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Category Archives: Disney Cruise Line
Double Down on Disney Cruise Line Discounts!
Repeat cruisers know that booking your next cruise while still onboard has it’s perks. Currently Disney Cruise Line is reducing your cruise deposit to 10% (as opposed to the standard 20%) and offering an Onboard Credit when you book your next cruise before your current cruise ends.
The onboard credit amount varies by your Castaway Club status (you are automatically entered into the Castaway Club after your first Disney cruise) and are as follows:
Silver Castaway Club Members (1-5 cruises):
- $100 for a 3-6 night cruise
- $200 for a 7-night or longer cruise
Gold Castaway Club Members (6-10 cruises):
- $150 for 2-6 night cruise
- $275 for a 7-night or longer cruise
Platinum Castaway Club Members (11+ cruises):
- $200 for a 3-6 night cruise
- $350 for a 7-night or longer cruise
The stipulations are that you must book onboard, it applies to new bookings only and it’s not combinable with any group discount offers through travel agencies.
So, how do you double down and stack your onboard credits for your next Disney Cruise? It’s easy…book your next cruise at the Future Cruise Sales desk while you’re still onboard and take advantage of the Disney Cruise Line onboard credit perks and then transfer your reservation to an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Inquire about discounts and other booking incentives with the individual agent and then stack your credits and incentives and shop till you drop on your upcoming cruise!
The “takeover” is Authorized by Disney…they actually even give us an official form for it, and it changes nothing on your existing reservation except adding the travel agent to your reservation.
Use your onboard credits to book spa treatments, purchase items in the gift shop, drinks at the bar and much much more! The possibilities are endless and every little bit helps!
The Future Cruise Booklet actually leaves a place for you to write in an agency/agent name when you book your cruise onboard so if you already have an agent you know and trust, write their name down but be sure to follow up with them when you get home to let them know a reservation is coming their way. If you don’t already have a travel agent you can write down: Michele Dakho/Pixie Vacations (*wink wink,* nudge nudge) and i’ll make sure you’re taken care of! If you have questions about Disney Cruise Line feel free to contact me! Michele@PixieVacations.com
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Disney Cruise Line Contributes $250,000 to Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida
Disney Cruise Line presented a $250,000 donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida in honor of the newest and fourth ship in its fleet, the Disney Fantasy. The donation is earmarked for a new Boys & Girls Club location in Cocoa near Port Canaveral, the homeport for the Disney Fantasy. Last year, Disney hosted a benefit cruise on the sister ship of the Disney Fantasy, the Disney Dream, raising $750,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs. Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line and Captain Tom Forberg were joined by Gary Cain, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, and several Club families who will have the opportunity to sail on the Disney Fantasy later this month.
“Disney Cruise Line has been a long-time supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida,” said Holz. “As our fleet has expanded and our business has grown, it has been our pleasure to help the Clubs grow as well, so they can continue to inspire and empower young people. We are excited that this donation will assist in the development of a new facility close to our homeport, which will allow our crew members to continue supporting the Clubs through Disney VoluntEAR efforts.”
The contribution will help fund programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida that teach children character and leadership, develop life and health skills and expand their creativity and cultural awareness through the arts. Both Disney and Boys & Girls Clubs share the same values in championing the happiness and well-being of children, as well as motivating them to make a lasting, positive change in the world. The relationship between Boys & Girls Clubs and The Walt Disney Company started more than 50 years ago when Walt Disney was made an honorary member of the organization’s national board of directors.
“We are proud to serve children at Clubs in Brevard County where there is a need for comprehensive, dedicated youth development services and where all young people can come to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens,” said Cain. “We are very grateful for this generous contribution from Disney Cruise Line, which will have an immediate impact on our community and encourage the next generation of local leaders. The opportunity to sail on the Disney Fantasy will create magical memories for these children and their families.”
Plaque and Key Exchange
In keeping with maritime tradition, Disney Cruise Line also hosted a plaque and key exchange with members of the port and community leaders commemorating the inaugural call of the Disney Fantasy on Port Canaveral.
Port Canaveral and the Central Florida region are experiencing sizeable economic benefits with the addition of the Disney Fantasy. The ship’s arrival is expected to generate more than 500 jobs in the region in 2012, according to a study by Martin Associates released earlier this month.
Disney Fantasy
After 18 months of construction in Germany, followed by a trans-Atlantic journey to New York for a Christening celebration, the Captain and crew of the Disney Fantasy are busily preparing to sail alternating seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s own private island in The Bahamas, beginning March 31.
The Disney Fantasy is the second of two new and significantly larger ships that have joined the Disney fleet, with a tonnage of 130,000, a length of 1,115 feet and a passenger capacity of 4,000 guests. Innovative entertainment, activities and dining abound, including two new Broadway-style stage spectaculars, an adults-only entertainment district inspired by the nightspots of Europe, an interactive adventure quest with The Muppets, and an opportunity for guests to become Disney animators for a night in Animator’s Palate restaurant. Guest favorites like the AquaDuck, the first water coaster at sea, can be found onboard the Disney Fantasy as well.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
Since 1944, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida has provided children from the local community between the ages of 6-18 with a safe place to learn and grow. Its membership totals more than 10,000 youth at 15 Clubs and 14 middle school sites in Brevard, Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. For more information or to find out how you can support the Boys & Girls Clubs movement, call 407-841-6855 or visit www.bgccf.org.
