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Disney Cruise Line Disney Wish Deck Plans & Reviews

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Disney Fantasy Deck Plans & Reviews

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Disney Fantasy Deck Plans & Reviews

Disney Fantasy

Activities & entertainment

• ConnectATSea *
• Its A Small World Nursery *
• Disneys Oceaneer Club
• Disneys Oceaneer Lab
• Edge _ Tweens Club
• Vibe _ Teens Club
• Senses Spa and Salon *
• Senses Treatment Salons *
• Senses Rainforest Room *
• Couples Villa *
• Senses Fitness Center
• Jogging Track
• Satellite Falls
• Funnel Puddle
• Goofys Sports Deck
• Sports Simulator
• Character Events
• Fitness Classes
• Arts and Crafts Classes
• Deck Parties
• Scavenger Hunts
• Dance Parties
• Extensive Kids Programs
• Pin Trading
• Sing_Alongs
• Video Game Competitions
• Adults_Only Events
• Europa _ Adults_Only Area
• Whirlpools (4)
• Waterslides (2)
• Mickeys Slide
• Shutters Portrait Studio *
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique *
• Retail Shops *
• Vista Gallery *
• Guest Services
• Port Adventures *
• Disney Vacation Planning *
• Port Shopping Desk *
• Concierge Lounge _ Suite Guests
• Medical Center
• Walt Disney Theatre
• Buena Vista Theatre
• Disney Movies Onboard
• Funnel Vision
• Nightly Live Music
• Stage Shows
• Enchanted Garden - Rotational Main
• Animators Palate - Rotational Main
• Royal Court - Rotational Main
• Cabanas - Buffet
• Preludes - Theater Snacks *
• La Piazza - Italian Cocktails *
• Vista Cafe - Coffee Bar *
• Skyline - Cocktail Bar *
• Ooh La La - Champagne Bar *
• OGills Pub - Pub *
• Eye Scream_Frozone Treats - Ice Cream
• Beverage Station - Soft Drinks
• Sweet On You - Sweets *
• Flos Cafe_Luigis Pizza_Tow_Maters Grill_Fillmores Favorites - Fast Food
• Cove Cafe - Coffee Bar *
• Senses Juice Bar - Juice Bar
• Cove Bar - Pool Bar *
• Meridian - Nautical Bar *
• Remy - French *
• Palo - Italian *
• Waves Bar - Pool Bar *
• Currents Bar - Pool Bar *
• Bon Voyage - Atrium Bar *
• Room Service

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Disney Dream cruise ship review: Mostly magic with a bit of mayhem

TPG's Erica Silverstein accepted a free trip from Disney Cruise Line to cruise on Disney Dream. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren't subject to review by the line.

A Disney Dream cruise is not just for families with young children who love Mickey Mouse and princesses. Disney lovers of all ages, including many couples who choose to get married on board or on the cruise line's private island, will appreciate setting sail in an immersive Disney atmosphere.

A Disney Dream sailing is also attractive to travelers who love a good show, as the ship offers stellar musicals, captivating deck parties and all the movies you can watch from the many Disney-owned production companies (Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and more). Cruisers seeking a more midsize ship, with attentive service and plenty of activities geared toward both kids and adults, will not be disappointed.

Unsurprisingly, Disney Cruise Line does themed sailings well. My five-night Western Caribbean cruise was a Very Merrytime sailing, complete with holiday decorations throughout the ship, seasonal shows and activities, and visits from Santa. Mickey and friends, as well as my fellow passengers, were sporting red and green attire, too. The ship gets equally passionate about Halloween and Marvel-themed sailings.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

A Disney cruise might be a magical experience for some, but Disney Dream isn't perfect. On my cruise, dining venues were crowded and loud, and the lobby atrium and pool deck did not have enough space for all the cruisers who wanted to watch the signature shows. Cruisers looking for varied nightlife might be disappointed that many adults are tied up with childcare at night and unable to venture out to the adults-only bars and lounges.

A cruise aboard Disney Dream is pricey, especially when compared with family-friendly lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line . Make sure that Disney Dream is the ship for you by learning everything you need to know about the ship — from its cabins to its restaurants, attractions and activities — as well as my take on where the ship excels and where it misses the mark.

Overview of Disney Dream

The 130,000-ton Disney Dream contains 1,250 cabins and can carry 2,500 passengers at double occupancy and 4,000 at maximum capacity. That makes it small for a family ship when comparing it to Royal Caribbean's family favorite Oasis Class ships. The biggest Oasis Class ship, Wonder of the Seas , for example, measures 236,857 tons — 82% bigger than Disney Dream — and carries 5,734 passengers at double occupancy or 6,988 passengers when full.

The ship also stands apart from competitors in that it defies categorization. The ship would be considered mass-market because it offers a range of cabins from windowless insides through suites, appeals to families, does not focus on gourmet food or high-end finishings, and does not offer all-inclusive fares.

Yet Disney Dream's sailings are priced higher than most family-friendly cruise ships because the Disney brand commands a premium. Plus, you could argue that the service levels are higher and the entertainment is of a higher quality than on Royal Caribbean, Carnival or Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

So who's on board? Obviously, families with young children make up a large fraction of Disney Dream's passenger base. You'll find babies, kids and teens, as well as three-generation groups and extended family or friend groups. Yet the ship also attracts adults who are Disney fans or appreciate Disney's entertainment and service. It is common for couples to plan onboard weddings or take their honeymoon on a Disney cruise.

Because Disney cruise fares are so high, most Disney Dream passengers are willing to spend money, either because they have a high vacation budget or have saved up for a special trip where they will pull out all the stops. I was surprised how many passengers were paying extra for princess makeovers at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, high-priced Disney paraphernalia from the onboard shops, and souvenir drink and popcorn containers.

The other thing to recognize about Disney Dream is that the kid activities are central and the adult amenities peripheral. The pool deck features several bars, but they are tucked away at the ends of the deck, not set out by the main pool. The sports pub, nightclub and other themed bars are hidden at the back end of Deck 4 in a warren of interconnected rooms that aren't always easy to find, and the adults-only specialty restaurants are relegated to a quiet corner at the top of the ship. There is no casino on board.

Because so many of the adults on board are traveling with children, not all are free to go out at night. So, some adult venues and evening activities can be sparsely populated. (Others generate a larger crowd, though.) On the upside, I did not encounter obviously inebriated folks on this cruise — though that could be because I, like so many adults, was traveling with a child and not often in the adult spaces.

What I loved about Disney Dream

The crew and waiters.

Every cruise line promotes the attentiveness of its crew, but the Disney Dream crew really shined, especially our waiters, who traveled with us from restaurant to restaurant. They quickly learned our preferences, bringing us our preferred drinks as we sat down, giving us butter in addition to the day's dip for the bread and remembering our tea preferences.

Our main waiter, Richard, always had a riddle or magic trick for the kids in his section, and Afandi, our assistant waiter, made origami for the kids each night. They would patiently listen as our 7-year-old companion told them jokes and stories, even though they were busy delivering meals and clearing plates.

Our room steward, Panca, left us towel animals every day and always inquired if there was anything we needed. The kids club counselors were always welcoming and ready to answer any parent questions. The entertainment staff did a great job involving as many kids as possible in the activities and were friendly and patient.

I love a good Broadway show, but the song-and-dance revues featured on so many cruise lines often fall flat. The singing ranges from great to mediocre, and while the costume changes and high-tech effects are cool, the shows don't always have a strong thread connecting the various numbers.

Disney Cruise Line takes a different approach — a more Disney approach, if you will. Disney Dream offers three featured musicals, all with a clear story to tell. Adults can appreciate the strong performances and creative use of costumes and scenery, and kids enjoy seeing some of their favorite characters and stories come to life on stage.

This was especially true of the ship's version of "Beauty and the Beast," an abridged version of the story based on the live-action movie. Kids and adults alike were riveted in their seats for an hour and a half, and the performances were stellar, with some of the actors even hailing from Broadway.

The only downside to the shows being so good is that you never want to miss one. That meant my friend and I never sent her daughter to the kids club after dinner, which would have allowed us to enjoy one of the ship's bars and an after-dinner cocktail together.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

Palo brunch

I'd heard from many people that brunch at Palo was amazing, and the experience did not disappoint. If you can sneak away for a couple hours, it's a lovely way to enjoy a relaxed, quiet, kid-free meal without missing one of the featured rotational restaurants. It's also good value, leading some people to claim it's the best $50 you can spend on a Disney cruise .

Our waiter, Victor, was as handsome and charming as any Disney prince. He brought us passionfruit mimosas when my friend said she didn't care for orange juice. We started the meal with a bread basket, and the almond croissants were the best I'd ever had, warm and flaky with a delicious almond filling that elevated the pastry.

The menu is so varied that it's hard to choose. Winners included poached eggs with spinach, asparagus and mornay sauce and the goat cheese flatbread. The mushroom ravioli fell flat, but that was OK because I was getting pretty full by then. The chocolate hazelnut dessert was thankfully small because I only had room for a few delectable bites.

My tip: Book an early brunch, and don't eat anything beforehand. You will definitely want to arrive hungry and with a very empty stomach.

Family-friendly cabins

Disney really thought about what families need in a living space when it designed the cabins on its ships, including Disney Dream. As a mom who has cruised with kids since they were babies, I understand the unique challenges families face when sharing a small cabin together. Disney does, too, and has created cabins to eliminate some of those challenges.

It starts with the split bathrooms, one with sink and toilet and the other with sink and shower. That means two can brush their teeth at once, and if a little person suddenly has to go potty when Daddy is in the shower, it's not a problem.

The cabins have plentiful storage space with lots of drawers because little kid clothing does not fit on grown-up hangers. Our cabin host even left a kid-size bathrobe in the closet, along with the two adult-size ones.

There's a dim light on the ceiling of the room's living area where kids will sleep in sofabeds and pulldown bunks to serve as a nightlight. A floor-to-ceiling curtain can extend across the entire room to separate the kids' sleeping areas from the adults. This way, adults can have the lights on in their section of the room after bedtime.

Even the balconies have childproof locks high up on the door, so you can prevent kiddos from sneaking onto the veranda without adult supervision.

What I didn't love about Disney Dream

Crowds and queues.

Disney does not get everything magically right, unfortunately. One way its ships resemble its parks is in the crowds and wait times for nearly everything.

I was dismayed at how much time we spent on this cruise waiting around. Sometimes, it was waiting in the always-long lines for a meet-and-greet and photo opp with characters or to drop off or pick up kids at the Oceaneer Club. I waited 40 minutes on a sea-day afternoon to ride the AquaDuck, and there was no entertainment in that line, as there might be at a Disney park water attraction.

