10+ Essential Disney Fantasy Tips for an Unforgettable Disney Cruise Experience
Hey there, Disney cruise enthusiast! Ready to set sail on the magical Disney Fantasy? Well, buckle up because we're about to dive into some need to know tips that'll make your voyage unforgettable. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser, these tips and tricks will help you navigate the Fantasy like a pro.
From scoring the best dining experiences to maximizing your time on Castaway Cay, we've got you covered. So grab your Mickey ears and get ready to discover how to make the most of your Disney Fantasy adventure. Trust us, after reading these tips, you'll be the Disney cruise planning hero your family never knew they needed!
6 Things you need to know about sailing on the Disney Fantasy
Don't dawdle! Know when your booking window opens to reserve all of your experiences from specialty dining to the Princess Gathering and be ready to make your reservations as soon as you can
Be sure to register your littles in advance for the kids clubs to save you some time when you board
Take advantage of the Open House for the clubs. This is especially helpful if your little may be nervous about staying in the club. The Open House gives you both a chance to get comfortable with the counselors and the space
Do NOT stay on board the ship on Castaway Cay day! It's an unforgetable island and you'll want to experience as much as you can so plan ahead to make the most of your day
On board you will find hands down some of the best Disney character interactions. Some say the character interaction on a Disney Cruise are better than any park
If you love the pool, don't forget to pack a bag with essentials for the day, such as swimwear, sunscreen, and a change of clothes so that you can hit the pool as soon as possible
You've paid a premium for your Disney Cruise. Now, let's make sure you get the most of it!
You’ve splurged on a magical Disney Fantasy cruise, so let’s maximize every moment! Let's start off with the favorite past time of many cruisers. The food!
Planning your Dining Experience
Dining on the Disney Fantasy is an adventure in itself! With rotational dining, you’ll dine at a different themed restaurant each night while keeping the same attentive servers. Specific seating requests can be made at the time of booking. Be sure to check in with the dining team on embarkation day to see if those requests have been honored.
Specialty Dining
For an extra special treat, book Palo or Remy, the fine dining specialty restaurants on board.
Pro tip: Make reservations as soon as the booking window for these restaurants opens - these spots fill up fast! Missed out? Don’t worry, this is something else you can check with dining cast members when you board.
Chicken Parmesan from Palo Brunch aboard the Disney Fantasy
On our sailing, we found the dining team right outside of the Enchanted Garden dining room handling dining requests from guests. Cancellations do happen so hold out hope; they may have openings. In fact, that's how we were able to snag a reservation for Palo brunch on our sailing.
Room Service
Don't feel like heading to a dining room or restaurant for a meal? No problem, there's always room service and remember, most items on the menu are FREE. So go ahead and order those Mickey bars for your late-night snack!
And don't forget, the beverage stations on board have soda and it is included in your cruise fare, which is something you'll have to pay for on most other lines.
Explore The Kids Clubs
Ready for some adult time on your Disney cruise? No worries! Drop the kids off at one of Disney’s legendary clubs and watch them disappear into a world of imagination!
The Oceaneer Club and Lab are packed with immersive activities that’ll have your littles begging to stay longer. From Star Wars to Marvel superhero adventures, and Tinkerbell-themed spaces, this club is a child’s dream come true.
Oceaneer Club aboard the Disney Fantasy
There's the It's a Small World Nursery for your tiniest family members. You can reserve space for them in advance of your cruise and check the Disney cruise line website for the latest fees associated with the nursery.
While the littles are having the time of their lives, you can sneak away to the adult-only areas for some well-deserved R&R. It’s the perfect way to balance family fun with grown-up relaxation on your Disney Cruise Line vacation.
Disney hasn't forgotten about the older kids. Your tweens can play video games and hang out in their own space in Edge. And your teens have their own area complete with a pool called Vibe.
Vibe Kids Club aboard the Disney Fantasy
Our tip for you is to make sure that you register your littles in advance. The last thing you want is to end up like we did on a long line on embarkation day missing the sail-away party.
Make The Most of Disney's Castaway Cay
Get ready for the ultimate island getaway! Disney's Cruise Line's original private island is hands-down one of the best parts of your voyage. This tropical paradise offers everything you need for a day of fun in the sun. Lounge in comfort with complimentary chairs and umbrellas, or amp up the excitement with snorkeling and bike rentals. Pro tip: book activities early to snag your top choices.
