Magical Broadway Style Stage Productions

Cast of Disney‘s Aladdin on Disney Fantasy

On our recent Disney Fantasy 7-night Western Caribbean cruise, we had the delight to enjoy an array of comedy, variety shows, and Broadway-style stage performances held nightly in the  Walt Disney Theatre.  Three of these evenings were the stage performances of Disney’s Aladdin, Wishes, and Believe.

Disney’s Aladdin was the first show that we attended.  We enjoyed this show so much we saw both the matinee and evening performances.

Aladdin was a stage presentation of the classic Disney animation movie Aladdin.  We enjoyed the talents of all the characters, Aladdin, Jasmine, the Genie, Jafar, and the Magic Carpet.  The costumes, staging, and backdrops were stunning.

The Jungle Book Scene from Disney Wishes

It was our favorite of the three performances.  In my opinion, the comical scenes between the Genie and the Aladdin were hilarious to watch.  The Magic Carpet, in all his acrobatic glory, stole the show.  These stage productions are always one of our highlights of a Disney Cruise.

The other two stage shows, Disney Wishes and Believe, were montages of many different scenes of classic Disney animation movies, including Mary Poppins, the Lion King, The Jungle Book, Lilo and Stitch, Cinderella, and others.

We also enjoyed the scene from Tangled, I Have A Dream, included in the show Wishes, another of my favorites.  (See link below)

Genie with the Father in Disney’s Believe

We highly recommend a Disney Cruise for these production shows, included in each amazing cruise experience.

The ending of the show Believe tugged at our heart  strings.  The main character, an average Dad, realized he believed in magic.  He was not too old.  He could share this joy with his daughter.

My favorite character, Mickey Mouse, arrived onstage, to thunderous applause.  Pure Disney Magic.

We all realized that, “All it takes is faith and trust, and a little bit of pixie dust,” and you too can Believe.

(Tangled- I Have A Dream)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJU2XShNGGs

 

Who Can Forget the Aqua Blue Waters of Cozumel?

Satellite Falls

The view of the sea was breathtaking as we relaxed in Satellite Falls.  Satellite Falls is an adult-only area onboard the Disney Fantasy.  It’s up on Deck 13 front, and it’s only accessible from two elevators.  Because of this, the location is very remote, leading to a very calm and peaceful escape.  Satellite Falls has many beach chairs under an awning for sun protection.  However, the dominant feature of Satellite Falls is a small “pool” with water coming down.  You can sit on the blue bench with your feet handing down or in the water.  Satellite Falls is a very pleasant place to enjoy a warm Caribbean day.  We found we went up there often to escape the hustle and bustle of the cruise ship.

On the day that we were in Cozumel, we watched as the ship came into the Cozumel harbor up at Satellite Falls.  We watched the Mexican city come into view as we sailed across the sea.  Cozumel’s picturesque blue waters were beautiful and inviting as we enjoyed the breeze from the ocean.

On our way in, we saw numerous parasails being pulled by speed boats.  I can only imagine the fun those riders had as they sailed slowly up in the warm air above the gorgeous blue waters.

Cozumel

As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but beautiful aqua blue seas.  We also saw the numerous buildings of Cozumel, as well as people shopping for souvenirs.

After a pleasant time in Satellite Falls enjoying the view, we wandered over to Cozumel to do some gift shopping.  My husband needed the perfect ball cap to remind him of the dreamlike waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

While shopping in Cozumel, it was surprising how much merchandise there was to shop through.  Not only did we find two very colorful handbags to cherish forever, but my husband also found his perfect ball cap.  He tried it on and it fit perfectly.  His grin was memorable.  He treasures his souvenir ball caps.  He wears a different travel ball cap each time he goes out.

After a splendid time of shopping for the perfect souvenirs, with my husband proudly wearing his new ball cap, we slowly walked back to the ship.

Cozumel Ball Cap

We had a quick meal, then it was back to Satellite Falls to soak in more of the beautiful, tranquil view of Cozumel before we departed.  We watched as the Disney Fantasy pulled out of the harbor and went onto the next Caribbean port.

