As I’ve realized in my quest to sail on all of the Disney ships, once you ask an skilled Disney cruiser what ship within the fleet is their favourite, odds are they’re going to say Disney Fantasy.
For years, I puzzled what about this ship (the one one I hadn’t sailed on till just lately) made it such a typical fan favourite.
For these unfamiliar with the nuances of every of the six at present crusing Disney ships, Disney Fantasy being a favourite is especially fascinating given it isn’t the most recent within the fleet, the latest to be majorly overhauled in dry dock (although one is scheduled), the most important within the fleet nor the smallest Disney ship. There’s actually not that a lot on this ship that you simply could not discover on one of many different Disney ships, both.
However as Goldilocks might have stated at one level, after crusing on Disney Fantasy, I can now perceive a few of the attraction. It’s, in some ways, good.
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Disney Fantasy has enjoyable, playful artwork nouveau styling that you simply see as quickly as you enter the three-story atrium, the place a peacock-inspired chandelier and carpeting instantly catch your eye.
It is a Disney ship that’s comparatively mild on particular character or story themes in lots of its eating places, bars and different areas relative to the 2 newer ships — Disney Treasure and Disney Wish — however is heavy on issues to do and areas to get pleasure from and discover.
Disney Fantasy first set sail for Disney Cruise Line on March 31, 2012, and has capability for 4,000 passengers unfold throughout 1,250 staterooms. This places it on the identical dimension as Disney Dream, which got here out only one yr earlier.
For years, Disney Fantasy fairly persistently spent nearly all of its time doing seven-night Caribbean sailings whereas Disney Dream did shorter cruises to the Bahamas. This translated to a extra relaxed tempo for the passengers (and crew) on Fantasy, relatively than the quick-turn tempo of the three- and four-night sailings that have been usually operated by different ships within the fleet.
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I believe that is one of many primary explanation why many Disney cruisers have such fond reminiscences of Disney Fantasy.
Nonetheless, now that Disney’s fleet has expanded, Disney Fantasy operates a reasonably extensive number of sailings, starting from brief three-night cruises out of Florida to some transatlantic crossings and even sailings from European ports.
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Disney Fantasy cabins and suites
Disney Fantasy has staterooms starting from inside and oceanview cabins to verandah staterooms and a collection of concierge staterooms and suites that measure as much as 1,781 sq. ft. The capability for staterooms hovers between three and 5 individuals, relying on the particular room chosen.
One relatively uncommon providing that you will solely discover on Disney Fantasy and its sister ship, Disney Dream, is the inclusion of magic portholes within the inside staterooms, just like the one we sailed in.
These digital portholes have a dwell feed from exterior, so you’ll be able to “see” what is going on on exterior, even with no actual window. (In case you’re fortunate, you could even get to see a personality “fly” by the magic porthole every now and then.)
One very useful characteristic of most Disney Fantasy staterooms is the cut up bogs, which place the bathtub/bathe combo and the bathroom in numerous adjoining rooms so a number of relations can prepare on the identical time.
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The inside, oceanview and verandah staterooms on Disney Fantasy characteristic the traditional nautical fashion you may discover on all 4 of the unique Disney ships (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy).
The concierge staterooms on Disney Fantasy present entry to some extra concierge-exclusive areas and perks, such because the concierge lounge, earlier reserving of actions and specialty meals, and early entry into the theater at night time for the primary choose of seats.
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Disney Fantasy included eating places and meals
Disney Cruise Line is exclusive in the way it operates its nightly eating places. It makes use of a rotational dining method the place your serving group rotates by way of the three included eating places with you. This eating association permits you and your serving group to get to know one another whereas nonetheless experiencing completely different eating places.
On Disney Fantasy, the three included eating places are: Enchanted Backyard, Royal Courtroom and Animator’s Palate.
Enchanted Backyard
Enchanted Backyard is barely discovered on Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream. Impressed by conservatories within the foothills of France, the restaurant’s decor features a 7-foot-tall fountain and doubtlessly some blooming flooring. Pay particular consideration to the lighting and such within the restaurant, as it might change as you benefit from the completely different programs of your meal.
