Are you heading out on a Disney vacation on the Disney Fantasy cruise ship? Find out my top 10 things to do on Disney Fantasy, the newest Disney cruise ship, scroll down for more info!
This post about the best things to do on Disney Fantasy was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
My kids are always asking when we’ll go on another Disney cruise. I think after our trip on the Disney Fantasy for their Star Wars cruise, they are HOOKED!
Disney Cruise Line is a premium vacation experience unlike any other. It’s different even from other Disney vacations.
Disney travel has become the best way for families to experience the world together and virtually no corner of the planet is off-limits.
There are a plethora of factors that set Disney apart from other cruise lines, but here are some can’t-miss things you have to do, particularly on the Disney Fantasy, which is what I sailed on for my last cruise.
Top 10 Things to Do on Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship
1. Sweet On You
If you’re on the Disney Fantasy, this is a can’t-miss sweets shop. It’s got every sugary concoction you could possibly want.
This is a fun place cruisers can enjoy a family treat (like a super big ice cream sundae) or a great spot to grab your favorite movie snack (like jelly beans)! Plus, they have a super adorable Mickey and Minnie Mouse statue that is just begging you to Instagram it!
Other can’t-miss opportunities for sweet treats are Frozone Treats and Eye Scream, which are nods to characters from The Incredibles and Monsters Inc respectively.
2. The AquaDuck
Each of the Disney Cruise Ships has some kind of water fun, besides the pools. The Magic and Wonder have the AquaDunk waterslide, while the Dream and the Fantasy have the new AquaDuck water coaster.
If you are on one of these newer cruise ships, you have to try it out. It’s such fun and you won’t believe how thrilling it is as you swoop over the edge of the ship in a transparent glass tube.
Confession: I was too chicken to go on it, but my husband and 6-year-old had a blast doing it again and again!
3. Goofy’s Sports Deck
One of the greatest sections of the ship is Goofy’s Sports Deck. There are tons of fun to be had here, including a one-of-a-kind virtual reality experience.
You can play virtual golf and have a choice of championship courses to simulate, or you can choose from a sport package that includes options to play hockey, basketball, baseball, football, or soccer.
VR packages come in 30-minute and one-hour sessions. This is one must-do activity you will return to again and again for.
4. First Run Movies
If sports are not your favorite thing, perhaps you will feel more comfortable in the Buena Vista Theater. Here you can watch first-run movies and Disney classics on the big screen for free.
Whatever, the latest Marvel or Pixar Movie might be, you’ll find it on the Disney Cruise Line.
There are so many great titles to choose from and they play all day long. That means that whatever your schedule is, there is always time to stop and take in a movie with the family.
Budget tip: The movies are free but the concessions aren’t. This is one situation where it pays off to bring your own snacks if you like to have candy while you watch.
5. Palo/Remy
Most of the food on your Disney Cruise is included in the price, but there are some dining experiences that cost more, such as the Senses Juice Bar and the Royal Court Tea.
Palo is a fine dining restaurant on all Disney Cruise Line ships and Remy is on the Dream and the Fantasy. Both of these luxury restaurants have an added cost but at a deep discount.
These restaurants are much less expensive than they would be anywhere else, so consider the value rather than the price. One of the best things about a Disney Cruise is the opportunity to dine at either of these adult-only restaurants.
6. Room Service
Another perk of the Disney Cruise Line is the free room service. This is something you have to utilize during your cruise.
The kitchen is open 24/7 and you can call anytime to have food brought to your room at no extra charge. Be aware that some items will cost extra, such as canned or bottled beverages, but most of the menu is included in your price.
Room Service is best when you can enjoy your food on the veranda of your stateroom.
Insider tip: You can get Mickey bars or chocolate chip cookies and milk delivered for a before-bedtime treat!
7. Animator’s Palate
This restaurant is on every Disney cruise ship, but it is different on each one.
The overarching theme of the restaurant is “bringing art to life through animation” the execution varies depending on which version you have on your ship, but the experience is always interactive and engaging.
The changing environment throughout the dinner service makes the Animator’s Palate one of the most unique and exciting Disney Dining experiences for the whole family.
