Yesterday, we told you about someย whimsical innovations on the new Disney Fantasyโข. Starting her maiden voyage this afternoon,ย Disney Cruise Lineยฎ guests will spend 7-nightsย immersedย in these features that will capture the hearts of young and old.
Which of theย Disney Fantasy’sโข features would make your Top 5 list? Tell us in the comments section below!
When the Disney Fantasyโข sets sail on her maiden voyage tomorrow, guests will beย immersed in several technological innovations beyond their belief. Whether it is playtime, mealtime or bedtime – these innovations are everywhere!
New โAnimation Magicโ at Animatorโs Palate
Animator’s Palateย is a restaurant that is featured on all four ofย Disney Cruise Line’sยฎ ships. With last year’s launch of theย Disney Dream,โขย Animator’s Palate featured a new theme that offered guests an opportunity to interact withย Crush, the sea turtle from the DisneyโขPixarย film โFinding Nemo.โ
Animatorโs Palate on the Disney Fantasyโขย takes the magic one step further with a new show called โAnimation Magic.โ 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.ย After dinner, Mickey works his magic and brings the guests’ drawings to life on the screens placed throughout the restaurant.ย Mickey leads the guestsโ 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.ย At the conclusion of the show, credits roll on screen showing each guestโs name listed as a guest animator. At the end of dinner, guestsโ 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 Lineยฎย the โIngenious Use of Technologyโ award for the โAnimation Magicโ show at Animatorโs Palate on the Disney Fantasyโข.
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 Fantasyโข. Enchanted art was introduced last year on theย Disney Dream.โข
As guests pause to admire an individual piece of Enchanted Art, it magically comes alive.ย 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 โrecognizesโ 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.ย Here is just a sample of some of the Enchanted Art new to the Disney Fantasyโข:
Midship Detective Agency –ย Muppets Adventure Game
Midship Detective Agencyย was another innovation that was launched with theย Disney Dreamโข. On theย Disney Fantasyโข, 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 itโs time to raise the curtain and light the lights on the Muppetsโ big show.ย Each game features several possible endings and multiple randomized events โ so each time a guest plays, they have a different adventure.
Living Characters
In Disneyโs Oceaneer Club and Disneyโs Oceaneer Lab youth areas, Disney characters come to life and interact with children in one-of-a-kind experiences.ย Crush from the DisneyโขPixar motion picture โFinding Nemoโ and Stitch from the motion picture โLilo & Stitchโ appear on a 103-inch plasma screen.ย The characters chat, play and joke with kids in live, unrehearsed, personalized conversations, using sophisticated, voice-activated animation. These youth areas also feature aย Magic PlayFloor, a cruise industry first that blends the latest in gaming technology with Disneyโs 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 Dreamโข,ย the Disney Fantasyโขย carries on the spirit of innovation with a cruise industry first for all 150 inside staterooms โ a โwindowโ to the world with a real-time view outside the ship.ย 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 โ port or starboard – forward, midship or aft.ย New Magical Porthole animations that are exclusive to the Disney Fantasyโขย include a swinging Rapunzel from โTangled,โ a waving Mr. Potato Head from โToy Story,โ and Scuttle and Flounder from โThe Little Mermaidโ peeking in as they fly by.
Skyline
On the Disney Fantasyโข, adult guests step into a world thatโs all their own at Europa โ 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 โwindows to the worldโ 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 Fantasyโขย or to book a vacation, contact your Magic Maker. Bookings for sailings onboard all four ofย Disney Cruise Line’sยฎ 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 excitementโฆit was a true celebration Disney Cruise Lineยฎ style for their newest cruise ship, the Disney Fantasyโข.
On March 1st, 2012, for the first time ever, New York City played host to the Christening of Disney Cruise Lineโsยฎ newest cruise ship the Disney Fantasyโข.ย Magical Pier 88 will be the port for the outgoing cruises on the Disney Magicยฎย this summer and fall.
We started our adventure by picking up our credentials which included the eveningโs itinerary as well as our dining โrotation.โ 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 Lineยฎ cast members welcoming us with appetizers and champagne but the most thrilling feeling was seeing everyoneโs excitement in being there for this amazing event.