Royal Courtroom
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The fanciest of Disney Fantasy’s three eating places coated by your cruise fare — and the one restaurant that is distinctive to this ship — is Royal Courtroom. (That stated, Royal Palace on Disney Dream is very comparable.)
Situated simply off the grand atrium, this restaurant might make you’re feeling such as you’ve entered the citadel of one in all Disney’s well-known princesses, resembling that of Belle or Cinderella, as these have been a few of the tales from which the restaurant took its inspiration.
Animator’s Palate
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Final however not least on the listing of included sit-down eating places you may discover on Disney Fantasy is Animator’s Palate. Obtainable on all 4 of the unique Disney ships, this restaurant is the place you go for a enjoyable meal. It is to not be skipped, particularly if you have not dined right here earlier than.
On some nights in Animator’s Palate, you could get to see your drawings come to life as you get pleasure from course after course of included appetizers, entrees and desserts.
Cabanas buffet
The included eating choices on Disney Fantasy do not cease on the beforehand talked about eating places.
There may be additionally Cabanas, a buffet that’s open day by day for breakfast and lunch. What you discover on the buffet varies a bit every day, however anticipate some kid-friendly staples resembling muffins, sausage, Mickey waffles, macaroni, rooster tenders and fries, plus a rotation of choices like chilled shrimp, sushi rolls and crab legs.
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Professional tip: Keep alert (or ask your eating group) for which day of your cruise is “Mickey churro waffle day.” These delectable breakfast treats solely seem at Cabanas as soon as per cruise (usually towards the top of the crusing) and are fairly scrumptious.
On-deck meals
For lunch and even dinner, you can even simply get pleasure from a range from the on-deck walk-up meals counters and seize a mushy serve ice cream at locations resembling Eye Scream and Flo’s Cafe, that are additionally included.
After the ship’s subsequent go to to dry dock, scheduled for fall 2025, there shall be a brand new on-deck addition referred to as Ramone’s Cantina. It is going to carry tacos and taco bowls to the eating lineup. After a number of days of burgers and fries, belief me, you may be thrilled to have this thrilling addition.
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These on-deck counters are clearly nice picks for lunch by the pool, however one in all my favourite issues to do no less than one night time of the cruise is to skip the sit-down meal and luxuriate in a fast burger or rooster fingers out on the deck. This frees up bonus time to do sport reveals or benefit from the waterslide whereas most different cruisers are sitting down for a prolonged meal.
Room service
Room service can be accessible on Disney Fantasy 24 hours a day (till after midnight in your ultimate night), and there’s a complimentary menu that features choices resembling fruit, pastries, juice and low within the mornings. Later within the day, a small however enough listing of sizzling objects additionally turns into accessible.
Keep in mind that moreover the primary menu, you may get a number of off-menu objects, resembling Mickey ice cream bars and Uncrustables, which I prefer to stuff in my bag on tour days.
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Disney Fantasy extra-fee eating places and meals
Now, let’s speak concerning the snacks and meals on Disney Fantasy that may value you just a little additional.
Candy on You
Distinctive to Disney Fantasy is the Candy on You store that is residence to an lovable “life-size” Mickey and Minnie and 20 flavors of gelato, 16 ice cream selections and 32 topping choices. Anticipate one scoop to set you again about $4 and toppings so as to add round 75 cents extra.
Professional tip: In case your children are OK sharing, you may get a three-scoop dimension for a lot lower than three particular person one-scoop orders.
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Adults-only eating places Palo and Remy
Then there are the high-end, adults-only eating places: Palo and Remy. These eating places, which solely welcome friends ages 18 and up, are open for reservations for brunch and dinner.
I might say that the $50 Palo brunch continues to be the very best money you can spend with Disney at sea, however any meal at these two eating places is prone to be distinctive. You need to attempt to make your reservations as quickly as they open upfront of your crusing (which varies relying in your Castaway Club degree). Bear in mind, too, to decorate up to your go to.
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Disney Fantasy bars and lounges
In terms of the bars and lounges on Disney Fantasy, the ship takes a novel method you will not discover replicated within the fairly identical method elsewhere within the Disney fleet. In Disney Fantasy’s Europa part, which transforms into an adults-only space every night time, you may discover 5 completely different bars that every one share a European vibe and sit shut to one another, making it simple to hop from one to the subsequent.
