We had a great time sailing on the Disney Dream and doing a thorough Dine Around in January 2011. During that sailing, DFB researched (um, okay, ate) our way through the bountiful offerings on this all-you-can-eat cruise.
Disney’s next cruise ship, the Fantasy, is set to sail its maiden voyage in March of 2012. The 2,500 passenger ship will be identical in size and layout to the Disney Dream, although the two will not be exactly the same. Let’s review the venues for food and beverages on the Fantasy!
Main Dining
On board the Disney Fantasy guests will have many options when it comes to dining. They can of course choose to follow the rotational dining schedule that is set before departure, or opt out on certain nights to enjoy restaurants like Cabanas, Palo, and Remy.
The main dining options on the Disney Fantasy will be similar to those offered on the Disney Dream; the main changes will include a new show that will be offered at Animator’s Palate, a entirely new them for the adults-only district on the ship, and design changes for some of the other restaurants.
Animator’s Palate
Animator’s Palate is one of the main dining experiences on all three existing Disney ships, and the Fantasy will be no exception. However on the Fantasy, guests will experience the all new “Animation Magic” show starring none other than Mickey Mouse.
Animator’s Palate
Diners will be treated to a truly magical experience led by Sorcerer Mickey. Watch as the characters on the wall move from black and white to color, and experience the Beauty and the Beast classic “Be Our Guest” in a whole newway. Guests will also have the opportunity to draw their own characters that will be featured in the show’s finale!
The Finding Nemo-themed experience that debuted on the Disney Dream will also be a featured on a separate night at Animator’s Palate.
The menu for the Animator’s Palate on board the Fantasy has not been finalized, but is said to feature Pacific Rim and American entrees.
Enchanted Garden
The Enchanted Garden is one of the Fantasy’s main dining restaurants and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Inspired by the gardens of Versailles, the Enchanted Garden is a magical experience for guests of all ages. Watch as the ceiling transforms from the bright blue of the day sky to a twinkling night sky, and catch a glimpse of the flower sconces blooming. A 7-foot tall fountain will be the centerpiece of this truly magical restaurant.
Enchanted Garden
Breakfast and lunch are both served buffet style while dinner is an elegant 4-course meal. Enchanted Garden will also feature a children’s menu that will be sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Royal Court
Royal Court is another one of the main dining restaurants aboard the Fantasy. It serves French-inspired cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and carries decor inspired by the Disney princess classics Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The centerpiece and focal point of the restaurant will be the beautiful chandelier.
Royal Court
In addition to serving dinner, Royal Court will also be offered as a full-service lunch option and a continental breakfast option.
Cabanas
Cabanas offers diners a casual dining experience with a California feel. Diners who visit Cabanas for breakfast and lunch will have the opportunity to browse the many food stations filled with culinary classics. Those attending Cabanas for dinner will enjoy a delicious table-service meal with menu items being cooked in front of your eyes in the show kitchen.
Seating area
Those wishing to dine under the stars or feel the ocean breeze while they eat can choose to have dinner at Cabanas instead of at one of the ship’s main dining options. The whole family will be able to enjoy dinner here and may choose to sit outside on the deck or inside in the dining room.
Adult-Only Dining
Similar to the options on board the Disney Dream, the Fantasy will offer two adult-only dining options, Palo and Remy. Both will offer phenomenal cuisine and a sophisticated, elegant atmosphere for guests to enjoy.
Palo
Palo is one of the two adult-only dining options available on the Fantasy. Floor to ceiling windows and raised seating on one side of the restaurant allows all guests the opportunity to have an ocean view as they dine.
Palo
With a menu inspired by the North of Italy, Palo is sure to be a favorite among many Disney Fantasy passengers. Passengers will have to make reservations to dine at Palo, and there will be an additional charge to dine here ($20 currently on the Dream).
For some itineraries brunch and high tea will also be available at Palo.
Remy
The second adult-only dining option on the Fantasy, Remy will be the most elegant dining experience available on board. Reminiscent of a fine-dining experience in the south of France, Remy will provide guests the perfect setting for a sophisticated, intimate dinner.
Remy
The menu was created by Chef Arnaud Lallement from l’Assiette Champenoise in Reims, France, and Chef Scott Hunnel from Victoria and Albert’s at Walt Disney World.
Passengers wishing to dine at Remy will have to make reservations, and there will be an additional charge for dining here ($75 currently on the Dream).
Meridian
Meridian is an adults-only lounge inspired by world travel. It is located between Palo and Remy for those guests who wish to have a pre- or post-dinner cocktail. Guests will be able to enjoy their drinks in an inside lounge with an ocean view or on an outdoor deck, which features a cigar bar.
Meridian
Adult-Only Lounges
For the Fantasy’s adult-only nighttime entertainment district, Disney has decided to go with a European theme: Europa. Disney executive Joe Lanzisero said that “it will be night out in Europe.”
