Disney Cruise Line | Off to Neverland Travel

New Height Requirements for AquaDuck

As of yesterday, the height requirements to ride the Aquaduck, the water coaster onboard the Disney Dream™ have changed allowing more kids to ride. A Disney Cruise Line® spokesperson confirmed Wednesday the new restrictions.

Minimum Height to Ride: 42 inches

Min. Height to Ride Alone: 54 inches

Kids also must be seven years old to ride alone. Those under the 54 inch height and under seven must ride with someone fourteen or older.

For more information on Disney Cruise Line®, please click here.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:58-05:00February 25th, 2011|Categories: Disney Cruise Line News, Disney News|Tags: AquaDuck Height Restrictions, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Dream|0 Comments

The Disney Dream is in Florida!

The Disney Dream Pulls into Port Canaveral The newest Disney Cruise Line® ship, the Disney Dream™, sailed into its homeport of Port Canaveral, Fla., this morning after a 16-night trans-Atlantic voyage from Germany, where it has been under construction for nearly two years. Beginning with a maiden voyage on January 26, the Disney Dream™ will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas, calling Port Canaveral home.

“We are delighted to welcome the Disney Dream™ to its new homeport,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line®. “As we grow the Disney Cruise Line business, not only does this mean a positive economic impact for the region, but this allows us the flexibility to provide even more options to our guests. With new innovations onboard and new destinations to explore, ultimately we’re providing even more ways for guests to enjoy a family cruise vacation.”

The recent construction project for Disney’s cruise terminal and dock area in Port Canaveral include an expanded dock area and terminal facility, along with the construction of a new parking garage connected to the terminal by a sky-bridge walkway.

In addition to the expansion at Port Canaveral, Disney Cruise Line has also made enhancements to its private island Castaway Cay in the Bahamas, to further accommodate the new ship and more guests. From extended beaches and more dining locations, to the addition of private beach cabanas and Pelican Plunge, a new floating water play structure with water slides, the island boasts even more offerings and activities for families to enjoy.

With the arrival of the Disney Dream to its homeport in Florida, preparations are underway for its inaugural cruises and events, including the traditional christening of the vessel. Other Disney Dream inaugural events include a Benefit Preview Cruise in support of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, sailing Jan. 21-23.

Accommodating up to 4,000 guests, the 130,000-ton Disney Dream takes Disney’s special brand of family cruising to a whole new level with industry firsts such as the AquaDuck water coaster and Magical Portholes that transform inside staterooms into rooms with magnificent views. All of the ship’s new features – combined with Disney quality entertainment, unique dining experiences and age-specific areas for children, teens and adults – create an unforgettable cruise experience for the entire family. A sister ship, the Disney Fantasy, is under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, and will arrive in early 2012. It will sail seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries, also from Port Canaveral.

With the addition of two new ships, Disney Cruise Line is offering a wider variety of itineraries and will sail to more destinations around the world, including a repositioning of the Disney Wonder to the West Coast of the United States, sailing Mexican Riviera and first-ever Alaskan itineraries in 2011. Meanwhile, the Disney Magic will spend another summer sailing European itineraries in 2011.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, contact your Magic Maker® or click below to request a quote.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:14-05:00January 4th, 2011|Categories: Disney Cruise Line News, Disney News|Tags: Disney Cruise Line, Disney Dream|0 Comments

Cruising with Infants and Toddlers

Cruising with Toddlers

You might think it is a little crazy to cruise with infants and toddlers, but it is actually easier than you think! The ships of Disney Cruise Line® have all of the amenities and services that you need to have a magical experience with your little cruisers.

Sleeping

Guests don’t have to worry about bringing their own pack-n-play from home, just that favorite stuffed animal. Pack-n-Plays/ Cribs are available upon request from your stateroom host/hostess.

Meal Time

High chairs and booster seats are available in all of the restaurants on board. Don’t see something that your child will eat on the menu? Not a problem! Your servers can bring you things that aren’t on the menu. Our daughter (at eleven months) ate peas, a banana or applesauce, and chicken every night. You will need to bring your own baby food and/or formula, but if you forget, there is some available for sale in Treasure Ketch*.

