Latest news with #DisneyWish
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Travel + Leisure
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
The 5 Best Large-ship Ocean Cruise Lines of 2025
With an ambience distinctively different from mega-ships, large ships, which we define as those with 800 to 1,399 cabins, are big enough to offer a good choice in accommodations, restaurants, activities, and entertainment. What they don't have is mega-ship crowds or, for that matter, as many amusement park attractions as the larger ships. Itineraries include the tried-and-true but also destinations that mega-ships may not be able to visit given their larger size—a perk that delights our voters. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). For the cruise category, respondents were asked to rate individual ships; the results were combined to generate scores for cruise lines in different categories based on number of cabins. Ships were specifically rated on the criteria below: Cabins/facilities Food Service Itineraries/destinations Excursions/activities Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. The Disney Wish docked at Castaway Cay. Holland America Line (No. 3) is a T+L reader favorite, particularly in Alaska, where the brand has had a presence for more than 75 years. Another legacy brand is the venerable Cunard (No. 2), with its traditional White Star service, ballrooms where real dress-up balls take place, and regular roster of transatlantic voyages. Moving into the No. 1 spot this year is Disney Cruise Line, popular with families and nostalgic adults alike. Also making the top five are Celebrity Cruises (No. 4) and Geneva-based MSC Cruises (No. 5). Disney Cruise Line Interior of the Enchanté restaurant on board the Disney Wish. Last year at No. 2 and this year in the winning spot, Disney Cruise Line was a reader favorite not only with families with kids but with an adult crowd, too. Readers praised the themed rotational dining setup, created so kids don't get bored, and the frequent presence of Disney characters. They also praised the line's crew and overall attention to detail. 'Amenities and facilities were amazing, and everything felt like the Disney atmosphere of my childhood,' wrote one reader. 'As an adult I am wowed; I can't imagine what it must be like to see it through the eyes of a child,' said another fan. As an adult I am wowed; I can't imagine what it must be like to see it through the eyes of a child. — T+L Reader 1. Disney Cruise Line WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.33 2. Cunard WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 85.04 3. Holland America Line WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 83.62 4. Celebrity Cruises WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 82.60 5. MSC Cruises Reader Score: 80.71
Edinburgh Live
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Strictly's Tasha Ghouri says 'future looks bright' as she shares career update
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Strictly Come Dancing's Tasha Ghouri has hinted at her plans for the future as she embarks on a new career path. The former Love Island star had a whirlwind few months, making it to the Strictly final last December, only to be narrowly beaten to the top spot in the final by stand-up comedian Chris McCausland and his dance partner, Dianne Buswell. After shooting to fame in Love Island in 2022, she walked away from the show finishing in fourth place alongside Andrew Le Page. But, much to the shock of their social media followers, it was revealed earlier this year that the reality TV stars had brought their relationship to an end. (Image: undefined via Getty Images) Despite the recent upheavals, Tasha is optimistic about the future and eager to challenge herself. Speaking to the Mirror, she said: "I don't really know, the future looks bright. I want to do more presenting and documentaries." She continued: "That's the path I want to go down. I've done quite a few TV appearances that are coming out soon but I think I kind of want to push myself and challenge myself this year." (Image: undefined via Getty Images) Away from television, the 26-year-old has been dedicating her time to charity work, supporting organisations such as NDCS (National Deaf Children's Society), RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People), and Deaf Kidz International. These charities hold special significance for Tasha, who was diagnosed as deaf shortly after birth. Shortly before her fifth birthday, the Strictly star received a cochlear implant to help with hearing by stimulating the auditory nerve electrically. (Image: undefined via Getty Images) The ex-Love Island contestant has recently shown her support for a partnership between Disney and the Make A Wish foundation. As the celebrity ambassador, she was present during their enchanting Disney Wish event at Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire. During this three-day event, children with serious illnesses were given the chance to interact with beloved characters alongside Tasha who was there to greet the youngsters and their families. Reflecting on the experience with the kids, Tasha expressed it "was such a beautiful, magical day, that I look back on and feel grateful to be part of".
Daily Mirror
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Strictly's Tasha Ghouri says 'future looks bright' as she carves out new career
After making it all the way to the Strictly Come Dancing final last year, Tasha now has her sights set on something new as she revealed that the "future looks bright" Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha Ghouri has revealed the "future looks bright" as she has opened up about taking a new path in her career. It has been a rollercoaster few months for the former Love Island star after she made it all the way to the Strictly Come Dancing final last December before being pipped to top spot by stand-up comedian, Chris McCausland. Meanwhile, not long after her success on the show, her relationship with Andrew Le Page came to an end, with the news of the break-up coming as a shock to their social media followers. But, away from the latest goings-on in her life, Tasha recently explained that, while she isn't entirely certain what the future holds, she is eager to "push" herself in the months ahead. She told the Mirror: "I don't really know, the future looks bright. I want to do more presenting and documentaries." She added: "That's the path I want to go down. I've done quite a few TV appearances that are coming out soon but I think I kind of want to push myself and challenge myself this year." Away from her latest TV exploits, the 26-year-old has also dedicated much of her time to charity, lending support to the likes of NDCS (National Deaf Children's Society), RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People), and Deaf Kidz International. The charities hold a particularly important place in her heart after she herself was diagnosed as deaf shortly after being born. Prior to her fifth birthday, the Strictly star was fitted with a cochlear implant which helps people hear by electrically stimulating the auditory nerve. More recently, the former Love Islander has lent her support to a recent collaboration between Disney and the Make A Wish charity. The star appeared as the celebrity ambassador during their Disney Wish event at Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire. Over the course of three days, children with serious illnesses had the opportunity to meet and spend time with some of their favourite characters, as well as Tasha who was on hand to meet them and their families at the event. Looking back on her time spent with the children at the event, Tasha said that it "was such a beautiful, magical day, that I look back on and feel grateful to be part of".
