Several Mouse Fan Travel Agents and Beci were invited up to New York City to preview the new Disney Fantasy while it sat in port yesterday, awaiting the Christening today by Mariah Carey, Godmother for the Fantasy. The ship, as with the Disney Dream, does not disappoint. Also it was surprisingly pretty much all put together and waiting for passengers. I have been on many previews before and usually they are still painting, wiring, etc. This may have been going on behind the scenes but was not too noticeable to us.
Agents were alloted a 4 hour time frame to tour on our own some select cabins and many of the Common Areas. The Concierge Suites were not available, and neither was the Buena Vista Theatre, but for the most part, most all other areas were open. Some of the carpets and colors and theming are different than on the Dream but many of the Main Rooms like Dining areas, Cabanas, Palos, Remy, theatre, etc are the same. There are some new innovations too, but don’t want to give away all the surprises. By far the Adults Entertainment area Europa, is one area that is really different and in my opinion set up better. I really liked the addition of O’Gills Pub for those that like a Beer Bar on ships. The Ooh La La Lounge really feels like a big comfy room with chaise lounges and large couches and chairs for guests, and the champagne bubbles behind the bar adds to the romance. The Tube nightclub will for sure be a favorite spot for adults. True Brit themeing in the seats, Red phone booths, seats complete with Tube hand rails, and the drink map looks like a Tube Map. Even the bathrooms in this area show beautiful tile work, flamenco male and female dancers.
Most of the Cabins are set up the same, as far as we could tell, as on the Dream – maybe some different art work but overall very nice. The King beds still do not separate but are again elevated higher which I like for luggage storage. Split baths and lots of storage in these rooms especially the Family Ocean view and Family Verandahs
The Adults Cove Pool has two levels now. The lower level is the same pool/bar and Cove Cafe and now on a top Deck 12 area there is another pool, bar area and will be a light /fountain show running. Senses spa is just wonderful and both the Hair/Nail area and Fitness Center face the windows with ocean views.
Another new area sure to be a hit is the Bibbidi Bobbidi boutique up on Deck 4 – Mid Starboard area. Here guests ages 3-12 yrs can get hair, make-up, nails and dresses. These will be available for guests to pre-book under the Port Adventures area online. The Shutters area on Deck 4 also now has a photo lab area where you can input your own camera memory cards/sticks and print out your own pictures. This is in addition to the regular book area where you can swipe your room key card and see all your photos taken by ship photographers too.
They still have the Vibe, Edge, Oceaneers Lab and Club area, which is awesome and feature Stitch interaction (think Turtle Talk w/Crush). Game floors and rooms and in Flounders the baby swings have Mickey fabrics on them.
The Pool Deck is complete with the Mickey and Donald pool areas, Aqua Duck and the Aqua Lab water play area which will hopefully give families options to spred out. Large screen TV as well and lots of Deck chairs.
What Else? That is about all for now, truly another beautiful ship. Cannot wait for guests to view it at the end of March.