Bottle warmers and sterilizers are also available upon request from your stateroom host/hostess.

Play Time

While there are many fun activities for everyone onboard the Disney Cruise Line® ships, there are some tailored specifically for the toddlers and infants. You and your toddler can experience interactive play together in the pirate ship themed area of the Oceaneer Club (Deck 5, midship). The Oceaneer Club is the kids’ club for kids age 3-12 but parents are invited to come in with little ones to climb around on the ship, slide, and read books together.

The United States Public Health Service requires all children to be potty trained in order to enter shipboard pools and spas. But that doesn’t mean your toddlers can’t have fun in the water, too! Head up to Mickey’s Splash Zone*, located on Deck 9, for interactive water fun perfect for little ones in swim diapers.

On Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, take your toddler to Monstro’s Point and discover together fossils and bones in this archeological dig. Your Personal Navigator will have times for the Family Whale Dig Program. Don’t forget to head to the new Spring-a-Leak splash park for some fun in the water!

A limited number of strollers are available at Guest Services on board the ship. A limited number of strollers and wagons are also available for use on Castaway Cay.

Time for Mom and Dad

Need some alone time for a quiet romantic dinner at Palo? Or what about a couples massage at the Spa? Flounder’s Nursery* is the perfect place for your little ones (ages 3 months to 3 years) to play. Inspired by the enchanting under-the-sea theme from the hit Disney film, Flounder’s Reef Nursery immerses young Guests in a soothing environment where picturesque sea-blue walls adorned with seahorses, clams and bubbles mesh with an aqua floor of ocean waves and the calming sounds of music. It consists of two spacious rooms, one for active play and one offering a relaxed atmosphere. Besides, you just never know who might show up! We walked in to pick up our daughter and Pluto came in to play with the babies. Another guest tells of Cinderella rocking her baby to sleep. Priceless memories.

Flounder’s Nursery is available at an additional charge ($6/hour for first child, $5/hour for siblings) and has limited availability. Reservations must be made in advance and can be done prior to departure date.

Forget Something?

Traveling with infants and toddlers can be an overwhelming experiences especially when it comes to packing. It is easy to forget that one thing that you needed. Disney Cruise Line makes it easy to get what you need. Treasure Ketch has several baby items available for purchase including baby wipes, diapers, lotions, formula, baby food, bath items, and pacifiers.

Pack-n-Plays, bottle warmers, bottle sterilizers, and diaper pails are all available upon request from your stateroom host/hostess.

Cruising with infants and toddlers can be a magical and enjoyable experience. Our daughter took her first steps on the deck of the Disney Wonder as it was leaving Port Canaveral. There is nothing like walking through the halls and Aladdin stops to give her a kiss. She may not remember these first few cruise experiences, but we sure will!

*The names of certain locations refer to location names on board the Disney Wonder® and Disney Magic®. Location names are different on board the new Disney Dream™, but it will still have the same services and amenities offered by the other two ships.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:19-05:00October 20th, 2010|Categories: Disney Cruise Line News, Disney News|Tags: Cruise with Infants, Cruise with Toddlers, Disney Cruise Infants, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Toddlers|0 Comments

Disney Cruise Line Changes Deposit Amount

Deposits
For all Disney Cruise Line® bookings which require a deposit, the amount due is 20% of the cruise fare (including the non-comissionable fare). This deposit policy applies to all stateroom Guests (including children under age 3).

The deposit requirement is for all new bookings, bookings in which the sail date has changed, and/or any bookings that are reinstated.

Exceptions
Disney Dream™ Maiden Voyage: 1/26/2011 has a non-refundable/non-transferable deposit due by 11:59pm EST on the day of booking. Final payment is due 105 days prior to sailing.

Qualified Group bookings

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:29-05:00October 13th, 2010|Categories: Disney Cruise Line News, Disney News|Tags: Disney Cruise Deposit, Disney Cruise Line|0 Comments

More Additions Open at Disney’s Castaway Cay

Spring-a-Leak, a 2,400-square-foot water playground, opened Saturday on Disney Cruise Line’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Spring-a-Leak is themed as a storm-ravaged structure. Guests enter and are greeted by dripping pipes and broken plumbing. A splash pad is the focal point, and water fountains and jets spray guests. Shade is provided by leftover pieces of the corrugated steel roof, aged and distressed fabric and the occasional palm tree growing up through the floor foundation.

