Disney Cruise Line – WDWNT Archive

Disney Introduces A New Way to Gift A Theme Park Vacation

WDWNT on October 13, 2017

Disney has recently launched the ability to purchase an entire family holiday as a gift, calling it “The Gift Of Disney Vacations“.

Starting today, you will be able to purchase multiple options, from a $25 Disney gift card to a full vacation abroad with Adventures By Disney.

To introduce the service, you can now purchase a 6 night, 7 day Walt Disney World vacation staying at one of Disney’s All-Star Resorts for $96 per person, per night.

The offer is valid for 2018 and available until November 15th, 2017.

Find out more information here.

What do you think of the service? Let us know in the comments.

Medals Revealed for 25th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

WDWNT on September 27, 2017

Disney has revealed the medals that will be awarded to racers during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend on January 3-7, 2018.

Disney has crafted some of the most impressive medals to date, loaded with tons of silver and sparkles to celebrate 25 years of racing.

The 5K medal features Mickey and Pluto playing in a game of fetch.

10K racers will be awarded this medal that features Mickey and Minnie, with a Minnie-inspired polka dotted lanyard.

Half marathon racers will get to take home this colorful medal featuring Mickey and Donald.

If you can manage to run a full marathon, you’ll be awarded this beautiful medal that shows Mickey crossing the finish line.

There are also some awards for those that participate in multiple race events. The Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge requires racers to complete both a half marathon and a full marathon. In addition to the respective medals, participants will also receive the Mickey and Goofy medal shown above. The Dopey Challenge, the most difficult challenge, requires racers to complete the 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon. Finish this, and receive the Dopey medal shown above. Lastly, if you’re participating in the Disney Castaway Cay Challenge on January 10, 2018 you can win the above Disney Cruise medal for completing the Castaway Cay 5K run that takes place around Disney’s private island.

If you’re interested in registering for any of the events, check out the runDisney website here. Be sure to share your participation in these challenges using the hashtag #WDWMarathon on social media.

Disney Cruise Line Sailings Affected by Hurricane Irma, and Jose is Not Far Behind

WDWNT on September 17, 2017

Cruising during hurricane season is always risky, but the cruise lines always do their best to take care of their guests should a hurricane affect your voyage. Disney Cruise Line has announced a number of changes to current and upcoming itineraries for its Port Canaveral-based ships.

Disney Dream:

Monday, September 4 departure (4-night voyage) – Shortened to 3 nights, returned Thursday, September 7.
Friday, September 8 departure (3-night voyage) – Cancelled
Monday, September 11 departure (4-night voyage) – Cancelled

Disney Fantasy:

Saturday, September 2 departure (7-night voyage) – Shortened to 5 nights, returned Thursday, September 7.
Saturday, September 9 (7-night voyage) – Cancelled

The next scheduled departure for the Disney Dream is Friday, September 15, and for the Disney Fantasy is Saturday, September 16. Updates for these future itineraries will be posted on Tuesday, September 12. It is quite possible that Hurricane Jose may affect these itineraries.

Disney Cruise Line guests booked on cancelled itineraries will be automatically refunded to the original form of payment. Guests traveling on the shortened itineraries will be refunded a pro-rated amount of their fare (two-sevenths, or 28.6%, for those on the Fantasy, and one-fourth, or 25%, for those on the Dream). For guests in either situation, DCL is providing a 25% discount on a future cruise, but you must call between September 18, 2017 and October 18, 2017 to take advantage of this discount.

Stay tuned to WDWNT for updates!

Massive Lineup of New Rides, Hotels, and More Announced for Disney Parks Around the World at D23 Expo 2017

WDWNT on July 22, 2017

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek Announces Extraordinary Line-up of Experiences Coming to Disney Parks around the Globe

Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar and a seventh cruise ship among the experiences coming for guests

Today at D23 Expo 2017, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world as it continues to revolutionize the guest experience, starting from before guests even arrive for a Disney vacation to the many memories that last a lifetime.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek welcomed nearly 7,000 fans as he unveiled more than a dozen new experiences coming to Disney parks and resorts and gave a sneak peek at much-anticipated projects in development. Several Imagineers joined the presentation by providing details of the creativity, imagination and innovation in development around the world. Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter also shared his enthusiasm for plans to include a larger Pixar presence at Disneyland Resort.

