CONFIRMED: AquaDunk, Marvel Experience Coming to Disney Magic Cruise Ship
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At the ‘Monstrous Summer’ media event being held at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line today confirmed a Stitch Kingdom report that it will be bringing some of the more popular attractions and amenities of its Disney Dream and Fantasy cruise ships to the Disney Magic, the first of its four ships, when it goes into dry dock later in the year.
Included in the exciting additions are an abbreviated form of the industry-first AquaDuck waterslide, called the AquaDunk, which takes guests over the edge of the ship. The AquaDuck will be joined by the Fantasy’s water play area, the AquaLab, as well as a new waterslide dubbed the Twist N’ Spout. Additionally, a new infant/toddler water play area referred to as the Nephew’s Splash Zone.
Children at sea will also be amongst the first to benefit from the Marvel acquisition, as Disney Cruise Line introduces four immersive experiences in its Oceaneer’s Club as on the newer ships. New play areas will be themed to: Marvel’s Avengers Academy (inspired by an upcoming animated television series on Disney XD); Mickey Mouse Club, inspired by the new shorts; and the already familiar Andy’s Room from Pixar’s Toy Story and Pixie Hollow.
Dining changes are also scheduled to take place such as a long anticipated conversion of Parrot Cay to Carioca’s, named after Donald Duck’s Brazilian Saludos Amigos co-star, Jose. The restaurant will be will be Brazilian-influenced, themed to an outdoor marketplace during festival. Animator’s Palette will also be receiving the Animation Magic treatment, as experienced aboard the Disney Fantasy.
The ship’s adults-only district, Beat Street, will be re-themed and now titled After Hours. It will feature O’Gills as found on the Disney Fantasy, along with an undersea-themed club called Fathoms and a piano bar named Keys.
Below is a gallery of all the hi-res concept art recently released for the re-imagined Disney Magic:
Concept video for Disney Cruise Line AquaDunk:
Walt Disney World has also already confirmed our previous report for all of the events surrounding it ‘Monstrous Summer’ event which includes an ‘all-nighter’ 24 hour party at the Magic Kingdom on May 24 (as well as at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure), a re-themed Monsters University student union meet and greet at Disney’s’ Hollywood Studios and new Monsters University-inspired jokes introduced to Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: Animation, AquaDuck, Avengers, Avengers Academy, Cruises, DCL, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Magic, Marvel, Ships, television, The Avengers
EXCLUSIVE: Disney Magic to Get Marvel Experience, New Adults Only District, AquaDuck and More
Ahead of this week’s ‘Monstrous Summer’ press event being held at the Walt Disney World Resort, we have learned of some exciting upcoming additions to Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic cruise liner. The new features include a mix of adapting enhancement from fleet ships Disney Dream and Fantasy’s own pluses as well as brand new experiences, amongst which may be the very first (permanent) foray into the Marvel universe by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, the business unit that manages Disney Cruise Line. From children to adults, the Disney Magic promises to offer brand new experiences not available anywhere else on the high seas.
The additions begin with the Oceaneer’s Club which currently hosts four immersive experiences from Disney’s Pixie Hollow, Andy’s room from Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story, a submarine experience inspired by Finding Nemo and the scream floor of Monsters Inc aboard the Dream and Fantasy. It appears the latter two will be going away in favor of the Marvel’s Avengers Academy (promised to be based on an upcoming animated Disney XD series of the same name) and a Mickey Mouse Club, inspired by the series of brand new animated shorts now being produced.
The Magic will also receive the AquaDuck waterslide along with some enhancements in way of the AquaLab as found on the Disney Fantasy. In addition, a new water play area for infants and toddlers will be re-themed to the Nephews’ Splash Zone. A brand new water slide called the Twist N’ Spout will also be introduced to the ship, which ‘splashes off in one direction, then loop-de-loops the opposite way.’
Donald Duck’s presence will also be felt elsewhere onboard as the Disney Magic introduces a new restaurant based on his Saludos Amigos co-star, Jose. The restaurant will be called Carioca’s and will be Brazilian-influenced, themed to an outdoor marketplace during festival.
The adults-only district will be re-themed to After Hours and, in addition to featuring O’Gills from the Disney Fantasy, will also feature an undersea themed club called Fathoms and a piano bar named Keys.