Spring-a Leak is open to all ages, but is the perfect hangout for toddlers and preschoolers.

This is the latest in a series of improvements to the private island. In May, Pelican Plunge, a floating deck with two corkscrew slides, was added to the family beach. Private cabanas and a second barbecue restaurant, Cookies Too, are in the works but have not opened yet. Scuttle’s Cove, the area for children’s activities, is expected to gain a 200-square-foot wet deck with geysers.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:31-05:00August 24th, 2010|Categories: Disney Cruise Line News, Disney News|Tags: Disney Cruise Line, Disney's Castaway Cay, Spring-a-Leak Water Playground|0 Comments

Enchanted Garden on Disney Dream Revealed

Disney Cruise Line® has revealed another of the three main restaurants aboard the new Disney Dream™.

Boasting painted frescoes where rolling hills mingle with lush greenery and a magnificent blue sky overhead, Enchanted Garden invites Guests to dine in a serene splendor that recalls an elegant conservatory amid the foothills in France. Guests enter a restaurant inspired by the gardens of Versailles, which they view from inside a conservatory setting. During dinner, the restaurant’s blue-sky ceiling changes into the golden red of a setting sun and then the inky nighttime sky of twinkling stars. Flower light fixtures bloom and become bathed in color, decorative wall sconces fall away to become folding fans, wall paintings project a dusky illumination and the centerpiece 7-foot fountain, home to a fanciful stone cherub Mickey Mouse, is flooded with shimmering light.

The concept of a transforming dining room is similar to the popular Animator’s Palate, which is located on all three Disney ships. Here, black and white sketches magically transform into beautiful works of colorful art.

Menus are described as market-inspired Continental, meaning food is planned to maximize what is in season. Dinner is served in Enchanted Garden as part of Disney Cruise Line’s rotational dining system, in which passengers and their servers move together each evening to a different restaurant. Breakfast and lunch will be served there on select days with open seating. The Daily Navigator will have a schedule of restaurant dining times.

Click here to book your vacation on board the brand new Disney Dream™
scheduled to start sailing early 2011.

*Images Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art, actual construction may vary

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:35-05:00July 7th, 2010|Categories: Disney Cruise Line News, Disney News|Tags: Disney Cruise Dining, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Dream, Disney Dream Dining, Disney Dream Enchanted Garden|0 Comments

Hidden Mickeys

What is a Hidden Mickey? A Hidden Mickey is a representation of Mickey Mouse that has been inserted subtly at the Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort, and on the Disney Cruise Line®. The Hidden Mickeys are placed by the Imagineers and artists to blend into the designs of attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other areas.

Hidden Mickey on Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

Three drum heads make up the Hidden Mickey on the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros attraction in the Mexico Pavilion.

Hidden Mickeys started in the late 1980’s in Epcot® as an inside joke among the Imagineers. Some historians believe in that Hidden Mickeys were born as the Imagineers were designing Epcot® in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. At that time, Disney management felt that the characters belonged in the Magic Kingdom® Park only. The Imagineers disagreed and began slipping Mickeys into Epcot®! Because of the popularity, Imagineers are encouraged to place them all over the Disney parks and cruise ships.

The most common Hidden Mickey is a formation of three circles that may be perceived as the silhouette of the head and ears of Mickey Mouse. The term Hidden Mickey has now come to refer to a range of possibilities. It can be anything from a more complete representation of Mickey Mouse as one mixed in with a crowd or in the background, or a representation of another Disney character. Mickeys may be painted, made up of objects, or be references such as someone wearing Mickey Mouse Club ears in a painting. Hidden Mickeys can take on many sizes and forms.

A true Hidden Mickey is one that is not meant to be seen immediately, and is usually placed purposefully by a Disney Imagineer or artist in a context that would not normally contain Mickey Mouse. When the shape of Mickey Mouse is used as an obvious part of the design, such as Mickey ears on the top of lampposts, it is considered decorative and sometimes referred to as a decor Mickey.

