As I’ve realized in my quest to sail on all of the Disney ships, if you ask an skilled Disney cruiser what ship within the fleet is their favourite, odds are they will say Disney Fantasy.
For years, I questioned what about this ship (the one one I hadn’t sailed on till not too long ago) made it such a standard fan favourite.
For these unfamiliar with the nuances of every of the six at the moment crusing Disney ships, Disney Fantasy being a favourite is especially attention-grabbing given it isn’t the most recent within the fleet, the newest to be majorly overhauled in dry dock (although one is scheduled), the largest 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 could have mentioned at one level, after crusing on Disney Fantasy, I can now perceive a few of the enchantment. It’s, in some ways, excellent.
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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 a lot of its eating places, bars and different areas relative to the 2 newer ships — Disney Treasure and Disney Want — 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 similar dimension as Disney Dream, which got here out only one 12 months earlier.
For years, Disney Fantasy fairly constantly 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, moderately than the quick-turn tempo of the three- and four-night sailings that had been typically operated by different ships within the fleet.
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I think that is one of many foremost the reason 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 number of concierge staterooms and suites that measure as much as 1,781 sq. toes. The capability for staterooms hovers between three and 5 individuals, relying on the precise room chosen.
One moderately uncommon providing that you’re going to 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 stay feed from outdoors, so you may “see” what is going on on outdoors, even and not using a actual window. (If you happen to’re fortunate, you could even get to see a personality “fly” by the magic porthole every so often.)
One very useful characteristic of most Disney Fantasy staterooms is the break up bogs, which place the bathtub/bathe combo and the bathroom in several adjoining rooms so a number of members of the family can prepare on the similar time.
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The inside, oceanview and verandah staterooms on Disney Fantasy characteristic the basic nautical fashion you may discover on all 4 of the unique Disney ships (Disney Magic, Disney Surprise, 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 decide 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 eating method the place your serving workforce rotates by means of the three included eating places with you. This eating association permits you and your serving workforce 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 just 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 probably 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 mentioned, Royal Palace on Disney Dream is very comparable.)
Positioned simply off the grand atrium, this restaurant could make you are feeling such as you’ve entered the citadel of considered one of Disney’s well-known princesses, akin to that of Belle or Cinderella, as these had 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. Accessible 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 count on some kid-friendly staples akin to muffins, sausage, Mickey waffles, macaroni, hen 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 workforce) for which day of your cruise is “Mickey churro waffle day.” These delectable breakfast treats solely seem at Cabanas as soon as per cruise (typically 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 smooth serve ice cream at locations akin to 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 might be a brand new on-deck addition known as Ramone’s Cantina. It should deliver tacos and taco bowls to the eating lineup. After a couple 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 considered one of my favourite issues to do at the least one night time of the cruise is to skip the sit-down meal and revel in a fast burger or hen 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 also be obtainable on Disney Fantasy 24 hours a day (till after midnight in your ultimate night), and there’s a complimentary menu that features choices akin to fruit, pastries, juice and occasional within the mornings. Later within the day, a small however enough listing of scorching gadgets additionally turns into obtainable.
Do not forget that moreover the principle menu, you may get a couple of off-menu gadgets, akin to Mickey ice cream bars and Uncrustables, which I wish 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 can value you slightly additional.
Candy on You
Distinctive to Disney Fantasy is the Candy on You store that is dwelling to an lovely “life-size” Mickey and Minnie and 20 flavors of gelato, 16 ice cream decisions and 32 topping choices. Count on one scoop to set you again about $4 and toppings so as to add round 75 cents extra.
Professional tip: In case your youngsters 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 company ages 18 and up, are open for reservations for brunch and dinner.
I would say that the $50 Palo brunch continues to be the best possible cash you may spend with Disney at sea, however any meal at these two eating places is prone to be distinctive. You must attempt to make your reservations as quickly as they open upfront of your crusing (which varies relying in your Castaway Membership degree). Bear in mind, too, to decorate up on your go to.
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Disney Fantasy bars and lounges
In relation to the bars and lounges on Disney Fantasy, the ship takes a novel method you will not discover replicated within the fairly similar means 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 each one share a European vibe and sit shut to one another, making it straightforward 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. If you happen to look fastidiously, 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, nonetheless, is not really within the Europa district.
As a substitute, it is Meridian, discovered between Palo and Remy. There, you may discover glorious ocean views and enjoyable, basic 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 advocate 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 may spend a couple of {dollars} for a specialty espresso or an grownup beverage embrace:
- Cove Cafe
- Currents
- Poolside bars
Professional tip: If you happen to count on 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 obtainable in Cove Cafe come at no extra cost.
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You may as well count on a rotating listing of “drinks of the day,” that are famous within the Disney Cruise Line app. Shopping for these lets you 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 higher the potential worth for those who use the cup a number of occasions.
Word that, not like another cruise strains, Disney Cruise Line doesn’t provide limitless drink packages, although you should buy packages that embrace 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 could pop into.
This contains choices like household sport reveals, silent discos, karaoke, all kinds of trivia competitions and Disney character drawing classes. My youngsters have turn into obsessive about many of those repeatedly scheduled actions, so that they’re now a cruise spotlight for us and the way you will see that us passing the time for hours upon hours every day.
