Yesterday, we told you about someĀ whimsical innovations on the new Disney Fantasyā¢. Starting her maiden voyage this afternoon,Ā Disney Cruise LineĀ® guests will spend 7-nightsĀ immersedĀ in these features that will capture the hearts of young and old.
Which of theĀ Disney Fantasy’sā¢ features would make your Top 5 list? Tell us in the comments section below!
When the Disney Fantasyā¢ sets sail on her maiden voyage tomorrow, guests will beĀ immersed in several technological innovations beyond their belief. Whether it is playtime, mealtime or bedtime – these innovations are everywhere!
New āAnimation Magicā at Animatorās Palate
Animator’s PalateĀ is a restaurant that is featured on all four ofĀ Disney Cruise Line’sĀ® ships. With last year’s launch of theĀ Disney Dream,ā¢Ā Animator’s Palate featured a new theme that offered guests an opportunity to interact withĀ Crush, the sea turtle from the Disneyā¢PixarĀ film āFinding Nemo.ā
Animatorās Palate on the Disney Fantasyā¢Ā takes the magic one step further with a new show called āAnimation Magic.ā 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.Ā After dinner, Mickey works his magic and brings the guests’ drawings to life on the screens placed throughout the restaurant.Ā Mickey leads the guestsā 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.Ā At the conclusion of the show, credits roll on screen showing each guestās name listed as a guest animator. At the end of dinner, guestsā 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 LineĀ®Ā the āIngenious Use of Technologyā award for the āAnimation Magicā show at Animatorās Palate on the Disney Fantasyā¢.
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 Fantasyā¢. Enchanted art was introduced last year on theĀ Disney Dream.ā¢
As guests pause to admire an individual piece of Enchanted Art, it magically comes alive.Ā 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 ārecognizesā 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.Ā Here is just a sample of some of the Enchanted Art new to the Disney Fantasyā¢:
Midship Detective Agency –Ā Muppets Adventure Game
Midship Detective AgencyĀ was another innovation that was launched with theĀ Disney Dreamā¢. On theĀ Disney Fantasyā¢, 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 itās time to raise the curtain and light the lights on the Muppetsā big show.Ā Each game features several possible endings and multiple randomized events ā so each time a guest plays, they have a different adventure.
Living Characters
In Disneyās Oceaneer Club and Disneyās Oceaneer Lab youth areas, Disney characters come to life and interact with children in one-of-a-kind experiences.Ā Crush from the Disneyā¢Pixar motion picture āFinding Nemoā and Stitch from the motion picture āLilo & Stitchā appear on a 103-inch plasma screen.Ā The characters chat, play and joke with kids in live, unrehearsed, personalized conversations, using sophisticated, voice-activated animation. These youth areas also feature aĀ Magic PlayFloor, a cruise industry first that blends the latest in gaming technology with Disneyās 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 Dreamā¢,Ā the Disney Fantasyā¢Ā carries on the spirit of innovation with a cruise industry first for all 150 inside staterooms ā a āwindowā to the world with a real-time view outside the ship.Ā 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 ā port or starboard – forward, midship or aft.Ā New Magical Porthole animations that are exclusive to the Disney Fantasyā¢Ā include a swinging Rapunzel from āTangled,ā a waving Mr. Potato Head from āToy Story,ā and Scuttle and Flounder from āThe Little Mermaidā peeking in as they fly by.
Skyline
On the Disney Fantasyā¢, adult guests step into a world thatās all their own at Europa ā 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 āwindows to the worldā 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 Fantasyā¢Ā or to book a vacation, contact your Magic Maker. Bookings for sailings onboard all four ofĀ Disney Cruise Line’sĀ® 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 excitementā¦it was a true celebration Disney Cruise LineĀ® style for their newest cruise ship, the Disney Fantasyā¢.
On March 1st, 2012, for the first time ever, New York City played host to the Christening of Disney Cruise LineāsĀ® newest cruise ship the Disney Fantasyā¢.Ā Magical Pier 88 will be the port for the outgoing cruises on the Disney MagicĀ®Ā this summer and fall.
