Yesterday, we told you about some whimsical innovations on the new Disney Fantasy™. Starting her maiden voyage this afternoon, Disney Cruise Line® guests will spend 7-nights immersed in these features that will capture the hearts of young and old.
Which of the Disney Fantasy’s™ features would make your Top 5 list? Tell us in the comments section below!
When the Disney Fantasy™ sets sail on her maiden voyage tomorrow, guests will be immersed in several technological innovations beyond their belief. Whether it is playtime, mealtime or bedtime – these innovations are everywhere!
New “Animation Magic” at Animator’s Palate
Animator’s Palate is a restaurant that is featured on all four of Disney Cruise Line’s® ships. With last year’s launch of the Disney Dream,™ Animator’s Palate featured a new theme that offered guests an opportunity to interact with Crush, the sea turtle from the Disney•Pixar film “Finding Nemo.”
Animator’s Palate on the Disney Fantasy™ takes the magic one step further 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.
When guests are seated at their tables, they are invited by their wait staff to draw a character of their own using a simple template on their placemat. After dinner, Mickey works his magic and brings the guests’ drawings to life on the screens placed throughout the restaurant. Mickey leads the guests’ drawings in a parade 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, credits roll on screen showing each guest’s name listed as a guest animator. At the end of dinner, guests’ drawings are returned to them with an added touch: a golden seal proclaiming them an Official Disney Animator.
The Themed Entertainment Association awarded Disney Cruise Line® the “Ingenious Use of Technology” award for the “Animation Magic” show at Animator’s Palate on the Disney Fantasy™.
Enchanted Art
More than 20 pieces of Enchanted Art, inspired by classic Disney characters and animations, immerse guests in Disney storytelling in a completely new way on the Disney Fantasy™. Enchanted art was introduced last year on the Disney Dream.™
As guests pause to admire an individual piece of Enchanted Art, it magically comes alive. While Enchanted Art looks like other hanging art pieces around the ship, it is actually a framed LCD screen that utilizes technology to create special effects. Enchanted Art “recognizes” the presence of a guest and activates several seconds of animation. Guests may see new and different animation when they visit the Enchanted Art another time. Here is just a sample of some of the Enchanted Art new to the Disney Fantasy™:
Midship Detective Agency – Muppets Adventure Game
Midship Detective Agency was another innovation that was launched with the Disney Dream™. On the Disney Fantasy™, the Muppets have taken over the show!
Guests are guided by a map and use a unique game card to unveil clues and find missing props from special Enchanted Art. Successful detectives will solve the crime before it’s time to raise the curtain and light the lights on the Muppets’ big show. Each game features several possible endings and multiple randomized events – so each time a guest plays, they have a different adventure.
Living Characters
In Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab youth areas, Disney characters come to life and interact with children in one-of-a-kind experiences. Crush from the Disney•Pixar motion picture “Finding Nemo” and Stitch from the motion picture “Lilo & Stitch” appear on a 103-inch plasma screen. The characters chat, play and joke with kids in live, unrehearsed, personalized conversations, using sophisticated, voice-activated animation. These youth areas also feature a Magic PlayFloor, a cruise industry first that blends the latest in gaming technology with Disney’s panache for storytelling. The interactive floor allows children to engage in group activities where their movements control the action, such as a virtual tilt maze.
Magical Porthole
First introduced on the Disney Dream™, the Disney Fantasy™ carries on the spirit of innovation with a cruise industry first for all 150 inside staterooms – a “window” to the world with a real-time view outside the ship. High-definition cameras on the exterior of the ship feed video to each Magical Porthole. The feed even corresponds to the location of the particular stateroom location – port or starboard – forward, midship or aft. New Magical Porthole animations that are exclusive to the Disney Fantasy™ include a swinging Rapunzel from “Tangled,” a waving Mr. Potato Head from “Toy Story,” and Scuttle and Flounder from “The Little Mermaid” peeking in as they fly by.
Skyline
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 lounges inspired by the very best in European travel.
Skyline is a chic bar that provides ever-changing birds-eye views of stunning city skylines. Skyline’s nine “windows to the world” are actually 65-inch LCD screens that depict different locales in panorama. Guests glimpse ever-changing views of spectacular cities, such as Paris, London, Barcelona, Florence, Athens, Budapest and St. Petersburg. Skyline’s drink menu even offers specialty cocktails themed for each of the cities.
To learn more about The Disney Fantasy™ or to book a vacation, contact your Magic Maker. Bookings for sailings onboard all four of Disney Cruise Line’s® ships are open through 2013.
by: Magic Makers Kim Marko and Megan Caceres
From the moment that you walked into the port you could feel the excitement…it was a true celebration Disney Cruise Line® style for their newest cruise ship, the Disney Fantasy™.
On March 1st, 2012, for the first time ever, New York City played host to the Christening of Disney Cruise Line’s® newest cruise ship the Disney Fantasy™. Magical Pier 88 will be the port for the outgoing cruises on the Disney Magic® this summer and fall.
We started our adventure by picking up our credentials which included the evening’s itinerary as well as our dining “rotation.” Stopping for pictures before walking the red carpet had us both smiling but nothing in our wildest dreams could explain the feeling as we walked into the Atrium and saw the big champagne bottle surrounded by guests, and Disney Cruise Line® cast members welcoming us with appetizers and champagne but the most thrilling feeling was seeing everyone’s excitement in being there for this amazing event.
We were soon called to the Walt Disney Theater where we were entertained by Disney Fantasy’s™ entertainment cast who gave us a highlight of the wonderful shows that will be appearing on the Disney Fantasy™; Aladdin (from Disneyland® Resort), Believe (from Disney Dream™), and a new production just for Disney Fantasy™, Wishes. Our host for the evening was Neil Patrick Harris who entertained us along with the cast. He was joined by Jerry Seinfeld who provided the comedy and Heather Headley who dazzled us with her amazing voice as she sang songs from Tangled, and The Lion King.
