Category Archives: Disney Cruise Line

Disney Stories Come to Life in Magical Youth Spaces Aboard the Disney Fantasy

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Disney Cruise Line revolutionized the cruise industry with elaborately themed youth areas where a generous sprinkling of pixie dust and beloved Disney characters combine to lead children into their favorite Disney stories.

Onboard Disney Fantasy, there is nearly an entire deck of spaces designed to inspire, entertain and spark the imagination of children.

Disney’s Oceaneer Club

Located on Deck 5 midship, Disney’s Oceaneer Club is a child-friendly oasis that transports kids to the magical lands of Disney fairies, friendly monsters, adventuresome toys and undersea exploration. Disney’s Oceaneer Club is open to 3-to-10-year-old children.

A central rotunda serves as the main gathering place. There are constellations of Disney characters created by fiber optics twinkling across the ceiling and iridescent finishes that give the room a sparkling glow. The focal point is a stage where children can create and star in their very own theatrical performances, participate in storytelling sessions and delight in meeting Disney characters, such as Tinker Bell and Peter Pan.

• The Disney’s Oceaneer Club’s rotunda has a 103-inch plasma screen for watching movies and for magical interactions with a “most excellent” live character: Crush, the sea turtle from the Disney•Pixar animated motion picture “Finding Nemo,” stops mid-stream in his digital undersea environment to chat, play and joke with kids in live, unrehearsed conversations. These one-of-a- kind, personalized experiences with Crush continue Disney’s legacy of bringing characters to life in new and incredible ways.

• Located in the rotunda is a Magic PlayFloor. A cruise industry first, the interactive floor allows children to engage in group activities where their movements control the action. Youth counselors also use the Magic PlayFloor during storytelling activities where children will fly over the streets of London with Peter Pan, help their frog feast on a bug banquet themed to “The Princess and the Frog” and race cars around a track just like Lightning McQueen from “Cars.”

• In the vibrantly colored Andy’s Room, the world of the Disney•Pixar “Toy Story” films comes to life. Kids experience the feeling of being toy-sized as they play among larger-than-life characters from the animated film. Children can rearrange features on Mr. Potato Head, crawl through the coiled body of Slinky Dog and get behind the wheel of an oversize, remote-controlled race car.

Monster’s Academy is a fun, interactive space inspired by the Disney•Pixar film “Monsters, Inc.” The centerpiece is an elaborately themed play structure for climbing that is fashioned after the film’s scare floor, where monster pals Michael “Mike” Wazowski and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan work. Computers integrated into the walls feature unique, interactive games.

• In Pixie Hollow, children are transported to the enchanted land inhabited by Tinker Bell and her fairy friends. A pixie tree stands in the room, its branches extending overhead with hundreds of fairy lights twinkling among the leaves and hummingbird-sized fairy houses hanging from the boughs. In this magical forest setting, children can make crafts just like a true tinker fairy while sitting on stools shaped like acorns and mushrooms or dress up in fanciful costumes.

Explorer Pod is inspired by the Disney•Pixar animated film “Finding Nemo.” Surrounded by a seascape and seeming to emerge from a pool of water, a bright blue-and-yellow submarine surfaces in the center of the room. Inside, children can explore and play games at 16 interactive computer stations. Outside the sub, eight computer stations provide gaming fun as the familiar flock of seagulls from “Finding Nemo” looks on.

Disney’s Oceaneer Lab

Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, located on Deck 5 midship, takes 3-to-10-year-old children on a journey of discovery and exploration.

Upon entering the main hall, filled with maritime instruments and nautical artifacts, children feel as though they are embarking on a great adventure. At the main hall stage, kids can create and star in swashbuckling performances, hear stories of great expeditions and watch movies.

• Utilizing the same techno-magic that brings Crush to life in Disney’s Oceaneer Club, Disney’s Oceaneer Lab features special scheduled visits by Disney’s mischievous animated alien Stitch. Playful pandemonium ensues as he engages with children in unrehearsed antics. From his spaceship, the cuddly but naughty alien interacts with young guests, chatting with them and using props from his spacecraft surroundings to create hilarious fits of havoc.

• Located in the main gathering space is a Magic PlayFloor, a cruise industry first featuring the latest in interactive gaming technology. Here, kids’ movements control the action. For example, children step into the futuristic world of Tron with a team-based game, leap over lasers with Stitch and scramble around the perimeter of the floor to control the tilt of a virtual maze.

