I was invited to attend 2017 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. For the conference, I paid a nominal fee. I received discounted & complimentary items from Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and their sponsors. I was not asked to write about my experience, but I just couldn’t resist. All opinions are my own.
You have booked the cruise now what? As a first time cruiser there were several amazing tips I learned that everyone should know before boarding a Disney Cruise to make it the most magical time of your life. This was one of the most magical trips we have ever taken. I had no idea what to expect on a cruise, much less a Disney Cruise. The trip was truly a magical experience.
Secrets to Make Your Disney Cruise The Best Ever
As a first time cruiser, I was not sure what to expect. Through Disney Social Media Moms we were booked on a three day cruise on the Disney Wonder. This is best if you are not sure if you will enjoy cruising. However, three days is not long enough if you love cruising.
Restaurants on Disney Wonder
There are three main restaurants on the Disney Ships. We were fortunate to sail on the Disney Wonder. The restaurants on board were Animators Pallet, Tritons and the new Tiana’s Place. In true Disney fashion these restaurants did not disappoint. Tiana’s Place is probably the most fun with the best food. This place is brand new to the Disney Wonder and it was fabulous. Animators Pallet is fun for the artist in all of us. Throughout the evening the restaurant transforms from black and white sketches to full color drawings. This is so subtle and true Disney magic. There is a special guest who comes out at the end, so stay to see him. Triton’s was very nice and the food was excellent.
Cruise Tip: take a peek at the back wall. It is an entire mosaic you won’t believe. Cruise tip: You can order more than one dessert, if you want to try them all! This is one of the secrets to make your Disney Cruise the best ever.
Entertainment on the Disney Wonder
With Disney being an entertainment company, they have hit the bar with the best possible entertainment on board. On the Disney Wonder there are three fabulous shows to attend. You will get first seating or second seating based on when you are scheduled for dinner in your restaurants. The Golden Mickey’s is classic Disney Characters singing favorite songs. Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic features all of your favorite Disney Songs acted out. You won’t want to miss it. Lastly Frozen – A Music Spectacular has all your favorite songs from Frozen acted out. Be prepared for some jaw dropping costumes and scenery changes throughout this spectacular show. Frozen is a must see. I was able to get up close peek at the costumes before the show. These look phenomenal in person.
Disney also shows first run movies in the their theater in case you missed it. There are deck parties. The first night setting sail there is Adventures Away. We had so much fun dancing with friends. The pirate party is a blast with the fireworks on board. Disney does not disappoint or skimp when it comes to entertainment aboard the ships.
There are way more venues for entertainment. These are the ones I had the chance to visit. There are even character meet and greets on the ship. If you love getting character autographs, I have a easy Disney Autograph book you can make for under $10.
Secrets to Make Your Disney Cruise The Best Ever
Verandah Room
Now for some inside secrets no one will tell you about. Get a room with a Verandah. Trust me it is worth every penny. If you are stuck in a small confined area and just want some fresh air, all you need to do is open the door and sit outside. I swear I could feel the stress just melting off of me. It was so relaxing watching the ocean. It is even better if you have a sunrise or sunset to watch.
Cruise tip: If you don’t get a verandah room, schedule at least one morning to get up early and visit the deck. You will get to see the sunrise in peace and quite. There is usually no one on the decks early in the morning. It is so peaceful and not crowded at all. Trust me you will be glad you did.
Drink of the Day
Disney has a drink of the day everyday on the cruise. Their is an alcohol free and alcohol based cocktail for only $4. The best part of getting these is to try something new and they were all tropical while I was there. I never would have ordered these on my own and now I have a few new favorites.
Fish Extenders
Fish Extenders are something unique only to Disney Cruisers. There is a cute little fish on the outside of each cabin door. You can make cute little pockets and hang them on your fish extender to trade little gifts with people on board. Usually there is a Facebook Group you can join to get placed in a group to trade with. This was fun walking back to our room each day and having little gifts delivered to our room. It was like Christmas every day.
Book Excursions Early
We booked some time to feed the stingrays on Castaway Cay. This was the only excursion we did, since my son loves stingrays. He had a blast feeding them in the crystal clear blue waters at Castaway Cay. I already want to go back.
Oceaneers Club
This is one of the best kept secrets to make your Disney Cruise the best ever. The Oceaneers club is the best place for kids to hang out. The kids will always be entertains with so many fun things to do. It is safe and completely secure. Your kids won’t want to leave, trust me.
Best Kept Secrets to Make Your Disney Cruise The Best Ever
Just like anything Disney, a Disney cruise does not disappoint. Probably most disappointing is having to leave the ship once your vacation is over. Yes there may have been some tears from me. I think I am now completely spoiled when it comes to cruising. This ship is simply magical. Now what are you waiting for, book you next Disney Cruise today.
What are your Disney Cruise Secrets?
Lisa says
I loved seeing this new post on my fb feed!! Thank you! LOL I miss that ship so much. It magically takes all of the stress away from our daily lives. My kids are still talking about our Disney cruise and they are hoping we can cruise again.. They refuse to cruise on another!
Amy says
I think I may refuse to cruise on another, too. That was such a fun experience. I had a fabulous time.
Amy Greene says
This definitely looked like a total blast! My kids are older now and I don’t know if they would appreciate a Disney cruise as much…. but then again, do you ever truly lose your inner kid when you see Mickey? Lol. Thanks for a great post
Amy says
My high schoolers were disappointed they couldn’t go this time. Disney does a great job entertaining everyone from all ages.
tisha @ quiltytherapy says
Thank you for the tips. I’ve been throwing around the idea of a Disney Cruise for a while and this gives me some ideas.
Found your blog from the Flamingo Toes Link Up!
Amy says
Thanks. If you are planning on cruising, this is the way to go.
Amanda Bowers says
We haven’t cruised with Disney yet, but I so want to! I love love love Disney and my kids have food allergies so I know it would be great for us, but the expense is holding us back right now. We are taking our second cruise (first one with kids) in December on Royal. If it goes well, we may have to take the DCL plunge next year.