Melanie Spears, Karen Moore, and myself (Brandi Parker) were chosen to represent MMV during a recent 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale aboard the Disney Dream. During the cruise we got to experience the Disney Dream from a guest’s point of view and are even more excited than ever before to get our clients on a Disney Cruise!
Here are the Top 10 Reasons Why a Disney Cruise is the Ultimate Vacation...
10. Disney’s Private Island: Castaway Cay
Whether you are on a couple’s cruise, friend group getaway, or a family vacation, there are plenty of things to do on Castaway Cay depending on your unique vision for your perfect day. Reserved for Bahamian and Caribbean cruises, Disney Castaway Cay is the private port-of-call paradise where you can enjoy tropical activities combined with a gleam of Disney magic. At Disney Castaway Cay (exclusive to Disney Cruise Line Guests), you’re encouraged to find your place in the sunshine (or shade) at the expansive family white-sand beach or the Adults Exclusive: Serenity Bay.
Snorkel in sparkling lagoons (with your own gear), slide down waterslides at Pelican Plunge and feast on a delicious barbeque lunch at Cookie’s BBQ, complete with delightful soft serve ice cream for dessert (all included). There is also the option to rent snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboats, aqua trikes and other equipment from Gil’s Fins and Boats or rent inner tubes, snorkel masks, and fins from Flippers & Floats conveniently located near the Family Beach.
Don’t forget to save some time for shopping, as you can obtain some exclusive Castaway Cay merchandise in one of several retail locations on the island. You can also opt to participate in one of the many port adventures offered like Fishing, Parasailing, Sting Ray Adventure, Boat Snorkeling Adventure, Glass Bottom Boat Voyage, etc.
Scuttle’s Cove is where you will find the Kids Club on the Island as the Kids Club onboard the ship is not available until 4pm on Castaway Cay Port Days. Scuttle’s Cove is open from 9am – 3:30pm. Note that both parents and kids need to check in and out at the front entrance.
Escape to a secluded adults only paradise at Serenity Bay which is reserved for guests over the age of 18. This private island paradise has its own lunch buffet – Air Bar BBQ, as well as Castaway Air Bar which serves frozen specialty drinks. Don’t worry, the adults only section includes its own soft serve ice cream too! You will not be missing out on anything while relaxing in Serenity Bay.
If you’d like to do something more active, you can choose to run/jog/walk the Castaway Cay 5K during your port day. This self-paced route takes you 3.1 miles around the island and at the end make sure to swing by the Bike Rental Station to pick up your metal which features an adorable running Mickey Mouse. Please note, they do have a limited supply of metals each day, so keep that in mind when you decide what time you will complete the 5K. In addition to the limited supply of metals, we do recommend doing this as early as you’re able to get off the ship as it gets hotter as the day progresses! There are several water stops on the route, so make sure to take advantage of them (especially if you do not bring a water bottle off the ship).
9. Fun for ALL Ages!
A Disney Cruise is fun for ALL Ages! With the unique and spacious family-centric staterooms to the Entertainment and Activities for ALL Ages, there is something for EVERYONE on a Disney Cruise! There was always something going on during our sailing, so much so that there was no way to possibly do everything! The fact that we had to pick and choose what activities to do made us want to cruise again very soon due to all the things we missed out on!
Each Disney Cruise ship offers a variety of experiences for the whole family, as well as many activities geared toward specific age groups.
The family entertainment was great. I attended one of the drawing instruction family activities in the D Lounge and had a wonderful time learning to draw Sorcerer Mickey! The D Lounge is the ship’s main hangout for family games, dance parties, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
AquaDuck – The storyline of the AquaDuck involves Donald Duck and his three nephews who “designed” the ride. This 765-foot water coaster is located on deck 12 (aft area) of the ship and includes an exciting 4 deck drop!
This is great fun for all ages (at least 42 inches) and most definitely worth the wait - at least once -according to Karen and Melanie, who took advantage of the Day at Sea by taking a ride on the popular AquaDuck. On our sea day it was listed as being open from 10am-10pm but always check your DCL Navigator App for the most updated information. Please note that you can’t have any loose objects with you on the AquaDuck and you’ll have to be at least 42 inches or taller to ride, but 54 inches or taller to ride alone on the raft. You’ll also have to be at least 7 years old to ride alone, and 14 years or older to supervise a child under the age of 7.
TIP: Families could choose to ride during one of the dining or show times and the wait would, more than likely, be minimal during those times.