Your littles will love the island's club, while families can bond over free activities scattered throughout. For a unique experience, consider completing the 5K and refueling at the included BBQ.
Castaway Cay Welcome Sign
Adults, there's a space all your own on the island called Serenity Bay. Here you'll find the quiet and calm you're looking for to enjoy your beach day.
Castaway Cay 5K Running and Bike Path
Whether you're adulting or a family, trust us when we say, this slice of Disney magic will be a highlight of your Disney Cruise Line adventure!
The Broadway Style Shows
Get ready for some jaw-dropping entertainment on your cruise! The Broadway-style shows are a must-see spectacular that'll leave you spellbound. These productions rival what you'd find in any Disney park or even on the Great White Way itself.
Aladdin aboard the Disney Fantasy
From dazzling costumes to show-stopping musical numbers, the Fantasy's theatrical offerings are truly next-level.
Pro tip: Arrive early to snag the best seats in the house. These shows are fantastic and you won't want to miss a thing.
Your New Best Friend - The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App
Before setting sail on your adventure, make sure to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app at home. This digital companion is your ultimate Disney cruise-control center, packed with everything you need to maximize your magical voyage.
The navigator app puts daily schedules, character meet-and-greet times, dining menus and more, right at your fingertips. Plus, it's one of the best ways of keeping your travel party connected - use it to message each other for free onboard!
Once onboard, connect to DCL Wifi to unlock all the app’s features. You can heart activities ahead of time and get reminders when things you want to enjoy are about to start. This way, you won’t miss out on any of the magical moments that make a Disney cruise so special.
Pro tip: Familiarize yourself with the app before embarking. It'll help you hit the ground running once you board the ship, ensuring you don't miss out on any of the ship's incredible offerings.
Oh, the Characters you'll Meet!
Our Disney cruise tips and tricks wouldn't be complete without mentioning the incredible character experiences. On Disney Cruise Line, you'll find some of the best character interactions outside the theme parks. It's truly a magical surprise to bump into your favorite Disney pals as they freely roam the ship.
If you like certainty, then be sure to check the app for scheduled meet-and-greet times. Whether you're after a hug from Mickey or a photo with a princess, this ship offers unforgettable moments with beloved characters.
Pro tip: For princess enthusiasts, book the Princess Gathering as soon as reservations open to secure your spot; they go fast!
Onboard Activities
We recommend planning ahead to make the most of the endless array of activities that you'll find on board. This cruise line takes entertainment to a whole new level. We found ourselves struggling to keep up with everything there was to see and do.
From Disney trivia that’ll test your mouse knowledge and more, to craft workshops where you can unleash your inner artist. There’s something for everyone.
Pirates League at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique aboard the Disney Fantasy
Most of the activities are included in the price of your fare. For those activities that require an addtional fee, we would suggest booking these in advance to increase the likelihood that you will get the day and time you want.
Consider booking additional experiences like beverage-tasting seminars, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Royal Princess Gathering, and Senses Spa appointments.
Bingo aboard the Disney Fantasy
Our favorite activity aboard Disney Cruise Line or any other ship is Bingo. While Bingo does not require a reservation, we'd suggest arriving early to make sure you snag a seat.
Adults Only
Feeling like you need a break from the Disney of it all? Have no fear, Disney has got you covered with several adults-only spaces on the Fantasy. Drop off the kids at the club and head to the Quiet Cove Pool or Satellite Falls for a peaceful escape, or grab a drink at one of the adults only lounges for a kid-free evening.
Satelite Falls in the adults only area aboard the Disney Fantasy
As an adult traveling on the Fantasy, you can easily find quiet kid-free spaces to relax through out the ship. Disney cruises offer a range of relaxation and adult fun activities, ensuring that grown-ups have just as much fun as the kids.
Senses Spa
If you enjoy spas, you may want to consider exploring the Senses Spa. There you will find a variety of treatments, including massages and facials, to help you relax and rejuvenate. You can also purchase a pass to the Rainforest Room where you can enjoy the steam room, sauna and more.
Senses Spa Treatment Room aboard the Disney Fantasy
These serene spots are ideal for lounging with a good book or soaking up the sun without the hustle and bustle of family activities.
Europa
Visit the bars and lounges of Europa in the evening for an adults-only experience. Whether you're watching the game at O'Gills or sipping bubbly at Ooh La La, you're sure to find the venue for you.
