Before her Maiden Voyage on March 31, we told you about several of the differences between the Disney Fantasy and her sister ship, the Disney Dream. And if you’ve had the chance to sail on both ships, I’m sure you’ve been able to discover some yourself.

But what about the magical touches not as easy to spot? There are plenty, and we want to put you to the test to see who can tell us which design details are from which ship.

Is it the Disney Fantasy or the Disney Dream? The answers are posted below:

1. A. Disney Fantasy / B. Disney Dream
2. A. Disney Dream / B. Disney Fantasy
3. A. Disney Dream / B. Disney Fantasy
4. A. Disney Fantasy / B. Disney Dream
5. A. Disney Fantasy / B. Disney Dream
6. A. Disney Fantasy / B. Disney Dream

1. Atrium chandelier

A.

B.

2. Lobby statue

A.

B.

3. Lobby mosaic

A.

B.

4. Royal dining room

A.

B.

5. Stern character

A.

B.

6. Bow design

A.

B.

Tagged: DCL, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy

Filed: Disney Cruise Line

As the saying goes, “Everything is bigger in Texas!” If that’s true, I cannot wait to see the excitement of the Lonestar State when the Disney Magic arrives to Galveston in September.

Captain Mickey already received a Texas-sized welcome when he visited last week to get ready for the ship’s arrival. Check out these photos of him in Austin, joined by Cruise Director Clayton, in the KEYE-TV newsroom with anchors Erica Harpold, Mileka Lincoln and Hunter Ellis and meteorologist Allison Miller.

You saw how enthusiastically New Yorkers greeted the Disney Magic when she sailed into New York City – and we’re looking forward to an even bigger greeting from Texans next month! Plus, if the Disney Magic donned the world’s largest bumper sticker to show love for New York, I can only imagine how the ship will show love for Texas…

Texans, how will you welcome to the Disney Magic to your home?

For more Disney Magic news, check out the posts below:

• Three Ways to Splash in the Sun on a Disney Cruise from Texas
• Greek Adventures with Disney Cruise Line
• A Look Ahead to the Disney Magic in Barcelona Next Summer

Tagged: DCL, Disney Magic

Filed: Disney Cruise Line

If you’ve been to Skyline on the Disney Fantasy or the Disney Dream, most likely this chic lounge became one of your favorite spots in the ship’s nightlife district. With its “windows to the world,” you get an ever-changing bird’s-eye view of stunning city skylines in panorama – making it easy to feel like you’ve been transported without even stepping off the ship!

New to Skyline on the Disney Fantasy is a “passport” you can get stamped throughout your cruise for seven hand-crafted martinis, themed to each of the featured cities. By purchasing the Passport to Skyline, you end up saving the cost of one martini, plus some. What’s more, you get a cool keepsake – a booklet with recipes for the martinis and gorgeous photos of the seven city skylines.

Since this lounge on the Disney Fantasy is part of Europa, it showcases spectacular European locales, including Athens, Florence, Budapest, Paris, London, Barcelona and St. Petersburg.

Here’s the recipe for my favorite martini in Skyline. Can you guess which European city it represents?

Aquincum

1 ½ oz 901 Tequila
1 oz Grand Marnier
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
3 oz Agave Nectar
1 Luma cube
Paprika

Shake and strain with a pinch of paprika. Serve in a martini glass. Garnish with half paprika rim.

For more drink recipes from around Disney Parks, check out these posts:

• Cool New Cocktails at Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa
• Make Your Own Wild Holiday Cocktails with Recipes from Trader Sam’s at the Disneyland Hotel
• A Double Toast to Disney Beverage Program

Tagged: DCL, Dining, Disney Fantasy, Recipe

Filed: Disney Cruise Line, Disney Dining

Ever wondered what Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, looks like at night?

I’ve been wondering that myself for years, and I finally got the chance to find out.