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Disney Fantasy Arrives Home at Port Canaveral
Disney Cruise Line welcomed its fourth ship, the Disney Fantasy, early this morning to its new homeport in Port Canaveral, Fla. after a 19-day trans-Atlantic voyage from Germany and a stop in New York for its Christening last week.With the addition of the Disney Fantasy, Port Canaveral and the region is experiencing sizeable economic benefits. The Disney Fantasy is expected to generate more than 500 direct, indirect and induced jobs in the area and attract thousands of additional cruise guests to the port, according to an economic impact study by Martin Associates.
“Not only is the arrival of the Disney Fantasy an important milestone for our business, it will also have a positive impact on the Central Florida community,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “With our fourth ship, we are able to generate more jobs and economic activity for the region while delivering even more cruising options for families to share unforgettable cruise experiences with us.”
To accommodate the expanded operation, new ships and increase in guest capacity, Disney Cruise Line worked with Port Canaveral to expand the dock area and terminal facility in early 2011. Along with the construction of a new parking structure and a sky bridge walkway, guests experience a state-of-the-art facility, making the transition from land to sea relatively seamless.
“We are excited to welcome the Disney Fantasy home,” said Port Canaveral Chief Executive Officer Stan Payne. “The arrival of the Disney Dream last year made a significant economic impact on Central Florida and we know the Disney Fantasy will add to that dramatically. We have seen our local businesses benefit when a ship of this magnitude and special Disney magic becomes part of our community.”
Beginning with its maiden voyage on March 31, the Disney Fantasy will embark on seven-night sailings, alternating between Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, with a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s own private island in The Bahamas.
With a tonnage of 130,000 and a guest capacity of up to 4,000, the Disney Fantasy is the second of two new, and significantly larger, ships that are being added to the Disney fleet. The Disney Dream arrived in early 2011 and is currently sailing three-, four- and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas, also from Port Canaveral.
Disney Cruise Line established the blue-print for family cruising when the business launched in 1998. The first two ships, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, which were launched in 1998 and 1999, respectively, were purposely built for families to reconnect, adults to recharge and kids to immerse themselves in worlds of fantasy only Disney can create.
With the addition of the two new ships, Disney Cruise Line will celebrate 2012 with its most diverse sailing itineraries to date. New in 2012, the Disney Magic will offer eight-night cruises to the Bahamas and five-night cruises up the New England coast sailing from New York, and seven-night western Caribbean itineraries departing from Galveston, Texas. The Disney Wonder will continue sailing seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles, while spending its second summer sailing Alaskan itineraries from Seattle.
Most recently, the Disney Dream won the top spot for “Best Bahamas Cruises” and “Best Cabins” in the 2012 Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards. Disney Cruise Line was recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine as the top “Cruise Ships of the World,” with the Disney Magic being voted No. 1 and the Disney Dream and Disney Wonder tying for No. 2. Travel + Leisure magazine also ranked Disney Cruise Line the No. 1 Large-Ship Cruise Line for Families.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com or Pixie Vacations.
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Disney Cruise Tips for First Timers
My family and I just got back from an amazing cruise on the Disney Dream and I have some first timer tips to share with you. Use these at your own discretion 
Transportation:
- We flew into Orlando the night before our cruise so we didn’t risk flight delays impacting our trip. We didn’t want to pay the $70 per person charge that Disney charges for round trip transfers, that can add up quick!
- We priced out various services and found that renting a car was our cheapest option. We were able to get the car from the airport and have it that entire day before our cruise and we returned it at the Enterprise station the morning of our cruise and they shuttled us directly to the port. After the cruise was over they were there to shuttle us back to Enterprise and we took the car back to the airport. This was about half of the cost and we loved having the car the night before so we could go shopping and get some carry on items for the cruise.
Get there early:
- The morning of our cruise we woke up and couldn’t wait to get onto that amazing Disney Dream ship! We had previously registered online and had a check in time given to us of 1:30 but I had been told we could get on earlier, so that was the plan! We wanted to get an early boarding time so we went up to the 3rd floor of the parking garage by 10:15 a.m. and found the VERY small line of people there waiting to go into the terminal. They opened the doors and let us in by 10:30 a.m. We were in boarding number 3 which got us onto the ship and eating lunch by 12:15.
Packing:
- We had packed swimsuits for the kids into our carry on so after an incredible lunch at Cabanas we headed into the restrooms and got into our swimsuits and were able to ride the Aqua duck multiple times without a line.
