It’s been just about three weeks since we’ve returned from our Disney Cruise Line vacation… and I’ve only been *this close* to booking another Disney Cruise just about 20 times. It’s true! I’m officially hooked. From the stunning destinations to the superb and spacious accommodations; the unique fine dining to the live Broadway-caliber shows, I’ve found a new way to spend my vacation dollars.
And, I can’t think of a better investment.
Because that’s the crux of the matter, yes? The fact is, when planning a family vacation, your choice is bound to be based on interests, preferences and your total travel budget. And for the first two – interests and preferences – I can assure you that a Disney Cruise Line vacation will easily cover these points. There is authentically something for everyone! (No, seriously, take a look.)
But it’s important for me to address the elephant (possibly Dumbo?) in the room: Why is a Disney Cruise worth your hard-earned vacation dollars? What makes a Disney Cruise different from another cruise line? Why should you consider paying a premium when there are so many last minute “deals” and “promos” offered by competitors?
It’s actually quite simple. With a Disney Cruise Line vacation, you can expect something more. In fact, what’s included in the price of your cruise may surprise you.
Staterooms. Disney Cruise staterooms are designed with your family in mind, boasting innovative comforts and modern features you won’t find on any other cruise ship. My favourite feature? Has to be the split bathrooms.
Split bathrooms give you access to a separate bathroom with sink/ toilet and sink/ shower/ tub. This means mom can get ready in one bathroom while dad bathes the kids in the other. It’s practical, it’s time-saving, and it takes up no more space than a traditional bathroom on most cruise ships. It’s kind of ingenious! And in the bathrooms, you’ll find H20 Plus-branded spa, bath and shower toiletries.
The stateroom also boasts ample storage space, including a slightly raised bed with room underneath for tucking away luggage. Of course, if it’s a view you’re after, 88 per cent of the staterooms on the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream have ocean views.
Dining. A highlight of any Disney Cruise vacation, you can savour a wide variety of dining options sure to satisfy even the pickiest of palates. From three lavishly themed Main Dining restaurants to convenient quick-service dining, you’ll always have fresh, expertly prepared dishes available for you and your family to enjoy.
Feel like vegging on the verandah? Order from a limited 24-hour room service menu (gratuities extra), included in your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Or grab complimentary soda, tea and coffee on deck and in the dining rooms of the ship. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you can indulge in all-you-care-to-enjoy soft-serve ice cream (the banana soft-serve is out of this world!).
For adults with a more discerning palate, fine dining options are also available – you’ll want to read my upcoming review of Remy restaurant. Offering the most luxurious dining onboard, Remy is an adult-exclusive restaurant serving the finest French fare for dinner.
Entertainment. *Nobody* does entertainment like Disney. On a Disney Cruise, you can expect Broadway-caliber musicals and fireworks at sea. You’ll dress up for deck parties and watch new Disney movies in 3D. You will have the chance to meet, greet and take a photo with your beloved Disney Characters. A Disney Cruise is chock full of fun-filled activities for every age, from sun-up to well after sundown.
Of course, our recent Star Wars Day at Sea cruise is one such example of their world-class entertainment offerings. Exclusive to the Disney Fantasy on select Western Caribbean sailings from January through April in 2016, Star Wars Day at Sea combines the power of the Force and the magic of Disney for an out-of-galaxy experience unlike any other!
Pools & Recreation. Who says there’s nothing to do in the middle of the ocean? Splash it up in Mickey’s Pool or AquaLab, where kids can soak up some soggy fun in a sparkling pool, winding waterslide or wading pools! For Guests 18 years of age and older, Quiet Cove Pool offers a more serene swimming environment, while Satellite Falls beckons Guests with cascading rain curtain (exclusive to the Disney Fantasy).
And we can’t forget the AquaDuck or AquaDunk! Located aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, the AquaDuck is a an exhilarating waterslide that takes riders on a wet and wild journey up, down, around… and off the side of the ship! It is the ONLY waterslide at sea that extends over the side of a cruise ship. (Watch a quick clip of my son riding the Aquaduck!)
Castaway Cay. Exclusive to Disney Cruise Line; this beautiful port of call is Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. Disney Cruise guests are treated to a buffet-style barbecue lunch, all-you-care-to-eat ice cream, pristine beaches (including a family beach and adult-only beach), and sports, entertainment and water activities the whole family will adore.
You can also take advantage of Disney Character greetings, including a dance party with Lilo and Stitch! And when you’re ready for some solo time, complimentary childcare for ages 3 through 12 is available on the island at Scuttle’s Cove, an expansive child’s area supervised by Disney counselors.
