How familiar are you with Disney Cruise Line? Sure, maybe you’re heard of the amazing kids clubs. Perhaps you’ve seen photos of the deck parties or Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. But I bet you’ve never even thought of some of the magic Disney has in store for you aboard their ships! Here are 10 things you didn’t know you could do on a Disney Cruise.
1) Get a Virtual View
You’ve got three basic choices when it comes to picking your stateroom aboard a Disney ship: verandah (balcony), ocean view, or an inside stateroom. Inside staterooms are the lowest priced of these options, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun! If you’re sailing on the Disney Dream or the Disney Fantasy, your inside stateroom will have a “magical porthole” that offers virtual views of the exterior of the ship in real-time! These screens make sure you get to enjoy the ocean as well, and you never know which Disney characters might make a cameo.
2) Watch a Movie PremEAR
Is there a new Disney film coming out while you’re planning on sailing? No worries! Disney screens the latest movie premieres in the Walt Disney Theatre at the same time they release to the public. No need to reserve a spot and no need to purchase a ticket; you can watch in style in the same theater they use to show Broadway-caliber productions in the evenings. And if the movie is in 3D, they’ll have glasses ready for you. You can also watch Disney movies onboard at the Buena Vista Theatre or via “Funnel Vision” (i.e. up by the pool deck).
3) Run a 5K on the Beach
Want an excuse for a 2nd dessert? Be one of the first people off the ship and race in the Castaway Cay 5K! You’ll get a souvenir race bib, some great photo ops, and of course a medal to take home! This event is completely free and you can sign up aboard the ship.
4) Ride a Water Coaster
Missing the thrills of the parks? Then you have to try out the AquaDuck aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy! This is the first water coaster aboard a cruise ship, and it is exciting fun for anyone over 42″ tall. This jet-propelled slide sends you out over the side of the ship on a two-person raft and races you over the pool deck. If you’re looking for even bigger thrills, the AquaDunk on the Disney Magic is a body slide that kicks off with a freefall as the floor disappears and shoots you 112 feet over the ocean!
5) Take a Cooking Class
Palo is one of two adults-only restaurants offered by Disney Cruise Line, and on the Disney Fantasy you can sign up to take a cooking class with the chefs. Learn how to make some of the authentic Italian dishes that Palo is famous for, including butternut agnolotti ravioli and limoncello tart. You’ll take home a Palo chef’s jacket, a keepsake menu, and recipe cards. If you’re more into tasting than preparing, the ships offer several beverage (and chocolate) seminars that range from champagne to whiskey to rum!
6) Become a Pirate
Arrrgh! Is it a pirate’s life for you? On most sailings you’ll get to experience “Pirate Night”, a festive evening that celebrates the excitement of voyaging across the seven seas. The ships offer a pirate-themed menu, pirate bandannas, and a huge deck party with all of your favorite characters. Everyone wants to get into the spirit! On Pirate Night, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique magically transforms into “The Pirates League” and offers pirate-themed makeovers for all ages.
7) Dress in Style
Would you prefer something a little classier than a pirate hat? Disney Cruise Line offers semi-formal nights (all sailings) and formal nights (7-nights or longer sailings) where the whole family can dress up. This is a great time to take a family portrait and meet some of your favorite characters in their finest attire (Minnie loves to join in the fun). It’s also a great night to visit one of the adults-only restaurants for a grand celebration!
8) Have a Date Night
Speaking of which, just because you’re on a family cruise doesn’t mean you can’t have some time to yourselves. Disney Cruise Line offers so many amenities just for adults: restaurants, lounges, pools, spas, nightclubs, and more. The kids don’t need to miss out either; kids age 3-17 have their own youth clubs where they can hang out in immersive spaces and play games. If your kids are 2 or younger, you can reserve time in the “it’s a small world” nursery. So go ahead and book a romantic dinner at Remy or Palo!
9) Talk to a Turtle
One of the highlights of a Disney Cruise is dining with the whole family at Animator’s Palate. The restaurant comes to life in the spirit of Disney animation as the room fills with color over the course of the meal. But you’re in for a special treat if you’re sailing on the Disney Dream or the Disney Fantasy! You’ll get a visit from Crush (the famous sea turtle from Finding Nemo) and he loves to interact with guests. When the screens transform you can carry on whole conversations with him. No two experiences are the same when you get this turtle talking!
10) Watch Fireworks
How would you like to watch a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed fireworks show IN the Caribbean? Well, if you haven’t heard, Disney is full of magic! You won’t want to miss the Buccaneer’s Blast fireworks show on Pirate Night. It’s a spectacular way to end your evening. Even better: if you’re sailing on an itinerary with a Star Wars Day at Sea, you’ll get TWO fireworks shows! The Summon the Force fireworks show is set to the music of Star Wars and is an experience you’ll never forget!
Does this get you excited about taking a Disney Cruise? I hope so! I’d love to help you make it happen. I am a concierge vacation planner specializing in Disney Destinations, and my goal is to take all the stress out of planning so you can focus on the fun. The best part? My services are 100% free when you book your vacation with me!
I’d love to offer you more information about a Disney Cruise for your family. Contact me via the magical button below to receive a free eBrochure and a quote on any Disney Cruise Line itinerary!
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