I felt I was in Disneyland!” So many of us, at various points in our lives, have used this line (and continue to do so) in order to describe an experience that is magical or mesmerising, and quite often, both. I got to live this line — quite literally, and very happily — for four days aboard what truly is a Disney adventure. The Disney Adventure Singapore, which lives up to its promise of being both “a journey and a destination”, was my home recently for what is undoubtedly the most spellbinding few days of my life.
ALL ABOARD!
A slice of childhood awaits you on the Disney Adventure, the first from Disney in Asia and also the largest vessel in its fleet. Offering three and four-day packages packed with quintessential Disney experiences — and much beyond — the gigantic ship — “gigantic” being the only way to describe it — is a time machine comprising 18-odd decks featuring seven themed zones, 20-plus dining venues, Broadway-styled shows and fireworks at sea, among many, many other things that you will be hard-pressed to pack into your already overflowing itinerary.
Your time on Disney Adventure will make you feel like a celebrity. That starts from the moment you first set foot on the ship. I was welcomed aboard — and so were my fellow passengers — by a large section of the service team lining up on both sides of the deck and clapping and cheering us on. It was a memorable start to what would go on to becoming an unforgettable four days.
Speaking of “celebrity”, Disney Adventure spared no effort on that front as well. The ‘Christening Ceremony’ that flagged off the ship’s maiden adventure a day before it set sail from the Marina Bay Convention Centre in Singapore, had a very special guest in the house — Hollywood superstar aka Iron Man aka ‘Godparent of the Ship’ Robert Downey Jr sprung up on stage, much to my delight and amid a roar of claps and cheers, to christen the ship. That simply wasn’t the only star shower that Disney Adventure had to offer.
The first night of sailing took me to the open decks of 17 and 18 where a glorious Lion King-themed fireworks display in the sky was voiced by none other than Shah Rukh Khan.
A THING OF WONDER & BEAUTY
The Lion King-themed fireworks at sea, voiced by superstar Shah Rukh Khan, was one of the highlights of the trip
While the Disney Adventure has its focus on kids, this family-friendly cruise also packs in enough for couples and even solo travellers. I kicked off my voyage by checking into my stateroom, which was spacious enough to comfortably host my family of three. A big high at the outset was that the verandah of my stateroom overlooked the Disney Imagination Garden, easily one of the most picturesque parts of the ship. Located at the heart of the vessel and housing a charming courtyard and majestic stage, this special gathering place — that was always brimming with people, whether lining up for a show, a bite or just hanging out — captures 100 years of Disney storytelling. Captivating stage performances like Avengers Assemble! and Duffy and The Friend Ship are the highlights of Disney Imagination Garden. You can also pose with some of your favourite Disney characters here, as well as in various other parts of the ship. There is Snow White, Mickey Mouse, Elsa, Donald Duck and many more to keep kids (and their parents) click-happy throughout the course of the stay.
Another imaginatively created themed zone of the ship is Disney Discovery Reef, one which I found myself visiting often and which invites you to immerse yourself in the exciting underwater tales of The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Lilo & Stitch and Luca. This expansive open-air retreat at the back of the ship, boasting dazzling coral reefs with soft sunlight filtering through glass canopies, transforms into a bioluminescent paradise by night.
Leading out from this area is the Wayfinder Bay. Inspired by the Disney film Moana, this oasis of relaxation is one of the calmest sections of the cruise, by day and night. I found myself lounging with a refreshing sip on its tiered deck, which also houses a sparkling wading pool, a fully-stocked bar and also has a sprawling performance space for live singing and shows like Moana: Call of the Sea. A silent disco is also on the entertainment menu here.
If you are a water baby, Disney Adventure will have you spoilt for choice. The Toy Story Place had my seven-year-old squealing with delight as she dived into the pool here, vroomed down its many water slides and kept herself entertained for hours on end in invitingly named attractions like the Sunnyside Family Pool, Woody and Jessie’s Wild Slides, the Flying Saucer Splash Zone and the Toy Story Splash Pad. The Infinity Pool on Deck 18 was another much-visited spot — in the middle of the non-stop adventure activities on the ship, it helped to unwind at the pool by taking in the gorgeous sunset views. A sprawling gym, luxury spa and several jacuzzis are a few of the many pamper spots on board.