CORRECTION: The article was incorrectly initially written from the perspective of the Disney Dream. Changes have been made to reflect that these additions will be completely new to the Disney Magic.
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: Animation, AquaDuck, AquaLab, Avengers, Avengers Academy, Cruises, DCL, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Magic, Disney XD, television, The Avengers
Disney Cruise Line Announces Itineraries for 2014
The white sand beaches and azure waters of Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, take center stage in the early half of 2014 voyages for Disney Cruise Line. With all four Disney ships sailing from Florida ports, not only will guests have more options to visit Castaway Cay, but they may combine their cruise with a visit to Walt Disney World Resort and experience the expanded Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom.
In the early part of 2014, the Disney Magic will return to Port Canaveral, Fla., joining the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, while the Disney Wonder will homeport in Miami. During this time, guests will have more opportunities than ever to enjoy a Disney cruise that visits Disney’s private island in the Bahamas reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests, Castaway Cay.
Caribbean and Bahamas from Port Canaveral
In 2014, Disney Cruise Line will sail from Port Canaveral to the Caribbean and Bahamas on a variety of itineraries. Every cruise departing from Port Canaveral includes a stop at Castaway Cay.
The itineraries also offer families magical days at sea to explore all of the fun aboard their Disney cruise ship and days in port to lounge on warm, golden beaches, swim and snorkel in azure waters or to shop to their heart’s content in local marketplaces.
Three-night Bahamian sailings are perfect for a quick getaway. Rates start at $420 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Ports: Port Canaveral, Nassau, Castaway Cay
Dates: Disney Dream departures Jan.-Aug., 2014; Disney Magic departures Jan.-May, 2014
Four-night Bahamian sailings include a day at sea to sample the one-of-a-kind Disney Cruise Line shipboard experience. Rates start at $480 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Ports: Port Canaveral, Nassau, Castaway Cay
Dates: Disney Dream departures Jan.-Aug., 2014; Disney Magic departures Jan.-May, 2014
Seven-night Eastern Caribbean. The Disney Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruises, including St. Maarten and St. Thomas with three days at sea. Rates start at $1,155 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Ports: Port Canaveral, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Castaway Cay
Dates: Disney Fantasy departures Jan.-Aug., 2014
Seven-night Western Caribbean. The Disney Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Western Caribbean cruises, including Grand Cayman, Costa Maya and Cozumel with two days at sea. Rates start at $1,120 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Ports: Port Canaveral, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Castaway Cay
Dates: Disney Fantasy departures Jan.-April, 2014
Seven-night Western Caribbean, including Jamaica. At Falmouth, Jamaica, guests can sample the city’s history and culture, taste Jamaica’s signature jerk recipes, enjoy lush tropical scenery on a bamboo raft river ride and visit the spectacular Dunn’s River Falls located nearby. Rates start at $1,120 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Ports: Port Canaveral, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Castaway Cay
Departure dates: Disney Fantasy departures May-Aug., 2014
Bahamas and Western Caribbean from Miami (Jan.-May, 2014)
In 2014, the Disney Wonder will sail from Miami on four-night Bahamian and five-night Western Caribbean cruises. Rates start at $352 per person for four-night cruises and $440 for five-night cruises departing from Miami for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Four-night Bahamas
Ports: Miami, Castaway Cay, Nassau, Key West
Departure dates: Jan. 15, 29, Feb. 12, 26, March 12, 26, April 9, 23
Five-night Caribbean
Ports: Miami, Grand Cayman, Cozumel
Departure dates: Jan. 10, 24, Feb. 7, 21, March 7, 21, April 4, 18
Five-night Caribbean, including Castaway Cay
Ports: Miami, Cozumel, Castaway Cay
Departure dates: Jan. 19, Feb. 2, 16, March 2, 16, 30, April 13, 27
All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom. Government taxes and fees and Port Adventures are not included.
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: Caribbean, Cruises, DCL, Disney Cruise Line, Jamaica, Miami
Disney Cruise Line Recognized by Industry for Conservation Efforts
In recognition for making notable contributions to advance the environmental aspects of cruising, Disney Cruise Line was presented with the Environmental Initiative Award at the Seatrade Insider Cruise Awards 2012. Disney Cruise Line is dedicated to minimizing its impact on the environment through efforts focused on utilizing new technologies, increasing fuel efficiency, minimizing waste and supporting conservation worldwide.
