We just returned home from vacation that included a cruise on the Fantasy! Overall it was a great trip.
We flew into Orlando early and stayed at Bay Lake Towers. I'm sad that Disney no longer provides transportation from MCO to the resorts. Minnie Vans do go to BLT, but were more expensive than Mears. We did take DCL bus to the port, which was fine, but their informational videos are old.
Check in at the port went smoothly and we were able to get onto the boat fairly early. It gave us some time to walk around. The ship is beautiful. We were on dec 10, no problems with noise or movement. The overhang on the veranda gave us a break from the sun. The adult only area is quite large with both sun and shade. Though, one day we came back from on deck to find that our deck chairs were gone. Turns out they were replacing them, but we had no prior knowledge.
We got a table on deck and had lunch from Cabanas. The food was okay. TIP, make sure you walk around the entire area. The food was different depending upon where you are. This is true for lunch also. I almost missed the amazing Indian curry because I didn't walk around.
Make sure you bring what ever you need on board with you. One set of luggage arrived late, closer to dinner time.
The lifeboat drill was a mess!!!! The crew had difficulty communicating where our muster station was. Thankfully, we knew where it was because we had walked around the ship when we got on. Fellow travelers were late to the assembly. Then people proceeded to TALK and move around throughout the entire drill. They make two important announcements, according to the crew leader for our station. We were not able to hear anything over people talking to each other and their phones.
Food was okay, though the scallops were delicious and most people at the table enjoyed their steaks. Service was meh, drinks (ice tea, water) were never refilled unless asked. I also felt as though we were a bit rushed.
The shows were phenomenal! Disney's Believe is so much better than Disney's Dream and Aladdin and Frozen were fantastic. Don't miss them.
If you think you are going to eat a lot of popcorn, get the bucket, it will save you money in the end. For the popcorn, you pay for the bucket,$10, but the refills are much cheaper, $2 vs $4 for a bag and they are large enough for sharing. Same for beer, get the mug. You pay for the mug, but when you buy the beer, you get the larger size for the size of a small.
Castaway Cay, it is getting tired, soda machines and ice cream machines were not working at the family beach area. But, the beach and sand areas were great!
Lookout Cay, unfortunately the trees have not grown in, so there is very little respite from the sun. Though, I thought the food was better here. I know people complain about the walk from the ship, but I did not find it so bad and it was 32 (90 degrees) with full sun. But we did not have small children or anyone with a disability. I would have loved to do the nature walk, but found signage lacking.
Overall, it was a great trip and I would do it again!!