. Fortunately, photographers in hard hats have been there too, chronicling the day-by-day progress that brings us closer to her maiden voyage from Florida early next year.

 

Today’s photos include sneak peeks at Andy’s Room and Pixie Hollow, two of the other fun spaces awaiting children ages 3 to 10 in Disney’s Oceaneer Club, and a glimpse inside the magnificent Walt Disney Theatre, which will present the brand-new musical “Disney’s Believe,” along with “The Golden Mickeys” and “Villains Tonight!”

 

Rounding out today’s gallery are pictures of the Buena Vista Theatre, some of the ship’s elegantly decorated public areas and a taste of Palo, a redesigned version of Disney Cruise Line’s signature specialty restaurant for adults.

 

I promised a closer look at the three rotational restaurants aboard the Disney Dream last time but you’ll have to wait until next week for that. We’ve got something else planned to share with you later this week.

 

Based on what we’ve shown so far, what are you most excited to see in person?

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/12/remy-realized-aboard-the-disney-dream/

 

Earlier this week we gave you a sneak peek at a few of the fun spaces taking shape for children aboard the Disney Dream, which begins sailing out of Florida’s Port Canaveral in early 2011. Today we’ve got something just for grownups.

 

At the aft end of Deck 12, craftsmen are putting the finishing touches on Remy, an intimate restaurant exclusively for adults that will serve French-inspired gourmet cuisine created by a pair of acclaimed chefs. It’s the first-ever premier dining option for Disney Cruise Line guests and it’s going to be a stunner. The restaurant shares its name with the tiny star of the Academy Award-winning Disney•Pixar film “Ratatouille,” who makes several subtle appearances throughout the décor.

 

The main dining room will seat 80 and was designed in Art Nouveau style with a palate of soft greens, deep reds and rich gold. The adjacent Chef’s Table dining room, seen below, seats 16 and features a bold look inspired by Gusteau’s, the film’s fictional restaurant in Paris.

 

Today’s video shows the transformation that’s been taking place over the past several weeks to realize both beautiful spaces. You’ll also get a preview of how they’ll look when Disney Cruise Line guests arrive for the ship’s maiden voyage on January 26.

 

Have I whet your appetite yet? Here’s a preview of some of the gourmet cuisine developed for Remy by Chef Arnaud Lallement from l’Assiette Champenoise, a Michelin two-star restaurant outside Reims, France, and Chef Scott Hunnel from the AAA Five Diamond Award-winning Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

 

That’s roasted Muscovy duck with rhubarb, smoked bison with fennel and oranges, and citrus turbot, plus computer-generated renderings of the Chef’s Table dining room (top) and main dining room (bottom).

 

Reservations are required for Remy and can be made online at disneycruise.com or on board the ship. When dining at Remy, guests will skip the regularly scheduled main dining restaurant.

 

I know we promised you a look at the ship’s three main restaurants and we haven’t forgotten. Come back next week for a sneak peek at Enchanted Garden, Animator’s Palate and Royal Palace, which will host all guests aboard the Disney Dream.

 

Bon appétit!

[coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=disneyparks_553_mdc2[/coastertube]

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/12/disney-dream-restaurants-promise-magic-on-the-plate-and-on-the-walls/

 

I know, I know. Two weeks ago I said I’d give you an exclusive preview of the three rotational restaurants that will debut next month aboard the Disney Dream, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Thanks for waiting, now here’s the dish!

 

Recently one of our photographers snapped this shot of Enchanted Garden, a casual restaurant on Deck 2 inspired by the gardens of Versailles in France.

 

At the center of the dining room will be a seven-foot-tall terrace fountain topped by a whimsical statue of Mickey Mouse as a cherub. But that’s not all. The restaurant will magically transform from day to night as the sky overhead changes from a brilliant blue to a dazzling sunset and finally, a twinkling field of stars. The light-fixture flowers will “bloom” with color, wall sconces will open to become folding fans and artwork around the room will glow with nighttime views.

 

At the aft end of Deck 3 is a re-imagined version of Animator’s Palate, the signature Disney Cruise Line restaurant that immerses guests in the magic of Disney animation. Floor-to-ceiling paint brush pillars, pencil columns, character sketches and tools of the artist’s trade are scattered throughout the dining room, along with some high-tech magic that will entertain guests during dinner.

 

Royal Palace is an elegant restaurant inspired by classic Disney films like “Cinderella,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Sleeping Beauty.” Guests will enter from the ship’s Deck 3 atrium and marvel at décor including a hand-blown chandelier decorated with glass slippers (of course!) and portraits of Disney princesses and their princes.

