That’s the number one question we get asked most often from families thinking about taking a Disney Cruise Line vacation — especially after their family has experienced the magic of Disney at either Walt Disney World or Disneyland, and want to experience the same brand of Disney magic, service, and entertainment on the open seas.
The Disney Cruise Line experience, like its land counterparts, is a more upscale family vacation experience. And true to form, Disney stays in its “own lane” doing things much differently than some of its largest competitors. Which means… not every Disney Cruise ship offers the same onboard entertainment, dining options, room categories, or itineraries. (They want you to keep you coming back for more!)
But with our own version of pixie dust, we’ll do our best to help you narrow down your choices — or at the very least, help guide the questions you need to ask — so that your family can decide which Disney Cruise ship would be the best fit for your family’s Disney Cruise Line vacation.
Differences in Kids Club Activities
Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of Kids Clubs Activities for children. Known as Disney’s Oceaneer Club, there are two popular themes: Star Wars and Avengers.
The Star Wars Kids Club Activities are geared toward fans of the movie franchise. Kids can participate in Jedi Training, build a droid, and learn how to use the Force. They can also attend a Star Wars-themed party and watch Star Wars movies.
The Avengers Kids Club Activities are for fans of Marvel Comics. Kids can participate in Super Hero Training, create their own superhero, and attend an Avengers-themed party. They can also watch Marvel movies and play Marvel-themed games.
These activities are designed to engage children of different ages and interests. Parents can rest easy knowing their kids are having a great time while also learning new skills.
The Kids Club Activities are one of the many reasons why the Disney Cruise Line is a popular choice for families with children. Don’t worry, though – there are still plenty of ways that both mom’s and dad’s can be spoiled too.
Sizes of Disney Cruise Ships
Disney Cruise Line offers five different ships (with two more on the way), each with its own unique design, theme, and size. The Disney Magic (maiden voyage 1998) and The Disney Wonder (maiden voyage 1999) are the smallest ships in the fleet, holding around 2,400 passengers each. They offer a more intimate experience and feature classic Disney decor. The Disney Magic underwent extensive refurbishments in 2013 and 2018; The Disney Wonder in 2019.
The Disney Dream and The Disney Fantasy are the larger ships, holding around 4,000 passengers each. They offer more space and amenities, including multiple pools and waterslides. The Disney Dream first sailed in 2011, and The Disney Fantasy first sailed in 2012.
The newest ship, the Wish, debuted in 2022 and holds around 4,000 passengers. It features new innovations, including a Star Wars-themed lounge and a Frozen-themed dining experience.
While all four ships offer excellent dining, entertainment, and accommodations, the larger ships generally offer more variety and space. The size of the ship can affect the overall experience, from the number of passengers to the available amenities.
Choosing the right ship depends on your personal preferences and travel needs. If you’re not certain which might be ideal for you, there are travel experts who can help. Check out some travel planning service testimonials to see how they could save you the time and effort to sort through the details.
Shows at the Walt Disney Theatre
The Walt Disney Theatre is one of the main entertainment venues onboard each Disney Cruise Line ship. There are several types of shows that take place in the theatre. They include Broadway-style productions, musicals, comedians, singing groups, and magic shows.
The Broadway-style productions feature popular Disney characters and themes, with impressive sets and costumes. Some popular shows include “Beauty and the Beast” onboard The Disney Dream, “Frozen: A Musical Spectacular” onboard The Disney Wonder & The Disney Fantasy, and “The Little Mermaid” onboard The Disney Wish.
These shows are performed by a talented cast of singers, dancers, and actors who bring Disney magic to life. The theatre is designed to provide an immersive experience for the audience.
It’s a great place for families to enjoy quality entertainment together. Guests should check the schedule for showtimes and plan to arrive early to secure seats. (Don’t worry, we have a few tips up our sleeves on how to commodore the best ones.)
Onboard Activities
Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of activities to keep both adults and children entertained throughout their voyage. The Disney Dream and The Disney Fantasy ships offer unique experiences like the Midship Detective Agency scavenger hunt. Guests can use their smartphones to solve a mystery by searching for clues around the ship.
Virtual sports simulators are another popular activity. Here, guests can play games like basketball, soccer, and golf in a virtual setting. These simulators offer a fun and interactive way to stay active onboard.
The Dream and Fantasy ships also have a variety of pools and waterslides. They include the AquaDuck, a thrilling water coaster that takes guests on a wild ride. Other onboard activities include trivia games, dance parties, cooking demonstrations, and character meet-and-greets.
