Disney Fantasy Set Sail Across Atlantic
posted on February 17th, 2012 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
Yesterday the Disney Fantasy set sail across the Atlantic Ocean in preparation for her maiden voyage! Check out this video from cruise directors Brent Davies and Ray Smale before they left Germany.
Be sure to go to DisneyCruise.com to watch their first video journal!
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A Look Back at the Disney Fantasy Construction
posted on February 15th, 2012 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
Tomorrow the Disney Fantasy will set sail from Germany, starting her voyage across the Atlantic and marking yet another milestone in the ship’s construction process. As we look ahead to the maiden voyage on Mar. 31, let’s take a look back at the ship’s time in Germany.
Just over one year ago, on Feb. 11, 2011, Disney Cruise Line celebrated the Disney Fantasy keel laying at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg. This was when the first block, or section of the ship, was lowered into the building dock and a coin was placed under the keel for good fortune.
The next great milestone was the mounting of the final block this past September, shifting the focus of construction to the interior portions of the ship and adding new spaces like AquaLab and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
Then, on Jan. 9, the Disney Fantasy floated out of the enclosed building dock for the very first time, symbolizing one of the final stages of this ship’s construction and giving the world a first glimpse at the magnificent vessel.
Two weeks later, she set out on a 30-mile journey down the winding Ems River to open sea.
Today I’m sending you this update from Bremerhaven, Germany, where the ship docked after sea trials. Next up, the Disney Fantasy will begin her transatlantic voyage and stop in New York City for the ship’s christening ceremony!
Disney Cruise Line Celebrates Disney Fantasy ‘Float Out’
posted on January 9th, 2012 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
Yesterday was a big day for Disney Cruise Line as we watched our newest ship, the Disney Fantasy, float out of the enclosed building dock at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany for the very first time!
Thousands of visitors lined the shore, celebrating the occasion with Captain Mickey Mouse and, of course, a fireworks spectacular. This special maritime event, known as “Float Out,” marks the biggest construction milestone for the Disney Fantasy to date, less than 90 days before the ship welcomes guests for her maiden voyage.
The entire “Float Out” process took about two hours but we put together this short time lapse video so that you, too, could get a glimpse at this magnificent ship as she emerged from the dock.
Here in Germany the excitement is contagious and I’m glad I got to share it with you! Keep following our Disney Parks Blog posts because we are just getting started with the magical Disney Fantasy moments.
Magical Portholes on the Disney Fantasy
posted on January 4th, 2012 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
Just like her sister ship the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy will feature Magical Portholes, offering inside stateroom guests a “window” to the world with a real-time view outside the ship.
A cruise industry first, high-definition cameras on the exterior of the ship feed video to wall-mounted framed monitors that have the appearance of a porthole. Camera positions correspond with stateroom locations – port or starboard, from bow to stern.
Disney Parks Blog followers, you are the first to get a glimpse of the art renderings depicting entertaining animated characters that may appear in the Disney Fantasy Magical Portholes!
Rapunzel from “Tangled” just might swing by…
… Mr. Potato Head from “Toy Story” could give a wave…
…or maybe Scuttle and Flounder from “The Little Mermaid” will peek in as they fly by.
No matter which character pops by, one thing is for sure – inside stateroom guests on the Disney Fantasy won’t miss out on the beautiful ocean views as this majestic ship sails the high seas!
Looking Ahead to a New Year for Disney Cruise Line
posted on December 30th, 2011 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
As we get ready to kick off 2012, we’re getting more and more excited about the coming year here at Disney Cruise Line. The New Year will ring in new ports, new destinations and a new Disney ship!
With all the updates we’ve been sharing on the Disney Fantasy, I hope you’re as eager as I am to set foot on the newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet setting sail March 31. Brand new offerings like “Wishes,” the Muppets Adventure Game, AquaLab, Europa, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Animation Magic are new additions our guests will love.
Here’s a sneak peek at the Disney Fantasy as Dumbo and his pal Timothy Q. Mouse (along with the hardworking team at the Meyer Werft shipyard) put the finishing touches on the stern:
The expansion of the Disney Cruise Line fleet isn’t the only exciting thing happening in the new year. For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will set sail from New York, Seattle and Galveston.
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New ports equal new destinations, and new destinations mean more adventures for your family! How well do you know the new 2012 Disney Cruise Line itineraries? Let’s see if you can match the photos below to the corresponding cruise. Check back around 3pm today to see how many you got right!
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- Bahamas from New York
- Canada up the New England coast from New York
- Weekend at sea from New York
- Alaska from Seattle
- Western Caribbean from Galveston
- Hawaii from Los Angeles
- Pacific Coast from Los Angeles
In addition to these new itineraries, Disney Cruise Line will continue to visit the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles and the Caribbean and Bahamas from Port Canaveral in 2012. It’s going to be a busy year for Disney Cruise Line, and I hope you’ll enjoy the journey with us! Which Disney cruises are you planning for 2012?