 

Here’s a video shot over the past several weeks that shows how the restaurants are progressing, plus computer-generated renderings that depict what they’ll look like when complete.

 

Unfortunately, what I haven’t been able to show you are the terrific servers who’ll accompany guests as they rotate through these restaurants for dinner night by night, or the deliciously creative cuisine they’ll present. I know you have your favorites and are probably anxious to know if they’ll be on the Disney Dream!

 

Meanwhile, in just 50 days, the Disney Dream will sail her maiden cruise from Port Canaveral in Florida. Who’s counting down like me?

 

[coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=disneyparks_558_zdnp[/coastertube]

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/12/disney-cruise-line-takes-helm-of-disney-dream/

 

Disney Cruise Line took delivery of its newest ship, Disney Dream, from the Meyer Werft shipyard this week in Bremerhaven, Germany. The traditional maritime ceremony included the lowering of the Meyer Werft flag and raising of the Disney Cruise Line flag on the mast of the ship. Captain Mickey, Donald Duck and the crew members of the Disney Dream joined the celebration.

 

As part of the event, president of Disney Cruise Line, Karl Holz, and managing partner of Meyer Werft, Bernard Meyer, signed the official documents transferring ownership of the Disney Dream from the shipbuilder to Disney.

 

The milestone officially closes the book on the ship’s construction journey, and signals its readiness to welcome guests on its maiden voyage, set for January 26, 2011, from Port Canaveral, Fla.

 

Captain Tom Forberg will now take the helm of the Disney Dream for Disney Cruise Line. Soon the ship will set sail from Bremerhaven on a transatlantic voyage, and will arrive at its home in Port Canaveral on January 4, 2011.

Edited December 10, 2010 by jedimaster1227

[jedimaster1227]

http://www.disneycruisenews.com/ContentDrillDown.aspx?DisplayItem=edc77079-baae-4755-8f8b-4ca3f2e4e4af

 

The Disney Fantasy, the new Disney Cruise Line ship set to debut next spring, will bring to life many of the innovative features guests love on the recently launched Disney Dream including AquaDuck -- the world’s first shipboard water coaster. But new design elements and guest experiences will give the Fantasy an identity all its own.

 

The Disney Fantasy is the second of two newly designed Disney Cruise Line ships that take the family cruise experience to new heights. Sister ship to the Disney Dream, which entered service in January 2011, the 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy will sail week-long Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla., with its maiden voyage scheduled for March 31, 2012.

 

“Animation Magic” at Animator’s Palate

Animator’s Palate on the Disney Fantasy brings the magic of Disney animation into the dining room with a new show called “Animation Magic.” The dinner show celebrates the magic of Disney animation and allows families to create and participate in a whole new way.

 

Like Animator’s Palate on the Disney Dream, the venue is wall-to-wall whimsy inspired by a classic animation studio. Throughout the restaurant, pillars are fashioned like huge pencils and brushes. Character sketches, maquettes (three-dimensional character models), film strips and other tools of the animation trade adorn the room. As a special nod to Mickey Mouse, the dining room chairs feature red and yellow colors and a trademark design – Mickey Mouse pants with two bright yellow buttons.

 

Upon entering Animator’s Palate, guests are surrounded by artwork featuring their favorite Disney characters. Guests get a sneak peek into the origins of these beloved characters through concept art, storyboards and character studies.

 

As guests are seated at their tables, they are invited to draw a character of their own using a simple template on their placemat. Then, just before dinner, house lights dim and a sprinkling of pixie dust illuminates the room.

 

Imagery is revealed on several large monitors showing animated, black and white drawings of Mickey Mouse. Mickey then places the Sorcerer’s hat upon his head which transforms him, as well as all of the other pencil drawings shown throughout the room, from black and white to color.

 

Mickey then invites guests to sit back, relax and enjoy a taste of animation as a montage of memorable food-themed moments from Disney and Pixar films set to “Be Our Guest” begins to delight guests. After the “Be Our Guest” number is complete, animated curtains are drawn on the monitors for a brief intermission. During this time, guests are encouraged to complete their own drawings, if they have not already done so, so they may be whisked off to Mickey Mouse who is conjuring a magical final act.

 

While guests enjoy dinner, the restaurant’s walls fill with classic Disney and Pixar characters gathering food, eating and drinking together, and celebrating over meals.

