How Will the Disney Fantasy Be Different Than the Dream?

The Disney Fantasy will soon be taking her maiden voyage and while details have been slowly leaked as to what we have to look forward to, you might still be wondering how it's going to be different from the Dream.

Disney's first two ships, the Magic and the Wonder actually have very little difference between the two. They are set up exactly the same and while they are decorated a bit differently and  their parallel counter parts are named differently (Wave Bands vs. Rockin' Bar D) they are very much the same.

I've personally never had any complaints about the Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder. The Disney Wonder was becoming like a second home to me as we took several cruises within the same year on that ship. It's nice to see cast members and have them call you by name and "catch up" on what's going on with everyone. The ship is small enough to give you that feeling of intimacy but large enough to feel like you have plenty of options.

I had heard mixed reviews about the Disney Dream. The first cruisers onboard were coming back more than a little upset, stating there were too many people onboard, the adult pool was too small, the shows were crowded, etc. I hesitated to board the Dream and waited until the fiasco died down (and the price!) and recently sailed in January.

While I can understand how coming from the "small ship" size of the Wonder or Magic to the astronomical size of the Dream could be overwhelming, I was less consumed with the size as I was the general grandeur. My first look inside the Dream literally took my breath away. I had heard how beautiful it was and how "grand" it looked but nothing really prepared me for that first moment I saw it with my own eyes. I literally stood there gaping at how beautiful it was and it almost brought tears to my eyes.

 

There are plenty of differences between Disney's smaller, original ships and this large beauty but what's even more astounding is the differences there will be between the Dream and the Fantasy. 

If you are under the impression that the only things that will be different about the Dream and Fantasy is their itineraries...you are sorely mistaken. 

• Themeing and Decor -The Fantasy is more Art Nuoveau, with softer colors and more delicate textures. The theme continues throughout the ship affecting every element: from the carpet to the ceiling...even the dinner dishes!
• Restaurants: The changes in Animators Palate between the Disney Magic/Wonder and the Disney Dream are remarkable. You truly have to see it to believe it, it's an amazing experience. I'm told by senior staff onboard the Dream that the Fantasy will have even more to offer in this dining room that comes to life. Amazing to think that technology has advanced so far in such a short amount of time to bring you such an "upgraded" experience.
• "Animation Magic" will be featured on the Fantasy: guests draw an original character on their place mat and "Imagineers" make a cartoon that interacts with their own characters. The original artists get a facsimile of the final product and a Disney Animation certificate. 
• The Enchanted Garden will feature upgraded night time transformations  and the "night-blooming" murano glass chandeliers will bloom each night. 
• Palo and Remy are very much the same, but will be just a tad bit larger.
• Adult Areas: Just like "The District" on the Disney Dream, the Fantasy will feature "Europa" a collection of themed nightspots for adults only. La Piazza, Ooh La La and O'Gills Pub comprise part of "Europa" and unlike its sister ship, these locations will have outdoor seating access. Skyline lounge will be similar but "The Tube" is themed after the London Underground, complete with British telephone booths. Live music and a D.J. booth team up with a large dance floor. 
• Family Area: The atrium of the Fantasy has been expanded and made to be more relaxing. Families can gather before dinner while adults grab a drink from "Bon Voyage".
• Entertainment: I'm thrilled that "Believe" will be onboard the Fantasy, that show is so well done, I can't wait to see it again! Aladdin will grace us with his presence; as he's bid adiu to his normal resting place in California Adventure. 
• Kids Areas: 
• Bippity Boppity Boutique, only on the Disney Fantasy will transform and sell everything you need to make your princess look and feel, like a Princess. Once a week it will be taken over by Pirates (for the Pirate party of course!) and you can all be transformed into first mates.
• Enchanted Artwork-Mid-Ship detective agency will be onboard and will work the same way with the enchanted artwork, but don't look for Mickey Mouse to help you solve your mystery. This ship has been taken over by the mayhem of The Muppets! 
• The nursery is "not so small" (They made it bigger. The nursery on the Dream is called "Small World Nursery"...guess you had to be there to catch that joke!)
• Staterooms: The virtual portholes in the Inside staterooms will feature longer animated sequence than the one's currently found on the Dream.
• Pools:
• "Satellite Falls" is the newest concept pool and is only featured on the Fantasy. A satellite globe is encircled by a 360 degree waterfall. 
•  Family wading pool-another addition to the Fantasy is a family wading pool where a waterfall encapsulates fog. 
• AquaLab-Described as a "water-based version of Whack-a-Mole"

Lucky for all of you, I'll be one of the attendees on the Fantasy preview cruise before the maiden voyage. So I'll have a ton of pictures, stories, details and more to share. If there's something specific you want to know leave me a message and I'll compile a list of questions to answer when I return!

Did you know that Fantasy has already been taking reservations? If you didn't know, you're way behind and you should email me for your free quote ASAP. Michele@PixieVacations.com