What it is like crusing on Disney Fantasy — some of the beloved ships in Disney’s fleet

As I’ve discovered 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 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 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 mentioned at one level, after crusing on Disney Fantasy, I can now perceive a few of the enchantment. 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 gentle 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 identical dimension as Disney Dream, which got here out only one 12 months earlier.

For years, Disney Fantasy fairly constantly spent the vast majority 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, reasonably 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 important explanation why many Disney cruisers have such fond reminiscences of Disney Fantasy.

Nonetheless, now that Disney’s fleet has expanded, Disney Fantasy operates a fairly vast 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 folks, relying on the precise room chosen.

One reasonably 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 dwell feed from outdoors, so you’ll be able to “see” what is going on on outdoors, even with out a actual window. (When you’re fortunate, chances are you’ll even get to see a personality “fly” by the magic porthole occasionally.)

One very helpful function 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 identical time.

The inside, oceanview and verandah staterooms on Disney Fantasy function 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 further 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 group rotates by 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 totally 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 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 totally different programs of your meal.

Royal Court docket

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 Court docket. (That mentioned, Royal Palace on Disney Dream is very comparable.)

Positioned simply off the grand atrium, this restaurant might make you’re feeling such as you’ve entered the fortress of one in every of Disney’s well-known princesses, akin to that of Belle or Cinderella, as these have been a few of the tales from which the restaurant took its inspiration.

Animator’s Palate

Final however not least on the listing of included sit-down eating places you may discover on Disney Fantasy is Animator’s Palate. Out there 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, chances are you’ll 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 akin to muffins, sausage, Mickey waffles, macaroni, rooster tenders and fries, plus a rotation of choices like chilled shrimp, sushi rolls and crab legs.

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 may as well simply get pleasure from a range from the on-deck walk-up meals counters and seize a tender 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 referred to as Ramone’s Cantina. It is going to convey 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.

These on-deck counters are clearly nice picks for lunch by the pool, however one in every 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 rooster fingers out on the deck. This frees up bonus time to do sport exhibits or benefit from the waterslide whereas most different cruisers are sitting down for a prolonged meal.

Room service

Room service can also be accessible on Disney Fantasy 24 hours a day (till after midnight in your closing 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 ample listing of scorching gadgets additionally turns into accessible.

Keep in mind that in addition to the primary menu, you may get a number of off-menu gadgets, akin to Mickey ice cream bars and Uncrustables, which I wish to stuff in my bag on tour days.

Disney Fantasy extra-fee eating places and meals

Now, let’s discuss in regards to the snacks and meals on Disney Fantasy that can price you just a little further.

Candy on You

Distinctive to Disney Fantasy is the Candy on You store that is dwelling to an lovable “life-size” Mickey and Minnie and 20 flavors of gelato, 16 ice cream decisions and 32 topping choices. Anticipate one scoop to set you again about $4 and toppings so as to add round 75 cents further.

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.

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 would say that the $50 Palo brunch remains to be the perfect cash you’ll be able to spend with Disney at sea, however any meal at these two eating places is more likely 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 Membership degree). Bear in mind, too, to decorate up to your go to.

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Disney Fantasy bars and lounges

In the case of the bars and lounges on Disney Fantasy, the ship takes a novel method you will not discover replicated within the fairly identical approach elsewhere within the Disney fleet. In Disney Fantasy’s Europa part, which transforms into an adults-only space every evening, you may discover 5 totally different bars that every one share a European vibe and sit shut to one another, making it straightforward to hop from one to the following.

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. When you look fastidiously, you are more likely to discover some Disney characters out having fun with themselves within the cities displayed, too.

My private favourite bar on Disney Fantasy, nevertheless, is not truly within the Europa district.

As an alternative, it is Meridian, discovered between Palo and Remy. There, you may discover wonderful 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 suggest a predinner or postdinner drink right here round sundown for a relaxed, attractive toast to the top of one other day at sea.

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 embrace:

• Cove Cafe
• Currents
• Poolside bars

Professional tip: When 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 further cost.

It’s also possible to anticipate a rotating listing of “drinks of the day,” that are famous within the Disney Cruise Line app. Shopping for these means that you can 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 for those who use the cup a number of occasions.

Notice that, in contrast to another cruise traces, 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 exhibits, 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 you can pop into.