Although approximately 600 Hidden Mickeys have been recorded, The Walt Disney Company has never compiled a complete list of all the “known” or “deliberate” Mickeys (whether created by an Imagineer or a Disney Cast Member), so there is no way to confirm or disprove every single Mickey sighting.

Can you find the Hidden Mickey in the mural at The Garden Grill Restaurant in Epcot? Click the smaller image below for the answer.
Hint: It isn’t the three circles that make up this Mickey. Look for his eyes and nose. Click for larger image.

Click image to see the answer.

Where have you found Hidden Mickeys at the Walt Disney World® Resort,
Disneyland® Resort, or on the Disney Cruise Line®?

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:40-05:00June 2nd, 2010|Categories: Disney Cruise Line News, Disney News, Disneyland News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney Cruise Line, Disney World, Disneyland, Garden Grill Hidden Mickey, Hidden Mickeys|0 Comments

Upper Deck Activities Unveiled on the Disney Dream

An elaborately themed interactive sports deck, whimsical water play area and relaxing poolside oasis for adults join the first-ever shipboard water coaster – AquaDuck – to provide fun in the sun for Guests sailing on the newest Disney Cruise Line® ship, the Disney Dream™. These additions offer new experiences for Guests of all ages.

Goofy’s Sports Deck

The magic tees off on Goofy’s Sports Deck, located on Deck 13, with Goofy’s Golf – a miniature golf course where “lessons” featuring Goofy and his son, Max, lead your Clients through nine themed holes of wacky fun. Each hole offers special golf instructions – with a goofy twist.

Guests can choose to use the Goofy or Max tee on each hole, offering twice the fun. Family-friendly competitions and tournaments will keep the excitement on par while quirky golf clubs, some crooked and bent, will challenge golfers to stay on course. Goofy and Max may even swing by to interact with you and offer some tips on club selection, stance or just goofing around.

Also on Goofy’s Sports Deck, two digital sports simulators provide a variety of virtual game experiences such as soccer, tennis, basketball and more. With the simulators, you can kick, swing and throw, participating in favorite high-action sports without the hassle of chasing the ball.

Max’s Courts are two, mini-sized sports courts for little ones to enjoy soccer, basketball or group play. There’s full-court basketball that may also be transformed into a mini soccer pitch or volleyball court, plus, table tennis and foosball tables. A walking track rings Goofy’s Sports Deck.

Nemo’s Reef

Little ones discover oceans of fun at this fanciful water-play area overflowing with pop jets, bubblers and lovable underwater friends like Nemo, Dory, Marlin and other favorites from the Disney-Pixar film, “Finding Nemo.”

Shaded for protection from the sun and featuring a soft wet deck surface, the 1,500-square-foot Nemo’s Reef is a place for children to cool off and play among colorful, interactive figures that move and spray water. Children will delight as they splash alongside Nemo swimming in a sea anemone, glide down a pint-sized water slide shaped like Mr. Ray and frolic near Pearl the octopus who “inks” herself with a mist of water. Kids can even get soaked in a water curtain that undulates back and forth like the EAC (East Australian Current).

Nemo’s Reef is surrounded by a glass enclosure, with a main entrance and a wheelchair-accessible entrance.

Quiet Cove and Pool Bar

Reserved exclusively for Guests 18 and older, the Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Bar form a retreat for adults to sunbathe and swim, indulge in a cool drink or enjoy a relaxing dip in a nearby hot tub overlooking the ocean.

One of three fresh-water pools on the Disney Dream, Quiet Cove Pool features varying depths for taking a dip, sunbathing in comfort and enjoying a poolside cocktail. Featuring a series of connected circular pools, this area includes a four-foot-deep plunge pool, and a six-inch-deep sunbathing pool with built-in loungers and a mister. Guests also can splash up to Cove Bar, which is part of the pool, and sip a refreshing beverage.

Nearby, on the sides of Deck 11, you can soak in a whirlpool hot tub while overlooking the ocean. Four “infinity” whirlpool hot tubs – two for families and two just for adults – provide spectacular views of the ocean beyond.