We started our adventure by picking up our credentials which included the eveningās itinerary as well as our dining ārotation.ā 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 LineĀ® cast members welcoming us with appetizers and champagne but the most thrilling feeling was seeing everyoneās excitement in being there for this amazing event.
We were soon called to the Walt Disney Theater where we were entertained by Disney Fantasyāsā¢ entertainment cast who gave us a highlight of the wonderful shows that will be appearing on the Disney Fantasyā¢; Aladdin (from DisneylandĀ® Resort), Believe (from Disney Dreamā¢), and a new production just for Disney Fantasyā¢, 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 ofĀ 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 roomā¦.it was definitely a moment I will never forget.and the Godmother of the Disney Fantasyā¢, Mariah Carey. Mariahās husband Nick Canon and Minnie took over the duty outside the ship and we started the countdownā¦
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 Fantasyāsā¢ 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 CrĆØme Brulee and Mini Lava Cake was proof of the wonderful menus that await those cruising on the Disney Fantasyā¢.
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 spaā¦can we say that who would want to never leave this wonderful place. We toured the Disneyās Oceaneer Club and Disneyās Oceaneer Lab, Vibe and Edgeā¦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 closeā¦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 Fantasyā¢.
*Image of Royal Court is Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art
This afternoon, Lady Liberty was one of the first to get aĀ glimpse at Disney Cruise Line’sĀ®Ā newest ship.Ā After traveling nearly 3,800 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, the Disney Fantasyā¢ Cruise ShipĀ made it to New York City. Ā The Disney Fantasyā¢Ā 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 WorldĀ®Ā Resort
DisneylandĀ®Ā Resort
Disney Cruise LineĀ®
Yesterday, a traditional maritime ceremony transferred possession of the Disney Fantasyā¢ from the Meyer Werft shipyard to Disney Cruise LineĀ®. This ceremony puts the Disney Fantasy’sā¢Ā construction behind as she nears her maiden voyage on March 31, 2012.
āToday we celebrate the culmination of a wonderful partnership, as we take possession of the Disney Fantasyā¢Ā 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,ā said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise LineĀ®.Ā āWe are eagerly anticipating our guests, who will experience storytelling in enchanting new ways onboard the Disney Fantasyā¢Ā while making magical memories that will last a lifetime.ā
The Disney Fantasyā¢Ā 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.Ā Captain Tom Forberg will be at the helm of the Disney Fantasyā¢. The Disney Fantasyā¢Ā will be sailingĀ 7-Night Eastern CaribbeanĀ Ā andĀ 7-Night Western Caribbean CruisesĀ from Port Canaveral, Florida.
HonoringĀ Disney Cruise Line’sĀ®Ā top ratings inĀ CondĆ© Nast TravelerāsĀ 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 LineĀ® is just for families and not for adults. This is far from true! Adults aboard one ofĀ Disney Cruise Line’sĀ® ships will be immersed in a range of activities, dining, and areas designed specifically for guests over 18.
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Disney Cruise LineĀ® is currently booking itineraries through the end of 2013. Contact your Magic MakerĀ® today for more information.
Just yesterday we told you how Disney Cruise LineĀ®Ā received top ratings in CondĆ© Nast Traveler’s 2012 Reader Survey.Ā Disney Cruise Line’sĀ® 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 LineĀ® ship.
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CondĆ© Nast Traveler, one ofĀ 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 LineĀ®Ā received top ratings!
TheĀ Disney MagicĀ®, Disney Cruise Line’sĀ®Ā first ship which debuted in 1998, was ranked No. 1. Ā The 2,700 passenger ship also earned top honors for both “shore excursions” and “crew/service” categories. The Disney Dreamā¢Ā and Disney WonderĀ®Ā tied for second place in the Large Cruise Ship category. The Disney Dreamā¢Ā was also awarded for with having the best “activities/facilities.”
Disney Cruise Line’sĀ®Ā newest ship, Disney Fantasyā¢, will sail its maiden voyage on March 31, 2012. Guests can experience Disney Cruise Line’sĀ®Ā top-rated service while sailing one of their varied itineraries. Click here to start planning your next Disney Cruise.