animator's Palate | the disney food blog

Disney Cruise Line Menus

The Disney Cruise Line fleet is comprised of five world-class ships boasting an array of onboard activities, entertainment, and restaurants. Cruises are known for their food, and the Disney ships don’t disappoint. In fact, the ships offer a buffet option, quick service (or fast-food) type options, snack bars, table service dining, and luxury signature dining.

Palo Brunch on the Disney Dream

If you are still hungry, there’s even room service! We know you’ll also be working up a thirst so don’t forget that passengers receive FREE soft drinks at any time from a 24/7 beverage station. This might be a Disney ship but there are still plenty of grown-up spaces serving adult beverages, so we’ll check out those too!

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REVIEW: Animator’s Palate on the Disney Dream Cruise Ship

By Jess Landers 1 Comment

Are you booking a Disney Cruise soon? You’ve come to the right place!

The Disney Dream

Depending on where you are in the cruise planning process, you might already know that most of the food on the ship is included in the price of your stay, which means you get to eat a LOT. There are three different restaurants that rotate during your stay, and there are also specialty restaurants you can book at an extra cost. We were recently invited to cruise onboard the Disney Dream, and we’ve got a restaurant review just for you!

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An Overview of EVERY Disney Cruise Line Restaurant

By Sara McOmber Leave a Comment

You might consider yourself a Disney World or Disneyland expert, knowing all of the rides, restaurants, and snacks that you absolutely love, but what do you know about Disney Cruise Line?!

The Disney Magic

Disney Cruise Line has cruise ships (filled with Disney theming!) that sail to a variety of destinations worldwide. Since we’re not currently on our way to the Bahamas (like we want to be), we’re doing the next best thing and looking at ALL of the restaurants onboard these ships. So, whichever ship you’re planning to board soon, you can check out this list to see what kinds of dining options are available! [Read more…]

VIDEO: Disney Cruise Line’s New Ad is Full of Magic!

By Brianna LeCompte Leave a Comment

Disney Cruise Line is getting ready to resume U.S. sailings on August 9th.

Disney Dream

That’s right, after a test cruise earlier this month, Disney Cruise Line will be welcoming passengers aboard in just a few weeks! And just in time for the upcoming sailing, Disney released a new ad highlighting some of the experiences passengers can look forward to.

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Photo Tour! Re-Imagined Restaurants and Lounges on the Disney Magic Cruise Ship!

By Wendy 7 Comments

Remember when we told you that the Disney Magic cruise ship was about to get a full makeover?? Well, today we have an awesome photo tour for you!!

The Re-Imagined Disney Magic

The Disney Magic – The original cruise ship of the Disney Cruise Line – first set sail in 1998. Fifteen years later, she has just launched again after a lengthy stay in dry-dock where she spent her time being “re-imagined.”

Re-imagining is more than simply being refurbished or refreshed. Some spaces around the ship were entirely redesigned while others were enhanced. She sure is a beauty!

Disney Magic

Since the re-imagined areas are primarily public spaces, this, of course, means that some of the dining areas and adult lounges were re-imagined or refreshed as well! Though some spaces, already timeless, remained unchanged or just refreshed.

Let’s have a look inside this amazing vessel and see what’s new!

Carioca’s

The biggest update to the dining scene on the Disney Magic is the addition of Carioca’s.

Carioca's Entrance

What was previously Parrot Cay now pays homage to one of Donald Duck’s [Read more…]

Coming Soon! New Dining Options and Nightlife on the Disney Magic Cruise Ship!

By AJ 3 Comments

Fun news from the Walt Disney World Monstrous Summer event this week!

New dining and entertainment options are being introduced to the Disney Magic Cruise Ship during a dry dock refub, which will take place in Spain this Fall 2013! We’re super excited about a special surprise that we mention at the bottom of this post!

More Magic Coming to Disney Magic!

The Magic was launched in 1998 with the latest in technology and imagineering at the time. But since the Disney Dream and Fantasy have taken to the seas, Disney’s decided it’s time to do some upgrades on the oldest ship! Let’s take a look…

Re-Imagined Dining on the Disney Magic

We love that the dining and restaurants on the ship will get a refresher!

