A Disney Fantasy Vacation

The Disney Fantasy is the newest cruise ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.

This post will give you some great information about the Disney Fantasy.

Overview

Designed to reflect the golden age of cruising in the 1930s, the Fantasy arrived in her home port of Cape Canaveral, Florida in March of 2012, and sailed her maiden voyage on March 31, 2012.

The ship's fourteen decks include 1,250 staterooms to accommodate up to 4,000 passengers, with oaver 1,450 Crew Members to help make each guest's voyage a magical one. Onboard, passengers can take advantage of youth activities, dining, entertainment, nightclubs, pools, and spa/fitness services.

Accommodations

Accommodations on the Fantasy include staterooms and suites to accommodate up to 5 people. Stateroom options include standard inside staterooms (169 square feet), deluxe inside or oceanview staterooms (204 square feet), and deluxe oceanview staterooms with navigator's verandah or verandah (246 square feet including verandah); all of these accommodate 3 or 4 guests. The deluxe family oceanview stateroom (241 square feet) and deluxe family oceanview stateroom with verandah (299 square feet) accommodate 3-5 guests. The largest stateroom available is the concierge family oceanview stateroom with verandah (306 square feet including verandah), which accommodates 5 guests. Concierge suite options with verandah include: 1-bedroom suites (622 square feet including verandah) and royal suites (1,781 square feet including verandah) that each accommodate up to 5 guests.

Youth Activities

A variety of Youth Clubs for ages 3 months to 14 years can be found on Deck 5 of the Fantasy. It's a Small World Nursery provides childcare for children from 3 months to 3 years old, for a reasonable babysitting fee, and recommendations are highly recommended, as space can fill up quickly.

Disney's Oceaneer Club (activity center) and Oceaneer Lab (play space) are designed for children from 3 to 12 years old. The Oceaneer Club and Lab are included amenities, and children may also eat lunch or dinner in these clubs. Children with special needs are welcome in the nursery or Oceaneer clubs; however, advanced notice is suggested in order to better serve the children.

In addition, guests ages 3-12 can enjoy a royal makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on Deck 5. This location transforms into the Pirates League on pirate party nights.

There are even special areas for "tweens" and teens. Vibe is an indoor/outdoor lounge specially designed for teens ages 14-17 years old, also found on Deck 5. There is also a special area for "tweens" ages 11-14, called Edge and located on Deck 13.

Other specified family and/or youth areas are located on on Decks 4, 11, and 13 of the Fantasy. A family nightclub called D Lounge is located on Deck 4, while the video Arr-cade is located on Deck 11.

Dining

Dining on the Disney Fantasy includes 4 Main Dining restaurants, which guests visit on a rotational dinner schedule to offer a variety of opportunities. These 4 restaurants are: Animator's Palette (where animated drawings come to life), and Cabanas, Enchanted Garden, and Royal Court (all of which also serve breakfast and lunch). In addition, there are two Adults Exclusive restaurants: Palo (serving Northern Italian cuisine for brunch and dinner) and Remy (serving French cuisine for dinner). The Adults Exclusive restaurants must be reserved in advance for an extra fee.

Entertainment

There are a variety of entertainment opportunities onboard the Fantasy. Live shows, including musical productions, are performed in the Walt Disney Theatre on Decks 3 and 4. First-run movies and digital 3-D films are shown in the Buena Vista Theatre, located on Decks 4 and 5. In addition, Disney characters can be found onboard for a scheduled and surprise visits.

There are a variety of nightclubs and lounges on the ship. Most of these are located on Deck 4 and are for adults only: La Piazza, O'Gill's Pub (Irish bar), Ooh La La, Skyline, The Tube (nightclub) and Vista Cafe. Located on Deck 12 are Meridian and Waves, both designed for adults only. Other options are: Bon Voyage (a family lounge) on Deck 3, Cove Cafe (an adults-only lounge) on Deck 11, and Currents on Deck 13.

Water Areas

Pools and water play areas abound on the Disney Fantasy. Three pools are located on Deck 11: Mickey's Pool (for children), Donald's Pool (for families), and Quiet Cove Pool (for adults only). Also located on Deck 11 is Nemo's Reef, a fun splash deck for children. Plus, the Fantasy also has the AquaDuck, a water coaster, and the AquaLab, another water play area, and a Wading Pool, all located on Deck 12.

There is also an adults-only area on Deck 13 called Satellite Falls.

