On with the Show: Disney Fantasy Offers World-Class Entertainment

[Disney4me]

CELEBRATION, Fla. — Disney Cruise Line developed entertainment designed to charm and dazzle the entire family. On the Disney Fantasy, guests delight in the most elaborate original Broadway-style musicals presented at sea, over-the-top deck parties and, bursting above it all, a nighttime fireworks spectacular.

Broadway-style Stage Shows at the Walt Disney Theatre

Every night is show time at Walt Disney Theatre, an elegant 1,340-seat entertainment palace that spans three decks with orchestra and balcony seating and is resplendent with art deco styling recalling luxurious show places of a bygone era. At the same time, it is equipped with theatrical technology that makes it one of the most advanced venues on land or sea, bringing original productions and Disney stories to life in a whole new way.

“Frozen, A Musical Spectacular”

For the “first time in forever,” the beloved animated hit “Frozen” got the Disney Cruise Line theatrical treatment as a stage show. On the Disney Fantasy, the story is presented like never before with an innovative combination of traditional theatrical techniques, modern technology and classic Disney whimsy.

“Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” follows the captivating adventure of royal sisters Anna and Elsa as they embark on a journey to discover the meaning of sisterhood, inner strength and true love. Fans of the film and newcomers alike will be enchanted by favorite characters brought to life onstage along with beautiful renditions of the movie’s iconic music.

The show features dynamic costumes and sets, remarkable special effects and spectacular production numbers that delight Disney Cruise Line guests in new and surprising ways. The creative disciplines blend to create a seamless environment – blurring the lines between costume and scenic, set piece and video, puppet and puppeteer – and expand upon the most imaginative elements of the film.

The production is led by Tony Award-nominated director Sheryl Kaller (“Next Fall,” “Mothers and Sons”). Tony Award-winning costume designer Paloma Young (“Peter and the Starcatcher”), choreographer Josh Prince (“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”), scenic designer Jason Sherwood (“Paint Your Wagon”), and writer Sara Wordsworth (“In Transit”) are among the talented individuals that joined the creative team.

“Frozen, a Musical Spectacular” features music direction by Marco Paguia, projection design by Aaron Rhyne and lighting design by Rui Rita.

Dynamic puppetry by Michael Curry, whose designs are featured in Disney’s Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “The Lion King,” bring exciting physicality to characters like Sven and Olaf.

The production features the popular music and lyrics by the creators of the “Frozen” film score, Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit,” “Up Here”) and Robert Lopez (“Avenue Q,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Up Here”), and is adapted from the screenplay by four-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (“Gotta Dance,” “Aladdin,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Elf”).

During a stand-out moment, the emblematic ballad “Let it Go” is transformed into a full-fledged stage spectacle. Complete with real-life magic – transformative scenery, snow flurries and state-of-the-art video technology – this show stopping number brings Elsa’s enchanted icy blasts to reality like never before.

“Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular”

“Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” takes the stage on the Disney Fantasy. During this Broadway-style production, guests laugh along with the wise-cracking Genie and the characters from the classic animated Disney film “Aladdin.”

In this fast-paced musical comedy, Aladdin is back as the “street rat” of Agrabah meeting a Genie who grants him three wishes, battling the evil Jafar and falling in love with Princess Jasmine.

Classic scenes and songs from the movie are re-created on stage – and some of the action even spills out into the aisles, like Prince Ali’s jubilant arrival in Agrabah on the back of a stallion. Magic lamps, wise-cracking genies, princesses and evil wizards are all part of this musical production.

Of course, an Aladdin production would not be complete without a magic carpet scene. In this spectacular scene, mechanical wizardry and state-of-the-art projections combine to send Jasmine and Aladdin soaring as they perform a heartfelt duet of “Whole New World.”

Many of the songs from the movie are featured in the 45-minute musical production, including “Friend Like Me,” which is performed as a lively, Las Vegas-style production number featuring special effects, illusions and more than a dozen dancing genies. Composer Alan Menken, who created the original soundtrack with songwriters Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, composed an original song for the stage production entitled “To Be Free.”

“Disney’s Believe”

“Disney’s Believe” is a stage spectacular that combines a heartfelt story with a captivating musical score. The lavish production tells the story of a workaholic father who, through the power of Disney magic, reconnects with his daughter and learns a valuable lesson about what is important in life.

“Disney’s Believe” takes guests to the garden of Dr. Cornelius Greenaway, a brilliant botanist obsessed with cultivating his precious plants. Dr. Greenaway is so preoccupied with his garden that he overlooks the birthday of his daughter, Sophia. Saddened, Sophia makes a special birthday wish and the impossible happens: Genie from Disney’s “Aladdin” appears to make her wish come true.

Joined by a host of characters, Genie takes Dr. Greenaway on an enchanting journey into the world of Disney stories. Through spirited production numbers, Dr. Greenaway learns that magic is real and is embodied in his beloved daughter.

More than 20 of Disney’s most beloved characters take the stage during “Disney’s Believe,” including Cinderella, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, Belle (“Beauty and The Beast”), Rafiki (“The Lion King”) and Princess Tiana (“The Princess and the Frog”).

Party on Deck

In addition to nightly stage productions, Disney Cruise Line brings the upper decks of the Disney Fantasy to life with incredible live entertainment.

The fun begins with “Sailing Away Deck Party,” a ‘welcome aboard’ show starring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the Disney gang. The show is a celebration of the fun aboard a Disney cruise.

During a special night of each cruise, the Disney Fantasy transforms into a pirate ship with a night of events brimming with buccaneer fun and a fireworks spectacular.

Families can venture to the pool deck to dance off dinner with their favorite Disney characters and enjoy an entertaining pirate show, as well as interactive games with some special surprises.

Spectacular Fireworks at Sea

Disney Cruise Line ups the entertainment ante and lights up the sky with a fireworks extravaganza like only Disney can do.

As part of the pirate night celebration, the skies above the Disney Fantasy explode with brilliant colors during “Buccaneer Blast,” a pyrotechnic spectacular choreographed to a dramatic score featuring songs from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies.

Family Entertainment Venues

Disney Cruise Line combines innovative design and technology to create the family entertainment venues on board the Disney Fantasy. These imaginative environments surround guests in storytelling in unique ways, putting them front and center as they play a part in the magic.

D Lounge

Imagine a “family room” where everyone gathers for “game night.” That’s the spirit of D Lounge, a bright, informal place with mod-inspired modular furniture that’s cushy and comfortable, made for kicking back.

However, there are differences from the typical “family room.” For starters, this one is designed to accommodate about 350 fun-seeking guests at a time. In addition, the fun and games aren’t limited to the evening hours. Throughout the day, D Lounge hosts activities for specific ages and interests as well as whole families.

Buena Vista Theatre

Aboard the Disney Fantasy, the 399-seat Buena Vista Theatre is the place where guests can sit back and enjoy first-run motion pictures, including films in Disney Digital 3-D. With so many new and classic Disney movies to choose from, a family movie night is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent.

View the full article