Disney Fantasy cruise ship arrives in Port Canaveral, Florida to prepare for maiden voyage on March 31

in Disney, Entertainment, Events

Disney Fantasy

Credit: Disney

Following its New York christening a few days ago, the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Fantasy, sailed into to its homeport in Port Canaveral, Fla. early this morning, marking the occasion with fireworks bursts over the ocean waters, with characters and fans cheering its arrival. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, and Donald Duck all donned their best sailing attire to watch as the Fantasy approached.

Video: Disney Fantasy arrives at Port Canaveral with fireworks

The Disney Fantasy’s maiden voyage will set sail on March 31, the embarking on seven-night sailings, alternating between Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, with a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s own private island in The Bahamas. Prior to that, the Fantasy will sail a series of Inaugural preview cruises.

With a guest capacity of up to 4,000, the Disney Fantasy is the second of two new, and significantly larger, ships that are being added to the Disney fleet, also including the Disney Dream, which arrived in early 2011.

Now in Florida, the Disney Fantasy is expected to generate more than 500 jobs in the area and attract thousands of additional visitors to the port, according to an economic impact study by Martin Associates.

“Not only is the arrival of the Disney Fantasy an important milestone for our business, it will also have a positive impact on the Central Florida community,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “With our fourth ship, we are able to generate more jobs and economic activity for the region while delivering even more cruising options for families to share unforgettable cruise experiences with us.”

“We are excited to welcome the Disney Fantasy home,” said Port Canaveral Chief Executive Officer Stan Payne. “The arrival of the Disney Dream last year made a significant economic impact on Central Florida and we know the Disney Fantasy will add to that dramatically. We have seen our local businesses benefit when a ship of this magnitude and special Disney magic becomes part of our community.”

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