Any show we wanted to see involved arriving early to get seats, occasionally waiting in line to enter the theater. Show up late to one of the Pirate Night shows or any of the events in the atrium lobby, and you will have terrible sightlines and be unable to see much of the show.

The ship also felt small for the number of people it carried, possibly because of bad design and passenger flow. Unless you go very early or late, the pool deck and its two pools are insanely crowded. Even the dining rooms felt like tables were pushed extremely close together, and it was so loud that I often had to raise my voice or lean across the table to converse with my tablemates. Walking through crowded areas was also tricky since kids would veer unpredictably while ambling slowly, so it was hard to get by; both parents and kids would block stairwells or corridors.

The crowding did make the adult areas feel like a respite. Still, the Quiet Cove sun deck and pool area fill up.

Nightlife district

The majority of Disney Dream's indoor bars and adult lounge areas are grouped together in a warren of interconnected rooms at the back of Deck 4. The District is meant to be a happening nightlife area, but I found it to be more of a dark, confusing afterthought.

I liked the vibe in the pub, with comfy seating and windows to the outside, and the whimsical Champagne bar Pink with its bubbles and corset theming. But the other bars were dark and not necessarily inviting. There was one bar, Skyline, that I could not find until I got turned around in a stairwell and happened upon it.

Related: 5 reasons why Disney cruises aren't just for kids

A member of the ship's entertainment team told me that evening adult events were hit or miss as far as attendance goes. It makes sense — I found that by the time I ate dinner and attended the show, it was time to put my friend's kid to bed. I could have ditched them to hang out in a bar on my own, but that wasn't an attractive option.

Disney Dream cabins and suites

The cabins and suites on Disney Dream were designed with families in mind, more so than on nearly every other cruise ship afloat. Cabins come in various categories, with many that can sleep families of three or four. Most have a split bathroom design, with two half baths; one contains a toilet and sink, the other a sink and shower (or shower-tub combo).

My cabin was a balcony room that could accommodate three, with a queen-size bed and a sofa that flips into a twin bed. I was dismayed to discover that, unlike every other ocean-going cruise ship I've sailed, the queen bed did not split into two twins. This forced my friend and I to share a bed. (Cabins that can sleep four will have a pull-down bunk above the sofa bed.)

The room is split in two by a floor-to-ceiling height, full-width blackout curtain, so we could put my friend's daughter to bed on the couch, turn off the lights on her side of the room and then read in bed with the lights on. One downside of this arrangement is that the small flat-screen TV is in the living area, not the bedroom, so we couldn't watch a late-night movie. Another downside: The blackout curtains effectively turned the adult sleeping area into an inside cabin with no natural light.

In addition to the sofa bed, the cabin's living area features a desk with two 110V and one 220V outlets, three deep drawers (perfect for storing kid clothing), a minifridge, the aforementioned TV, an open cabinet with two narrow shelves, a closed cabinet with two tall shelves and a mirror. One of the many light switches by the desk turns on a dim overhead light that can be used as a nightlight. A low-backed chair can be positioned at the desk or turned around to face the coffee table when dining in your cabin.

The master bed is flanked by two small nightstands, each with one drawer, and reading lamps. Only one side of the bed has a 110V and 220V outlet; the other has the cabin's phone. The closet is divided into two sections, both with hanging space and some open shelves. Adjacent is a shelving unit with three deep drawers and a tall two-shelf open cabinet above. The bed is high enough for suitcases, or your small child, to fit underneath.

I found the storage perfectly adequate for two adults and a child on a five-night cruise, and the room could likely handle belongings for a seven-night or longer cruise, as well.

The narrow balcony features two metal and mesh upright chairs and a round metal drinks table. It has a childproof lock you can choose to use to prevent little cruisers from venturing out on the balcony unattended.

The bathroom with the toilet and sink offers three small glass shelves for storing toiletries; the shower room has two. Our bathroom had a tub/shower combo, and at 6 feet tall, I came close to hitting my head on the ceiling; I could not wash my hair without removing the wand showerhead from its holder and reaching it up as far its cord would go.

Each bathroom comes with a refillable hand soap dispenser; the shower room also offers bar soap and refillable containers of Disney brand shampoo, conditioner and shower gel in the tub. You'll find tissue dispensers in each. The shower room has a full-length mirror on the back of the door, which is useful, but this means there are no hooks on the door to hang extra items. There are, however, two retractable clotheslines in the shower and two large hooks on the wall between the bathroom and the sleeping area.

Less expensive cabins are either windowless insides with "magical portholes" (round video screens set in a window frame that display images from outside the ship with some cameos from animated characters) or ocean-view rooms with a round porthole window that does not open.

Higher-tier cabins include Concierge-level cabins and suites that grant you access to the exclusive Concierge lounge and sun deck on decks 12 and 13, respectively. These rooms come in three styles: a balcony cabin, a one-bedroom suite and a Royal Suite, all with private verandas. They come with upgraded amenities and privileges, such as included Wi-Fi, a pillow menu, feather duvets and priority for check-in and debarkation, tendering and reservations.

Wheelchair-accessible cabins come in nearly every cabin category except the Royal Suite.

Related: The 3 types of Disney Cruise Line ships, explained

Disney Dream restaurants and bars

The Disney dining experience is a bit different than what you might have experienced on other cruise ships . The line employs a "rotational dining" system in which you choose early or late seating (5:45 and 8:15 p.m. on my sailing). Then, each night, you are assigned to one of three restaurants each evening. You "rotate" through all the options during the course of your cruise, and your waiters move with you. This way, you can build a rapport, and they can get to know your dining preferences.

Disney Dream does not offer a buffet alternative at dinner, though you can order room service or pick up burgers and chicken tenders at Tow Mater's Grill on the pool deck. If you choose these options or if the adults in your party make a reservation at the adults-only specialty restaurants, Palo and Remy, you might miss out on one of the themed main dining room experiences.

Restaurants

Overall, the food on Disney is fine, but the emphasis is less on impressive food and more on creating an experience that children will enjoy. The waiters work hard, not only taking orders and serving food, but cutting up food for kids or entertaining them with riddles and origami.

Each of the three main restaurants serves its own menu, but on some nights, each menu will serve the same menu, such as the "welcome aboard" menu on night one and a Caribbean-themed menu on pirate night. Every menu is divided into appetizers, soups and salads, main courses, vegetarian options, lighter options and dessert (which always includes an ice cream sundae and a sugar-free option).

The kids menu varies nightly, but is the same at each restaurant on any given day. It's divided into appetizers (a different soup each night and a garden salad), mains (macaroni and cheese, mini burgers, pizza and a changing option such as kid-sized surf and turf) and Disney Check Meals (combo dinners served with a main such as baked cod or penne pasta, a vegetable and fruit).

Mickey ice cream bars are the favorite dessert here; ice cream is also available, as well as a changing dessert such as a chocolate brownie with ice cream or white chocolate cheesecake.

Related: Disney cruise tips, tricks, secrets and extra magic to unlock when setting sail with Mickey

Unlike the venues on Disney's newer ships, the three main restaurants on Disney Dream have less of a theatrical aspect to them, though all are themed.

The design of the Enchanted Garden restaurant on Deck 2 was inspired by the Gardens of Versailles, and its menu claims to be market-style and international. Try the ahi tuna and avocado tower as a starter and the scallops or the prime rib for your main. The signature pecan tart was a nod to Thanksgiving on a Christmas-themed cruise.

Right above the Enchanted Garden on Deck 3 is the Royal Palace, inspired by four princesses — Cinderella, Snow White, Belle and Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). See if you can find iconic images from their stories around the dining room. Dinner here is the perfect time to wear your princess dress to dinner or dress up a little.

The menu is French, with starters like escargot and baked brie. Mains include duck breast, rack of lamb and Chateaubriand-roasted steak. For dessert, consider the grand marnier souffle or the apple tart tartin.

Royal Palace was also the sit-down option for breakfast and lunch on our cruise. Breakfast offers a nice selection of fruit and yogurt, breakfast pastries and egg and griddle options. A kids menu features fun-sized versions of eggs, pancakes, Mickey waffles and yogurt with fruit. Signature adult breakfasts include a savory power crepe, a plant-based hot breakfast for the vegans among us, southern hash and brioche French toast.

Most families stick to casual options for lunch, but if you want a sit-down, multicourse meal, the Royal Palace is there for you. The lunch menu is split into a choice of soups and salads, small plates (such as beef satay skewers or tomato and mozzarella bruschetta), chef's recommendations (churrasco steak, spiced cod fillet), burgers (including a turkey burger and Impossible burger), pasta, a handful of kid-friendly options and dessert (typically one is a sundae). Sit-down lunch is a great option on embarkation day when you don't want to drag your bags around a crowded buffet.

Animator's Palate, on Deck 3 aft (essentially behind the Royal Palace), is the night to experience dinner with a show. Video screens around the animation-themed restaurant come to life with characters from "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory," with a surprising interactive element. I enjoyed the butternut squash soup, ginger-teriyaki beef tenderloin and the cookies and cream sundae for dessert.

I generally found the three main restaurants loud, with tables spaced extremely close together. (At Animator's Palate, our table was separated from the next by the width of the ice bucket for our bottle of Prosecco.) Dinners are not relaxing events, even though the waiters are outstanding, keeping the kids entertained with riddles, magic tricks and origami.

Perhaps that is why Disney Dream's two specialty restaurants are exclusive to adults over 18. They offer a nice break for the grown-ups in the group to have a quieter, more upscale meal in a less crowded setting. Both the French Remy and Italian Palo are on Deck 12, separated by the Meridian Bar.

Palo is open for brunch on sea days and dinner daily, both for $50 per person. Brunch is a highlight and a great value for all the food they give you. The meal starts with a complimentary Prosecco or mimosa and a bread basket that includes not-to-be-missed warm almond croissants.

Then you can choose as many breakfast or lunch entrees as you'd like; the poached eggs with spinach, asparagus and mornay sauce and the goat cheese flatbread (pizza) were standouts from our brunch. You can also select from frittatas, waffles and pancakes, and mains like lasagna Bolognese, sirloin steak, veal and parmesan-crusted chicken breast.

After you've completely stuffed yourself, the waiters have the audacity to offer dessert. We sampled the warm amaretto chocolate fondant and the limoncello torte; while tasty, they were definitely not necessary to complete your meal.

For dinner in Palo, choose from the $50 fixed-price menu (a four-course meal with limited options for each), upgrade to the wine-paired menu or order a la carte from the full menu. The chocolate souffle dessert is the signature sweet and should be ordered at the beginning of the meal.

