Somewhere between adulting and responsibilities, we forget to have a little fun and connect with our inner child. Our power of imagination is subdued, and we feel an irrefutable desire to get out of the rut. Providing these adults with an escape is the world of Disney. Disney adults, often driven by nostalgia, have the innate desire to escape into a world where everything is possible. Homeporting at Singapore, the massive cruise (it’s the biggest in their fleet) sets sail for the high seas.
On my maiden journey, not only did I breathe the same air as Godparent Robert Downey Jr at the Christening Ceremony, but aboard I also relived my childhood, quoted songs and dialogues like muscle memory. The magnanimity of the ship is impressive. She is divided into seven core themed zones. The minute you are done exploring the ship, you will find your fave corner. Mine was the Disney Imagination Garden’s topiary and garden stage, where, each night, I sat watching the lit castle — that is three decks tall — abuzz with firefly animation. But there’s Disney Discovery Reef, Toy Story Place, Marvel Landing, Wayfinder Bay, San Fransokyo Street, and Town Square, too.
Onboard entertainment keeps you on your toes. With Disney Seas The Adventure show or the new Walt Disney Theatre’s Remember musical, the Avengers skit or one of the many movies screening at the Baymax Cinemas onboard, there’s never a dull moment. Game rooms, karaoke rooms, and more zones keep the adrenaline soaring.
F&B-wise, the whole ship is sprawling with eateries. Enchanted Summer Restaurant, Navigator’s Club, Hollywood Spotlight Club, Animator’s Palate, Animator’s Table, and Pixar Market Restaurant are the main dining areas where guests can try rotational dining. Or eat freely at any of the quick-service restaurants like Cosmic Kebabs, Stitch’s Ohana Grill, Gramma Tala’s Kitchen, Pizza Planet, and more. There are also some premium dining restaurants where one can reserve a table, but those are chargeable. Booze across is charged to your account.
To make your Disney Adventure more enjoyable, here are some handy hints:
- Follow the carpet: Green carpet is for the front of the ship, blue for the aft area. If the Mickey ears are forward, that means you are walking towards the front of the ship.
- Key to the World: Carry your room key, or as they call it, the Key to the World Card, with you for extra purchases or even some retail therapy. Speaking of which, there is about 17,000 sq ft of retail space spread across the decks.
- Get some Disney charms: Partake in the fun activity that happens at Diamonds & Wishes, where you can collect your Disney charms each day and put them in a bracelet you bag. Disclaimer: You gotta queue up each morning for that.
- Go Pixie Dusting: On all Disney cruises, guests can participate voluntarily in the unofficial tradition of leaving small gifts or notes outside their staterooms. You can take and drop off gifts if you are participating. Some of the pixie dusting happens via Facebook or Instagram groups.
- Health Centre: There’s a dedicated health centre aboard you can pop by in case you are feeling sick or nauseous. Grab the motion sickness tabs, just in case.
- Staying connected: You will have no network, so it is best if you can buy their WiFi plans before the ship sails.
Not just for kids, Disney Adventure aims to be suited for multi-generational vacationing. For some R&R, there are spas, salons and fitness centres. Or kids clubs and nursery where you can leave your toddler under expert care to go exploring. There are even adults-only lounges and bars as well.
To sum up, Disney Adventure, according to me, is: It is that respite one needs when you want to momentarily lose yourself in a comforting world. One where imagination runs free, you meet and greet Disney characters, you eat to your heart’s content, and get thoroughly entertained. It is a world on the sea, and when you are catching glorious sunsets from the top decks, or your stateroom verandah, in that moment, all the noise fades away, and you simply hum your fave Disney tune. In those fleeting moments, life’s good!
Disney Adventure sails from Singapore for 3 nights or 4 nights. More details here.