Similar in size and layout to the entertainment district aboard the Dream, Europa will offer something for everyone, whether they want to sip champagne, dance the night away, or enjoy a pint with their friends.
La Piazza
La Piazza is a part of the Europa district on board the Fantasy and will allow guests 18 and older to relax and enjoy the Italian themeing of this bar and lounge. The centerpiece to La Piazza is the bar, which is modeled after a vintage Italian carousel.
La Piazza
O’Gills
Think Irish pub with a contemporary vibe. That is what designers had in mind when coming up with concept behind O’Gills Pub. O’Gills is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day, enjoy an adult beverage, and watch the big game.
O’Gills
Skyline Bar
The Skyline Bar on the Dream was such a big hit that Disney decided to include it in the plans for the Fantasy as well. The bar will feature electronic windows providing ever changing views of Paris, London, Barcelona, Athens, and St. Petersburg.
Skyline
Ooh La La
With velvet tufted walls, Victorian furniture, and Louis XV-style chaise lounges, the Ooh La La champagne bar has been designed to resemble a French boudoir and will provide guests an elegant setting to unwind.
Ooh La La
The Tube
The Tube is a London inspired nightclub in the Europa entertainment district on the Fantasy. Complete with 1960’s furniture, a red English phone booth, and an illuminated Union Jack dance floor, the Tube will certainly be a favorite place among adult Fantasy passengers.
The Tube
Pool Bars and Lounges
In addition to the Europa nighttime entertainment district, the Fantasy will also offer various other bars and lounges throughout the ship for guests to enjoy throughout the day. Some even offer options for the whole family.
Bon Voyage
Bon Voyage will be located in the grand atrium of the Fantasy and will offer adults the opportunity to grab a drink and relax during the day. The art-deco inspired bar will offer a full bar menu with a comfortable seating area in addition to bar seating for guests.
Vista Cafe
A cafe bar located on Deck 4, Midship. Vista will serve drinks and snacks throughout the day. Vista Cafe will also be a hot-spot on the Fantasy offering wireless connectivity for those wishing to surf the internet (this was the ONLY place I could get reliable connection on the Dream). There will also be a photo kiosk where guests can view the photos available at Shutters, Disney’s onboard photography studio.
Vista Cafe
Cove Cafe
Located beside the Quiet Cove Pool, the adults-only pool, the Cove Cafe is another adults-only cafe on the Fantasy. The Cove Cafe will allow guests the opportunity to relax indoors or outside by the pool.
Guests will be able to grab a book or magazine from the Cafe’s library, watch the news, or check-out one of the cafe’s wifi enabled laptops to check their email or surf the internet.
Cove Cafe
The initial menu at the Cove Cafe says that guests will be able to get specialty coffees here such as lattes, cafe mocha, espresso, and cappuccinos. There will also be an array of specialty teas such as russian earl grey, thunderbolt darjeeling, and more.
Guests who wish to enjoy an alcoholic beverage can choose from champagne and sparkling wines, or one of their after-dessert martinis such as espresso martinis, toblerontinis, and chocolatinis. Snacks such as danishes, cookies, croissants, and brownies will also be offered and will be complimentary.
Currents
An outdoor bar that boasts incredible panoramic views of the ocean, Currents will offer a variety of drinks for the whole family ranging from bar drinks to fruit juice and milk. Guests wishing to get some sun can grab one of Currents’ deck chairs to relax in as they enjoy their refreshing beverage.
Currents
Waves
Waves is the perfect place for adult guests to unwind and enjoy the sea breeze while they are cruising aboard the Fantasy. This open-air bar has plenty of table seating in addition to seating available in the bar for guests and offers a full bar menu.
Waves
Ooh, I hope I get to go on the Fantasy!! But I’ll admit, I’m still excited about my opportunity to be on the Dream. Be sure to check out our coverage of the Disney Dream (where we’ve reviewed many of the restaurants that will appear on the Fantasy) in our Disney Dream Dine Around section!
Our Disney Dream excursion in January was a two-night, Disney-sponsored media event to showcase the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet prior to its official maiden voyage.
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I’m deciding if I want to eat at Remy’s or Palo’s. I heard Remy’s is a 3 hour event. Is that right, and what would we miss if we are dining that long?
Susie — We’ve got an email coming your way!
My 6 yo only eats plain white rice, animals yogurt drinks, pollyo cheese sticks and chicken tenders. She is soooo picky. Will I get to order those items for her when on the cruise? Or can I bring some things on?
Tracey, as long as they have a food on the ship, you can typically get it in any restaurant. You can call Disney Cruise Line to confirm.
Can we bring a case of water and ginger ale on board?
Jennifer, DCL allows cruisers to bring a case of water on board in their carry-on luggage — but it needs to be in its original packaging. You’ll want to call to confirm about ginger ale, but I would think it’s possible. There may be some specific limits on it, though.