Remy is one of the most expensive specialty restaurants at sea, with menus by acclaimed chefs Scott Hunnel (from Victoria & Albert's at Walt Disney World Resort) and Arnaud Lallement (of Michelin star fame). Disney Dream offers two set menus, one by each chef, for $135 per person, with wine and Champagne pairings for an additional $120 and $160, respectively. You can also order a la carte.

For casual dining, Disney Dream does offer a buffet option on the Deck 11 pool deck. Cabanas serves breakfast and lunch only. In the morning, you'll find all the staples: eggs, breakfast meat, pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, pancakes and the famous Mickey waffles. An omelet station is tucked away at the back.

At lunch, you can find pizza and burgers, an array of hot entrees, soup, premade salads, a huge stash of shrimp and crab legs, pasta, deli meat and desserts (including ice cream). Look for themed sections that change daily.

I found Cabanas to have a nice variety of dishes (and the creamiest steam tray scrambled eggs I've had on a cruise to date). However, the layout is awful. The buffet is all one line, rather than station-based, and there is not a lot of room to walk around the venue. The result is that lines are long, and it's tricky to navigate through (say, if you're walking from the beverage station back to your table). This is especially true if you get stuck behind slow-moving, unpredictable small children who are somehow impossible to get around.

Related: Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do at mealtime

Unlike other mass-market cruise ships, Disney Dream offers free soda with meals and from beverage stations along the pool deck sides and in Cabanas (where you'll also find water, juice, coffee, tea and hot chocolate). Bring your own refillable drink containers to avoid waste because the poolside stations only offer paper cups, not reusable glasses and mugs.

For a snack or simpler meal, a trio of food counters, collectively known as Flo's Cafe, on the opposite end of the pool deck from Cabanas offers all the kid favorites. Luigi's Pizza serves up five types of pie daily; Tow-Mater's Grill cooks up burgers, chicken, hot dogs and sausages, plus chicken tenders and French fries; and Fillmore's Favorites serves a range of paninis, wraps, salads and fruit bowls. Be aware that while these venues are open all afternoon, only Tow-Mater's is open for dinner; Luigi's Pizza opens again at 9 p.m. for late-night snacks.

Poolside treats include the Eye Scream station with three soft-serve machines pumping out multiple flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, banana and strawberry. Frozone Treats next door offers extra-fee smoothies and refreshing drinks with and without alcohol (such as Dole Whip with a shot of rum).

Room service is complimentary on Disney Dream. You can order continental breakfast items by marking off your selections on a tag and hanging it outside your door before bed. All-day room service is available for order via phone; the menu is on the Navigator app. Selections include soups, salads, American fare (buffalo wings, burgers, chicken tenders), pizza and pasta and dessert. Mickey bars are not on the official room service menu, but can be ordered to your cabin.

If the free treats on this ship aren't enough (which is a concept that's difficult to grasp), you can splurge at Vanellope's Sweet Treats. Indulge with extra-fee ice cream and gelato, crazy sundaes, cupcakes and other baked goods and candy.

Outside the Walt Disney Theatre on Deck 3 is Preludes, where you can buy snacks (popcorn, candy) and drinks to bring into the theater. A secondary outpost of Preludes is outside the Buena Vista Theater on Deck 4.

Parents, be prepared: The pervasive smell of popcorn will have your littles desperate for a snack, and the only way to access popcorn is by purchasing a souvenir popcorn bucket on the first night. The buckets range from $8 to more than $20, but refills are only $1.50.

On a ship where sodas and ice cream bars are complimentary, I was surprised the line charged for popcorn.

On a ship full of kids, it's understandable that adults might need a grown-up beverage or two. Disney Dream accommodates, but the bars are less front and center than perhaps you'd find on other cruise ships.

On Deck 3, the Bon Voyage bar is tucked to one side of the midship elevator banks, between the Grand Lobby and the shopping area. It's in a crowded thoroughfare, so it lacks ambience.

Tucked into a corner on Deck 4 is the Vista Cafe for all your coffee drinks, regular or spiked. It also has a small case of snacks to go with your latte or mocha.

Related: Best cruise ship bars

The District, on Deck 4 aft, is the adult nightlife area, though it's used during the day to host events such as trivia. Grouped together are Pink, a wine and Champagne bar; Evolution, the nightclub and event space; Pub 687, the sports and game bar; Skyline, for bougie martinis with a changing cityscape behind the bar; and the District Lounge for hanging out, sometimes with live music. The District is a dark warren of interconnected rooms, so I only found the Skyline bar halfway through my cruise.

You won't find crowds here, as many adults will be at the family activities in the evening or stuck in their cabins after their kids go to sleep. Fun competitive games, trivia contests, and karaoke in Evolution did get a good-sized audience, but you'll rarely need to search for a seat at any of the venues.

If you're interested in Disney Dream nightlife and are traveling with younger kids, I recommend cruising with extended family or friends; this way, each adult can take turns staying with sleeping children while the others go out. Alternatively, put your kids in Oceaneer Club after dinner and the show, but not every child wants to stay up that late or leave their family for the club.

A buffet of finger foods is put out for an hour each evening to help soak up all that alcohol.

On the upper decks, the Cove Cafe is half coffee shop, half bar by the Quiet Cove adult pool. Grownups don't have to get out of the water to order drinks at the swim-up Cove Bar adjacent to the pool. Forward of the adults area, a juice bar in the Senses Spa will kick start your day or refresh you after a workout with fresh juice blends.

Additional pool bars include the Waves Bar on Deck 12 and the Currents Bar on Deck 13.

Also on Deck 12, the Meridian bar is the perfect place for a pre-dinner cocktail before a meal in the adjacent Remy or Palo. It has both indoor and outdoor seating and is a lovely getaway from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the ship. Passengers booked into Concierge-level cabins can also get drinks at their exclusive Concierge Lounge also on Deck 12.

Disney Dream activities

Disney cruise ships offer a mix of typical and unique-to-Disney activities. Perhaps the most Disney thing you can do on Disney Dream is meet your favorite Disney characters and princesses.

Families have three options: You can sign up for free Royal Gatherings, where you can meet multiple princesses at one time, or extra-fee events, such as the Royal Court Royal Tea. You can look up on the Navigator app when characters will be making appearances and line up for a photo opp and to get an autograph. You'll often find the characters posing in the Grand Lobby or on the balcony just above. Or, you can serendipitously run into a character wandering about the ship.

Even your kids who think they're too cool for Mickey or princess photos will likely become starstruck when they see the characters around the ship and ultimately want a photo or two.

Most kid-friendly activities occur in the multiple Disney cruise kids clubs on board. Most are clustered on Deck 4, where you'll find the It's a Small World Nursery for baby and toddler (up to age 3) daycare for an hourly rate. The Oceaneer Club and Lab offer complimentary drop-off activities for kids ages 3-10. Kids will love flying the Millennium Falcon, playing in Andy's Room, competing in Magic PlayFloor challenges and making crafts in Tinkerbell's Fairy Hollow.

Also on Deck 4 is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where families can pay for a range of princess, prince and pirate makeovers for young cruisers. If you decide to splurge, choose your salon times wisely. You might not want to get makeup and an updo at 9 a.m. and then be unable to go into the pool for the rest of the day.

Tweens (ages 11-14) have their own hangout called Edge with video games, movies, crafts and group activities in the fake forward funnel on Deck 13. Teens (14-17) can enjoy an indoor lounge with snack bar, video game and movie space, plus a teen-only outdoor sun deck with a plunge pool and hot tub. Vibe, as it's called, is all the way forward on Deck 5, with a secret entrance from the Deck 4 outdoor promenade.

A range of family activities, from crafts to karaoke and dance parties, take place in the D Lounge on Deck 4. (Don't confuse it with the District Lounge next door, which is a bar in the adults-only area.) Some activities are held in the atrium lobby, including the hilarious Jack Jack's Diaper Dash (ie, crawling baby races). Evolution is the destination for evening adult activities, such as trivia, interactive competitions and karaoke.

The other major family-focused destination is, of course, the pool deck. Disney Dream has options for all ages and interests. Deck 11 midship is the main pool area with Mickey's pool and slide (the latter meant for ages 3-14) and the Goofy pool. Life jackets are available for kids who aren't strong swimmers.

A giant poolside screen shows Disney movies during both daytime and evening. Pools are open late so you can watch the evening film from the water. The pool area stage is where the welcome/sailaway show and Pirate's Night shows take place.

The Nemo's Reef splash area is intended for supervised splashing for junior cruisers in swim diapers, though youngsters of all ages are welcome. There is a hot tub by the kids pool, but it's generally full of kids.

Don't worry, Mom and Dad: Adults have their own pool deck, forward on Deck 11. The Quiet Cove pool and hot tub are exclusive to adults over 18 and are surrounded by a swim-up bar, adults-only coffee shop and lounge spaces.

Two decks up, the Satellite Falls pool and sun deck provides additional sunbathing space and a wading pool with a circular rain curtain under the ship's satellite transmitter. A sun deck exclusive to Concierge-level guests is also found on Deck 13.

Between the two on Deck 12 forward is a small family area with the Funnel Puddle plunge pool.

The pool area's other main attraction is the AquaDuck two-person raft slide that circles the entire pool deck. You must be 42 inches to ride and 54 inches to ride alone or with a smaller person. The ride has some thrills but is fairly tame. Sea-day afternoon wait times can be long (upward of 40 minutes). Ride after dark, and you'll hardly wait at all.

The entrance and exit from the AquaDuck are adjacent to each other on Deck 12, right above Nemo's Reef. I say this so you won't loop the decks multiple times looking for it.

On the opposite side of the ship on Deck 13 is Goofy's Sports Deck for all your athletic or competitive pursuits. A central sports court with basketball hoops is surrounded by a wacky minigolf course, ping pong tables and foosball.

Your running and walking track, however, will be the Deck 4 promenade. You'll find padded wooden lounge chairs here, as well as shuffleboard courts.

If you need some serious pamper time, head to the Senses Spa and Salon on Deck 11 forward. A salon offers mani-pedis and hair styling, or you can book a massage or facial in one of the spa treatment rooms. Couples treatments include various massages as well as time in one of two couples' villas, and teen services are also available.

A fitness center is stocked with resistance machines, free weights, yoga mats and cardio machines with ocean views, plus group class space for spin and core classes. You can also book a pass to the Rainforest Room thermal suite for access to relaxing saunas and steam rooms.

If retail therapy is more your style, you'll find an array of shops on decks 3 and 4, selling all kinds of character-based souvenirs and toys, Disney Cruise Line logo items, fine jewelry and sundries. The Whozits and Whatzits shop on Deck 11 sells swim and beach items in case you forgot something at home. If you plan on splurging, consider packing a foldable duffle that you can fill with all your souvenirs for the trip home.

