Will I love the Disney Fantasy?

[DisneySunPrincess]

I have been reading and replying to several recent posts about what people love about the Disney Magic. The Disney Magic was my first and only Disney cruise so far. We are booked to sail the 7-night Halloween on the High Seas Eastern Caribbean Itinerary on the Fantasy next fall. I feel like when people talk about the Magic and all the things they love, those things are all that I know....and then people talk about how crowded CC is with the Dream class ships and how everything feels less intimate and I am wondering if I will love the Fantasy as much as I loved my first cruise on the Magic. Can people share what they love about the Fantasy and put my mind to rest about the concerns I am having? I have been so excited about my next cruise and now I am starting to fear it will be disappointing...if that is possible. Thanks!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I have been reading and replying to several recent posts about what people love about the Disney Magic. The Disney Magic was my first and only Disney cruise so far. We are booked to sail the 7-night Halloween on the High Seas Eastern Caribbean Itinerary on the Fantasy next fall. I feel like when people talk about the Magic and all the things they love, those things are all that I know....and then people talk about how crowded CC is with the Dream class ships and how everything feels less intimate and I am wondering if I will love the Fantasy as much as I loved my first cruise on the Magic. Can people share what they love about the Fantasy and put my mind to rest about the concerns I am having? I have been so excited about my next cruise and now I am starting to fear it will be disappointing...if that is possible. Thanks!

Well, it won't be your "first cruise", so the enjoyment level will be different. But it will be your first cruise on the Fantasy. While I prefer the smaller Magic class ships, I thought the Dream class ships were fine. One thing I liked on the Dream class over the Magic class - there were more choices for adult venues. But I didn't like that there's no true dedicated piano bar, just a wide spot in the passageway through the lounge area.

 

[Flossbolna]

My first two cruises were on the Wonder and then I went on the Fantasy and absolutely loved it! I never had problems with more crowds. Yes, there were more people, but also more infrastructure. Besides the not very well designed adult pool area, the strange elevators in the middle of Cabanas and the Tube night club design, I really did not find anything not to love about the ship. Of the main shows we loved Aladdin and Believe, Wishes was ok. We also loved exploring a similar, but different ship. I summed it all up in a post in my trip report from that cruise, if you want to read that, this should take you directly to the post: From the Sea to the World - Holiday Edition

I was booked to go on the Magic after the Fantasy and was afraid that I would not love the Magic as much as the Fantasy and that the new ships had spoiled me. But it turned out that I still was able to love the Magic as much as the other two ships. I truly cannot tell you which of the three ships I have been on would be my favorite.

 

[GPaLarry]

We have been on the Magic four times and the Fantasy three. Wife and I (in our 70s) have traveled with kids and grandkids on four of the cruises. We love both ships for various reasons. Sure, there are fewer cruisers on the smaller ship. However, we never felt overly crowded on the Fantasy. CC has enough room for everyone, just walk a bit farther or leave early. There is a bit more Disney magic aboard the bigger ship...more shows in Animators Palate, detective agency challenge with interactive pictures, etc. However, there are Magic groupies, as I am sure there are for the other ships. On our last cruises (B2B Med/Trans) we even found transatlantic groupies. My advice would be to approach the Fantasy with an open mind. Take a tour when you first board to get the lay of the land (decks) and let the magic begin. You won't be disappointed. Oh, and you'll like the variety of horn sounds on the Fantasy.

 

[apathetic]

We started on the smaller ships and were worried before our first Fantasy cruise. But it was for no reason. The Fantasy is a superior experience, in my opinion. There is a lot more people, but it doesn't detract from your experience. I've never been to CC except on the Fantasy and Dream and never found it overwhelming. Crowded for sure, but it is a huge island and everyone has their own space. Even getting on/off at ports was not any worse because Disney is ready for the rush.

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

I haven't been on the Magic, but I was on the Fantasy for a week, and I think you will love it. As pp said, the larger ship can handle the larger number of people, plus, since you have been on a Disney cruise before, you have an advantage over some of the crowds.

It was our first time, so we wanted to do all the "big" things. Every port, every show, ever dinner. Since you've done DCL before, you can avoid some of the crowds sometimes. Skip a show or port or a dinner. Seek out the less explored activities. The less crowded parts of the ship. They are there, we found some of them when we slowed down and took the time to do it. It's a beautiful ship, with a wonderful crew. You will have a great time!

 

[jrabbit]

first off about my experiences: I've been on the Classic Ships for over 100 nights, and on the Dream Class ships for about 20 nights.

I fully believe that you will be impressed with the Fantasy!!! She's a great ship!!!

There is a lot to do on the Fantasy that's "Built In" - Like the Interactive Pictures and Mickey's Mid Ship Detective Agency. The great thing about this adventure is that it helps you move around the ship and to get to know your way around (especially the Muppet's version - you have to go to specific locations). My biggest complaint is that there are "too many kids" doing this too (shouldn't they be in their clubs )

Topside, there's the AquaDuck and the AquaLab and for adults only - Satellite Falls !! And there is Goofy Golf (mini golf). Another great Adults Only area is Meridian / Palo / Remy's. Upcharge for both restaurants, and a nice lounge that is Meridian.