Swimming pools and waterslides
One other foremost attraction on Disney Fantasy is the AquaDuck waterslide, which takes you across the high deck of the ship, by means of the funnel and on a four-deck drop on an interior tube. This can be a very talked-about attraction (open to company 42 inches and taller), particularly on sea days. Attempt to go to outdoors peak occasions if you don’t need at the least 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 Imagine
- Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular
- Frozen: A Musical Spectacular
They’re all very high-quality productions and value a watch, although be aware that none of them are at the moment distinctive to Disney Fantasy. Your present time might be reverse your eating time at night time (early or late), with open seating obtainable on a first-come, first-served foundation.
Buena Vista movie show
You may 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 if you are at sea, you may see it opening night time on the ship, too. Whereas the flicks are included, be aware that except you might be crusing in a concierge-level room, popcorn prices a couple 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. Company 18 and up are welcome.
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Midship Detective Company
A very enjoyable (and complimentary) sport you may discover solely on Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream is the Midship Detective Company, which is able to take you on considered one of a number of circumstances to unravel by accumulating clues at interactive “work” all around the ship. It is the proper sport for teenagers who need slightly little bit of freedom to run across the ship and resolve a caper — although, after all, you can even take part on the enjoyable.
Senses Spa & Salon
Whether or not you wish to purchase a go to loosen up within the “Rainforest Room” on a heated stone lounger or guide a remedy, the Senses Spa & Salon is considered one of my favourite areas of the ship. If you happen to go to the spa raffle on embarkation day, you may enter a raffle to win a spa credit score and sometimes get the chance to guide some discounted therapies for port days, which might prevent 30% or extra on retail costs.
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Some areas inside the spa might be getting a contemporary 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 solution to Goofy’s Sports activities Deck on Deck 13 to get pleasure from all these actions and extra. There isn’t any cost for minigolf or the basketball courtroom, however if you wish to use the sports activities simulator for one thing like soccer, soccer or baseball, you will have 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 into a princess, Disney Fantasy has you coated. You’ll find a listing of scheduled character appearances in your DCL app whereas on board. You may as well 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 often those that are not scheduled or obtainable 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, hold your eyes peeled for character moments you will not discover on an itinerary.
In case your kiddo needs to “turn into” a princess, Captain Minnie or perhaps a pirate, you may 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 youngsters golf equipment, teen membership and nursery
Disney Fantasy would not simply have a “youngsters membership” — it has 5 devoted youngsters areas, divided by age group.
For the smallest cruisers, there may be the nursery, which is accessible for little ones ages 6 months to three years outdated and prices $4.50 per half-hour. That is the one youth exercise room that carries a further price, and you may make reservations when you get on board the ship.
Children between the ages of three and 10 (assuming they’re potty educated) 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 (assume: “Star Wars” and “Guardians of the Galaxy”). Typically, Mickey and associates 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 youngsters ages 3 to 10, do know that these ages are strict — you may’t have an 11-year-old pop in (outdoors of open play areas) simply because their sibling or cousin is 10 or below. In consequence, pay shut consideration to the membership guidelines for those who’re crusing with youngsters of comparable however completely different ages.
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Subsequent up is Edge, open to youngsters ages 11 to 14. Nonetheless, not like within the Oceaneer Membership and Lab, there may be generally flexibility to “age up” to this membership at 10 years outdated with parental permission (if house on the crusing permits). Additionally be aware that Edge would not have an indication out and in course of the way in which the youthful golf equipment do, so youngsters can come and go right here with out mother and father choosing them up.
Edge is heavy on video video games, hangout spots, foosball and actions that contain the advisors and the children. Edge on Disney Fantasy can also 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, count on what Edge presents to remain the identical, however will probably 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 outdated. Like at Edge, you may probably “age up” to Vibe one 12 months early, at 13, if house on the crusing permits. Vibe is an enormous, cool house with a number of locations to hang around, watch a film, play video video games and even get a tan at its personal personal pool space by itself personal 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 scorching tub in a piece only for them.
Nonetheless, not like 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 might be by means of site visitors from youngsters 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 suggests there may be all kinds of costs. Presently, Disney Fantasy presents three- to five-night Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral in Florida, in addition to some European sailings in summer season 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 personal island, Castaway Cay, and its new island vacation spot, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Level. We did the identical itinerary, and it was a wonderful solution to spend 4 days with a mixture of sea and sand.
These charges begin at round $2,000 for 2 company in an inside cabin throughout probably the most off-peak dates.
For a household of 4, the beginning value for the least costly season, which is at the moment 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 costlier family-focused cruise strains, an important perk of the itineraries that go to each of Disney’s island locations is that your cruise fare covers your meals, seashore chairs and extra at these stops. Which means 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 advocate creating your personal ice cream sandwich utilizing cookies and smooth 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 season 2025. In summer season 2026, it’s going to return to doing closer-to-home sailings out of Florida.
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Disney Fantasy accessibility
Disney Fantasy presents accessible cabins in the entire foremost 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 embrace options akin to 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 you will need to request pool raise entry upfront from visitor providers.
Frequent ports of name for Disney Fantasy — Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay — even have beach-friendly wheelchairs obtainable 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 a number of issues excellent.
You may jog or stroll the complete 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 members of the family are within the youngsters 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 may 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 basically higher than the others.
And whereas Disney Fantasy is not a carbon copy of Disney Dream as a consequence of some completely different styling, eating places and reveals, my hunch is that a few of the fame of Disney Fantasy being one of the best is a holdover from when it completely did seven-night sailings and certain had a unique vibe and tempo from the remainder of the fleet.
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That mentioned, we completely liked our days on Disney Fantasy — as now we have on Disney’s different ships — and hope to be fortunate sufficient to seek out ourselves on board once more sooner or later.
