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Thinking About a Summer Disney Trip, but You Don't Want to be Stuck in the Heat All Day? How About a Disney Cruise?

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 Will I like it as much as the parks?

Everyone is different and has different preferences. Before I took my family on their first Disney Cruise I admit I was concerned that there were no attractions or rides. I waited for years because I just wasn't sure. When we finally did it, we were in love! Not just my husband and myself, but also my kids who had grown up going to Walt Disney World!

Isn't it more expensive?

That depends on how long you were going to Walt Disney World and how long your cruise will be. If you compare apples to apples for same length trips, the price will likely be closer than you think. Factor in the cost of the food you would purchase in the parks and you get even closer. In some cases the cruise may become cheaper at that point. Why? All of your meals are covered in the cost of the cruise! If you choose to partake, there are a few restaurants aboard that are not included that are for adults only. Some people really look forward to getting those reservations. Personally, I love the 3 restaurants that are included. I have yet to book the dining that is an extra charge!

What exactly is included in terms of food? 

Each Disney ship has a buffet that is part of your meal plan for breakfast and lunch. At night, there is a 3 restaurant rotation. If your cruise is 3 nights, you visit each restaurant 1 evening. If your cruise is longer than 3 nights, you will repeat dining locations, but they will change the menu so that you get a new culinary experience! Oh, yes! And a Disney exclusive: Your wait staff travels with you to each restaurant! They will get to know you and your preferences for that extra little touch that will make dining a true culinary experience!
In addition, on one of the upper decks there is a beverage service that includes soft drinks, tea, coffee, and filtered water. This location is open 24 hours a day, so unless you just don't want to walk a few extra steps you always have complimentary non-alcoholic drinks at your disposal that you may take with you anywhere on the ship! In addition, they also have 24 hour soft serve ice-cream available, usually just around the corner from those beverages! Sounds delicious!



So, let's say you've had a long but fabulous day of sight seeing, swimming, or whatever tickled your fancy and 1 or all of you are tired and overslept through your dinner. Are you out of luck? Nope! You have a few options depending on what time it is: 1) head to one of the upper decks where they offer simpler food: burgers, pizza, tacos, or maybe even smoked bbq depending on which ship you are sailing! All of these options are included as well! 2) Feel like staying in your cabin? Pick up your phone and order from room service! All of this is included in your price of your cruise! You can even get coffee service delivered in the mornings! 



Is the food good? That would be an enthusiastic yes! You're not just going to a restaurant for dinner, you're going for a dining experience! With so many choices on the menu, you're sure to find something that is absolutely delicious! And remember, if someone in your party is on the picky side, you still have the room service and other options they can choose from!



What about entertainment?

This is Disney! The entertainment is world class! I probably don't need to say more, but I will!

Every night, you will have your special dining experience and you will also have a show! I'm talking Broadway caliber shows! Each ship has it's own lineup and at least 1 show that is only on that particular ship. These are adaptations of Disney Shows you know and love like Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Rapunzel, Aladdin, and the list goes on! You'll also see musical revues that will include fan favorite Disney characters and their special music and dancing! Each cruise has 3 performances!

So what if you're on a longer cruise? More different show offerings! You might see a magic act, a musical act, or a current-in the theatres right now Disney movie! Yes, I said right now, in the theatres! That Disney movie you were looking forward to going to see that happened to premier while you were on the cruise? Yes! It came with you on the cruise and it is included in your cruise cost! 

Night entertainment sounds great, but what can I do during the day?

For starters, the ship has multiple pools and awesome water slides! Traveling without kids? No worries! There are adult only sections of the boat that you can visit for a peaceful pool experience! 

If you're not feeling like some time in the sun, there are plenty of other options! Trivia Contests, Musical Acts, Classes ranging from making towel animals to cooking(these are ship and destination specific), movies in several different locations, tastings (wine, beer, champagne, gin, whiskey, you name it!), bingo, and so much more! Feel like visiting the spa? Just make an appointment! Want to head to the gym? It's ready and waiting! Some of these activities (tastings, bingo, and spa appointments) do have an extra charge. Check your cruise app for details!

What if I want to see the sites at the port?

Disney Cruiseline offers excursions that you may book either before travel or once you are on the boat. These excursions are not owned and operated by Disney, but they are vetted by Disney. Choices are port specific. If transportation is required, it will be included in the cost of the excursion.

Want a day at the beach? If you're traveling to the Bahamas or Caribbean, you're in luck! Not only are there excursion opportunities that you may purchase at some of the ports, but there is also Disney's own personal island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay! 

On Castaway Cay, let Disney take care of everything! They have your chairs, towels, and lunch all waiting for you on the island! Spend your day swimming or soaking up the sun! Want to rent a bike or a watercraft? What about a raft? They have them! There are even some excursions you can book for your stay on the island! Paradise!

Okay, but my kids will miss seeing the characters! 

Nope! They are there on the boat, on Castaway Cay, they are everywhere! Want a picture with your favorite? Your Cruise ship has photographers! Want that perfect family picture while everyone is dressed for dinner? They've got you covered!

And of course, it wouldn't be Disney without a party!

Every Disney Cruise features a Pirate Party, complete with fireworks! Bring your own pirate garb or make an appointment for your pirate transformation! Just don't miss the party!

Youth Clubs

Just like there are adult only areas of the ship, there are also kid only sections! Here your kids will have opportunities to participate in kid friendly activities, some so cool you might wish you were a kid! Want to eat dinner at one of the adult only restaurants? Your kids can hang out in the youth club, and eat their dinner there too! Though I've never been inside a youth club, I have heard many different kids begging their parents to let them go back! Rather keep your kids with you? No problem! Disney is a family friendly ship! You can use the youth clubs as much as you want , as little as you want, or not at all!

Ready to book?

Booking a cruise is a little different than booking a trip on land! I find the best way is to have a range of dates in mind that will work. You can't book a trip for Wednesday to Saturday if there aren't any itineraries that match! If it is a trip for the whole family, consider whether you are able to take the kids out of school for a day or possibly longer. If not, then summer will likely be the easiest time to book! Next, consider where you want to go. Cruising is a great way to visit far away places! Unless you've been on many cruises and your goal is to be on the whole fleet, it really doesn't matter which Disney ship you're on! They are all fantastic! Be a little patient and you will find the perfect cruise for you!
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