In addition to the announcement that Fantasmic! will return to Disneyland Park tonight, two nights early in honor of the Expo, fans were treated to a glimpse of the new “Beauty and the Beast” musical production coming to the Disney Dream on Disney Cruise Line, currently in production in Toronto, and a special one-night-only medley of nostalgic entertainment numbers showcasing the heritage of Disney Parks.

“On the heels of the many new and incredibly popular experiences that just debuted this year, the best is yet to come. We have ambitious plans for our parks and resorts around the world,” said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We’re investing in the guest experience like never before, and we’re doing it all in way that is only possible at Disney!”

From new lodging and transportation options that make getting around more fun, to original storytelling and immersive experiences based on guests’ favorites, Disney continues to provide unparalleled vacation destinations for guests across the globe in even more exciting ways than ever before.

Immersive Theme Park Experiences and Attractions

An Unprecedented First Look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Fans were elated to hear their Star Wars stories will come to life in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the newly announced name for the Star Wars-themed lands. Chapek shared exciting new details and a glimpse inside the two anchor attractions, including one that puts guests right in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance where guests will feel like they are inside a hangar bay on a Star Destroyer. Guests will also have the chance to fly the Millennium Falcon, where each guest is critical to the mission’s success. Chapek also revealed many characters that guests will meet, including BB-8, Chewbacca, Rex and Kylo Ren. Representing the largest single-themed land expansion at 14 acres each, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in 2019, with the first land debuting at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, then at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando.

Timeless Transformation of Epcot Revealed

Looking ahead to the 50^th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, there are grand plans to complete the transformation that started with the debut of New Fantasyland in 2014. Chapek announced exciting plans across Epcot to realize the original vision of the park while making it more timeless and relevant than ever before.

Patterned after the number one family attraction at Disneyland Paris, Ratatouille will be added in an all-new space in the France pavilion at World Showcase.

AT D23 EXPO 2017, DISNEY PARKS CHAIRMAN BOB CHAPEK ANNOUNCES

Epcot will also see the addition of a brand new E-ticket attraction based on the rockin’ and action-packed world of Guardians of the Galaxy, the next step in how guests can encounter these characters at Walt Disney World Resort.

In Future World, a new Green Mission at Mission: SPACE will take guests on a stunning tour around the Earth, and an updated Orange Mission will make the trip to Mars even more spectacular.

Adjacent to Mission: Space will be a new restaurant that will invite guests to travel high above the earth for an unforgettable dining experience.

More Thrills than Ever Planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom

Disney remains at the cutting edge of deeply immersive, creative storytelling that draws guests into new worlds, and it is a legacy that lives on in every new Disney Parks experience.

The first-ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, will come to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With a new original story and lovable attraction theme song, this new state-of-the-art ride-through attraction will take guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts using new technologies that transform the flat cartoon world into an incredible dimensional experience.

Chapek also announced that the highest rated attraction at Shanghai Disneyland is coming to Walt Disney World Resort. A thrilling, TRON-themed attraction will be added in a new area near Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom.

Additionally, a new live entertainment theater coming to Main Street, U.S.A., based on the iconic Willis Theater in 1920s Kansas City, will bring world-class entertainment to the world’s most popular park.

Pixar Fun at the Happiest Place on Earth

In addition to announcing the summer 2018 opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Chapek was joined by Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter to unveil plans for Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure, where the pier will take on a brand new look as more favorite Pixar characters and stories come to life, from The Incredibles, to Inside Out to even more Toy Story. Chapek also announced there is more Pixar in store during Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort. Starting in 2018, this limited-time offering will include a new fireworks spectacular as well as special characters and entertainment moments.

As part of the celebration, the Pixar Play Parade will return to Disneyland Resort – this time at Disneyland Park – and the fan favorite Paint the Night Parade will move to Disney California Adventure, one of Disney’s longest parade routes.

Disney Cruise Line to Nearly Double the Size of its Fleet by 2023

Chapek surprised the crowd by announcing that Disney Cruise Line will add one more ship in its expansion to take family cruise vacations to a whole new level, giving the line a total of seven (yeah, seven!) ships. Joining the other two new ships that were announced just last year, all three new ships will be powered by one of the cleanest-burning fuels available, liquefied natural gas. When all three ships are completed by 2023, Disney Cruise Line will have nearly doubled the size of the fleet.

