Meet The Disney Fantasy
The Disney Fantasy, the second ship in Disney Cruise Line’s Dream Class, offers a perfect blend of elegance, storytelling, and family-friendly fun at sea. Since its debut in 2012, it has become a guest favorite (and this author’s personal favorite ship in the DCL fleet!), primarily sailing 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida. While it shares some similarities with its sister ship, the Disney Dream, the Fantasy introduces unique dining, entertainment, and design elements that make it a standout experience all its own. Let’s dive in and explore everything this incredible ship has to offer!
Sun, Fun, and Scenic Views Up Top
The upper decks of the Disney Fantasy are packed with many ways to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean breeze, no matter your age or interests. On deck 11, families can make a splash in both Donald’s and Goofy’s pools, as well as on the AquaDuck water coaster. Themed around the #1 duck Donald and his nephews, this two-story onboard thrill sends riders twisting over the ship’s edge and through the iconic funnels. Kids can additionally enjoy Mickey’s pool, adjacent to both the AquaLab water play area and toddler-friendly Nemo’s Reef. These spaces were all designed with the youngest cruisers in mind, including silly water stations with dumping buckets, fountains, and a slide.
Guests of all ages can enjoy recreation on Goofy’s Sports Deck, including miniature golf, a golf simulator, and a basketball court. And while not up on the very top, deck 4 serves as the main Promenade Deck onboard, complete with a 400-yard jogging trail!
You’ll also find a dedicated space for grownups towards the aft of the ship featuring the Quiet Cove Pool, an adults-only retreat perfect for relaxing in peace (complete with a poolside bar!). The massive Funnel Vision screen above the family pools plays movies and other cartoons throughout the day and evening, giving you the chance to watch your Disney favorites under the sun or stars. Whether you want to take in the breeze, make a splash, grab a shady seat, or dance at a deck party, there’s always something happening up here, including sail-away celebrations and fireworks at sea on most itineraries.
Casual Bites and Quick Eats Throughout the Ship
When hunger strikes, the Disney Fantasy offers plenty of quick-service dining options just steps from the pool deck. Flo’s Café is the go-to quick service spot on deck 11, featuring Cars-themed counters serving up burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and more. Frozone Treats and Eye Scream Treats nearby offer smoothies and ice cream, respectively, if you want something to enjoy while chilling out.
Moving inside on deck 11, Cabanas serves as the ship’s main buffet-style dining location, offering breakfast and lunch with a wide variety of options from kid-favorite Mickey waffles and chicken tenders to seafood and international dishes. It’s a great spot for a relaxed meal with ocean views off the back of the ship and a fun, beach-inspired soundtrack.
Beverage stations are also conveniently located around the deck 11 pools, offering complimentary soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water throughout your sailing. Elsewhere, you’ll find specialty coffee shops, the specialty dessert shop Sweet on You, and 24-hour room service, making it easy to grab a bite whenever the mood strikes.
A Signature Dining Experience That Travels With You
For main dinner service, Disney Cruise Line’s rotational dining concept is a highlight of any sailing. The Disney Fantasy delivers three unforgettable restaurants that guests rotate through each night, with your serving team traveling along with you.
Enchanted Garden on deck 2 transforms from a bright, European garden-inspired setting by day into a romantic evening dining space. Royal Court, right in the atrium on deck 3, brings classic Disney royalty to life within an elegant atmosphere inspired by beloved princess films. Finally, Animator’s Palate on deck 3 aft offers a truly immersive experience, where Disney animation comes alive around you during your meal. And on select nights, Crush the turtle from Finding Nemo even swims by to greet guests! Each restaurant features its own unique menu and entertainment elements, ensuring that every night feels fresh and memorable, no matter how many times you sail.
Comfortable Staterooms Built for Families
Disney Cruise Line is known for its thoughtfully designed, award winning staterooms, and the Fantasy is no exception! Most rooms feature the DCL signature split bathroom concept, making it easier for families to get ready each day. There’s also plenty of storage space included, like raised beds for stowing luggage and flexible sleeping arrangements like sofa beds, pull-down bunks, and Murphy beds.