Related: Tricks to save money on a Disney cruise

Disney Dream shows

Disney Cruise Line is known for its original Broadway-style musical shows. Disney Dream's trio of original productions include "The Golden Mickeys," "Beauty and the Beast" and "Disney's Believe." These are performed in the Walt Disney Theatre on decks 3 and 4. Your showtime is opposite your mealtime; if you have an early dinner, you'll see the late show and vice versa.

"The Golden Mickeys" is a Disney's version of an awards show, honoring the bravest heroes and the most dastardly villains. The show combines video clips with live performances of favorite songs from Disney movies.

"Disney Believe" is another original musical featuring a single dad who goes on a journey to regain his belief in magic. Along the way, he encounters characters from a wide selection of Disney movies, who guide him on his journey with song and dance.

The ship's marquee show, which runs 1 and 1/2 hours rather than an hour, is a stage adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast," based on the live-action movie. The show employs creative use of puppetry and high-tech scenery, and the performers are stellar. (Some even have Broadway backgrounds.) On our sailing, this show also has a matinee performance to accommodate more guests.

The Walt Disney Theatre has both orchestra and balcony seating. Be careful of poles and railings that can block views from the balcony. Sit in the front section of the orchestra if you want confetti to rain down on you during certain performances.

Disney Dream does not have just one theater. The Buena Vista Theatre on decks 4 and 5 is the ship's movie cinema, showing first-run movies from Disney-owned production studios. That means if the film is currently showing in the movie theaters on land, you can watch it for free while you're at sea.

Disney Cruise Line is also famous for its Pirate Night, a shipwide pirate-themed party, complete with pirate-themed games, trivia and kids activities; a special pirate-themed, island-inspired dinner menu in every restaurant; and two pirate shows on the pool deck stage. The early show stars Pirate Mickey and friends and is geared for younger cruisers; the later, all-ages show features Jack Sparrow and culminates in a fireworks display.

Nearly everyone on board, from babies to grandparents, gets into the pirate spirit, dressing up in looks ranging from simple DIY outfits with a few accessories to head-to-toe professional costumes, complete with wigs. Even if your kids think they're too cool, pack some pirate attire because you will feel left out of the fun if you're not in costume.

Another hot tip: The pool deck cannot handle the number of people who turn out for these shows. Arrive a good half hour early to stake out a spot with decent sightlines, and be prepared to potentially hold your child up the entire time if you're standing in the back. Also, plan for an afternoon nap, if your young kid wants to see fireworks. The show starts after 10 p.m.

On our five-night cruise, Pirate Night took place on a night when a performance one of the three musicals was not occurring. On that night, the main stage screened the newest Disney movie, so more people could watch. On the remaining night, a guest magician performed.

If you like shows, keep an eye out for short performances listed in the daily schedule on the app. Early in the sailing, Mickey and friends did a Christmas tree lighting event, complete with a Santa visit. One evening, the Broadway actor who plays Gaston in the ship's theater did a half-hour one-man show, performing numbers from the Disney songbook.

Disney Dream itineraries and pricing

Disney Dream will offer a series of three-, four- and five-night Bahamas and Caribbean cruises out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, through early May 2024. Ports of call in the Bahamas include Nassau and Castaway Cay, Disney's longtime private island. Caribbean cruises include Grand Cayman or Cozumel, Mexico.

The ship then crosses the Atlantic for a summer season in Europe. From May through mid-July, it will offer five- to 11-night Mediterranean cruises out of Barcelona and Civitavecchia (the port for Rome), Italy.

It will then reposition to Southampton, England (near London), where it will sail two Scandinavian fjords cruises; several three- to seven-night Europe Coastal and southern Europe cruises to ports in Spain, France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands; and one British Isles cruise before crossing the Atlantic back to Florida.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Disney Cruise Line ship

The ship returns to Fort Lauderdale from October 2024 through May 2025, again offering three- to five-night Caribbean and Bahamas sailings. This time, certain itineraries include Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney's new private destination on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.

Fares vary by season, cruise destination and theme, as well as cabin category. Expect the least expensive windowless inside cabins to start at more than $200 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.

On Disney's website, three-night Bahamas cruises start from $1,733 for a couple. Five-night Western Caribbean cruises start at $2,437 per couple, and a seven-night Western Europe cruise starts at $4,427 per couple. Fares increase from there for cabins with balconies or suites, as well as for adding additional guests sharing the cabin.

A family of four would pay upward of $5,859 for a Concierge-level cabin on a three-night Bahamas cruise, for example.

Related: I saved every receipt — here's how much it actually costs to go on a Disney cruise

What to know before you go

Required documents.

U.S. citizens sailing Disney Dream from Port Canaveral will need either a passport or a government-issued photo ID and an original birth certificate. Children can sail with either a passport or a birth certificate. However, for Disney Dream's summer European sailings, including the transatlantic crossings, everyone traveling (including babies) will need a passport.

If you're sailing with a child who is not your own, you will need to fill out a form certifying that you have permission from their parents to travel with them. Passports, when required, must be valid for at least six months. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Related: Tips for getting a child's passport

Disney Cruise Line charges a crew gratuity of $14.50 per person (including babies and children) per day for most cruisers and $15.50 per person for Concierge-level cabins and suites.

You can prepay this amount, or it will be added to your onboard bill. If you have not prepaid, you can adjust the amount up or down at guest services or give additional tips in cash. The hardworking crew relies on these gratuities; even if you have service snafus, we strongly encourage you to pay the full amount and express your dissatisfaction in another fashion.

To give an idea of the cost, a four-person family on a five-night cruise in a standard cabin would pay $290 in recommended tips. The amount is split among your team of dining room servers who kept your kids entertained at dinner and your cabin host who cleaned up your mess each day.

An 18% gratuity is added to onboard spa, bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. You can always add an additional gratuity for any of your services or servers.

While room service is free, it's customary to add a few dollars of tip when you sign the "bill."

A gratuity is added to bills at Palo and Remy because those servers are not included in the automatic gratuity. Leave an additional tip if you enjoyed the service. If you stay in a Concierge-level room or suite, it is customary to tip the Concierge Lounge hosts $8 per person, per day, at the end of your cruise.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Disney Dream offers various Wi-Fi packages for a fee.

On my sailing, you could choose from three Wi-Fi packages and pay per 24 hours or per voyage. The Stay Connected package gives access to just Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. It costs $18 for 24 hours for one device or $16/day for the full voyage (so $80 for a five-night sailing like mine).

The Classic Surf package gives access to the entire web, email and audio calling. The 24-hour price for one device is $28; the full-cruise cost is $24/day ($120 for a five-night sailing).

The Premium Surf package gives the same access as the Classic but with the addition of streaming services like YouTube, Snapchat and video calling. It costs $42 for 24 hours on one device or $34/day for the voyage ($170 for a five-night cruise).

For any of the plans, you can purchase full-cruise packages for up to four devices, with a 20% discount for each additional device. There is no discount for a multiple-device package for 24 hours. You can purchase a full-cruise package in the middle of your vacation, and the price will be prorated for the number of days left.

If you're deciding how many devices to add to your package, know that you can switch your plan from device to device throughout the cruise. For example, if you purchase a one-device plan, you can switch the service from your phone to your tablet then back to your phone. However, if you need a connection on your tablet and phone at the same time, you will need a two-device plan.

On my Caribbean cruise, I had no problems using the Navigator app or texting, and my travel companions made several Wi-Fi calls using our Premium Surf package. However, loading webpages and uploading photos on my laptop was often slow.

Carry-on drinks policy

Each passenger 21 years and older can bring a maximum of two bottles of unopened wine or Champagne (no larger than 750 milliliters) or six beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board both at the beginning of the cruise and at each port of call. Not every cruise line allows you to bring drinks back from port without confiscating them, so take advantage of this generous alcohol policy .

On embarkation day, beverages must be packed in your carry-on (not checked) bags. You can keep drinks chilled in the small fridge in your cabin or ask your stateroom host for ice.

If you wish to consume wine or Champagne that you've brought on board in one of the dining rooms, you must pay a $26 corkage fee per bottle.

Smoking policy

Smoking is permitted in the following onboard locations only:

• The portside outdoor area of the Meridian Lounge on Deck 12
• The portside deck area on Deck 13 aft by the Currents Bar
• The aft port side of the Deck 4 outdoor promenade, but only from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Passengers caught smoking in their cabins or on their cabin balconies will be charged a $250 cleaning fee.

Disney Dream offers 24-hour, self-service guest laundry facilities on Decks 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. They are not marked on the deck plans on the app, but they are shown on each floor's deck plan by the stairwell and signs in the cabin hallways point the way. On most decks, they are located all the way forward or aft.

Use your Key to the World cruise card to pay to operate the washers and dryers, as well as buy any detergent or dryer sheets you need. Laundry rooms are also stocked with irons and ironing boards for complimentary use; they are the only place on board where you're allowed to use an iron.

If you really don't want to do chores on your vacation, you can send out your dirty laundry for washing, pressing or dry cleaning for an additional fee. Use the laundry bag and form in your cabin and your cabin attendant will pick up and return your clothes.

Electrical outlets

All cabins are equipped with 110-volt outlets, which are standard in the U.S. and Canada, and 220-volt (European) outlets by the desk and on one side of the bed. A shaver-only outlet is located on the ceiling of the bathroom.

The currency on Disney Cruise Line ships is the U.S. dollar.

When you are on the ship, you will not need cash or a credit card — all incidentals, purchases and services will be charged to your cabin folio. Your Key to the World card serves as your onboard payment method. The only exception is if you want to tip a crew member in cash.

You will want to have some cash or a credit card for purchases in port. The exception is Castaway Cay, where cruisers can pay for all purchases at the shops and bars with their cruise cards; cash and credit cards are not accepted on Disney's private island.

Drinking age

The drinking age on board Disney Dream is 21. However, if you're sailing on one of Dream's round-trip cruises within Europe, where the drinking age is lower, parents and guardians can sign a form to allow 18- to 20-year-olds to drink on board when in the presence of an adult in their traveling party.

Daytime dress is casual; shorts, T-shirts and casual sundresses are the norm on Bahamas and Caribbean sailings. Many of your shipmates will be dressed in Mickey ears, Disney-themed attire, princess dresses or group T-shirts at all times.

During the evenings, dining attire in the three main dining restaurants is "cruise casual," meaning no swimwear or tank tops, but you don't have to dress up in anything fancy. That said, many guests do dress up in the evening, but it's not required unless you are dining in Palo or Remy. (Palo also asks that diners dress up a bit for brunch, so come prepared.)