Immersive Hotel Concepts

Among the announcements were projects that infuse even more exciting experiences for resort hotel guests in ways that are only possible at Disney.

To the delight of fans, Chapek confirmed ambitious plans to create the most experiential concept ever in an immersive Star Wars-themed hotel at Walt Disney World Resort. Dedicated entirely to the galaxy of Star Wars, it will be a one-of-a-kind experience where a luxury resort meets a multi-day adventure in a galaxy far, far away.

Adding to the immersive resort hotel slate, Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel at Disneyland Paris will transport guests to the action-packed world of Super Heroes, including Iron Man, The Avengers, Spider-Man and more. Guests will be able to explore the Marvel Universe through its comic art, films, Super Hero costumes and more, displayed in the style of a contemporary art gallery.

Leading up to the July 17 opening of Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, Chapek also announced the proposed 15^th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney Riviera Resort, coming to Walt Disney World Resort near Epcot.

Seamless Transportation Options

Completing the immersion so guests never have to leave the story while on a Disney vacation, Chapek announced plans that will make getting around Walt Disney World Resort even more fun.

An all-new Minnie Van service will provide a point-to-point transportation service in a way that only Disney can do, giving guests an even more seamless resort vacation from start to finish.

Additionally, a whole new transportation system called Disney Skyliner will give guests a birds-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort. This brand new system will connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach resorts, as well as the proposed new Disney Riviera Resort, with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot.

Honoring the Heritage of Disney Parks

In a memorable tribute to the legacy of beloved attractions, entertainment and characters, fans enjoyed a special one-time-only performance of entertainment numbers from Disney Parks through the years. Following the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade, Chapek hinted there are even more fan favorites in store from Disney Parks’ storied past.

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VIDEO: Marvel Day at Sea Promo Features Stan Lee Summoning The Avengers

WDWNT on June 12, 2017

Disney Parks has uploaded a new video to promote the inaugural sailings of Marvel Day at Sea for Disney Cruise Line.

The promotional video features none other than Marvel legend Stan Lee, as he calls up various Marvel super heroes to invite on this 7-night cruise. Take a look at the humorous ad below.

http://https://youtu.be/OrYWcT2CDjQ

Disney Cruise Line will begin Marvel Day at Sea adventures this fall for select 7 and 8-night cruises from New York. More Marvel Day at Sea cruise options will be available in early 2018 for select 5-night cruises from Miami.

During Marvel Day at Sea cruises guests will be able to meet their favorite Marvel super heroes and villains while aboard a Disney Cruise ship. Additionally, nighttime entertainment and fireworks will be offered, as well as specially themed foods and exclusive merchandise.

VIDEO: Behind the Scenes Look at Beauty and The Beast Musical Coming Aboard the Disney Dream

WDWNT on April 6, 2017

Disney is working very hard to incorporate some new entertainment aboard the Disney Cruise Line. One of those very things is a brand new Beauty and The Beast musical, which will be coming aboard the Disney Dream. This new musical will take inspiration from the live-action film to retell this timeless tale in a new way that hasn’t been told before. Here is that video below from The Disney Parks Blog:

[sc name=”Youtube Embed 600×360″ id=”https://youtu.be/4sSXxwvZde8″ ]

“Beauty and the Beast” will debut during the Disney Dream voyage departing Nov. 6, 2017

New Cruise Line Family Experiences Including Star Wars, MARVEL on Disney Fantasy

WDWNT on March 17, 2017

Disney Cruise Line is majorly upgrading their entertainment options aboard the Disney Fantasy. From new Marvel experiences to Star Wars, there is now so much more fun for the whole entire family. Here are some of the new experiences to come aboard when the ship docks and renovates this spring:

Imaginative New Spaces for Kids

For kids joining in on the fun Oceaneer Club, you can blast off to a galaxy far, far, away with Star Wars or learn mystic arts with Dr. Strange. For the new Star Wars experiences; Star Wars: Command Post, will take kids on journeys where they can train with heroes of the Star Wars saga and help fight against the Fisrt Order. Kids will be able to interact with holographic models at one-of-a-kind Star Wars holotable that will project the Milenium Falcon, Death Star, and other very famous Star Wars ships, meet members of the resistance, and channel the force. Disney already has added the new Marvel Super Hero Academy to the list of things to do, but now they are adding even more Marvel experiences aboard the ship. Kids will now be able to learn the mystic arts with the one and only Dr. Strange. Children will be also open so called ‘portals’ to different locales around the Marvel Universe and immerse themselves in an exclusive gaming experience.

