Are you planning a family vacation? Honeymoon? Girls only trip? Or maybe you just need to get away? I'm right there with you. These cold, gloomy days are not fun! Look no further than the Disney Cruise Line. I never understood why people love cruising, that is until I took one.
You guys… seriously, you need this in your life. We just finished 4 days on the Disney Wonder and can't wait to go back! Here are 5 reasons to book a Disney Cruise and it's not just about the free ice cream! Although, free ice cream is a definite perk!
5 Reasons to Book a Disney Cruise!
Related: Disney Cruise Line Tips
1. The Magic of Disney
Whether it is meeting the characters, trading pins with Officers, or being immersed in the broadway style shows the magic is everywhere!
It may not have snowed here this year, but we did get to experience snow in the Atlantic Ocean thanks to Elsa and the all new Frozen show on the Disney Wonder!
You will also find that the dining team and stateroom host/hostess also bring magic. Remembering your whole family's favorite drinks, playing games with the kids, and leaving detailed towel animals in the room, the entire team goes above and beyond to make you feel like the Queen or King of the ship.
2. Oceaneer Lab and Club aka: The places my kids did not want to leave and I'm kinda jealous of.
Disney always does a phenomenal job in making everyone feel like a kid again. But let me tell you, if you get a chance to walk through the open house of the Oceaneer Club and Lab onboard any of their ships you are going to want to hunt down the Fairy Godmother or Genie and asked to be turned into a kid!
I don't let just anyone watch my kids. But I felt at peace leaving them with the amazing youth activities cast members who loved each child as if they were their own. They will even feed your children if they are in there during lunch and/or dinner time. These activities are no extra charge for ages 3 and up!
There are play areas, movies, games, crafts, and you never know who might show up to join in the fun! We were able to build cars and race them with the Mouse himself, Mickey!
A superhero academy needs, well, supers. Spider-Man showed up to help the kids prepare for a showdown with some tricky villains. I think we could all sleep better knowing everyone's favorite friendly neighborhood Spider-Man was onboard.
3. Disney Cruise Adult Only Areas
The kids aren't the only ones having fun. Each ship features adult only entertainment, pool areas, dining, and Castaway Cay also has an adult only section of the beach. Adult only areas are open late. Check your navigator or Disney Cruise Line app for all the hours and info.
This was me, enjoying a fruity, rum based drink while cracking up to the Match Your Mate game! It's always more embarrassing when the family is present for these not so angelic answers! Where are the kids? They are busy enjoying the Oceaneer Club. The kids' clubs stay open late as well so adults can enjoy a night out on the ship.
4. Castaway Cay
Disney's very own private island, Castaway Cay is a paradise. Disney is the only cruise line in the business that can dock at their island so no need to ferry over. You get off the ship and you are there. Choose between walking to the main beach area or taking a tram. Either way the scenery is gorgeous.
I personally like walking, at least one way. The views of the ship are amazing and there are some great photo opps along the way. You never know who you will see out on the beach either. Characters meet throughout the day.
Pelican Plunge features two water slides, a dumping bucket, and more chances to play with water not he island. Swim out to the floating fun and race your family down the slides. Life jackets are provided for free for guests who need them.
Castaway Cay Port Adventures
I'll call this one point 4.b. If just relaxing on the beach and swimming in the ocean isn't enough for you and the family check out the Port Adventures. There are a ton to choose from including snorkeling, stingray experience, and parasailing! Book these before you set sail for the best availability.
Our family went out snorkeling and loved it. We found a hidden Mickey, sunken treasure, and saw a lot of marine life. The kids thought it was cool Crush decided to swim along with us for part of the day. I also spotted some rays gliding along as we swam by.
When in paradise you should definitely try relaxing, at least for a minute, with a Konk Kooler in your hand. I'm seriously missing this view and that drink. I think I need another cruise.
Remember when I said characters were out and about to hangout with guests? Not only do you have some great photo opps but there are character dance parties located near Cookies BBQ. Bust out your best moves with the gang, freeze like Elsa, or conga around like an expert. Kids and adults can get in on this party.
Castaway Cay is paradise! I want to go back asap. Okay, I convinced myself, time to book another trip.
5. The Food
Oooh the food. No I did not weigh myself when I got back home. I don't need to see that number! Calories don't count at Disney right? Moving on. The food is delicious!
Want extra? Feeling envious of what your neighbor got? Tell your servers. They will bring you more, less, and even go to another restaurant to grab your favorite dessert. You can also choose to order room service or book adult only dining.
Mmmm Beignets. No shame. And in case you are wondering, Tiana's beignets taste as good as the ones I got at Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans. This fact led to me eating more than one serving, but that's 100% fine.
