Disney Fantasy - Shakedown Cruise
This special sailing was just for Disney staff and selected travel agents. to enable the crew to test everything ahead of the ship’s transatlantic voyage to Florida and winter Caribbean season.
It was my family's first Disney cruise and it genuinely lived up to my very high expectations. I’ve visited the Disney Parks in Paris and Florida before, but my husband and children had not - so seeing them experience Disney for the first time was a real treat.
The ship looked absolutely beautiful after her refurbishment. Everything felt spotless and fresh.
The entertainment was outstanding. We watched Frozen and Aladdin in the Walt Disney Theatre and both were easily on par with West End productions. There was no need to book, no queues and the doors opened 30 minutes before each show, which made everything very relaxed.
Character meet and greets were another big win. There were scheduled times, but we also met several characters during impromptu walk arounds. Every interaction was warm and unhurried with plenty of time for photos, autographs, cuddles and high fives. Our children absolutely loved it.
Dining was a real standout. The quality and creativity of the food felt more like speciality dining on other cruise lines. I was particularly impressed with Royal Court, and Animator’s Palate was the runaway favourite with my husband and children, thanks to its immersive design and clever interactive touches. Dining rotates between the three main restaurants for dinner, with Enchanted Garden being the third.
The Oceaneers Club was another huge success. It is large, imaginative kids club with all those special Disney touches, and unlike anything I have experienced on other family-focused ships. Our children would happily have stayed there all day! We also had great fun doing the Midship Detective Agency trail, an interactive mystery game that takes you all around the ship uncovering clues.
Overall it was a brilliant introduction to Disney Cruise Line and a reminder of just how much magic can be packed into a short break. When you compare the cost of theatre tickets, top restaurants, drinks, entertainment, water parks and character experiences on land, a Disney cruise, can represent very good value, especially considering you are also sailing to amazing ports of call!
If you’re considering a Disney cruise for your family, I’d be very happy to share my top tips and help you plan something really special.