I'm a first-time Disney cruiser - here are 8 things that REALLY surprised me during a voyage from Florida to the Bahamas, from secret design codes to sunken treasures to find

As I stepped aboard the Disney Fantasy for my first-ever Disney cruise, I wondered if it would be the happiest place at sea.

It was certainly astonishing - in the best possible way.

My sailing was from Port Canaveral in Florida to the Eastern Caribbean, including a stop at Disney's Castaway Cay private island.

Here I reveal eight things that surprised me during the seven-night voyage, from hidden meanings in the ship's design to the joys of searching for secret sunken Disney treasures on a snorkel trail.

Read on for more on the features and experiences that helped make it an enchanting trip... 

1. DISNEY REALLY KNOWS HOW TO SPOIL GUESTS

Disney knows how to spoil guests. 

I was astonished by how attentive the crew were - no ask was too big. 

My Oceanview Verandah Stateroom had been kitted out with fabulous magnet banners, Disney pillowcases and a matching throw that I absolutely loved. 

When I asked the stateroom hostess if I could take them home as souvenirs, she gleefully replied 'yes' - I was thrilled. On another occasion, an incredibly kind restaurant server keenly provided an off-the-menu drink, which meant he had to travel to another location on the ship and back, just because my guest fancied it. 

The commitment and joy the staff had for their work was unmatched. 

One of my favourite encounters was my trip to Senses Spa & Salon, a tranquil environment with views overlooking the ocean. I have had my fair share of massages, but nothing quite as relaxing as the scalp, neck and shoulder pamper session I enjoyed at the stunning facility. 

2. THERE ARE AMAZING BEHIND-THE SCENES EXPERIENCES 

At the Buena Vista Theater, one of dozens of onboard entertainment halls, veteran Pixar animator Bobby Podesta shared an amazing behind-the-scenes look at a new Cars animation story, offering exhilarating insights into how the fan-favourite film is brought to life.

Lucky attendees were handed luxury goodie bags at the end of the storyteller’s presentation.

It was one of many experiences that made me feel like I was on some kind of constant VIP guest list.

3. THE DINING IS POSH

I was amazed at just how phenomenal the food on the ship was.  

I loved the gourmet cuisine by award-winning chefs at Remy (named after the chef-rat on animation Ratatouille), where dinner service felt like an elegant culinary showcase and a signature chilled Taittinger Champagne cocktail was made tableside to kickstart the banquet.

And at Italian restaurant Palo, ocean views are coupled with superior service and top puddings.

There, I ate the most delicious dessert ever - a buttermilk panna cotta pot served on strawberry popping pearls and garnished with pistachio crumble. 

4. THERE ARE SECRET MEANINGS BEHIND THE DECOR

The design of the ship contains secret codes - and often pays homage to Disney movies, animations and characters.

Sometimes the design cues are obvious. 

For example, in Cabanas, the casual dining restaurant, two huge mosaics based on scenes and characters in Disney’s Pixar animated film Finding Nemo are displayed. 

The hand-crafted designs are more than eight feet high and contain approximately 194,500 tiles in 200 colours.

Other design elements are more subtle.

For example, the ship, like the rest of the Disney fleet, is painted in Mickey Mouse-inspired colours – black hull, white superstructure, yellow trim and two giant red funnels. 

And in Italian restaurant Palo, there's a custom glass chandelier inspired by spaghetti and meatballs.

There are also features that help guide you around the ship. 

For example, staterooms on the left-hand side (port side) have fish sculptures as door markers, and those on the right (starboard), are embossed with seahorses.

5. DISNEY'S PRIVATE ISLAND REALLY IS A PARADISE - AND IT'S HOME TO SECRET TREASURES

I was blown away by how idyllic Disney's Castaway Cay is. 

The award-winning island in the Bahamas - one of the stops on our voyage - is a literal paradise, with sprawling palm trees, crystal-clear waters and perfect white-sand beaches.

In my snorkelling gear I explored a 'snorkel trail' in a 22-acre lagoon. As an array of colourful fish swam beneath me I hunted for sunken Disney treasures, which included a Mickey Mouse statue and Captain Nemo's submarine, Nautilus.

6. THERE ARE UNIQUE THEMED EXPERIENCES

I was surprised by just how ahead of the curve Disney is with its onboard experiences.

Take restaurant Animator's Palate, for example - it's joyously unique, offering themed dining experiences where creation knows no bounds. 

Here, I was asked to draw my own four limbed character, before it was brought to life in spectacular fashion on a massive television screen in the restaurant, alongside the designs of other diners. 

On another occasion, Crush, the old tortoise from Finding Nemo, made an appearance interacting with guests around the venue.

For breakfast at Animator’s Palate, Woody and his Toy Story friends Jessie and Bullseye joined us, singing the catchy Hey Howdy Hey tune and posing for pictures with excited diners as we ate crispy bacon, Danish pastries and American biscuits.

No need for a notepad or pen, as all guests are given adorable signature cards with an autograph from each character.

7. PICTURE-PERFECT HAVENS FOR BOTH KIDS - AND ADULTS

I get goosebumps just thinking about those perfectly peaceful adults-only areas onboard Disney Fantasy. 

Sometimes I didn’t want to be bothered by excitable children - and that’s OK. Disney had me covered with Quiet Cove Pool, an exclusively over-18 multi-level pool.

It was the perfect place to soak up the sun and tropical beverages were only a short swim away - thanks to the swim-up bar. 

At night, I sank into an impressive cocktail that glowed in the dark at sleek lounge Skyline, which features digital views by Disney Imagineering of skylines from around the world, from London to Barcelona and from Hong Kong to New York.

I also paid Meridian a visit for a cheeky tipple before dinner and passed through O’Gills Pub, a lively Irish bar perfect for watching sporting events on HD TVs. 

But my personal favourite was Ooh La La, a lounge resembling a jewellery box with Victorian furniture, velvet-tufted walls and ornate mirrors. Here I consumed a delightful amount of chocolate and accompanying liquor for an enlightened tasting experience.

For young children, there are plentiful options - The Royal Court Princess Tea Party is the ultimate experience for young girls wishing to live out their Disney princess dreams and the Oceaneer Club, for three to 10-year-olds, boasts a Star Wars 'holotable', a recreation of Andy's room from Toy Story and a magical Tinker Bell-themed forest.

8. THE SHOWS ARE GOOD ENOUGH FOR BROADWAY

Disney Fantasy is dreamland for theatre lovers, with shows fit for Broadway. 

Children and adults alike can marvel at speculator shows such as Aladdin, Frozen and Believe at the Walt Disney Theater, which spans three decks and seats 1,340.

Each production was mind-blowing, and I wondered how the special effects team achieved such outstanding results. Surprisingly, some of the onstage action spills out into the aisles.