You don’t have to go to the rotational restaurants on your schedule, but you don’t want to miss the night you have Animator’s Palate on your itinerary. This was my kids’ FAVORITE place to eat!
8. Theatrical Shows
Disney Cruise Line uses all of the company’s resources to bring you the best in entertainment and travel. One of the benefits of taking a Disney cruise is the live productions you can attend on the ship.
Disney has numerous Broadway-caliber shows including stage show versions of Frozen, Tangled, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. Depending on what ship you cruise with you will have the opportunity to see one of these impressive productions at no extra cost.
The rich entertainment value is part of what you pay for when you book a Disney Cruise, so don’t miss out.
9. Fireworks
A magically unique facet of a Disney Cruise Line vacation is the fireworks. Nobody does fireworks like Disney does and you won’t see fireworks on any other cruise line.
The exclusive opportunity to see Disney’s signature pyrotechnics bursting in the sky is a special touch that can’t be duplicated.
A seemingly small thing puts the whole cruise experience over the top when you get to take in the spectacle.
10. Meet Characters on the Disney Fantasy
Perhaps the most unique thing about a Disney cruise is not the fresh filtered pool water, the fireworks, or even the Castaway Cay.
When you take a Disney Cruise you will find that Mickey and his friends have joined you. There are so many great opportunities to spot Disney characters in a totally different light.
There are also scheduled opportunities to meet and greet with the characters on the ship.
Check your Navigator app for times and locations, and don’t forget, they’ll join you at Castaway Cay, too.
Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship FAQs
What entertainment is on the Disney Fantasy?
The Disney Fantasy features original, live stage productions that are exclusive to Disney Cruise Line. These shows are performed in the stunning Walt Disney Theatre and feature beloved Disney characters, breathtaking special effects, and catchy musical numbers.
There are also deck parties. Whether it’s the Pirates IN the Caribbean party or the Marvel Heroes Unite party, there’s always something fun happening on the upper decks of the ship.
You can also catch the latest blockbusters or classic Disney films in the Buena Vista Theatre. The Disney Fantasy offers a range of live music performances throughout the ship.
For younger cruisers, the Disney Fantasy offers a range of age-appropriate programming, including character meet-and-greets, scavenger hunts, and themed parties.
Is there an arcade on Disney Fantasy?
No, there isn’t an arcade on the Disney Fantasy cruise ship.
What is the ship’s itinerary and where does it go?
The Disney Fantasy cruise ship offers a variety of itineraries, with destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas.
Is there a kids club on the Disney Fantasy cruise ship?
Yes, the Disney Fantasy cruise ship has several youth clubs that cater to children of different ages. The Oceaneer Club is for children ages 3 to 12 and features various themed areas, including Andy’s Room from Toy Story and the Marvel Super Hero Academy.
The Oceaneer Lab is connected to the Oceaneer Club and provides kids with hands-on activities, including animation classes and science experiments.
For younger children ages 6 months to 3 years, there is the “it’s a small world” nursery, which provides care and supervision for an additional fee.
Teens ages 13 to 17 have their own exclusive areas, including the Edge and Vibe clubs, which offer a range of activities and events tailored to their age group.
All youth activities are supervised by trained counselors and are designed to be both fun and educational, with an emphasis on Disney’s signature storytelling and creativity. Parents can feel confident leaving their children in the care of these programs while they enjoy other activities on the ship.
Is Disney Fantasy better than Disney Dream?
Both the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream are wonderful cruise ships with plenty of activities and entertainment options for guests of all ages.
Both ships feature amazing Broadway-style shows, themed restaurants, swimming pools, waterslides, and much more. The main differences between the two ships are their itineraries and some of the onboard amenities.
Ultimately, which ship is “better” will depend on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in a cruise vacation.
Things to do on Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship Wrap Up
We really loved our Disney Fantasy cruise! Not only did we get to watch Disney movies under the stars but we also enjoyed a musical spectacular, danced at a deck party, and rocked Pirate Night!
If you’re a fan of Disney films and you want to plan a family cruise, take a look at the Disney Fantasy cruise ship!
Looking for more Disney Cruise Line posts? Check out the best gluten-free options on Disney Cruise Lines, how to save money on a Disney cruise, where to eat on your Disney cruise, and Disney cruise hacks for your day at sea!
