In true Disney fashion, characters danced and sang their way onto a massive stage at Port Canaveral, Fla. on Jan. 19, 2011 to help christen Disney’s third and largest cruise ship in the world, the Disney Dream.
We began our Disney Dream inaugural voyage coverage with my favorite entertainment aboard the ship, the AquaDuck. But before we get too far into the ship’s details, we have to take a step back to the beginning of the trip, starting on the dock for the christening ceremony.
From pirates to princesses and High School Musical to hip hop, invited media, special guests, and viewers of the live online video stream were treated to 30 minutes of non-stop excitement and entertainment to commemorate the special occasion. The show also included talks from Disney CEO Bob Iger and chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Tom Staggs as well as a song by the Disney Dream’s godmother Jennifer Hudson, who performed early in her career on the Disney Wonder cruise ship.
But even if you didn’t catch it online or weren’t one of the lucky few (thousand) to see it in person, you can still witness this amazing spectacle here, with a full video of the entire Disney Dream Christening ceremony:
And here are photos of some of my favorite moments from the performance:
Upon arrival to the waterside at Port Canaveral, I was greeted by a gorgeous up-high view of the new Disney Dream ship and the nearby stage set up for the christening.
Shortly thereafter, Disney CEO Bob Iger and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Tom Staggs arrived.
The Navy band played intermittently as guests arrived.
The ceremony began at a few minutes before 11 a.m. During the opening number, the large screen behind the stage split apart to reveal the extra-large christening bottle, soon to be filled not with champaign, but with dreams!With Iger on stage, Sorcerer Mickey worked some magic and appeared next to the bottle. He soon magically appeared on stage next to Iger.
As an elaborate Pirates of the Caribbean-themed dance sequence concluded, a pirate ship passed in front of the Disney Dream, with none other than Captain Jack Sparrow flailing around near the top of its main sail mast.Captain Mickey later applauded hundreds of Disney Dream crew members, who appeared on the ship's balconies.A closer look at the crew members excitedly waving from the ship.Mickey had a number of costume changes throughout the show, here sporting his "hip hop" dance attire while accompanied by a talented drum line.Mickey's got some moves.
Familiar character puppets from the World of Color pre-show at the Disney California Adventure theme park emerged.The stage was filled with familiar Disney faces.Princesses, including Rapunzel, also joined the show.The biggest laugh of the christening ceremony came when Tom Staggs thanked the Fairy Godmother for getting him his job!Jennifer Hudson, the godmother of the Disney Dream and former Disney Wonder performer, sang near the end of the ceremony.A helicopter flew in to lift the christening bottle - which took a few extra minutes to get just right.Finally the bottle was in place for the big moment......and it exploded into sparks to christen the Disney Dream!The finale featured the return of hundreds of performers to the stage with the backdrop of fireworks launching from the Disney Dream itself.The stage filled with characters, dancers, singers, and executives was quite the overwhelming sight to see. It was definitely sensory overload.Following the conclusion of the christening, characters mingled for a minute and left the stage.The incredible event had ended and it was time for all in attendance to board the ship for an equally incredible voyage.
Click here for all of our ongoing Disney Dream coverage, including hundreds of photos, videos, reports, and reviews! And keep returning as more will be added regularly.
More photos from the Disney Dream christening ceremony: (Photos by Ricky Brigante and Michelle Moss)
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