In February 2007, Disney Cruise Line announced that it had commissioned two new ships for its fleet with Meyer Werft shipyards in Papenburg, Germany. The first steel-cut, for scrollwork on the ship's hull, took place in March 2009. Later that month, the two ships were named, with the Disney Fantasy set to enter service on March 31, 2012, a little over a year after its sister vessel, the Disney Dream. The ship's keel was laid on February 11, 2011. Disney Cruise Line president, Karl Holz, along with Minnie Mouse, officially placed a magic coin beneath the ship's hull. The coin is identical to that which was placed beneath the Disney Dream, however, featured the hull number S688, and the date of the keel laying. On September 13, 2011 it was announced that the stern character on Disney Fantasy would be Dumbo, the Flying Elephant. On December 9, 2011, Meyer Werft found several water lines open on the cruise ship. 48 cabins were damaged at a cost of approximately €1 million. Disney Fantasy was floated out of the building dock on January 10, 2012, at Meyer Werft. Disney Fantasy was delivered to Disney Cruise Line on February 9, 2012, in Bremerhaven, Germany. Disney Fantasy arrived in the United States for the first time, calling on New York, on February 28, 2012. The ship was formally named on March 1, 2012, in New York City. The godmother of the ship is Mariah Carey. A ceremony was held on the ship featuring performances in the Walt Disney Theatre. Neil Patrick Harris hosted and comedian Jerry Seinfeld performed during the show.
Facilities
Disney Fantasy, structurally, is almost identical to Disney Dream, with gross tonnage of 130,000, a length of and a width of. Disney Fantasy has 1,250 passenger cabins. Her facilities include a water coaster. Disney Fantasy is based at Disney Cruise Line's terminal at Port Canaveral, Florida. and cruises to the Caribbean including visits to Disney's private island Castaway Cay. Disney Fantasy can play songs from Disney movies and parks using its horns, specifically: "When You Wish Upon a Star " Pinocchio, "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" Cinderella, "Be Our Guest" Beauty and the Beast, "Yo Ho " Pirates of the Caribbean, "Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee " Pinocchio "Do you want to build a Snowman?" Frozen and "It's a Small World"It's a Small World. In addition to these music horns, during the "Star Wars Day At Sea" the ship can sound other horns, including: "Imperial March " and a segment of the "Star Wars Main Title Theme", and when in New York City, can play the beginning of "New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra. In total, the Disney Fantasy can play 11 horns.