Every time I see my husband wearing his aqua blue ball cap with a sea horse and Cozumel embroidered on the front, I am reminded of the aqua blue waters of Cozumel, the wonderful shopping experience at the Mexican city, and the relaxing time at Satellite Falls.  We will never forget the day or the view.  The memory will last a lifetime.

Superb Dinner on the High Seas- Disney Fantasy’s Remy

Gustav Room Remy

Another one of our highlights of our recent Disney Cruise was our phenomenal dinner that my husband and I had at Remy.

Remy is a very upscale dining experience for “adults only” with an elegant atmosphere, superb service, and exquisite menu created by two world-renowned chefs. The restaurant was named after the main character in the Disney movie Ratatouille.

There is a steep surcharge to dine at this restaurant, $75.00 per person. Yet, the service we received and our unique dining experience was so memorable it was worth the price.  We had a wonderful time.

On the evening we arrived, we were seated in the Gustav room, a small chandeliered room with only 6-8 dining tables. On one wall was floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ocean, on the other were large pictures of Paris at night, and a large picture of the kitchen from the film Ratatouille.

Once seated, our server showed us the menu, and explained that we could either chose the Saveur or Gout tasting menus, or pick AlaCart offerings. He suggested that each of us order a different tasting menu and share.  In this way we were able to try about 80% of the menu.

I ordered the Saveur menu created by French Chef Arnaud Laillement, from a Michelin 2 star restaurant outside of Reims, France.

My husband chose the Gout menu, by American Chef Scott Hunnel, an award-winning chef from WDW’s Victoria and Alberts.

After our menu choices, the sommelier stopped by our table for our wine choices for the night.  She explained that there were wine pairings that could be added to our menu, five glasses of wine to complement each of the different courses.  This was an additional charge.  We were tempted, but realized that would be way too much wine for us.  Therefore, she suggested a nice dry white wine that would go with each of the menus.  We were satisfied with this choice. Let the feast begin…

Collette Cocktail- Remy

Our server at table side first rolled up a cart to create the complimentary Collette cocktail, a delightful mixture of fruits, pear vodka, and Tattinger champagne.

We received this cocktail at the same time our bread server brought us a basket of special breads. My husband’s choice was the French Country Grain bread, and I had the Baguette. In addition to these, we received, to top them with, a pot of unsalted butter and some sea salt.

We next received the first surprise of the night, the Amuse Bouche. Amuse Bouche literally means amuse the mouth. It is a little bite to wake up the taste buds, and get the appetite going.

Our “Amuse Bouche” was a tiny bite of deep fried tomato soup that exploded in your mouth as you ate it. I know this sounds strange, but it was delicious.

Ratouille with Olive Oil Ice Cream

Soon following this, we were given the restaurant’s signature Ratatouille with Olive Oil ice cream.  This was also very good.  The portions were very tiny, but with 5 courses, we had to save room to experience it all.

For the next two hours, we sampled and shared items from both the Saveur and Gout menus.

For our first course on the Saveur menu, I received the Tomate En Declinaison, tomato tart and essence of tomato drink.  My husband had the Maine Lobster with Herb Aoili from the Gout menu. I liked his item better.

For our second course we both received fish.  I had the Saumon (salmon), my husband had Loup De Mer (kind of mild white fish) with Yellow tomatoes and grapes.  Both of these fish selections were very good.

For our third course I received Bar Chilean, another fish course, that came with some weird foam and broth.  This item I really did not like.  My husband had the Poulet Rouge Oscar (chicken) with Asparagus, much better choice.

For our fourth course, I had the Boeuf De Wagyu and my husband’s Gout menu came with the Kurobuto Pork.  We both loved the Wagyu Beef the best.  Very delicious, Australian Beef served rare.

After our entrees and before dessert we were served the International Cheese course.  This was served tableside, as we made our selections, presented in a rolling cheese trolley.  We sampled most of the cheeses offered; hard, soft, and blue.  This course came with figs, toasts, apricots, and honey.  The French Goat cheese with the honeycomb was luscious.  This combination was oh so, yummy.

Remy Cheese Cart

Our dessert course came next, and we each had something chocolate.  The Saveur menu came with the a luscious Chocolate Praline, and my husband’s Gout menu came with a Chocolate Morelle Cherry item.  Both were delicious.  Although my favorite was the Chocolate Praline.

