Sep 7, 20234 min read

Setting Sail with Disney: What Makes These Cruises Truly Magical

Updated: Jun 14

A group of six people, including one child, stand together for a photo with Disney Cruise Line

People often ask me what makes Disney Cruise Line so special.

I like to sum it up like this, "Other cruise lines have ships with entertainment on board. Disney is an entertainment company that brings all of that experience to a ship."

A vacation on Disney Cruise line is completely unique from any other voyage.

Having cruised with Disney 10 times, there are certain components of a Disney Cruise Line vacation that I look forward to again and again.

A hand holds a menu designed to look like a scientific notebook, featuring sketches and handwritten notes on the left page and a detailed dessert menu on the right page. The menu includes various desserts, a signature dessert, and a no sugar added section, with colorful labels and playful descriptions

Rotational, Themed Dining

I love that DCL combines consistency and change within each dinner meal. You have a designated restaurant to dine in each evening, rotating between 3 fabulously themed restaurants.

As you travel through your rotation, your servers travel with you, allowing your party to build rapport with them, and for them to know your personal preferences.

I love that by halfway through the cruise my servers know that my kids and I love Shirley Temples with extra cherries and bring the drinks without even being asked.

Every cruise we tear up as we say goodbye to the amazing people who take such excellent care of us.

The rotational dining system is unique to Disney, and something that we have truly come to love. Each evening offers a different theme, and surprises in dining that come along with it.

This could be your personal drawings coming to life on a screen, enjoying jazz music while savoring some New Orleans cuisine at Tiana's Place, or helping Ant-Man & The Wasp solves a mission as a quantum adventure unfolds around you.

Broadway Style Entertainment

If you've been to a Disney theme park, you know that Disney puts on top-notch productions. This standard of excellence transfers to Disney Cruise Line as well, with several fabulous productions throughout your voyage.

From cute characters to sentimental songs and delightful dances, you will become so absorbed in the show that you may forget you are on a cruise ship.

I not only appreciate the charm of the shows, but the fact that I know they will be appropriate for young children, no censoring needed.

You also never have to worry about the shows fitting into your dining schedule... first dining guests see the second show, and second dining guests see the first.

Character Interactions

OK, I admit it...I turn to absolute mush when my Disney friends give me a big hug.

On Disney Cruise Line, there is a set schedule when you can meet up with your favorite pals for an autograph and hug. They also show up spontaneously on deck, wandering by the pool and greeting friends.

I love the variety of cruise outfits they wear...ranging from swimsuits to formal wear, all depending on the occasion.

You can easily find Minnie Mouse in 4 or 5 outfits throughout your trip, making for great photo ops and fond memories.

An opulent interior of a multi-level space decorated for the holidays. A large, ornate chandelier with stained glass details hangs from the ceiling, and a Christmas tree adorned with red and gold decorations stands in the center. Festive garlands and lights adorn the railings of the balconies. In the background, there are round windows and a figure in a Mickey Mouse costume waving at the guests.

Holiday Celebrations

Traveling over the holidays?

Halloween on the High Seas or Very Merrytime cruises will have you celebrating in a more magical way than ever.

You'll find themed activities and shows around the ship, as well as additional character meet and greet opportunities.

In the fall, this means trick or treating for Halloween, as well as costume contests and spooky storytelling.

For Christmas, you'll find a giant gingerbread house in the lobby, carolers sharing some tunes, and friends decked out in their best holiday attire.

A colorful indoor play area designed with a whimsical theme. The walls are decorated with cartoon-style illustrations of various buildings, including a clock tower resembling Big Ben, and a castle-like structure with turrets and a drawbridge. The scene is set against a vibrant blue background with additional playful elements like toy soldiers, a small princess, and other characters. The floor is wooden, and the overall atmosphere is fun and engaging, likely meant for young children to enjoy.

The Disney Cruise Line Details

Disney Cruise Line brings the same attention to detail to its ships as it does to the theme parks.

Everywhere you look, it's a treasure trove to be explored, with both grandiose and subtle homages to 100 years of Disney magic.

The kids' clubs are magical places to explore (which everyone can do during open house hours), the water slides and splash areas are whimsical Disney fun, and the art is spectacular. It's truly hard to soak it all in

Two women holding their sweet minnie ice cream cones smiling

More Food

As chief chef at our house, I love having a week off from deciding what to feed my family. I already mentioned dinners, but there are many other great food experiences onboard.

Breakfast and lunch can be enjoyed at either a sit-down restaurant or the buffet on the top deck. (I personally love the Mickey waffles with whipped cream and strawberries. Yummy!)

If you are relaxing by the pool, you can also walk up to a variety of grills to order sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and more. (My new personal favorite is Donald's Cantina on the Disney Wish. I could eat tacos for days!)

I love that my family can go order what they want when they get hungry, and I don't have to lift a finger! The soft serve ice cream is quite popular, too.

A baby dressed in a light pink outfit with a bow headband is sitting on a carpeted floor next to a large, plush costume character of Pluto, the dog from Disney. The scene appears to be in a public or event space with decorative railings and stairs in the background. The baby looks content and curious, and Pluto is positioned lying down with its head close to the baby, creating a cute and endearing moment.

Surprises!

Each cruise offers unique surprises and experiences that my family stumbles across.

It may be a special cast member who chats with us about why Disneyland is better than Disney World, a world premiere of a new movie, or some other completely unexpected event.

We always leave with at least one "WOW" moment that we reflect on for days and weeks to come.

Adult Spaces

If you're concerned about being overrun by little ones and not being able to rest, fear not! Disney Cruise Line takes equally good care of its adults. Each ship has an adult only pool and coffee shop, where you may rest and recharge as you see fit.

There are beautifully themed lounges to explore for a pre- or post-dinner libation, complete with live music and quality service. Each ship even has an adults-only restaurant or 2, in case you'd like to have an extra special evening out.

With a balance of kids only, adults only, and family friendly spaces, you are free to make your vacation fit your wishes and dreams.

If you've been on the fence about Disney Cruise Line or wondering whether the experience is worth the price tag, I encourage you to give it a try.

But be careful, you just might get hooked!

When the time is right, I'm here to help. Click here to schedule a time to discuss your vacation dreams. Together, we'll turn "someday" into "remember when".