Disney Fantasy cruise ship overview: What to anticipate on board one of many most-beloved ships within the fleet
As I’ve realized 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’ll say Disney Fantasy.
For years, I puzzled what about this ship (the one one I hadn’t sailed on till not too long ago) made it such a typical fan favourite.
For these unfamiliar with the nuances of every of the six presently crusing Disney ships, Disney Fantasy being a favourite is especially attention-grabbing given it’s not the latest 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 just couldn’t 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 just see as quickly as you enter the three-story atrium, the place a peacock-inspired chandelier and carpeting instantly catch your eye.
It’s 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 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 measurement as Disney Dream, which got here out only one yr earlier.
For years, Disney Fantasy fairly persistently 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, moderately than the quick-turn tempo of the three- and four-night sailings that had been usually operated by different ships within the fleet.
I think that’s one of many major the explanation why many Disney cruisers have such fond recollections of Disney Fantasy.
Nonetheless, now that Disney’s fleet has expanded, Disney Fantasy operates a reasonably broad 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 collection 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 moderately uncommon providing that you just’ll 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’s occurring outdoors, even with no actual window. (When you’re fortunate, you could even get to see a personality “fly” by the magic porthole every so often.)
One very helpful characteristic 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 similar time.
The inside, oceanview and verandah staterooms on Disney Fantasy characteristic the traditional nautical fashion you’ll 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 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 night time 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 crew rotates via the three included eating places with you. This eating association permits you and your serving crew 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 barely 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 could change as you benefit from the completely different programs of your meal.
Royal Courtroom
The fanciest of Disney Fantasy’s three eating places coated by your cruise fare — and the one restaurant that’s distinctive to this ship — is Royal Courtroom. (That mentioned, Royal Palace on Disney Dream is very related.)
Situated simply off the grand atrium, this restaurant might make you’re feeling such as you’ve entered the fortress of one among Disney’s well-known princesses, equivalent 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’ll 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’s to not be skipped, particularly for those who haven’t dined right here earlier than.
On some nights in Animator’s Palate, you could 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 don’t cease on the beforehand talked about eating places.
There’s additionally Cabanas, a buffet that’s open every day for breakfast and lunch. What you discover on the buffet varies a bit every day, however count on some kid-friendly staples equivalent 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 crew) 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 tip of the crusing) and are fairly scrumptious.
On-deck meals
For lunch and even dinner, you too can simply take pleasure in a range from the on-deck walk-up meals counters and seize a smooth serve ice cream at locations equivalent 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 can carry tacos and taco bowls to the eating lineup. After just a few days of burgers and fries, belief me, you’ll 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 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 equivalent to fruit, pastries, juice and occasional within the mornings. Later within the day, a small however ample record of sizzling gadgets additionally turns into obtainable.
Keep in mind that in addition to the primary menu, you will get just a few off-menu gadgets, equivalent 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 speak in regards to the snacks and meals on Disney Fantasy that may price you a bit of additional.
Candy on You
Distinctive to Disney Fantasy is the Candy on You store that’s residence 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 further.
Professional tip: In case your children are OK sharing, you will get a three-scoop measurement 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’d 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 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 stage). Keep in mind, too, to decorate up on your go to.
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Disney Fantasy bars and lounges
Relating to the bars and lounges on Disney Fantasy, the ship takes a singular strategy you gained’t discover replicated within the fairly similar method elsewhere within the Disney fleet. In Disney Fantasy’s Europa part, which transforms into an adults-only space every night time, you’ll 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 following.
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. When you look rigorously, you’re prone to discover some Disney characters out having fun with themselves within the cities displayed, too.
My private favourite bar on Disney Fantasy, nevertheless, isn’t really within the Europa district.
As a substitute, it’s Meridian, discovered between Palo and Remy. There, you’ll discover glorious 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 tip of one other day at sea.
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: When you count on to take pleasure in 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 further cost.
You may also count on a rotating record of “drinks of the day,” that are famous within the Disney Cruise Line app. Shopping for these means that you can 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 higher the potential worth for those who use the cup a number of instances.
Notice that, in contrast to another cruise strains, Disney Cruise Line doesn’t provide 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’re 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 which you can pop into.
This contains choices like household sport reveals, silent discos, karaoke, all types of trivia competitions and Disney character drawing classes. My children have grow to be obsessive about many of those often scheduled actions, in order 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 major attraction on Disney Fantasy is the AquaDuck waterslide, which takes you across the high deck of the ship, via the funnel and on a four-deck drop on an interior tube. It is a highly regarded attraction (open to friends 42 inches and taller), particularly on sea days. Attempt to go to outdoors peak instances for those who don’t need not less than a 30-minute wait.
