Back in March 2019, The Pixie Planner team headed out on their first Disney Cruise. Our itinerary sailed from San Diego California on the Disney Wonder with stops in Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada Mexico. I have sailed many times on different cruise ships, but Disney exceeded all of my expectations. From the little details, to the spectacular shows and entertainment, Disney Cruise Line is worth every penny.
10. Signature Disney Style
Once you see a Disney Cruise Ship in port next to other cruise ships, you realize very quickly that there is something special about the Disney ships. They are stunning. Sure, you’ll find Mickey and the crew integrated into the decor, but it’s quite subtle and very tasteful. I have cruised many times before and the Disney ships have truly blown me away with the attention to detail that surrounds you wherever you roam on board.
9. Room Service
Room service on Disney Cruise Line is complementary 24-7! All day, every day. If jet lag has you or your kids off schedule and you miss dinner – or need to eat way earlier – then room service to the rescue.
Most orders make it to your room in about 20 minutes if you order during off-peak hours. If you want coffee service and a continental breakfast, you write your order on a special card you can hang onto the outside of your stateroom door. You even get to choose what time your breakfast will arrive.
You can even order milk and warm cookies at bed time, and even though it isn’t on the menu, you can order a Mickey Ice Cream Bar!
8. Broadway Style Shows & Deck Parties
You know it’s a good list, when the shows – which are excellent – are all the way down at number 8.
The Entertainment Crew on Disney Cruise Line is top notch. The performers are amazing and the stories feature familiar characters, so even if the story at sea isn’t exactly like the tale you know, your family will be excited to see them in new and fun ways.
My favorite show on the Disney Wonder was hands down the Golden Mickey's. Such a cute back story, amazing performers, and so much more.
7. Fireworks at Sea
Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise line with fireworks. Guests on most Bahamian and Caribbean Cruises will get to enjoy a fireworks extravaganza on Pirates IN the Caribbean Night. So, in addition to all of the fun pirate shenanigans, deck parties and costumes, your family will get to enjoy a night of fireworks too.
Fireworks are weather and location dependent. So look for updates if the skies or high winds are threatening.
6. Free Soda
Disney Cruise Line guests can enjoy complementary soda (and tea, lemonade, coffee and fruit punch) at the poolside fountains or in any of the main dining rooms. Many cruise lines charge guests for all soda purchases, but I think they knew I was coming and decided that a beverage station open 24-7 was a better way to go. Or not. But Disney definitely takes the comfort (and tastes) of their guests very seriously.
5. Adults Only Spaces
In addition to the Quiet Cove Pool, each ship has Cove Cafe, Senses Spa and Salon, a night club district and adults only dining at Palo (all 4 ships) and Remy (on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy). There are also adults only departures for a handful of Port Adventures, so be sure to look for those if you are interested.
Castaway Cay has Serenity Bay, an adults only beach with adults only cabanas and an adults only barbecue. See the theme. It’s only for adults.
4. Disney Castaway Cay
Disney Castaway Cay is a little slice of heaven on earth. Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. You’ll find white, sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. When you think “Bahamas” you are likely picturing an island like Castaway Cay.
Active cruisers can run, bike, snorkel and swim all day long. Or you can float in a raft, sleep in a hammock and drink a Pina Colada with me. Up to you, but you know where I’ll be.
3. Twice a Day Housekeeping
Your Stateroom Host is your housekeeper aboard Disney Cruise Line. You will have the same host throughout your cruise. I highly recommend getting to know them on your first day because this is the person who is in charge of keeping your home-away-from-home running smoothly.
Your host will visit your stateroom two times a day. Yes TWICE! The first time is usually before lunch time, unless you have a late riser in your family. And if you do, it’s ok, just let your Stateroom Host know, and they will be able to schedule your housekeeping at a time that works best for you!
Your second service is turndown service. This is also when the bunks are pulled down and the couches are flipped over if you need the twin bed. Your room will get a refresh of towels, and your Personal Navigator is left on your bed along with a few sweets.
2. Character Meet & Greets
Sure, you can meet characters at the parks, but if you don’t use a precious FastPass, you will be waiting in a line… sometimes for a long time, possibly in the heat.
On Disney Cruise Line, the characters have scheduled meet & greet times in a lovely atrium… with a coffee bar just steps away. Ah, see why I love Disney Cruise Line?
And for the most popular “Meet & Greet Parties” like the Princess Gathering and the Frozen Meet & Greet, you can actually reserve your spot in line before you even board the ship, and just like FastPasses on land, it’s included at no extra charge.
1. Getting Away From, well, EVERYTHING
The #1 reason I think DCL is worth every penny – the ability to escape it all.
Never underestimate the freeing feeling of leaving the world behind, and a cruise lets you do that in a way no other vacation can.
If you are in desperate need of unplugging – and who isn’t – then Disney Cruise Line is perfect. With very limited free wi-fi, you won’t be tempted to check texts, emails or even social media very often. All guests receive 50MB free wi-fi, but we all know that won’t last very long.
Leave those phones in airplane mode! You can use the DCL Navigator app which does not require a data package, and DO use your phone to take lots and lots of photos, but otherwise, disconnect from the internet and reconnect with your family.
It’s why you decided to take a cruise with Disney in the first place. You had your choice of cruise lines – and there are some lovely cruise lines out there too – but you chose Disney Cruise Line, so put down that phone and enjoy the total freedom of knowing the U.S. (or European) mainland is far, far behind you!
Here are some of our very favorite pictures from our Pixie Planner 2019 Disney Cruise!
If you are looking to cruise with Disney in the future, we can assist with finding the itinerary, ship, and stateroom that fits your families needs. Reach out today for a free quote!
