The very mention of “Disney” conjures up visions of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Goofy, and all the other fun characters that have provided millions of children with joy over many years. No one would have ever imagined when Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901 that he would become such an icon not only in the United States, but also around the world. The public was formally introduced to Disney in 1954 when a series called The Wonderful World of Disney was presented.
From there, the California-based Disneyland theme park was opened for the public to enjoy in 1955 and while Walt Disney passed away in 1966, additional projects were completed by dedicated family to whom took over the Disney Empire. Carrying on the vision that Walt Disney had of providing people around the world affordable and clean entertainment, ten more parks, as well as five Disney resorts were completed to include:
• Magic Kingdom – 1971
• Epcot (Formerly called Epcot Center) – 1981
• Tokyo Disneyland – 1983
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Formerly called Disney MGM Studios) – 1989
• Disneyland Park Paris (Formerly Euro Disneyland) – 1992
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom – 1998
• Disney’s California Adventure Park – 2001
• Tokyo Disney Sea – 2001
• Walt Disney Studios Paris – 2002
• Hong Kong Disneyland Resort – 2005
While several Disney parks and resorts were still in the initial planning stage, another venture began – Disney Cruise Line. Created in 1955, the initial goal was to have two ships built in Italy. Prior to this time, Disney had an arrangement with Premier Cruise Line whereby cruises would sail from Port Canaveral during the 1980s. These early cruises were geared toward family vacations and while somewhat limited they included some Disney characters.
However, by launching its own fleet of ships, Disney was granted more flexibility in the way it offered families an exciting and fun adventure that included popular Disney characters, as well as first-class and affordable accommodations on beautifully designed ships. This American owned and operated cruise line has become a popular choice not just for families with smaller children, but also families with teenagers and even adults without children or children who are already grown. In other words, Disney cruise ships are designed to provide a memorable experience regardless of age or family dynamics.
The first cruise ship, Disney Magic, set sail in July of 1998 and just one year later, the second ship, Disney Wonder left its originating port. Although both of these Disney cruise ships boast 900 staterooms, feature many popular Disney characters, and offer unrivaled support by highly trained and dedicated crew, the ships are also very different regarding interior design, as well as entertainment venues, children and adult programs, and restaurants. In addition, the ports of call would vary depending on the Disney cruise ship. However, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are both designed to meet the needs of all passengers from infants to the elderly.
Because of incredible success and growing popularity, a third ship called the Disney Dream will set sail in 2011 and Disney Fantasy in 2012. Just as with the two original Disney cruise ships, the Dream and Fantasy ships will provide an amazing time for everyone, Disney characters and all, but also provide a unique experience specific to decorum, amenities, and services. Of course, adding two more ships to the Disney fleet will also expand ports of call. However, Castaway Cay in the Bahamas, a privately owned island belonging to Disney will continue to be one of the favorite destinations.
Along with the two current Disney cruise ships and the two getting ready to launch in 2011 and 2012, more exciting things are on the horizon. Currently, Disney has a contract with Meyer Werft, which will build two more ships to add to the Disney Cruise Line fleet but in this case, the two additional ships will be in the “Dream Class.” This means the ships are being designed and constructed from the keel up so when done, they will be true family cruise liners so both parents and children of all ages would be accommodated to perfection.
Although all of the Disney cruise ships are loaded with amenities, services, and entertainment venues, the one thing eliminated from the design on purpose is the casino. While Disney does not have anything against casinos, they want to maintain cruise ships of high integrity that focus solely on the family structure. Now, for adults sailing on any of the Disney ships, along with all the “family type” offerings, numerous opportunities are offered specifically for adults.
Another unique aspect of the ships owned and operated by Disney Cruise Line is that they have horns that play the opening seven-note theme loved by all, “When you Wish Upon a Star”, the song from Pinocchio. Of course, the variety of destinations and the amazing ports of call for each is a huge attraction. In addition to the more commonly known stops of the Caribbean and the Bahamas, Disney cruise ships also travel to Panama Canal, Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast, Europe, and Transatlantic destinations.
To add a little more flavor to this article, we wanted to provide some interesting facts about the Disney cruise ships.
• Disney Magic – The stern of this Disney cruise ship was actually constructed in two countries after which time the two pieces were welded together to create a complete ship.
• Disney Wonder – Currently the Disney Wonder sets sail from a port in Florida but in 2011, the originating port will be moved to the Port of Los Angeles, the country’s largest port regarding value of goods handled and tonnage and the second largest overall in the United States.
• Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy – A portion of the scrollwork that will be used to decorate the outside of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy launching in 2011 and 2012 respectively came from the first steel cut in 2009 at Meyer Werft’s shipyard in Germany.
• Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy – These two new cruise ships will measure 1,080 feet long by 121 feet wide, weigh 128,000 tons, be two decks taller than the original Disney ships (Magic and Wonder), and rather than have 900 staterooms, they will boast 1,250.
• Port Canaveral – The port authority has extended its contract with Disney until 2022 and as a means of accommodating the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, the dock will be expanded and upgraded, and the terminal enlarged to handle a greater number of passengers and their baggage.
• Sail Dates – The official first sail dates for the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are January 26, 2011 and April 7, 2012, respectively.