As an avid visitor to Walt Disney World, I was nervous to take the ‘plunge’ into a Disney cruise. Let me tell you….it was the best decision ever! Here are my top 10 reasons why you need to take your family on a Disney cruise.
10. The Most Beautiful Ships on the Ocean
The stately nautical colors of the exterior set Disney's ships apart from all other cruise lines. They are simply gorgeous! Once inside, the Disney level of accommodations continues. Everything is polished, clean and shines! One of my favorites inside features is the porthole cushions located throughout the ship.
As with everything Disney, the cruise offers a VIP feel from the time you check in. Captain Mickey was signing autographs at the port while people waited to board the cruise. Upon walking onto the ship, your family’s name is announced like royalty to the crews’ applause. The servers are exceptional throughout the ship. Having the same server each evening provides an amazing experience as they get to know your kids and family. Don’t be afraid to order whatever you want!
9. The Staterooms (with verandahs)!
The staterooms have an amazing amount of storage. Unpacking was simple with two large closets, an ottoman for storage and drawer space throughout. We tucked those large suitcases under the bed and our room was beyond spacious for the entire stay.
In addition to the space provided in the stateroom, the turn down service is magical each night. For a family of 4 or 5, your room attendant will pull down the additional beds and have them made for when you return from your nightly show and activities.
…And the bathroom situation! Wow, Disney has thought of everything. You can choose a stateroom with a split bathroom, which allows for one to shower/bathe while others use the restroom and get ready. A bathtub is also a wonderful addition to help with families of younger cruisers.
8. Rotational dining!
On a 3-night cruise, your Key to the World card will dictate your dining rotation. It is so refreshing each night to dine in a new location. We were on the Disney Dream, and the kids enjoyed Animator's Palate the best with its interactive features on the walls. My personal favorite was the Royal Palace with its beautiful porthole windows watching the waves and sunset.
7. H20 Toiletries:
The sea marine scent is one that I will pay extra for. I even left a note for my stateroom host for extras and he brought me a bunch of extras to take home. Of course, I then added a couple extra $$ to his tip envelope at the end of the cruise.
6. Kids activities
The Oceaneer Club and Lab on deck 5 are an amazing part of this wonderful cruise! My kids especially enjoyed the cooking class. I loved that the kids got magic bands before boarding the ship. While in the kids club, they could ask a cast member to locate a sibling, or ask a parent to come pick them up. Once we arrived to pick up the kids, the cast members were able to tell us exactly where they were located and could go in and check on them. Amazing! Another amazing option for kids and adults were the latest movies being shown on board, in 3D as well!
5. Disney Cruise Line Navigator app
Even though you are disconnected from the rest of the world, this app allows you to communicate with friends and family on board. You can text each other, set favorite activities for the day and preview menus, activities and weather for upcoming days. The kids club will alert you via the app when your kids are ready to be picked up!
4. The Aqua Duck!
The Aqua Duck is an amazing roller coaster-like water slide set high above the ship's top deck. Two passengers can ride at a time. Once your children are 7, they can ride with another child. My kids claimed it was one of their favorite things about the cruise. It truly is super fun! This water coaster can be found on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
3. Ice cream whenever you want!
I think my kids had 23 ice cream cones a day! Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and banana! One of my favorite moments was sitting on the pool deck while my daughter enjoyed a banana ice cream cone watching Princess and the Frog! How cool is that!?
2. The Broadway Style Shows.
Oh. My. Goodness. I would have paid at least $50-$100 a ticket for the shows on board. They were one of my favorite parts of the cruise, and the kids agreed too! They are still talking about “Villians Tonight!” I laughed, cried, sang-along, and will forever treasure watching the magic of Disney unfold in front of my child’s eyes every night.
1. Castaway Cay.
Pictures do not do this place justice. It is simply spectacular. You wake up one morning docked at your own PRIVATE ISLAND. I did not anticipate how wonderful this experience would be. A tram is available to take you to different parts of the island; family beaches, adult beaches and cabanas.
While on the island, you are astounded by the beauty of the sand, water and features. The water slide feature at Pelican’s Plunge is fun for all ages I could have added about 100 more reasons to take a cruise with Disney in the VERY NEAR future. It was an amazing experience from start to finish and my family cannot wait to go again!
Contact our experts today for help planning your next Disney Cruise!!