Our five-night cruise had one optional dress-up night, and we were also told that it's fun to change into something a bit fancier (or perhaps a princess costume) when dining at the Royal Palace restaurant.

The dress code on Pirate Night is, of course, pirate casual. Bring your bandanas and eye patches, but leave your swords and pistols at home.

On Halloween and Very Merrytime Christmas cruises, costumes and holiday attire are encouraged — and make for great photos.

Related: The ultimate Disney cruise packing list

Bottom line

Disney Dream offers an amazing experience for families with children and Disney lovers of all ages. The ship stands out for its family-friendly cabins, attentive crew and stellar musical shows. You will be able to meet many of your favorite Disney characters and immerse yourself in the world of Disney.

However, you need to be prepared for crowds and queues, loud dinners, other people's children and myriad extra-fee events, treats and souvenirs that will tempt everyone in your travel party. Come with the right mindset, and you'll have a magical trip your family will remember fondly.

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Table of Contents

Booking a Disney cruise

Online check-in, embarkation , aboard the ship, disembarkation, disney cruise review recapped.

I’ve always been a big Disney fan. Whether I’m visiting nearby Disneyland or flying to its big brother Disney World, there’s little about Disney I don’t like. This includes its cruises, which I have been eyeing enviously for years. 

Happily, I was recently able to take a Disney cruise, and the experience lived up to my expectations. Let’s talk about it in this review.

Like most everything Disney, its cruises are expensive. While you might find a cruise for a couple of hundred dollars on a different line, expect to pay more for Disney. Room rates start at $1,400 for two guests on the four-night cruise from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, that my family and I booked. 

Rather than settling for an interior category room, we booked a deluxe oceanview stateroom with a verandah. Prices can vary but expect to pay a minimum of $2,500 for this room type. 

While booking a Disney cruise is costly, there are ways to help bring down the price. If you subscribe to Disney+ , for example, you may be able to take advantage of an offer allowing the third and fourth guests in your stateroom to sail for free. 

Those who live in Southern California, Florida or Canada may also qualify for discounted rates on select routes and dates, as do those in the military. 

If you’re looking to lower your out-of-pocket cost, you may want to consider paying with a credit card and using statement credits. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has this ability, as does the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card .

» Learn more: How to get the best deal on your next cruise

Once we booked the cruise, we received an email confirmation. Along with details about our itinerary, the confirmation also included information regarding online check-in and documentation. 

We needed to provide a variety of information before departure, including our passport information, COVID vaccination status and other personal details. Once completed, Disney assigned my family a port arrival time, which let us know when to show up for embarkation. 

We were also mailed luggage tags to attach to our suitcases. This meant we were able to drop off our bags upon arrival and receive them in our room a few hours later. 

» Learn more: The best Disney resort for adults

On the day of departure, we were due to board at 1:45 p.m. Once we arrived at the cruise terminal, however, we were required to join several very long queues before actually getting on the ship. This included a security screening as well as an additional check-in process. 

The cruise ship terminal is decidedly unmagical. It’s a large concrete building filled with ropes and one sad vending machine. The entire process took an hour from arrival until the time we got into our rooms. 

I wish I could say this was unexpected, but Disney is as known for lines as it is for quality. All in all, I didn’t love the embarkation process, but I understand the necessity. 

For what it's worth, those who book Disney cruise concierge rooms enjoy an entirely separate and expedited check-in experience.

» Learn more: The best Disney credit card might surprise you

(Photo courtesy of Carissa Rawson)

We were aboard the Disney Wonder, which is one of five ships that Disney operates. As I mentioned, we had booked a room with a verandah. It felt pretty large for a cruise room, especially since it fit both a king bed and a fold-out couch.

The total square footage of the room came in at 268 square feet, which means a total of three to four guests can fit. However, my family had booked two separate (and connecting) rooms, which meant just my brother and I were sharing a room. 

The room included all the standard amenities you’d expect, including a hair dryer, expansive closet and fridge.

It’s clear that Disney expects many different types of guests. I was grateful for the curtain divider that separated the “living room” from the “bedroom,” since my brother and I each had a private space. 

My favorite part was our private verandah, where we spent a lot of time hanging out, reading and enjoying the wine we’d brought with us. 

I also especially appreciated the bathroom design. Rather than cramming everything into a single space, Disney has chosen to create two distinct bathing areas. One features the shower and a sink.

The other has an additional sink as well as a toilet.

Such a design allows two groups of people to get ready simultaneously, which is super convenient. The shower also includes a tub, which is unusual for cruises. I imagine the intention is to make it easier for children and families. 

Note that each night housekeeping came in for turndown. This included creating fun towel animals, converting the couch into a bed and providing chocolates.

Food and beverage

I’ve been on cruises before where the food was unlimited but nearly inedible. This wasn't the case on my Disney cruise. Simply put, there is food everywhere, all the time, and nearly all of it is incredible. Most food on the ship is included with your fare, though there is one specialty dinner restaurant that costs money. 

Most non-alcoholic drinks are also included, such as coffee and soda. Specialty coffees and smoothies cost extra, as do any alcoholic beverages. 

Guests are allowed to bring up to two bottles of wine or six cans of beer with them when they board and at each port of call.

In the mornings, there are two dining options: a buffet or a sit-down restaurant. We tried out both, and the result was a resounding mixed bag. I greatly preferred the sit-down option, which had fewer options but a much slower pace. 

As for food, I particularly enjoyed the eggs benedict, though you’re able to order as many meals as you’d like. 

My dad, meanwhile, loved the plethora of choices provided by the buffet, although it was much more crowded than the sit-down restaurant. 

At lunchtime, it was also possible to enjoy a plated meal, but we generally found ourselves too full to go in for a big portion. Instead, we enjoyed quick bites from the pool deck, which included paninis, ice cream, chicken tenders, fries, hot dogs, salads and more.

Dinner was the crown jewel of the evening. Each night, we showered, got dressed, then went to eat at a rotating variety of restaurants. Disney breaks up diners into two groups: First seating is at 5:45 and the second seating is at 8:15. We had the second seating, which was a little late for my taste. 

Again, you can order as much as you like during your meals, which quickly becomes a slippery slope. The first night I ordered just a single entree, but by the end, a veritable pile of plates surrounded me during dinner. 

I still have no regrets. 

A final note: Although water is free onboard, it can be difficult to come by, especially if you didn’t bring your own refillable bottle. While room service will charge you for a bottle of water, it’ll bring you as many glasses as you like for free. 

» Learn more: Is cruise travel insurance worth the cost?

Entertainment 

There are almost too many things to do aboard this cruise ship, and we struggled a little trying to fit everything in. 

Each night, Disney put on a different show in its main theater. This is perhaps one of the things I was most looking forward to — although nearly all cruises provide live entertainment of some sort, Disney’s is said to be the best. They didn’t disappoint. While these weren’t, maybe, Broadway-quality, they were high-end, well-designed and really fun to watch. 

Paid activities

Most everything you do during your cruise takes place courtesy of the Disney Cruise app. This includes viewing the daily schedule and booking any paid activities. While these are completely optional, they are a lot of fun.

During our trip, we tried both the whiskey tasting and the beer tasting, both of which were worth the additional cost. If this is something you’re planning to do, be prepared to pay from $40 to $70 per person for your activities. 

Games and other activities

Like I said above, there is an absolute abundance of things to do onboard. If you’re not interested in the pool, gym, spa, deck, sports or shows, it’s still possible to find tons of things to do. 

(Photo by Carissa Rawson)

One favorite activity was bingo, which featured a rolling jackpot and took place three out of the four days of our cruise. 

There are also things like Disney movies playing in various theaters, towel folding classes, karaoke, trivia contests, drawing classes and more. 

Activities for teens

If you’re traveling as a family, you’ll be glad to note that there are plenty of things for teens to do as well. While I didn’t spend any time in these venues, I did peek into Vibe, the teen-exclusive hangout area at the top of the ship. Teenagers also have access to the Chill Spa, which is designed specifically for their age group. 

Tweens aren’t left out, either. The Edge club fills the niche between teens and children and features video games as well as a dance floor. 

Children’s activities 

Again, we were a group of four adults traveling together, so we didn’t need to take advantage of any children’s activities, but suffice it to say that kids have a lot to choose from. The Oceaneer Lab was especially popular and is for those ages 3 to 12. 

» Learn more: How I did a 5-day, $4,000 Disney trip for just $1,600

Deck Nine and above featured a couple of different pools, a splash pad, a waterslide and a sports area. 

Although Disney cruises are definitely oriented toward children, they also maintain separate adult-only areas. As a family of four adults, we certainly enjoyed the quiet that came with our own private pool. 

The Senses Spa and Salon offers a wide variety of treatments, from couples massages to haircuts and manicures. I didn’t indulge, but my parents did, and they had a great time. There’s also the option to purchase access to the Rainforest Room, which includes heated stone chairs, a sauna and a steam room.

If you’re the type of person who wants to exercise while on vacation, the ship’s fitness center has you covered. Although I visited only once, I quite enjoyed the well-stocked facilities and the ability to look out over the water while working out. 

There were quite a few treadmills, bikes (both spinning and recumbent), free weights, ellipticals and really interesting curved treadmills that I was too afraid to try. 

Disney gives all its customers 50 MB of free data on day one. After that, you’ll need to pay, though the pricing is exorbitant and starts at $19.99 for an additional 50 MB. It’s not that fast, either, according to my mom, who spent the money and immediately regretted it. 

I resisted the urge to purchase any and instead relied on my international data when we made port. It was tough but I survived. 

» Learn more: How to save on your first — or next — Disney vacation

This four-day cruise included just one stop in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I’ve never been a huge fan of stopovers on cruises, mostly because I feel like they’re too short and inauthentic. That was the case here, though this wasn’t any fault of Disney. 

The disembarkation and re-embarkation process was smooth, though we did need to board a smaller boat to get to land. Although we could have stayed out from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., we ended up returning early to enjoy lunch on the ship. 

Note that it is possible to book excursions through the Disney Cruise Line app as well as onshore, though we chose not to. 

» Learn more: Cruises might be a surprisingly affordable way to visit the South Pacific

After breakfast on our last morning, it was time to disembark. We chose to hold our luggage with us, though it was possible to have it delivered down to the terminal. 

The disembarkation process was as magical as the embarkation process. That is to say that it was terrible, disorganized and took way too long. We stood in line for more than an hour both on the ship and onshore as we waited for the immigration clerks to process the many thousands of passengers. 

I’ve waited a lot of years to experience a Disney cruise, and at the end of it all, I’m glad I had the opportunity. Was it expensive? Yes. Was it worth the cost? Also, yes. Although I haven’t booked another Disney cruise yet, I’m looking forward to the day I can board one again. 

