6 Reasons Disney Cruise Line is the Best Choice for Families
When it comes to cruising, there isn’t a shortage of choices available. The size of the ship, the type of staterooms, fare inclusions and exclusions, destinations, budget, activities on board, and so many other factors have to be considered when choosing the best option for your family. Disney Cruise Line has a reputation for designing their entire sailing experience with families in mind – innovative Kids Clubs, Rotational Dining, and split bath staterooms are just a few examples of the amenities onboard a Disney Cruise Line ship that make a world of difference when it comes to taking young kids on a cruise. Adding a healthy dose of Disney magic to everything from the restaurants to the Sail Away party pushes Disney Cruise Line to the top as the premier fleet for family cruising. Read on for our top 6 reasons why Disney Cruise Line is the best choice for families.
1. Staterooms designed for families
Disney Cruise Line understands that a comfortable and accommodating home base is essential for a family voyage. Their split bath configuration, where one room contains a bathtub and shower combination with a sink and the other room has a toilet and a sink, allows for maximum flexibility. Each room has a heavy privacy curtain that separates the main bed from the convertible couch and secondary sleeping area, accommodating early bedtimes while allowing you to relax and unwind. Staterooms were meticulously crafted for ultimate convenience and comfort, boasting distinctive elements such as raised beds (with ample storage space below) and an abundance of connecting doors perfect for accommodating larger groups. Stateroom TVs offer a variety of Disney movies to enjoy during downtime or as the perfect way to unwind before bed. Disney Cruise Line’s thoughtfully designed staterooms cater to families of all sizes, ensuring ample space, clever storage solutions, and magical touches (like celestial views of Peter Pan soaring overhead from the pull-down bed!) that make everyone feel right at home on the high seas.
Disney’s The Wish Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah
2. Character Meets & Greets and Shows
One of the hallmarks of a Disney Cruise is the opportunity for families to meet their favorite characters up close and personal. From Mickey and Minnie to Elsa and Olaf, the ship comes alive with character meet & greets throughout each day, creating magical moments that will be cherished by both the young and the young at heart. Guests are also treated to Broadway caliber stage shows two times each evening to accommodate both dinner seating times. Be delighted by the fresh take on a classic with “Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story” or watch “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” bring the smash hit movie to life. Each ship features different shows, but all are equally charming.
Disney’s Oceaneer Club Kids Club
3. Kids Clubs
Disney Cruise Line has redefined kids' clubs, offering age-specific, imaginative spaces where children can immerse themselves in themed activities and make new friends while parents enjoy their own adventures. Some of the spaces include Andy’s Room, Marvel Superhero Academy, Star Wars: Command Post and Fairy Tale Hall. Kids of all ages will partake in activities like cooking classes, science experiments, arts and crafts, puzzles, challenges and scavenger hunts. Kids Clubs are included in your cruise fare and are “drop-in”, meaning you don’t have to make a reservation ahead of time and are open most of the day and late into the evening. There is even an “it’s a small world” nursery on every ship for toddlers and babies under 3 years old (this needs to be reserved ahead of time and comes with a fee). Security measures are in place to make sure all kids are safe and parents feel confident while they are visiting the Kids Clubs. Bonus – if your cruise is stopping at Castaway Cay, there is also a Kids Club on the island! From interactive games to character-themed parties, these clubs ensure that every child's cruise is filled with the magic that only Disney can provide.
4. Ease of evening dining (rotational dining)
Rotational dining is a unique feature of Disney Cruise Line, allowing families to experience a variety of onboard restaurants while keeping the same waitstaff throughout. Your waitstaff will get to know your family – your names, preferences, any food allergies and/or restrictions, and become a friendly face at each evening meal. Restaurants will also provide interactive kids menus with options suited for little ones, games to play and pictures to color (crayons included!). Each restaurant is also uniquely themed, giving your family a new experience each night. This innovative approach adds an extra layer of convenience, variety, and a touch of Disney magic to each evening meal.
5. Private Islands and Excursions
Disney Cruise Line takes family adventures ashore to a whole new level with their private islands and carefully curated excursions. A port of call on most Bahamian cruises, Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Lines original private island – and most guests say this is their favorite part of the cruise. Families can unwind on white sandy beaches, embark on snorkeling adventures in the turquoise sea, or enjoy water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. The island also features family-friendly areas like Pelican Plunge, a water play area with slides, and Serenity Bay, an adults-only beach for those seeking a more tranquil experience. There’s even a Kids Club on the island – Scuttles Cove – where your children can enjoy games, crafts and water play. Disney’s newest private island also in the Bahamas, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, will open in June 2024. Families can expect similar amenities as Castaway Cay with the addition of a cultural center, where local artists will provide guests with opportunities to learn and celebrate the traditions and the natural beauty of the Bahamas.
Excursions offered by Disney Cruise Line at each Port of Call are created with families in mind. Guests can choose from a variety of experiences, like Catamaran Sail and Reef Snorkeling, Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage, or Castaway Ray’s Sting Ray Adventure. Plus, reserving an excursion through Disney Cruise Line gives you the added peace of mind of guaranteeing that the ship will wait for your family if your excursion is late getting back to the docks.
6. Complimentary Soft Drinks and Room Service
Other cruise lines require you to purchase a beverage package in addition to your cruise fare. Disney Cruise Line’s dedication to the family experience is demonstrated by offering complimentary soft drinks and other beverages -coffee, tea, juice, sparkling water, Vitamin Water, and more – included in your cruise fare. This not only helps your budget but makes your time onboard more enjoyable for everyone in your family, knowing that everyone has access to their beverage of choice. It’s also worth mentioning that along with the complimentary beverages, unlimited soft serve ice cream is available on the pool deck with a new flavor featured each day. And don’t forget about room service – offered on a 24/7 basis and included in your cruise fare, breakfast on your verandah or milk and cookies before bed can become a daily occurrence.
Disney Cruise Line goes above and beyond to create a sailing experience that caters to the unique needs of families. From specially designed staterooms to enchanting character interactions, every aspect of a Disney Cruise is crafted to ensure that families not only have a vacation but create timeless memories that will last a lifetime. With so many itineraries, destinations, ships and departure ports to choose from, the options can be overwhelming. We are here to assist you in selecting the ideal cruise for your family, including assisting with things like pre and post night stays, ground transportation, and activity bookings. All you’ll have to do is pack (and we’ll give you a list for that, too!)
