Disney Adventure – the Next Ship in the Disney Cruise Line!

Disney Adventure – the Next Ship in the Disney Cruise Line!

What do we know about the Disney Adventure? Actually we have some good information!!

 

• Disney Adventure will be the 7^th ship in the Disney Cruise Line Fleet.
• Disney Adventure will join the Fleet sometime in 2025 with her sister the triplet to the Wish and Treasure!
• Disney Adventure will be the 1^st Mega Disney Cruise Ship!
• Disney Adventure will sail out of Singapore cruising Southeast Aisa.
• Disney Adventure can hold 6,000 guests! Disney’s other ships hold 2,700-4,000 depending on class of ship.
• Disney Adventure is the 1^st Disney Cruise Ship not fully purpose built by and for Disney!

What is meant by not purpose built by/for Disney? Disney did not order Disney Adventure, nor did they have any part in the original design. Here is the story behind the Disney Adventure:

There was a Chinese Cruise Line that started building a mega ship. During the pandemic the cruise line and the shipyard building the ship went bankrupt and failed. The ship, then named the Global Dream, was about ½ built. The ship was about to be sold for scrap when Disney Cruise Line stepped in purchased the ship. Disney asked the Meyer Werft Shipyard to take over the failed shipyard in Germany and finish building the then Global Dream and redesigning it into the Disney Adventure!

 

Exactly what this ship will be like is a huge question. On the standard Mega Ship of other cruise lines there are multiple restaurants, both complementary and specialty. Disney Cruise Line has 3 Main Restaurants with a Buffet and quick service foods. What will Disney Cruise Line do with the extra already built restaurants?

 

Disney Cruise Line cabins are usually larger than the standard cruise line cabin. What will they do with the cabins already built? Most Disney Cabins have a split bath making it easier for families to get ready.

 

More information will come in the future!

 

We did not get many answers but we did at least get the name, Disney Adventure!!!!

News & Updates from Destination D23!

Disney Travel News

News & Updates from Destination D23!

By Disney Destinations

Destination D23 presented by Lug is underway, and we’re sharing all the news and updates coming to our Disney Destinations!

 

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro is presenting “A Celebration of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” at the event and offering a look at what’s coming to life at our parks, resorts and beyond – along with a few special surprises!

Ahsoka will become part of our popular Star Tours attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and Disneyland Park in California – beginning next spring.

Asha, from the new Disney animated film “Wish” will also soon be coming to EPCOT and Disneyland Resort.

Hatbox Ghost is coming to the Haunted Mansion attraction in Florida in late November! Disney Imagineer Daniel Joseph is joining Josh on stage for the exciting announcement and sharing more about Hatbox Ghost – one of our most well-known grim grinning ghosts. Hatbox Ghost will be materializing in the Haunted Mansion as you pass the attraction’s Endless Hallway.

At Disney California Adventure Park, a new world-jumping vehicle is coming to the next attraction in Avengers Campus to help transport Super Heroes into the Multiverse. Brent Strong, executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering, is sharing an early peek at the ride vehicle featuring a design that combines elements of Tony Stark’s time-suits with Xandarian jump points and Wakandan technology. More details on this high-tech vehicle that’ll  travel to new worlds are coming in the future!

At Walt Disney World, the Country Bear Jamboree is getting new songs and the bears will be performing a new act in 2024! Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty is on stage with Josh and says when the show debuts, the bears will be reinterpreting favorite Disney Songs in different genres of country music. Imagineers are envisioning the new experience as a homage to the classic musical revues in Nashville and they’re working with Nashville musicians to get the authentic country sound. The Country Bear Jamboree will still have the fun and friendly tone fans enjoy with the same famous characters like the loveable Trixie, Big Al and others.

A new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge is coming to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida. This first of its kind experience will extend the story of Pirates of the Caribbean. Imagineers are in the process now and more details are coming in the future.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will open on Oct. 16, 2023! Journey of Water is a new walk-through experience located within World Nature – the EPCOT neighborhood dedicated to understanding and preserving he beauty and balance of the natural world. For more details on the experience, check out our new story (to be added). Also, on Oct. 16 -  Moana will arrive in World Nature and make her first appearance in her own dedicated space near Journey of Water.

