They asked the Fairy Godmother to conjure a godmother for the Disney Dream…and bibbidi…bobbidi…boo! Jennifer Hudson appeared!
The Oscar-winning singer and actress was, in a way, coming home, when she appeared as the newly-hailed godmother of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship. After all, before we knew her from “Dream Girls,” or “Sex in the City,” or even TV’s “American Idol,” she was known to passengers sailing on the Dream’s sister ship, the Wonder, where Hudson began her career in 2003. From Disney performer to Academy Award-winning actress and Grammy award-winning singer – Hudson is the perfect choice to epitomize the power of dreams.
Festivities celebrating the official launch of the Dream were grand, glorious, and packed full of quintessential Disney theater. Bob Iger, president and CEO of Disney, was on hand to recognize Imagineers and the builder of the ship, Meyer Werft of Germany, for delivering the beautiful vessel. Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Tom Staggs, recognized cast members and thanked them in advance for the hard work they will do in making dreams come true for passengers and guests. And of course, Mickey Mouse was on hand to welcome pirates, princesses and a cast of hundreds to celebrate the special day.
When it actually came time to break the traditional bottle of Champagne across the ship’s bow, a helicopter appeared, and hoisted a 16-feet tall bottle of Taittinger’s – complete with a set of mouse ears on the label – and shattered it across the ship’s bow at Ms. Hudson’s command.
The ship will set sail this evening for a three-day “christening voyage,” which will include a call on Disney’s private Bahamian island, Castaway Cay.
Will you be sailing on the Disney Dream this year? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you anticipate seeing the most!
