9 Reasons a Disney Cruise is the Best Vacation

Our favorite family vacation, to this day, is still the only Disney cruise we have ever been on. We loved it so much, we continue to talk about it to this day, and we have booked a return cruise booked for next year. Let’s just hope we don’t have to cancel that one (but that is a story for another time).

If you a skeptical about a cruise, especially a Disney cruise, let us tell you nine reasons that a Disney cruise vacation, is the best vacation.

1. It is relaxing

If you have ever been on a Disney parks vacation, you understand going in that you are going on an adventure, not a relaxing vacation. 10,000-20,000 daily steps. Waking up early and staying up late every night. On your phone to make sure you don’t miss those 7am reservations. In the parks you are making your lightning lane reservations, and getting your mobile orders set. Standing in line on those hot days. It can be a lot at times.

With a Disney cruise, all of that goes away. You want to go to the room, you are only a 10 minute walk away at most. Want to go to the pool, maybe a 5 minute walk from your room. Want ice cream? Perfect, it is free. Your kids said they wanted chicken fingers, and then changed their mind and asked for a PBJ for dinner, and it isn’t on the menu? It doesn’t matter. They will make it, and it is free. Want to wake up early to watch the sunrise and go for a stroll? You can absolutely do this! Want to stay up late, sleep in, and not be in a rush…this is your kind of vacation.

And that is just the tip of the iceberg. <—Probably a poor choice of words.

Whatever your vacation style is, a Disney cruise has you covered.

2. Adults Only Areas

Some of you may find it hard to relax with so many children running around. Especially when those children are not your own. Let me tell you something. Disney is aware of this, and they have you taken care of on the Disney Cruise Line!

There is an adults only pool, which features an adults only coffee bar. The spa and salon on board are both only for adults. There are also nightclubs and lounges on board that do not allow anyone under 18. For an extra price, Palo and Remy offer premium, adult-only, dining experiences. Lastly, there is even an adults only section located on Disney’s private islands.

But what if you have kids, and still want to enjoy the adults only areas?

3. Kids Clubs

If there is one thing Disney knows how to do, it is how to keep kids entertained, and let mom and dad take a breather. Disney cruise ships are no exception to this, as they offer plenty of areas for kids to get away and be kids, in their own space, with other kids their own age. Disney offers kids clubs for kids ages 3-17. There are a variety of options for the kids, and each is tailored to a specific age group.

Oceaneers Club and Lab: Kids club for ages 3-10

Edge: Tween club for ages 11-14

Vibe: Teen club for ages 14-17

There is also the It’s a Small World Nursery, which is open for ages 6 months to 3 years. This is an extra cost, and also requires a reservation to be made, as space is limited.

Some ships now include a kids spa called the Chill Spa, and this is for kids ages 13-17, where they can enjoy facials, massages, a mani-pedi, and more.

The kids clubs even extend onto each of Disney’s private islands!

4. Disney’s Private Islands

Speaking of those private islands, as of 2024, Disney now has not one, but two exclusive privte islands for their Bahamian and Caribbean cruise passengers to visit. Some cruises even visit both islands.

Disney’s Castaway Cay is the OG Disney private island. The vibe it gives off is exactly what your would expect from a Caribbean oasis. The kids club on the island, the adults on beach, the island cookout and dance parties, and even a 5k option for those of you looking to burn off some calories, this island has it all and so much more.

5. See the World

This one isn’t exclusive to Disney, but it is a great way to stay in the Disney bubble, and still get out and see the world. A Disney cruise offers you the unique opportunity to visist great destinations across the North America, Europe, Australia, and coming soon…Asia.

And, if you are looking to spend more time in any of these destination, while staying in the Disney bubble, we would love to tell you more about Adventures by Disney, and the fun that they can offer. Their unique destination escapes pair great with a Disney cruise.

6. Multiple Disney Broadway Shows

If you have ever taken a cruise, there is a bit of a stigma about the onboard entertainment. It usually isn’t very good, but hey, it’s free. I guess you are getting what you pay for on those other cruise lines. Not with Disney though.

Each Disney cruise features not one, but at least two or more (depending on the length of the cruise) Broadway quality shows that you can attend. These shows would normally cost you hundreds of dollars per ticket to see at a theater near you. Just like everything else, these are included with the price of your cruise. Two show times each night, and the shows are available to watch in person at the theater, or on the TV in your stateroom. Plenty of options no matter what your prefer.

7. No Wait Photo Opportunities with Characters

Imagine this. You are inside in the air conditioning of your cruise ship. You and your spouse grab your kids to go meet Captain Mickey. THE CAPTAIN MICKEY! Five minutes before his scheduled meet time, you get in line. Your spouse goes to grab some specialty coffee for the two of you, and some pastries for the family. 15 minutes later, everyone has had a snack, everyone has met Captain Mickey, and your family is on their way back to their room while you continue to enjoy your coffee. AMAZING!

There is not a single better character meeting experience than those on the Disney cruise ship. The photographers take their time with you. They will use their camera or your camera. They let the whole family get in on the fun. You are not standing out in the heat, or in lines that last longer than 15 minutes. And, by the time your cruise is ending, the characters have been around so much, there is hardly any wait at all.

The only two character meetings that require a reservation, no cost, and no long waits, just a reservation because they are popular, are for the princess meet and greet, and the Anna and Elsa meet and greet. Otherwise, it is first come, first serve, and the best experience you will have meeting a character. You could argue some character meals are better, but those are not free.

8. Disconnect

When you are still on the main land, or at the Disney parks, you are still connected. It doesn’t matter if you want to be or not, you are still connected. On a cruise, that is a completely different story.

While our at sea, you don’t have reception. Disney offers an onboard app, that lets you communicate with others in your party, but it isn’t connected to wifi, and there is no reception in the middle of the ocean.

Speaking of wifi, it is both expensive and slow. Unless you absolutely need it, don’t worry about paying for it. Take the opportunity to truly disconnect, and enjoy your time away.

9. Still Enjoy the Disney Magic

If you are a Disney fan, you know what “Disney magic” refers to. No, it isn’t the cruise ship with the same name. It is that feeling you get when you are in that Disney bubble. It is like you are stepping into the Disney stories that you grew up knowing and loving, and you are now apart of the adventure with those characters. It is that feeling that all the cast members around you are putting on a show, a show that you are apart of, and they are going to make sure that the experience is immersive, the experience in unforgettable, and that nothing will let you down.

Are you ready to book your Disney cruise? Sailing dates through May 2026 just dropped. Reach out to ddwktravel@gmail.com to book today. We will lock in a great rate, and pass along an onboard credit as a thank you.