 

After dinner, the animated curtains are opened on the screens and Sorcerer Mickey returns for the exciting finale. With a flourish and musical crescendo, Mickey works magic as only Disney can do. Mickey conjures the guests’ drawings – now fully animated and brought to life – into the onscreen action.

 

A parade starts as Mickey leads the guests’ drawings in a march across the screens around the dining room. The animation of the drawings becomes increasingly more elaborate, and then the drawings step into scenes from beloved Disney movies and skip, skate and dance side-by-side with characters such as Mickey Mouse, Jiminy Cricket, Cinderella and Snow White.

 

At the conclusion of the show, Mickey returns to say “so long” to the guests and, as he does, credits roll on screen showing each guest’s name listed as a guest animator. To commemorate the experience, each guest will have their character drawing returned to them, with an added touch… a golden seal proclaiming them an Official Disney Animator.

 

Europa Nighttime Entertainment District

On the Disney Fantasy, adult guests step into a world that’s all their own at Europa – a nighttime entertainment district exclusively for guests 18 and older that features sophisticated bars and trendy lounges inspired by the very best in European travel.

 

La Piazza is a lounge that draws inspiration from Italian cities and their decorative outdoor plazas. The bar is modeled after a colorful vintage carousel. Venetian masks, romantic couples’ booths and a classic Vespa with a sidecar add Italian flair.

 

Skyline is a chic bar that provides ever-changing birds-eye views of stunning European city skylines that transform from day to night. Skyline’s “windows to the world” give guests a glimpse of spectacular locales in panorama such as Paris, London, Barcelona, Athens and St. Petersburg.

 

O’Gill’s Pub is a rollicking Irish bar with modern-day twists. Dark woods, brass accents and a selection of Irish beers create the perfect pub atmosphere where guests can sip a pint while watching live sporting events on one of several high-definition televisions.

 

Ooh La La is inspired by an elegant French boudoir adorned with velvet tufted walls, Victorian furniture and Louis XIV-style chaise lounges. A sensuous color palette is accented with ornate framed mirrors, gold details and a “jewel box” feature bar backed with sparkling diamond-like facets.

 

The Tube transports guests to a vibrant metropolitan club via the London Underground. Guests “mind the gap” as they walk across a Tube route map, lounge among mod furniture, pose by a red English phone booth, dance atop an illuminated Union Jack dance floor and enjoy cocktails at a bar inspired by Big Ben and London’s many train stations.

 

“Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular”

A new ship means new main stage entertainment at the 1,340-seat Walt Disney Theatre. New to Disney Cruise Line, “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” takes the stage on the Disney Fantasy. During this Broadway-style production, guests laugh along with the wise-cracking Genie and the cast from the classic animated Disney film, “Aladdin.”

 

In this fast-paced musical comedy, Aladdin is back as the “street rat” of Agrabah meeting up with a Genie who grants him three wishes, battling the evil Jafar, and falling in love with Princess Jasmine.

 

Many of the classic scenes and songs from the movie are re-created on stage and some of the action even spills out into the aisles, like Prince Ali's jubilant arrival in Agrabah on the back of a stallion. Magic lamps, wise-cracking genies, princesses and evil wizards are all part of this musical production. And of course, an Aladdin production would not be complete without a magic flying carpet scene, which combines mechanical wizardry with state-of-the-art projections, allowing Jasmine and Aladdin to soar as they perform a heartfelt duet of “Whole New World.”

 

Many of the songs from the movie are featured in the 45-minute musical production, including “Friend Like Me,” which is performed as a lively, Las Vegas-style production number featuring special effects, illusions and more than a dozen dancing genies. Composer Alan Menken, who created the original soundtrack with songwriters Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, composed an original song for the stage production entitled "To Be Free."

 

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

At Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on the Disney Fantasy, aspiring young princesses and pirates receive the full fairy tale treatment with pixie-dusted and piratical makeovers at this very special salon.

 

When young princesses-to-be make their royal entrance at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, they are greeted by their very own Fairy Godmother-in-training who transform them with magical makeovers such as the Disney Diva, the Pop Princess or the Fairy Tale Princess. A variety of royal treatment packages include combinations of hairstyle, shimmering makeup and nails. Princess costumes, complete with crown, wand and shoes also are available.

 

Exclusive to Disney Cruise Line, Captain Mickey Mouse, Princess Minnie Mouse and First Mate Minnie Mouse makeovers plus special Under the Sea packages will be offered.

 

On pirate party nights aboard the Disney Fantasy, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique transforms into the Pirate’s League, where swashbuckling boys, girls and grownups can get ready for the pirate life.