At EPCOT, the World Celebration neighborhood will begin welcoming guests this December! World Celebration will unite the front of the park, tying together the other two new EPCOT neighborhoods, World Discovery and World Nature. The completion of the last of the park’s three neighborhoods will be the latest major milestone multi-year transformation of EPCOT.

A new nighttime spectacular at EPCOT called “Luminous The Symphony of Us” will debut on Dec. 5^th, 2023!

Also at EPCOT, Test Track will be reimagined! Imagineers along with teams from Chevrolet are reaching back into history for inspiration – from original World of Motion – and bringing the spirit of optimism to the next iteration of the Test Track attraction! More to come in the future.

Thomas Mazloun, president of Disney Signature Experiences, is joining Josh on stage to share updates on Disney Cruise Line as it prepares for a period of growth unlike anything ever experienced before! Right now, there are three new ships in development along with Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – a brand new island destination! Disney teams are collaborating with talented artists and cultural advisors in the Bahamas to shape an experience that celebrates the natural beauty, traditions and artistry of the one-of-a-kind nation.

Disney Adventure is the name of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship! Disney Adventure is the seventh ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and work is currently underway in Germany. It’ll be the first Disney ship to sail from Singapore and throughout Southeast Asia and feature the Disney service, storytelling and entertainment everyone knows and loves.

A new show based on “Zootopia” is being created for the Tree of Life theater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The current concept for the new “Zootopia” experience has guests visiting the different biomes you only glimpse in the film, traveling along with Judy Hopps, Nick Wild and other characters. Imagineers are currently finalizing the concept and more details will be coming in the future.

 

Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Imagineering, is joining Josh for a special “Blue Sky” look at what’s possible when dreaming big at Disney Parks. Future expansion plans for Magic Kingdom in Florida are the largest ever for the park, according to Bruce. Imagineers are looking to tell stories “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” similar in scale to things like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora – The World of Avatar – adding new attractions, restaurants, shows and more! More details to come in the future.

New experiences inspired by “Encanto” – the Academy Award winning Walt Disney Animation Studios film – and the fan-favorite adventure Indiana Jones are being considered for the reimagined land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Bruce says there’s a long way to go and a lot more to discover but Imagineering teams in Florida are up for the challenge. Stay tuned for more details in the future.

Figment will begin meeting guests inside the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT beginning tomorrow – Sept. 10!

 

We hope you’re as excited as we are for all of these announcements!

The Heartbeat of New Orleans – A Living Mural Coming to Disneyland Park

The Heartbeat of New Orleans – A Living Mural Coming to Disneyland Park

By Disney Destinations

Nov. 7, 2023

 

Beginning Sept. 29, 2023, a new limited-time nighttime entertainment offering “The Heartbeat of New Orleans – A Living Mural” will enchant guests at Disneyland Park. Set to a dynamic jazz score, projections on the Rivers of America will tell a short, whimsical tale of a mischievous little from from the bayou that leaps into the lively heartbeat of New Orleans when he is lured by the jazzy sounds he hears in the distance.

 

This unique art installation will animate original artwork by Disney Live Entertainment graphic designer Marcella “Marci” Sweet, best known for her chalk art at Downtown Disney District during Celebrate Soulfully. “The Heartbeat if New Orleans – A Living Mural” and Queenie and the Jambalaya Jazz Band will enhance the atmosphere on the Rivers of America on select evenings this fall, and will run nightly during the holiday season.

 

Guests can check Disneyland.com or the Disneyland app for details and show times.

Disney Treasure Plaza de Coco - Main Restaurant

Disney Treasure Plaza de Coco - Main Restaurant

Plaza de Coco has something I’ve not seen before in a DCL restaurant. There are two nights of celebration!

 

When dining in Plaza de Coco you are transported to the colorful plaza of Santa Cecilia. You will enjoy the flavors of Mexico on both nights along with Coco-themed theatrical entertainment.

On the first night you will watch as Miguel and the town mariachis entertain with lively song and dance.