Spa and Fitness

A variety of spa and fitness services can also be found on the Fantasy. Senses Spa & Salon is located on Decks 11 and 12, where guests can experience relaxing spa or salon treatments for an additional fee. The Fitness Center is located on Deck 11, including state-of-the-art fitness equipment and group exercise classes. Goofy's Sports Deck on Deck 13 includes a miniature golf course, virtual sports simulators, and a basketball/volleyball court.

Ports of Call

Now to talk about the ports of call! All Disney Fantasy itineraries leaving out of Port Canaveral, FL currently stop at Castaway Cay, Disney's private Caribbean island. Western Caribbean cruises sailing out of Galveston, TX do not stop at Castaway Cay, with 2-3 days at sea as well. Other ports visited vary by itinerary and may include: San Juan (Puerto Rico), the US Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Grand Cayman, Falmouth (Jamaica), Costa Maya (Mexico), and/or Cozumel (Mexico).

Are you ready for a Fantasy vacation?

Imaginations Vacations by Katherine is currently offering $25-$50 onboard credit, depending on the type of stateroom booked. See

www.imaginationsvacationsbykatherine.com

or email me at

katherine@enchantedearstravel.com

Feel free to post questions and/or comments in the comments section!

Enter the Giveaway!

Enter my Disney gift card giveaway! The more entries we have, the more chances there are for you to win! I will give away one $25 Disney gift card for every 20 people who enter. If you comment on this post (or any other post on the blog), you can earn 2 entries!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a magical day!

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It's a Princess Thing: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Princess Makeover

Do you have a child who loves the princesses, and wants to look just like one? Or who wants to be a prince? The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience is for you!

At Cinderella's Royal Table after the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Fairy godmothers in training help to transform the prince or princess of your heart into the Disney hero(ine) of their dreams.

Read more to see how the fairy magic works!

Packages and Add-ons

There are several choices to make your royal transformation perfectly fit your style and budget.

There are three hairstyles for girls to choose from:

Fairytale Princess - traditional bun at the top of the head with tiara
Disney Diva - hair pulled back and teased, with ponytail hairpiece and accessories
Pop Princess - funky little braids, colorful hairpiece and accessories

Guests can choose from the following packages (prices do not include tax):

Knight Package ($15.95) - colorful gel hairstyle, sword and shield, confetti
Coach Package ($54.95) - hairstyle, shimmering makeup, face gem, sash and tote
Crown Package ($59.95) - hairstyle, shimmering makeup, face gem, nail polish, sash and tote
Courtyard Package ($89.95) - exclusive hairstyle, shimmering makeup, face gem, nail polish, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique t-shirt, trendy tutu, sash and tote
Castle Package ($189.95 and up) - hairstyle, shimmering makeup, face gem, nail polish, complete costume of your choice (price changes based on the costume chosen), princess sash and tote, princess photo shoot including one 6x8 and four 4x6 print photos

In addition to your choice of package, you can also purchase the following add-ons (prices do not include tax):

Imaging Package ($29.95) - royal photo shoot including one 6x8 and four 4x6 print photos
Merchandise - t-shirts, parasols, accessories

Locations

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is has several locations at multiple Disney destinations!

Walt Disney World:

Cinderella Castle - This location is generally open from 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., and Magic Kingdom park admission is required. It is possible to make a reservation before the park opens! We have done this twice with the Castle Package, and were completely finished (including the photo shoot) before the park opened. It's a great way to avoid spending valuable park time with this experience. This location is extremely popular, and reservations are highly encouraged. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance, and it is necessary to plan well ahead to get a coveted morning appointment.
Downtown Disney Marketplace - Open from 9:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., this location is not as popular as the Magic Kingdom location, and it is sometimes possible to get an appointment even at the last minute. The Boutique is found inside the large World of Disney Store, and park admission is not required. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance, and are highly encouraged. This is a terrific activity to do if you have a non-park day and don't want to spend valuable park time.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Cinderella Castle

Disneyland

There is one location at Disneyland Resort, located in the Sleeping Beauty Courtyard at Disneyland Park, and park admission is required. This location offers the same packages. However, the imaging package is not available as an add-on at the Disneyland location. Disney Photopass photographers will take pictures that you may purchase later online. Merchandise may also be different at this location. Operating hours are from park opening until 7:00 p.m., and reservations may be made up to 60 days in advance.