Guests can check the daily schedule for a full list of onboard activities and plan their day accordingly. These activities are a great way to make the most of the Disney Cruise Line experience. It’s amenities like this that make the Disney Cruise Line the world’s favorite.
Dining Venues and Options
Dining is an essential part of the Disney Cruise Line experience. Fortunately, there are several dining venues to choose from.
The main dining rooms are included in the price of the cruise and offer rotational dining. (This is a special feature that no other cruise line currently offers!) The fun part of these is that guests visit a different themed restaurant each night while be served by the same cast members for the entire duration of the cruise. The main dining rooms feature delicious menus and excellent service, with options for adults and kids.
Our favorite dining experiences are Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Avendture onboard The Disney Wish, Tiana’s place onboard The Disney Wonder, and Rapunzel’s Royal Table Dining Experience onboard the Disney Magic.
Specialty dining is also available for an additional fee. (Palo for brunch is our favorite!) There are a variety of options, including Italian, French, and steakhouse restaurants. These restaurants offer a more upscale dining experience, with a focus on gourmet cuisine and fine wines.
Room service is available 24/7 for guests who prefer to dine in the comfort of their staterooms. This menu includes a variety of options, including sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
Disney Cruise Ship Itineraries
Some popular Disney Cruise Line destinations include the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, and the Bahamas. The itineraries vary in length and offer different experiences. You can enjoy everything from beach vacations to cultural excursions.
Disney Cruise Line also offers special-themed cruises for the holidays. From late August through October, you can experience Halloween on the High Seas, and from November through early January, you can experience Very Merrytime Cruises.
Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. This is a popular port of call for many Disney Cruise Line itineraries. The island features pristine beaches, water sports, and activities for all ages.
Lighthouse Point is a new destination in Eleuthera, Bahamas. It debuts in 2023 and will offer even more opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App
Another way to make the most of your cruise experience is with the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. The app has many useful features. You can find a schedule of onboard activities, dining menus, and maps of the ship.
Guests can also use the app to book excursions, make dining reservations, and even order room service. The Navigator App is available for download on smartphones and tablets.
It can be accessed on board the ship using the ship’s Wi-Fi network. Using the app is free of charge. It provides guests with a convenient way to stay informed and connected throughout their cruise.
The Navigator App also offers a chat feature. It allows guests to communicate with each other while on board. This makes it easier to stay in touch with family and friends.
Onboard Accomodations
One of the most important decisions to make for your Disney Cruise is your stateroom category. While there are over twenty individual different stateroom categories, these can be narrowed down to four main stateroom categories.
They come in a range of sizes, from cozy interior rooms and ocean view rooms, to spacious veranda rooms. All staterooms include amenities such as a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, and comfortable bedding.
Guests can also choose to stay in a suite. This offers additional space and luxury amenities like a separate living area, walk-in closet, and private veranda.
Suite guests also have access to exclusive areas of the ship. Only they can access the concierge lounge and sun deck. No matter your choice, all accommodations are designed with Disney’s signature attention to detail.
Disney Cruise Line Packages
If you want to make your cruise the best it can be, consider the many Disney Cruise Line Packages available for an additional cost. These packages include the Deluxe Beverage Package, for instance. It includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for the duration of the cruise.
The Photo Package includes unlimited digital photos taken by the ship’s photographers throughout the cruise. This is a perfect way to capture all the magical moments you make meeting your favorite Disney characters, Princesses, and Marvel Superheroes while onboard. (Unrelated, but a perfect time to mention… You can even have your family’s favorite Disney characters call your stateroom and speak with your children.)
There are also packages for spa services, onboard Wi-Fi, and more. The benefits of these packages include convenience and savings.
Guests can purchase the packages before the cruise and have everything taken care of in advance. It’s another way to ensure that your trip goes smoothly with the least amount of hassle or stress on your part. To make your cruise planning process even easier, work with expert Disney Cruise vacation planners.
Plan the Best Disney Cruise Ship Vacation
Perhaps your top priority is the available activity for your kids. Maybe you care more about dining options. Whatever your preferences, you should now have a better understanding of what the best Disney cruise ship is going to be for you and your family.
Further, it’s essential to make the most of your upcoming vacation by planning well, even if you don’t have a lot of free time between now and then. That’s where we can help. Contact us for a complimentary consultation to ensure your cruise experience goes perfectly.
