Disney Destination #3: Disney Cruise Line

Disney Destination #3: 

Disney Cruise Line

When you choose to set sail on a Disney cruise, you're choosing an exciting, relaxing, fun-filled vacation for every member of your family!  

One of the most exciting things about Disney Cruise Line is that you can experience something new every trip you take!  With 4 different ships, destinations all over the world, and different experiences available for most sailings, it's hard to choose between all the great offerings.  Let's take a look at the 4 different ships:

Disney Magic

The Disney Magic is one of the original in Disney's fleet.  The ship combines a classic feel with modern amenities and exemplary service.  Disney Magic sails to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.  Marvel Day at Sea, the popular superhero-themed cruise takes place on the Magic.  During this popular event, you will be able to meet superheroes, as well as participate in hero-themed activities.   Special entertainment is offered including a stunt show, a Dr. Strange themed experience, and a special appearance by characters at the night club!   

Tangled: The Musical is shown onboard, featuring the story of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider in a Broadway caliber show. You can also catch Disney Dreams-An Enchanted Classic and Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story. Lastly, the AquaDunk is the body slide located at the highest point of the ship.  This, in addition to multiple pools, the Aqualab (a splash pad area for kids!), and a Quiet Pool for adults only, provide plenty of opportunity for water play onboard!

Disney Wonder

The Disney Wonder is also an original ship, sailing to Alaska, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Pacific Coast.  Disney Wonder does a fantastic job of mixing timeless with whimsical to ensure a magical trip for the whole family!  Tiana's Place is a restaurant themed to The Princess and the Frog.  There is food, music, and a chance to meet Tiana, all included with the price of the cruise!  The Wonder also features the Crown & Fin Pub, offering an authentic English pub feel for guests.  

Frozen, A Musical Spectacular, is a Broadway-style show featuring the popular movie characters!  The Golden Mickey's is another show offered on the Wonder and the Dream, along with Disney Dreams-An Enchanted Classic, featuring many beloved characters!  Multiple pools, including designated childrens' areas and adult exclusive areas, ensure you can find the perfect pool for you!

Disney Dream

The Disney Dream is one of the larger, newer ships in the fleet and is designed with luxury and family fun in mind!  The Disney Dream sails only from Port Canaveral, FL (only an hour drive from Walt Disney World!) to the Bahamas.  One of the big draws of these cruises are the time (sometimes double time!) at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island.  Remy is one of the ship's luxurious on-board dining locations.  For an additional cost, you can experience this restaurant and the amazing French food and atmosphere with an advance reservation.  

Beauty and the Beast and Disney's Believe are the two shows available on the Disney Dream.  One of the most thrilling attractions onboard is the AquaDuck, an exciting waterslide with a clear bottom that extends out, over the ocean!  

Disney Fantasy

This elegant and sophisticated ship is the sister ship to the Disney Dream.  It includes amazing technology mixed with traditional touches to create a unique experience.  This ship also sails from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Caribbean.  One of the most popular cruises on this ship are the Star Wars Day at Sea sailings.  This events allows guests to meet Star Wars characters, watch a Star Wars-themed show, train to be a Jedi, and experience spectacular fireworks!  There are also special activities for guests of all ages to engage in the Star Wars fun!  

The Fantasy also features a second adult only dining option. Remy is offered as well as Palo to give grown ups an option for a more upscale experience.  Sweet On You is an onboard ice cream shop with an adorable old-time soda shop feel.  The ship even offers a Tiffany & Co franchise for some up scale shopping while on-board.

Aladdin- A Musical Spectacular, Disney's Wishes, and Disney's Believe are the shows available on the ship.  In addition to multiple pools, Fantasy features the popular AquaDuck for brave cruisers!

More To Do!

To begin your cruise, there will be a Sail Away Celebration featuring Disney Characters, dancing, and fun for all!  Other special deck parties are available, depending on the sailing.  For example, Pirate Night is a popular party where guests dress up to enjoy the festivities and fireworks!  

The ships all offer advance screening of new Disney movies in their theater.  The popular Bibbity Bobbity Boutique (you probably have heard of these makeover locations in Walt Disney World) allows your little girl to get a makeover fit for a princess!  Royal Court Royal Tea Party gives your newly dolled up princess a perfect place to show off her gown and meet some of their favorite Disney Princesses.  

Each ship offers an adult-only restaurant in Palo.  For an extra fee, you can experience delightful Northern Italian cooking with an advanced reservation.  Each ship also offers an adult-only spa, a quiet pool, and multiple bars and nightclubs.  There are health clubs available, as well as an area to play sports.

For kids, each ship features an Oceaneer's Club.  There are multiple themes within each club, and they range from Toy Story, Marvel, and Star Wars to Fairies, Mickey and Friends, and a Luau.  Each ship offers multiple themes, so you're kids will always have plenty to keep them occupied!  "it's a small world!" nursery  is offered for an added cost and provides baby care for the youngest sea-farers.  There are teen lounges and clubs to occupy the not-quite-adult crowd.  

There are optional port activities to explore when you reach each destination.  These must be reserved and are an additional fee.  If you are really looking to explore and area, you can look into adding an Adventures by Disney trip to your cruise!  We will look more at Adventures by Disney soon.

Castaway Cay

One of the biggest draws of a Disney Cruise is their private island, Castaway Cay.  This location features a beautiful family beach, a designated adults-only beach, a splash area for kids, multiple waterslides, and a special area for teens.  There is a kids club so couples can get away, Character interactions, as well as a sports beach for popular beach games.  The best part of the island may be the BBQ, though!  Not all cruises make a stop at Castaway Cay, so make sure it's on your itinerary if you'd love to visit!

What's Included?

Disney Cruise Line prices include the staterooms, which are larger than average and designed around families.  All meals at rotational dining restaurants (all except Palo and Remy) are included in the price, as well as non-alcoholic drinks, and exciting on-board recreation. Shows, special events, and fireworks are all included in the price.  Your fare does not include shore excursions, spa treatments, alcohol, or souvenirs.  

With so many reservations and moving parts, a Disney Cruise is best booked with a Disney expert.  Contact me if you are ready to start planning, or sign up for my newsletter to keep tabs on the latest travel and Disney news!