6 of Our Favorite Things on a Disney Cruise

Disney’s private island- Castaway Cay

My family loves to cruise. It is a fantastic way to see new places. There are many different cruise lines to choose from, but our family prefers Disney. We have been on eight Disney cruises and setting sail again in February. So what is it about Disney that keeps us coming back for more? If you are a follower of this blog, it is no secret that I love anything, Disney. Their service is second to none, and they know what the customer wants before the customer even knows what they want. It is my happy place. So what is it about a Disney cruise that makes it so special? Here are our top six favorite things on a Disney Cruise.

Disney’s Service

Disney’s service is first class. Every cast member goes above and beyond to make sure you have a fantastic time. From the stateroom host/hostesses to guest services to the servers in the dining rooms, each person makes the magic happen in their own way.

On our first cruise in 2010, we had the most fantastic server, Oliver. He took such great care of us. In 2018, we were once again sailing on the Disney Magic. I heard he was still working on the ship. I called Disney and requested to be seated at one of his tables. Imagine our surprise, not only was he still on the ship, he remembered us! He was excited to see us and could not believe how the boys had grown. Oliver’s service was top-notch, and his assistant server, Miguel, was just as great.

The boys with Oliver and Miguel.

Entertainment

No one does entertainment like Disney, and the entertainment on the cruise is no exception. From award-winning Broadway shows to comedians, live music, game nights, trivia, dance parties, character interactions, dinner shows, and more, there is always something to do and see. I love catching a show before dinner. Two of my all-time favorites are Frozen and Disney’s Believe. We also enjoy the two dinner shows, Rapunzel’s Royal Table and Tiana’s Place.

Character Interactions

By far, character interactions are one of my favorite things, whether on a cruise or at the parks. On the cruise, it is a bit easier; the lines are shorter and tend to move faster. My kids are more apt to stand in line if they know it will be quick.

Pirate Night

Where else can you dress like a pirate, watch a fun pirate show, and watch fireworks on the high seas? The night starts with a Caribbean themed menu. All the servers dress in pirate-themed clothes. Jack Sparrow and Captain Hook make their appearances. Mickey, Minne, and the gang are dressed in their pirate best. At around 10:00 pm, there is show up on deck, ending with fireworks. Did you know Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise line to have fireworks at sea? The night ends with an enormous buffet. It is a great time.

Adult Only Areas

One may think Disney Cruise Line is just for kids, but it is NOT. My husband and I have gone without kids and had a great time. There are plenty of areas where children are not allowed. This would include an adults-only pool, spa, fitness club, bars and clubs, a cafe, and adult-only dining. The adult-only dining is our favorite. Each trip, we make sure to snag a reservation at Palo. Palo serves Italian cuisine in a romantic setting. You can make a reservation for brunch or dinner. We usually go for brunch, though dinner is terrific as well. The food is fantastic. I highly recommend the chicken parmesan.

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Photo Credit-WDW Info
Adult only deck and pool
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Adult only dining
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Photo Credit- Disney Parks
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Photo Credit- DisneyFood Blog
Pink Champagne Bar
Love the drinks at the champagne bar
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Adult cafe
Photo credit- Touring Plans

Disney’s Private Island

Like most cruise lines, Disney has their little piece of heaven in the Bahamas. Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island. There is a kid’s club, a family beach, and an adult’s only beach. There are cabanas to rent, snorkeling, swimming with stingrays, bike riding, and more. For all you runners, there is 5k upon arrival. There is so much to do here that I feel it needs its own blog post. Be on the lookout for that in the coming weeks. In the meantime, here is a glimpse of this beautiful island.

I could go on and on about the things we love about a Disney Cruise. These are just the highlights. If you are looking for specific information on an itinerary, I have various posts about our Alaskan and Mediterranean cruises here on my blog. Pull up a chair, grab a cup of something and take a look. Happy reading!

About The Author

Heather

47 COMMENTS

  1. Jennifer | 14th Dec 19

    I love the picture of your family at Pirate Night! So cute!

    We are currently saving up for a Disney cruise to Alaska.

    • Heather | 23rd Dec 19

      We did the Alaskan on 2 years ago and loved it. Such a beautiful place to see. If you poke around, you will find my posts on the different things we did.

  2. Chad | 18th Dec 19

    Great Job!

  3. kmf | 19th Dec 19

    I’ve heard nothing but great things about Disney…and their cruises sound like they make every moment extraordinary. Love that they offer adult-only areas on their ships. What fun you’re giving as a Disney family!

    • Heather | 23rd Dec 19

      Thanks! I can’t wait for our next one. Such a great vacation.

  4. Cynthia | 19th Dec 19

    We’ve never been on a cruise but reading your post makes me want to book one right now. I agree with you that Disney is always one step ahead and knows how to do things right. Thanks for sharing!

    • Heather | 23rd Dec 19

      Cruising is such a great way to see different places. Disney just makes it extra special.

  5. Pam | 19th Dec 19

    Now I really want to go on a Disney cruise! Actually it’s been years since we’ve been on a cruise and I’ve already decided that the next time we decide to do one, it must be Disney!