 

Each guest checking in at the plunder-filled pirate’s lair gets an official pirate name. Then it’s off to Muster Station for applications of beards and bandanas, swords and scars, earrings and eye patches – all done with the savvy skill of a pirate master who shares his own tales of sea-sailing adventures.

 

After the new buccaneers recite a sacred pirate oath, they are officially part of Captain Jack’s motley crew, leaving their old identities behind. The shipmates and scoundrels are then turned loose on their pirate vessel.

 

Guests can choose from two pirate packages – First Mate (includes bandana, facial scars tattoos, fake teeth, earring, eye patch, sword and sheath) or Empress (includes bandana, shimmering makeup, face gem, tattoos, nail polish, earring, eye patch, sword and sheath).

 

Atrium Lobby – Mademoiselle Minnie Mouse

The magnificent three-deck atrium lobby on the Disney Fantasy is reminiscent of grand ocean liners of the Golden Age. Art Nouveau-inspired details and patterns in hues of vibrant blue, green, pink and gold lend to the sophistication. Glamorous and graceful design elements include a sweeping grand staircase, towering fluted columns, grand piano and an exquisite marble and stone inlay floor. A focal point is a cascading chandelier of stained glass and crystal beads.

 

The pièce de résistance of the magnificent space is the atrium lobby statue – Mademoiselle Minnie Mouse. Inspired by travel of the 1920s and 1930s, Minnie, cast in bronze and dressed in vintage fashion with a parasol and steamer luggage at her side, serves to welcome all guests who board the ship.

 

Royal Court Restaurant

At Royal Court restaurant, guests are immersed in the lavish surroundings of an elegant dining room fit for a grand palace. Royal Court takes design inspiration from the classic Disney films “Cinderella,” “Snow White,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Sleeping Beauty.” Décor features ornate details and custom furnishings and fixtures that incorporate iconic symbols from the films – glass slippers, apples, roses and tiaras.

 

An Austrian glass chandelier is a focal point, while eight custom brass and glass lighting fixtures modeled after Cinderella’s coach adorn the room. Hand-crafted mosaic tile murals of the princesses – Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Jasmine, Ariel and Sleeping Beauty (Aurora) – and their princes grace the walls. Inspired by the mosaic tile murals in Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, the Disney Fantasy mosaics are being meticulously created by skilled Italian craftspeople using more than 200,000 individual tiles, with 23 mosaic panels depicting six different vignettes.

 

With careful attention to detail, many of the restaurant’s features are modeled precisely from the inspirational films. The Royal Court’s chandeliers, chair backs and columns with marble bases and fluted tops are fashioned after those seen in “Beauty and the Beast.” Wall sconces, decorative patterns, throne-style chairs and the circular floor plan are recreated from “Cinderella.”

 

The Disney Fantasy will depart on her maiden voyage March 31, 2012, and will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). Special Eastern Caribbean sailings in November and December 2012 stop at St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico. All Disney Fantasy itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

 

Rates for the seven-night Caribbean cruise itineraries on the Disney Fantasy start at $959 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy. All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, Government Taxes and Fees not included.

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/05/fantastic-experiences-await-guests-on-the-disney-fantasy-new-details-revealed-today/

 

Blog readers…I wrote my first Disney Parks Blog post sharing exciting details about the Disney Dream. Today, I get to share details on her sister ship – the Disney Fantasy!

 

With the Disney Fantasy, guests will have a full seven days to explore every nook and cranny of the ship. The Fantasy will bring to life many of the same innovative features and guest favorites from the Disney Dream, including the AquaDuck water coaster, Magical Portholes inside the staterooms and Enchanted Art throughout the ship. In addition, I want to share some new design elements and experiences that will give the Fantasy an identity all its own.

 

One of my favorite new highlights is “Animation Magic” at Animator’s Palate. This is a dinner show that celebrates the magic of Disney animation and allows families to participate in a unique new way. Everyone will be a “guest animator,” as they will be invited to draw a character of their own using a simple template on their placemat. Later, these sketches will be revealed on several large screens along the walls to join in an animated sequence with beloved Disney characters. Check out this photo that illustrates some of the magic that will dazzle guests during their dining experience.