TIP: Leave your shoes and towel in the cubbies at the bottom of the stairs before walking up to the top, as the pool deck gets VERY hot. Oh, and you WILL get wet – so be prepared! 😊
8. The All-Inclusive Value
Disney Cruise Line is one of the most inclusive brands in the Cruise Line Industry featuring Enchanting Entertainment, Spacious Staterooms, Variety of Dining Options, Imaginative Youth Clubs, Nightclubs and Lounges, Pools & Recreation, as well as Disney’s Private Island – which are all included in your cruise Fare.
What’s Included in a Disney Cruise?
Deluxe Accommodations
Gourmet Dining
Soda, Juice, Coffee, & Tea
Amazing Kids Clubs
Character Meet & Greets
24 Hour Room Service
Broadway Quality Entertainment
Fireworks at Sea!
Pools & Water Play Areas
Themed Nights
Magical Disney Theming
Adults Only Areas & Entertainment
Unique All-Inclusive Rotational Dining
All Port Fees & Taxes
Disney Magic Around Every Corner!
7. AMAZING KIDS CLUBS
Did you know that Disney Cruise Line is the number one rated cruise line for families? Specially trained counselors lead the awesomely themed Kids Clubs with age-appropriate activities – most kiddos will want to spend a considerable amount of their time in the Kids Clubs! These themed clubs for every age are a place of pure fun, excitement, surprises, and plenty of age-appropriate activities to keep kids of all ages engaged and immersed in the magic of Disney. Youth Club hours can always be found in the DCL Navigator App while on board.
“it’s a small world” nursery! (6 months – 3 years old):
Parents of children under 3 years old can sign their little ones up for group babysitting and playtime at an additional cost. Activities include games, arts & crafts, Character meet-and-greets, movies and story time. If your little one needs to nap, there are comfy cribs and quiet areas designed for rest time. Located on Deck 5 on the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, and Disney Wonder. Located on deck 2 on the Wish and Treasure.
Disney’s Oceaneer Club & Disney’s Oceaneer Lab (3 – 10 years old):
The best part about Disney’s Oceaneer Club & Lab is that there are no reservations required. You can drop off and pick up your child at your convenience. The themed play areas in the club are inspired by some of our favorite Disney characters. Your kiddos can immerse themselves in plenty of Disney Magic with fun interactive games and activities that cater to different age groups. The list of activities can be found in the DCL Navigator App. Located on Deck 5 on the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, and Disney Wonder. Located on deck 2 on the Wish and Treasure.
The Oceaneer Club is a very secure area. All children can check themselves into the club. However, to exit, parents must accompany kids when leaving the club. Note that children ages 8 and older have the option to leave at will if their parents have granted permission in advance.
Edge (11 – 14 years old):
Edge is designed for tweens and offers a high-tech haven complete with interactive games and themed activities in a lounge type atmosphere. On the Magic and the Wonder, Edge can be found midship on Deck 9. On the Dream and the Fantasy, Edge is located on Deck 13 INSIDE the forward funnel (it was a bit difficult for us to find, if you have trouble – just ask a cast member and they will be happy to show you!) On the Wish, Edge is on Deck 5.
Vibe (14 – 17 years old):
Vibe caters to teenagers and provides a trendy retreat where older kids can socialize and enjoy a variety of entertainment options and themed events. Located on Deck 5 forward on the Dream and Fantasy; and Deck 11 midship on the Magic and the Wonder; and Deck 12 on the Wish, this club is both trendy and casual. On the Dream and Fantasy, the fun extends outside with a private deck area featuring a splash pool area and loungers – which is pretty amazing!
6. Exclusive Adult Time, Adults Only Areas & Entertainment
Knowing the kids are in great hands while in the phenomenal Kids Clubs, Mom and Dad can relax and spend some quality time together making memories together. ❤ From sun-up to well past sundown, adults can escape to exclusive locations and experiences on board—from exciting nightlife and adults-only pool areas to intimate dining and luxurious spa treatments.
Nightclubs & Lounges on the Disney Dream bring the night to life with music, dancing, socializing, and FUN! From classy to sporty, low key to high energy, you’ll find a favorite place amid the ship’s “Adults-Only at night” entertainment area, The District.
Bon Voyage – located in the grand atrium, this Art Deco themed bar is a great stop for a pre-dinner or post-dinner cocktail.
Cove Café – this Adults-Only Coffee bar serves specialty drinks, coffee and tea.
