Disney Fantasy Review

A strong case for the best Disney cruise ship out there

The Disney Fantasy is one of Mickey Mouse’s best ships. Yeah, it's written right there in the title, after all.

If you want some proof, we have the receipts right here! Ahem, let's see. It has the best collection of stage shows on any Disney ship, features additional splash zones for children on the top deck compared to its sister ship, the Disney Dream, and includes a few enhancements that make it truly exceptional.

Highlights include the animation magic at Animator’s Palate, where your drawings come to life, and a slightly different adults-only district that is just as impressive as the one on the Disney Dream.

What we like about the Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy Frozen stage show.webp — Disney Cruise Line©

Let’s say it upfront: the best thing about the Disney Fantasy - though this could change in the next few years - is its stage shows. Disney offers three stage productions on each of its ships, and the Fantasy features some of the best performances Mickey has ever brought to the high seas.

The three shows are Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular, Disney’s Believe, and Frozen: A Musical Spectacular. Aladdin and Frozen are two of the finest productions you’ll find on any Disney ship, and having them both on the Fantasy is a real treat. Seriously, don’t miss them, you won’t be disappointed. Aladdin features impressive set pieces, while Frozen has incredible music and puppeteering. I guess they’re not called spectacular for nothing.

Disney Fantasy Star Wars.webp — Disney Cruise Line©

The Disney Fantasy is quite similar to the Dream in design but includes a few enhancements that make it a better choice for some guests. For example, it features an additional splash zone for kids, which is a big plus for families traveling with little ones (a.k.a. everyone on a Disney ship). Disney Cruise Line ships tend to get pretty crowded, so having extra spaces for children to play is always a welcome addition.

Another great thing about the Fantasy? Its itineraries are often much longer compared to the Dream. While the Disney Dream mostly focuses on short trips to the Caribbean, the Fantasy offers plenty of 7-night trips, not just to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, but also to Europe. For passengers who aren’t big fans of short trips, the opportunity to enjoy a week-long vacation alongside Mickey is certainly great news.

What we don’t like about the Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy Aquaduck.webp — Disney Cruise Line©

There’s not much to dislike about the Fantasy. Like most Disney cruises, it’s not cheap, but it offers excellent quality, outstanding service, and food that’s definitely above average. Speaking of food, your fare includes three rotational dining restaurants: Royal Court, Enchanted Garden, and Animator’s Palate.

I enjoy these restaurants, but I wish the Fantasy had a dining venue with live music and shows, like Arendelle on the Disney Wish. There used to be a character meet-and-greet during dinner at Royal Court, but Disney stopped offering it in recent years, likely due to COVID. Animator’s Palate features Turtle Talk with Crush, and Mickey does make an appearance, but I wouldn’t consider it a full-fledged show.

This doesn’t take away from the overall experience aboard the Fantasy. The ship features two of the best specialty restaurants on any cruise line - Palo and Rémy - and offers a special character meet-and-greet session with Disney Princesses during the Royal Court Royal Tea. Seriously, there’s something for everyone aboard this amazing vessel.

I don’t even need to say that I recommend the Fantasy, right? This is probably my favorite Disney ship, featuring the best stage shows, amazing specialty restaurants, an extra splash zone, longer itineraries and much more.

If you want to experience Disney on the high seas at its finest, turning this Fantasy into reality is the way to go.