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 -
- D
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?
Introducing New Stars on the Disney Fantasy: The Muppets
posted on November 29th, 2011 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
Fresh off their starring role in Disney’s “The Muppets,” Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie and Animal are getting ready for their next great adventure, taking place on the Disney Fantasy!
The Muppets are the stars of a new adventure game, “The Case of the Stolen Show,” which takes guests on an interactive quest around the ship via more than a dozen pieces of Enchanted Art and physical clues.
The goal of the game is to help the Muppets find their missing props so they can take the stage for a big performance. Guided by a map and using a unique game card that is held up in front of select pieces of Enchanted Art, guests unveil clues that help find the missing props.
Take a look at these behind-the-scenes shots of Kermit and the some of the other Muppets on set as they begin filming for this game.
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The Muppets Adventure Game isn’t the only new element associated with our Enchanted Art collection on the Disney Fantasy. Check back on the Disney Parks Blog Thursday for a sneak peek at some of the magical pieces that will make their debut on this ship’s maiden voyage in March!
Take a look at more guest experiences that will be available on the Disney Fantasy:
- New Water Features to Help Guests Cool Off Aboard the Disney Fantasy
- Adults Can Explore a World of Their Own at Europa on the Disney Fantasy
- Young Cruisers Can Receive Royal Treatment at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on the Disney Fantasy
Disney Cruise Line Earns Several Accolades
posted on November 18th, 2011 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
It’s been a great week for Disney Cruise Line. Over the past few days we have been recognized with several reputable awards. We know our crew delivers an outstanding experience at sea, and we’re equally proud of those behind the scenes whose hard work has brought forth many “firsts” and innovations in the cruise industry.
Cruise Critic honored Disney Dream as “Best New Ship” and for “Best Inside Cabins” in its Editors’ Picks Awards. It also awarded “Best Standard Cabins” to the entire Disney Cruise Line fleet.
Porthole Cruise Magazine bestowed three awards on Disney Cruise Line in its 13th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards – “Most Family-Oriented Line,” “Best Children’s Programs” and “Best Entertainment.”
And finally, in its 18th annual Thea Awards, the Themed Entertainment Association honored the new Animation Magic show at Animator’s Palate on the Disney Fantasy with the “Ingenious Use of Technology” award.
Animation Magic showcases guests’ drawings during their dining experience on a big screen in an animated sequence with beloved Disney characters. Watch this video for a sneak peek.
The Thea awards committee noted the show’s “amazing animation” and called it “a refreshing take” on interactive technology. How would you describe it?
New Water Features to Help Guests Cool Off Aboard the Disney Fantasy
posted on October 13th, 2011 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
Today I have more brand-new Disney Fantasy features to tell you about that are simply splashtacular!
AquaLab, a new addition to deck 12, is a fanciful wet play area filled with pop jets, geysers and bubblers – designed to drench the entire family.
As the story goes, AquaLab was created by Donald Duck’s nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie. But now they’re away – leaving young cruise guests to operate AquaLab and keep AquaDuck running! By turning wheels and moving levers at three wacky aqua stations, guests “control” the speed and temperature of AquaDuck. At a leaky wall, kids cover holes in squirting and spurting pipes with their hands. In another area, water leaks and sprays from the Ducky Dinghy, suspended overhead.
Also new to deck 12 is another area for families to cool off – a wading pool with a fountain. This area has ample seating and lounge chairs under a canopy, offering a respite in the shade.
And, there’s even a brand-new water feature exclusively for adults. Satellite Falls, a circular splash pool with benches and a gently falling rain curtain, provides cool comfort on deck 13 forward.
Which of these new refreshing water features are you most excited about aboard the Disney Fantasy?
From the Shipyard: Disney Fantasy vs. Disney Dream
posted on October 4th, 2011 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
What’s the difference between building the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Dream?
I caught up with Frank de Heer, VP of New Ship Development for Disney Cruise Line, and Philip Gennotte at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, to get their thoughts during construction of the new ship.
Check out this video to hear what they had to say and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Disney Fantasy is coming along.
Look for more updates in the coming weeks and months. So tell me, who’s planning on sailing with us on the Disney Fantasy next year?
Check out additional updates we’ve shared on the Disney Parks Blog about the Disney Fantasy:
- Behind the Scenes: Walt Disney Imagineers Develop Dumbo for the Disney Fantasy
- Who Will Adorn the Stern of the Disney Fantasy?
- Final Building Block Added to Disney Fantasy