 

The second night the plaza is transformed to a fun-filled Dia de Los Muertos celebration with Mama-Coco, Abuelita and the rest of the Rivera family.

This two-night planned show continuance is unusual for DCL. On the other ships the only 2-night shows in any restaurant is Animator’s Palate, and that is not a continuation of a theme. On 4-night cruises if you ask for Animator’s twice, with one night being Pirate Night you will get both a regular show and a Pirate Night show. On the Dream and Fantasy on longer cruises where you can be in Animator’s 3 times you may get a Turtle Talk show and a Draw you own character show with the possibility of a 3^rd Pirate Night show.

Disney Treasure Grand Reveal!!

Disney Treasure Grand Reveal!!

Most IMPORTANT take away!! Treasure sets sail December 21^st, 2024!!!

• Booking dates for the Maiden Voyage!!
• Pearl – September 12^th, 2023
• Platinum – September 13^th, 2023
• Gold – September 14^th, 2023
• Silver – September 19^th, 2023
• General Public – September 20^th, 2023
• Please ask about restrictions on booking the Maiden Voyage!
• Disney Treasure will be doing 7-Night Eastern/Western Caribbean Cruises out of Port Canaveral

 

Main Dining:

• 1923
• World of Marvel Main Dining – New Story
• Plaza da Coco

 

Other Dining:

• Marceline Market – Buffet
• Jambeaux’s Sweets – Zootopia themed Ice cream and sweet shop
• Walkup Cafes
• Jade Cricket Café (Mulan)
• Heihei Café (Moana)
• Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods

 

Adult Escapes:

• Skipper Society – Jungle Cruise themed Pub
• Periscope Pub – 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea themed
• Palo Steakhouse and Enchante Adult Dining Restaurants
• The Rose Lounge between Palo and Enchante
• Senses Spa
• Quiet Cove
• Untangled Salon

 

Other Fun:

• Sarabi’s Adult Exclusive at night – Open gathering place – Same use as Luna on the Wish

 

Kids Clubs:

• Mickey & Minnie Captain’s Deck
• “It’s a Small World” Nursery
• Marvel Super Hero Academy
• Fairytale Hall
• Star Wars Cargo Bay
• Walt Disney Imagineering Lab
• Edge
• Vibe

 

Other Fun Activities:

• AquaMouse on the Treasure has a new story – Curse of the Golden Egg
• Hero Zone
• Wonderland and Never Land Cinema’s movie theaters
• Pools and Water Play areas

 

Walt Disney Theater - with 2 shows announced so far

• Beauty & the Beast
• Disney Seas the Adventure

 

Accommodations:

• Most cabins have Veranda’s
• Two Royal Suites
• Tomorrow Tower Suite is in the forward funnel

Want to see the Grand Reveal Video released by DCL? Here it is:

As more information is released it will be shared here!!!

Interested in booking a Disney Cruise?? Let us know!!

Pixie Dusted Memories Travel

Carolyn-Tinky@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

Scott-Sparky@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

 

What Happens On a Cruise Ship In a Hurricane?

What Happens On a Cruise Ship In a Hurricane?

This is really an important question to ask! It is also a good reason to get Trip Insurance if sailing in Hurricane Season. You should check the policy of the Cruise Line in case of a hurricane when sailing during hurricane season (June-November). If you book during Hurricane Season make sure you keep up on the weather and stay informed of Tropical Storms and Hurricanes that could impact your cruise or the ports you are going to.

 

Should you be concerned about cruising in Hurricane season? Be aware of the risks and evaluate if you are ready to accept those risks. What are the risks? Your cruise could be cancelled. Your cruise could be rockier than in other seasons. There is a higher risk of getting seasick. Your ports could be altered due to the weather, or weather-related damage. You may be looking forward to going to a certain port, but you don’t get there due to weather or damage.

 

So what happens? Cruise Lines are concerned for the safety and comfort of their guests as well as their ships so they will not take you directly into the path of a hurricane. The lines monitor the weather very carefully and watch for any storms and make both major and minor adjustments accordingly. They may even adjust ports/direction during the cruise if the storm changes direction or intensity or if there is damage in a port that makes stopping unreasonable/unsafe.

