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.