Tasty Treats to Delight the Enitre Family

New to the ship is the Sweet on You Ice Cream Shop which features hand-crafted gelato and ice cream, specialty sundaes, homemade chocolates, truffles, and a large selection of candy for purchase all right by the family pool. This new shop is themed after the recent Mickey Mouse shorts.

Luxury Shopping For Adults

For a first on DCL, the famous and iconic American Luxury brand Tiffany & Co. will have its very own store where you can indulge in timeless collections of jewlery luxury accessories, including the effortlessly elegant Tiffany & Co. diamonds.

All of these new enhancements will debut on the Disney Fantasy sailings starting May 17, 2017, from Port Canaveral.

Disney Cruise Line to ‘Freeze in Frozen Fractal Fun’ This Summer

WDWNT on March 6, 2017

Returning again this summer, get ready to build a snowman, because a major winter storm is heading across the fjords all the way to Disney Cruise Line! That’s right folks, Elsa, Anna and the whole gang are taking a little vacation from the small country of Arendelle and heading off to explore the world aboard Disney Cruise Line.

On select sailings aboard the Disney Wonder and Magic throughout May, June, and July 2017, Elsa and the whole gang will be vacationing and bringing back guests a ‘Winter in Summer Celebration’ that include new experiences, a deck party, a stage show and much more! Here are some things to look forward to this coming celebration:

Memorable Moments With Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf

Guests can finally “For the First time in Forever” meet Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf aboard the DCL and take pictures with them, as well as have them sign autographs. Not only that, but you can find the royal visitors year round! Younger guests who take part in the Oceaneer club can also find ‘Frozen’ adventures year-round as well as kids receiving special surprise visits from the Royal Sisters themselves!

Frozen Inspired Dining Experiences sure to make you worth melting for!

For those wanting a little ‘chill’ to help beat the summer heat, there are some unique dining experiences just for that. Inspired by the film, you can feast on a menu that features traditional Nordic Fare. For adults ages 21 and older, you can visit the nightclubs aboard and order a specialty frozen drink as pictured above. On Castaway Cay, you can find an Olaf inspired Winterey watering hole which feautures a hand-selected offering of frozen drink such as “Olafs Flurry Freeze” and “Svens Carrot Delight.”

Frozen Activities

On a surprise morning, the whole atrium lobby will be spiraling into frozen fractals all around when the lobby itself will be decorated with sparkling icicles adorned all along the grand staircase. Then at night take to the deck for a frozen-fied nighttime celebration, “Freezing the Night Away with Elsa and Friends.” Little adventurers can go explore and do a scavenger hunt with Anna where you can go on a chocolate chase and then those wanting to make flurries in frozen fractals, they can make ice and snow in “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?” To prepare for the deck party, you will be able to learn some Scandinavian dance moves with “Oakens Maypole Swirl and Twirl.”

In a Port Adventure like only Disney can do, Anna and Elsa join a traditional Norwegian summer celebration for their first appearance in the land that inspired their story. As part of the Disney Cruise Line Northern European summer season, the Disney Magic sails to Ålesund, Norway. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Adventures Ashore

On the select sailings of the Disney Magic to Norway, you can see the land that inspired Arendelle from Frozen in Ålesund, Norway. There you can immerse yourself into the sport of Norway with the help of Anna and Elsa in this storybook village.

Exclusively aboard the Disney Wonder in the Walt Disney Theatre, Frozen, A Musical Spectacular tells the classic story from the animated feature Frozen and is presented like never before with an innovative combination of traditional theatrical techniques, modern technology and classic Disney whimsy. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Spectacular Shows

Only on the Disney Wonder can you experience the magic and Frozen fun of “Frozen the Musical Spectacular.” Also year-round aboard the Disney Magic, join Anna, Elsa and Olaf in teaching a young girl the power of her dreams in the Disney Cruise Line original production, “Disney Dreams… An Enchanted Classic.”

How will you choose to “let it go” this summer? Will you “for the first time in forever” have the “coldest” vacation of a lifetime?

New Experiences for Star Wars Day at Sea

WDWNT on March 6, 2017

Last year was a first for Disney Cruise Line as the Inaugural Star Wars Day at Sea sailed off into another galaxy. The event returned this past January and will be back again in 2018 on select sailings. Here is a look at some of the new offerings you can expect to find on a voyage to a galaxy far, far away.