UPDATE: Answers -
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As the Disney Wonder sails from Seattle to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, guests are able to experience the rich history and customs of Alaska’s native culture and learn about local culture through hand-carved totem poles. - E
The Disney Magic will reposition in September to the grand state of Texas. Departing from the Port of Galveston, the ship will sail to the Western Caribbean, with stops in Grand Cayman and Mexico’s Costa Maya and Cozumel, home to exotic wildlife like the iguana. - B
Five-night cruises from New York up the New England coast to Canada call on Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick, where families can marvel at gorgeous natural wonders like the St. Martins Sea Caves. - A
Eight-night Bahamas cruises from New York stop at Port Canaveral, Florida, giving guests an opportunity to visit the nearby Walt Disney World Resort, including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom (pictured). - F
Two-week Hawaii cruises are an escape to tropical paradise as the ship sails through the breathtaking islands with stops in Hilo, Maui, Oahu and Kauai, where guests can go on exciting shore excursions like horseback riding. - C
Two-night cruises from New York are a great weekend escape, giving guests a sampling of the Disney Cruise Line experience and the opportunity to discover some of New York’s top attractions like The American Museum of Natural History. - G
Seven-night Pacific Coast cruises stop in San Francisco and San Diego with the opportunity for excursions to famous California landmarks and regions like Sonoma Wine Country.
Dumbo Adorns the Stern of the Disney Fantasy
posted on December 27th, 2011 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
It’s not every day that you see a flying elephant! But that’s exactly the scene that played out at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany the other week when the beloved Disney character Dumbo was placed on the stern of the Disney Fantasy.
This is another construction milestone in preparation of the Disney Fantasy’s maiden voyage on March 31, 2012.
And Dumbo isn’t the only Disney character who will adorn the stern. He’ll be joined by Timothy Q. Mouse, who will sail the high seas from atop the hat of his flying pal Dumbo.
In case you missed it, take a look back at the video in which Walt Disney Imagineers offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the Disney Fantasy’s icon came to life.
Only 95 days left until this new Disney Cruise Line ship sets sail. Who is planning to explore the Caribbean with Dumbo and Timothy in 2012?
Behind the Scenes of the Muppets Adventure Game on the Disney Fantasy
posted on December 19th, 2011 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
Since we first announced that the Muppets are starring in a new interactive Enchanted Art adventure game aboard the Disney Fantasy, excitement has been spreading!
In this Midship Detective Agency game, Pepe the King Prawn offers to take on detective duties to help Kermit and the rest of the Muppets find the missing props for their big performance. Kermit, worried about Pepe’s lack of detective skills, turns to the guests for help.
Let’s go behind the scenes of filming to get a sneak peek at the game and hear what Pepe the King Prawn has to say about his role:
Which Muppet character would you most like to play this game with? You heard Pepe the King Prawn’s answer…now tell us yours!
Actress Elizabeth Mitchell Sails with Disney Cruise Line to Alaska
posted on December 9th, 2011 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
This past summer actress Elizabeth Mitchell, most known for her role as Dr. Juliet Burke on ABC’s television series “Lost,” sailed on Disney Cruise Line’s very first voyage to Alaska.
Joined by her husband and son, Elizabeth shared with us the highlights of her family’s experience.
Watch this video to see an Alaskan cruise with Disney through her eyes:
If you could ask Elizabeth one question about her Disney cruise vacation, what would it be?
New Show ‘Wishes’ Debuting on Disney Fantasy
posted on December 6th, 2011 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
Today we announced the exciting addition of “Wishes,” Disney Cruise Line’s newest original show, presented exclusively on the Disney Fantasy. I want to give you a first look at some of the concept art for this spectacular production.
“Wishes” takes guests on a musical journey with three best friends visiting Disneyland Resort to celebrate their high school graduation.
Each is unsure of what the future holds for them, so they make a wish to go on the “Ride of Our Lives” – the show’s opening musical number. Next they’re taken to an enchanted world where Disney characters materialize to guide them on their journey.
Some of the familiar tunes you’ll hear and faces you’ll see include…
…“I’ve Got No Strings” from “Pinocchio” featuring Pinocchio and marionettes…
…“Hakuna Matata” from “The Lion King” featuring Timon and Pumbaa…
…and “Reflection” from “Mulan” featuring Mulan…
Disney Parks Blog author Jonathan Frontado is visiting Disney Cruise Line’s rehearsal facility to get a glimpse of this new show. Stay tuned for a “behind-the-curtain” video from his visit coming soon.
New Enchanted Art Will Magically Come Alive on the Disney Fantasy
posted on December 2nd, 2011 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
Earlier this week I told you about the new Muppets Adventure Game using Enchanted Art on the Disney Fantasy. Today I want to give you the first-ever look at some of the other Enchanted Art guests will enjoy.
One of my favorite new pieces is “Pinkie Daisy” featuring Daisy Duck inspired by Thomas Lawrence’s famous painting “Sarah Barrett Moulton: Pinkie.” Play the video below to see how the artwork magically comes alive.
This magical art appears like other hanging art pieces around the ship, but it is actually a framed LCD screen that utilizes technology to create special effects, “recognizing” a guest is present and activating several seconds of animation.
Some examples of other Enchanted Art new to the Disney Fantasy include:
- Dual circus art posters featuring Dumbo and Timothy Q. Mouse flying from one frame into the other – a nod to the Disney Fantasy stern characters.
- Walt Disney animating three new clips that spring from his sketch pad, featuring the Fab Five: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Pluto.
- Scenes from Disney’s classic animated film “Fantasia” depicting dancing fairies set to “Nutcracker Suite” and a frolicking unicorn and satyr set to “The Pastoral Symphony”.
- Fanciful animations of “Alice in Wonderland” inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s artwork.
Which of these new masterpieces on the Disney Fantasy matches your art taste most?
