From the Disney Parks Blog and written by: Evily Giannopoulos Peros
When the Disney Wish sets sail on its maiden voyage on July 14, guests from around the world will have a brand-new way to experience the magic of a Disney vacation at sea.
Our newest ship is a celebration of nearly 100 years of enchanting Disney stories. Filled with one-of-a-kind experiences inspired by Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar adventures, the Disney Wish embodies the spirit of forward-thinking innovation and visionary storytelling heralded by Walt Disney himself.
In fact, Imagineers were so inspired by the creative
hallmarks of The Walt Disney Company that they decided to celebrate this legacy
in the design of two beautiful dining venues: 1923 and Marceline Market.
Today, I’m thrilled to give you a first look at these very special spaces, each a loving tribute to the heritage and history of The Walt Disney Company.
1923
Animation has been at the heart of The Walt Disney Company from the very beginning. When Walt and his brother Roy started the company on
Oct. 16, 1923, it was Hollywood’s first cartoon studio … and it was only a matter of time before their animated films revolutionized the entertainment industry.
Named for the year The Walt Disney Company was founded, 1923 is one of the three main dining venues families will enjoy each night on board
the Disney Wish. This elegant restaurant combines classic Hollywood glamour with a dash of Disney whimsy, providing an inside look at the evolution of
Disney animation.
Adorning the walls and ornate glass cases around the restaurant are more than 1,000 drawings, props and other tools of the trade showcasing
16 Disney films that embody the ship’s themes of enchantment and wish
fulfillment. Many of these stories also hold a significant role in the history
and legacy of the company, such as:
- “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937), the world’s
first feature-length animated film ever. - “Fantasia” (1940), a boundary-pushing project
that introduced Fantasound (the precursor to stereophonic sound). - “Cinderella” (1950), which ushered in a new
golden age of animated features. - “The Little Mermaid” (1989), a generation-defining
classic that paved the way for “Beauty and the Beast” (1991), “The Lion King”
(1994”) and other animated tales we know and love today.
Even the menu at 1923 pays tribute to the company’s roots in California, with sophisticated dishes inspired by the fusion of cultural
flavors found throughout the Golden State. The diverse menu will mirror the region’s unique blend of Asian, European and South American cuisines and a superlative selection of world-famous Napa Valley wines.
Marceline Market
Long before he was a pioneer in the entertainment industry, Walt was a young boy growing up on a farm in Marceline, Missouri. Considered
his most formative years, Walt’s time in Marceline inspired many of the stories
he would tell later in life. It’s where he developed a love for animals and steam trains, themes that continue to influence Disney films and theme park attractions, and it’s also the inspiration behind Main Street U.S.A. at our parks around the world.
At Marceline Market — the stylish food hall
aboard the Disney Wish where guests will enjoy casual, walk-up dining
throughout the day — each of the 10 food stalls is themed to a beloved Disney animated
story, from classics such as “Alice in Wonderland” (1951) to more recent films
like “Zootopia” (2016). This fun design twist presents favorite characters as
honorary “shopkeepers,” offering a wide-ranging variety of freshly prepared
cuisines for the whole family to enjoy, including American classics,
international specialties, comfort foods, seafood, soups and salads, vegetarian
and plant-based fare, baked goods, and desserts.
These enchanting new restaurants are just a taste of the incredible experiences and immersive storytelling awaiting guests aboard
the Disney Wish. If you want to see more, tune in next Wednesday, June 29 at 11 a.m. EST for the debut and christening of our newest ship right here on the Disney Parks Blog!
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