Ooh La La Champagne Bar in Europa aboard the Disney Fantasy
Don't forget that for those looking to indulge in a culinary adventure, the specialty dining experiences like Palo and Remy that offer an elevated dining experience with luxurious settings and high-quality ingredients are adults only venues.
So, whether you’re looking to unwind, enjoy an adult beverage or enjoy a sophisticated meal, Disney cruises have plenty of options for adult fun and relaxation.
Capturing the Moment
On a Disney cruise, photo opportunities are truly magical. While we usually skip cruise photos, the chance to pose with our favorite Disney characters had us grinning from ear to ear. To make the most of your experience, always have your camera or smartphone handy since you never know who you might run into.
Captain Minnie aboard the Disney Fantasy
You'll be able to capture photos with your favorite characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy, as they roam the ship or during scheduled meet-and-greets. The characters often dress up in costumes for the occassion and some come out less frequently throughout the cruise. Be sure to capture the fab 5 in their pirate night costumes and strike a pose with Captain Hook and Smee on Pirate Night.
Pluto aboard the Disney Fantasy
The best part? The crew members are always happy to snap pics using your own camera or phone, so you can capture those priceless moments without feeling pressured to buy expensive photo packages.
Planning for Disembarkation
As your Disney Fantasy cruise comes to an end, prepare for a unique disembarkation experience. While you'll pack your bags the night before and place them outside your stateroom as usual, your final meal aboard the ship will be scheduled for you.
Unlike other cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line offers a sit-down express breakfast in your first rotational dining room. This final meal is a special touch to conclude your magical journey.
If you would prefer to skip the sit-down meal, plan ahead by stashing some food items in your cooler. Think a small continental breakfast spread of cold cereal, fruit, etc for your final morning. This way, you can grab a quick bite before bidding farewell to the enchanting Disney Fantasy.
Bonus Tips: And before we head out, we have a few more tips for you!
Laundry on the Disney Fantasy
Did you know the Disney Fantasy has self-service laundry rooms? Talk about a game-changer for your cruise! Check the handy displays to find available machines across the ship. Pro tip: Hit the laundry early morning or late night to avoid crowds. Need to iron? No problem - you can do that right in the laundry room too.
Laundry room aboard the Disney Fantasy
DVC Member Perks
Calling all Disney Vacation Club members! Don't miss the exclusive cocktail party for a meet-and-greet with the Mouse himself. And remember to swing by the DVC desk daily for special giveaways.
Riding the Aquaduck
Want to ride the Aquaduck with a minimal wait? Ride on port days while everyone else is out exploring the sights.
The AquaDuck aboard the Disney Fantasy
Port Adventures
You should plan to book your onshore activities well in advance to avoid disappointment and ensure availability for the excursions you most want to experience. You can research your port adventures on the Disney Cruise Line website prior to sailing to understand what's involved in the excursion, the activity level, and the costs per adult and child.
Port adventures can be booked online or at the excursion desk onboard the ship.
Managing the Costs
Setting a budget is an essential step in planning your cruise. Disney Cruise Line sailings can cost more than other cruise lines, but the higher cost includes complimentary features and amenities that make the experience truly magical.
When planning your Disney cruise, it’s important to consider all the items that will contribute to your overall expenses. These include gratuities, specialty dining, shore excursions, and alcoholic drinks.
By researching and understanding all the costs involved, you can set a realistic budget and ensure a stress-free vacation. Consider being as flexible as possible with your sail date. The price for the same itinerary in the same cabin category can vary from sailing to sailing.
Funnel aboard the Disney Fantasy
Check the price for each sailing of your preferred itinerary to make certain that you are getting the best possible deal. Our favorite budget hack is to plan our cruises out well in advance of the sail date.
Booking early allows us to grab the lower prices you see on early bookings when the itineraries are released. Plus, depending on how far out we book, it can give us a year or more to pay for our Disney cruise.
Set Sail
Alright, cruise planners, you're now armed with all the insider tips to make your Disney Fantasy voyage absolutely magical! From snagging those coveted Palo and Remy reservations to maximizing your Castaway Cay experience, you're ready to rock this cruise like a pro.
Remember, the Navigator app is your new best friend, and don't be shy about chatting up those roaming characters – they're part of what makes Disney cruises so special.
The Disney Fantasy docked at Castaway Cay
So pack your bags, grab your Mickey ears, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure at sea. Your family's about to have the time of their lives, and it's all thanks to your awesome planning skills.
Until next time, enjoy the journey!