“Our persistent focus on innovative environmental initiatives starts with developing leading-edge fuel and energy efficiencies on our ships, but it doesn’t stop there,” said Bert Swets, vice president, marine and technical operations at Disney Cruise Line. “Our approach on shore extends to conservation and animal research efforts on our private island, Castaway Cay, inspiring and educating children and families to care about the environment, and engaging the communities in our ports of call.”
The Seatrade Insider Cruise Awards judging panel was comprised of industry and subject-matter experts from around the world.
Innovative Fuel and Energy Efficiencies
Disney Cruise Line made history as the first cruise line to use an innovative, non-toxic hull coating that increases fuel efficiency by reducing surface resistance in open water and continues to maximize fuel and energy efficiencies by automating onboard air conditioning systems for optimum use; repurposing air conditioning condensation for both laundry and deck cleaning, saving tons of fresh water each day, and installing energy-efficient lighting.
Recycling
Across the four ships in the Disney fleet, more than 650 tons of metals, glass, plastic and paper are eliminated from traditional waste streams each year through recycling, more than 5,000 tons to date.
Onshore Activities
No other cruise line incorporates conservation and animal research quite like Disney does. On Castaway Cay, Disney researchers are conducting a multi-year project studying how transplanted long-spined sea urchins can rebuild coral reefs. Guests may participate in a hands-on training experience with live stingrays during a 60-minute, instructor-led educational program.
Creative Storytelling Inspires and Educates
Disney Cruise Line shares environmental programs and educates others as an integral part of the company’s goal to inspire children and adults to take environmental action in their everyday lives. Guests can take an exclusive backstage look at environmental efforts through the “Behind the Waves” video and see characters from “The Lion King” inspire environmental action by showcasing small steps everyone can take in “Safety Smart Goes Green.”
Disney strives to engage the communities in our ports of call in unique and memorable ways. By tapping into the company’s legendary storytelling, Disney created an activity booklet in cooperation with Friends of the Environment to inspire youth to learn more about protecting native species and ecology in The Bahamas. Disney Cruise Line sponsors and provides guidance for summer eco-camps in ports of call across The Bahamas and U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition, Disney invites U.S. Forest Rangers to sail onboard each of our Alaskan voyages in order to offer lectures, host special children’s activities and engage guests in ways that ultimately create a deeper appreciation and understanding of the local environment and wildlife.
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: Awards, Community, Conservation, Cruise, DCL, Disney Cruise Line, Environmentality
‘Disney Connected Learning’ to Advise Parents of Children’s Educational Progress
It’s not a new concept at the core, but Disney Interactive (NYSE:DIS) plans on launching a new platform dubbed ‘Disney Connected Learning’ in late 2012/2013 which will allow parents to actively monitor their child’s performance in learning-related activities. What makes this particular implementation unique is that it will run under Apple iOS and Amazon Kindle devices, along with Facebook and other platforms, and encompass more than thirty separate games throughout the year, featuring familiar Disney characters as they educate players via Disney’s Learning System. In addition, an API will be exposed that will allow third party developers to integrate Disney’s K-5 curriculum which was developed in partnership with Stanford University and the University of Georgia. The native and third party apps will allow to progressively test skills with the child and report back to a separate parent-specific app that will allow feedback on the child’s progress.
While this is a new frontier for education for the company, it is no stranger to producing educational materials for children. Disney Educational Productions has produced and offers several series of DVD videos including the popular ‘Science of Imagineering’ series. In addition, Disney Consumer Products owns and operates Disney English centers in China, which uses Disney characters and stories to promote English as a second language.
Categories: iPhone Apps Tags: Apple, DCL, Disney Connected Learning, Education, iOS
Disney Cruise Line Offering Lasseter Family Winery Excursion
Those sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder west coast cruises with stops in San Francisco now have a rare opportunity to visit the Sonoma Valley winery owned by John and Nancy Lasseter.
While taking the 75 minute ride from port to the winery, the guide will present a brief history on Sonoma Valley’s wine region and surrounding areas. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by Nancy Lasseter directly. Guests will be granted exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the heart of the winery to observe different stages of the harvest process.