(Top photo courtesy of Carissa Rawson)

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Disney Wish Review

The fifth ship to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet since its inception in 1998, the 4,000-passenger Disney Wish might look similar to its older fleetmates from the outside, but that's where the parallels end.

Inside, Disney has completely rethought the look, layout and feel of Disney Wish from stem-to-stern. Passengers embark into a swooping atrium space known as The Grand Hall -- a space created by removing the midship bank of elevators found on past Disney ships. Gone, too, is the art deco and art nouveau design of past ships, replaced with a crisper, cleaner and, dare we say, more imaginative take on decor. The Grand Hall sets the tone for the rest of the vessel, with its main performance stage, ribbed ceiling, towering columns (inset with hidden LED lighting that switches on dramatically for performances), sweeping staircase, and -- of course, a bronze statue of Cinderella.

Disney could have gone over-the-top with this design, but the decor on Disney Wish is designed to subtly evoke Disney characters, films and settings. Indeed, for those with a keen eye (or a massive personal knowledge of all things Disney), the ship itself reveals its own story that changes deck by deck and space by space.

While kids will no doubt be wowed by the entire experience that includes the most elaborate kid's clubs at sea, the ship is designed to make a meaningful impression on adults, too. The attention to detail throughout is on a scale uncommonly seen, even in the notoriously-detail-oriented cruise industry. From the whimsical "Cheers!" printed in foam on beers ordered in the ship's cozy pub to the subtle Mickey Mouse silhouette designed sunshades in the new forward bow outdoor area of the Senses Spa, Disney Wish is a ship that, truly, becomes a destination in its own right -- for the young and young-at-heart.

Disney Wish Deck Plan Does Away with Separate 'Zones' For Kids, Adults

Beginning with Disney Magic in 1998, every Disney Cruise Line ship was built around the concept of "zones." Kids had their own dedicated zone on the uppermost level of the ship's atrium, and adult-only spaces were clustered away, usually in the extreme bow or stern of the ship. In-between, family-friendly spaces were interspersed.

Disney Wish does away with the concept of zones -- sort of. Kids still have a dedicated zone, this time on Deck 2 below the atrium. This arrangement sounds curious, until you realize that, just off the Grand Hall, is a dedicated check-in to the kid's Oceaneer Club below -- accessible by a grand staircase just for kids, or a fabulous, enclosed slide that swoops down from Deck 3 to Deck 2, right into the Oceaneer Club.

Adult spaces are no longer tucked away like some forgotten secret. Instead, these spaces -- which still welcome kids, for the most part, during daytime hours -- make up the majority of decks 3, 4 and 5. That adult spaces are spread out is a real bonus: It improves passenger flow and allows adults to experience more of the ship than was the case on past vessels. A number of family-friendly entertainment venues are also scattered throughout decks 3, 4 and 5, as are the ship's three distinctive main dining rooms.

On Deck 11, the pool areas aboard Disney Wish begin. In fact, decks 11, 12 and 13 house so many interesting features, activities and spaces for all ages that it is entirely possible to walk right by certain things. And while kids (and adults) aren't likely to miss the entrance to the AquaMouse slide (Disney's first-ever themed attraction at sea), the adults-only Cove Cafe, Cove Bar and infinity pool are a real hike to get to, accessible only from the outer decks and located so far toward the back that only arming yourself with a deck plan will result in successfully finding one of the ship's best adult-minded venues.

Disney Wish deck plans have been ingeniously laid out to encourage discovery and exploration. Don't be surprised if you're still finding hidden gems -- like the mammoth Fairytale Fresh Laundry self-serve complex, tucked away on the forward elevator bank on Deck 8 -- well into your cruise.

Cabins on Disney Wish Offer Space for All and Enchanted Decor

There are 1,254 individual cabins aboard Disney Wish, most of which offer private balconies. Only 121 staterooms are insides, while 185 are oceanview staterooms with picture windows.

Staterooms are crisp and fresh and offer superb space for families traveling together. This includes family categories that feature pull-down Murphy beds inset into the walls of the stateroom (an unusual cruise ship feature), and Disney's trademark split-bath arrangement that includes one bathroom with toilet and sink, and another with a separate sink and shower-tub combination.

Beautiful artwork situated above the headboard of the bed changes based on deck and cabin category, highlighting Disney movies like Frozen, Cinderella, The Princess and the Frog, or Moana, to name a few.

Passengers will also find dimmable bedside lamps and reading lights and a plethora of power options, from European and North American outlets to USB and even a USB-C outlet.

There are 53 Concierge Class staterooms that include additional perks and access to the wonderful forward-facing Concierge Lounge enclave on Deck 12. A total of 23 Concierge Suites represent the most lavish seagoing luxury aboard Disney Wish, including the massive two-level Concierge Tower Suite inset within the ship's forward (dummy) funnel. Designed around a theme that subtly evokes the film Moana, this creative suite offers three bedrooms, a living area accented by two-story glass windows, 4.5 bathrooms clad in marble and stocked with premium Bulgari toiletries, a grand spiral staircase, and nearly 2,000 square feet of living space -- not to mention its own private elevator and entryway at the base of the funnel.

Disney Wish Introduces a World of Food for All

Dining on Disney Wish is a real treat. Not only are passengers invited to participate in Disney's unique rotational dining, whereby your entire table and waitstaff move to a new main dining room each night, but a number of other options (both included and for-fee) are likely to entice passengers to try them at least once.

The main dining rooms aboard Disney Wish are all included in the cost of the fare and are among the most creative at sea, being themed after Frozen, the Marvel universe, and even Walt Disney himself at the splendidly decorated 1923 that pays homage to Walt and bother Roy Disney.

Disney Wish further honors Walt with Marceline, the ship's casual buffet offering. Named after the childhood hometown of Walt Disney (Marceline, Missouri), the eatery offers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, along with complimentary fountain soft drinks -- a rarity among cruise ships.

Other casual pool-deck eateries include a Mexican restaurant and a venue serving up Southern barbecue.

Adults will delight in the fine dining offered at Palo -- the ship's superb steakhouse -- and the French-themed Enchante by Chef Arnaud Lallement.

Room service is complimentary and available 24 hours a day.

Disney Wish COVID-19 Rules

For the most up-to-date testing, masking, and vaccination requirements aboard Disney Wish, please refer to Disney Cruise Line's health and safety protocols.

Bottom Line

Fellow passengers, who is onboard disney wish.

Families, as you might expect, make up the bulk of passengers aboard Disney Wish. But the ship also caters every bit as well to couples without children who are looking for a premium cruise with all the big-ship bells and whistles.

There's no need to be an avowed Disney-phile, either. Nothing onboard is in-your-face, and the ship's designers have thoughtfully created spaces that channel elegance and class along the main theme of the vessel: enchantment. Nothing is tacky, nothing is slapped-on or half-thought out.

Shorter cruises aboard Disney Wish attract younger kids due to the length of time and lower price point, while longer sailings tend to involve multigenerational families and friends traveling together. A large percentage come from the Florida area (the ship's homeport is Port Canaveral, near Orlando), but Disney Wish is popular with those who have to fly -- often from other countries -- for a slice of Disney's magic at sea.

Find a Disney Wish Cruise from $897

More about disney wish, where does disney wish sail from, where does disney wish sail to, how much does it cost to go on disney wish.

ALMOST a Perfect Wish

few 6-10 Cruises

Disappointing!

many 10+ Cruises

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Disney Wonder Deck Plans & Reviews

Disney Wonder

Activities & entertainment

• ConnectATSea *
• Its a Small World Nursery
• Disneys Oceaneer Club
• Disneys Oceaneer Lab
• Edge _ Tweens Club
• Vibe _ Teens Club
• Mickeys Splash Zone
• Senses Spa and Salon *
• Senses Rainforest Room *
• Senses Treatment Salons *
• Spa Villas *
• Chill Spa *
• Wide World of Sports Deck
• Sports Court
• Character Events
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes
• Arts and Crafts Classes
• Deck Parties
• Scavenger Hunts
• Dance Parties
• Extensive Kids Programs
• Pin Trading
• Sing_Alongs
• Video Game Competitions
• Adults_Only Events
• After Hours _ Adult_Only Area
• Whirlpools (4)
• Twist n Spout
• Guest Services
• Port Adventures *
• Port Shopping Desk *
• Onboard Sales Desk *
• Shutters Portrait Studio *
• Vista Gallery *
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique *
• Retail Shops *
• Concierge Lounge _ Suite Guests
• Medical Center
• Promenade Lounge
• Walt Disney Theatre
• Buena Vista Theatre
• Disney Movies Onboard
• Funnel Vision
• Nightly Live Music
• Stage Shows
• Tianas Place - Rotational Main
• Tritons - Rotational Main
• Animators Palate - Rotational Main
• Cabanas - Buffet
• Crown and Fin Pub - Pub *
• Cadillac Lounge - Cocktail Bar
• Preludes Bar - Theater Snacks *
• Eye Scream - Ice Cream
• Sulleys Sips - Smoothies *
• Petes Boiler Bites - Fast Food
• Signals Bar - Pool Bar *
• Beverage Station - Soft Drinks
• Daisys De_Lites - Light Fare
• Pinocchios Pizzeria - Pizza
• Cove Cafe - Coffee Bar *
• Palo - Italian *
• French Quarter Lounge - New Orleans-Themed Bar *
• Room Service

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Disney Cruise Line

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Find a Cruise on Disney Cruise Line

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Cruising with Disney

Disney Cruise Line's ships –  Disney Magic ,  Disney Wonder ,  Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy  and the Disney Wish – receive kudos from families and critics alike for their family-friendly atmospheres, whimsical amenities and well-equipped staterooms. Disney cruises have something for everyone in the family, from epic kids clubs and adults-only spaces to character meet-and-greets and fantastical dining venues.  Although Disney's ships vary in size, each vessel carries approximately one crew member for every three passengers.

Disney Cruise Line's itineraries depart from a variety of ports – including  Fort Lauderdale, Florida ; San Diego  and Galveston, Texas – for sailings in the United States , Mexico , Canada , Europe , Australia and the Pacific and the Caribbean . Voyages last between two and 15 nights, with cruise lengths varying by itinerary and destination. Shore excursions, known as Port Adventures, also change depending on the itinerary and include everything from monkey encounters in Barbados  to wine tasting in Corsica, France. Guests on Caribbean and Bahamian sailings also visit Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas .

Back on board, you'll find plenty of family-oriented facilities, including themed pools, youth clubs and movie theaters. You'll also have the opportunity to eat in the cruise line's Disney-themed main dining rooms and enjoy a variety of Disney-inspired entertainment, such as live shows, dance parties and character meet-and-greets.   