 

Cruise Lines will alter direction/ports of call to avoid the worst of an incoming hurricane. They may go Eastern Caribbean instead of Western completely changing ports. In worst case scenarios they will cancel the cruise entirely. If they cancel the cruise they often give the options of refund, rescheduling the cruise date or a future cruise credit to be used at a later date you choose.

 

Airlines and hotels have different policies, you need to make sure you understand what will happen if there is a hurricane and your cruise gets canceled or plans alter. Know their policies as well! Again, Trip Insurance will help you with that if you are concerned.

Monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia

 Monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia

By: Disney Destinations

August 28, 2023

 

Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guest and Cast Members.

 

Guest may reschedule their trip or cancel their stay with us; any customary cancellation fees will be waived. Travel Agents can now modify or cancel online for the impacted period and fees will be automatically waived.

 

For the most up-to-date information about the weather, visit the Weather Updates and Information Page on DisneyWorld.com.

Weather Updates WDW:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/weather-updates/

First Look: Disney Cruise Line to Honor Families with Special Island Display

Disney Travel News

First Look: Disney Cruise Line to Honor Families with Special Island Display

By: Disney Destinations August 16, 2023

Over the years, families have made countless magical memories together from riding bikes and completing the Castaway Cay 5K, to snorkeling and spending time together on Castaway Family Beach.

 

In honor of the families who have sailed 50 or more times with Disney Cruise Line, a commemorative display will be added to Disney Castaway Cay this fall. This will recognize the legacy and heart of the Castaway Club, our members. The display will take residence near the Island Post Office with a colorful fence that features the names of these families. Check out the artist rendering!

Eligible Castaway Club Members will have the opportunity to select one of the beautiful icons below to accompany their family’s name on the display. Here’s a sneak peek of the options!

Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line’s way of recognizing guests who have sailed.

 

Stay tuned for more on the installation! Details will be coming soon to each eligible family who has already reached this milestone.

Trip Insurance/Protection or No Trip Insurance/Protection. What is Best?

Trip Insurance/Protection or No Trip Insurance/Protection. What is Best?

This is a good question to ask! Simple answer, It is up to you and there is no clear answer. More com plex answer, It is like all insurance, you need to look at the risks and see if it is worth the money to you. Do you think you might cancel your trip or have an emergency during the trip.

 

Why have Travel Insurance/Protection? Things can happen even before you leave. Someone gets sick or injured just before vacation. Flight delays/cancelations make it so you miss connections and don’t make it to your destination at all or you miss your cruise ship. You get sick, injured, or someone you are responsible for caring for is sick or injured. Any of these and more can cause you to miss a trip.  You can also have a problem on the vacation. Things like, Airlines losing luggage, illness, and injury happen while on vacation.

 

What to consider when thinking about Travel Insurance/Protection:

Do you have any health worries? Are you older, have known health issues?

Are you traveling during a season where weather may be a concern and cause delays or other issues? An example of this is sailing the Caribbean during Hurricane Season.

Do you have an obligation, are you caring for an elderly family member, ill child, spouse or other family member at home that may result in you needing to cancel your trip?

Accidents happen, even on vacation. Will your medical bills and possible emergency transportation home be covered by your regular insurance, or could you afford it out of pocket ?

 

There are two choices when purchasing Travel Insurance/Protection:

You can purchase Travel Protection from the destination. Make sure to read all the cancelation policy information before doing this. Often major destinations have their own Travel Protection that will refund your Reservation Costs and more. Places like Disney Parks, Cruise Lines and other locations have Travel Protections they either they fund or they have an Insurer.

Plus side. of Travel Protection from the destination is, many times you can add it as you make final payment and no health questions being asked. The upside of this is you don’t lose your premium for the protection because you paid for it already if you have to cancel before the final cancelation/payment date. Remember, once the premium is paid you lose it if you cancel for any reason, even there would be penalties.

Downside, to this is if you choose a small cruise line or destination and they fund the Protection and they don’t have the money to refund you, you are out. Sad to say people have lost tens of thousands of dollars because of this.

