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, while 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 just lately) 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 fascinating 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 stated 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 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 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 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, slightly than the quick-turn tempo of the three- and four-night sailings that had been typically operated by different ships within the fleet.

I believe that is one of many important the reason why many Disney cruisers have such fond reminiscences of Disney Fantasy.

Nevertheless, now that Disney’s fleet has expanded, Disney Fantasy operates a fairly huge 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 choice 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 precise room chosen.

One slightly 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 with out 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 helpful function of most Disney Fantasy staterooms is the break up loos, which place the bathtub/bathe combo and the bathroom in numerous adjoining rooms so a number of relations can prepare on the identical time.

The inside, oceanview and verandah staterooms on Disney Fantasy function the traditional 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 evening 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 eating strategy 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 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 probably some blooming flooring. Pay particular consideration to the lighting and such within the restaurant, as it could 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 stated, Royal Palace on Disney Dream is very comparable.)

Situated simply off the grand atrium, this restaurant could make you’re feeling such as you’ve entered the fortress of one among Disney’s well-known princesses, similar 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

Final however not least on the record 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, it’s possible 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 similar to muffins, sausage, Mickey waffles, macaroni, hen 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 (typically towards the top of the crusing) and are fairly scrumptious.

On-deck meals

For lunch and even dinner, you may also simply get pleasure from a variety from the on-deck walk-up meals counters and seize a delicate serve ice cream at locations similar 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’s 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 among 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 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 last night), and there’s a complimentary menu that features choices similar to fruit, pastries, juice and occasional within the mornings. Later within the day, a small however enough record of scorching objects additionally turns into accessible.

Keep in mind that apart from the primary menu, you will get a number of off-menu objects, similar to Mickey ice cream bars and Uncrustables, which I prefer 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 may value you a bit 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 children are OK sharing, you will 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 highest cash you may spend with Disney at sea, however any meal at these two eating places is more likely to be distinctive. It is best to attempt to make your reservations as quickly as they open upfront of your crusing (which varies relying in your Castaway Membership stage). Bear in mind, too, to decorate up to 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 singular strategy you will not discover replicated within the fairly identical 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 totally different bars that each 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. If you happen to look rigorously, 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, nonetheless, 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 advocate a predinner or postdinner drink right here round sundown for a peaceful, beautiful toast to the top of one other day at sea.

Different noteworthy spots on Disney Fantasy the place you may spend a number of {dollars} for a specialty espresso or an grownup beverage embrace:

• Cove Cafe
• Currents
• Poolside bars

Professional tip: If you happen to 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.

You may as well anticipate a rotating record of “drinks of the day,” that are famous within the Disney Cruise Line app. Shopping for these lets you basically 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.

Word that, not like another cruise traces, Disney Cruise Line doesn’t supply limitless drink packages, although you should purchase 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 record 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 that you could pop into.

This contains choices like household sport exhibits, silent discos, karaoke, all kinds of trivia competitions and Disney character drawing classes. My children have change 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 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. It is a extremely popular attraction (open to friends 42 inches and taller), particularly on sea days. Try to go to outdoors peak occasions if you do not 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 notice 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 accessible on a first-come, first-served foundation.

Buena Vista movie show

You’ll be able to get pleasure from first-run Disney films (together with Marvel movies) whereas on Disney Fantasy within the Buena Vista movie show. The truth is, if a film premieres on land if you are at sea, you may see it opening evening on the ship, too. Whereas the films are included, notice that until 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 it’s possible 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 among a number of circumstances to resolve by gathering clues at interactive “work” everywhere in the ship. It is the proper sport for teenagers who need a bit little bit of freedom to run across the ship and resolve a caper — although, after all, you may also take part on the enjoyable.

Senses Spa & Salon

Whether or not you need 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 one among 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 infrequently get the chance to guide some discounted remedies for port days, which may prevent 30% or extra on retail costs.

Some areas inside 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 sport of basketball, miniature golf at sea or perhaps a sports activities simulator sounds enjoyable, then you definitely’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 isn’t 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 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 change into a princess, Disney Fantasy has you coated. Yow will discover 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 without delay, at a scheduled time with a minimal wait.

Nevertheless, 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 evening, hold your eyes peeled for character moments you will not discover on an itinerary.

In case your kiddo needs to “change 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.”

Disney Fantasy children golf equipment, teen membership and nursery

Disney Fantasy does not simply have a “children membership” — it has 5 devoted children 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 previous and prices $4.50 per half-hour. That is the one youth exercise room that carries an extra 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 skilled) 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”). 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 children 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 underneath. In consequence, pay shut consideration to the membership guidelines should you’re crusing with children of comparable however totally different ages.

Subsequent up is Edge, open to children ages 11 to 14. Nevertheless, not like within the Oceaneer Membership and Lab, there may be generally flexibility to “age up” to this membership at 10 years previous with parental permission (if house on the crusing permits). Additionally notice that Edge does not have an indication out and in course of the best way the youthful golf equipment do, so children 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 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 will probably be shifting areas later in 2025.

Final however completely not least is Vibe, which was created for teenagers 14 to 17 years previous. Like at Edge, you may probably “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.

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 bit only for them.

Nevertheless, not like on Disney Want and Disney Treasure, the place the adults-only space is all the best way in the back of the highest deck, on Disney Fantasy, it’s considerably extra midship, so there might be by visitors from children 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 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 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 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.

Whereas Disney Cruise Line is likely one of the costlier family-focused cruise traces, an awesome 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. Meaning it’s 100% attainable 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 individual ice cream sandwich utilizing cookies and delicate 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 would 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 usually have extra space in them for assistive gadgets and maneuvering and in addition embrace options similar to loos 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 supply wheelchair-accessible seating, and the road’s web site says you will need to 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 accessible 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 numerous issues excellent.

You’ll be able to 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 evening, amongst different issues you may see and do on Disney Fantasy.

Nevertheless, now that I’ve sailed on all of Disney’s ships, I am unsure that I can say I feel anyone crew (or ship) is de facto higher than the others.

And whereas Disney Fantasy is not a carbon copy of Disney Dream on account of some totally different styling, eating places and exhibits, my hunch is that a few of the status of Disney Fantasy being the most effective 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 stated, we completely cherished our days on Disney Fantasy — as we have now on Disney’s different ships — and hope to be fortunate sufficient to search out ourselves on board once more sooner or later.