    • Heather | 23rd Dec 19

      Yay!! With three new ships coming out, there will lots more options and places to go.

  6. Jen | 19th Dec 19

    Awwww this brought back so many memories from when we did this a couple years back. SO magical!!!

    • Heather | 23rd Dec 19

      They are such magical vacations!

  7. Lisa Manderino | 19th Dec 19

    I would love to go on a Disney Cruise. Someday!

    • Heather | 23rd Dec 19

      Definitely put it on your list.

  8. Stacey Billingsley | 19th Dec 19

    I love all things Disney, but I haven’t taken a cruise yet. I really want to! The shows, food, and characters look so fun. My family would love pirate night. Your picture is so cool!

  9. Ola | 19th Dec 19

    My cousin was just telling me all the same things about Disney cruises. I don’t have any kids, but I might have to try it anyway!

    • Heather | 23rd Dec 19

      Go for it! You will not be disappointed.

  10. Susan Whitehead | 19th Dec 19

    My kids would love it. I just have to convince my hubby. He’s not as big of a Disney fan as I am, but he puts up with us. The pirate photos are fun!

  11. Missy | 19th Dec 19

    When we go on our first Disney cruise, I would like the character’s interactions.

  12. Abby | 19th Dec 19

    I can see why you love the Disney cruises! I’ve never been on a cruise, but I will be sure to check out Disney if we get to go!

  13. Hera | 20th Dec 19

    With no kiddos, I’ve always shyed away from Disney Cruise. I’m envisioning tons of kids running rampant! But good to know there’s a place for adults on the ship too. I may have to give it a whirl

  14. Charlotte | 30th Dec 19

    I’ve been thinking about saving for a cruise or Disney trip. Why not just do both! This looks like fun.

  15. Tiffany | 30th Dec 19

    I so want to try a cruise but so have a fear of water. I can swim – not the issue. But really, REALLY want to take my kids on one! Waiting till the youngest is a bit older. Posts like these makes me want to book one ASAP!

  16. Holly Bird | 30th Dec 19

    I have been on many cruises, but never Disney, one day I would love to take my multigenerational family and see how it works.. looks like you had an amazing experience! Thank you for sharing

  17. Tracy | 30th Dec 19

    We booked our first Disney Cruise for Dec 2020 and are so excited! Thanks for all the inside info!

  18. Tamera | 30th Dec 19

    I am glad to hear about all the great things on the Disney Cruise. We love Disney and have been going for many years. We have yet to explore the cruise. Thanks for sharing your experience.

  19. Lucy | 30th Dec 19

    This looks like so much fun! We went to Disneyworld this year and I am hoping our next Disney trip can be on a cruise 😁

  20. Brianna | 30th Dec 19

    Wow this looks like so much fun. I’d love to go on a Disney cruise

  21. Charlene | 30th Dec 19

    A Disney Cruise is my #1 top-of-the-bucket-list vacation dream!!!

  22. Tricia Snow | 30th Dec 19

    You guys are the cutest! I love how into it you guys are!

  23. Jen | 30th Dec 19

    Looks like a wonderful time on a beautiful ship! I agree- Disney is the best!

  24. Monica | 30th Dec 19

    I just went on my first Disney cruise last August, and I loved it! I agree with your post. Disney is awesome!!!

  25. Noelle Collins | 30th Dec 19

    This looks like so much fun! My kids want to go on a Disney Cruise someday!

  26. Trisha | 30th Dec 19

    Nobody does it like Disney! I would love to explore their island!

  27. Chantelle | 30th Dec 19

    I LOVE Disney! We also love to cruise, I don’t know why we have never done a Disney cruise! This looks absolutely magical.

  28. Suzan | 31st Dec 19

    What a wonderful vacay! Disney always does everything to the nines!

  29. Lisa | 31st Dec 19

    We’ve been looking at a cruise for the whole extended family. This sounds so amazing and the kiddos would absolutely love it. Thank you for sharing.

  30. Malia | 31st Dec 19

    Your family is so stinking adorable!! I’ve never been on a cruise, but Disney sounds like the way to go for our first!

  31. Annette | 31st Dec 19

    I’ve never done a Disney cruise, but this sounds like something I need to do when grandchildren come along!! Thanks for sharing!

  32. Alice | 31st Dec 19

    Looks like a great time! Nice job on the blog post.

  33. Shannon | 31st Dec 19

    Seems magical!!!

  34. Beatriz | 31st Dec 19

    This looks like so much fun! I hope i can go on one of this cruises next year 🙂

  35. Kevin James Lueken | 31st Dec 19

    Amazing! A Disney Cruise is definitely on my to-do list for the next four years!!!

  36. Caitlin Westwood | 1st Jan 20

    This looks like such an amazing time! I hope to go on a Disney Cruise soon, and reading this post just made me want to go that much sooner! Thanks for the post!

  37. Robin | 7th Jan 20

    Looks like a wonderful time!

  38. Cindy | 7th Jan 20

    A Disney Cruise looks fun! Actually any cruise would be fun. I’ve not experienced one yet but it’s on my list!

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