Some disappointments on the fantasy

[steamboat will]

Just returned of my 7 night Fantasy sailing. After talking a break from Disney cruising. And was surprised by some of the entertainment choices... That basically felt like a downgrade since my last sailing.

Firstly no show in the Walt Disney theatre on the first night of the cruise, that's a first for me, I've been on several DCL 14 night sailings where there was a show every night. So I really don't think there's any excuse to not put a performance on embarkation day. Also I think showing a movie in the WDT (inside out 2) is a total disappointment it was showing all week long in the onboard movie theatre and it's 3 months old, so everyone had numerous chances to see it.

Next, the same characters every day! We all love the classic Mickey and friends but I don't need to see them every day... Often in the same outfits.. I'll admit they did have a couple of costume changes but I lost track of how many times they were in their sailors costumes... So boring.

How long has it been like this??? With the premium prices on DCL I'm a little disappointed the entertainment wasn't what it once was.... The Disney entertainment staff were all amazing. But just wished there was More....

 

[cvjw]

Just returned of my 7 night Fantasy sailing. After talking a break from Disney cruising. And was surprised by some of the entertainment choices... That basically felt like a downgrade since my last sailing.

Firstly no show in the Walt Disney theatre on the first night of the cruise, that's a first for me, I've been on several DCL 14 night sailings where there was a show every night. So I really don't think there's any excuse to not put a performance on embarkation day. Also I think showing a movie in the WDT (inside out 2) is a total disappointment it was showing all week long in the onboard movie theatre and it's 3 months old, so everyone had numerous chances to see it.

Next, the same characters every day! We all love the classic Mickey and friends but I don't need to see them every day... Often in the same outfits.. I'll admit they did have a couple of costume changes but I lost track of how many times they were in their sailors costumes... So boring.

How long has it been like this??? With the premium prices on DCL I'm a little disappointed the entertainment wasn't what it once was.... The Disney entertainment staff were all amazing. But just wished there was More....

No show on the first night since Covid. We have sailed the fantasy 9 times in the past 2.5 years. They have been showing a movie one night in the theater too for all those sailings. We are fine with the changes, we rarely go to see any of the shows and never see characters.

 

[Sakura1017]

I'm fine with no show on the first night as well because I'm shopping or doing other things. As for the character outfits they are usually in sailor on the first and last day. I like when they are in sailor outfits especially if you won cruise trivia medals so you can match them. If you don't like the outfits you don't have to meet them. But it's easier sometimes if they repeat because the first day is usually longer lines than the rest. Plus you can redo photos from the first time around.

 

[Flossbolna]

I also don’t like that they eliminated the show in the first night. I really loved the one they used to have on the wonder with dancers and characters. It’s also a great way to meet your cruise director if you don’t like the sail away party.

The movie on one night is something I had pre Covid as well. Wasn’t thrilled either.

 

[Kit Jackson]

I'm fine with no show on the first night as well because I'm shopping or doing other things. As for the character outfits they are usually in sailor on the first and last day. I like when they are in sailor outfits especially if you won cruise trivia medals so you can match them. If you don't like the outfits you don't have to meet them. But it's easier sometimes if they repeat because the first day is usually longer lines than the rest. Plus you can redo photos from the first time around.

Also, having the characters appear multiple times each day in the same outfits makes it easier to meet/get pictures with them. If you miss the morning meet and greet with a character, you can try again in the afternoon or evening.

 

[pearljammer]

Just returned of my 7 night Fantasy sailing. After talking a break from Disney cruising. And was surprised by some of the entertainment choices... That basically felt like a downgrade since my last sailing.

Firstly no show in the Walt Disney theatre on the first night of the cruise, that's a first for me, I've been on several DCL 14 night sailings where there was a show every night. So I really don't think there's any excuse to not put a performance on embarkation day. Also I think showing a movie in the WDT (inside out 2) is a total disappointment it was showing all week long in the onboard movie theatre and it's 3 months old, so everyone had numerous chances to see it.

Next, the same characters every day! We all love the classic Mickey and friends but I don't need to see them every day... Often in the same outfits.. I'll admit they did have a couple of costume changes but I lost track of how many times they were in their sailors costumes... So boring.

How long has it been like this??? With the premium prices on DCL I'm a little disappointed the entertainment wasn't what it once was.... The Disney entertainment staff were all amazing. But just wished there was More....

You know, if we aren’t careful this might start a “let me count the ways” type of list. *wink*

You are not incorrect, there have been quite a few changes since post C. As far as a show on first night? I can’t say that really bothers me given how quickly the first day seems to go. Not feeling the need to get to a show isn’t so bad as one can relax a bit after the hustle/bustle of onboarding, muster drill, etc. If you haven’t noticed, all the shows are the same so I do wish Disney would change up their theatre shows. I mean….how much longer can they run. the same production? I mean, we aren’t looking to recreate “The Mousetrap” run. I notice Tiffany’s on the boat didn’t seem to last long which is likely expected. I’m noticing they are brining on name brand, I believe it was Vineyard Vines which you can get off the boat so I’m not understanding some of the choices? To turn what was Tiffany’s into yet another jewelry area which no one seems to visit that much, I’d rather see yet another gift shop with perhaps different unique items in it. Less Diamonds International please!

