AquaDuck and More Aboard the New Disney Fantasy

How many different ways can you get wet? Disney has imagineered some of the most original and fun water park features ever for their newest cruise ship, the Disney Fantasy.

Setting sail on Disney Fantasy’s Inaugural Cruise with Traveling Moms.com in March, marked my first Disney cruise, and only my second cruise ever. There is so much to do and explore on this 14 deck, 1,115 stem to stern ship, that I’m not quite sure I saw it all. But what I couldn’t avoid, were all the great pools, slides and spray grounds on the top decks and tucked away in adult-only areas. I could literally have packed just swimsuits for daywear and have been happy, even if we weren’t also headed to more water fun at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. But, glad I packed my sundresses anyway for the spectacular evening entertainment, dining and nightlife. And don’t forget Pirate Night, which requires a special outfit all in itself.

Want to see all the ways Disney has come up with to get wet? Let’s start with the AquaDuck, now the second water coaster at sea with the Disney Dream boasting the first one.

While the idea of a water coaster that dips out over the ocean may sound scary, the AquaDuck is really more like a lazy river in a tube, making it age appropriate for everyone.

Ready to take a ride with me on the AquaDuck? A camera on the front of my raft captures the entire ride. Unfortunately, I wasn’t told how the audio would work, or how loudly I needed to speak. The part you may not be able to hear is me pointing out Castaway Cay as we pass by.

Mickey’s Slide is reserved just for kids, which I was sad to discover, because I really wanted to ride it. Look at it. Wouldn’t you?

It sits beside Mickey’s Pool, a two-feet deep, freshwater pool for the little ones and their parents.

Doesn’t this look like fun?! And, oh yes, there are Disney movies and live events playing all day on the giant Funnel Vision LED screen above Donald’s pool, a five-foot-deep family pool at the forward end of the ship. Rockin’ music sets the mood in this most lively area on the upper decks.

Directly behind Mickey’s Pool, is Nemo’s Reef. Younger kids can play in the fountains, pop jets and bubblers in this whimsical water play area inspired by Disney•Pixar’s Finding Nemo. 

Only the Disney Fantasy has the AquaLab, created by Donald Duck’s nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie.

In the AquaLab, kids can play with a variety of water “experiments” in the form of moving wheels and levers to find the best way to drench the whole family!

Or, parents can escape to the nearby Wading Pool with a soothing fountain feature and shaded lounge chairs while the kids splash each other in the AquaLab.

The nice thing about Disney cruise ships, is that Disney knows the ideal family vacation is one where the adults can have time to themselves too. That’s why the Disney Fantasy has two adults only pool areas.

At the aft end of the ship is the Quiet Cove Pool reserved for adults 18 and older. This varying depth pool features a swim-up bar, the Cove Bar, and adjacent hot tub. Besides drinks, you can also order poolside massages from the experienced massage therapists at the Senses Spa & Salon just inside.

Retreat for a bite to eat or a drink at the Cove Cafe on the other side of the large porthole windows. You’ll also find hot tubs at the port and starboard sides of this adults only area that look out over the ocean and have see-through glass bottoms overlooking the deck below, just for fun.

And far, far away from the noise and bustle of the family pool area, at the very forward end of the ship, adults can enjoy some much needed peace and tranquility at Satellite Falls on the Satellite Sun Deck.

Hot tubs abound on the Disney Fantasy. In addition to the private hot tubs on the decks of some of the private suites, you can also rent an intimate room for a couples massage and then soak in your own private hot tub at the Senses Spa & Salon.

I can’t emphasize enough what a first-class experience it was to sail on the Disney Fantasy. Just imagine the level of service, joyful atmosphere and excitement of a carefree vacation at a Disney Park and transplant that onto a ship that also offers separate experiences for the kids and takes you to exciting ports of call, and you have the Disney Cruise experience. I can’t wait to share it with my family on our next Disney vacation.

Disclosure: Disney Cruise Line hosted me on the Inaugural Preview Cruise of the Disney Fantasy for the purposes of writing this review. No other compensation was provided. All opinions expressed are my own and without influence by Disney Cruise Line.