One of my favourite themed areas on the Disney Adventure was San Fransokyo Street, a vibrant and vib-ey spot that combines the buzzing energy of the streets of Tokyo with the relaxed charm of San Francisco. The transportive zone has a family gaming arcade, Big Hero Arcade, featuring video games and immersive, high-tech experiences, along with shops and sip-and-bite stops, as well as various selfie spots. While here, there is a chance to pick up special keepsakes at Duffy and Friends Shop and join the Duffy and Friends Discovery Quest. Want to catch a movie? Look no futher than Baymax Cinemas.
The Remember musical spectacle, featuring Disney and Pixar characters, is time extremely well spent on Disney Adventure
FUN & GAMES
Aboard the Disney Adventure, there is never a dull moment for kids. My daughter was like a kid in a candy shop as soon as she stepped into the Disney Oceaneer Club. Open to children between ages three and 10, the young ones can let their imagination soar as they interact with beloved characters in themed spaces inspired by favourite Disney, Pixar and Marvel stories. Storytelling and immersive games, with specially trained Disney youth counselors at hand, ensure that kids are both entertained and educated. At the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, hands-on activities and creative experiments were much sought after. Andy’s Toybox is an indoor playground filled with interactive props and gadgets, with young adventurers having a blast sliding down the Slinky Dog slide.
For tweens, there is Edge, a vibrant hangout to chill, make friends, watch movies and play video or board games. The ultra-cool Vibe, for those between 14 and 17, also makes for a hot spot. The Marvel Style Studio is a delight, offering paid makeovers that can transform kids into their favourite superheroes with face paint, themed hair and costumes. While on the Disney Adventure, make sure you use the Disney Navigator App (your guide to every corner and every activity on the ship) to book an appointment for your child for some princess treatment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. It is fully worth it!
Marvel Landing is where the adrenaline-pumping gaming action is at. Turn into a kid once again as you treat yourself to supercharged themed attractions like Groot Galaxy Spin and Pym Quantum Racers. There is also the Ironcycle Test Run, which at 250meter long, is currently the longest rollercoaster ride on a cruise ship, and the first ever on a Disney Cruise Line ship. There is very little that can beat the heady (or horrific, depending on which side of the vertigo divide you are on) feel of sitting in a rollercoaster that snakes out over the sea!
ENTERTAINMENT UNLIMITED
One of the biggest draws of the Disney Adventure — which is a signature of the Disney sailing experience globally — are the live shows that combine some of the best in art, entertainment and creativity. The hugely emotional Remember, a jaw-dropping musical extravaganza, starring WALL-E and EVE, joined by other beloved Disney and Pixar friends, was easily the crowd favourite, while many queued up for Avengers Assemble!, a high-energy 30-minute live show featuring Marvel superheroes like Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Thor, that includes dramatic stunts and pyrotechnics.
For those interested in a spot of karaoke, there is the D Lounge, whose bar vibe is easy and elegant. The Buccaneer Bar is a swashbuckling pub which serves eclectic cocktails with a side of breathtaking ocean views.
SIP & SAVOUR
One of the most memorable experiences on the Disney Adventure is the food — and there is plenty of it! An eatery (and sometimes even more than one) on almost every deck ensures that you never go hungry while sailing, with most of the bites aboard the ship being complimentary and included within your booking.
The Rotational Dining experience aboard my days on the ship ensured that I got to experience a luxurious multiple-course dinner at a different restaurant every evening, attended to by some of the best service staff who were assigned to me through the course of the trip to ensure the topmost personalised attention. Hollywood Spotlight Club, that brings alive the glitz and glam of Hollywood’s Golden Age, and Navigator’s Club, an elegant restaurant that conjures up the bygone era of grand ocean liners, were my top picks. While dining, I had the most fun at Animator’s Palate, which not only makes you unleash your sketching talents (or not) before you dig into your plate, but also displays them on the screen for every diner to have a dekko. If you are a buffet fan, it can’t get better than the unlimited spread at Pixar Market Restaurant.
Quick-service spots that should be on your dining list aboard Disney Adventure are Stitch’s Ohana Grill (for classic American bites), Mowgli’s Eatery (for Indian food), Cosmic Kebabs (for Lebanese cuisine) and Bewitching Boba and Brews (for some heavenly bubble tea).
What is, by far, a hit with the young and young-at-heart alike? Unlimited pizza from Pizza Planet and all-you-can eat softy ice-creams at Wheezy’s Freezies. And if you are still feeling peckish, there is 24x7 complimentary room service. Now what can beat that?
The writer was on a four-day sailing trip on the invitation of Disney Cruise Line Singapore