• The Animator’s Studio draws out the character inside all kids. Incorporating elements from both classic and modern animator’s studios, the room is filled with maquettes (three-dimensional character models), animation books, a light box table, drawing accessories, computer stations and other tools of the animation trade. Children can use their imagination to create original, hand- drawn art or learn how to sketch their favorite Disney character. With the help of a counselor and an animation simulator, kids can bring computer-animated characters to life.

Connecting the Disney’s Oceaneer Club and the Disney’s Oceaneer Lab on Deck 5 are two Workshops. In these specialized areas, kids concoct creations in an interactive science lab, conduct crazy experiments, express their creativity through art projects, stretch their culinary skills and participate in other hands-on activities.

It’s a Small World Nursery

In the It’s a Small World Nursery, located on Deck 5 midship, infants and toddlers ages 3 months to 3 years enter a whimsical world inspired by the classic Disney theme park attraction and original artwork by Disney Legend Mary Blair. The theme’s signature fanciful style in a patchwork of pastel colors creates an inviting and comforting space for little ones.

Upon entering the nursery, parents and children can meet and interact with counselors in a welcoming environment. Parents wishing to check on their children, without disturbing them, can glimpse into the nursery’s main play area through a one-way window.

In the nursery’s main play area, children are welcomed by cheerful, three-dimensional façades resembling the nursery’s namesake Disney attraction. Interactive, hands-on features, such as horns that honk, wheels that spin and buttons to press, are sure to delight curious kids. A boat in the center of the room “floats” on a river pattern along the soft-surface floor and is surrounded by colorful, kid- sized tables and chairs for toddlers to enjoy crafts, books and games.

At the back of the nursery, a separate room with a serene motif and a calm, quiet atmosphere is reserved for naptime.

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Disney Cruise Tips – Dinner Attire on Disney Cruise Line

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New cruisers always ask the same question:

“What do I wear to dinner?”

Before you purchase a new ball gown or a tuxedo…relax and take a deep breath. Disney Cruise Line knows how spiffy you’d look in a floor length sequined gown, they also know that wrangling your child into a high chair while wearing said gown is not practical.

The dining rooms range from casual and comfortable to elegant and your wardrobe will rotate with your dining schedule. So what should you plan to wear to dinner?

Men:

  • Regular Dining Attire: Casual open collared shirts (polo style shirts) and slacks (such as khakis). Jeans are ok everywhere but Palo and Remy.
  • Dress Up Night: A tad more upscale. Most men don jackets (not required). Jackets are required if you are dining at Palo or Remy.

Women:

Regular Dining Attire: Blouse and skirt or casual dress

  • Dress Up Night: A tad more upscale-dresses, skirts, etc. If you are dining at Palo or Remy you’ll want a dress or pantsuit.

General no-no’s:

  • No shorts in the dining rooms please
  • No swimwear in the dining rooms please
  • No open toed shoes at Remy or Palo (particularly for men)

Pirate Night:

  • This seems to be everyone favorite night. Could be that Disney Cruise Line is the only ship allowed to set off fireworks at sea, could be the deck parties or the buffet or the general atmosphere on the ship that night. Regardless, you’ll see that anything goes on this night. Red “Pirates IN the Caribbean” bandanas are distributed at dinner and many folks bring pirate attire along with them. On the Disney Fantasy the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will transform into the Pirates League and offer transformations for the entire family.

Have more questions about cruising? Book your vacation with Michele@PixieVacations.com and receive answers to all of your questions as well as onboard credits!

Onboard Credit Offers:

$1,000 to $2,500 = $50 onboard credit (+Disney Cruise Line OBC=$75)
$2,500 to $3,500 =$75 onboard credit (+Disney Cruise Line OBC=$100)
$3,500 to $4,500= $100 onboard credit (+Disney Cruise Line OBC=$125)
$4,500 and up=up to a $200 onboard credit (+Disney Cruise Line OBC=$250)

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5 Tips for Choosing Your Port Adventure

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“I want adventure in the great wide somewhere…I want it more than I can tell…” Belle sang it best and this may be your song when your Disney Cruise is finally booked. You’re prepared for getting onboard but pulling into port is an entirely different story.

To venture, or not to venture…that is the question!

Disney Cruise Line offers a wide variety of port adventures for each port of call, so how do you know which one is right for you?

You may find that there are several port excursions that are very similar for the same or different ports on any given itinerary. For example, in Nassau alone Disney Cruise Line offers at least 4 different Dolphin excursions, so how do you know which one to choose?