There was quite a lineup of New York based celebrity guests, including Tim Gunn, Ty Pennington, Alan Cummings, Meredith Veira, Nancy Grace, Mayor Bloomberg, and Bob Iger. After a wonderful show, which only had us wanting to book immediately we were then ushered into the Atrium for the Christening Ceremony. Robert Iger and Karl Holz were joined by the crew of the ship, Mickey Mouse
As Mariah sent her blessings to the ship, the crew, and all who would sail aboard this magnificent ship, confetti rained down upon us and spontaneous exuberance filled the room….it was definitely a moment I will never forget.and the Godmother of the Disney Fantasy™, Mariah Carey. Mariah’s husband Nick Canon and Minnie took over the duty outside the ship and we started the countdown…
After the momentous event the guests headed to the respected dining location for the evening. We were seated at the Royal Court, such a beautiful restaurant and we spent time getting to know our table guests.
The menu was a variety of delectable appetizers, entrees and desserts combined from the wonderful menus of the Disney Fantasy’s™ dining locations. Our appetizers were a sampler of Iced Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp, Smoked Salmon Tartare and Ahi Tuna and Avocado. We then had choices of Mushroom Glazed Portobello, Roasted Duck, Pan Seared Sea Bass, Rack of Lamb or a Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Lobster Tail. If that was not enough our dessert sampler of Celebration Cake, Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brulee and Mini Lava Cake was proof of the wonderful menus that await those cruising on the Disney Fantasy™.
Once we finished our meal and rolled out of the Royal Court guests dispersed and found themselves touring this amazing ship and visiting the after party in the Europa Entertainment District.
We found ourselves wandering the ship from the pool to the spa (I think it was about at this point that we thought stowing away might be a great idea). The spa…can we say that who would want to never leave this wonderful place. We toured the Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, Vibe and Edge…and throughout the tour you could hear the oohs and aahs from everyone as we went from area to area.
The night finally had to come to a close…as all good things do, but as we were leaving we were given some mementos from the night, but even without the mementos this wonderful experience was the best gift in itself. We will never forget our party with Mickey about the wonderful Disney Fantasy™.
*Image of Royal Court is Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art
This afternoon, Lady Liberty was one of the first to get a glimpse at Disney Cruise Line’s® newest ship. After traveling nearly 3,800 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, the Disney Fantasy™ Cruise Ship made it to New York City. The Disney Fantasy™ will stay in New York until March 1st when it will be christened at a special ceremony. After, she will sail to her home port in Port Canaveral, FL.
Check back with us later this week as we when we will give you all the details on the christening ceremony.
For Valentine’s Day, we thought we would share the romantic side of Disney Parks. Regardless of the day of the year, keep these suggestions in mind to surprise your sweetie!
Walt Disney World® Resort
Disneyland® Resort
Disney Cruise Line®
Yesterday, a traditional maritime ceremony transferred possession of the Disney Fantasy™ from the Meyer Werft shipyard to Disney Cruise Line®. This ceremony puts the Disney Fantasy’s™ construction behind as she nears her maiden voyage on March 31, 2012.
“Today we celebrate the culmination of a wonderful partnership, as we take possession of the Disney Fantasy™ and prepare for the journey home to Florida. This ship is the result of the superb craftsmanship from the master shipbuilders at Meyer Werft and the innovation, imagination and ingenuity of the Disney team, who have partnered together so beautifully to bring this ship to life,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line®. “We are eagerly anticipating our guests, who will experience storytelling in enchanting new ways onboard the Disney Fantasy™ while making magical memories that will last a lifetime.”
The Disney Fantasy™ is scheduled to depart on February 16 for its transatlantic voyage to the U.S., with an expected arrival to its homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida on March 6. Captain Tom Forberg will be at the helm of the Disney Fantasy™. The Disney Fantasy™ will be sailing 7-Night Eastern Caribbean and 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Honoring Disney Cruise Line’s® top ratings in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2012 Reader Survey, today we take a look at the Top 5 Family Activities on Disney Cruise Line.
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One of the biggest misconceptions we encounter is that Disney Cruise Line® is just for families and not for adults. This is far from true! Adults aboard one of Disney Cruise Line’s® ships will be immersed in a range of activities, dining, and areas designed specifically for guests over 18.
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Disney Cruise Line® is currently booking itineraries through the end of 2013. Contact your Magic Maker® today for more information.
Just yesterday we told you how Disney Cruise Line® received top ratings in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2012 Reader Survey. Disney Cruise Line’s® strong focus on activities help make their sailings among the most popular in the industry.
Take a look at this video showcasing the Top 5 Kid Activities on a Disney Cruise Line® ship.
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Condé Nast Traveler, one of the world’s premier travel magazines, recently announced the winners of their 2012 “Top 100 Cruise Ships in the World” survey. In the Large Cruise Ship category, Disney Cruise Line® received top ratings!
The Disney Magic®, Disney Cruise Line’s® first ship which debuted in 1998, was ranked No. 1. The 2,700 passenger ship also earned top honors for both “shore excursions” and “crew/service” categories. The Disney Dream™ and Disney Wonder® tied for second place in the Large Cruise Ship category. The Disney Dream™ was also awarded for with having the best “activities/facilities.”
Disney Cruise Line’s® newest ship, Disney Fantasy™, will sail its maiden voyage on March 31, 2012. Guests can experience Disney Cruise Line’s® top-rated service while sailing one of their varied itineraries. Click here to start planning your next Disney Cruise.