This contains choices like household sport exhibits, silent discos, karaoke, all types of trivia competitions and Disney character drawing classes. My youngsters have develop into obsessive about many of those frequently scheduled actions, so that they’re now a cruise spotlight for us and the way you can see us passing the time for hours upon hours every day.

Swimming pools and waterslides

One other important attraction on Disney Fantasy is the AquaDuck waterslide, which takes you across the high deck of the ship, by the funnel and on a four-deck drop on an inside tube. This can be a highly regarded attraction (open to friends 42 inches and taller), particularly on sea days. Attempt to go to outdoors peak occasions if you don’t need not less than a 30-minute wait.

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.

Broadway-style exhibits

Every of the Disney ships has three Broadway-style exhibits:

• Disney’s Consider
• Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular
• Frozen: A Musical Spectacular

They’re all very high-quality productions and price a watch, although be aware that none of them are at present distinctive to Disney Fantasy. Your present time might be reverse your eating time at evening (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 films (together with Marvel movies) whereas on Disney Fantasy within the Buena Vista movie show. In reality, if a film premieres on land while you’re at sea, you’ll be able to see it opening evening on the ship, too. Whereas the films are included, be aware that except you’re crusing in a concierge-level room, popcorn prices a number of {dollars} further.

Health heart

If you wish to work off a few of that included meals chances are you’ll 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.

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 every of a number of circumstances to unravel 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 may as well take part on the enjoyable.

Senses Spa & Salon

Whether or not you need to purchase a move to chill out within the “Rainforest Room” on a heated stone lounger or e-book a therapy, the Senses Spa & Salon is one in every of my favourite areas of the ship. When 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 e-book some discounted remedies for port days, which might prevent 30% or extra on retail costs.

Some areas throughout 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 definately’ll need to make your approach 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 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.

Characters and Bibbity Bobbity Boutique

Whether or not you need to meet a princess or develop into a princess, Disney Fantasy has you coated. You could find a listing of scheduled character appearances in your DCL app whereas on board. It’s also possible to make a free reservation for the princess gathering within the Grand Corridor to satisfy 4 princesses without delay, at a scheduled time with a minimal wait.

Nonetheless, my favourite DCL character interactions are often 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 evening, hold 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 e-book them a reservation at Bibbity Bobbity Boutique to get outfitted with a dressing up, a princess hairdo and extra by “fairy godmothers.”

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 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 an extra payment, 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 pals even pop in to play.

There are some open play hours for any member of the household to come back in, however through 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 (outdoors of open play areas) simply because their sibling or cousin is 10 or beneath. Consequently, pay shut consideration to the membership guidelines for those who’re crusing with youngsters of comparable however totally different ages.

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 area on the crusing permits). Additionally be aware that Edge does 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 dad and mom selecting 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 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 gives to remain the identical, however it is going to be shifting places later in 2025.

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 probably “age up” to Vibe one 12 months early, at 13, if area on the crusing permits. Vibe is a giant, cool area with numerous 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.

Adults-only areas

The youngsters and youths do not get all of the enjoyable on Disney Fantasy, because the adults have their very own area 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 way in which behind the highest deck, on Disney Fantasy, it’s considerably extra midship, so there might be by visitors from youngsters and households of all ages.

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. At present, Disney Fantasy gives 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 approach 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 probably 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 e-book 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.

Whereas Disney Cruise Line is likely one of the dearer family-focused cruise traces, 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% doable to spend no further cash on these shore days and nonetheless have a good time.

Professional tip: On these island days, I extremely suggest creating your individual 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 think about reserving one of many sailings to Italy, France, Spain, Norway and past for summer season 2025. In summer season 2026, it should return to doing closer-to-home sailings out of Florida.

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Disney Fantasy accessibility

Disney Fantasy gives accessible cabins in all the important cabin classes: inside, ocean-view, balcony and concierge lodging, together with one-bedroom suites. Accessible cabins typically have more room in them for assistive units and maneuvering and in addition embrace options akin 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, 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 companies.

Frequent 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 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 believe anyone crew (or ship) is actually higher than the others.

And whereas Disney Fantasy is not a carbon copy of Disney Dream as a consequence of some totally different styling, eating places and exhibits, 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 distinct vibe and tempo from the remainder of the fleet.

That mentioned, we completely cherished 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 someday.