 

Adults – another new element aboard the Disney Fantasy is just for you…it’s a nighttime entertainment district called Europa. Guests 18 and older can escape and enjoy a collection of sophisticated bars and trendy lounges inspired by European travel. La Piazza is themed after Italian cities and their decorative outdoor plazas. Skyline is a chic bar that provides birds-eye views of stunning European city skylines that transform from day to night. O’Gill’s Pub is a rollicking Irish bar with modern day twists. Ooh La La is inspired by an elegant French boudoir adorned with velvet tufted walls. And finally, The Tube transports guests to a vibrant metropolitan club via the London Underground. Here’s a sneak peek…

 

We also have a new surprise that will delight our younger cruisers – Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! At this very special salon, aspiring young princesses and pirates receive the full fairy tale treatment with pixie-dusted and piratical makeovers. After making their royal entrance, young princesses-to-be are greeted by their very own Fairy Godmother-in-training, who will transform them with the most magical makeovers you can imagine.

 

And on pirate party nights aboard the Disney Fantasy, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique becomes a buccaneer’s dream – Pirate’s League, where we can help guests of all ages prepare for a swashbuckling evening with beards and bandanas, swords and scars, earrings and eye patches and more. If you like dressing up for the occasion, you arrrr going to love this place!

 

This is only a small sampling of what you can look forward to on the Disney Fantasy – there’s so much more that I can’t wait to share with you. Stay tuned as we continue to unveil additional details!

 

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-fantasy-details-revealed-20110519,0,1301544.story

 

The Disney Fantasy will have a new interactive dinner show in the Animator's Palate restaurant, two new theater productions, re-imagined adult nightclubs and its own princess-and-pirate salon.

 

Animation Magic, the new dinner show, invites passengers to participate in the entertainment on a different scale than when Crush talks to them during Undersea Magic on the Disney Dream, the Fantasy's sister ship.

 

The restaurant looks the same -- like a classic animation studio -- when diners enter. Once seated, however, they are asked to draw their own characters on simple templates. After a few minutes, servers collect the placemats, and Sorcerer Mickey appears on screens throughout the room to introduce a montage of food-themed animated scenes.

 

After dinner, Mickey returns with the guests' drawings, which are brought to life on the screens. The animation becomes more elaborate as the figures march, skip, skate and dance before joining Disney characters in their antics. Artists' names are posted at the end of the show, and placemats are returned to diners with a special animator stamp.

 

Joe Lanzisero, senior vice president for creative at Walt Disney Imagineering, said each of the nine zones in the 700-seat dining room will feature drawings from passengers seated there. "Everyone is guaranteed that moment of seeing their art come to life," he said.

 

Animation Magic uses software Disney created, a musical score designed for the show, and even never-before-seen scenes from Disney movies, such as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."

 

Animator's Palate is configured to also show Undersea Magic on another night. Because the Fantasy's initial itinerary is all week-long sailings, guests will visit each of the main dining rooms more than once.

 

New theater productions

 

Like each of the ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Fantasy will have its own signature Broadway-style stage show. "Disney's Aladdin -- A Musical Spectacular" is being developed and will be cast shortly, said Jim Urry, vice president of entertainment and port adventures.

 

The musical comedy includes many classic scenes and songs from the movie, plus action that spills out into the aisles, such as Prince Ali's arrival in Agrabah on the back of a stallion. The magic carpet scene uses updated mechanical technology and state-of-the-art projections to allow Jasmine and Aladdin to fly during the duet, "A Whole New World."

 

Composer Alan Menken, who created the original score, contributed a new song for the 45-minute production called "To Be Free."

 

"It's going to appeal to the whole family," Urry said. "Our guests want to see Broadway-style Disney shows."

 

The Fantasy will give passengers a second new theater production, as well, although details have not yet been released. The lineup will include a Welcome Aboard show, Disney's Believe, Disney's Aladdin, the new production and a Farewell show.

 

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique sets sail

 

Just like in the Disney theme parks, girls and boys will be able to get royal makeovers at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. The salon will have treatments for hair, makeup, nails and costumes similar to what is offered on land. Plus, there will be exclusive Captain Mickey Mouse, Princess Minnie Mouse and First Mate Minnie Mouse makeovers and Under The Sea packages.

 

On pirate party nights, the salon transforms into Pirate's League, where adults and kids can get ready with beards, bandanas, makeup, swords, earrings and eye patches. Guests can choose from two packages -- First Mate and Empress.

 

Europa Nighttime Entertainment District

 

The collection of trendy bars and lounges for those ages 18 and older on the Fantasy have been planned as an upscale tour through Europe. (Their counterparts on the Dream are in parentheses.)