Nancy will take guests into the vineyards to taste different grape varietals right from the vines and to learn how ripeness is determined. Celebrated winemaker, Julia Iantosca, will provide insight into the craft of artisan winemaking. If the timing is right, guests might even get to witness the crushing of ripe wine grapes, the first step in the age-old process of winemaking.
At the conclusion of the harvest activities tour, guests will take a short walk along the vineyards and insectaries’ to beautiful Lake Serendipity, a rarely-seen jewel of the estate.
Nancy Lasseter has enlisted the help of renowned chef, Sondra Bernstein, to design food that pairs perfectly with the 5 Lasseter Family wines. Nancy will talk about each wine and the delectable flavors that guests will experience. After the meal and wine tasting, guests will have approximately 45 minutes for leisure activities by the pond. Guests may participate in a friendly game of sand volleyball, petanque (French bocce ball) or just relax in the tranquil setting. Guests will also have time to browse (and purchase) the Lasseter Family wines for sale and Sondra’s gourmet pantry items.
The excursion is not for the feint of wallet, however. The 21+ only crowd will be shelling out $475 per person for the opportunity. In addition to the tour and meal, each guest will also receive a souvenir bottle of Lasseter Family wine, signed by Nancy and John Lasseter and winemaker Julia Iantosca.
For more information on the excursion, visit its official page.
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: Cruises, DCL, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Wonder, Excursions, John Lasseter, Pixar, San Francisco, Sonoma Valley, Wines
Disney Cruise Line to Offer Pixar Themed Cruises in Fall
A new cast of characters will stroll the decks and visit with guests aboard the Disney Wonder as Mr. Incredible, Remy, Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear and other memorable characters from Pixar Animation Studios’ award-winning films make their shipboard debut during four special Pixar-inspired seven-night California Coastal cruises Sept. 16 through Oct. 14, 2012.
During these voyages, Disney Cruise Line guests will be able to interact with and explore the world of Pixar and their beloved films while the Disney Wonder sails to popular port cities along the coast of California. Special entertainment and offerings designed for both children and adults include:
- Pixar Presentations and Sneak Peeks: Artists and filmmakers from Pixar Animation Studios will provide guests with an inside look at the creative process used in the development of an animated feature or short. Guests will go behind the scenes and explore the making of Pixar’s newest release “Brave” and get a look at footage of future Pixar films.
- The Art of Pixar: Storyboards, character sketches, environment paintings, maquettes and other inspiring concept art used to design Pixar films will be on display in a special art exhibition at sea. This collection of art has only been seen outside of Pixar Animation Studios when it has been displayed at leading art museums around the world. This time the art will truly be a “traveling” exhibition as the Disney Wonder sails up and down the California coast.
- Pixar Film Fest: Guests will be able to enjoy the entire Pixar library of films while onboard, including a selection of delightful animated shorts. Viewing opportunities will take place in the Buena Vista Theatre, Walt Disney Theatre, at the jumbo LED screen on deck or on in-stateroom televisions. The voyages coincide with the theatrical premiere of “Finding Nemo 3D,” which guests can enjoy at either of the two theatres equipped with state-of-the-art Dolby 3D projection systems.
- Pixar Character Encounters: More than a dozen Pixar characters will meet with and greet guests throughout the cruise. There will be a special Pixar-themed dance parties in the Atrium Lobby and a host of other opportunities for guests to reconnect with their favorite Pixar pals.
Guests sailing on the Pixar-themed voyages will also receive a commemorative lithograph created by Pixar artist and “Brave” co-director/screenwriter, Steve Purcell.
The Disney Wonder will sail out of Los Angeles and visit San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico during the four Pixar-themed voyages. Rates for the seven-night voyages start at $799 per person for a deluxe inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.
Categories: Disney Cruise Line, Pixar Tags: DCL
Photo: Disney Cruise Line Arrives in Honolulu, Hawaii for First Time
Today the Disney Wonder called on Honolulu, Hawaii for the first-time, sailing past iconic Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. The Disney Wonder is in the middle of a special 15-night Hawaiian cruise with stops in Hilo, Hawaii; Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai and Ensenada, Mexico. Disney Cruise Line is offering a second 14-night Hawaiian voyage that will depart from the Port Of Los Angeles on October 14, 2012.
