Disney Cruise Line offers a unique vacation experience that blends the magic of Disney with the joys of cruising. From encounters with beloved characters dressed in their best pirate garb to Broadway-caliber shows, there are certain things you can only do on a Disney cruise. Here are the best.
Things You Can Only Do on a Disney Cruise
Planning for a cruise can be both fun and stressful, with the stress regarding which cruise line to choose and what excursions to enjoy. Then, there’s what to pack, and what you’d like to see an do on the ship. When it comes to Disney Cruise Line, however, there’s magic in the mix 24/7 thanks to the unique experiences only a Disney ship can provide. Here’s a peek at my favorite things to do on a Disney cruise that you won’t find on any other cruise line.
1. Meet and Greet with Beloved Disney Characters
Get up close and personal with your favorite Disney characters. Pose for photos, get autographs, and share a special moment with Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, and many more. Different than meeting Mickey and his pals in the Disney theme parks, these meet-and-greets are seamlessly integrated into the cruise experience, making it easy for families to create lasting memories.
Additionally, the characters are all dressed in their special cruising gear and costumes, so you’ll have unique photos and encounters you won’t be able to have in the parks.
2. Broadway-Quality Shows
Disney cruises feature spectacular live shows that rival Broadway productions. From “Frozen: A Musical Spectacular” to “Tangled: The Musical,” these performances are filled with stunning costumes, captivating storytelling, and unforgettable musical numbers.
The cruise theaters are designed so that there’s not a bad seat in the house as well. Happily, you won’t need to make an advanced reservation or hold a ticket to see any of the shows on board, either. Now, that’s an affordable thing you can only do on a Disney cruise!
3. Disney-Themed Fireworks at Sea
Experience the wonder of Disney fireworks illuminating the night sky while you’re surrounded by the vast ocean. This breathtaking display is a signature Disney Cruise Line experience, adding a touch of magic to your evenings. I thoroughly enjoy theme park fireworks, don’t get me wrong, but the songs and displays combined you’ll only find while out in the water.
4. Themed Dining Experiences
It’s easy to step into the world of your favorite Disney movies during themed dining experiences. Enjoy a royal feast in a grand ballroom, dine in a “Frozen” wonderland, or embark on a culinary adventure inspired by Pixar films. These immersive dining experiences add an extra layer of magic to your meals.
If I had to choose the coolest dining experience it would be Animator’s Palette. Guests begin the meal in a black-and-white setting and as the courses progress, so does the color palette. You can find this unique meal on the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy cruise ships.
5. Enjoy Pirate Night
Ahoy, matey! Get ready for a swashbuckling adventure on Pirate Night. Dress up in your best pirate attire, join the deck party, and witness a spectacular pirate-themed show. This lively celebration is a highlight of many Disney cruises. If you’d like to ramp up the fun, don’t forget to pack a pirate outfit, bandanas, or even an eye patch.
6. Unique Youth Clubs
Disney Cruises offer exceptional youth clubs for kids of all ages. From the It’s a Small World Nursery for the littlest cruisers to the Edge and Vibe clubs for teens, there are dedicated spaces with engaging activities and supervised fun. With the benefit and safety of kids’ clubs, adults cruising with younger family members can enjoy time to themselves and have fun in adult’s only areas of the ship.
7. Immersive Port Adventures
Explore exotic destinations with a touch of Disney magic through specially curated Port Adventures. Whether you’re snorkeling in the Caribbean, exploring ancient ruins in the Mediterranean, or discovering Alaska’s natural wonders, Disney ensures a memorable and immersive experience.
8. Spend a Day on Disney’s Private Island Paradise: Castaway Cay
Many Disney cruises include a stop at Castaway Cay (some cruise itineraries offer two days), Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. This tropical paradise offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and family-friendly activities, creating a truly unforgettable island escape.
There are plenty of Castaway Cay freebies, including dining and snacks, the use of beach chairs, and character meet and greets. If you want to upgrade your experience, check out add-ons, including private cabana rentals, stingray snorkeling sessions, and equipment rentals (think bikes, snorkels, and water floats) should you choose to pay extra.
9. Rotational Dining
Experience a variety of dining venues throughout your cruise with Disney’s unique rotational dining system. You’ll rotate through different restaurants each night while your dedicated wait staff follows you, ensuring personalized service and a seamless dining experience.
I’ve thought about this and it makes a lot of sense, particularly when it comes to on-board tipping. When cruising, you generally give all the tip money at one time at the end, so whet you’re tipping on a Disney cruise will end up going to the proper person. Love that!