{"id":21802,"date":"2012-03-27T15:09:30","date_gmt":"2012-03-27T20:09:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=21802"},"modified":"2018-03-06T14:28:34","modified_gmt":"2018-03-06T20:28:34","slug":"first-dibs-an-exclusive-sail-aboard-the-disney-fantasy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2012\/03\/first-dibs-an-exclusive-sail-aboard-the-disney-fantasy\/","title":{"rendered":"First dibs: An exclusive sail aboard the Disney Fantasy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Doodle & dine: Sketches dance on screens at Animator’s Palate on the Disney Fantasy. Credit: Matt Stroshane.<\/p><\/div>\n

By Tim Enstice<\/em><\/p>\n

In advance of its first official cruise on March 31, yesterday the brand new Disney Fantasy<\/a> embarked on an exclusive preview cruise to showcase all of the new features and amenities that families will experience throughout their vacation.\u00a0 From the AquaLab to the Disney Wishes stage show to the Bibbidi Boppidi Boutique, among many other additions, the Disney Fantasy is an entirely new vacation experience that builds upon the success of its sister ship, the Disney Dream<\/a>. <\/p>\n

This morning, just after the Fantasy pulled into harbor at Castaway Cay — a private island in the Bahamas for the exclusive enjoyment of Disney cruise guests — Orbitz was fortunate to attend a fascinating panel discussion with the ship\u2019s creative team.\u00a0 Karl Holtz, president of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations, led the conversation by touching on all topics from concept to completion of this spectacular vessel.\u00a0 Perhaps the most important element of all is the wonderful service provided by nearly1,500 crewmembers.<\/p>\n

Mr. Holtz was joined by Bruce Vaughn, chief creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, who explained the ship\u2019s \u201cbalance between elegance and whimsy\u201d to combine beautiful design elements with playful technology and interactive experiences.\u00a0 Joe Lanzisero, senior vice president at Walt Disney Imagineering, added that the technical wizardry of the Animation Magic show at Animator\u2019s Palate is a singular experience that allows families to create animation — and see their art in motion — like never before.<\/p>\n

Also participating on the panel was Kevin Eld, vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering creative entertainment, who shared a number of stunning details about the live shows happening nightly in the Walt Disney Theatre, a 1,340-seat \u201centertainment palace that spans three decks with orchestra and balcony seating.\u201d<\/p>\n

For example, each cast member performs in all five musicals, including \u201cDisney Wishes,\u201d \u201cDisney\u2019s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular,\u201d \u201cDisney\u2019s Believe,\u201d the \u201cFantasy Come True\u201d welcome show and the \u201cUnforgettable Journey\u201d farewell show.\u00a0 That means each cast member has to memorize the scripts, songs and choreography for five different shows!\u00a0 No surprise considering that many Disney performers have gone on to perform in major Broadway productions.<\/p>\n

More updates to come from this exclusive preview sailing of the Disney Fantasy, so please visit the Orbitz Blog frequently through this week\u2026<\/p>\n

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