ZIP-a-Dee-Do-Dah, Zip-a-Dee-Day, Mickey Mouse is on his way!

The most famous mouse in the world, with his crew of cartoon characters, sails into Southampton next month on the 83,000-ton Disney Wonder, one of the most spectacular and lavish cruise ships ever seen in the city.

Soaring high over the waves, the $350 million Disney Wonder, will be a stunning sight as the sumptuous superliner sails up Southampton Water spreading a little Mickey Mouse magic in its wake.

Never has the city seen a ship like this before. The liner's whistle plays a version of When You Wish Upon a Star and one of the two large red and black funnels, designed to recall a past era of shipping and complete with Mickey's ears painted on either side, is false and houses a variety of entertainment areas.

Hanging on the stern is a large Donald Duck, and the golden scroll, decorating the bow of the ship, incorporates many Disney characters.

With its towering decks, sweeping streamlined superstructure and art deco styled interiors, Disney Wonder will be like no other ship ever to come alongside the Queen Elizabeth II terminal in the city's Eastern Docks.

"It is a whole ship load of magical moments and wondrous surprises which have been created by the dream-makers of Disney,'' said a company spokesman.

The floating theme park arrives on July 21, signalling the start of three days of fun-filled events marking its official European debut.

Mickey's arrival is an enormous coup for Southampton. The giant Disney empire chose the docks to officially unveil its superliner, underlining the city's position as the country's premier cruise port.

The huge liner has more than 100 musicians, illusionists, comedians, jugglers, actors and hosts creating a non-stop sea-going show.

Even the ship's luxurious dining rooms are an entertainment in themselves with the highspot being the Animator's Palate where passengers step into an artist's canvas as the restaurant comes alive with colour.

"Between appetisers and desserts the entire dining area changes from black and white to vibrant colours of the rainbow,'' said a Disney spokesman.

"Everything from pencil drawings of Mickey Mouse on the walls to table linens, lighting, dinnerware and even serving hosts' attire, all is transformed.''

The ship's premier showplace is the Walt Disney Theatre, a 975-seat auditorium, three decks high, equipped with sophisticated lighting and technical facilities.

A whole series of cabaret spots, lounges, sports bars, swimming pools and a health and fitness centre also feature on board the Italian-built liner.

Now undergoing last-minute sea-trials, Disney Wonder is due to enter service in August and will be normally based at Cape Canaveral in Florida where Disney has constructed a special passenger terminal based on Southampton's Ocean Terminal which once stood in the Eastern Docks.

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