  1. Filter by age: If you want the whole family to be able to participate then filter by age to eliminate extra bulk of excursions you won’t be able to enjoy as a family.
  2. Read the descriptions carefully: many of the excursions read very much the same, don’t be tricked into skipping over the similar parts because sometimes the devil is in the details! For example…many of the dolphin excursions are quite tricky…did you know that of all the choices only one excursion offers the actual “Swim with a dolphin”, also knows the “Dorsal pull” where you hold onto the dolphin fin as they propel you through the water.
  3. Check the price: There is usually a wide variety of price range on excursions be sure to check the price and note that the price listed is for EACH person. Some rates may lower for children of certain ages.
  4. Check the time: Keep in mind your time at port is not indefinite and the “all aboard” time is not optional. While the back of Disney’s ships are super cute I doubt you’d enjoy them from the dock as your ship sails away without you. Set your watch to “ships time” so you’ll be back intime. Some excursions seem to offer a day full of aactivitiy until you read the description and realize you have a 3 hour ride to do the 15 minute excursion you paid for.
  5. Read reviews: many people have made the same mistakes you’re about to make with your shore excursion. Don’t spend your hard earned money on an excursion that’s less than sub-par. Read what others have had to say about your excursion choice before you click “book now”. Passporter’s Disney Cruise Line is a great resource for all things Disney Cruise Line, including port adventures. First hand reviews and trip reports are very helpful so you can determine which is best for your family.

Book your Disney cruise with the Practical Planner and receive FREE concierge level service as well as onboard credits that can be combined with Disney’s onboard credit offers.

Onboard Credit Offers:

  • $1,000 to $2,500 = $50 onboard credit (+Disney Cruise Line OBC=$75)
  • $2,500 to $3,500 =$75 onboard credit (+Disney Cruise Line OBC=$100)
  • $3,500 to $4,500= $100 onboard credit (+Disney Cruise Line OBC=$125)
  • $4,500 and up=up to a $200 onboard credit (+Disney Cruise Line OBC=$250)

Michele@PixieVacations.com for your free quote and fast, free service.

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Disney Cruise Line for Kids: The Oceaneers Club and Lab

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My first cruise on the Disney Dream brought along other firsts as well: my first time cruising with 10-year old step-son and my step-son’s first time on the seas!

I must say that the experience far exceeded my expectations and I’m certain I can’t tell you how how much it surpassed everything my step-son had imagined!

We took a tour of the Oceaneer’s Club and Lab on embarkation day, as an adult and parent here is what impressed me the most:

The Security:

  • The bracelet system the club utilizes is genius. Each child receives a hospital style bracelet band that holds a small wrist-size transmitter with all their pertinent confirmation that you provide upon registration. The transmitter simply gets tapped on the keypad at the entry of the kids club and it automatically signs the child in. The kids get this process down in about 2 seconds. The transmitter and wristband are incredibly sturdy and can be worn 24/7, they are even waterproof. I recommend you leave the wristband on your child for the duration of your cruise because if you lose or damage the transmitter there is a $50 charge.
  • The check-in/out process: There are at least 4 people at both the Club and Lab desks at all times monitoring the check-in process. If your child is 10, you can elect if you’d like them to be able to check themselves in and out of the club or if you want an adult to do it (if you are traveling with other adult family members be sure to list all family members who are allowed to check your child in and out of the kids programs- if they aren’t on the list…it’s not happening!) In addition to your list of authorized family members, there is also a password (that you will provide at registration) that you must give each time you check the child out of the club. Worried about random adults just wandering around in the kids clubs? Disney has that taken care of too! There are blue landyards with a “pick up” tag on them that you must get before entering the club. This identifies you to the cast members as an adult looking to pick-up their child. If you don’t have one of those…you don’t get to be in the kids areas.

The Staff:

  • The Oceaneer’s Club and Lab staff are the best of the best. These folks work tirelessly to make sure our kids are having a good time. There are plenty of them to go around and supervise and they also participate in so many activities with the kids. There is always a friendly face to welcome your child in and greet them by name and don’t be surprised if your child prefers them over you.
  • Contact: If you are worried about your child not adjusting to the kids programs you have no worries. Each stateroom is equipped with 2 wave phones at no charge, these phones work everywhere onboard and can make and receive calls as well as text messages. If at anytime your child is uncomfortable or wants to leave the club a cast member will call and/or text both phones to let you know the child wants to be picked up.

