Why cruise with Disney? Trying to compare experiences on other cruise lines to Disney Cruise Line experiences would be comparing tomatoes and apples. Yes, they are all cruise lines that cruise to even some of the same ports. Yes, they are all amazing ships with wonderful dining and leisure activities. But Disney is an entertainment company at heart. It all truly did start with a Mouse back on November 18, 1928. Disney has been honing this craft for so long in so many different areas- there just is no comparison when it comes to what you will experienceincluded on your Disney cruise vacation. The entertainment alone is unsurpassable. They have Broadway style shows, A-List comedians and magicians, customer service that just cannot be beat. Their restaurants are not only for eating in- but to be entertained in. And not a tacky dinner show, but with lighting and animated art work on the walls, ceilings, and floors. Your servers truly get to know your likes and dislikes and will even help keep the kids happy and quiet during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Your stateroom is large enough where your family won’t be fighting for elbow room to watch television or get ready in the morning. And speaking of traveling with your family- the kids areas are truly an extension of Disney entertainment…
Most Long Islanders would obviously prefer to cruise out of our home port of New York City or one of the ports nearby in New Jersey. It seems as though it would be cheaper, and it seems (on paper) to have everything a family, couple, or single cruiser could need or want on board. Kids and adults love buffets and kids pool area on these cruise ships and they do offer more upscale and up charge restaurants onboard. Generally, it will cost you far more while you were on board than the actual sticker price, which is something most cruisers do not keep in mind while on board.
With Disney it is a completely different experience. You will actually eat in different restaurants with menus each night that you don’t have to pay an up charge for. Cruisers with Disney love the Broadway style shows and kids especially love the kid’s only areas. There are adults only area for those who aren’t cruising with children, or for those who are- but find they have unexpected alone time because the kids would prefer to be in the kids only areas. Adults have an upscale up charge dining option as well (2 options on the new Disney Dream cruise ship) Once in port- you may find yourself on the ship more than off the ship because Disney still has these amazing activities and restaurants open- except on Disney’s Private Island where they actually would have to take all of you kicking and screaming back on board! This island is amazing- water slides, character meet and greets, dining, shopping, snorkeling, boating, swimming with sting rays, massages, and you have the option to rent a private cabana on the family beach or on the adults only beach where they are known to serve steak and lobster for lunch. All included in your cruise fare. Disney also has soft drink self serve stations on their ships located on the pool deck (again, included with your cruise) and has room service options to eat in privacy in front of your flat screen TV or on your private balcony (again, included in your cruise fare). If you have a special drink you don’t think you’ll find on board you can bring it with you too! This is a huge rule breaker on every other cruise line. Keep in mind, you cannot wheel on board a keg, but a few bottles or cans of your favorite beverage (alcoholic or not) inside the bag you personally walk onboard is allowed.
Long Islanders who love to cruise out of our area to save money on their airfare should keep these included items in mind when planning their next cruise. Cruising with Disney cruisers have come to expect so much more from a Disney cruise, as travelers have when traveling to a Disney destination. Included in your cruise price is all of this fabulous entertainment including first run Disney movies, soft drinks, amazing deck parties for all of the guests and a few reserved for adults in their area of the ships as well. There is so much to see and do it just cannot be fit in your stay- so you can rest assured the money you are paying for your cruise is absolutely worth it. This is one of the top critiques of a Disney cruise, most by those who have not sailed with Disney to understand all that you actually get for your cruise price. Here, you truly get what you pay for.
Need help planning a Disney vacation? Castle Dreams Travel, Specializing in Disney Vacations can help! Contact me today for a no obligation quote!
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