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.
Theย Disney Fantasyโข will take her maiden voyage on March 31, 2012. It’s not too late to join theย Disney Fantasyโข for one of theย inaugural voyages. Contact your Magic Makerยฎ today to start planning!
*Image of Royal Court is Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art
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