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Included within the Europa part are:
- Skyline Bar
- O’Gills Pub
- Ooh La La
- The Tube
- La Piazza
Concentrate whereas within the Skyline Bar, as your view will change from one iconic skyline to a different each 15 or so minutes. In case you look rigorously, you are prone to discover some Disney characters out having fun with themselves within the cities displayed, too.
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My private favourite bar on Disney Fantasy, nevertheless, is not really within the Europa district.
As an alternative, it is Meridian, discovered between Palo and Remy. There, you may discover wonderful ocean views and enjoyable, traditional ocean liner-inspired decor. As an added bonus, you additionally get a small style of the service and vibe from the adjoining adults-only eating places with out the identical price ticket.
I extremely suggest a predinner or postdinner drink right here round sundown for a peaceful, beautiful toast to the top of one other day at sea.
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Different noteworthy spots on Disney Fantasy the place you’ll be able to spend a number of {dollars} for a specialty espresso or an grownup beverage embody:
- Cove Cafe
- Currents
- Poolside bars
Professional tip: In case you anticipate to get pleasure from a number of specialty coffees in your cruise, ask for the Cove Fanatic card, which supplies a free specialty espresso after you buy 5. Additionally, know that on Disney Fantasy, the muffins and pastries accessible in Cove Cafe come at no extra cost.
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You can too anticipate a rotating listing of “drinks of the day,” that are famous within the Disney Cruise Line app. Shopping for these permits you to primarily get a barely bigger portion of the drink in a memento cup. If you wish to do that, then the sooner in your cruise you do it, the larger the potential worth for those who use the cup a number of instances.
Be aware that, in contrast to another cruise strains, Disney Cruise Line doesn’t provide limitless drink packages, although you should purchase packages that embody a choose variety of bottles of wine or cans of beer.
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Disney Fantasy actions
From the AquaDuck and the splash pad to the lengthy listing of scheduled actions like trivia, karaoke and bingo, you are unlikely to ever be bored on Disney Fantasy.
Scheduled sport reveals, trivia, karaoke and extra
The a part of a Disney Cruise I underestimated earlier than I attempted it was the actions scheduled all all through the day and night time you can pop into.
This consists of choices like household sport reveals, silent discos, karaoke, all kinds of trivia competitions and Disney character drawing classes. My children have turn out to be obsessive about many of those commonly scheduled actions, so that they’re now a cruise spotlight for us and the way you will discover us passing the time for hours upon hours every day.
Swimming pools and waterslides
One other primary attraction on Disney Fantasy is the AquaDuck waterslide, which takes you across the high deck of the ship, by way of the funnel and on a four-deck drop on an internal tube. This can be a extremely popular attraction (open to friends 42 inches and taller), particularly on sea days. Try to go to exterior peak instances if you do not need no less than a 30-minute wait.
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However AquaDuck is not the one water space to play in and funky off on Disney Fantasy. There are additionally the AquaLab, some small splash swimming pools, a second (and far shorter and extra little-kid-friendly) waterslide, a number of on-deck swimming pools and the toddler-oriented Nemo’s Reef.
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Broadway-style reveals
Every of the Disney ships has three Broadway-style reveals:
- Disney’s Consider
- Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular
- Frozen: A Musical Spectacular
They’re all very high-quality productions and value a watch, although word that none of them are at present distinctive to Disney Fantasy. Your present time shall be reverse your eating time at night time (early or late), with open seating accessible on a first-come, first-served foundation.
Buena Vista movie show
You possibly can get pleasure from first-run Disney motion pictures (together with Marvel movies) whereas on Disney Fantasy within the Buena Vista movie show. Actually, if a film premieres on land while you’re at sea, you’ll be able to see it opening night time on the ship, too. Whereas the films are included, word that except you might be crusing in a concierge-level room, popcorn prices a number of {dollars} additional.
Health heart
If you wish to work off a few of that included meals you could be consuming your fair proportion of on the ship (to make room for extra!), head to the health heart, which sits subsequent to the spa and is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. day by day. Visitors 18 and up are welcome.
