OT: Who has taken a Disney Cruise? What am I in for??

RLeeper

Taking the family for a seven day cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy. Does anyone have any advice/experiences? Thanks in advance.

danv23

We (me, wife, 5 yr old daughter, 7 year old son) did a 4 day cruise. Left out of Port Canaveral, FL and it was the first cruise for all of us.  Put it this way, if we could have gotten right back on the boat at the end we would have in a heartbeat.  The boat was immaculate at all time, staff was incredible, food was phenomenal, all around awesome.  There are places to drop the kids off and you and the wife can go to the fine dining Italian Restaurant Pallo.  For and extra $20 you will have the meal of a life time. 

flynnbob

My wife is a travel agent and we have taken many cruises on many lines.  Cruising from Italy to Spain next summer.  As you would expect, the Disney cruise will be top of the line and I know that your wallet knows it too.  You will have a blast.  Plenty to do for both the the kids and adults - It is not just a kids oriented venue, In fact, you probably won't see your kids (young teens) during the day as the activities they have for them keep them very busy and happy.   The entertainment and shows are top shelf.  The private islands are fun as well.  They serve que on the islands but not as good as the BGE. No worries, a lot to do for adults and you will have fun. Wish I was going.

Hi54putty

I hate cruises but we went on the Disney Dream last year and it was first class all the way. Can't think of a negative thing to say. Their private island is amazing. We spent 2 days there. Disney just has it figured out.

RLeeper

Thanks for the info. My son and daughter are five and two respectively and they don't know about it yet. Can't wait to see the look on their faces when we arrive! Sounds like we are off for a good time. We looked at cruise critic but I thought I would seek confirmation here! Thanks again

flynnbob

RLeeper said:

Thanks for the info. My son and daughter are five and two respectively and they don't know about it yet. Can't wait to see the look on their faces when we arrive! Sounds like we are off for a good time. We looked at cruise critic but I thought I would seek confirmation here! Thanks again

Disney will take very good care of the little ones in the Kid's Club. Good advice on the nice dinners it's worth the extra $20 for you to spend some quality time with your significant other.

RLeeper

flynnbob said:

RLeeper said:

Thanks for the info. My son and daughter are five and two respectively and they don't know about it yet. Can't wait to see the look on their faces when we arrive! Sounds like we are off for a good time. We looked at cruise critic but I thought I would seek confirmation here! Thanks again

Disney will take very good care of the little ones in the Kid's Club. Good advice on the nice dinners it's worth the extra $20 for you to spend some quality time with your significant other.

Noted!

robnybbq

Have done 3 Disney cruises and another coming he August. Went on the fantasy last year. Awesome. The kids area is ridiculous. If I were a kid I would never want to leave. Coulsora are great. Our kids are 8 and 5 and they love it.

As for the adult sections- very good.

Aqueduct pretty cool.

Remember in Disney you can bring on your own booze.

Anything you want to know let me know. We have been on 4 other lines and Disney is by far the best if you got kids IMO.

RLeeper

Have done 3 Disney cruises and another coming he August. Went on the fantasy last year. Awesome. The kids area is ridiculous. If I were a kid I would never want to leave. Coulsora are great. Our kids are 8 and 5 and they love it. As for the adult sections- very good. Aqueduct pretty cool. Remember in Disney you can bring on your own booze. Anything you want to know let me know. We have been on 4 other lines and Disney is by far the best if you got kids IMO.

I'm excited. We got some Walkie talkies for communication....do we need them? Also how many "nice" outfits do I need on the fantasy? My wife booked two adult dinners.

RLeeper

What was your drink of choice? I just bought four sticks so I'm thinking of taking some crown, woodford, or makers.

RLeeper

My current indulgence!

Spaightlabs

Take at least one pair of shorts one size bigger than what you currently wear.

danv23

I wore a nice polo and dress pants for Pallo. It was so f'in awesome I wore the same thing the next night and had the same server (who was happy as hell to see us again). Nobody said a word. Disney #1. By the way, wait till your kids see the "tube ride". They will ride it 500 times.

RLeeper

danv23 said:

I wore a nice polo and dress pants for Pallo. It was so f'in awesome I wore the same thing the next night and had the same server (who was happy as hell to see us again). Nobody said a word. Disney #1. By the way, wait till your kids see the "tube ride". They will ride it 500 times.

I imagined doing laps from the exit to the entrance of the ride with my five year old. Thanks for the attire comment...the website said jacket and I just don't want to pack a jacket along with the other clothes.

RLeeper

Spaightlabs said:

Take at least one pair of shorts one size bigger than what you currently wear.

I have already begun to "season" my belly in prep for all the food!

Botch

Time magazine did a rather eye-opening article on cruise lines a few months ago.  Thanks to sailing in international waters and creative money-funneling, they are not subject to the usual health, labor, and safety laws that an org in the US is.  When a crew member gets sick, he/she has no sick leave, and will be fired if they don't show for work.  They're worked 12-14 hour days with no overtime.  Maintenance can be lax or non-existent.  This is why some lines, particularly Carnival, run ships into reefs, catch fire, drop dead in the middle of the ocean, and when a disease breaks out (like Legionairre's) the entire ship gets it (no sick leave for food workers!).  The article really made me sick to read.

Happily, Disney was noted for taking care of their customers, and while it shows in the price tag, you should have a great, unfettered time!  Anxious to hear your "after-trip" report.  

Thatgrimguy

They do a great job of separating the adults and kids and give great service. Best cruise experience I have had.

Grillmagic

I'm a BGEgger as well as a entertainer and travel the World performing on cruise ships and at resorts and will share that Disney is First Class and if you have kids you are on the right cruise line. HAVE FUN!

Chuck

www.chuckkingcomedy.com

robnybbq

RLeeper said:

Have done 3 Disney cruises and another coming he August. Went on the fantasy last year. Awesome. The kids area is ridiculous. If I were a kid I would never want to leave. Coulsora are great. Our kids are 8 and 5 and they love it. As for the adult sections- very good. Aqueduct pretty cool. Remember in Disney you can bring on your own booze. Anything you want to know let me know. We have been on 4 other lines and Disney is by far the best if you got kids IMO.

I'm excited. We got some Walkie talkies for communication....do we need them? Also how many "nice" outfits do I need on the fantasy? My wife booked two adult dinners.

You can bring them but there are 2 wireless phones in your cabin that are yours to use all week on the boat.  Just charge them up each night.  I had one and my wife had one.  You should carry them around anyways in case the camps/nursery needs to get in touch with you.

We did Palo on Magic and it was really good.  We are going to try Palo on this trip as well.  Want to try Remy but its $$$$.

Bring pirate clothes for pirate night.  Most of the passengers dress up - kids and adults.  Lots of fun for the kids on deck with the characters on Pirate night and the fireworks.

I bring my suit and two dress shirts - I wear the suit for dinner then back on the shorts.  The other nights are polo shirts or nice short sleeve button shirts.  Pirate night I wear shorts to dinner.

I am a Vodka drinker so that's what I bring and a few sticks. 

CharlestonGriller

My wife an I took our 2 kids and my niece and nephew in 2009 out of port canaveral. It was absolutely amazing!!! We had the best time. The food, entertainment, and service is incredible. Disney is first class. It is in another league than carnival and royal carribean. Very expensive, but like having the BGE, you get what you pay for. Can't wait to do it again. Have fun!!

RLeeper

Everyone thanks for the comments. I cant wait to give you the after trip report. Good to know that Disney takes care of their customers and keep them safe. Looks like it's going to be worth that hefty price tag! Only draw back to this vacation is that I can't take my mini on board!