What’s Included on a Disney Cruise!

Let me fill you in on a little secret…my family’s favorite vacation is a Disney Cruise.  We can go anywhere in the world and that’s where they want to go every year.  Sometimes more than once a year.  We LOVE Disney Cruise Line!  In fact, I’m a Platinum Castaway Club member…that means I’ve been on at least 10 Disney cruises so I’m a little familiar with it. 😉

Yes, when you compare a Disney Cruise vs. another cruise line it can seem pricey.  But you get SO MUCH for your money on a Disney Cruise.  Once you pay for your cruise fare, taxes, port fees and gratuities, you don’t need to spend another dime to have a MAGICAL time.

So, here are the top 10 magical amenities included on a Disney Cruise…

1. Service!  The Disney company is known for it’s service.  Every employee is trained to provide their customers with the absolute best service whether they’re serving your dinner at Palo or keeping the pool deck dry.  Every Cast Member you see offers a smile and a “Have a magical day!” and is always available to help if needed. 
2. Safety!  Let’s face it, in this crazy world safety is often a big priority when planning a family vacation – especially at sea.  You want to know that your family and your children are safe.  Disney Cruise Line is known for putting guest safety first.
3. Characters!  There are so many characters onboard your Disney ship.  One day as we were sitting by the pool, I looked up and there was Mickey just walking around {I think he may have been on his way to the ice cream!}  Once, we were getting off an elevator and Princess Tiana met us in the hall.  Characters are also available to see at scheduled times if you want those prized autograph and pictures – make sure to see everyone in their pirate gear on Pirate Night!
4. Movies and Shows!  Each night of your cruise there is a Broadway style show in the theater.  The talent is very impressive and the shows are familiar enough and entertaining enough that my boys even stay interested.  Disney Cruise Line also shows first run movies in the theater onboard.  If you’re lucky enough to be onboard while a movie is premEARing {see what I did there?!} stateside, you’ll get to see it on the ship! 
5. Water Fun!  Every ship has at least 2 pools and 1 slide.  The Disney Dream and Fantasy have the Aquaduck {a water coaster!} and the Disney Magic has the Aquadunk.  In addition to pools and slides, there are hot tubs and splash pad areas.  Oh and don’t forget about the adults only sections where there are pools and hot tubs just for the grown ups!
6. Exercise!  Ok, ok this isn’t really my thing but some people enjoy it from what I hear.  Each ship features a great walking/jogging track and all adult guests are welcome to use the fitness room located next to the spa.  Treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights, etc. are all available for guest use.
7. Staterooms!  Yes, I know they’re required but DCL staterooms are NICE compared to other cruise lines.  Most staterooms feature a split bathroom which makes getting ready in the mornings so much easier!  There’s lots of storage space for all your stuff and your suitcases even fit under the bed to save space.  The beds {oh my goodness, the beds!} are so comfortable!!!  
8. Fun!  Whether your family loves to play basketball, mini golf, trivia, board games, shuffleboard, ping pong, or foosball it’s all included.  And the kids have an entire deck of the ship just for them – parents aren’t allowed!  In the kid’s clubs, your kids can do arts and crafts, play in Andy’s Room, watch Disney movies, play on the giant Magic Playfloor, cook, do science experiments, and so much more!  There’s also plenty of fun for tweens and teens too – they have their own sections on the ship.
9. Castaway Cay!  If I could choose anywhere to live the rest of my life, it would be at Castaway Cay in a cabana.  This island is Disney’s private paradise complete with family beaches, an adult beach, BBQ restaurants, waterslides, a splash pad, a kid’s club, a RunDisney 5k {the only free RunDisney event you’ll find!} and a sports area.  Each cruise we take, our day at Castaway Cay is the absolute best day – you can relax on the beach or play in the water or explore the island.  
10. Food!  No cruise is complete without delicious and endless amounts of food, right?  Well, DCL is no exception.  From the buffet restaurant to food stations by the pool to {FREE} room service to main rotational dining, you will not go hungry onboard Disney ships.  Sodas, water, Joffrey’s coffee and tea are always available for free {no soda cards here!} and if you like to enjoy an adult beverage, their Drink of the Day is very reasonably priced.  DCL takes great pride in the quality of their food options and it shows – each restaurant features delicious food and you can order as much of it as you want.  Myself, I always orders at least 2 appetizers.  And of course, I need to sample all the deserts – for research of course. 😉 
11. Towels and Lifejackets! This may seem like a small thing but as a mom, the less I have to pack for my family the better. DCL provides towels all over the pool decks as well as life jackets for your kiddos. There’s no paying for towels or “checking them out” with your keycard. Just grab what you need and put them in the bin when you’re done. Same goes for Lookout Cay and Castaway Cay too!

I really could go on and on and on about how amazing cruising with Disney is, but you really have to experience it firsthand to know how awesome it is.  

I would love to help your family plan a Disney Cruise!  Typically, itineraries are available to book 1.5 years out and as the ships fill up, the prices go up too.  Email me to start planning your Magical Family Vacation!

205-369-8424 or jenney@imaginationtravel.net