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scots schoolboy told he wouldn't live past first birthday granted sweet Spider-Man wish
A Scots schoolboy who was told he wouldn't live to see his first birthday but continued to overcome the odds has received a Disney Wish to met his superhero idol Spider-Man. Max Farmer, from Perth, was born healthy but then diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 – a rare and genetic condition that causes progressive muscle wasting - when he was just nine weeks old. Doctors told his heartbroken parents he wouldn't live beyond 12 months. However, Max soon became the first child in Scotland to receive a groundbreaking new treatment. Last week, the now eight-year-old's dream came true when he had a private meet-and-greet with Spider-Man at a special Make-A-Wish UK event in partnership with Disney. Mum Elaine Donoghue, 48, told the Record: "It was absolutely magical and Max was so captivated by the characters he saw. It was such an inspirational and magical experience for our whole family. "We had no idea he'd get to meet Spider-Man one-on-one. He showed him his Spidey moves and even introduced him to Strictly's Amy Dowden, it was unbelievable." The event at Hoar Cross Hall Hotel in Burton-on-Trent was a specially designed experience for children with life-limiting conditions. It was made possible through a referral from CHAS (Children's Hospices Across Scotland), where Max receives respite care through Rachel House in Kinross. At nine weeks old Max stopped moving which led to the diagnosis of the condition that not only affects muscles in the arms and legs but also those needed for breathing and swallowing. It was then Max was offered a place on a new drug trial just weeks later, becoming the first child in Scotland to get the Nusinersen (Spinraza) treatment through an expanded access programme. Elaine said: "We were told he wouldn't make it to his first birthday. It was heartbreaking. "He went through 21 lumbar punctures in five years, but it gave him a chance at life." Now, Max is on a daily oral drug called Risdiplam, which means he no longer needs hospital stays or general anaesthetic to receive treatment. Despite needing 24/7 care, Max is full of life. He goes to school every day, uses a power chair, and receives constant support from mum Elaine, dad Stewart, 47, and big sister Beth, 17. Elaine said: "His day starts at 6.30am with medication and feeding, but he never complains. He's got a huge team around him, and he just takes it all in his stride. "There are no words to describe what the experience done for us as a family. We wouldn't even be able to take him to Euro Disney in Paris, due to the equipment and meds, it would be unachievable. 'But this event was fully accessible. There were profiling beds, hoists, proper changing places – everything we needed. They covered everything. "It was a dream come true for him to meet Spider-Man and we made memories which will last a lifetime." Max, who is under the care of nearly every major hospital in Scotland, continues to defy expectations. "He's just incredible. He's happy, he's funny, he loves school - and he's living his best life, in the way he can. We are exceptionally lucky to be able to call ourselves his parents." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
Disney Cruise Line testing new system to eliminate pain point
As demand for cruises continues to surge, most cruise ships are sailing at full capacity these days, which at times can make your cruise vacation feel a little too crowded. Finding an open lounge chair by the pool can feel almost impossible at peak times, and popular activities can sometimes require arriving early to secure a spot or wasting some of your vacation day waiting in long Disney Cruise Line ships, long lines often form for popular onboard waterslides as well as Disney character meet-and-greets, which can put a bit of a damper on a magical day at sea. To help improve the onboard experience for passengers, Disney Cruise Line is working on a fix for this common cruise frustration. Recently, the cruise line started testing a new system that has the potential to work like a magic wand to make these frustrating wait times aboard the April 21 sailing of the Disney Wish have reported that the cruise line conducted a limited-time test during their sailing to help reduce wait times for popular activities like the AquaMouse water attraction and Disney character meet-and-greets. During the test, passengers were instructed to use the DCL Navigator app while on board to reserve available times for these activities. For the AquaMouse water ride, additional reservation times were added every hour during the test other times when the test was not underway, the ride did not require a reservation and passengers could line up as usual. The reservation system was free for passengers to use during the test, just like riding the onboard water attraction does not come with any additional cost. Although WiFi is required to make onboard reservations, there is no cost to connect to the ship's WiFi network when used exclusively for the DCL Navigator Facebook group discussions about the test, Disney cruisers shared mixed opinions about onboard activity reservations. Some cruisers think implementing a system to cut down on wait times would significantly enhance their onboard experiences. During peak times, wait times for the cruise line's AquaMouse and AquaDuck waterslides can be 45 minutes or longer. A fleetwide reservation system for onboard activities would be a welcome addition to many cruisers who want to cut down on these wait every Disney cruiser loves the idea, however. Some parents worry that their kids who want to ride multiple times in a row might get less time on the ship's water attraction if a reservation system is introduced. Some cruisers also expressed concerns that WiFi connections at sea, which can sometimes be unreliable, could make it difficult to secure activity reservations. Others don't like the idea of having to use their phones during their vacations or feeling like they need to schedule every minute of their days. Some passengers appreciate that Disney cruises give them more freedom to be spontaneous during their vacations, unlike the experience at Disney Parks, where meticulous planning feels like a must to make the most of your magical day. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