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Midship Detective Company
A extremely enjoyable (and complimentary) sport you may discover solely on Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream is the Midship Detective Company, which can take you on one in all a number of circumstances to resolve by gathering clues at interactive “work” all around the ship. It is the right sport for youths who need just a little little bit of freedom to run across the ship and resolve a caper — although, in fact, you can even take part on the enjoyable.
Senses Spa & Salon
Whether or not you wish to purchase a cross to loosen up within the “Rainforest Room” on a heated stone lounger or guide a therapy, the Senses Spa & Salon is one in all my favourite areas of the ship. In case you go to the spa raffle on embarkation day, you’ll be able to enter a raffle to win a spa credit score and infrequently get the chance to guide some discounted remedies for port days, which may prevent 30% or extra on retail costs.
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Some areas inside the spa shall be getting a recent look when Disney Fantasy undergoes a go to to dry dock later in 2025.
Goofy’s Sports activities Deck
If a sport of basketball, miniature golf at sea or perhaps a sports activities simulator sounds enjoyable, then you definitely’ll wish to make your method to Goofy’s Sports activities Deck on Deck 13 to get pleasure from all these actions and extra. There is no such thing as a cost for minigolf or the basketball court docket, however if you wish to use the sports activities simulator for one thing like soccer, soccer or baseball, you’ll need to make a reservation for a 30- to 60-minute session.
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Characters and Bibbity Bobbity Boutique
Whether or not you wish to meet a princess or turn out to be a princess, Disney Fantasy has you coated. You could find an inventory of scheduled character appearances in your DCL app whereas on board. You can too make a free reservation for the princess gathering within the Grand Corridor to fulfill 4 princesses directly, at a scheduled time with a minimal wait.
Nonetheless, my favourite DCL character interactions are normally those that are not scheduled or accessible for advance reservations. Whether or not that is Donald out on deck taking within the sundown or Goofy maybe roaming in his pajamas at night time, preserve your eyes peeled for character moments you will not discover on an itinerary.
In case your kiddo desires to “turn out to be” a princess, Captain Minnie or perhaps a pirate, you’ll be able to guide them a reservation at Bibbity Bobbity Boutique to get outfitted with a fancy dress, a princess hairdo and extra by “fairy godmothers.”
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Disney Fantasy children golf equipment, teen membership and nursery
Disney Fantasy would not simply have a “children membership” — it has 5 devoted children areas, divided by age group.
For the smallest cruisers, there’s the nursery, which is accessible for little ones ages 6 months to three years previous and prices $4.50 per half-hour. That is the one youth exercise room that carries a further price, and you can also make reservations when you get on board the ship.
Children between the ages of three and 10 (assuming they’re potty skilled) get to move to the Oceaneer Membership and Lab on Disney Fantasy. In these areas, you may discover some scheduled actions, video games, drawing provides and themed areas (suppose: “Star Wars” and “Guardians of the Galaxy”). Typically, Mickey and mates even pop in to play.
There are some open play hours for any member of the household to return in, however through the hours reserved only for children ages 3 to 10, do know that these ages are strict — you’ll be able to’t have an 11-year-old pop in (exterior of open play areas) simply because their sibling or cousin is 10 or below. Because of this, pay shut consideration to the membership guidelines for those who’re crusing with children of comparable however completely different ages.
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Subsequent up is Edge, open to children ages 11 to 14. Nonetheless, in contrast to within the Oceaneer Membership and Lab, there’s generally flexibility to “age up” to this membership at 10 years previous with parental permission (if house on the crusing permits). Additionally word that Edge would not have an indication out and in course of the way in which the youthful golf equipment do, so children can come and go right here with out dad and mom selecting them up.
Edge is heavy on video video games, hangout spots, foosball and actions that contain the advisors and the youngsters. Edge on Disney Fantasy can be going to be transferring beginning this fall when the (false) funnel that it’s in proper now turns into a two-story funnel suite, just like different Disney ships. So, anticipate what Edge affords to remain the identical, however it will likely be transferring places later in 2025.
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Final however completely not least is Vibe, which was created for teenagers 14 to 17 years previous. Like at Edge, you’ll be able to doubtlessly “age up” to Vibe one yr early, at 13, if house on the crusing permits. Vibe is an enormous, cool house with numerous locations to hang around, watch a film, play video video games and even get a tan at its personal non-public pool space by itself non-public deck.