 

-- La Piazza, a lounge designed to reflect Italian cities and their outdoor plazas. (District Lounge)

 

-- Skyline, a bar with panoramic views of European cities, including Paris, London, Barcelona, Athens and St. Petersburg. (Also called Skyline but features U.S. cities)

 

-- O'Gill's Pub, a sports bar with an Irish pub atmosphere. (687)

 

-- Ooh La La, a champagne bar inspired by a French boudoir. (Pink)

 

-- The Tube, a metropolitan dance club in a London subway. (Evolution)

 

"Immersive environments have proven to be popular and very well-received," said Lanzisero. In fact, Skyline is so crowded on the Dream that the designers increased its space by a third on the Fantasy.

 

Signature character

 

Just who is going to represent the Disney Fantasy in its grand atrium and beyond? That would be Mademoiselle Minnie Mouse. Inspired by travel of the 1920s and 1930s, Minnie's statue is cast in bronze and dressed in vintage fashion with a parasol and steamer luggage at her side.

 

The other signature characters for Disney Cruise Line are Mickey Mouse (Disney Magic), Ariel (Disney Wonder) and Donald Duck (Disney Dream).

 

The maiden voyage of the Disney Fantasy is March 31, 2012. It will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

Edited May 19, 2011 by jedimaster1227

[SharkTums]

Awesome new details on the new ship!

 

Feeling really good about waiting on Dream for Fantasy right now!

[jedimaster1227]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/11/introducing-new-stars-on-the-disney-fantasy-the-muppets/

 

Fresh off their starring role in Disney’s “The Muppets,” Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie and Animal are getting ready for their next great adventure, taking place on the Disney Fantasy!

 

The Muppets are the stars of a new adventure game, “The Case of the Stolen Show,” which takes guests on an interactive quest around the ship via more than a dozen pieces of Enchanted Art and physical clues.

 

The goal of the game is to help the Muppets find their missing props so they can take the stage for a big performance. Guided by a map and using a unique game card that is held up in front of select pieces of Enchanted Art, guests unveil clues that help find the missing props.

 

Take a look at these behind-the-scenes shots of Kermit and the some of the other Muppets on set as they begin filming for this game.

 

The Muppets Adventure Game isn’t the only new element associated with our Enchanted Art collection on the Disney Fantasy. Check back on the Disney Parks Blog Thursday for a sneak peek at some of the magical pieces that will make their debut on this ship’s maiden voyage in March!

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/12/new-enchanted-art-will-magically-come-alive-on-the-disney-fantasy/

 

Earlier this week I told you about the new Muppets Adventure Game using Enchanted Art on the Disney Fantasy. Today I want to give you the first-ever look at some of the other Enchanted Art guests will enjoy.

 

One of my favorite new pieces is “Pinkie Daisy” featuring Daisy Duck inspired by Thomas Lawrence’s famous painting “Sarah Barrett Moulton: Pinkie.” Play the video below to see how the artwork magically comes alive.

 

This magical art appears like other hanging art pieces around the ship, but it is actually a framed LCD screen that utilizes technology to create special effects, “recognizing” a guest is present and activating several seconds of animation.

 

Some examples of other Enchanted Art new to the Disney Fantasy include:

• Dual circus art posters featuring Dumbo and Timothy Q. Mouse flying from one frame into the other – a nod to the Disney Fantasy stern characters.
  
• Walt Disney animating three new clips that spring from his sketch pad, featuring the Fab Five: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Pluto.
  
• Scenes from Disney’s classic animated film “Fantasia” depicting dancing fairies set to “Nutcracker Suite” and a frolicking unicorn and satyr set to “The Pastoral Symphony”.
  
• Fanciful animations of “Alice in Wonderland” inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s artwork.

 

Which of these new masterpieces on the Disney Fantasy matches your art taste most?

 

[jedimaster1227]

http://dclnews.com/2012/01/disney-cruise-line-unveils-new-itineraries-and-ports-for-2013/

 

In 2013, Disney Cruise Line will offer new itineraries, including an expanded portfolio of European cruises with new destinations such as Venice, Italy, and the Greek Isles. In addition, Disney Cruise Line will utilize a second homeport in Florida, with Caribbean sailings departing from the Port of Miami for the first time.

 

With the addition of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy to the fleet of cruise ships, Disney Cruise Line is able to take more families to more destinations around the world. Disney Cruise Line has always catered to the unique vacation needs of families, and next year will be enhancing the cruise options for guests — whether it’s sun and sand in the Caribbean, outdoor adventures in Alaska or experiencing the wonders of Europe.