The Stuff:

  • For some parents parting with their children is a traumatic experience, we make a million excuses…”He’s shy”, “I don’t want them playing video games all day”, “He doesn’t like strangers”…the list goes on and on. Disney has thought of all of this so you’re going to be hard pressed to find a reason your child CAN’T participate!
  • Although there are certain video game challenges (A WII Challenge and a Mario Cart Challenge) the gaming systems are not left on all day and are only turned on for the allotted amount of time for the planned event. So don’t worry about checking your child in only to find them in a vegetative state in front of a TV or game console when you pick them up.
  • There are various events going on throughout the day that appeal to each age group and interest. Among my son’s favorites were Super Sloppy Science (when we checked on him during this event he was wearing blue safety goggles and a white lab coat and was far too busy to be bothered by the likes of us!), Anyone Can Cook (inspired by Disney/Pixar’s Ratatouille) and the Magic Play-floor (think 70′s disco with today’s technology and Disney’s imagination)
  • Not sure what your child will be interested in and don’t want them to miss anything? The Personal Navigator you receive each day has a special section for the kids clubs activities, so you can simply find the events that interest your kids and see what times they are happening at. A highlighter comes in handy to mark those “don’t miss” events.

We still have yet to hear about all the adventures in the Oceaneer Club and Lab. Games, crafts, dance parties, Andy’s Room, Monster’s Inc playfloor, board games, video game challenges, trivia challenges, movies and more who can keep track?! I’m sure we’ll eventually hear all about what happened inside but onboard all we heard was “when can I go back?”

To book the perfect vacation for your entire family, contact Michele@PixieVacations.com for your free Disney Cruise Line quote and for more information. Check out my blog to hear more about my trip on the Disney Dream!

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Meyer Werft Delivers Completed Disney Fantasy in Official Ceremony

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>Disney Cruise Line took possession of its newest ship – Disney Fantasy – today from the Meyer Werft shipyard in a traditional maritime ceremony aboard the ship. The Meyer Werft flag was lowered, while the Disney Cruise Line flag was raised, transferring ownership from the shipbuilder to Disney.

This final milestone closes the book on the ship’s construction journey and signals her readiness to welcome guests on her maiden voyage, set for March 31, 2012, from Port Canaveral, Florida. The Disney Fantasy is the second of two newly designed Disney ships that take the family cruise experience to new heights and features many of the innovations found on her sister ship, Disney Dream.

“Today we celebrate the culmination of a wonderful partnership, as we take possession of the Disney Fantasy and prepare for the journey home to Florida. This ship is the result of the superb craftsmanship from the master shipbuilders at Meyer Werft and the innovation, imagination and ingenuity of the Disney team, who have partnered together so beautifully to bring this ship to life,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line.  “We are eagerly anticipating our guests, who will experience storytelling in enchanting new ways onboard the Disney Fantasy while making magical memories that will last a lifetime.”

Known for establishing the family cruise market when the business launched in 1998, Disney Cruise Line continues to build upon this success with a focus on the legacy and heritage of The Walt Disney Company’s most known assets – master storytelling, world-class entertainment and legendary guest service.

“The Disney Fantasy, along with her sister ship, the Disney Dream, are the largest ships that Meyer Werft has ever built,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft.  “Over the last five years we have developed an outstanding partnership working with Disney, and together, we have seen two magnificent ships become reality. The collaboration among Disney Cruise Line, Meyer Werft and its suppliers has been exemplary.”

Meyer Werft and Disney first signed a contract to build two new ships in April of 2007. Shortly thereafter, planning for the design of the ships began and construction started on the Disney Dream, the first of the two new ships, with the first steel cutting on March 2, 2009.  Since the recent completion of the ship’s float out and conveyance on the River Ems, the test-and-adjust period has been in full swing. The ship will remain in Bremerhaven for another week while additional crew members board, and supplies and provisions are loaded. The Disney Fantasy is scheduled to depart on Feb. 16 for its transatlantic voyage to the U.S., with an expected arrival to its homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida on March 6.

Captain Tom Forberg will officially take the helm of the Disney Fantasy for Disney Cruise Line.  As part of the Disney Cruise Line ship construction team, Captain Forberg has been with the company for more than 15 years and was responsible for launching Disney’s first three ships, the Disney Dream, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

Expanding Itineraries

With the addition of two new ships, Disney Cruise Line is able to expand its itineraries, adding new homeports and new destinations, bringing the Disney family cruise vacation to more guests than ever before.

The Disney Fantasy will sail seven-night alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries beginning in 2012, from Port Canaveral, Fla., where she will join sister ship, Disney Dream, sailing three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas.  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.

Based in Celebration, Fla., the Disney Cruise Line experience is focused on providing a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and kids can immerse themselves in worlds of fantasy only Disney can create.  Most recently, the company was honored by the Themed Entertainment Association for the new “Animation Magic” show set to debut in Animator’s Palate onboard the Disney Fantasy, while the Disney Dream received top honors as the “Best New Ship” by Cruise Critic.

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