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app is a necessity for a Disney cruise. Not only can you see the schedule of events, but you can text your family and friends for free through the app. – Megan duBois, Contributor    

Pros & Cons

Meals, nonalcoholic drinks and onboard entertainment covered in cruise fare

Special cruise rates are available for United States Military members as well as Florida and Canadian residents

Spacious cabins

Alcoholic beverages are not included in cruise cost; traditional drink packages are not available

Shore excursions incur additional fees

Typically more expensive than other family-friendly cruise lines

• Expert Rating » 4.2
• Traveler Rating » 4.4
• Health Rating » 4.9

Disney Cruise Line has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.

• # 1 in Best Cruise Lines for Families
• # 1 in Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

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Disney Cruise Line Ships

Disney Magic

Disney Dream

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Disney Wish

Disney Wonder

Before You Book

• Typically, a 20% deposit is due at the time of booking, though this may vary depending on the time of booking. The deadline for your full cruise payment depends on your cruise length, stateroom category and embarkation and disembarkation ports.
• Cancellation fees vary depending on your cruise duration and type of accommodation. For more information on the cancellation policy, visit Disney Cruise Line's terms and conditions  page .
• Disney offers a Vacation Protection Plan that covers trip cancellations/interruptions, emergency medical services, baggage loss or delay and emergency medical transportation. The insurance plan also includes another advantage: If you cancel your cruise for any reason not listed above, you'll receive a cruise credit of up to 75% of the cancellation fee to apply toward a future Disney voyage.
• For most sailings, Disney Cruise Line requires passengers to be at least 6 months old, though some itineraries require guests to be 1 year or older. Pregnant women who will hit 24 weeks by their embarkation date or during the cruise may not take the voyage due to safety concerns.
• Guests who require special services must fill out a special request form 30 days before U.S. sailings.  This form can be used for requesting a wheelchair-accessible room, requesting a sign language interpreter or indicating if someone is traveling with oxygen or with a service animal. Disney also lists what European cruises offer American Sign Language interpreters on its website . If an interpreter is needed by a guest on one of the listed sailings, the same special request form should be filled out no later than 120 days before the cruise.

Before You Board

• Visa and vaccinations may be required to travel to select ports of call. For current visa and vaccine regulations for each country, check the  U.S. Department of State , the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  and the  World Health Organization  websites.
• Along with a passport or other proof of citizenship, you will need to bring a completed Online Check-In Port Arrival Form.
• Online check-in is available, and the timeframe for check-in is determined by your status within Disney Cruise Line's loyalty program called Castaway Club, ranging from 30 days for first-time cruisers to 40 days for top-level Pearl members. Disney Cruise Line requires you submit passport information at least 75 days before your trip starts.
• Cruise terminals generally open for embarkation at 11:15 a.m. Travelers will be checked in during their designated Port Arrival Time, which should be selected in advance online. Cruisers who arrive after the Guest Onboard Time listed on their cruise confirmation may not be permitted to board.
• You can pre-book shore excursions, some childcare, spa services and activities, such as Character Greetings, as well as dinner reservations at the adults-only restaurants, Palo, Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté or Remy online 75 days prior to your departure date (if you're a first-time passenger) to 123 days before sailing for Pearl Castaway Club members and Concierge guests. If you are a Concierge Stateroom or Concierge Suite guest, you can call the Shoreside Concierge Associate team 130 days in advance to make bookings over the phone before online bookings open. Dining reservations, character meet-and-greets, some spa services, and some excursions are also available on a first-come, first-served basis once on board.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Disney Cruise Line Tips for First Timers

D isney Cruises can be so much fun for families. In addition to the daily port visits, you will also enjoy activities, shows, fun kids’ clubs, delicious food, character greetings, shopping, and so much more.

If you are headed out on your first Disney Cruise Line cruise, you’ll definitely want to be prepared. Preparing for a cruise can often be stressful for families, especially if you aren’t sure what to expect. Since we absolutely want you to have the best experience, here are a collection of Disney Cruise Line tips for first timers.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and purchasing and/or clicking on some of the links (or calling the number) may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. We’ve been on a media preview cruise and two cruises as part of Disney Social Media Moms (as well as 12+ cruises that I paid for on my own). All opinions are my own.

Book Your Disney Cruise

First, you’ll want to book your cruise. If you really aren’t sure what to do, it’s a good idea to go with a Disney travel agent, who can help you remember key dates (for final payments, etc). Otherwise, you can book directly through Disney. You’ll need to research sailing dates, ships, itineraries, and stateroom categories before you book.

When booking a Disney Cruise, I recommend booking with Get Away Today. Plus, when you mention Family Travel Magazine, you get an extra $25 on board credit! Give their agents a call at 877-510-2929.

Think about the type of experience you want to have. Obviously, an Alaskan cruise is much different than a Caribbean cruise. For a first cruise, I like the Disney Wish 3-day itinerary. It’s a good way to get started cruising, without too much risk. Many families even combine that agenda with a Walt Disney World trip for a Disney land and sea vacation .

Disney Cruise Line currently has five ships (the Dream, the Fantasy, the Wish, the Magic, and the Dream). While these ships do vary in size and amenities, I would generally recommend starting with the itinerary you want to go, rather than the ship.

You’ll also have your choice of staterooms. My family typically books a family stateroom with verandah. I like being able to stand out on the verandah throughout the day, and it also extends the room a bit. Other options include interior, oceanview (but no balcony), and concierge rooms.

When you book, you’ll also choose a seating time for dinner. I prefer the earlier time when traveling with my kids. Be sure to select a time when booking your cruise, and if your preferred time isn’t available, you can get on the waitlist.

Research Your Disney Cruise 

After you’ve paid your deposit, it’s a good idea to do some research – about the ship, and the ports of call. You’ll find that there are so many excursions offered, and you’ll want to book them ahead of time because they do fill up.

Keep in mind the ages of your kids – some of the excursions are definitely too challenging for younger kids, but the Disney Cruise Line website does a fantastic job showing that info. You should also research the different entertainment and dining options available on board, that way you know exactly what to expect.

Remember that you don’t have to do an excursion in every port, if you don’t want to. There’s always the option to explore on your own, or to stay on the ship.

In Grand Cayman , for instance, I booked a day stay at a hotel on Seven Mile Beach. I contacted the hotel directly for that, and just took a cab to and from our destination. Just keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for getting yourself back to the ship in time at the end of the day. If you don’t want to be worried about that, booking an official excursion is your best option.

Book Hotel, Airfare, and Transportation

I always recommend arriving the night before sailing if you are flying into your port of call. That will help avoid the potential of flight delays.

If flying into Orlando International Airport , I like to stay at the  Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport  (see the  reviews on TripAdvisor  and book here ). You should also plan transportation to the port.

When we sail out of Port Canaveral , I prefer to take the Disney shuttles, which makes it nice and easy. Port Miami and Port Everglades (in Fort Lauderdale) are very close to the respective airports, which makes it easy to get there.

Check In For Your Disney Cruise

As a first-timer, you’ll be able to check-in 75 days before sailing. Disney Castaway Club members are able to check in earlier, which means that you may find some excursions that are already booked up by the time you check-in.

I definitely recommend that you already know which excursions you want, so you can book them right after checking in. Prepare a second and third choice option as well.

At this time, you’ll also fill out the guest information form, the payment authorization form for your on board purchases, and some other forms. If you need special services when on board, this is the time to request them.

You can also book certain on board experiences, like a meal at Palo. Because you’ll be one of the last to check in, you’ll want to do it right when your booking window opens. Your cruise will have to be all paid off before you are able to book anything.

Prep Door Decorations and Fish Extenders

If you aren’t aware, many Disney Cruise Line guests participate in a fun little unofficial program called  Fish Extenders . Essentially, you get together with other families and swap little gifts throughout your cruise. It’s completely optional, but can be a fun thing to do. My fish extender post contains all of the information that you need to know.

In addition, many families decorate their stateroom doors, so you’ll want to check out my post on decorating your Disney Cruise Line stateroom door  if you are interested in doing that.

Most families do some form of decorating, so you’ll probably want to do at least something. It’s a good way to be able to identify your door among the sea of doors that look exactly the same.

A relatively new tradition on cruise ships (not just Disney) is cruise ducks. It’s completely unofficial, but some guests hide rubber ducks on the ship for others to find. You can learn more about cruise ducks on this post.

Shop Before Your Trip and Pack Appropriately

There are shops on the ship, but they aren’t open when the ship is in port, and they have a limited selection of merchandise. So, you’ll want to have everything you need in your suitcase . Be sure to pack any medications you definitely need, as well as anything that you may potentially need on your trip.

Bags are delivered throughout the afternoon and evening, so you’ll want to pack a day bag for the first day on the Disney Cruise Line . We typically put essentials, sunscreen, medications, electronics, and evening dinner apparel in our day bag.

That way, if our suitcases don’t show up before dinner, we are still prepared. We also put our door decorations in that day bag so we can start decorating right away.

You won’t be able to get in your room until the early afternoon, so you won’t want your day bag to be too heavy. If your kids are older, you may want everyone in your family to carry a small backpack to spread out the weight.

If you are traveling to a warm weather destination, you may find yourself wearing a bathing suit much of the day. In that case, you may not need as many daily clothing items as you’d expect.

We often rewear things on a longer cruise because we aren’t wearing them for more than a few hours. Overpacking isn’t a big deal – but keep in mind that there isn’t tons of space in your stateroom.

If your ship will have a pirate night , you may want to bring pirate apparel. It’s totally optional, but many guests do dress up. We never dress up for pirate night, but we are generally in the minority. You’ll see all levels of pirate dress, from t-shirts and bandanas to full costumes.

Bring whatever you are comfortable in. Kids may like to have glow sticks for pirate night as well.

There are a few cruise specific things you may want to bring. The doors in the room are magnetic, and along with door decorations, I like to bring magnetic hooks.

That gives us a few places to hang wet clothes beyond the shower. I bought ours at the Container Store, but these from Amazon.com are similar. You may also want to purchase autograph books in advance. They are also available on the ship, but shops don’t open on the first day until after you set sail.

If you are participating in a fish extender exchange , in addition to your gifts, you’ll want to buy or make a fish extender. There are lots of options on Etsy. Fish extenders can be as deluxe or as basic as your want. I’ve seen some people use a tote bag, while others have personalized, embroidered fish extenders.

Activities on the Ship

Even if your kids don’t generally love kids’ clubs, they’ll probably love the clubs on the Disney Cruise Line. As a result you may find yourself with some free time.

When you book at the activities available to book on the app, you’ll probably see some availability for beverage seminars. These are adult-only, and include martini tasting, wine tasting, and mixology. I’ve done most of them, and we always enjoy them.