The coffee was delicious with extra magical touches! The delectable edible treats were available at no additional cost, however, the specialty coffee drinks did come at a reasonable cost.
Currents – Open-Air bar on Deck 13 (near the funnel)
District Lounge – a relaxed piano bar featuring entertainment and live music nightly. Brandi enjoyed the extremely talented R&B musician on the 3rd evening before heading to Evolution.
Evolution - a lounge/dance club atmosphere that offers game shows, trivia, and dancing.
Evolution was where we shared some of the most fun I have ever had during a cruise! The game shows & trivia were top notch and hilariously fun! We went the first night and kept coming back each night because we had so much fun the night prior! I will say that winning two out of the three evenings was pretty amazing as well (I am pretty competitive and we bonded with a few groups which made teaming up easy)!
Meridian – A sophisticated travel themed indoor and outdoor lounge between Palo and Remy (the Adults Only Specialty dining restaurants).
Palo – Adults Only Specialty Dining – French Cuisine - Palo is an Italian restaurant that is famous for its multiple-course brunch and dinner options. This adults-only restaurant has a dress code, requires a reservation, and is not included in the complimentary rotational dining, it requires an additional charge. Karen and Melanie enjoyed Palo one evening during the sailing, and stated it was well worth the extra price tag! It was one of the best meals they had ever had, let alone being on a cruise ship! The atmosphere is gorgeous with amazing ocean views, and the service is impeccable!
Pink: Wine and Champagne Bar – Adorably themed adults only bar (Pink Elephants on parade from Dumbo)
Pub 687 – an avid sports fan’s favorite spot - featuring huge flat-screen TVs to view live sports broadcasts via satellite.
Remy – Adults Only Specialty Dining – Italian Cuisine - Remy is a French restaurant themed after the movie “Ratatouille," so, of course, the restaurant is named after everyone's favorite miniature chef. There is a gorgeous crystal statue of Remy hidden on the chandelier as you enter the dining room and the pattern on the seating is a silhouette of Remy and his brother, Emile. Fun Fact: Remy is one of the only restaurants at sea with three Michelin stars! You must make a reservation ahead of time and like Palo, this menu is not included in the complimentary rotational dining; it is an extra charge (but we daresay – WORTH IT).
Satellite Falls – Adults Only secluded splash pool area on Deck 13 (FWD) featuring a waterfall that provides a great place to relax!
Skyline – an upscale bar & lounge with gorgeous transforming panoramic city views of skylines from around the world.
Vista Café – an Art Deco inspired café serving coffee and pastries daily as well as cocktails in the evening.
Quiet Cove – the Adults Only pool area on Deck 11. This Adults Exclusive area has multiple pools and hot tubs as well as a large number of lounge chairs in the sun as well as in shaded areas. The poolside “swim-up” bar is conveniently located at the main Quiet Cove pool.
5. Relaxation
The Disney Parks are great but can totally wear you out as there is a ton of walking and everything seems so fast paced! Needing a vacation from the vacation, feeling it was an amazing but exhausting trip after a Disney Parks Vacation is the top feedback we receive. On a Disney Cruise, you will get to relax while having a magically wonderful time! We feel like the integration of what we love about the parks with what we love about a relaxing vacation is what makes our clients LOVE a Disney Cruise! Being able to have a Disney vacation combined with the beach with no packing up or driving - is like two vacations in one and is the BEST of both worlds!
Additionally, Senses Spa is the perfect way to add additional luxurious relaxation to your vacation. Senses is a full-service spa on the ship with 17 treatment rooms and a full menu of lavish spa treatments and services with gorgeous ocean views from decks 11 and 12 – located within the Forward area of the ship.
Pamper yourself with massages, body wraps, manicures, pedicures and/or facials. The Rainforest Room is a state-of-the-art sauna room, combining steam, heat, hydrotherapy and aromatherapy. Heated mosaic tile lounge chairs overlook the ocean for the most relaxing nap, while two whirlpool hot tubs are located on the private teakwood deck. Additionally, there are two couple's luxury spa villas that give you the choice of enjoying an indoor spa treatment or relaxing in a personal hot tub or double lounge chair on your private outdoor verandah.
In addition to the spa treatments, Senses also includes a fitness center where guests can enjoy keeping up with their daily workouts while on vacation. Guests can also try some of the complimentary group fitness classes; including Pilates, yoga, aerobics, stretching and spinning. Also available in the Senses Spa area: hair salon services, a barber shop, and teeth whitening at the Smile Spa.
