Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Since joining the fleet in 2012, the Disney Fantasy has become a staple of the Disney Cruise Line experience—equal parts floating resort and character-filled escape. The ship has long been praised for its attention to detail, family-forward programming, and signature attractions like the AquaDuck water coaster. But after more than a decade at sea, Disney is finally pulling back the curtain on what’s next for the 130,000-ton vessel.
Credit: Disney
The Fantasy’s refresh arrives at a pivotal moment for the brand. The fleet, which began with the Disney Magic in 1998, now includes six ships, with more on the way. One of those, the upcoming Disney Destiny, is already turning heads with its Marvel-focused theming and next-gen dining. So for the Fantasy, upgrades aren’t just cosmetic—they’re about keeping pace in a rapidly evolving portfolio.
Announced via Disney Cruise Line’s official Instagram, the ship will undergo “fantastic upgrades” set to debut in fall 2025. And while the cruise line hasn’t offered many specifics on timing, the changes are widely expected to align with the ship’s revised dry dock schedule, which has already led to the cancellation of several sailings between October 20 and November 12.
Sorcerer Mickey Suite and Other Onboard Upgrades
Among the biggest changes is the addition of a new funnel suite themed after Fantasia’s Sorcerer Mickey. Concept art teases a lavish, multi-room accommodation nestled inside one of the ship’s signature red funnels. A statue of Mickey in his sorcerer’s robe will reportedly serve as a centerpiece within the suite, which looks to be one of the most immersive offerings across Disney’s cruise portfolio.
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Another headline addition is Ramone’s Cantina, a poolside quick-service venue inspired by the Cars character. The eatery will serve tacos and bowls, and mirrors a similar space already operating aboard the Disney Dream as part of Flo’s Café. While not flashy, the update reinforces Disney’s trend of cross-pollinating its ships with successful concepts from sister vessels.
Senses Spa will also receive a visual and functional refresh. Preview images show updated lounge areas featuring moss-covered accent walls, textured flooring, and plush, minimalist seating. Though Disney has yet to reveal the full scope of renovations, the new look suggests a lean into natural design and upgraded wellness offerings—something guests have been increasingly seeking on longer sailings.
A New Concierge Lounge, Tweens Club, and Another Ship on the Way
Elsewhere on board, the ship’s concierge lounge will be reimagined with a Hercules-inspired design. The new space will reportedly match the mythological motif first introduced on the Disney Dream and offer a more luxurious atmosphere for guests in premium staterooms. Meanwhile, Edge—the ship’s tween club—will relocate to Deck 5 and get an interior refresh, promising “new, fun features” aimed at boosting interactivity.
Credit: Disney
The overhaul arrives at a time when the Fantasy has faced growing complaints from guests, many centered around declining food quality and cleanliness. Reports of cold meals, delayed service, and unsanitary conditions—“witnessed someone throwing up multiple times… some sat and weren’t cleaned,” wrote one guest—have marred its once-sterling reputation. These new updates could signal a course correction.
And the Fantasy won’t be sailing into the future alone. On November 20, 2025, Disney Destiny will join the fleet, bringing with it a full slate of MCU-themed spaces including a Guardians of the Galaxy dinner show and a Black Panther–themed lobby. Between that ship’s high-tech offerings and the Fantasy’s reinvention, Disney Cruise Line is making it clear: it’s ready for the next chapter.
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