What it’s like sailing on Disney Fantasy — one of the most beloved ships in Disney’s fleet

As I’ve realized in my quest to sail on all the Disney ships, whenever you ask an skilled Disney cruiser what ship in the fleet is their favourite, odds are they’re going to say Disney Fantasy.

For years, I puzzled what about this ship (the solely 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 sailing Disney ships, Disney Fantasy being a favourite is especially attention-grabbing given it’s not the latest in the fleet, the most latest to be majorly overhauled in dry dock (although one is scheduled), the greatest in the fleet nor the smallest Disney ship. There’s actually not that a lot on this ship that you just could not discover on one of the different Disney ships, both.

But as Goldilocks might have stated at one level, after sailing on Disney Fantasy, I can now perceive some of the enchantment. It is, in some ways, excellent.

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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 many of its eating places, bars and different areas relative to the two newer ships — Disney Treasure and Disney Wish — 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 at the similar dimension as Disney Dream, which got here out simply one yr earlier.

For years, Disney Fantasy fairly constantly spent the 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, relatively than the quick-turn tempo of the three- and four-night sailings that had been typically operated by different ships in the fleet.

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

However, now that Disney’s fleet has expanded, Disney Fantasy operates a fairly wide selection of sailings, starting from brief three-night cruises out of Florida to some transatlantic crossings and even sailings from European ports.

Related: Are the Disney Visa bank cards value it?

Disney Fantasy cabins and suites

Disney Fantasy has staterooms starting from inside and oceanview cabins to verandah staterooms and a variety 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 relatively uncommon providing that you’re going to solely discover on Disney Fantasy and its sister ship, Disney Dream, is the inclusion of magic portholes in the inside staterooms, like the one we sailed in.

These digital portholes have a stay feed from outdoors, so you possibly can “see” what is going on on outdoors, even with no actual window. (If you are fortunate, you could even get to see a personality “fly” by the magic porthole on event.)

One very useful characteristic of most Disney Fantasy staterooms is the break up loos, which place the tub/bathe combo and the bathroom in completely different adjoining rooms so a number of members of the family can prepare at the similar time.

The inside, oceanview and verandah staterooms on Disney Fantasy characteristic the traditional nautical type you will discover on all 4 of the unique Disney ships (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy).

The concierge staterooms on Disney Fantasy present entry to some extra concierge-exclusive areas and perks, similar to the concierge lounge, earlier reserving of actions and specialty meals, and early entry into the theater at evening for the first choose of seats.

Related: Is Disney Cruise Line concierge stage value it? We examined it to seek out out

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 Garden, Royal Court and Animator’s Palate.

Enchanted Garden

Enchanted Garden is just discovered on Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream. Inspired by conservatories in 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 in the restaurant, as it could change as you get pleasure from the completely different programs of your meal.

Royal Court

The fanciest of Disney Fantasy’s three eating places coated by your cruise fare — and the solely restaurant that is distinctive to this ship — is Royal Court. (That stated, Royal Palace on Disney Dream is very comparable.)

Located simply off the grand atrium, this restaurant might make you are feeling like you’ve got entered the citadel of one of Disney’s well-known princesses, similar to that of Belle or Cinderella, as these had been some of the tales from which the restaurant took its inspiration.

Animator’s Palate

Last however not least on the record of included sit-down eating places you will discover on Disney Fantasy is Animator’s Palate. Available 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 if you have not dined right here earlier than.

On some nights in Animator’s Palate, you could 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 at the beforehand talked about eating places.

There can also be Cabanas, a buffet that’s open every 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.

Pro tip: Stay 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 (typically towards the finish of the sailing) and are fairly scrumptious.

On-deck meals

For lunch and even dinner, you can even simply get pleasure from a variety from the on-deck walk-up meals counters and seize a mushy 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 will likely be a brand new on-deck addition known as Ramone’s Cantina. It will deliver tacos and taco bowls to the eating lineup. After a number of days of burgers and fries, belief me, you will be thrilled to have this thrilling addition.

These on-deck counters are clearly nice picks for lunch by the pool, however one of my favourite issues to do not less than one evening 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 get pleasure 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 on your ultimate night), and there’s a complimentary menu that features choices similar to fruit, pastries, juice and occasional in the mornings. Later in the day, a small however enough record of sizzling objects additionally turns into obtainable.

Remember that moreover the important menu, you will get a number of off-menu objects, similar to Mickey ice cream bars and Uncrustables, which I like to stuff in my bag on tour days.

Disney Fantasy extra-fee eating places and meals

Now, let’s speak about the snacks and meals on Disney Fantasy that may price you a bit further.

Sweet on You

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

Pro tip: If your youngsters 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 visitors ages 18 and up, are open for reservations for brunch and dinner.

