“Wishes” Take Center Stage In A New Show Aboard Disney Fantasy in 2012

It’s Show Time!

Some of the most entertaining musical extravaganzas at sea are staged on Disney Cruise Line ships and every night is show time in the Walt Disney Theatre, a 1,340-seat entertainment palace that blends classic design with ultra-modern features. Spanning three decks with orchestra and balcony seating, the theater’ art deco styling recalls luxurious show places of a bygone era. At the same time, it is equipped with theatrical technology that makes it one of the most advanced venues on land or sea, bringing original productions and Disney stories to life in a whole new way.

“A Fantasy Come True”
Leading up to the musicals presented in the Disney Fantasy’s Walt Disney Theatre, that include “Wishes,” “Disney’s Aladdin–A Musical Spectacular,” and “Disney’s Believe,” is the welcome aboard show. Most ships have those, but aboard Disney Fantasy “A Fantasy Come True” is a high-energy, multimedia musical production. Like all Disney shows, there is a plot and this one follows one family’s journey as they discover the amazing experiences and surprises that await them aboard the Disney Fantasy. Ultimately, they learn the greatest experience the ship has to offer is the opportunity to make memories together as a family that will last a lifetime.

“Wishes”
A new Disney ship means new main stage entertainment and “Wishes” is the spectacular production debuting on the Disney Fantasy. This signature show is a 45-minute musical journey about three best friends who discover the secret to being a grown-up is staying connected to their inner child.

The story opens as long-time best friends Kayla and Nicole along with Nicole’s twin brother Brandon visit Disneyland to celebrate their high school graduation. Like most recent graduates, each is unsure of what the future holds, so they make a wish to go on the “Ride of Our Lives”—the show’s original opening number.

Their wish evokes an enchanted world where a cavalcade of Disney characters—including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Lilo, Stitch, Mulan, Hercules, Pinocchio, Timon and Pumbaa—materialize to guide the teens through their magical journey. Full-scale production numbers and special effects (pictured above) bring excitement to the stage as the cast of “Wishes” performs original songs and classic Disney tunes with a contemporary twist. Notable moments include:

• In an over-the-top musical comedy production number, the song “I’ve Got a Dream” from “Tangled” sets the scene as the Snuggly Duckling Tavern comes alive, with Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and a tavern full of hilarious thugs.
• In the “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from “Lilo and Stitch” scene, the stage fills with giant windsurfing sails, kites and surf boards. The infectious music inspires Kayla as she rides a surfboard, flying atop a giant blue wave silk.
• King Louie and the Monkeys perform a high-energy swing band version of “I Wanna Be Like You” from the Jungle Book. In the final act, the trio celebrates their extraordinary journey at a graduation party as the pop tune “Breakthrough” from the Disney Channel original movie “Lemonade Mouth” keeps the revelry going.

“An Unforgettable Journey”
To wrap up the entertainment on a Disney Fantasy cruise, “An Unforgettable Journey” is a good-bye hug in the form of a musical farewell that invites guests to reflect upon and savor the experience they have had onboard. The farewell show connects the guests’ experiences to the man who started it all—Walt Disney—through audio and video clips that steep the memorable moments and distinctly Disney touches in Walt’s words and wisdom.

“Wishes” Concept Art Image Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line