Of course, even the pirate show has changed significantly over the years. The how last year was laughable to be honest. Some hokey band playing cover songs. Back in the day the cast would come out from under the deck, dressed like people right out of the Pirate of Carib movies, it was awesome. Never saw another show like that one and as I stated, they have been declining since. Seems like less and less effort is going into the pirate shows.

As far as movies in the theatre? Well, it is what it is. I would love to see a bigger variety of movies? And the ones that are good show at times that aren’t LATE at night or on days when we’re at CC. When you can get a good movie on board, I do enjoy going (though there isn’t much leg room. *smile*).

This is also why I enjoy experiencing new boats. I enjoy Disney service, etc. and I don’t get bored seeing new things. As many times as I’ve been on the Fantasy, there are still probably areas I’ve just not spent much time in. A lot of that may be determined on the age of kids as for us, that’s always determined where we spend our time.

 

[rab1974]

You know, if we aren’t careful this might start a “let me count the ways” type of list. *wink*

You are not incorrect, there have been quite a few changes since post C. As far as a show on first night? I can’t say that really bothers me given how quickly the first day seems to go. Not feeling the need to get to a show isn’t so bad as one can relax a bit after the hustle/bustle of onboarding, muster drill, etc. If you haven’t noticed, all the shows are the same so I do wish Disney would change up their theatre shows. I mean….how much longer can they run. the same production? I mean, we aren’t looking to recreate “The Mousetrap” run. I notice Tiffany’s on the boat didn’t seem to last long which is likely expected. I’m noticing they are brining on name brand, I believe it was Vineyard Vines which you can get off the boat so I’m not understanding some of the choices? To turn what was Tiffany’s into yet another jewelry area which no one seems to visit that much, I’d rather see yet another gift shop with perhaps different unique items in it. Less Diamonds International please!

Of course, even the pirate show has changed significantly over the years. The how last year was laughable to be honest. Some hokey band playing cover songs. Back in the day the cast would come out from under the deck, dressed like people right out of the Pirate of Carib movies, it was awesome. Never saw another show like that one and as I stated, they have been declining since. Seems like less and less effort is going into the pirate shows.

As far as movies in the theatre? Well, it is what it is. I would love to see a bigger variety of movies? And the ones that are good show at times that aren’t LATE at night or on days when we’re at CC. When you can get a good movie on board, I do enjoy going (though there isn’t much leg room. *smile*).

This is also why I enjoy experiencing new boats. I enjoy Disney service, etc. and I don’t get bored seeing new things. As many times as I’ve been on the Fantasy, there are still probably areas I’ve just not spent much time in. A lot of that may be determined on the age of kids as for us, that’s always determined where we spend our time.

Kind of have to agree on the Pirate Night show comment. Just got off the Fantasy and was a little disappointed that the Jack Sparrow part of Pirate Night is so toned down. I really like the prior version (my last cruise was in 2018). That show was more action and it was fun. The current show was okay but I was really looking forward to the old show. Guess there is a balance between old and new and I understand the mantra of "keep moving forward" but I really was looking forward to that older show. Made me wonder later if knowing the Jack Sparrow part of Pirate Night is like that now, I may skip it and do something else on my next sailing.

 

[Kevin O'Brien]

Just returned of my 7 night Fantasy sailing. After talking a break from Disney cruising. And was surprised by some of the entertainment choices... That basically felt like a downgrade since my last sailing.

Firstly no show in the Walt Disney theatre on the first night of the cruise, that's a first for me, I've been on several DCL 14 night sailings where there was a show every night. So I really don't think there's any excuse to not put a performance on embarkation day. Also I think showing a movie in the WDT (inside out 2) is a total disappointment it was showing all week long in the onboard movie theatre and it's 3 months old, so everyone had numerous chances to see it.

Next, the same characters every day! We all love the classic Mickey and friends but I don't need to see them every day... Often in the same outfits.. I'll admit they did have a couple of costume changes but I lost track of how many times they were in their sailors costumes... So boring.

How long has it been like this??? With the premium prices on DCL I'm a little disappointed the entertainment wasn't what it once was.... The Disney entertainment staff were all amazing. But just wished there was More....

In the Walt Disney theatre they sometimes do have a movie instead of a Disney musical, comedian or magician. The movie that they show in Walt Disney theatre is known as a movie night even though they do show movies in the cinema on the ship. I was on the Fantasy a few months ago I don't remember a show in Walt Disney theatre on the first night I don't think they have a show on the first night anymore on the Fantasy.
I enjoy the sailaway deck party on day 1 that's great fun.

 

[auntlynne]

I really liked the Boarding Day’s “Freshman Orientation” style WDT meeting/ show. You saw the Cruise Director, got a welcome and some possibly-useful information. I enjoyed the Welcome Aboard show.

Now, I skip some production shows and don’t bother with magicians. I used to go to every night’s offering and the 10 pm Adult gatherings.