Click here for more information on what’s included in a Disney Cruise.
I hope I’ve been able to clearly demonstrate the value of taking a vacation with Disney Cruise Line. If you still have questions, listen to my What She Said segment! I share even MORE reasons why you (me, and everyone!) should take a Disney Cruise.
Now if you’ll excuse me… it’s time to once again peruse the Disney Cruise Line website! Vacation planning is in full effect.
A Disney Cruise looks absolutely amazing!!
I have been following this cruise you took and I believe my whole family would certainly have the time of their lives. I always wondering if I would have enough to do on a cruise to keep me busy, well I would be entertained and time to relax to for my whole family.
One of these days i would like to go on a
Disney Cruise Line vacation.
It looks like an amazing experience.
This would be an awesome adventure for my little ones
A Disney cruise is most definitely on our list of things we MUST do.. Looks magical ;)
My son has wanted to go on a Disney cruise for a very long time… Now he wants to go even more because of star wars
A disney cruise looks amazing – my family would definitely enjoy it :)
My son and husband would LOVE a star wars cruise!
This looks like tons of fun.
I would love to take a cruise but I get sea sick so pretty sure it’s not in the cards for me.
Looks like an amazing time , would so love to go on a cruise one day , I can Dream right ? the grand kids would love it !
Wow that’s looks amazing
it’s a floating paradise
amazing, I must go back, been way too long since I’ve been, I will take my kids one day, and this is just perfect so much fun
Great article, I had wondered whether they were worth the premium. Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the great article that I enjoyed reading.It looks like the Disney Cruise was spectacular and would love to go someday with my grandchildren.
Awesome post and pictures. Would definitely love to go on a Disney Cruise some day.
great photos. that looks like so much fun
Looks so magical,wish i had done something like this when i was younger and in better health.
I’d love to go on one of these cruises one day! Never too old for Disney :)
Wow! That looks amazing! The rooms are super nice and the food sounds perfect. So much fun for families!
Our daughter just arrived back today from a Disney Cruise Line vacation with their three children, and already booked for next year already! They absolutely loved everything about it!!!
I would love to take a Disney Cruise at some point. The Star Wars one you just took looked like so much fun!
We went in a Disney cruise this time last year in the Disney Fantasy. We had a wonderful time! My 7 year old son asks almost daily when can we do it again!
Great post
Thanks Lisa
Your room looks very spacious, not something I normally expect on a cruise. My children would love it!
It all sounds so nice. The entertainment especially.
This is definitely on my bucket list. It sounds amazing!
We’re currently planning our next Disney vacation (we went October 2014) for this October and may have to include a few days at sea on a #DisneyCruise! It sounds amazing!
It looks like an amazing experience.i love to to do this someday !!
One day…. Disney Cruise is something I’d love to do!
Great article Lena! It only emphasizes to me even more that I want to take my family on a Disney Cruise someday. <3
I took my kids on a Disney cruise a few years ago and it was truly magical. I myself have been on many cruises but this was the first with my 2 young kids (and husband at the time) and it was the best cruise ever. When we got home (after flying all day) my 3 year old daughter fell on the floor and started crying. I asked her what was wrong and she burst out ‘I just miss Mickey Mouse’ enough said.
I would love to go on a Disney cruise vacation some day
Disney cruises look amazing and I know my kids would love it!
A Disney Cruise is on my bucket list! I know they will set the standard in family entertainment and travel and provide a top notch experience!
These cruise ships are huge, what a great experience that would be
Sounds like an amazing vacation. Does anyone have a disney cruise planning guide or steps or spreadsheet?
Dumbo is so adorable. The cruise seems like an amazing vacation
My kids would LOVE a Disney Cruise…. and I’m starting to think that I would TOO!!!!!
A Disney cruise has something for everyone! This cruise is on my list for our grandchild!
Would love to go in a Disney cruise
I love Disney! This cruise sounds like so much fun!
I would love to bring my boys on a Disney Cruise one day. My hubby and I have been saving up this trip for a while now.
Sounds like an awesome cruise!! I like that it’s for both kids and adults!!
A Disney cruise is a wonderful vacation.
I would just love to take my kids on a Disney Cruise. We would have so much fun!
It looks like an amazing experience.
Would love to take the grandkids on a Disney cruise
I really wouldn’t take a cruise but I must say that this ship is awesome and the rooms are gorgeous and I bet the food is superb.
The rooms are beautiful,oh the food,the whole boat must be so nice!