NEW! Carioca’s
The Brazilian-themed Carioca’s will replace Parrot Cay on the Magic, and will bring an energetic atmosphere reminiscent of Rio de Janiero.

Adding to the dining experience, the concept will change from day to night with vibrant colors. Savor the Latin-infused flavors from the menu during day time buffet meals and table-service dinners.

Carioca's!

At night, windows will reveal “city” scapes and flickering lanterns will illuminate the room.

Animator’s Palate
The ever-popular Animator’s Palate will get a slight makeover bringing in new technology (larger, high-def flat screens). The “Drawn to the Magic” black-and-white-to-color show will continue throughout the meal, but new friends like Rapunzel from “Tangled” and Remy from “Ratatouille” will join the ranks of Disney characters represented.

Animator's Palate transformation!

The popular “animation magic” show from the Fantasy will be added here as well — where guests draw their own characters that come to life on the screens!

Animation Magic coming to Animator's Palate!

New! Cabanas
Many guests rely on the come-as-you-are Topsider Buffet on the Magic for casual eats during the day. During the Magic’s refurbishment, this restaurant will be upgraded and expanded into Cabanas! This casual spot will be treated with an Australian and Finding Nemo theme, similar to [Read more…]

Disney Fantasy Rotational Dining Details

By AJ 5 Comments

Kids Mac and Cheese at Animator\’s Palate

Disney Cruise Line has mastered the art of unique dining! Every passenger is offered the opportunity to dine at three different main restaurants. Rotational dining allows each guest to experience the menus and surroundings of the amazing dining rooms aboard the Disney Fantasy!

Whether you book main or late seating, your family will rotate to each of the main restaurants at least once during your voyage. Best of all, your servers rotate with you! Be sure to check out our sneak peek at the Disney Fantasy Menus!

Once aboard the Disney Fantasy, you’ll receive your dining schedule indicating the time and place for your evening meals. Plus there’s always the option to order room service, or dine at one of the adults-only venues (check out exclusive Disney Fantasy cocktails here!).

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Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship Menus

By AJ 12 Comments

If you’re anticipating a cruise on the brand new Disney Fantasy soon, you’re in luck when it comes to food! Some of the Disney Fantasy menus for the table-service restaurants have already been revealed!! These are always subject to change, so we’re excited to see what might be added as the boat continues to sail!

Here are some fun sneak peeks at the menus — along with some photos of our favorites! Bon Appetit!

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Disney Cruise Line: Backstage in the Kitchen!

By Kim LaPaglia 5 Comments

Disney Food Blog Editor Kim L. reports on some of the behind-the-scenes magic you may never see on the Disney Cruise Line!

On one of my Disney voyages, I had the opportunity to tour the Kitchen Galley aboard the Disney Magic. During this behind-the-scenes sneak peek at culinary magic, I gained even more respect for the dining staff — they make it possible for passengers to dine (around the clock) on delicious cuisine.

Directory of Restaurants - click image for larger version

Disney Cruise Line Backstage Food FAQs

Let’s take a look at how food is prepared — in massive quantities — on the Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic Ship!

How do things work in the Galley?
This particular galley anchored between Lumiere’s and Parrot Cay restaurants has a serving team of 225 people.

Among this large staff, there are 7 Chefs de Cuisine, 120 Cooks, 50 Galley Stewards (they keep the prep areas clean), and a 6 person team in the Dish Cleaning area. Plus, a Fish Prep Room is downstairs. Three section heads oversee each area including Veggie, Fish, Meat, and Sauce Prep Stations. While guests are on Castaway Cay, there is a 10:30 a.m. inspection by the Captain.

And I feel [Read more…]

Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship Restaurants and Dining Options

By AJ 6 Comments

We had a great time sailing on the Disney Dream and doing a thorough Dine Around in January 2011. During that sailing, DFB researched (um, okay, ate) our way through the bountiful offerings on this all-you-can-eat cruise.

Disney’s next cruise ship, the Fantasy, is set to sail its maiden voyage in March of 2012. The 2,500 passenger ship will be identical in size and layout to the Disney Dream, although the two will not be exactly the same. Let’s review the venues for food and beverages on the Fantasy!