Dinner is not only delicious but it is fun! At Tiana's place you are immersed in New Orleans, complete with a Jazz Band and the Princess herself leading all the kids in a big celebration! Each ship offers different entertainment and restaurants. You can explore each ship on DisneyCruise.com.
Bonus: Free Ice Cream and so much more!
I couldn't even begin to describe all the amazing things to do, see, and eat on a Disney Cruise. This list would be pages and pages long! If you have any questions leave them in the comments below. Also visit Disney Cruise Line to explore each ship, look at the staterooms, and more!
Warning: Re-entry is hard. Someone take me back!
I was invited to the 2017 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. I paid a conference fee to attend and received discounted & complimentary items from Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and their sponsors. We were not asked to write about our experiences at the conference. All opinions are my own.
Sounds like a dream vacation. I think my kids would be so thrilled about a Disney cruise. I have to put this on my wishlist:) Beautiful photos!
Thank you so much! It’s just as fun for the adults too 🙂
It looks like you had the perfect vacation. I have always wanted to go on a cruise – perhaps one day. I don’t have little ones any longer, but I think the little one in me would enjoy this.
That’s the great thing about Disney Cruise Line (and Disney) you don’t have to be a little one or have little ones. There is fun for everyone. My best friend had her honeymoon on a Disney Cruise 🙂
This Disney cruise idea sounds amazing, especially for girls only vacation. I have never been to a cruise before, but like to explore the pleasure.
My bestie and I are definitely planning a girl’s only trip! Yay!
I have to say this was the best time ever. I actually forgot i was on water. Already booking another cruise to enough with son.
We are addicted to cruising! And best part is you are now in the Castaway Club 🙂
We went on a Disney cruise when the kids were little. I loved how the kids had lots of places to play & the parents could have some alone time too
How fun does this look! The Disney Cruise looks like a great time not only for kids, but families in general, love the fact that they have some fun experiences for the adults.
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I have always wanted to go on a Disney cruise! It looks like so much fun for everyone in the family! We went to Disney social media moms last year and it was awesome!
Please take me immediately, I want to join in the fun and be a kid again because real life sucks lol. I love that you can trust your kids with the youth leaders, I think that is so brilliant x
LOL I hear that! We came home to wind, rain, and cold. Take me back!!
I think we’d have a ton of fun on one of these cruises. I didn’t know about Castaway Cay! That’s an awesome perk.
Looks like a fun time to be had. The water is so beautiful. I would love to take a Disney Cruise.
This looks like a perfect family trip! I would love the Toy Story part and the food. Maybe we will put this on our list when we have kids.
You should take one even before you have kids. My best friend honeymooned on a Disney Cruise. Fun for everyone!
There is so many cool things to do on a cruise. Looks like a lot of fun for the kids.
It’s also fun for adults 😉
I think that it would be the next thing to going to Disney, something I have yet to do. But hopefully one day I will do both a cruise and Disney. Maybe together at the same time like this magical one.
Without question, this is on my Bucket List. It looks amazing. I am so glad you guys had a great time. That Oceaneers Lab looks especially cool.
🙂
Traci
I like the idea of a disney cruise. With my health condition this sounds like something ideal to do. I could rest whenever I need to. Adding this to my travel bucket list. Castaway Cay looks like fun for the children.
What an amazing trip! The island looks truly beautiful, and the ship sounds like heaven. I love that they have such a great way of catering to the kids while acknowledging and providing for the needs of the parents.
I think it’s awesome to go on a cruise especially for the kids! It would be a nice treat for them. These are reasons enough to book one now. I would love to enjoy everything that they have to offer.
This sounds like an awesome vacation idea for the whole family! I love that there are plenty of activities and attractions to go to. It’s definitely going to be unforgettable.
a Disney cruise is one of my son’s life goals. it would have been mine too if I didn’t have the worst motion sickness ever. But will find the time and way to do this one of these days, years. I’d love to experience the magic of Disney too
I had no idea that there was an adult only area… that would be a perfect break with all of the little ones running all around. You had me at food, however. I am a food person and anywhere that has amazing food like what your photos show, well I have to go.
My photos do not even do the food justice! I was thinking I might have to do a post dedicated to the food because I took so many photos!
I think this sounds like an amazing thing to do! We’ve been planning a summer holiday for this year and were toying with the idea of booking a cruise. We opted for 10 days on the beach in Spain though 🙂
Disney cruise? Oh my days. I gotta be honest. I am not big on Disney (I know, I’m a terrible person) but I know a few people who love it so much they’d probably pop if I showed them this, So I will 😉
Katja xxx
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My son and I would love to go on a cruise but we need to do some convincing with my husband. This sounds like so much fun!
I went on a Disney Cruise 17 years ago! It looks so much different than when I was a kid. I would love to go on another!
You had me at #1! We are a Disney family and we have been talking about a cruise. These are great reasons to go!