 

Highlights of the Disney Cruise Line 2013 schedule (which can be booked beginning Jan. 26, 2012) include…

 

Mediterranean from Barcelona

 

Beginning June 1, 2013, the Disney Magic returns to Europe with plenty of new twists to the Mediterranean itineraries, including a four-night option and special 12-night sailings in addition to seven-night itineraries that treat guests to the best of Europe during the three-month season.

 

The new 12-night sailings visit destinations such as Venice, Italy, and Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast on one itinerary and Ephesus, Turkey and the Greek Isles including Athens, on another. Each itinerary will offer a sailing departing in June and another departing in July.

 

All itineraries depart from Barcelona, Spain, as the Disney Magic takes guests on an exciting journey of richly diverse cities, cultures and people. With romantic boulevards, bustling bazaars, iconic locations, mild climates, sun-drenched islands and the brilliant blue Mediterranean Sea, guests will enjoy a world-class family vacation with legendary Disney guest service.

 

Rates start at $796 per person for four-night cruises, $1,015 per person for seven-night cruises and $2,244 for 12-night cruises departing from Barcelona for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

 

Four-night Mediterranean Getaway

Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Departure dates: July 9, Aug. 6

 

Seven-night Mediterranean Cruise

Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy

Departure dates: June 1, 8, Aug. 10, 17, 24, 31

 

12-night Mediterranean with Greece

Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; Valetta, Malta

Departure dates: June 15, July 13

 

12-night Mediterranean with Venice

Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy; Venice, Italy (overnight); Dubrovnik, Croatia; Valetta, Malta

Departure dates: June 27, July 25

 

Bahamas and Western Caribbean from Miami

 

Disney Cruise Line will sail from Miami for the first time on Dec. 23, 2012. One six- and one seven-night Caribbean sailing aboard the Disney Wonder will set the stage for a schedule of four- and five-night cruises from Miami to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean between Jan. 5, 2013, and May 2, 2013. The four- and five-night cruises have a variety of itineraries. Ports of call may include Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Key West; Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

 

The itineraries offer families magical days at sea to explore all of the fun aboard the Disney Wonder and days in port to lounge on warm, golden beaches, to swim and snorkel in azure waters or to shop to their heart’s content in exotic marketplaces.

 

Rates for four- and five-night cruises departing from Miami start at $440 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

 

Five-night Caribbean

Ports: Miami, Cozumel, Castaway Cay

Departure dates: Jan. 5, 19, Feb, 2, 16, March 2, 16, 30, April 13, 27

 

Five-night Caribbean

Ports: Miami, Grand Cayman, Cozumel

Departure dates: Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11, 25, March 11, 25, April 8, 22

 

Four-night Bahamas

Ports: Miami, Key West, Nassau, Castaway Cay

Departure dates: Jan. 10, 24, Feb. 7, 21, March 7, 21, April 4, 18, May 2

 

Western Caribbean from Galveston

 

The Disney Magic, which will begin sailing from Texas in 2012, will continue to sail from the Port of Galveston through May 2013, to the Western Caribbean.

Rates start at $750 per person for six-night cruises and $920 per person for eight-night cruises departing from Galveston for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

 

Six-night Caribbean:

Ports: Galveston, Grand Cayman, Cozumel

Departure dates: Dec. 15 and 29, 2012, Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 9, 23, March 9, 23, April 6, 20. May 4

 

Eight-night Caribbean:

Ports: Galveston, Key West, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel

Departure dates: Dec. 21, 2012, Jan. 4, 18, Feb. 1, 15, March 1, 15, 29, April 12, 26, May 10

 

Alaska from Vancouver

 

Beginning May 27, 2013, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska.

 

These cruises will combine the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience found on a Disney Cruise Line ship. Disney Cruise Line worked closely with Alaskan tour operators to create exclusive-to-Disney family-friendly Port Adventures that allow guests to best experience Alaska’s natural beauty and rich history.

 

Rates for seven-night Alaska cruises departing from Vancouver start at $1,015 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

 

Seven-night Alaska:

Ports: Vancouver, Tracy Arm (scenic cruising through fjord), Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan

Departure dates: May 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26, Sept. 2

Caribbean and Bahamas from Port Canaveral

 

The Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream will continue to sail a variety of Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries departing from Port Canaveral.