 

You can buy Travel Insurance from an established Insurance Agency. Travel Guard is one of many. They cover the same things the Travel Protection does.

Plus side, you know you are covered even if the Destination goes under like some have. You can choose to up the limits and pay more if desired.

Downside is in most cases you only have 15 days after booking your vacation to purchase the Travel Insurance without qualifying questions needing to be answered. After 15 days you may need to answer questions and get a form filled out by your doctor to get the insurance with a higher premium. You cannot wait until final payment date to make the decision about insurance and you will lose the premium if you purchase it then cancel.

 

Wait, What?? A Disney Cruise is a Better Value Than WDW?

Wait, What?? A Disney Cruise is a Better Value Than WDW?

Let’s pick a date and compare prices - 6/15-22/24 2 adults 2 kids 7/10. We will do the same dates and family size for both locations.

 

Disney Cruise Line 7-Night Oceanview on the Disney Fantasy out of Port Canaveral - price is $10,240.

Walt Disney World 7-Night 7, 1 Per Day Base tickets, Port Orleans Riverside (equivalent to DCL Oceanview room) - price is $5,191.99.

 

Wait!! The WDW package is almost ½ the price!!! Really?? How can anybody think DCL is a better deal? Let’s think about this and take a deep dive.

 

What is included in your WDW package, Room, Park Tickets, Transportation around the Resort.

 

What is included in your DCL package, Room, Port Fees, Taxes, Fees, 3 meals plus snacks all day (including dinner each night at a find dining restaurant equivalent to Be Our Guest), Soda, Regular Coffee/Tea, Juice, Milk, Hot Coco, 3-5 live shows plus first run movies, Daily 2 times per day Room Service, Dedicated Main Dining Room Dinner Servers, Entertainment all day, and Kids Clubs so parents can have adult time. Check the link at the bottom of the page for all that is included in the Cruise Fare.

 

Now let’s add up what is not included at WDW:

For this to be fair we need to include high-end dining every night and 4 shows while there. You would get these included at DCL so it is not fair to compare less. Remember these are higher end shows on the cruise and not the Park shows. They are equivalent to Drawn to Life and what you would expect on Broadway, even if a little short, average 45 minutes.

2 quick service breakfast and lunch ($75 per meal), 1 sit down equivalent to the restaurants on the ship ($250 per day - Be Our Guest for example) and snacks $100. Total $450 per day or $3,325 for 7 nights or $3,500. Yes you can eat for less but that is not a fair comparison to what you get on the ship. If you only ate quick service and snacks you may do $325 per day with a total of $2,275. This would save $1,050

Live shows like Drawn to Life $125+ per person average. $500 per show with 4 for the week. $2,000. You get at least 4 live shows on the cruise and maybe a movie. You can skip the shows and save but is that a fair comparison to what you get on the ship? I think not.

The food and entertainment adds $5,500 to the cost bringing the total package to $10,691.99. If you when without shows and only quick service meals that would save you $3,050 making the total $7,641.99. For a little more you get a higher-end experience, relaxation, and the cruise experience. Well worth it to me!

 

This is a fair comparison between the two vacation destinations. DCL is far more inclusive and in fact more budget friendly than WDW in my opinion. You know what the prices are before going. You can plan for the expenses and prepay almost everything.

 

I did not add Port Adventure to the DCL package. Those run from $30-$300 per person depending on the experience. Honestly we usually just stay on the ship or explore the area around the port rather than doing an expensive Port Adventure.

 

I did not add Spa, Adult Dinning, or Alcohol because we don’t usually do it and it is not required to have fun. Spa prices depend on what you are having done, Adult dining runs $50-$300 per person depending on ship, restaurant, Alcohol is $6-$18 per drink average but can go way higher for some specialty drinks.

 

I think DCL is a much better deal. You get all the higher things added in and there are no surprises with added fees! Even the “added things” such as Spa, Adult Dining, and Port Adventures you can budget for them and even prepay by adding funds to your onboard account/folio before boarding. Budgeting for a DCL vacation is a lot easier. And don’t forget to check out Money Saving Tips, such as using a Target Red Card to purchase Disney Gift Cards!

