Fincantieri Shipyards

The Disney Wonder was built at Fincantieri Shipyards in Venice, Italy (the largest shipyard/naval engineering complex in the Mediterranean)

 

In true Disney style, the inaugural christening was spectacular ... with the huge ship pulling into the dock as Disney cast members dressed in outfits reminiscent of the early days of transatlantic crossings paraded before the crowds. Vintage automobiles wheeled about, ladies in picture-perfect hats pranced and live music sparkled through the air. Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid, sang; Disney Chairman and CEO Michael Eisner spoke and the newly appointed godfather and godmother of the ship .. Roy Disney, Vice Chairman and animation chief, and his wife Patty Disney were on hand for the festivities. Patty Disney sent a 3-foot tall bottle of champagne smashing into the ship's hull with a flip of a switch ... suddenly doves began to fly, kites soared past the ship pulled by small power boats and fireworks blazed from all sides. The Walt Disney Co. let us all know that this ship, The Disney Magic is different from all others. It is designed to be a true modern classic of the seas that celebrates the legendary ocean liners of the 1930's. Even the portholes, which are once again round, are whimsically large. The plans call for a sister ship, The Disney Wonder to be in operation sometime in 1999.

Want read everything about it? Just visit: http://www.pbol.com/pechter/disney/disney_magic/ [The Disney Magic Cruise]