Disney Fantasy

There is now a location on Disney's newest cruise ship, the Disney Fantasy! Package options are mostly the same, with the Courtyard Package replaced by the Fantasy Package. The Fantasy Package ($119.95) includes t-shirt and tutu inspired by the cruise ship. There are also additional packages available only at this location: the Under the Sea (mermaid) Package ($99.95) and the Royal Sea Package (3 different makeovers, $595.95). On Pirate Party nights, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique becomes the Pirates League, and offers pirate makeovers for boys and girls ($34.95-$99.95). Reservations can be made before departure through the Disney Cruise Line website. Onboard, reservations can be made by phone or in person.

General Information

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience is available to guests ages 3-12, with clothing available in youth sizes only. Each guest must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.

Hair and nails must be clean and free of products such as gel, hairspray, and/or polish. Scalp must be clear and free of any conditions for at least 30 days prior to reservation. Guests must bring their own hairbrush or comb.

Beginning the hairstyle, with a pink brush from home

The fairy godmothers in training are wonderful about meeting each child's needs. Our daughters didn't like the face gems, so didn't wear them. Our oldest daughter didn't want her bangs pulled back, and hated the lipstick, so adjustments were made. I was very impressed with the flexibility.

Packages and prices may change at any time without notice.

Conclusion

We take each of our girls on a "private" trip when they are 4-5 years old, leaving their sisters with grandparents. This is the time we go to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and we purchase the Castle Package for the once-in-a-lifetime (and wallet) experience! They love it!

We always dine at Cinderella's Royal Table on the day of our princess makeover, and it's so special to see the girls with their Disney princess counterparts. Though it is expensive, it is completely worth it to see the look on the girls' faces!

For those on a tighter budget, I suggest purchasing a princess dress from a store at home and bringing it with you. Then you can purchase one of the less expensive packages and she will still feel like a princess!

Have you experienced the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? Do you want to? What do you think?

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Magic Everywhere! Disney Destinations Explained

What does it mean when I talk about "all Disney destinations"? When I mention Disney, most people think of Walt Disney World first, and maybe Disneyland. However, Disney has many destinations all over the world!

Read more for information about each Disney destination!

Walt Disney World

This is the most popular Disney destination, and the biggest. Walt Disney World includes 4 major theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. There are also 2 water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach), an enormous Downtown Disney area (including Cirque du Soleil), and over 20 resorts for all levels of budget! Many of my blog posts talk about how to navigate Walt Disney World. For a feel of the magic, watch this video!

Disneyland

The original Disneyland Park located in California is the only park Walt Disney lived to see. Although smaller than Walt Disney World, all of the Disney magic is alive and well! Disneyland Park is now part of Disneyland Resort, which also includes Disney California Adventure Park, a Downtown Disney area, and 3 Disneyland Resort Hotels.

Disney Cruise Line

The Disney Cruise Line officially began offering cruises to the Bahamas in 1998. The line has grown from one cruise ship (the Disney Magic) to four, adding the Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and (most recently) Disney Fantasy. The Disney Cruise Line now sails out of multiple ports, including Port Canaveral (FL), Los Angeles (CA), Miami (FL), Vancouver (Canada), and Barcelona (Spain). Itineraries now include the Caribbean, as well as Alaska and Europe, with a duration of 3-10 nights. The combination of cruise amenities and Disney magic can't be beat!

Aulani Resort and Spa

What could be better than a tropical Hawaiian vacation with Disney pixie dust? Aulani Resort and Spa offers luxurious accommodations in Hawaii plus the extra flair Disney is known for.

Adventures by Disney

Explore the world with your family while benefiting from Disney's world-class service! Adventures by Disney offers tours on 6 continents, with activities for all ages.

Overseas Disney Parks

Disneyland Paris

Disney also has multiple theme parks outside the United States. Tokyo Disneyland was the first overseas park, opening in 1983. It was followed by Disneyland Paris (1992, originally called Euro Disney), Tokyo DisneySea (2001, 2nd theme park at Tokyo Disney Resort), Walt Disney Studios Park (2002, 2nd park at Disneyland Paris), and Hong Kong Disneyland (2005).

Disney Beach Resorts

Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort

Disney has two beach resorts on the Atlantic Ocean. One is located at Hilton Head in South Carolina, and the other at Vero Beach in Florida. Both have timeshare accommodations with Disney service!

Conclusion

It is important to remember that while Walt Disney World is a fun and magical place, Disney has spread its magic all over the globe. I hope you will consider experiencing some of the other Disney destinations!

Which destination is next on your list?

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