During your cruise, you’ll be using the Disney Cruise Line app often. You’ll want to download that while you are still able to access cellular data. The app includes a daily schedule, menus, and information about the various ports of call on the trip.

You can also communicate with other passengers on the ship using the app, even if you don’t purchase WiFi or have cellular service turned on. My family regularly uses the app to communicate because it’s a great way to keep in touch as we head in different directions throughout the day.

Disney’s Castaway Club

Once you’ve completely your first sailing on the Disney Cruise Line, you’ll be a member of Disney’s Castaway Club. Castaway Club members receive a lanyard at check in.

For your first sailing, you won’t receive one. They are pretty handy to have, however, so you may want to bring a regular lanyard or purchase one on board to hold your Key to the World card.

Disney Cruise Line is rolling out MagicBand use on the ships. These are optional, and you do have to purchase them separately.

You won’t have to sign up to become a member of the Castaway Club – it just happens when you complete your first sailing. There are four levels of the club, and you’ll get different perks and benefits as you sail more times.

What’s Included on a Disney Cruise Line trip

As you budget for your Disney Cruise Line trip, you’ll probably want to know what’s included. Alcohol, packaged snacks, premium coffee, popcorn, excursions, premium meals (in Remy, Enchante, and Palo), photos, the spa, and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique all cost extra. If you don’t prepay your tips, you’ll do that on board as well.

To know what to expect on your first day, be sure to read this post .

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I've been on 50 cruises. Here are 5 things I wish I'd known before sailing in the Mediterranean.

• I've been on 50 cruises around the world and took my first Mediterranean route last year.
• Picking the right time of the season to go can make a big difference in your trip.
• Before packing, I always check to see if any of the experiences I've booked have a dress code.

As someone who's taken over 50 cruises all over the world, I know firsthand how popular cruising is this year. But one seabound itinerary people often forget to add to their bucket lists is a Mediterranean cruise .

The dreamy ships take passengers around European destinations like Spain, France, Italy, and Greece.

After taking my first Mediterranean cruise last year, here's what I think everyone should know before booking the route.

Going early or late in the sailing season means fewer crowds and better weather.

Many cruise lines, like Virgin, Celebrity, and Disney, start the Mediterranean season in early spring and sail through early fall.

Going early or late in the season usually means you'll have more tolerable weather and smaller crowds in some of the big destinations like Athens .

I made the mistake of going on my Mediterranean cruise at the end of May (over Memorial Day weekend).

Some ports of call, like Nice, France, were easy to get around, but others like Rome were packed to the gills. I wanted the day to end before we even made it to the Vatican on our tour.

Arriving at your embarkation port early is key to having a smooth sailing.

My biggest tip for any cruise — but especially for Americans traveling to Europe for a Mediterranean cruise — is to arrive at your embarkation city at least a day before your sailing starts.

This gives you plenty of time to ensure you make it to the port, especially with the airline delays that typically spike in the summer. The boat isn't going to wait for you i f you don't land on time

Even though it means paying for lodging and likely a few meals before boarding the boat, getting a good night's sleep before a jam-packed vacation is worth it to me.

As a bonus, arriving early also gives you a chance to explore the city.

Be sure to pack at least one shirt with sleeves and bottoms that cover your knees.

Some of the major European tourist destinations have strict dress codes — typically everyone must at least cover their shoulders and knees out of respect.

If you're planning on checking out Vatican Ci t y in Italy or the Meteora monasteries in Greece, b e sure to pack at least one outfit that fits the bill.

Most cruise ships have laundry services (self-serve or valet), so you can wear the same dress-code-approved outfit for a few excursion days if needed.

Food tours are a great way to see a city, taste local dishes, and learn some history.

If you're looking for a unique excursion that still gives you the highlights of a European city, I recommend booking a food tour . I've done tours in places like Amsterdam, Budapest, and Paris, and I've never been disappointed.

Food tours can be booked through third-party travel operators, like TripAdvisor or Viator, and offer the chance to see some of the major landmarks of a city, try local dishes, and learn some history all in one outing.

The tours are usually led by locals, which means the guides can also give you some good recommendations if you have time before you need to return to the ship.

Consider booking tours through third-party sites.

Mediterranean cruises can last anywhere from seven days to two weeks, depending on the company and itinerary. Booking every excursion through the cruise line can add up, but luckily, there are typically more affordable options through third-party companies.

But I only book with third-party operators if the ship docks right at the city I want to explore because I never want to miss the all-aboard time.

For example, on my Mediterranean cruise last summer, the ship anchored at Cannes, and I was able to keep my eye on it throughout my excursion.

If the ship docks in a secondary location and you have to travel to the big tourist destinations , I always book excursions through the cruise line. For instance, the day my family and I explored Rome, the ship docked in Civitavecchia, Italy, and we had to take a two-hour bus ride into the city.

Booking with the cruise company guarantees your return to the ship, even if your excursion runs late.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

‘Magical’ Disney theme park that isn’t actually Disney but has ‘better’ rides and snacks

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Nestled in the heart of Japan ’s bustling capital, Tokyo Disney Resort has stood as a beacon of enchantment since it first opened in 1983.

Boasting two iconic parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, the resort has captivated millions with its magical allure.

However, what may come as a surprise to many is that this haven of fairytales and fantasies is not under the direct ownership of the Walt Disney Company. Instead, it’s actually owned by a Japanese corporation, which holds the responsibility of licensing and royalty payments to Disney.

Despite this unique arrangement, Tokyo Disney Resort is beloved and spans an incredible 115 acres, while Tokyo DisneySea stretches across a vast 176. This is compared to Disneyland Paris , which is 140 acres, and Disney World’s Magic Kingdom at 142 acres.

Many also prefer it to the classic Disney parks we know and love, including Tripadvisor user Treyab73 who said: ‘I found the rides superior to those in the US. The rides seem to run better and smoother; there is more colour and more characters. Truly magical.’

Another, Alex V, added: ‘My favorite park ever. it’s a completely different world compared to the others. I had been to the one in Paris which left me speechless, but this one managed to surpass it. It’s one of those places you have to see at least once in your life.’

So, let’s take a look at what makes this resort so magic.

Rides at Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disneyland boasts a brilliant choice of attractions and rides including Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, It’s A Small World, and Space Mountain.

One standout favorite among visitors is the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, a unique ride that guides guests through the castle, immersing them in iconic scenes while singing along to the beloved soundtrack.

These attractions are spread across seven distinct lands, all interconnected via the central World Bazaar and accessible with a single park ticket, encompassing Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Critter Country.

However, some argue that Tokyo DisneySea is even better, with its array of aquatic-themed rides, including live Little Mermaid shows, Flounder-themed rollercoasters, and boat spinning cups.

Like Tokyo Disneyland, DisneySea features seven different lands: American Waterfront, Mediterranean Harbour, Arabian Coast, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Port Discovery, and Lost River Delta.

Among DisneySea’s unique attractions is Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage, a captivating dark ride featuring original songs. Additionally, the park is set to unveil four new rides later this year. Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey will immerse guests in a sing-along experience as they board a boat, while Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, inspired by the enchanting lantern scene from Tangled, offers another boat ride adventure.

In June, visitors can also anticipate the launch of a Peter Pan ride and a Tinkerbell-themed attraction.

Snacks at Tokyo Disney Resort

You won’t be disappointed with the array of snacks available at Tokyo Disney Resort, and there’s something to satisfy all tastes.

Popcorn is one of the most popular snacks here, coming in many different flavours including raspberry cheesecake, soy sauce and butter, chocolate drizzle and matcha white chocolate.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C2kHJbgvRnV/?igsh=azBnbDA0cWtzeWhs

Other highlights include fluffy Melon Bread in the shape of Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc, Mickey’s Fried Chicken Pao Sandwich, Toy Story steamed buns and Mickey shaped churros.

Ticket costs

Day tickets for Tokyo Disney Resort can be purchased for as little as 7900 won, which is approximately £41. This is a fraction of what is costs to visit Disney World in the US, where the cheapest day ticket will cost $119 (£95) next year.

@countingcountries Tokyo Disneyland is nothing like US disney #disneyland #tokyodisneyland #tokyodisneysea ♬ Morning Moon – brd

How to get to Disney Resort Tokyo

You can fly directly from London Heathrow to Tokyo with a return flight in October (which is a recommended time to go) starting from £975.

Then, to get from Tokyo Haneda Airport to the resort, you have a number of transport options varying in price and travel times.

A taxi will take approximately 18 minutes and set you back between £50 to £70. However, a bus run by Keisei bus from Terminal 1 that leaves regularly and will drop you directly to your hotel stop takes nearly 50 minutes but costs only £7.

What visitors say

The Tripadvisor reviews for Tokyo Disney Resort are overwhelmingly positive with many pointing out how friendly and attentive the resort staff are and highlighting the entertainment. It currently has a rating of 4.5 stars across over 7,000 posts.

One, from Paula M read: ‘Really enjoyed Disneyland Tokyo – yes it’s smaller than Paris/US but worth the trip. The staff are just so friendly and helpful and the prices in the park were noticeably cheaper than elswhere – Queen of Hearts 3 course buffet meal for two less than £35. Would recommend if you’re a Disney fan in Tokyo.’

User Brian also added: ‘Each area had something different to offer and I found myself wanting to explore each one. The rides were thrilling and the shows were entertaining.’

Where to stay

Tokyo Disneyland Hotel – This hotel faces Tokyo Disneyland Park, with the Disney Resort Line Station Building located in between. The hotel is filled with fantasy and features a Victorian-style atmosphere and an interior sprinkled with Disney motifs. Prices start at £384 per night.

Disney Ambassador Hotel – Located near both parks, this hotel is themed around America in the 1930s, during the golden age of Hollywood. Prices start at £262 per night.

Tokyo DisneySea Hotel Mira Costa – Located inside Tokyo DisneySea in a luxurious setting with a classic Italian feel. Prices start at £462 per night.

Tokyo Disney Resort Toy Story Hotel – This one is made for fans of Toy Story and is completely inspired by the films. Prices start at £245 per night.

Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel – For those who want something more casual, the Celebration Hotel is simple and laidback. Prices start at £164 per night.

When to visit

When choosing when to book your visit, take into account Japanese public holidays, weather, and the school calendar. This year a new addition to the resort called Fantasy Springs will open on June 6, so expect large crowds from June through to the summer.

For ideal weather and less crowds, the best time to visit is the end of May and October. Meanwhile, the busiest times are Golden Week (the beginning of May), New Year, and the month of March into April which is cherry blossom season.

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Finally, the recommended days to visit are Tuesday to Thursday, as there are fewer queues.

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