The wait is finally over Disney’s newest cruise ship, the Disney Fantasy, sets out on her maiden voyage today, a full month after she was named in New York by singer Mariah Carey.
First, though, the crew were treated to a day out at Walt Disney World, Orlando, as a thank you for their hard work over the past few weeks. Many of them, from more than 60 countries around the world, had sailed across the Atlantic as the ship was delivered from the German shipyard where it was built. It may be several weeks or even months before their next day off.
I spent three days on board this week during the final dress rehearsal cruise, and I know the lucky passengers sailing today will have the time of their lives.
Whether they’re taking a ride on the AquaDuck water coaster circling above Deck 12 or taking part in an adventure game hunt for the Muppets’ stolen props, kids will be enchanted.
While the young ones are being looked after in their own clubs, parents can relax over a glass of champagne in the Ooh La La Bar, or a pint of Murphy’s in O’Gills Irish bar, and dance the night away in The Tube nightclub, where the carpet is a map of stations such as “Smashing”, “Jolly Good,” and “Tip Top.”
Although Disney’s idea of what is typical of London has not improved since Dick van Dyke murdered the Cockney accent in Mary Poppins, they have brought some stunning innovations to cruise ships.
On Fantasy, the Disney difference reaches its peak in the Animation Magic show, an integral part of dinner in the Animator’s Palate family restaurant. As guests arrive, they are handed a place mat on which to draw their own cartoon character, as simply or as elaborately as they can.
During the course of the evening, these are incorporated into a 10-minute parade, dancing on 103-inch TV screens with favourite characters such as Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and Snow White.
The thrill of seeing my own character on screen was almost as exciting as the taste of dinner’s popcorn soup (surprisingly good), though I have to say that finding venison on the menu came as a surprise considering Bambi was also part of the show.
At the end of the evening, like all the other diners, I was handed back my original drawing (above), now complete with a gold seal certifying my prowess as an “Official Disney Animator.”
Want to make the Fantasy a reality? Virgin Holidays Cruises has 14-night cruise-and-stay packages combining seven nights in an Orlando hotel (room-only) with a seven-night fully-inclusive cruise from Port Canaveral to George Town, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Castaway Cay and Port Canaveral. From £1,399 per person based on two adults travelling and sharing an inside cabin on a full-board basis and includes Virgin Atlantic flights from London Gatwick and car hire in Orlando. Available for selected departures from April 2012 to March 2013. www.virginholidayscruises.co.uk or call 0844 573 4398.
Similar package including accommodation at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort in Orlando from £1,649.
Catch up on my earlier coverage of Disney Fantasy:
• Minnie Mouse brings luck for Fantasy
• Disney’s newest nightclub will be a London Underground fantasy
• Splashdown for Disney Fantasy
• Muppets launch new cruise career
• Dumbo flies in to rescue Fantasy
• Fantasy is one step closer to reality
• Welcome to the Fantasy
• Dinner show will be a big draw
• How Disney Fantasy will make a big splash in the Big Apple
• Your favourite Disney fantasies
• Mariah Carey names Disney Fantasy
About the Author: John Honeywell
John Honeywell is a travel writer specialising in cruise ships and cruise travel. Winner of CLIA UK's Contribution to Cruise award 2017.
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