 

This is not to say a DCL vacation is cheap. It is not. This is to show the value of a DCL Vacation. This is a fair comparison between the two destinations. The choice is yours.

 

What is included in your DCL Cruise Fare:

https://pixiepranks-panstinkerbell.blogspot.com/2023/07/whats-included-in-disney-cruise-fare.html

 

Disney Vacation Money Saving Tips:

https://pixiepranks-panstinkerbell.blogspot.com/2023/06/disney-cruise-line-money-saving-tips.html

 

Rogers the Musical Review

Rogers the Musical Review

Recently we went and saw Rogers the Musical at Disney California Adventure Hyperion Theater. His is a limited run show and is scheduled to end its run August 31^st, 2023. Here are my thoughts. Spoiler Alert!  I will be telling you about the show.

 

Hyperion Theater is a approximately 2,000 seat theater in the Hollywodland area of Disney California Adventure. It has a very retro 1920’s feel. It is state-of-the-art as far as sound and effects. To get tickets to see this live stage show you can join the Virtual Queue or join the standby. To join the Virtual Queue you open the Disneyland App and go to join Virtual Queue at 10 am or 2 pm. Just keep refreshing the page and hopefully you will get a spot. You will be assigned a return time for the show. It is advisable to get to the theater about an hour early. This is a 3-story building and if you have problems with stairs I suggest you request Orchestra Level. You can just show up about an hour early and join the Standby Line and hope there is room for you.

 

Rogers the Musical based on a short sequence in the Disney+ Christmas Serries, Hawkeye. In the TV show they show Hawkeye watching the play with his children and dreading how silly it makes the Avengers look. I kind of equate what I saw to being so bad its good like Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. In the TV show we just saw the stage actors acting out what they thought the Avengers did to save the world.

 

While you wait for the play to start you will listen to 1940’s music being played on a large radio on the set. This sets the mood for the play and is a lot of fun. This play does not take itself seriously. It is just seriously FUN!!

 

The show is a Musical so there is LOTS of singing and dancing. You get to see the transformation of Steve Rogers from scrawny kid to a super soldier. He stumbles over his tongue when he talks to Peggy Carter. In the 4pm 08/11 showing there was a young lady in a wheelchair as part of the cast.

 

I loved the moral of this little play. I came away with don’t tire of doing the right thing and don’t be afraid to reach out for the good you want. It is also very Red, White, and Blue patriotic!

 

SPOILER ALERT!! STOP HERE IF YOU DON’T WANT THE STORY!:

 

The show starts much like the first Captain America movie with Steve trying to join the army. He meets Peggy Carter and gets tongue tied. He is transformed and goes on to do his War Bond bit and then off to fight the war. His exploits are show off in very cartoon ways. He ends up crashing, like the movie in the artic. He wakes up 70 years later and starts to fight modern bad guys. You see his attitude of I can do this all day. He is getting tired of the fight and Old Steve shows up and tells him to go back in time where he stays with Peggy. This basically ties all of the Avenger Movies together in one little 45 minute play.

The story of Cruise Lines Private Islands and Ports

The story of Cruise Lines Private Islands and Ports

 

In the 1960’s-70’s a young Abaco man saw the coming boom of the Cruise Line industry. He started purchasing Beach Front property and opening it up for Cruise Lines to bring their guests. Many of these became private ports of call for various Cruise Lines such as Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, Disney and others. Some spots became hotels and other tourist venues.

 

He purchased Gordo Cay, a little approximately 1,000-acre island, and opened it up to the island for local Abaco people to grow crops and raise animals. Gordo Cay means Fat Island. It was called Fat Island for its fat little shape. He built a small airstrip on the island so he could fly his family to the island for visits and keep track of what was going on there. Often, they would have a picnic or camp out there on the island with his family. One day in the 1980’s he was flying his family to the island for a day of fun. When landing he saw men on his runway with AK47’s! He did not land and decided right then to sell the island right away!! He sold the island to a company he had not heard of. He just wanted rid of this island and the Drug Runners that had taken control of it. Let the Cruise Line deal with the problem! The fledgling Cruise Line was Magical Cruises, now known as Disney Cruise Line. He let Disney and US Drug Enforcement deal with the Drug Runners.

