It’s Cruise Ship Monday!
Today brings us Disney Cruise Line’s Dream Class–Disney Dream (2011) and Disney Fantasy (2012).
Weighing in at 129,690 tons, the Disney Cruise Line Dream Class of ships launched more than a decade later than the Magic Class when Disney Dream debuted in 2011. The vessels are larger than the Magic Class of ships by about 40%, have two additional decks, and offer more space and amenities. Additionally, the Magic Class brought the first-at-sea water roller coaster with the AquaDuck. The AquaDuck is designed as a two-person raft ride through 250 yards of transparent tubing that circles the ship’s top decks and over the ocean at one point.
Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy were both constructed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Disney Dream was christened by her godmother, Jennifer Hudson, before her maiden voyage from Port Canaveral on January 26, 2011, and Disney Fantasy was christened by her godmother, Mariah Carey, ahead of her maiden voyage from New York on March 31, 2012. Disney Dream’s bow features Captain Mickey with Sorcerer Mickey and his mops doing some last-minute cleaning to the aft. Disney Fantasy’s bow features Sorcerer Mickey with Timothy Q Mouse and Dumbo touching up the paint to her aft.
The ships have similar dining experiences. The ship’s feature three main dining rooms that guests and staff rotate through–Animator’s Palate, Enchanted Garden and Royal Court. There are two adults-only signature dining venues–Palo and Remy. Lastly, there are various quick service venues–Cabana’s, Flo’s Café, Frozone Treats and Eye Scream. The only difference is that Disney Dream features Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats, while Disney Fantasy features Sweet on You. Both venues offer ice cream and other sweet treats.
Both vessels feature multiple nightclubs and lounges bringing the night to life with music and dancing. Disney Dream has an adults-only at night spot called The District, while Disney Fantasy’s comparable spot is called Europa.
Entertainment aboard each vessel is unique. Broadway-style stage shows are held in the beautiful Walt Disney Theatre. Guests can also watch movies in the Walt Disney Theatre, on deck by the family pool, and in the Buena Vista Theatre. Movies include first-run shows and digital 3D films. Additionally, character meet-and-greets take place throughout the ship.
Both Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are home to the “it’s a small world” group babysitting center for children 6 months to 3 years of age. There is a per hour charge with a minimun of one hour. The Oceaneer Club (ages 3-12) offers character meet-and-greets, storytelling sessions, interactive games, playgrounds, crafts, games, and more. The Oceaneer Lab is dedicated to exploration. The Club and Lab are connected allowing children to roam safely between the two venues. Both ships also feature The Edge experience for guests ages 11 to 14, and the Vibe for guests ages 14 to 17. The venues are a great space for tweens and teens to hangout and connect with others worldwide.
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is designed for children 3-12 where they can be transformed into a Princess or Royal Knight. Pirate night also brings pirate makeovers. Additionally, the ships feature miniature golf, virtual sports simulators, sports courts, ping pong, foosball tables, a walking track, a spa and fitness center as well as plenty of shopping.
The Dream Class ships are also known for a popular “first-at-sea” feature of their inside staterooms–virtual portholes. The “portholes” are magical high-definition screens that offer a 24-hour view of the ocean in real-time via a Hi-Def camera mounted outside the ship. Occasionally, guests will see a favorite Disney character float by.
Disney Dream is currently sailing a 5-day roundtrip “Halloween on the High Seas Western Caribbean Cruise” from Fort Lauderdale. She will remain homeported in Fort Lauderdale until May 2026, when she repositions to Barcelona for a season in the Mediterranean.
Disney Fantasy will be returning to Port Canaveral on November 16, 2025, following her transatlantic repositioning cruise from Southampton. She will being sailing 3- to 5-day roundtrip “Verry Merrytime Bahamian” Cruises when she returns and will remain in Port Canaveral to sail various Bahamian and Western Caribbean voyages.