"Floating resorts" are an increasingly popular vacation choice, and it's no surprise that Disney cruises are considered first-rate.
Reasons to choose Disney Cruises:
- it's Mickey!
- excellent kids' programs
- nursery; teen center
- classy ship
- entertainment
- packages can combine Disney cruises with theme parks
Caution (or selling point): no casinos.
Even before the launch of Disney cruises in 1998, entire ships were dedicated to the family travelers. But of course when "The Mouse" arrived, he raised the bar: which is now very high, indeed.
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 oceanliners of the 1920's and 30's.
Expect class, not Toontown: for example, the grand lobby is covered with "understated Mickeys": you could almost miss the familiar double-eared shapes.
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.
- See photos
Food Experience
Eating is meant to be fun, on board. Samples from the Wonder:
- the adults-only Palo restaurant serves up north Italian cuisine with flair
- the Animators Palate is completely outfitted in black-and-white: then gradually the cartoons on the walls become colorful
- the ice-cream Scoop is popular with kids
- casual buffets are perfect for quick family meals
As with an all-inclusive resort, kids can help themselves to food and drink all day long. But -- as is typical on in this industry-- sodas are notincluded: if your kids slurp a lot of sodas, buy a Soda Package.
Other food fun includes deck parties, theme dinners, character breakfast, champagne brunch, and high tea (for adults.)
Three Swimming Pools
- Quiet Cove Pool, adults- only, with its own Cove Cafe on the Magic
- Goofy's Pool, for families
- Mickey's Pool, for kids
- dive-in movies
Kids Programs
- Flounders Reef nursery, for ages 12 weeks to three years. (Not an all-included service.)
- 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...
- Parents get pagers when dropping off kids 12 and under.
- Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are open to midnight
- teens-only getaway with lounge area, internet, DVD's, games, and enthusiastic coordinators. On the Wonder, teens have Common Grounds; on the Magic, the Stack has separate spaces for old and young teens
- Teens can take special programs such as digital photography or videography
- on Castaway Cay, teens can sign up for adventures with biking, snorkeling, and kayaking. (Sells out fast!)
For many details on kids programs, see Cruisemates .
Onboard Fun
- sports courts, soccer area
- opportunities to meet Disney characters
- "Tea with Wendy Darling" on the Magic
- The Studio Sea family nightclub, with karaoke, game shows, etc.
The Walt Disney Theater seats 970 people, and each ship has smaller theaters too. Two musical stage shows are offered on each ship: such as the new The Golden Mickeys, a song'n'dance romp with many favorite characters. Theaters have other live shows and also first-run movies.
Staterooms...
-come in many varieties and prices. Two suites have 1029 sq. ft. each. 73% of units are outside staterooms; 44% of these have private verandahs.
Ports of Call
Disney's ships ply many seas these days. 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); perhaps even a Mediterranean cruise. Check the
Disney Cruisesite for Ports of Call.
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!)
Meanwhile, Land & Sea Vacations combine a Disney cruise plus WDW theme parks and resort.
See the Disney Cruise site for more info.
- Continue to photos of The Wonder
- read FAQ's about Disney Cruises (where ships cruise, what's included, gratuities, etc.)
Always check destination's web sites for updates!
* photos of stateroom, Mickey pool, and courtesy of Walt Disney World. Other photos © Teresa Plowright.