I’d say that the $50 Palo brunch continues to be the easiest cash you possibly can spend with Disney at sea, however any meal at these two eating places is prone to be distinctive. You ought to attempt to make your reservations as quickly as they open in advance of your sailing (which varies relying on your Castaway Club stage). Remember, too, to decorate up to your go to.

Related: Is a Disney cruise for adults? Here are 5 the explanation why I say sure

Disney Fantasy bars and lounges

When it involves the bars and lounges on Disney Fantasy, the ship takes a novel method you will not discover replicated in the fairly similar method elsewhere in the Disney fleet. In Disney Fantasy’s Europa part, which transforms into an adults-only space every evening, you will discover 5 completely different bars that every one share a European vibe and sit shut to one another, making it simple to hop from one to the subsequent.

Included in the Europa part are:

• Skyline Bar
• O’Gills Pub
• Ooh La La
• The Tube
• La Piazza

Pay consideration whereas in the Skyline Bar, as your view will change from one iconic skyline to a different each 15 or so minutes. If you look rigorously, you are prone to discover some Disney characters out having fun with themselves in the cities displayed, too.

My private favourite bar on Disney Fantasy, nonetheless, is not really in the Europa district.

Instead, it’s Meridian, discovered between Palo and Remy. There, you will 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 similar price ticket.

I extremely suggest a predinner or postdinner drink right here round sundown for a relaxed, beautiful toast to the finish of one other day at sea.

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

• Cove Cafe
• Currents
• Poolside bars

Pro tip: If you anticipate to get pleasure from a number of specialty coffees on your cruise, ask for the Cove Fanatic card, which gives a free specialty espresso after you buy 5. Also, know that on Disney Fantasy, the muffins and pastries obtainable in Cove Cafe come at no extra cost.

You can even anticipate a rotating record of “drinks of the day,” that are famous in the Disney Cruise Line app. Buying these lets you basically get a barely bigger portion of the drink in a memento cup. If you need to do that, then the earlier in your cruise you do it, the higher the potential worth should you use the cup a number of occasions.

Note that, in contrast to another cruise strains, Disney Cruise Line doesn’t provide limitless drink packages, although you should buy packages that embrace a choose quantity of bottles of wine or cans of beer.

Related: Disney cruise drink packages: How to avoid wasting on beer, wine, cocktails and occasional

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 reveals, trivia, karaoke and extra

The half of a Disney Cruise I underestimated earlier than I attempted it was the actions scheduled all all through the day and evening 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 youngsters have develop into obsessive about many of these frequently scheduled actions, so that they’re now a cruise spotlight for us and the way you’ll discover us passing the time for hours upon hours every day.

Pools and waterslides

Another important attraction on Disney Fantasy is the AquaDuck waterslide, which takes you round the prime deck of the ship, by way of the funnel and on a four-deck drop on an interior tube. This is a highly regarded attraction (open to visitors 42 inches and taller), particularly on sea days. Try and go to outdoors peak occasions if you do not need not less than a 30-minute wait.

But AquaDuck is not the solely 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

Each of the Disney ships has three Broadway-style reveals:

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

They are all very high-quality productions and value a watch, although be aware that none of them are presently distinctive to Disney Fantasy. Your present time will likely 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 can get pleasure from first-run Disney motion pictures (together with Marvel movies) whereas on Disney Fantasy in the Buena Vista movie show. In truth, if a film premieres on land if you are at sea, you possibly can see it opening evening on the ship, too. While the motion pictures are included, be aware that until you’re sailing in a concierge-level room, popcorn prices a number of {dollars} further.

Fitness middle

If you need to work off some 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. Guests 18 and up are welcome.

Midship Detective Agency

A very enjoyable (and complimentary) sport you will discover solely on Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream is the Midship Detective Agency, which can take you on one of a number of instances to resolve by gathering clues at interactive “paintings” throughout the ship. It’s the excellent sport for youths who need a bit bit of freedom to run round the ship and resolve a caper — although, of course, you can even be a part of in on the enjoyable.

Senses Spa & Salon

Whether you need to purchase a go to loosen up in the “Rainforest Room” on a heated stone lounger or e book a remedy, the Senses Spa & Salon is one of my favourite areas of the ship. If you go to the spa raffle on embarkation day, you possibly can enter a raffle to win a spa credit score and sometimes get the alternative to e book some discounted therapies for port days, which might prevent 30% or extra on retail costs.

Some areas inside the spa will likely be getting a recent look when Disney Fantasy undergoes a go to to dry dock later in 2025.

Goofy’s Sports 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 strategy to Goofy’s Sports Deck on Deck 13 to get pleasure from all these actions and extra. There is not 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 want to make a reservation for a 30- to 60-minute session.

Characters and Bibbity Bobbity Boutique

Whether you need to meet a princess or develop into a princess, Disney Fantasy has you coated. You can discover a record of scheduled character appearances in your DCL app whereas on board. You can even make a free reservation for the princess gathering in the Grand Hall to satisfy 4 princesses directly, at a scheduled time with a minimal wait.

