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as seen in Magically Speaking newsletter
DCL Removes Age Groups for Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab
DCL recently sent letters to upcoming cruisers announcing a new policy for the children's programming. Beginning mid-December on the Wonder and January on the Magic, Disney Cruise Line has removed the age restrictions for children in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab. Children will be able to choose which activities they would like to participate in, regardless of age. Activities will be listed in the Personal Navigator with suggested ages.
Villains Show Comes to DCL
With the announcement that the Toy Story musical will be moving from Disney Cruise Line to Disney's California Adventure, the villains will be taking its place. "Villains Tonight!" will premiere on the Magic beginning March 27, and then later on sailings of the Dream. This family-friendly show begins with Hades losing his evil. He will have to look for some inspiration in Disney's cast of villain characters. For a video introducing the show, visit: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2009/12/announcement-disney-villains-set-sail-with-disney-cruise-line/.
Beds on the Dream May Be Less than Dreamy
We are finding that Disney has chosen to put queen-size beds in the Dream, rather than the usual cruise bedding, which is two twin beds that can be pushed together. The problem arises when the room is shared by friends or others who are willing to share a cabin, but perhaps not a bed. Disney's web site does not show the bedding in each cabin, so even if a stateroom sleeps three people, it might just have two beds. Since the Dream is under construction, we can only hope that they see the problems associated with this situation.
Mickey at the Stern
DCL has announced the character featured on the stern of the new Disney Dream ship. It will be none other than Sorcerer Mickey!
Disney Dream Press Event Announcements
The Disney Dream will join Disney's Fleet in 2011 and the Disney Fantasy launches in 2012. Chairman of WDW Parks and Resorts, Jay Rasulo, gave the press a peek at what is in store on the Disney Dream that sets sail on January 26, 2011 from Port Canaveral. The maiden voyage for the Disney Dream will be for four nights with three-, four- and five-night itineraries set for 2011. The general public can begin booking the Disney Dream on November 9, 2009. Early booking for Gold and Platinum Castaway Club members begins on Monday, November 2, 2009. The new Disney Dream will feature:
- a high speed watercoaster called The AquaDuck, in which riders zip through a see-through tube that curves out over the side of the ship, giving riders a view of the ocean 150 feet below!
- two new restaurants — The Royal Palace, a tribute to the Disney princess stories and The Enchanted Garden which transforms from day to night during guests' meals.
- A re-imagination of Animators Palette.
- A new adults only bar, the Dream's Skyline Bar, with virtual views of the world's most famous cities.
- Virtual Portholes in the ship's interior cabins with "views" of the ocean using digital technology.
DCL is Alaska-Bound
At the D23 Expo, Disney Cruise Line announced its new itineraries for 2011. The Disney Wonder will be moving to the West Coast and will be offering a 4-month rotation of 7-night cruises to Alaska beginning May 3, 2011. Cruises will depart out of Vancouver, B.C., and calling on ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. The other seven months of the year, the Wonder will be traveling to the Mexican Riviera for seven night cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.
The Disney Magic will also be moving in 2011 with 10- and 11-night cruises sailing out of Barcelona. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, the Disney Magic will visit Tunis in northern Africa and the island nation of Malta.
Guests will be able to book these cruises, along with repositioning cruises through the Panama Canal beginning on September 28 (Septemer 21 for Gold and Platinum Castaway Club members). If you're interested in sailing these itineraries, be sure to put in your request early with The Magic For Less Travel.
Disney Announces Tiered Castaway Club
Disney Cruise Line has announced some changed to their frequent sailing program Castaway Club. Benefits will now be tiered, much as they are with other cruise lines.
Silver Castaway for Guests who've completed 1–4 sailings
Gold Castaway for Guests who've completed 5–9 sailings
Platinum Castaway for Guests who've completed 10 or more sailings
Members will enjoy stateroom gifts based on their level of membership. Palo, spa services, and youth activities can be booked earlier than the standard 75-day window. Silver Castaway members can pre-book 90 days before sailing, Gold Castaway members at 105 days, and Platinum Castaway members at 120 days before sailing.
Gold and Platinum members will receive earlier access to book new itineraries, and receive invitations to a new, exclusive reception with the ship's senior officers on 4-night and longer cruises. Platinum members will be eligible for new onboard activities.
Castaway Cay Updates
The two new ships coming for Disney mean lots more visitors to Castaway Cay. As a result of the increased number of guests, Disney has announced updates to the private island. The expansion is set to be completed by summer 2010, and will include expanding the family beach by 700 feet, more water-based recreation, more convenient eating options and 20 private cabanas — from which guests literally can flag down a bartender. In order to avoid crowding at the first beach everyone sees, there will be another tram stop farther down island. Amenities in the new location will include a new eatery (Cookies Too), bar, bathrooms, and shops. For more on this story, click here.
Dine and Play
Disney Cruise Line has rolled out a new program on the Magic and Wonder. Second seating dining guests have the option of participating in Play and Dine. This program is open to children 3–12 years old. When you arrive at any one of the main dining rooms (Animator's Palate, Lumiere's, Triton's, or Parrot Cay), just let your server know you would like to participate. The dining room staff brings your child's meal first, and the adults receive their meal at a more leisurely pace. After about 45 minutes, a Youth Activities Counselor will arrive and bring your child to the Oceaneer Club or Oceaneer Lab. This allows for the adults to each at a more relaxed pace while spending some time at meals with their children.
Cruising with a Baby Gets Easier
Beginning March 15, 2009, Disney Cruise Line guests traveling with an infant will have access to a special service. Offered through Babies Travel Lite, guests will be able to order baby supplies online and have them delivered directly to their stateroom. Available items include diapers, formula, baby food, and travel-related baby items. Guests will also have access to Diaper Genie units, bottle warmers, bottle sterilizers, and strollers. Visit http://www.disneycruise.com for details and to place an order.
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