 

The Disney Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). Special Eastern Caribbean sailings, January through April 2013, stop at San Juan, Puerto Rico. All Disney Fantasy itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

 

Rates for seven-night Caribbean cruises on the Disney Fantasy start at $1,085 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

 

The Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

 

Rates for three- and four-night Bahamian cruises on the Disney Dream start at $450 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

 

Adventures By Disney

 

Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney will offer families unique land and sea experiences in the Mediterranean. Available on select departures, guests can maximize the magic with three-night or four-night pre-cruise Adventures by Disney vacation itineraries in Barcelona and Madrid. These immersive add-ons allow families to envelop themselves in the culture of the region with VIP access in the most-sought-after tourist destinations – such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona and the El Prado museum in Madrid – as well as hands-on lessons in archeology, flamenco dancing, local cuisine and stained glass crafting. Each Adventures by Disney departure is led by knowledgeable Adventure Guides who handle all the planning logistics so parents can relax and enjoy quality time with their family.

 

Families can also enhance seven-night and 12-night Mediterranean sailings with Adventures by Disney Onboard Experience packages. Throughout the voyage, guests will have access to exclusive Adventures by Disney activities and concierge service from dedicated Adventure Guides. These guides will also lead travelers at each port, helping them unlock the wonders of each destination through exclusive excursions and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Specific itinerary and pricing information for the 2013 Adventures by Disney experiences will be available in March 2012.

 

All Disney Cruise Line pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, Government Taxes and Fees not included. Bookings for the 2013 schedule open Jan. 26, 2012.

 

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit http://www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent.

[SharkTums]

So excited that they're leaving California and offering more East Coast and Europe opportunities!

 

Some of the shore excursions that they offered on the Baltic Cruises are just incredible!

[robbalvey]

So excited that they're leaving California

You had me here!

 

I'm assuming there will be a re-positioning cruise from Miami to Vancouver?

[SharkTums]

^This December they have the LA - Miami Panama Canal repositioning, then May 2013 they have Miami - LA repositioning, then an extra week to go up to Vancouver.

[robbalvey]

^ As 21-day re-positioning from Miami to LA to Vancouver on that ship would be pretty amazing!

[SharkTums]

^It's while KT is still in school.

[jedimaster1227]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/02/400-children-in-germany-attend-disney-cruise-line-community-event/

 

The Disney Fantasy recently left the shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, but not before nearly 400 children from three local schools got to experience Disney characters and a special screening of “The Lion King” in 3D. It was Disney Cruise Line’s special way of saying thanks to the community that many cast and crew members have called home while the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy were being built at the nearby Meyer-Werft shipyard.

 

As the children clamored to hug Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse in the lobby of the local theatre, it was clear that while most of us who were Disney VoluntEARS at the event could not speak German with the children, a smile – rather 400 of them – means the same thing in every language.

 

This is just one of the many ways in which Disney Cruise Line gives back to the community across our many ports of call, including The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and Europe.

 

[jedimaster1227]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/02/disney-fantasy-delivery-ceremony-holds-special-meaning/

 

Being fairly new to Disney Cruise Line, I wasn’t there when the first “block” or section of the Disney Fantasy was lowered into the building dock at the Meyer Werft shipyard, but I will never forget what an honor it was to be in Bremerhaven, Germany, today to witness Disney Cruise Line history, when we officially took possession of our fourth ship during a traditional maritime delivery ceremony onboard the Disney Fantasy.

 

Delivery is the final milestone in the ship’s construction journey and is particularly meaningful to everyone who has worked to bring the ship to life – no matter how long we have been on the project – and to the crew members who now call the Disney Fantasy their home.

 

Disney Fantasy crew members from all over the world, some who are new to Disney Cruise Line and some who have sailed with our other ships, joined the delivery celebration.

 

Their enthusiasm could only be matched by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, who celebrated the occasion with (from left to right) Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft, Captain Wolfgang Thos, also from Meyer Werft, Captain Tom Forberg, and Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line.

 

After 18 months of construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, Disney took possession of its newest ship as we watched the Meyer Werft flag lower to the German national anthem and the Disney Cruise Line flag rise, transferring ownership from the shipbuilder to Disney.

 

Captain Tom will take the helm of the Disney Fantasy for its voyage home, which begins February 16 and culminates in a March 6 arrival in Port Canaveral, Florida. As part of the Disney Cruise Line ship construction team, Captain Tom was responsible for launching Disney’s first three ships, the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder and the Disney Dream.

 

Soon the Disney Fantasy will be ready to welcome guests on her maiden voyage on March 31. We can’t wait for guests to join us on this incredible ship and experience the magic themselves!

[itsme102]

The Fantasy is on it's way to the States! A few "horn errors" included