Disney Cruise Line - Part I

I thought that I'd continue with the trilogies/sagas/what-chama-call-its, this time with the Disney Cruise Line. There are two ships: the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. A third ship, the Disney Dream is scheduled to set sail in 2011, and a fourth ship, the Disney Fantasy, is scheduled for 2012. There are different lengths of cruises you can take ranging from 3-14+ days--depending on which destination you are looking for--Bahamas, Europe, Transatlantic, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, and Alaska & Pacific coast. Disney also owns its own island, Castaway Cay.

Everyone knows about the magic the theme parks of Disney brings to people, young and old. However, what I am most excited about and is sometimes overlooked is the Disney Cruise Line. I have been on only two cruises--both on the Disney Wonder--and both times have been some of the best times ever. Disney has a certain caliber of excellence that the Carnival, Princess, and Royal Caribbean cruises I’ve been on have failed to match.

THE DISNEY MAGIC

Built in 1998 by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the Disney Magic can hold approximately 2,400 passengers. Since the summer of 2000, the Disney Magic has been offering weekly cruises to Castaway Cay and multiple Caribbean islands.

DINING

Animator’s Palate (also my favorite restaurant)-- which celebrates the magic of Disney animation. This dining experience starts off with the room being black and white, and as your meal progresses, the magic of Disney takes hold and by dessert, you are enveloped in the beautiful and colorful animation from beloved Disney films. (sample menu)

Lumiere’s (a restaurant I’ve been wanting to eat at, badly!)-- serves contemporary American cuisine for breakfast and lunch in a casual setting, and French-inspired continental cuisine amid a more refined atmosphere for dinner. The restaurant is elegantly themed after the hit Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast. (sample menu)

Parrot Cay-- Inspired by the relaxed feel of the tropics, Parrot Cay boasts classic American fare for breakfast and lunch, and Caribbean island grill house specialties for dinner. (sample menu)

Palo-- an adult-exclusive restaurant that serves Northern Italian cuisine for dinner. Additionally, brunch and high tea are offered on select cruises. (sample menu)

Other quick service eateries include: Goofy’s Galley, Pluto’s Dog House, Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, Preludes, and Topsider Buffet.

ENTERTAINMENT

All Aboard: Let the Magice Begin, a 50 min. live show featuring variety acts, musical performances, and a cavalcade of Disney characters. It plays on Embarkation Day on 7-night or longer cruises.

The Buena Vista Theatre is an elegant cinema featuring plush seats, a giant movie screen, and advanced projection with Dolby sound. It screens first-run movies and digital 3-D films.

Character Greetings-- yes you can meet your favorite characters onboard as well. Of course, it wouldn’t be Disney without it.

Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic is an award-winning, 50-minute musical live show celebrating the value of dreams, starring some of your favorite Disney Characters. It has two showings and is performed in the Walt Disney Theatre.

The Golden Mickeys-- an approximate 50-minute, musical live show presented as an awards ceremony in which characters from Disney movies are nominated in a series of categories. It also has two showings and is performed in the Walt Disney Theatre. This show is always a fun one! They even have a ‘red carpet’ to walk down with a reporter asking all the juicy questions!

Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story is an approximate 50-minute, Broadway-style, song-and-dance extravaganza which re-imagines the classic Cinderella story. It also has two showings and is performed in the Walt Disney Theatre.

Remember the Magic: A Final Farewell is an approximate 50-minute live show that revisits some of your cruise's most memorable moments, starring a host of variety acts, theatre performers and Disney Characters from your cruise. It plays the day before Debarkation on 7-night or longer cruises.

NIGHTCLUBS & LOUNGES

Cove Cafe-- this adults-only lounge is a casual hotspot where Guests 18 years of age or older can enjoy mixed drinks, gourmet coffee or snacks while perusing a magazine, watching television or surfing the Internet.

Diversions-- a sports pub and lounge is a cozy venue where families can take part in fun-filled activities or watch a televised sporting event during the day; and adults can sing karaoke or enjoy a cocktail at night

Outlook Bar-- this adults-only bar is a breezy, scenic spot where guests 21 years of age or older can relax and unwind with a refreshing cocktail.

Promenade Lounge-- this elegant Art Deco venue is the perfect place for families to enjoy a refreshing beverage or snack, surf the Internet or partake in fun activities that occur throughout the day.

Rockin' Bar D-- is a roadside-themed club celebrating all styles of music amidst a fun, rowdy atmosphere. During the day, Guests of all ages can partake in a number of fun-filled games and activities; while at night, adults are invited to listen to live music, dance or sing karaoke.

Sessions-- this piano bar is a romantic nighttime spot in an attractive Art Deco theme where adults can listen to live music, savor the flavor of a mixed drink, and unwind.

Signals-- this adults-only bar is a cozy spot where guests 21 years of age or older can unwind with a refreshing cocktail or snack.

POOLS

Goofy's Pool-- a 4 ft. deep family pool and the ship's main pool hosts a charming portrait of Goofy on he pool bottom. It has 2 whirlpool spas as well.

Mickey's Pool-- a children's pool with Mickey Mouse's famous profile and smiling face and, nearby, a twisting one deck high slide.

Quite Cove Pool-- an adults-only pool featuring a 4 ft. deep main pool.

SPAS AND FITNESS

Vista Spa & Salon-- features a decadent assortment of world-class spa treatments and salon services. It's where you can treat yourself to a rejuvenating deep-tissue massage or any number of hair and beauty care offerings.

Fitness Center-- a full-service facility hosting a wide variety of aerobic, yoga and Pilates classes, as well as health seminars. Lift on the latest weight machines, step it up on TV-monitor-equipped ellipticals or book an individual session with a personal trainer.

Wide World of Sports-- holds fitness and recreational sports activities for all age groups.

Have a Magical Day!