I was recently on the island working on a pretty cool photo project, which I’m looking forward to sharing on the Disney Parks Blog soon. (I don’t want to give away too much, but you’ll get a perspective of Castaway Cay you’ve never seen before.)

Since this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be on the island at night, Mickey, Goofy and I decided to embark on a photo expedition for a glimpse of a sight unseen by most: the night stars at Castaway Cay.

We were awestruck by the number of stars visible in the brilliant night sky. Take a look for yourself…

Be on the lookout for more photos from my Castaway Cay adventure coming soon.

Read more about Castaway Cay in these posts:

• ‘My Yard Goes Disney’: An Escape to Castaway Cay
• Even More Fun in the Sun at Castaway Cay
• New Video of Pelican Plunge at Castaway Cay

Tagged: DCL, Gallery, Photography

Filed: Disney Cruise Line

With all of the Fourth of July fireworks celebrations yesterday, I was reminded of the pyrotechnic spectacular that greeted the Disney Magic on her first arrival to Barcelona in 2007.

Like many Disney Cruise Line guests, I am thrilled that the ship is returning to Barcelona next summer for her fourth season in the Mediterranean. Not only is Barcelona a gateway to the amazing European destinations guests will visit on a four-, seven- or 12-night Disney cruise, a Barcelona Port Adventure before or after is a “must-do” to experience the city’s old-world charm and rich culture.

Imagine you and your significant other in place of Mickey and Minnie in this photo taken in Barcelona. If this thought makes you happy, click the Facebook “like” button below.

Read more Disney Cruise Line news in the posts below:

• Fireworks on the High Seas with Disney Cruise Line
• Top Five Ways to Get Soaked on the Disney Fantasy
• Celebrations at Sea with Disney Cruise Line

Tagged: DCL, Disney Magic

Filed: Disney Cruise Line

For many Americans, fireworks are a must for Fourth of July celebrations. And since a fireworks extravaganza is part of most Disney Cruise Line sailings, Disney cruisers will be celebrating with a bang on the high seas this week.

Here’s a glimpse at the awe-inspiring display you’d see if sailing on one of Disney’s ships, still the only cruise ships to have fireworks at sea.

Check out these posts for more about Disney Cruise Line:

• Top Five Ways to Get Soaked on the Disney Fantasy
• Celebrations at Sea with Disney Cruise Line
• Welcome to New York, Disney Magic!

Tagged: DCL

Filed: Disney Cruise Line

Last week brought the first official day of summer, and with it, warm temperatures across the country! Luckily there are plenty of ways to stay cool on a Disney cruise, and in honor of the first summer at sea for Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, I want to show you the top five ways to get soaked on the Disney Fantasy.

1. AquaLab – Brand new to a Disney ship is AquaLab, a really cool interactive kids’ water play area invented by Donald Duck’s nephews – Huey, Dewey and Louie!





2. Donald’s Pool – You can’t miss Donald’s Pool, located midship, which is the perfect spot for splashing around with the whole family. (And as a food lover, I also have to mention it is right next to the quick service food stations!)





3. Quiet Cove Pool – Secluded and serene, the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool is the definition of relaxation. I love cooling off here with a cold beverage in hand.





4. Satellite Falls – Just want a quick dip before getting back to sun-bathing? Satellite Falls is a new water feature up on Deck 13 where adults can put their toes in the water or sit in the shade of a gentle rain curtain.





5. AquaDuck – Last, but certainly not least, is AquaDuck. As the first and only water coaster at sea, I don’t need to give much explanation for why this thrilling ride of twists and turns is my favorite place to get soaked on the Disney Fantasy!

What is your favorite water spot? Let us know in the comments.

Check out more posts about the Disney Fantasy:

• Disney Channel Stars Explore the Disney Fantasy
• A Royal Makeover on the Disney Fantasy
• Inside the Disney Fantasy: Stage Spectaculars

Tagged: DCL, Disney Fantasy

Filed: Disney Cruise Line