However AquaDuck isn’t 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 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 word that none of them are presently 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’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. The truth is, if a film premieres on land if you are at sea, you’ll be able to see it opening night time on the ship, too. Whereas the flicks are included, word that until you’re crusing in a concierge-level room, popcorn prices just a few {dollars} additional.
Health middle
If you wish to work off a few of that included meals you could be consuming your justifiable share of on the ship (to make room for extra!), head to the health middle, which sits subsequent to the spa and is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Friends 18 and up are welcome.
Midship Detective Company
A extremely enjoyable (and complimentary) sport you’ll discover solely on Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream is the Midship Detective Company, which is able to take you on one among a number of instances to unravel by amassing clues at interactive “work” everywhere in the ship. It’s the right sport for teenagers who need a bit of little bit of freedom to run across the ship and remedy a caper — although, after all, you too can take part on the enjoyable.
Senses Spa & Salon
Whether or not you wish to purchase a cross to calm down within the “Rainforest Room” on a heated stone lounger or ebook a remedy, the Senses Spa & Salon is one among 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 ebook some discounted remedies for port days, which may prevent 30% or extra on retail costs.
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 sport of basketball, miniature golf at sea or perhaps a sports activities simulator sounds enjoyable, then you definitely’ll wish to make your option to Goofy’s Sports activities Deck on Deck 13 to take pleasure in 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.
Characters and Bibbity Bobbity Boutique
Whether or not you wish to meet a princess or grow to be a princess, Disney Fantasy has you coated. You could find a listing of scheduled character appearances in your DCL app whereas on board. You may also 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.
Nonetheless, my favourite DCL character interactions are often those that aren’t scheduled or obtainable for advance reservations. Whether or not that’s Donald out on deck taking within the sundown or Goofy maybe roaming in his pajamas at night time, preserve your eyes peeled for character moments you gained’t discover on an itinerary.
In case your kiddo needs to “grow to be” a princess, Captain Minnie or perhaps a pirate, you’ll be able to ebook them a reservation at Bibbity Bobbity Boutique to get outfitted with a dressing up, a princess hairdo and extra by “fairy godmothers.”
Disney Fantasy children golf equipment, teen membership and nursery
Disney Fantasy doesn’t 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 obtainable 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’ll discover some scheduled actions, video games, drawing provides and themed areas (suppose: “Star Wars” and “Guardians of the Galaxy”). Generally, 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’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 below. In consequence, pay shut consideration to the membership guidelines for those who’re crusing with children of comparable however completely different ages.
Subsequent up is Edge, open to children ages 11 to 14. Nonetheless, in contrast to within the Oceaneer Membership and Lab, there may be typically flexibility to “age up” to this membership at 10 years outdated with parental permission (if house on the crusing permits). Additionally word that Edge doesn’t have an indication out and in course of the way in which the youthful golf equipment do, so children can come and go right here with out mother and father selecting 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 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, count on what Edge provides 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 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 a giant, 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 non-public pool space by itself non-public deck.
Adults-only areas
The children and teenagers don’t 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 sizzling 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 via site 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 the moment, Disney Fantasy provides 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 wonderful option 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 value for the least costly season, which is presently weekday sailings within the early fall, prices $3,437.
If you wish to ebook 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 strains, a fantastic 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 further 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 provides accessible cabins in the entire major 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 embody options equivalent to loos 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, cellphone calls and emergency alarms.
The theaters on Disney Fantasy provide wheelchair-accessible seating, and the road’s web site says you need to request pool elevate entry upfront from visitor companies.
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’s secure to say that Disney Fantasy is certainly a particular ship that does a number of issues good.
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 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’s all earlier than seeing a Broadway-style present at night time, 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’m undecided that I can say I believe anybody crew (or ship) is basically higher than the others.
And whereas Disney Fantasy isn’t a carbon copy of Disney Dream because of some completely different styling, eating places and reveals, my hunch is that a few of the fame of Disney Fantasy being the perfect is a holdover from when it solely did seven-night sailings and certain had a special vibe and tempo from the remainder of the fleet.
That mentioned, we completely cherished our days on Disney Fantasy — as now we have on Disney’s different ships — and hope to be fortunate sufficient to search out ourselves on board once more sooner or later.
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