Guests can choose from Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, and Concierge-level accommodations, with concierge guests enjoying added perks like exclusive lounges and priority services. Stateroom décor across the ship reflects classic Disney storytelling and vintage ocean liner motifs in subtle, elegant ways, creating both a relaxing and magical space to unwind after a day of adventure.
Elevated Dining and Adults-Only Escapes
For adults looking to indulge, the Disney Fantasy offers two exceptional specialty dining experiences: Palo serves Northern Italian cuisine with stunning ocean views, while Remy provides an upscale, French-inspired tasting menu experience for a truly luxurious night out. Both require reservations, fancier dress, and an additional fee, but they’re well worth it all! Not interested in either experience, but still want to enjoy the ambiance? Adults can enjoy the Meridian lounge situated directly between Palo and Remy on deck 12 aft without needing a reserved time slot.
Adults can also unwind in exclusive areas within the Europa district, a collection of themed lounges inspired by European cities like London and Dublin. Whether you’re enjoying live music, dancing, trivia, or sipping a cocktail, this district offers a vibrant nightlife scene just for grown-ups. And if you’re looking for something more serene, the Senses Spa & Salon (plus fitness center!) on deck 11 forward provides adults-only opportunities to relax or recharge, with spa treatments, a Rainforest Room, and oceanview workout spaces.
Dedicated Spaces Designed Just for Kids
Kids of all ages have their own spaces to explore aboard the Disney Fantasy, too! Deck 5 is home to the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, immersive, themed environments where guests ages 3 to 10 can play, learn, and interact with Disney stories in creative ways. The nearby “it’s a small world” Nursery provides care for infants and toddlers (for a nominal fee), giving parents of the tiniest cruisers a chance to enjoy some adult time.
Tweens and teens have their own exclusive hangouts with Edge and Vibe on deck 13, where they can socialize, play games, and participate in activities designed just for their age groups. And all of these kids’ spaces offer open houses throughout sailings (including on embarkation day), so families can check everything out together, parents can ask questions, and shyer children can try things out first.
Additionally, the Disney Fantasy boasts its own Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at sea, allowing cruisers ages 3 to 12 the chance to be made over into their favorite princesses, pirates, and classic characters. Just be sure to make your appointment reservations early!
Broadway-Caliber Entertainment at Sea
The two-story Walt Disney Theatre that spans decks 3 and 4 hosts spectacular, Broadway-style productions exclusive to the Disney Fantasy, including shows like Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Disney’s Believe, and Frozen: A Musical Spectacular (schedule is always subject to change). Each evening, guests attend shows based on their dining schedule, ensuring everyone has a chance to experience the magic.
Beyond the theater, live entertainment can be found throughout the ship, from musical performances in lounges and the atrium to character appearances and deck parties. The
Buena Vista Theater also offers movies at sea, if that’s more your speed. And you can even pick up some popcorn and candy (for an extra fee) before the show at Preludes.
From sunrise splashes to starlit shows, the Disney Fantasy delivers nonstop magic at every turn. Whether you’re chasing thrills on the AquaDuck, savoring unforgettable meals, or simply soaking in the ocean breeze, this ship turns every moment into a memory worth holding onto. All that’s left to do? Step aboard and let the adventure begin!
Pro Tips to Make the Most of Your Voyage
Besides working with the trusted agents at People Mover Travel to plan your next Disney Cruise Line adventure, there are a few things to be mindful of if you’re planning to sail aboard the Disney Treasure:
1. Download the Disney Cruise Line app and link your vacation reservation prior to sailing – This is critical for managing your cruise activities, booking Port Adventures (excursions), and keeping track of otherwise important details. Plus, you can take advantage of a fun, Disney-themed countdown as you prepare to set sail!
2. Prioritize bookable activities and Port Adventures for when your window opens – Disney Cruise Line opens activity and Port Adventure (shore excursion) bookings by Castaway Club status prior to sailing. Be sure to note when you’ll be able to make selections, so you have the best chances of getting to enjoy everything on your list. You will NOT be charged for anything until you experience the activity or excursion but note that your cruise vacation must be paid in full before you can book anything (even if your window opens prior to your balance due date).
