Disney Cruise FAQ's: From an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

Amanda, our personal Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is back! This time she is sharing magical tips for your Disney Cruise!

Amanda and her family recently went on a Disney Cruise and I couldn't wait to hear ALL about it! Her pictures were so cute, and made me want to book mine right away.  The main thing I wanted to know was, is it really for all ages?  I mean, can a family of 6 with kids ranging from 15 months-15 years really go and all have fun?  Amanda assured me they can!  Here's all the fun stuff she filled me in on!

From Amanda:

There is something magical about setting sail on a Disney Cruise from the moment you step on board the ship. Perhaps it starts the moment you are greeted and hear your name over the loud speaker as you are welcomed on board, the beautiful décor that gives you the feeling that you are part of something special, the flavorful aromas in the air, or the excitement of seeing your favorite Disney character. No matter what age you are, you will feel that magic too!

As a Disney Vacation Planner, I plan cruises for people every day. One of the most frequent questions I get asked is “What ages are best for taking a Disney Cruise?” My short answer is any and every age is best for taking a Disney Cruise. Disney Cruise Line has so much to offer for everyone regardless of age. I book cruises often for couples, honeymooners, and families with kids of all ages. There is truly something to cater to everyone on board!

Each ship in the Disney fleet has special separate spaces designated for cruisers of every age to allow everyone to enjoy their favorite things as well as family areas to let everyone come together to make those special memories. For the kids, Disney Cruise Line offers complimentary themed kids’ clubs filled with entertainment and activities including time with characters along with some of the longest operating hours of any cruise line. From nurseries, private clubs and adult's only lounges Disney Cruise Line truly has something to cater to each age group’s wishes. With so many different areas and activities, there is no way you’ll be able to do everything on one cruise!

Nursery DayCare {ages 3 months-3 years}

Each nursery consists of two rooms, one is designated for play and the other is designated for a calm, relaxing atmosphere. There are various activities here for the kids, but they are not scheduled. The counselors create activities based on the mood of the kids and time of day. These activities may include story time, art and craft time, movie time, and interactive games. There is a small fee for using the Nursery facilities.

Kids Clubs {ages 3-12}:

The Oceaneer’s Club is a themed activity center where kids can be a part of a magical themed world created by the Imagineers of Disney. Some of these themed centers include Andy’s Room from Toy Story, Monster’s Academy from Monsters Inc, and Pixie Hollow and may change from ship to ship. Each club has a large stage where kids can join in for storytelling, performances, and chances to meet and have fun with the famous Disney characters. Each club has a crafting area, reading area, large play structure, computer stations with special kid friendly computers, and a giant TV screen for ongoing Disney movies and shows. At the Oceaneer’s Lab kids can learn while at sea. Here kids can participate in a wide variety of themed activities such as making Flubber, Ratatouille’s Cooking School, and Tinker Bell’s Talent Show to name just a few. Every Oceaneer’s Lab has a media room, an Animator’s Studio where kids can learn how to draw their favorite Disney characters, a Craft Studio and The Wheelhouse which is designed for fun with technology. Children have the ability to move between the Oceaneer’s Club and Lab. Each space is filled with Youth Activities Counselors who will be leading and participating in the various activities with the kids. 

 

Edge {Tweens age 11-14}: 

This is a space where tweens can hang out and have fun playing video games, listening to music, watching their favorite Disney shows and movies, surf the internet and partake in numerous activities led by the Youth Activities Counselors. Edge is a high-tech lounge space with an illuminated dance floor, computers, and a huge larger than life video wall. The Counselors will put on comedy shows, lead the kids in a ghost hunt, and more.
 

Vibe {ages 14-17}:

An exclusive club for the teens!  This is definitely a hip spot with an indoor lounge and a breezy sundeck. At Vibe teens can listen to music, play videogames, make of use of the notebook computers, or watch TV. This hip trendy spot also offers teens a Coffee Bar, a dance floor with a DJ, and a huge video wall. Teens can also go outside on deck to soak up some sun and splash around in their own teen only pool along with various fountains, pop jets, and more. Vibe also hosts a wide range of activities that appeals to both younger and older teens and will provide designated areas and separate activities for each both age groups. At Vibe, your teens will have the coolest and hip Counselors at sea so they can feel comfortable and unrestricted to have fun!  

Adults {18 and up}:

Adults can dine in an exclusive adult only dining venue, partake in rejuvenating spa services, burn some calories in the fitness center, or unwind and relax at the Quiet Cove Pool. There are numerous nightclubs and lounges where adults can listen to live music, dance, watch cabaret shows, and keep up to date with the latest sporting events. These areas are perfect for parents, couples, honeymooners, and singles looking to have some tranquility or fun amongst adult company.

Fun for the whole family!

Disney offers some of the best stage productions including some award winning shows. Disney movies, including first-run films, are shown every day on the Pool Deck and in the Buena Vista Theater. The deck parties are not to be missed as they are filled with fun and dancing for everyone! Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise line that offers fireworks at sea which is a magical sight. The pool options and water fun options are endless with numerous pools, slides, and splash zones. The Aqua Duck on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy is the only water coaster at sea and provides for a wonderful fun and thrilling ride. For those who love playing sports and those who want to burn off some energy, the sports deck filled with activities is a must. Disney’s unique rotational dining offers the ability to rotate your dining through various restaurants each night while maintaining your same servers who will get to know you and your tastes. There are family specific lounges where parents and children can partake in games, sing, dance, and enjoy live entertainment.

Thanks Amanda for this wonderful insight!  Now, if you're not planning a Disney Cruise, you should!  Planning any type of Disney vacation is overwhelming and sometimes very un-magical. Please remember, that's where Amanda can come in and help! She will design the perfect trip for you and your family all at the perfect price and all FREE of charge!

Amanda Shellenbarger
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
MickeyTravels, LLC

amanda@mickeytravels.com
704-651-1195 / 888-732-8242
www.mickeytravels.com
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