After this and as we watched the setting sun over the ocean we realized we had been there 3 hours.  The Chef came by our table and spoke with us a bit.  We thanked him for such a wonderful meal.

Lastly, our server came by with a final surprise, samples of several handmade chocolates and other confections; candies, truffles, lollipops and marshmallows for us to take back to our stateroom with us. Also, a long stem rose for me.  My daughter enjoyed the sample of candies we returned to our room with.

The Disney Fantasy’s Remy was a remarkable, very memorable dining experience.  Truly, the best dining experience we have ever had on the high seas.

Punta Lagosta Mall, Cozumel Mexico

Punta Lagosta Mall, Cozumel Mexico

On our recent Western Caribbean cruise, one of our port stops was Cozumel, Mexico. At this particular port we did not have a shore excursion planned, we just decided to get off the ship and wander.

The Disney Fantasy had docked at the Punta Lagosta pier, the main pier to the downtown area of Cozumel. This was a very convenient area with both Senor Frogs and the Punta Lagosta Mall nearby, both heavily supported tourist stops.

Mexican Frog

We entered the well-maintained, freshly painted mall, with the goal of finding that perfect souvenir for our home. We had previously purchased an Aztec calendar wall hanging while in Ensenada, Mexico. Our goal was to find something with the Mayan Calendar on it.

We found numerous fully stocked and staffed souvenir shops in which to browse. The prices for the most part we very affordable. Depending on what type of item a person was searching for, one of the many shops could oblige. There were shops full of ceramic suns, lizards, and fish. Some were full of handbags, jewelry, hats, and T-shirts.

Mexican Art

Some shops were surprisingly full of Marvel Comic book characters. These shops seemed a little out of place, but the items were fun to look at anyway.

The shop owners were very friendly and welcoming. Some got a little pushy, trying to get your attention to look at the wares that they were trying to sell.

Senor Frogs, Cozumel

Once our shopping was complete, we took a few pictures, stopping in for a quick beverage at Senor Frogs, before venturing back to the boat.

Overall, we found the Punta Lagosta Mall a delightful, friendly, well-maintained, easy walk through. It also seemed comfortably cool as we sauntered. The prices in general were very affordable.

A Fantastical Voyage on the Disney Fantasy

Well, we recently returned home from our 7-Day Western Caribbean cruise on the Disney Fantasy to the fascinating ports of Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, Mexico. We had a wonderful stay with so many highlights to write about.

Satellite Falls, Disney Fantasy

We found the Disney Fantasy to be a breathtakingly beautiful ship, with hidden wonders all around. The service was impeccable, our food and dining experiences were delicious, and the entertainment was pure Disney “Magic.” In all, we had a wonderful time.

When we sailed our ship was filled to capacity. Although, it did seem crowded up on the open decks, and at Flo’s, the quick service eating areas onboard, we found some special ways to escape for some adult only onboard experiences.

We have many memorable highlights to share of our week aboard the Fantasy.

My daughter and I both had spa treatments at the luxurious Senses Spa, and enjoyed immensely  spending time in the Rainforest room.

Senses Spa

Our evening dining was exceptional with reservations at the Italian inspired Palo, and elegant French dining with our 3-hour meal at Remy.

Remy

We enjoyed all the Disney Broadway style musical production shows of Aladdin, Wishes, and Believe. Our family’s favorite was Aladdin.

We attended many of the movie showings in the Buena Vista theatre.

There were about six movies showing on a random schedule, including Iron Man 3 and Oz the Great and Powerful. I particularly liked this one.

Aqua Duck

Finally, on our last day we rode the Aqua Duck. This was the first time during our sailing that the waits to ride were less than ½ an hour. It was a very entertaining ride, sailing high over the ocean, in our rubber rafts.

There is so much to tell and I will write several articles on our various highlights.

In conclusion, this long awaited trip was wonderful, the weather was beautiful, and we had a fantastic time.

We smiled as we left the ship, walking by the cast members waving us off the ship, saying “See Ya Real Soon.” I am sure that they will.