Relaxation for the entire family - Chill Spa for Teens is located inside Senses Spa – Deck 11 on the Dream and Fantasy and Deck 9 on the Magic. Guests ages 13 – 17 have their own space with two treatment rooms with showers and a separate seating area just for the teen guests. Special spa treatments have been designed just for them, including facials, massages, body treatments, manicures, and pedicures. Some highlights of the service offered are:
Fabulously Fruity Facial – An organic selection of fresh fruits moisturizes your skin.
Hot Chocolate Wrap – After a massage, enjoy a soothing body wrap with antioxidants.
Tantastic Body Bronzer – Your skin is nourished with a hydrating body bronzer.
Surfer’s Scrub – This exfoliating treatment uses fresh lime, lemon, and ginger.
Ice Cream Manicure and Pedicure – A sweet treat for hands and feet.
4. Incomparable Entertainment
Broadway quality shows! Fireworks at sea! Disney Movies! Kids of all ages, or kids at heart, will enjoy a host of character experiences throughout the cruise.
The Sail Away party on the main pool deck is a must see! So, following your muster drill – you will want to head up to the main pool deck (Deck 11 MidShip or Deck 12 for a top-down view) for this high energy deck party featuring your favorite Disney pals. In my opinion, this is the perfect way to get your cruise started!
Entertainment aboard the Disney Dream is offered in unique venues, and all options are designed to fill your days at sea with those unforgettable lifetime memories. Guests can watch Broadway quality nightly stage shows in the stunning Walt Disney Theatre, as well as first-run movies in the cozy Buena Vista Theatre.
Kids of all ages (or kids at heart) can take part in a plethora of character meet and greets across the ship during your voyage. The DCL Navigator App will have the character locations and times listed throughout your cruise!
TIP: The "10-minute" time slot shown on the Navigator App, means anyone who gets in line during that “10-minute period” is guaranteed to meet the character! Note that for 4-day or longer sailings, there is a “15-minute” time slot.
TIP: If you have family member (or friend) who is unable to wait in a traditional line due to autism or related condition, one party member can wait in line while the other guests wait in a less crowded, more tolerable area until the member waiting in line reaches the front – all guests will then be able to interact with the character.
Our Castaway Cay, Port Day, was our Pirate Night Theme which was incredibly fun! Disney Cruise Pirate Night is an event offered once per sailing on Disney Cruises and is one you will not want to miss. This dinner and deck party is based on the Pirates of the Caribbean theme, complete with Disney character appearances and entertainment. On Pirate Night, Disney cruise ships transform into a harbor for swashbucklers of all ages. Best of all; it’s not exclusive to the evening because themed fun is offered all day long. Starting in the afternoon, there are pirate-related activities in the kids’ clubs and chances for families to meet Mickey and friends -- in pirate costume, of course!
There were many kids and adults alike that joined in on the fun, dressing in their favorite pirate garb! After dinner, dancing and games begin on the main pool deck with Mickey and other Disney characters, until a band of pirate thieves -- costumed actors, of course -- try to take command of the ship. Spoiler Alert: Their efforts are thwarted by Captain Jack Sparrow, who excitingly appears atop the ship's funnel and then rappels down it in a theatrical display. The night culminates with an impressive at-sea fireworks show!
3. Exquisite Dining
One of the best parts of a Disney Cruise is the food and all the dining options! With unique rotational dining (each night, you will be assigned to rotate between each of the Main Dining venues, accompanied by your serving team that travels with you), many places to grab a quick bite, and 24-hour room service – you will always be able to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger! Let’s discuss the dining options specific to the Disney Dream.
Cabanas
This buffet is huge and has something for everyone, every diet, and preference! It is open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Check the DCL Navigator App for the specific times (Included). I was impressed that they had crab legs and very large, tasty shrimp on the buffet!
Animator’s Palate
Family dining that is adorably artist themed with a “Turtle Talk with Crush” like performance during dinner (complimentary rotational Main Dining).
Enchanted Garden
Family Dining in Versailles garden-style surroundings. This dining room reminded me of Wonderland flowers (which adorn the front of the menu). As the sun sets, the ceiling changes into stars and the flower light fixtures change (complimentary rotational Main Dining).
Royal Palace
Family Dining in the elegant atmosphere of Cinderella Castle. Gorgeous chandeliers, and princess themed art pieces adorn the walls and ceiling (complimentary rotational Main Dining).
24-Hour Room Service
Room service delivered to your stateroom is available all day and night (Included)!
