As I’ve discovered 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 puzzled what about this ship (the one one I hadn’t sailed on till lately) made it such a typical 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 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 could have mentioned at one level, after crusing on Disney Fantasy, I can now perceive a number of the attraction. 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 lots 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 take pleasure in 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 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, somewhat 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 think that is one of many principal the reason why many Disney cruisers have such fond recollections of Disney Fantasy.
Nonetheless, now that Disney’s fleet has expanded, Disney Fantasy operates a reasonably large number of sailings, starting from quick 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. ft. The capability for staterooms hovers between three and 5 individuals, relying on the particular room chosen.
One somewhat 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 exterior, so you’ll be able to “see” what is going on on exterior, even and not using a actual window. (If you happen to’re fortunate, it’s possible you’ll even get to see a personality “fly” by the magic porthole from time to time.)
One very useful characteristic of most Disney Fantasy staterooms is the cut up bogs, which place the bathtub/bathe combo and the bathroom in several adjoining rooms so a number of relations 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 Marvel, 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 evening 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 way 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 Court docket and Animator’s Palate.
Enchanted Backyard
Enchanted Backyard is simply 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 Court docket
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The fanciest of Disney Fantasy’s three eating places lined by your cruise fare — and the one restaurant that is distinctive to this ship — is Royal Court docket. (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 fort of considered one of Disney’s well-known princesses, comparable to that of Belle or Cinderella, as these have been a number of the tales from which the restaurant took its inspiration.
Animator’s Palate
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Final however not least on the record 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, it’s possible you’ll get to see your drawings come to life as you take pleasure in 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 comparable 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 (usually towards the top of the crusing) and are fairly scrumptious.
On-deck meals
For lunch and even dinner, you can too simply take pleasure in a range from the on-deck walk-up meals counters and seize a tender serve ice cream at locations comparable 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 just a few 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 not less than one evening of the cruise is to skip the sit-down meal and luxuriate in a fast burger or hen fingers out on the deck. This frees up bonus time to do recreation reveals or benefit from the waterslide whereas most different cruisers are sitting down for a prolonged meal.
Room service
Room service can be obtainable on Disney Fantasy 24 hours a day (till after midnight in your remaining night), and there’s a complimentary menu that features choices comparable to fruit, pastries, juice and occasional within the mornings. Later within the day, a small however enough record of scorching objects additionally turns into obtainable.
Do not forget that in addition to the principle menu, you may get just a few off-menu objects, comparable to 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 discuss in regards to the snacks and meals on Disney Fantasy that may value you somewhat additional.
Candy on You
Distinctive to Disney Fantasy is the Candy on You store that is house to an lovable “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 visitors ages 18 and up, are open for reservations for brunch and dinner.
I would say that the $50 Palo brunch continues to be the absolute best cash you’ll be able to spend with Disney at sea, however any meal at these two eating places is prone to be distinctive. It’s best to 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 in your go to.
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Disney Fantasy bars and lounges
On the subject of the bars and lounges on Disney Fantasy, the ship takes a novel method you will not discover replicated within the fairly similar manner elsewhere within the Disney fleet. In Disney Fantasy’s Europa part, which transforms into an adults-only space every evening, you may discover 5 completely different bars that each 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
Listen 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, nevertheless, 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’ll be able to spend just a few {dollars} for a specialty espresso or an grownup beverage embody:
- Cove Cafe
- Currents
- Poolside bars
Professional tip: If you happen to anticipate to take pleasure in a number of specialty coffees in your cruise, ask for the Cove Fanatic card, which gives 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 too can anticipate a rotating record 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 better the potential worth should you use the cup a number of occasions.
Observe that, in contrast to another cruise strains, Disney Cruise Line doesn’t supply 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 record of scheduled actions like trivia, karaoke and bingo, you are unlikely to ever be bored on Disney Fantasy.
Scheduled recreation 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 evening that you may pop into.
This consists of choices like household recreation reveals, silent discos, karaoke, all types of trivia competitions and Disney character drawing classes. My youngsters have develop into obsessive about many of those commonly scheduled actions, in order that they’re now a cruise spotlight for us and the way you will see us passing the time for hours upon hours every day.