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Adults-only areas
The youngsters and teenagers do not get all of the enjoyable on Disney Fantasy, because the adults have their very own house and personal pool, too. Cruisers ages 18 and up can benefit from the pool, pool bar, lounge chairs and sizzling tub in a bit only for them.
Nonetheless, in contrast to on Disney Want and Disney Treasure, the place the adults-only space is all the way in which in the back of the highest deck, on Disney Fantasy, it’s considerably extra midship, so there shall be by way of visitors from children and households of all ages.
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Disney Fantasy itineraries and pricing
As beforehand talked about, Disney Fantasy has all kinds of itineraries, which implies there’s all kinds of costs. Presently, Disney Fantasy affords three- to five-night Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral in Florida, in addition to some European sailings in summer time 2025.
Proper now, the least costly sailings with double occupancy on the market are the four-night sailings out of Port Canaveral that cease within the Bahamas at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, and its new island vacation spot, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. We did the identical itinerary, and it was a superb method to spend 4 days with a mixture of sea and sand.
These charges begin at round $2,000 for 2 friends in an inside cabin throughout essentially the most off-peak dates.
For a household of 4, the beginning worth for the least costly season, which is at present weekday sailings within the early fall, prices $3,437.
If you wish to guide a verandah stateroom for a household of 4, these costs begin at $3,861 for four-night sailings to Disney’s two Bahamian locations in early fall.
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Whereas Disney Cruise Line is among the dearer family-focused cruise strains, an incredible perk of the itineraries that go to each of Disney’s island locations is that your cruise fare covers your meals, seaside chairs and extra at these stops. Meaning it’s 100% potential to spend no extra cash on these shore days and nonetheless have a good time.
Professional tip: On these island days, I extremely suggest creating your personal ice cream sandwich utilizing cookies and mushy serve ice cream machines.
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If you wish to hop on board as Disney Fantasy enjoys its first European sailings because it was delivered to Disney Cruise Line, then take into account reserving one of many sailings to Italy, France, Spain, Norway and past for summer time 2025. In summer time 2026, it’ll return to doing closer-to-home sailings out of Florida.
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Disney Fantasy accessibility
Disney Fantasy affords accessible cabins in the entire primary cabin classes: inside, ocean-view, balcony and concierge lodging, together with one-bedroom suites. Accessible cabins usually have extra space in them for assistive gadgets and maneuvering and in addition embody options resembling bogs with roll-in showers, bathroom seize bars, decrease towel bars and accessible vanities. Doorways in these cabins have ramped thresholds.
These cabins even have visible indicators and mattress shakers for doorbells, telephone calls and emergency alarms.
The theaters on Disney Fantasy provide wheelchair-accessible seating, and the road’s web site says it’s essential to request pool elevate entry upfront from visitor providers.
Widespread ports of name for Disney Fantasy — Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay — even have beach-friendly wheelchairs accessible to be used.
Backside line
After 4 nights on board, it is secure to say that Disney Fantasy is certainly a particular ship that does numerous issues good.
You possibly can jog or stroll the total round observe within the morning (which isn’t true on the brand new Want Class ships), hit up the Rainforest Room within the spa earlier than lunch whereas your youthful relations are within the children golf equipment, benefit from the swimming pools or waterslides within the afternoon, have a predinner drink with an epic view in Meridian and benefit from the rotational-style eating for dinner. And that is all earlier than seeing a Broadway-style present at night time, amongst different issues you’ll be able to see and do on Disney Fantasy.
Nonetheless, now that I’ve sailed on all of Disney’s ships, I am unsure that I can say I believe anybody crew (or ship) is admittedly higher than the others.
And whereas Disney Fantasy is not a carbon copy of Disney Dream attributable to some completely different styling, eating places and reveals, my hunch is that a few of the repute of Disney Fantasy being the most effective is a holdover from when it completely did seven-night sailings and sure had a distinct vibe and tempo from the remainder of the fleet.
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That stated, we completely beloved our days on Disney Fantasy — as we now have on Disney’s different ships — and hope to be fortunate sufficient to search out ourselves on board once more in the future.