Expanded Nighttime Spectacular: The spectacular deck show, “Summon the Force,” celebrates the 40 Force-filled years of Star Wars featuring new iconic characters: Kylo Ren, Ezra, and Sabine! The deck show is bursting with John Williams’ epic score, now including music from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”

“Star Wars Rebels” Appearances: The “Star Wars Rebels” characters Sabine and Ezra, along with Ahsoka Tano, have taken a break from fighting the Empire to visit you in an all-new base location. You can find out what the rebellion is up to with showings of “Star Wars Rebels” season three on the upper deck’s Funnel Vision. Then the duel continues with the deadly Jedi hunter, the Seventh Sister joining the Dark Lord himself in “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.”
Special Guest Speakers: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Star Wars saga with a special lineup of guest speakers sharing what it’s like to bring the galaxy to life on screen. This year’s speakers include: Hannah Gills, producer for Industrial Light & Magic; Pablo Hidalgo, creative executive for Lucasfilm Story Group and Jason McGatlin, executive producer for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” among others, on select sailings.

Out-of-this-galaxy Merchandise: Only on Star Wars Day at Sea, can you find exclusive intergalactic merchandise aboard the DCL; only on select sailings, and features pins, drinkware, apparel and more.
Stellar Screenings: Experience the first of Star Wars standalone films and the latest installment in the Star Wars universe: “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” at sea.

Be ready to “use the force” and prepare for an intergalactic mission as you fight the Empire across the sea of galaxies (or fight the rebel scum, if you’re on that side) on Star Wars Day at Sea. Star Wars Day at Sea will take pace on select sailings on the Disney Fantasy from January until April of 2018.

New Voyages Setting Sail in 2018 for Disney Cruise Line

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

Setting sail in summer of 2018, Disney Cruise Line is embarking on some new adventures, adding more stops and adventures in Europe, Norway, Iceland, Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas.

First Time Visits to Milan

Duomo di Milano, the famous cathedral of Milan and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II at night against blue sky. Beautiful sunset at Piazza del Duomo. Milan, Italy.

For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will be setting sail for Milan as a part of special and unique sailings from Barcelona and Rome. The Disney Magic will be stopping in Genoa, Italy, which is the gateway into Milan. Milan has top-designer clothing stores, boutiques, open-air markets, art galleries, and more to enjoy. Milan is truly a diverse and beautiful city.

New Sailings from Rome and Barcelona

Setting sail June 2018, here will be new adventures where you can set sail between Barcelona and Rome and experience the rich history of both cities. In Rome you can explore the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the local Vatican as well as taste the local cuisine. Barcelona offers beautiful beaches, the market streets of Las Ramblas, the artistic architecture of Gaudi and the framed Sagrada Família church.

First Visits to Cork, Ireland

Blarney Castle which houses the famous Blarney Stone in County Cork

For the first time ever, there will be a 7-night British Isle Cruise voyage. The cruise will bring you into the heart of the British Isle and explore Cork, Ireland. In Cork, there is an abundance of pubs, shops, and cafes as well as the opportunity to explore Ireland’s ancient past and visit historic sites such as the Blarney Castle, pictured above. Additional ports on this sailing include Dublin, Ireland; Greenock, Scotland; and Liverpool, England.

Return to Alaska

In 2017, Disney Cruise Line guests set sail to Alaska’s Icy Strait Point on new itineraries departing from Vancouver, British Columbia. Pictured here, the Disney Wonder sails through Alaska’s Tracy Arm Fjord. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Returning again for 2018, awe inspiring Alaskan cruises will set sail aboard the newly re-imagined Disney Wonder. A variety of itineraries departing from Vancouver, Canada, include stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Straight Point, and Tracy Arm Fjord.

More opportunities to relax at Castaway Cay

Families create magical moments and memories together on Disney’s own private island, Castaway Cay. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

In 2018, there will be even more voyages that will make 2 stops at Disney’s private Island: Castaway Cay. In June and July, the Disney Dream will sail four and five night cruises to the Bahamas, each with the 2 stops to Castaway Cay.

Bookings are open to the public starting on February 23rd, 2017 and can be made here. There you will also find a full list of itineraries.

Category: Disney Cruise Line