Swimming pools and waterslides
One other principal attraction on Disney Fantasy is the AquaDuck waterslide, which takes you across the prime deck of the ship, by way of the funnel and on a four-deck drop on an interior tube. It is a extremely popular attraction (open to visitors 42 inches and taller), particularly on sea days. Attempt to go to exterior peak occasions if you don’t need not 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 Imagine
- Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular
- Frozen: A Musical Spectacular
They’re all very high-quality productions and price a watch, although observe that none of them are at the moment distinctive to Disney Fantasy. Your present time might be reverse your eating time at evening (early or late), with open seating obtainable on a first-come, first-served foundation.
Buena Vista movie show
You’ll be able to take pleasure in first-run Disney films (together with Marvel movies) whereas on Disney Fantasy within the Buena Vista movie show. In truth, if a film premieres on land if you are at sea, you’ll be able to see it opening evening on the ship, too. Whereas the films are included, observe that until you’re crusing in a concierge-level room, popcorn prices just a few {dollars} additional.
Health heart
If you wish to work off a few of that included meals it’s possible you’ll be consuming your justifiable share 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. Friends 18 and up are welcome.
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Midship Detective Company
A extremely enjoyable (and complimentary) recreation you may discover solely on Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream is the Midship Detective Company, which can take you on considered one of a number of instances to unravel by amassing clues at interactive “work” everywhere in the ship. It is the proper recreation for youths who need somewhat little bit of freedom to run across the ship and remedy a caper — although, after all, you can too take part on the enjoyable.
Senses Spa & Salon
Whether or not you need to purchase a cross to chill out within the “Rainforest Room” on a heated stone lounger or guide a therapy, 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’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 throughout the spa might 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 recreation of basketball, miniature golf at sea or perhaps a sports activities simulator sounds enjoyable, you then’ll need to make your approach to Goofy’s Sports activities Deck on Deck 13 to take pleasure in all these actions and extra. There is no such thing as a 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 need to meet a princess or develop into a princess, Disney Fantasy has you lined. You will discover an inventory of scheduled character appearances in your DCL app whereas on board. You too can make a free reservation for the princess gathering within the Grand Corridor to satisfy 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 evening, maintain your eyes peeled for character moments you will not discover on an itinerary.
In case your kiddo needs to “develop into” 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 youngsters golf equipment, teen membership and nursery
Disney Fantasy does 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 out there 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 charge, 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 go 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”). Generally, Mickey and mates even pop in to play.
There are some open play hours for any member of the household to come back in, however in the course of the hours reserved only for youngsters 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 should you’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, in contrast to 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 observe that Edge does not have an indication out and in course of the best way the youthful golf equipment do, so youngsters can come and go right here with out dad and mom choosing 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 shifting 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 is going to be shifting areas 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’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 a lot of 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 children 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, in contrast to on Disney Want and Disney Treasure, the place the adults-only space is all the best way behind the highest deck, on Disney Fantasy, it’s considerably extra midship, so there might be by way 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 implies there may be 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 non-public island, Castaway Cay, and its new island vacation spot, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Level. We did the identical itinerary, and it was a superb approach to spend 4 days with a mixture of sea and sand.
These charges begin at round $2,000 for 2 visitors 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 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 likely one of the costlier 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. 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 tender 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 is going to return to doing closer-to-home sailings out of Florida.
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Disney Fantasy accessibility
Disney Fantasy affords accessible cabins in all the principal cabin classes: inside, ocean-view, balcony and concierge lodging, together with one-bedroom suites. Accessible cabins usually have extra space in them for assistive units and maneuvering and in addition embody options comparable to bogs with roll-in showers, rest room 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, cellphone calls and emergency alarms.
The theaters on Disney Fantasy supply wheelchair-accessible seating, and the road’s web site says you should request pool carry 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 protected to say that Disney Fantasy is certainly a particular ship that does a lot of issues excellent.
You’ll be able to jog or stroll the complete round monitor 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 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 evening, 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 feel anybody crew (or ship) is absolutely higher than the others.
And whereas Disney Fantasy is not a carbon copy of Disney Dream as a result of some completely different styling, eating places and reveals, my hunch is that a number of the fame of Disney Fantasy being the most effective is a holdover from when it solely did seven-night sailings and certain had a distinct vibe and tempo from the remainder of the fleet.
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That mentioned, we completely liked our days on Disney Fantasy — as we’ve got on Disney’s different ships — and hope to be fortunate sufficient to seek out ourselves on board once more sooner or later.
