"Floating resorts" are an increasingly popular type of holiday, and it's no surprise that a Disney Cruise is a top choice with families.
Reasons to choose a Disney Cruise:
- it's Mickey!
- excellent kids' programs
- nursery; teen center
- entertainment: top quality musicals
- packages can combine Disney cruises with theme parks
Caution (or selling point): no casinos.
Even before the launch of Disney cruise ships in 1998, entire ships were dedicated to family cruises. But of course when "The Mouse" arrived, he raised the bar.
The Disney Cruise Ships
Two ships-- the Wonder and the Magic-- depart from Port Canaveral (an hour west of Orlando), and were designed to evoke the grand oceanliners of the 1920's and 30's. Two more Disney cruise ships are being built.
Expect class, not Toontown: for example, the grand lobby is covered with "understated Mickeys": you could almost miss the familiar double-eared shapes.
Some 2700 people can sail on a Disney cruise. Ships have 11 decks and all you'd expect for a "floating resort": fitness center, spa, etc.
- See photos
Food Experience on a Disney Cruise
Eating is meant to be fun, on board a Disney cruise. Samples from the Wonder:
- the Animators Palate is completely outfitted in black-and-white: then gradually the cartoons on the walls become colorful
- "Scoops" -- for ice-cream -- is popular with kids
- casual buffets are perfect for quick family meals
- and for an adults-only experience, the Palo restaurant serves north Italian cuisine
As with an all-inclusive resort, kids can help themselves to food and drink all day long. Note for those who slurp a lot of sodas: typically sodas are not included on cruise ships. Disney cruises provide free sodas in dining rooms, and at a beverage station on one Deck.
Other food fun includes deck parties, theme dinners, character breakfast, champagne brunch, and high tea (for adults.)
Disney Cruise - Swimming Pools
Guests can expect to find an adult's only pool, a pool for families ("Goofy's Pool"), and one for kids ("Mickey's Pool). Dive-in movies are fun at night.
Disney Cruise - Kids Programs
- Flounders Reef nursery, for ages 12 weeks to three years. (Not an all-included service.)
- Oceaneer Club, for ages 3-4, and 5-7. Dress-up room; pirate ship; character visits...
- Oceaneer Lab, ages 8-9 and 10-12. Hands-on interactive "lab stations" with video screens, gadgets, computers; scavenger hunts...
- Parents get pagers when dropping off kids 12 and under.
- Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are open to midnight
- teens-only getaway with lounge area, internet, DVD's, games, and enthusiastic coordinators.
- Teens can take special programs such as digital photography or videography
- on Castaway Cay, teens can sign up for adventures with biking, snorkeling, and kayaking. (Sells out fast!)
For a detailed look at the kids programs on a Disney Cruise, see an article at Cruisemates.
More Onboard Fun on a Disney Cruise
- sports courts, soccer area
- opportunities to meet Disney characters
- "Tea with Wendy Darling" on the Magic*
- The Studio Sea family nightclub, with karaoke, game shows, etc.
The Walt Disney Theater seats nearly a thousandpeople, and each ship has smaller theaters too. Two musical stage shows are offered on each ship: such as the The Golden Mickeys, a song'n'dance romp with many favorite characters. Theaters have other live shows and also first-run movies.
Staterooms...
-come in many varieties and prices. Two suites have 1029 sq. ft. each. A majority of units are outside staterooms; about half of these have private verandahs.
Disney Cruise Ports of Call
Typically, guests can book 3 and 4-night sailings sail to Nausau, Bahamas, and back, and 7-night sailings to either the Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean. Other choices may be available to: Costa Maya (south of the Riviera Maya, in Mexico); the Mexican Riviera (west coast). Check the
Disney Cruise site for current Ports of Call.
Caribbean sailings regularly include the Castaway Cay private island, with snorkeling, kids programs, banana boats, parasailing, and more. (Note: separate pricing for these activities; and beach can get crowded!)
Meanwhile, Land & Sea Vacations combine a Disney cruise plus WDW theme parks and resort.
Find Out More About Disney Cruises
- see the Disney Cruise site for more info, and for updates.
- also check an independent site, such as the Disney Cruise Line section of Allears.net
- check for money-saving tips at Mousesavers.com
- check recent guest comments at a site like Cruisecritics. You'll find many details about the services offered, and also about helpfulness of staff, upkeep of the rooms and facilities, etc. Opinions do vary, so read enough comments to get a general view.
-read Disney Cruise FAQ's (where ships cruise, what's included, gratuities, etc.)
* Always check Disney Cruise web sites for updates! See links below.
Photos of stateroom, Mickey pool, and courtesy of Walt Disney World. Other photos © Teresa Plowright.