 

Disney is using approximately 175-200-acres of the island for recreational and infrastructure. The majority of the island is being kept as a natural wild habitat. In fact, Disney is working to rebuild the natural coral reef in the lagoon. There have sunk some things there to make it inviting to the aquatic life that supports and is supported by a living coral reef. Sunk in the lagoon you will see Submarines from old 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride, ships with Mickey and Minnie mast heads and other items that look like they fell off a Pirate Ship that was hiding in the Lagoon. These items not only are fun for the guests to go looking for they give hiding places for aquatic life, encouraging them to stay.

 

On the island guests find lots of activities. Port adventures range from Bike, Snorkel Gear, and Floats to Paddle Boats, Jet Skis, Parasailing and even Fishing! There are several places to grab a bite to eat and even some places to get adult drinks. Fook is free but alcoholic drinks and other specialty drinks cost, as they do on the ship. Like the ship most thins are included in your cruise fare.

 

The island is broken up into areas for kids, families, teens/twines and adult only. You can take your pick where to spend your time. Just like the ship there is a kids clubs activities so adults can head to Serenity Bay for a quiet bite to eat, a drink and some time to relax on the shore.

 

PDD or Post Disney Vacation Depression – Disney Parks VS Disney Cruise

PDD or Post Disney Vacation Depression – Disney Parks VS Disney Cruise

When you go to a Disney Park and stay for a while you get sucked into the magic. You love the characters, you feel like you are visiting old friends, rides and the spoiled feeling of the resorts. For years the bus taking people to/from MCO to the WDW Resort was called the Magical Express. Return trips to MCO were often called Tragical Express by guests because of the emotions people felt leaving. Nobody wants to go home!

People enjoy the magical feelings. The chance to be outside your normal life and stress. As Walt said, “Here you leave the world of Today and enter the world of Yesterday, Tomorrow and Fantasy.” People don’t want to leave the temporary reprieve from daily life and return to the humdrum work a day life. They miss the escape of jumping on a ride, being swept up in an amazing show or walking in a beautiful resort without a care in the world.

 

The Parks are bad enough, but Post Disney Cruise Depression is worse! DCL takes it to a whole new level. At the parks you miss the momentary things. On the cruise it is EVERY LITTLE THING!! You miss the fact you can’t just quickly go grab something to eat or call room service at anytime for a bite to eat. You wake up and think, “I want to just pop up to the Buffet for breakfast/brunch.” “I want to just sit at the Main Restaurant for Lunch and pick whatever I want.” “Oh I wonder what they are serving tonight in . . . Restaurant!” You walk into the bathroom and find a towel dropped on the floor. You think about how there were never towels on the floor because your Room Steward took care of them. Your bed is messed up. Where is . . . your wonderful steward? Time to eat dinner? You need to cook it or figure out where you will go instead of going to the Main Dining Restaurant. Evening comes and no show to entertain you. You want a few quiet moments with your spouse, but the kids don’t have the Kids Club to go to and need help with their homework. It’s just not fair!! RIGHT?!?! No, it is life and life just is well life. So work your life so you can enjoy Cruising!

 

It is every little moment of the day that reminds you of your cruise experience! So what do you do to resolve this longing?? BOOK ANOTHER TRIP!!! Start planning. Think of how you will up your Pirate Costume or how you dress up for a particular restaurant. Look at the Port Adventures in different ports and dream of going someday and start planning. Maybe add some cruise or beach themed decor to your home. Join DCL Facebook groups and talk to others about your mutual case of Cruising Fever.

 

How can I say all of this??? Because I’m helplessly, hopelessly and completely addicted to Disney Cruising!!! I’ve got several cruises booked and more planned in my head.

Good bye Pacific Wharf. Helo San Franokyo!

Good bye Pacific Wharf. Helo San Franokyo!

Have you seen Big Hero 6? It is a great movie with lots of heart. It takes place in the fictional city of San Franokyo. San Franokyo is a mix of San Francisco and Tokyo. You will recognize elements of both as you watch the movie.