AquaDuck and More!

The Disney Dream will feature the world’s first shipboard water coaster – AquaDuck – which will sweep Guests away on an exhilarating high-speed flume ride featuring twists, turns, drops, uphill acceleration and river rapids – all while traversing the upper decks of the ship.

The Donald Pool is the place for families to gather and enjoy all of the activities up on deck. Overlooking the Donald Pool is the giant Funnel Vision LED screen – more than 30 feet wide and 18 feet high – showing Disney films and other live broadcast events. A retractable floor extends over the pool, providing an ideal dance floor for deck parties.

Continuing a favorite feature of the Disney Magic® and Disney Wonder®, the Disney Dream will also have a Mickey Pool for children. The shape of the Mickey Pool resembles the beloved Disney character, and an oversized version of Mickey’s hand supports a yellow winding slide that splashes down near the pool.

As an added convenience for parents with children of different ages, the Donald Pool, Mickey Pool and Nemo’s Reef are all located within the same vicinity, on Deck 11 between the forward and aft funnel.

Click here to start planning your dream vacation onboard the Disney Dream!

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:25:00-05:00February 17th, 2010|Categories: Disney Cruise Line News, Disney News|Tags: Disney Cruise Line, Disney Dream, Disney New Cruise Ship|0 Comments

Why Disney Cruise Line?

From Magic Maker® Jennifer Lennox

Of all of the beautiful ships and amazing itineraries in the cruising industry from which to choose, what makes Disney Cruise Line® special?

I have been lucky enough to discover the Disney difference for myself. I traveled with my family, which consisted of my husband, our daughters, Brynne and SeiJin, who were respectively eight years old and nearly two and myself. From the moment we saw the port, with the giant mouse ears waiting for us, we knew we would be experiencing something special. We boarded the Disney Wonder®, breathless with excitement, and were greeted and welcomed by name as we entered. This would be a vacation to remember!

As part of our vacation package, we had just enjoyed three nights in nearby Walt Disney World®, and were now to experience four nights on one of the most magical ships afloat! From the floating cinema, running brand new movies, to the unique dining choices in which we were treated royally by the same attentive staff each evening, though in a new restaurant each time, to the jaw dropping and side splitting Broadway style shows, we were hard pressed to take it all in! The family-oriented game shows had us itching to participate, winning a pin for one daughter’s collection. And when my “big girl” was doing something that my little one could not, we danced to a Playhouse Disney Party, and explored the ship on our own, finding stolen moments with characters, such as Lilo, who sat and held her in a chair on an out-of-the-way deck.

Ah, but the very best part, in my opinion, was what awaited us on Castaway Cay! Never in all of my travels had I seen such unspoiled paradise. Disney’s private island is everything you would expect, and so much that you can’t even imagine! We snorkeled and made sandcastles, cheered the crabs in the crab races, dribbled ice cream down our bathing suits from the included-and-all-you-can-eat cones, and were photographed with Mickey, Minnie and Daisy dressed for fun at the beach! And there were so many activities that we didn’t even have time to discover!

What makes Disney different? There is the well-known Disney service, the unparalleled attention to detail, the cutting edge programs for your smallest sailors, entertainment for cruisers of all ages, as well as quiet areas for adults only, and so very much more!

Let Off to Neverland Travel® help you make your dream cruise vacation a reality! The attention to detail that you will find with our Magic Makers will give you peace of mind and our own special magic before you ever board the ship!

Book your Disney Cruise Line® Vacation today!

By Off to Neverland Travel|2010-11-30T11:22:20-05:00January 21st, 2010|Categories: Disney News|Tags: Disney Cruise, Disney Cruise Line|0 Comments

Behind the Scenes: The Making of ‘Villains Tonight!’ New Disney Cruise Line Show

Enjoy this latest video from Disney about the making of “Villans Tonight,” a new show set to debut in March on the Disney Magic®.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdVmcLOGq6Q&feature=sdig&et=1260636857.8

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:25:04-05:00December 14th, 2009|Categories: Disney Cruise Line News, Disney News|Tags: Disney Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Show, Villans Tonight|0 Comments