We were soon called to the Walt Disney Theater where we were entertained by Disney Fantasyโsโข entertainment cast who gave us a highlight of the wonderful shows that will be appearing on the Disney Fantasyโข; Aladdin (from Disneylandยฎ Resort), Believe (from Disney Dreamโข), and a new production just for Disney Fantasyโข, 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 ofย 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 roomโฆ.it was definitely a moment I will never forget.and the Godmother of the Disney Fantasyโข, Mariah Carey. Mariahโs husband Nick Canon and Minnie took over the duty outside the ship and we started the countdownโฆ
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 Fantasyโsโข 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 Crรจme Brulee and Mini Lava Cake was proof of the wonderful menus that await those cruising on the Disney Fantasyโข.
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 spaโฆcan we say that who would want to never leave this wonderful place. We toured the Disneyโs Oceaneer Club and Disneyโs Oceaneer Lab, Vibe and Edgeโฆand 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 closeโฆas 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 Fantasyโข.
*Image of Royal Court is Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art
This afternoon, Lady Liberty was one of the first to get aย glimpse at Disney Cruise Line’sยฎย newest ship.ย After traveling nearly 3,800 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, the Disney Fantasyโข Cruise Shipย made it to New York City. ย The Disney Fantasyโขย 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 Worldยฎย Resort
Disneylandยฎย Resort
Disney Cruise Lineยฎ
Yesterday, a traditional maritime ceremony transferred possession of the Disney Fantasyโข from the Meyer Werft shipyard to Disney Cruise Lineยฎ. This ceremony puts the Disney Fantasy’sโขย construction behind as she nears her maiden voyage on March 31, 2012.
โToday we celebrate the culmination of a wonderful partnership, as we take possession of the Disney Fantasyโขย 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,โ said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Lineยฎ.ย โWe are eagerly anticipating our guests, who will experience storytelling in enchanting new ways onboard the Disney Fantasyโขย while making magical memories that will last a lifetime.โ
The Disney Fantasyโขย 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.ย Captain Tom Forberg will be at the helm of the Disney Fantasyโข. The Disney Fantasyโขย will be sailingย 7-Night Eastern Caribbeanย ย andย 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruisesย from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Honoringย Disney Cruise Line’sยฎย top ratings inย Condรฉ Nast Travelerโsย 2012 Reader Survey, today we take a look at the Top 5 Family Activities on Disney Cruise Line.
httpvh://youtu.be/VrAp2Tijpbs
One of the biggest misconceptions we encounter is that Disney Cruise Lineยฎ is just for families and not for adults. This is far from true! Adults aboard one ofย Disney Cruise Line’sยฎ ships will be immersed in a range of activities, dining, and areas designed specifically for guests over 18.
httpvh://youtu.be/AoI1L9lLxGw
Disney Cruise Lineยฎ is currently booking itineraries through the end of 2013. Contact your Magic Makerยฎ today for more information.
Just yesterday we told you how Disney Cruise Lineยฎย received top ratings in Condรฉ Nast Traveler’s 2012 Reader Survey.ย Disney Cruise Line’sยฎ 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 Lineยฎ ship.
httpvh://youtu.be/2Fe0B-WXorU
Condรฉ Nast Traveler, one ofย 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 Lineยฎย received top ratings!
Theย Disney Magicยฎ, Disney Cruise Line’sยฎย first ship which debuted in 1998, was ranked No. 1. ย The 2,700 passenger ship also earned top honors for both “shore excursions” and “crew/service” categories. The Disney Dreamโขย and Disney Wonderยฎย tied for second place in the Large Cruise Ship category. The Disney Dreamโขย was also awarded for with having the best “activities/facilities.”
Disney Cruise Line’sยฎย newest ship, Disney Fantasyโข, will sail its maiden voyage on March 31, 2012. Guests can experience Disney Cruise Line’sยฎย top-rated service while sailing one of their varied itineraries. Click here to start planning your next Disney Cruise.