The Imagineers of Disney have reimagined Disney California Adventure’s Pacific Wharf area as San Franokyo! You will see a Golden Gate Bridge that is more Japanese in feel. Dining areas are changing over to fit the theme as well. Some have changed and some are in the process of changing. Food locations are still open while the retheming is going on. When the process is complete there will be meet and greets with Baymax and Hiro and some new food offerings.

For the chocoholics out there, don’t worry!! Ghiradelli is still there serving delicious chocolate and ice cream treats! They have changed the signage and the animated art inside to fit the new theme.

Bounding Bakery is still there with a different name. You can still take the bakery tour. Not all the signage changes are done yet.

When we went the bridge was not open for walking across. I’ve heard it is sporadically open to walk across. One friend said it was open one day and closed the next during a recent visit. You can enter San Franokyo from 2 areas in Cars Land. There is a area behind Filmore’s shop near the entrance to Cars Land. The other is a grand arch that leads you out of Cars Land near Flo’s outside dining area where you can sit and watch Radiator Springs Racers run. So if the Bridge is closed remember there are other entrances.

 

Overall this is a change in theme and signage that brings a new fun look to this area. There will be some new food offerings as well as visits with Baymax and Hiro. This reteaming should be completed in August but could take a little longer to complete.

 

I’m going to take a moment and be  honesty right now. I love the Big Hero 6 and the fun idea of a city that is a mix of San Francisco and Tokyo. I was a little underwhelmed with what I saw of the retheming that is done. It did not seem like a wow moment when I saw it for the first time. It was more like, well that is nice. Having had a couple days to think about it I think I understand my reaction. The Pacific Wharf area was very much like a wharf area in Los Angeles or San Francisco. It was one of my favorite areas to grab a bite and relax. It very easily could have been a wharf in San Francico. It feels maybe a little too real. I can’t fully honestly judge it yet because it is not finished. We were there early in the morning and did not get to eat so I can’t tell you about any changes there. I do know we enjoyed the food offerings in the old Pacific Wharf.

Godparents of the Disney Cruise Line

Godparents of the Disney Cruise Line

Did you know that there is a Maritime tradition of passenger ships having a Godmother. The responsibility of the Godmother is to pray for the safety of the Passengers and Crew of the vessel. They take part in the christening of the ship.

Disney Magic was the first of the Disney Ships and her Godparents were Roy E. Disney and his wife Patricia. Roy E. Disney was the nephew of Walt Disney. Both have since passed.

Disney Wonder, the 2^nd ship in the Disney fleet was the first ship to have a Fairy as her Fairy-Godmother. Her Godmother is non other than Tinker Bell!

Disney Dream, the 3^rd ship in the Disney fleet, has Jennifer Hudson as her Godmother. It is fitting as Jennifer says she got her big break on the stage of the Disney Wonder!

Disney Fantasy, 4^th ship in the Disney fleet, has Mariah Carey as her Godmother.

Disney Wish, 5^th ship in the Disney Fleet, does not have “A” Godmother. Disney Wish has Godchildren!! Instead of a Godmother all Make a Wish Kids, past, present and future are the Godchildren of the Disney Dream.

 

Disney Treasure, along with 2 more ships are being built or that will start construction soon. Disney Treasure joins the fleet in 2024. Most of the sections are at the shipyard and are being put together. Next is painting inside and out as well as carpet, electrical, plumbing, and furnishing. The date of her madden voyage has not been announced. Projected date is “Summer” 2024. Based on past Maiden Voyages I expect it to be between June and August 2024. Expect more information in the next 2 months or so. Disney Treasure is the 2^nd of triplets. The 3 are identical or nearly identical ships. There is one more to be built once Treasure is completed. Global Dream was the name for a ship that was under construction for another cruise line that Disney purchased and is reimagining the ship and will bring her into the fleet sometime in 2025.

 

The Godmothers of the 3 newest ships currently in process of being designed and built has not been announced. Disney Cruise may still be considering who they will be.

 

Keep watching the blog for more information!