Photo courtesy Disney Cruise Line
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: DCL, Disney Wonder, Hawaii, HI
Disney Cruise Line Donates $250K to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
Disney Cruise Line presented a $250,000 donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida in honor of the newest and fourth ship in its fleet, the Disney Fantasy. The donation is earmarked for a new Boys & Girls Club location in Cocoa near Port Canaveral, the homeport for the Disney Fantasy. Last year, Disney hosted a benefit cruise on the sister ship of the Disney Fantasy, the Disney Dream, raising $750,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs. Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line and Captain Tom Forberg were joined by Gary Cain, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, and several Club families who will have the opportunity to sail on the Disney Fantasy later this month.
“Disney Cruise Line has been a long-time supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida,” said Holz. “As our fleet has expanded and our business has grown, it has been our pleasure to help the Clubs grow as well, so they can continue to inspire and empower young people. We are excited that this donation will assist in the development of a new facility close to our homeport, which will allow our crew members to continue supporting the Clubs through Disney VoluntEAR efforts.”
The contribution will help fund programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida that teach children character and leadership, develop life and health skills and expand their creativity and cultural awareness through the arts. Both Disney and Boys & Girls Clubs share the same values in championing the happiness and well-being of children, as well as motivating them to make a lasting, positive change in the world. The relationship between Boys & Girls Clubs and The Walt Disney Company started more than 50 years ago when Walt Disney was made an honorary member of the organization’s national board of directors.
“We are proud to serve children at Clubs in Brevard County where there is a need for comprehensive, dedicated youth development services and where all young people can come to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens,” said Cain. “We are very grateful for this generous contribution from Disney Cruise Line, which will have an immediate impact on our community and encourage the next generation of local leaders. The opportunity to sail on the Disney Fantasy will create magical memories for these children and their families.”
In keeping with maritime tradition, Disney Cruise Line also hosted a plaque and key exchange with members of the port and community leaders commemorating the inaugural call of the Disney Fantasy on Port Canaveral.
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: Charity, Community, DCL, Disney Fantasy, Donation
CONFIRMED: Mariah Carey is Disney Fantasy Godmother
As Disney Cruise Line’s newest member of the fleet, the Disney Fantasy, is moored at Pier 88 in New York City awaiting her christening tomorrow evening, we have received reports that Disney Cruise Line crew members working at the terminal have been advising details on who will be attending tomorrow’s festivities along with the most highly anticipated reveal of all: the ship’s Godmother.
We can now confirm rumors that Mariah Carey will serve as Godmother of the Disney Cruise Line Disney Fantasy. A native of the state of New York, Carey shot to fame in the early 90s with her impressive vocal range and pop hits which included, amongst many other hits, ‘Fantasy,’ which debuted on the #1 spot on the Billboard 100. The album itself also debuted as number one in sales, making her the first female solo artist to accomplish such a feat.
Still recording, Mariah Carey and husband Nick Cannon have recently become proud parents of twins Moriccan and Monroe (aka Roc and ‘Roe) and the new family will no doubt be soon enjoying the ship’s many amenities.
When Carey becomes the latest Godmother in the Disney Cruise family, she will be joining other luminaries such as Patty Disney (Disney Magic), Tinker Bell (Disney Wonder) and Jennifer Hudson (Disney Dream).
In addition to Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon, other New York celebrities are expected to attend the private ceremony including comedian-actor Jerry Seinfeld. According to our information, the ceremony is scheduled to take place between 6 pm and 11 pm.
This information comes to us via @JasonDonohue. Disney Cruise Line had not immediately responded to a request for confirmation but Mariah Carey is scheduled to perform at Gotham Hall in New York City along with P. Diddy as part of the ‘Plot Your Escape’ event which is scheduled to begin at 9 pm ET, so it’s definitely feasible.
UPDATE #1: 2/29/12 – Rebecca Peddie of Disney Cruise Line has responded to our request for comment, stating ‘We are looking forward to revealing our Godmother tomorrow [3/1] night. We have not announced any entertainment plans.’
UPDATE #2: 3/1/12 – At the christening ceremony, Disney Cruise Line has confirmed Mariah Carey will serve as Godmother of the Disney Fantasy
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: DCL, Disney Fantasy, Mariah Carey
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