disneywonderfun
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 5, 2010
- Messages
- 761
In 2011, we were fortunate enough to have sailed on the Disney Dream in the Walt Disney Suite. When we decided to take a vacation with some friends during the summer of 2013, we were particularly lucky to have been able to book the matching cabin on the Fantasy for a one week Western Caribbean cruise. Although I did a full review of our Disney Dream experience over a year ago, I will attempt to provide this new review which may or may not provide some additional insight. I am sure there will be quite a bit of overlap with my other review. Neverthless . . .
One of the nice touches in the Concierge Lounge
We arrived early at Port Canaveral for our May 25, 2013 sailing. Although we had a full week on the ship to relax, my children were particularly enthusiastic to get onboard because of all the excitement in seeing their friends in a venue different from school! Check-in went as smoothly as expected taking less than 10 minutes. Apparently, we incorrectly went through the regular Castaway Club line instead of the concierge line which is now located near the back right portion of the port terminal. After check-in, we sat down in the not terribly exciting waiting area for concierge guests. There really is nothing interesting about the area. I think DCL opted for the area strictly so concierge guests can get on the ship in the first wave through the side entrance. Well, that is exactly what we did. By 11:25 AM, we ignored the photo op and were the first guests to board (not including the back-to-back cruise guests which were allowed back on the ship around 10:45 AM!). We were escorted up to the concierge lounge and were allowed in our room around 12:45 PM.
The Walt Disney Suite on the Disney Fantasy is almost identical to that on the Dream. Upon entering, the first thing one will notice is the door that enters into the kitchen area. On the Fantasy, the kitchen includes a full-size subzero built-in refrigerator, a small dishwasher (does anybody actually use it?), a microwave, and a Jura superautomatic coffeemaker. The cabinets are filled with extra silverware settings, plates, and coffee cups. The refrigerator was stocked with milk, sodas, Perrier, and Evian. We requested a freezer full of Mickey Bars to be placed before arrival. To the delight of our kids, DCL completely had that issue under control! The wine refrigerator moved from the kitchen area on the Dream to near the twin Murphy bed in the living room area on the Fantasy. It is actually a nicer model with multiple temperature options. With that being said, we did not have the inclination or need to buy any of the wine in that refrigerator.
The Kitchen
Mmmmmm . . . freezer full of Mickey Bars
A relatively modest full bathroom is located immediately to the left in the entryway. Although the additional bathroom is nice, it was only occasionally used by our family. Passing through the entryway leads to the multifunctional living area. This main area includes two Murphy beds (one full, one twin), a dining room table for eight, a curved couch with ottoman, and an adjacent chair. There is a huge amount of storage space in the cabinets of the main living area. I cannot fathom how anyone could fill even 10% of the available space. There is a fairly large flat screen television in the main living area as well as a blu-ray player. The four wave phones provided are located on the built-in cabinet area. I should mention that the two Royal Suites are the only cabins that can order Palo for room service. We, again, took full advantage of that option. I believe we ordered Palo a total of five nights. Typically, we would go with the kids to dinner, watch them eat, and then spend a relaxing evening in our cabin with Palo delivered while the kids were at the clubs.
Nice living space
Another view of the living space
One of many train related touches
Anybody in the mood for Palo?
One of the Murphy beds
Directly to the left of the living area is the master bedroom. It is a nicely appointed bedroom with, again, substantial closet space. There is a smaller flat screen television in the bedroom as well as a clock radio. Relaxing twinkle lights are on the ceiling with a wall switch control. A pillow menu is provided to those who find it difficult to sleep without their favorite pillow type. The bed is fairly firm and supportive. I will mention that I did sleep quite well on this cruise.
The bedroom during the day
We always love the towel creations at night!
One of the major highlights for us in the Walt Disney Suite is the master bathroom. It is almost a miniature spa in some ways. The shower includes a wonderful and relaxing rain showerhead as well as an adjustable showerhead. One of my favorite aspects of the shower is that it also includes an adjustable steam shower function. Inside the shower, you can set the steam up to 120 degrees and sit on a side tile bench while your troubles just melt away! In addition to the shower, there is a large Jacuzzi tub made for two. The mirror includes a television if you are so inclined while relaxing in the tub. Alternatively, there are electro-opaque windows that are controlled by a wall switch. So, you can either choose a little privacy or the wonderful daylight and view of the sea while you are using the master bathroom.
The Jacuzzi tub
The steam shower
The balcony is one of the best areas to relax and enjoy time in the cabin. At approximately 800 square feet, there is ample room to relax in solitude. There is a wonderful hot tub on the balcony as well. It includes variable setting jets and multicolored lights. The maximum temperature setting is 104 degrees which is great on a cool and windy night. Along the railing are purple lights which can be turned on at night for a wonderful effect. Multiple sets of deck furniture are included as well.
The open sea!
Early evening on the deck
The hot tub at night
Apart from the cabin, the Concierge Lounge and Sundeck do offer additional areas to relax. Sadly for most people, the glorious coffeemaker in the lounge broke during the midpoint of our cruise. Our concierge staff included Andy, P.J., and Alice. All three have their strengths and clearly work well as a team. They certainly made our week much more pleasant and their enthusiasm for our children will always be cherished.
The Concierge Lounge
Our cabin from the ship model in the Concierge Lounge
The link to the video tour of the cabin is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9MNH3WhzWQ
The link to the review of the Walt Disney Suite on the Dream is:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2806031
There is little doubt that the Walt Disney Suite on the Fantasy does provide the opportunity for a magical week. I hope you enjoyed this review.
DWF
as long as he's paying for it