I have been enjoying the Buena Vista Theater, but am not happy with the direction / offerings that the broader Disney collection of film companies is making. And the dinky twin theaters on Wish are not the venue I want.

@pearljammer - are you sitting further back in the BVT? It took me several sailings to realize that the top rows had shorter knee space. - And I may have started counting the ways.

The question will be are new cruisers happy with what they get for their money? And will they take their money elsewhere. These newer generations may not want the cruise experience offered in DCL’s first 25 years.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

The question will be are new cruisers happy with what they get for their money? And will they take their money elsewhere. These newer generations may not want the cruise experience offered in DCL’s first 25 years.

From what I have seen in both 2023 and 24 UK sailings on The Dream, first time cruisers are blown away by the shows, both all the main theatre shows and the pirates show. In Europe Disney is more family / child orientated, so the current pirate show is a big hit with the families. This year on the August cruises, the pirate show was moved to 10pm and this caused a huge amount of complaints as "Disney is for kids, so why is the show on so late when kids are in bed"

The same with the food. I have not seen many complaints about the menus, the repetition of food items, as other than first time cruisers, most people on the ship both in 2023 and 24 Silver Castaway Club members who have only done the stay cation cruises in 2021.

Disney are expanding to new markets, like in Europe with the UK passengers. UK people are using the August short cruises as a tester cruise. Many then book a Bahama or Caribbean cruise for the future, as an add on to their Walt Disney World holiday.

 

[European]

I have only cruised once since COVID (on a B2B) and definitely missed the show the first night. And it’s not just the show, but also the presentation of the cruise director and sometimes (maybe only on longer cruises) a preview of an other act such as a magician. The first night just seemed incomplete.
I always go and see the shows and most of the other entertainment in the theater.

 

[Budzooka]

We had a movie in WDT one of the nights on our first cruise in 2016. So that’s not a post-Covid change. Not having a show on the first night is, but I like it. The first day is hustle and bustle waiting for your luggage to get delivered and having to go to the muster drill. Not having a show gives us a chance to get settled in and enjoy the adult only entertainment later in the evening.

 

[sponica]

The question will be are new cruisers happy with what they get for their money? And will they take their money elsewhere. These newer generations may not want the cruise experience offered in DCL’s first 25 years.

I only cruised once in the first 25 years and I don't remember a thing from 2014 to compare our recent cruise to. We don't *do* shows as my kids won't sit still for anything that long.

I just want characters, a sundeck and tropical drinks and a kids club that entertains my kids. Are my expectations too low? Maybe

 

[bobbiwoz]

Last week on the Magic, we had a 4 night cruise. The first night we had Tangled, second night was Inside out 2, then Twice Charmed, and finally Disney Dreams.

 

[WinterSolider]

No show on the first night since Covid.

That must be unique to the Fantasy?

Post-COVID, we've sailed five times but never on the Fantasy and we've never had a dark first night in the theater.

Magic - Miami - 5-night double-dip (Merrytime)
Magic - Miami - 5-night double-dip
Wonder - Vancouver - 7-night Alaska
Dream - New York - 6-night Bermuda
Dream - Rome - 7-night Med

The very early reopening cruises were running double shows because the theater couldn't be filled, so we had (for example) two nights of Tangled, two nights of Disney Dreams, and a magician in the middle.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

I was on The Dream in Europe a few weeks ago, 5 night cruise from England with ports in Spain. The main show in The Walt Disney Theatre each night was

1. Embarkation = Golden Mickeys
2. Day at Sea = Beauty and The Beast
3. La Coruna Port = The Award Goes To , a vocal performance by Walt Disney Theatre Cast
4. Vigo Port= The Ladybugs Beatles Tribute
5. Day at Sea = Believe

 

[cvjw]

That must be unique to the Fantasy?

Post-COVID, we've sailed five times but never on the Fantasy and we've never had a dark first night in the theater.

Magic - Miami - 5-night double-dip (Merrytime)
Magic - Miami - 5-night double-dip
Wonder - Vancouver - 7-night Alaska
Dream - New York - 6-night Bermuda
Dream - Rome - 7-night Med

The very early reopening cruises were running double shows because the theater couldn't be filled, so we had (for example) two nights of Tangled, two nights of Disney Dreams, and a magician in the middle.

We only sail the fantasy, so can’t answer about other ships.

 

[European]

No show the first night on the Magic from New Orleans in January, both cruises.

 

[kiford]

We don't always go to the shows, but even when we do, I'm not particularly a fan of having one the first night. I'm usually tired because I had to get up early, it's chaotic, and I just want to chill that first night, especially on shorter cruises.

And the dinky twin theaters on Wish are not the venue I want.

We hated this. We went to see Elemental and by the time I got my popcorn, the theatre was packed so we had to walk away. We did see it later in the cruise but I don't like having to get there so early to be sure that I'm going to get a seat. I think they botched that design (along with the adults-only area).

 

[Drfate102]

My wife will hit every show or performance that she can. I am really good without a show on the first night.