I would most definitely try and participate in the the Ship Tour on embarkation day and the art of the ship (that's not its name - but I'm not remembering it right now)

Weird thing to do: check out the Spanish Bathrooms near The Tube in the adult entertainment district (all 4 of them - well 2 for men and 2 for women). They are pretty amazing - if you like tile work / mosaics.

If you've been both to Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom in WDW, you will understand ... I've been here before but it's not quite right!! Things are "the same" and enhanced, but different and in different locations.

My first trip on the Fantasy left me wanting very much to sail her again - I felt that there was a lot I missed on that first trip - and I was very correct!!

Don't worry about possibly not loving the ship / cruise - it's the same as you know, but different ... in a very good way!!

 

[Dug720]

first off about my experiences: I've been on the Classic Ships for over 100 nights, and on the Dream Class ships for about 20 nights.

I fully believe that you will be impressed with the Fantasy!!! She's a great ship!!!

There is a lot to do on the Fantasy that's "Built In" - Like the Interactive Pictures and Mickey's Mid Ship Detective Agency. The great thing about this adventure is that it helps you move around the ship and to get to know your way around (especially the Muppet's version - you have to go to specific locations). My biggest complaint is that there are "too many kids" doing this too (shouldn't they be in their clubs )

Topside, there's the AquaDuck and the AquaLab and for adults only - Satellite Falls !! And there is Goofy Golf (mini golf). Another great Adults Only area is Meridian / Palo / Remy's. Upcharge for both restaurants, and a nice lounge that is Meridian.

I would most definitely try and participate in the the Ship Tour on embarkation day and the art of the ship (that's not its name - but I'm not remembering it right now)

Weird thing to do: check out the Spanish Bathrooms near The Tube in the adult entertainment district (all 4 of them - well 2 for men and 2 for women). They are pretty amazing - if you like tile work / mosaics.

If you've been both to Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom in WDW, you will understand ... I've been here before but it's not quite right!! Things are "the same" and enhanced, but different and in different locations.

My first trip on the Fantasy left me wanting very much to sail her again - I felt that there was a lot I missed on that first trip - and I was very correct!!

Don't worry about possibly not loving the ship / cruise - it's the same as you know, but different ... in a very good way!!

Art of the Theme Show tour! It's great!!

I've only been on the Dream class - both the Dream and the Fantasy. I'll be on the Magic in February, so I'm the opposite of you OP! I'm excited to be on the smaller ship, but I'm afraid I'll miss things like Midship Detective Agency (so much fun - and on the Fantasy they have the Missing Puppies and Missing Art games with the classic characters as well as the Muppets game with the Muppets characters).

I found the crew on the Fantasy excellent. Because it's a 7-night cruise there's a little more time to get to know them than on the 3- or 4-night Dream, and there's more time to explore the ship and see all that she has to offer. That said, even on a 7-night I couldn't do it all!

Enjoy the Fantasy!! She's a great ship!!

 

[Budzooka]

Loved the Fantasy. Granted, it was our first DCL trip, but never had too much of a problem with crowds. CC wasn't overly crowded at all....it's so spacious, there was plenty of room.

 

[85glht]

Don't put too much thought into this. Both class of ships are great in my opinion. Wait till you go on the Aquaduck, it's a blast!

 

[mlayton14]

Been on both, the Fantasy is worlds better than the older ships in terms of theming and wow factor , never felt any more crowded because there is a lot more space

 

[bcwife76]

Thanks for this post, I'm getting even more excited for our first time on the Fantasy in January too! We've only been on the Wonder (and will sail her again next August) so I had the same 'concerns' as you - looks like neither of us will be disappointed!!

 

[gotomu212]

The things I loved that were different on the Fantasy:

1. Skyline adult bar- we really thought this was a step above the classic ships. This was the first place we felt like sitting and having an after dinner drink and relaxing without all the activity in the other areas and with a fun, darker, nightclub bar vibe.

2. MIdship decective agency was a lot more fun than I thought it would be- for kids and adults. We really loved walking around the ship playing and you didn't have to do it all at once so we staggered it over a few days.

3. Animators Palatte- the original animators was cool, but the Fantasy updates blew me away (don't know when you last sailed the Magic)

We didn't have any complaints about the rest of the areas and it's now my favorite ship. these 3 were the things that really stood out when we first sailed after years on the classics.

 

[DisneySunPrincess]

Thanks everyone! I feel much better. I loved the Magic so much, but now I'm ready to love the Fantasy every bit as much!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I think we may be on the same cruise. Is this the one that Departs 10/7? This will also be our first time on the Fantasy. Really looking forward to the Eastern Caribbean as well!