3. Complete your online check-in as early as possible – Similarly, Disney Cruise Line opens online check-in prior to sailing based on Castaway Club status to manage the digital flow of information and assign port arrival times + boarding group numbers. Checking in as early as you’re able allows you to select earlier port arrival times and get your documents in order ahead of time, which makes embarkation day much easier. The earlier your port arrival time and lower your boarding group number, the sooner you can get on the ship and start having fun!
4. Purchase Disney Band+ for use onboard – Want to stay hands-free during your cruise? Consider purchasing a Disney Band+ for your sailing! It can be used to open your stateroom, charge for merchandise purchases or drink orders, and even unlock extra magical touches around the ship during shows and other experiences. You’ll still receive a Key To The World card for everyone once onboard, but using a Disney Band+ is an opportunity for some extra magic!
5. Consider a starboard-facing room to enjoy fireworks at sea from your stateroom – Consider booking a stateroom situated on the starboard side of the ship if you’d rather enjoy fireworks at sea from the comfort of your own verandah or porthole view. We always recommend this for clients traveling with young children who can’t quite stay up that late, have sensitivities to loud noises, etc. Plus, a starboard-facing room also gives you a stunning view of Castaway Cay for itineraries that stop there.
6. Include Travel Protection in your vacation package – Adding travel insurance to any vacation is something we stand by, and it’s especially important to consider if you’re going on a Disney Cruise. Things can happen, and Disney’s Travel Protection Plan offers comprehensive coverage if you run into issues like trip delays, lost luggage, or the need to cancel last-minute. Discuss your options with your travel agent!
7. Always arrive at your embarkation port a minimum of one day before sailing – Don’t push it when it comes to getting to your embarkation port on time. The Disney Fantasy primarily sails out of Port Canaveral, Florida, and you should plan to arrive in town at least one day before you’re scheduled to set sail. This ensures that even if you run into flight or driving delays, you won’t miss the boat! Consider staying near the port at a Disney Cruise Line preferred hotel or even enjoying the Florida beaches for a few days before embarkation day.
8. Decorate your stateroom door & join in some fun with your fellow cruisers – Show off your family’s personality with some magnetic door decorations! Not only is this a fun activity, but it makes for a great way to easily find your stateroom amongst the others in long corridors. You can also connect with other guests on your cruise prior to sailing by joining related Facebook and other social media groups to participate in gift exchanges and other activities (like sharing door magnets!). While none of this is required, these opportunities allow for additional ways to create your own magic and share it with others!
9. Don’t skip the muster drill – A must-do on day one of your cruise will be the mandatory safety drill, or muster drill. You’ll hear repeated announcements onboard about it, as well as receive notifications about it in the Disney Cruise Line app, and for good reason. This is an exercise that all guests must take part in before the ship can sail, and it allows you to visit your assembly station in the unlikely event of an emergency. It only takes a few minutes, and Cast Members will be looking for you to ensure you participate and check in with them to confirm.
10. Arrive early to shows in the Walt Disney Theater and parties up on deck – The Broadway-style shows aboard the Disney Fantasy WILL be popular and the theater WILL fill up prior to showtime. Whether you’re going to the early or late show (depending on your rotational dining time), we recommend arriving at the theater at least 30 minutes beforehand to get a spot in line and enter as soon as the doors open. Same idea for parties up on deck; plan to look for spots for the Pirate’s IN The Caribbean Deck Party and sail away party early to ensure you have a good view of the main stage and/or fireworks. As mentioned, fireworks are shot off from the starboard side of the ship, so take that into consideration when choosing your spot and look around for any view obstructions (looking at you, AquaDuck).
11. Consider making a placeholder reservation for your next cruise while onboard – Disney Cruise Line routinely offers a sweet deal to save money on a future cruise called their ‘Onboard Booking Offer.’ While still onboard your cruise, you can put down a flat $250/stateroom deposit to use towards another cruise within the following 24 months. You don’t even have to know exactly when you want to sail again yet! Additionally, the promo typically gets you 10% off your prevailing cruise fare once you pick a sailing, as well as a reduced deposit. While there are blackout dates and some stateroom restrictions, this is one the best ways to save money on a Disney Cruise Line vacation!