Disney Cruise Vacations

Family Vacation on a Disney Cruise 

Disney Cruises are a top choice for family vacations.  The main reasons to choose a Disney Cruise are Mickey, there are excellent kids’ programs, nursery, teen center, family entertainment, top quality musicals, and Disney Vacation Packages can combine Disney Cruises with theme parks.  To get all the information on combining Disney Cruises with theme parks Click Here!

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 ocean liners 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.

Disney Cruise Food Experience 

Eating is meant to be fun, on board a Disney cruise.  The Animators Palate is completely outfitted in black-and-white: then gradually the cartoons on the walls become colorful and casual buffets are perfect for quick family meals.  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.  

*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, etc. and parents get pagers when dropping off kids 12 and under and Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are open to midnight.

*There is a teens-only getaway with lounge area, internet, DVD’s, games, and enthusiastic coordinators.  Teenagers can take special programs such as digital photography or videography, on Castaway Cay, teens can sign up for adventures with biking, snorkeling, and kayaking.

*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.

Disney Cruise Rooms

Disney Cruise rooms 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 link below for more information

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!)

To get all the information on Disney Cruises Click Here!