 

[DisneySunPrincess]

I think we may be on the same cruise. Is this the one that Departs 10/7? This will also be our first time on the Fantasy. Really looking forward to the Eastern Caribbean as well!

Actually no. I'm sailing on the September 9, 2017 Eastern Caribbean. Have an amazing cruise!!

 

[Anna Chassereau]

Thanks everyone! I feel much better. I loved the Magic so much, but now I'm ready to love the Fantasy every bit as much!

I'm the opposite...we've cruised on the Dream and now will be on the Magic out of New York next October and I'm worried I won't love the ship as much...what did you love about the Magic? I'm excited to do a new ship and I've heard the Magic is an amazing! Just worried about missing the Aquaduck mainly lol

 

[ivanp91]

I'm the opposite...we've cruised on the Dream and now will be on the Magic out of New York next October and I'm worried I won't love the ship as much...what did you love about the Magic? I'm excited to do a new ship and I've heard the Magic is an amazing! Just worried about missing the Aquaduck mainly lol

We did the same as you, cruises on the Dream and then the Magic. Much preferred the Magic to be honest and will be on it again in a couple of weeks (though have been on the Fantasy in between, so it may be different having spent 7 nights on there vs 4 on the Dream). Think more about what you can experience on the Magic that you can't on the Dream (AquaDunk, Tangled - The Musical, etc), rather than what you're missing out on on the Dream

 

[DisneySunPrincess]

I'm the opposite...we've cruised on the Dream and now will be on the Magic out of New York next October and I'm worried I won't love the ship as much...what did you love about the Magic? I'm excited to do a new ship and I've heard the Magic is an amazing! Just worried about missing the Aquaduck mainly lol

Everything! LOL. I absolutely loved the Magic! But, the truth is that I have nothing else to compare it to. I have never in my life done a cruise shorter than 7 nights, so I have no experience with the Dream, but I already feel like I would be slightly disappointed with the Dream, purely because they only have short cruises. The Fantasy will be 7 nights as well, so I am not worried about it from that perspective. I just loved the intimacy of the Magic. It had everything I needed or wanted (for the most part), but never felt crowded or anything. The ship was beautiful (and very recently re-imagined) when I was onboard. We had a simple Oceanview stateroom on Deck 2. It was lovely. On the Fantasy, we have upgraded slightly to a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom, mostly for the extra space and because my DD (11) dreams of sleeping in the porthole. I know that the ship will not disappoint at all, and feel better now about the crowd control. I think it is cool that you are sailing out of New York Harbor. I love being an hour from PC and having easy access to DCL without airfare, but I think sailing out of New York would be an experience. As far as missing the Aquaduck...I can imagine you would worry about that, as I could not be more excited to have it on the Fantasy, but they do have the Aquadunk on the Magic which is a cool and unique slide, and the Twist and Spout which is tons of fun. And....they have Aqualab on the Magic as well. I promise you that you won't be disappointed in the Magic. She is an amazing ship. What itinerary do you have out of NYC?

 

[Dug720]

Everything! LOL. I absolutely loved the Magic! But, the truth is that I have nothing else to compare it to. I have never in my life done a cruise shorter than 7 nights, so I have no experience with the Dream, but I already feel like I would be slightly disappointed with the Dream, purely because they only have short cruises. The Fantasy will be 7 nights as well, so I am not worried about it from that perspective. I just loved the intimacy of the Magic. It had everything I needed or wanted (for the most part), but never felt crowded or anything. The ship was beautiful (and very recently re-imagined) when I was onboard. We had a simple Oceanview stateroom on Deck 2. It was lovely. On the Fantasy, we have upgraded slightly to a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom, mostly for the extra space and because my DD (11) dreams of sleeping in the porthole. I know that the ship will not disappoint at all, and feel better now about the crowd control. I think it is cool that you are sailing out of New York Harbor. I love being an hour from PC and having easy access to DCL without airfare, but I think sailing out of New York would be an experience. As far as missing the Aquaduck...I can imagine you would worry about that, as I could not be more excited to have it on the Fantasy, but they do have the Aquadunk on the Magic which is a cool and unique slide, and the Twist and Spout which is tons of fun. And....they have Aqualab on the Magic as well. I promise you that you won't be disappointed in the Magic. She is an amazing ship. What itinerary do you have out of NYC?

I'm in the "I've been on the Dream and Fantasy and love them but am now going to the Magic" camp myself. I'm not overly worried about the Duck as it was a minor part of my trip (once, maybe twice and I was done) and honestly don't plan on doing the Dunk (water up my nose and a bathing suit wedgie? no thank you!). I do think I'm going to miss Skyline. Even if I only had one drink a night there, it's such a cool, quiet, small, and chill place to hang out. But then again I'll be on the ship with my parents, so I'll have them to hang out with. I suspect for my solo trips I'll probably stick to the big girls simply because there seem to be more small little venues to chill in in the adult night area. But we'll see.