Eye Scream
All you care to enjoy soft serve ice cream machines are located on Deck 11 at “Eye Scream” featuring Mike Wazowski from Monster’s Inc. (Included). Open from 11:00a.m. – 12:30a.m.
Flo’s Café
Located on Deck 11 featuring three main dining choices (Included):
Luigis Pizza – serving Cheese Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, Vegetarian Pizza (Special of the Day), and Ramones’ Daily Specialty Pizza.
Tow Mater Grill – serving Hamburgers and Cheeseburgers, Grilled Chicken, Hotdogs, Bratwurst Sausages, and Chicken Tenders. A side of fries is available upon request. A full condiment “Pit Stop” is available with all the normal burger fixings.
Fillmores Favorites – serving rolls, wraps, sandwiches, paninis, and salads. You can also get a side of fresh fruit at this location.
Deck 11 Drink Stations
Featuring Soda, Juice, Water, Coffee and Tea. Unlike other Cruise Lines, Soda and Juice are always included throughout your cruise!
Frozone Treats
Offering delicious fruit smoothies. (Extra Cost)
Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats
This adorably themed ice cream and candy shop is known for their yummy Milkshakes and Ice Cream Sundaes. (Extra Cost)
Preludes
Fresh Popcorn, Candy, Canned Beverages. They even have access to some adorable Disney Parks Popcorn Buckets. Melanie and I snagged an adorable Chip and Dale Easter popcorn Bucket! (Extra Cost)
Remy
Adults-Only Specialty Dining featuring French Cuisine (Dress Code, Extra Cost & Reservations Required)
Palo
Adults-Only Specialty Dining featuring Italian Cuisine (Dress Code, Extra Cost & Reservations Required)
2. Impeccable Service
Disney Cruise Line offers some of the BEST service you will ever receive at sea. Disney’s signature service and attention to detail are some of the reasons why Disney cruises are voted among the best at sea. There truly is excellent customer service throughout the entire ship—Our Main dining servers were so attentive and knew each of us by name as well as our drink orders, they also made wonderful recommendations on food choices that we were very happy with and they remembered little details that made our interactions feel so genuine. There were friendly cast members in all venues across the entire ship – this was a very noticeable difference that helps to make Disney Cruise Line stand out among other Cruise Lines. The Entertainment crew remembered us and would chat with us each night and when we saw them in other areas of the ship!
Cleanliness is top-notch—we constantly saw cast members cleaning around the ship and our stateroom attendant did a superb job maintaining our rooms each day and knew each one of us by name and chatted with us about our needs each day. 😊 Budi was the BEST stateroom attendant I have ever had! If you have Budi on your next cruise, I know – without a doubt – all your needs will be taken care of – and then some!
1. Disney Magic and Storytelling
Everything is perfectly themed, and the “Disney Magic” is everywhere! From well-appointed stateroom layouts, interactions with favorite Disney Characters, to the Disney standard of service - Once you sail DCL, it will be more difficult to venture the sea with another Cruise Line, especially for family cruising!
There are so many touch points of storytelling as you explore the ship. I really enjoyed the Enchanted Art that comes to life before your eyes featuring characters from classic Disney films. The magic, mixed with a sprinkle of technology and pixie dust, of these technologically advanced pieces of art recognizes when a guest pauses to admire it and activates several seconds of animation on the screen to immerse the guest in a unique element of storytelling that is so distinctly "Disney".
A number of high tech "paintings" are tied to an activity that you can do on board called the “Mid Ship Detective Agency” which is an interactive game similar to the old “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom” at Walt Disney World. The game involves helping Disney characters solve different cases. Players use cards to activate different devices to uncover clues and missing items that you will jot down in your special “case book”.
There are three different cases (The Case of the Plundered Paintings, The Case of the Missing Puppies, and The Case of the Stolen Show) but many different playthroughs as different villains/culprits can be the guilty party. These activities add an extra layer of fun for adventurers of ALL AGES!
During your sailing, you’ll discover a magical one-of-a-kind vacation through Activities and Entertainment that showcase the Storytelling that Disney is well known for. Disney lovers are sure to get that warm fuzzy feeling many times throughout their cruise making the memories and moments extra memorable and special.
Are you ready to make those Magical Moments that turn into Lifetime Memories on a Disney Cruise vacation? Contact me today for more information or to reserve your next Disney Cruise Line Cruise so that you can see first hand what makes a Disney Cruise so magical! Request a quote below:
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