- Did you know that Disney will allow you to carry alcohol on board with you? We went to Publix before boarding our cruise and I purchased 2 bottles of wine and my husband purchased a bottle of rum. We placed these (wrapped in our swimsuits) into our carry on and rolled them right onto the ship with us. I also was able to get a wine glass from room service and I would pour a glass of wine and take it into the dining room with me or up onto the deck to sit in a lounge chair while watching the ocean go by, now that was awesome! This was a great money saver for us!
Look for future articles from me with even more money and time saving tips to make the most of your Disney Cruise Line vacation!
“Want to same some money on your upcoming Disney vacation? Contact Lesley ( Lesley@pixievacations.com) from Pixie Vacations, she offers Disney gift cards and generous on board credits !” Check out my website at Destination Magic or Like me on Facebook.
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Mariah Carey Christens the Disney Fantasy During Star-Studded NYC Ceremony
The Disney Fantasy, the fourth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, was christened today during a star-studded christening celebration at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.
On a night filled with celebrity performances from the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Neil Patrick Harris, Nick Cannon and Heather Headley, it was Disney Fantasy godmother, Mariah Carey, who took center stage for the christening moment. Similar to the famed New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square, Carey led the audience in a countdown that triggered a 6-foot tall bottle of champagne in the Atrium Lobby to erupt and shower onlookers with confetti and streamers as a traditional bottle of champagne broke against the ship’s hull.
“The Disney Fantasy is a spectacular addition to our fleet and builds on the creativity, innovation and artistry that are hallmarks of the Disney Cruise Line,” said Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger. “Like her sister ship, the Dream, the Fantasy will connect guests to iconic Disney characters and storytelling, creating unforgettable, one-of-a-kind vacation experiences for the entire family.”
“At Disney Parks and Resorts, we strive to be the most trusted and highest quality provider of shared travel and leisure experiences in the world,” said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs. “From stem to stern, the Disney Fantasy was designed and built with the singular purpose of surprising and delighting our guests, helping them make memories to last a lifetime.”
When the Disney Fantasy begins sailing on March 31, 2012, it will continue the innovative approach Disney Cruise line brought to family cruise vacations with a collection of new guest experiences specifically developed for the ship’s seven-night itinerary.
Highlights include:
Technological Wizardry. . .
- Animator’s Palate on the Disney Fantasy brings the magic of Disney animation into the dining room with a new show called “Animation Magic.” At dinner, families are encouraged to draw a character of their own on a specially designed placemat. Once the placemats are collected, the magic begins as Mickey takes to the screens and brings the guests’ characters to life as they march across screens around the dining room and even step into scenes from beloved Disney movies side-by-side with characters such as Mickey Mouse, Jiminy Cricket, Cinderella and Snow White.
- The Muppets are coming to the Disney Fantasy! Guests can join the world-famous Muppets for interactive adventure quest to find missing show props by uncovering clues via more than a dozen pieces of Enchanted Art around the ship. Guided by a map and holding a unique game card in front of select pieces of Enchanted Art, guests unveil games and clues to find the missing items. “The Case of the Stolen Show” is a self-paced adventure game that features several possible endings and multiple randomized events – so each time a guest plays, they have a different game experience.
Splashtacular Family Fun. . .
- Soaring above the upper decks of the Disney Fantasy, guests will find the AquaDuck a 765-foot long, twisting-and-turning water coaster that has been a huge hit with guests sailing on the Disney Dream. Several new water surprises are set to debut on the Disney Fantasy including AquaLab — a water play area on the upper deck filled with a variety of water “experiments,” created by Donald Duck’s nephews, designed to drench, soak and saturate guests. This fanciful 1,800-square-foot space features pop jets, geysers, bubblers, falling water, squirting walls and more.
- On Deck 13 forward, guests 18-years of age and older will find a new relaxing respite. Satellite Falls is a circular splash pool with benches and a gently falling rain curtain that provides cool comfort and is surrounded by ample deck space where adult guests can soak up the sun in loungers or relax in the shade under a canopy.
World-Class Entertainment. . .
- The launch of a new Disney ship includes the premiere of two new Broadway-style stage spectaculars in the lavish Walt Disney Theatre. The signature show “Wishes” is a 45-minute musical journey about three best friends who discover the secret to being a grown-up is staying connected to their inner child. “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” is a fast-paced musical comedy where Aladdin, the “street rat” of Agrabah, meets a Genie who grants him three wishes, battles the evil Jafar and falls in love with Princess Jasmine.
Club Hopping Across Europe. . .
- Nightlife takes a European twist with Europa – an entertainment district of high-energy, sophisticated clubs and lounges inspired by the night spots of Italy, France, Ireland and London. Europa is a continent of adult nighttime fun without borders. La Piazza is a lounge that draws inspiration from stylish Italian plazas. Skyline is a chic bar that provides ever-changing birds-eye views of European cityscapes. O’Gills Pub is a rollicking Irish bar and Ooh La La is an elegant French champagne bar. The Tube transports guests to a vibrant metropolitan club reminiscent of swinging London.
The Disney Fantasy will sail from Port Canaveral, Fla. on seven-night Caribbean itineraries that alternate eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). All itineraries will include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit www.disneycruise.com, or contact Pixie Vacations for more details.
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