However, my favourite DCL character interactions are normally the ones that are not scheduled or obtainable for advance reservations. Whether that is Donald out on deck taking in 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.

If your kiddo desires to “become” a princess, Captain Minnie or perhaps a pirate, you possibly can 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 would not simply have a “kids club” — 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. This is the solely youth exercise room that carries a further charge, and you can also make reservations when you get on board the ship.

Kids between the ages of 3 and 10 (assuming they’re potty skilled) get to go to the Oceaneer Club and Lab on Disney Fantasy. In these areas, you will discover some scheduled actions, video games, drawing provides and themed areas (suppose: “Star Wars” and “Guardians of the Galaxy”). Sometimes, Mickey and buddies even pop in to play.

There are some open play hours for any member of the household to return in, however throughout the hours reserved only for youngsters ages 3 to 10, do know that these ages are strict — you possibly can’t have an 11-year-old pop in (outdoors of open play areas) simply because their sibling or cousin is 10 or underneath. As a consequence, pay shut consideration to the membership guidelines should you’re sailing with youngsters of comparable however completely different ages.

Next up is Edge, open to youngsters ages 11 to 14. However, in contrast to in the Oceaneer Club and Lab, there may be generally flexibility to “age up” to this membership at 10 years outdated with parental permission (if area on the sailing permits). Also be aware that Edge would not have an indication in and out course of the method 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 counselors 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, anticipate what Edge provides to remain the similar, however will probably be shifting places later in 2025.

Last however completely not least is Vibe, which was created for teenagers 14 to 17 years outdated. Like at Edge, you possibly can doubtlessly “age up” to Vibe one yr early, at 13, if area on the sailing permits. Vibe is an enormous, cool area with tons of locations to hang around, watch a film, play video video games and even get a tan at its personal personal pool space on its personal personal deck.

Adults-only areas

The youngsters and teenagers do not get all the enjoyable on Disney Fantasy, as the adults have their very own area and personal pool, too. Cruisers ages 18 and up can get pleasure from the pool, pool bar, lounge chairs and sizzling tub in a piece only for them.

However, in contrast to on Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, the place the adults-only space is all the method at the again of the prime deck, on Disney Fantasy, it’s considerably extra midship, so there will likely be by way of site 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. Currently, Disney Fantasy provides three- to five-night Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral in Florida, in addition to some European sailings in summer season 2025.

Right now, the least costly sailings with double occupancy on the market are the four-night sailings out of Port Canaveral that cease in the Bahamas at Disney’s personal island, Castaway Cay, and its new island vacation spot, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. We did the similar itinerary, and it was a wonderful strategy 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 the most off-peak dates.

For a household of 4, the beginning value for the least costly season, which is presently weekday sailings in the early fall, prices $3,437.

If you need 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.

While Disney Cruise Line is one of the dearer family-focused cruise strains, an awesome 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. That means it’s 100% potential to spend no extra cash on these shore days and nonetheless have a good time.

Pro tip: On these island days, I extremely suggest creating your personal ice cream sandwich utilizing cookies and mushy serve ice cream machines.

Related: 11 methods to save cash on a Disney Cruise

If you need 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 the sailings to Italy, France, Spain, Norway and past for summer season 2025. In summer season 2026, it can return to doing closer-to-home sailings out of Florida.

Related: Traveling with youngsters to Europe? Why together with a cruise could be higher than simply staying on land

Disney Fantasy accessibility

Disney Fantasy provides accessible cabins in all of 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 units and maneuvering and in addition embrace options similar 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 line’s web site says you have to request pool elevate entry in advance from visitor providers.

Common ports of name for Disney Fantasy — Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay — even have beach-friendly wheelchairs obtainable to be used.

Bottom line

After 4 nights on board, it’s secure to say that Disney Fantasy is certainly a particular ship that does tons of issues excellent.

You can jog or stroll the full round observe in the morning (which isn’t true on the new Wish Class ships), hit up the Rainforest Room in the spa earlier than lunch whereas your youthful members of the family are in the youngsters golf equipment, get pleasure from the swimming pools or waterslides in the afternoon, have a predinner drink with an epic view in Meridian and revel in the rotational-style eating for dinner. And that is all earlier than seeing a Broadway-style present at evening, amongst different issues you possibly can see and do on Disney Fantasy.

However, now that I’ve sailed on all of Disney’s ships, I’m undecided that I can say I believe any one crew (or ship) is basically higher than the others.

And whereas Disney Fantasy is not a carbon copy of Disney Dream because of some completely different styling, eating places and reveals, my hunch is that some of the status of Disney Fantasy being the greatest is a holdover from when it completely did seven-night sailings and sure had a special vibe and tempo from the relaxation of the fleet.

That stated, we completely liked our days on Disney Fantasy — as we have now on Disney’s different ships — and hope to be fortunate sufficient to seek out ourselves on board once more one day.