Why This Disney World Regular Wants to Go on a Disney Cruise

Disney World is my favorite place on earth and I love to visit as much as I can. There’s plenty to do with four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping district, and a number of incredibly themed resorts; but this Disney World Regular has her eye set on another Disney vacation for her next trip: a Disney Cruise! I have wanted to experience the Disney Cruise Line for years; but I must admit, I’m not much of a beach person and when having to choose between Disney World and a Disney Cruise, Disney World has always won out. But lately, I’ve learned a lot more about the Disney Cruise Line and have actually booked my first Disney Cruise on the Disney Dream for this summer! So keep reading to find out why this Disney World Regular wants to go on a Disney Cruise.

To Visit Castaway Cay: For anyone who knows about Castaway Cay, this should be an easy one. I mean, it’s Disney’s own private island! Who wouldn’t want to go there? The Disney Cruise Line ships are able to pull right up to the island and enjoy designated beaches: the Family Beach, Serenity Bay Beach for adults, and even a beach area reserved just for teens. There are characters, places to eat, shops, water play areas, and the chance to experience Port Adventures, otherwise known as excursions. Just a few things to do on Castaway Cay include biking, glass bottom boats, snorkeling, parasailing, and even the chance to run the Castaway Cay 5-K. Basically, Castaway Cay sounds like a real life Neverland where there’s something for everyone and every preference, but all with the Disney touch. Want to know more? Check out how to have the perfect day at Castaway Cay.

To Experience Disney Cruise Line Dining: One of the best things about cruises is that your food is included, so there’s no bill at the end of a meal and you can have as much as you want. But Disney goes a step above, as that is the Disney way, with incredibly themed restaurants, buffets, quick-service spots for a snack or quick meal on the go, and Adult Exclusive Dining with incredible menus and culinary creations. As a Disney World Regular, I want to dine at Animator’s Palate. Each Disney Cruise Line Ship has an Animator’s Palate Restaurant where guests can enjoy features such as the dining room turning from black and white to color, your own artwork coming to life, or even Crush from Pixar’s Finding Nemo dropping by to chat! I also want to experience Disney Cruise Line’s Rotational Dining. This system allows guests to visit different restaurants aboard ship during their cruise, but still keep their same servers.

To Ride the AquaDuck: Okay, so get this. The Disney Dream and Fantasy both have something totally unique to cruise ships: a water coaster! That would be cool enough, but it gets better. The water coaster, known as the AquaDuck, is clear and extends over the side of the ship. This means you can see the ocean below as you zip along! Disney World has a number of incredible slides at their resorts and at both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, but the AquaDuck is something totally unique and this Disney World Regular can’t wait to try it out! Just so you know, the AquaDuck is for both adults and children but they must be at least 42″ or taller and kids under 7 must ride with someone 14 years or older.

To Take in the Live Shows: I love live shows, such as Hollywood Studios’ Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage and the Cinderella Castle Show at the Magic Kingdom, but Disney Cruise Line offers live, Broadway-style shows every evening. These shows are all about Disney characters and their stories, but are totally unique. A few shows that are currently running on board the ships are the Villains Tonight, a comedy revue starring Disney villains; The Golden Mickeys, a Disney-style awards show; and Twice-Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story. Don’t feel like heading to the theater? You can also watch the shows on your stateroom’s television.

To Do Some Disney Cruise Line Shopping: I have a confession. I love to shop, especially for anything Disney! Castaway Cay has a few shops selling exclusive merchandise that you can only find on the island! I already have a list of items in mind that I want to purchase. To see what the island has to offer, check out this Castaway Cay Merchandise Report. The Disney Cruise Line ships also offer a number of stores on board that are tax and duty free! I personally can’t wait to add some Disney Cruise Line plush and pins to my collection. Looking for something a little more refined? There is Disney Cruise Line jewelry, clothing, collectibles, and I’ve had my eye on those Disney Cruise Line Dooney and Bourke bags for years. This Disney World Regular may have a have to plan for a bigger souvenir budget.

To Visit New Places with the Disney Touch: Here’s my problem. I enjoy traveling and there are many places I would like to go, but Disney World has me spoiled. Other vacations, resorts, and theme parks pale in comparison when it comes to the quality, service, and extras that Disney provides; but with a Disney Cruise, I can visit new places but still with the Disney touch. So where to first? Well, Disney Cruise Line seems to go pretty much everywhere and their itineraries change and improve each year. For 2015, the Disney Cruise Line is taking guests to Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, the Bahamas, the California Cost, Europe, Hawaii, California, the Panama Canal, and even on Transatlantic Cruises!

To Watch a Movie Aboard Ship: Who doesn’t love going to the movies? How about going to the movies on your Disney Cruise Line ship? Yes, the Disney Cruise Line ships have theaters showing first-run films. This means you can still catch the brand new film that just debuted, even while you’re at sea!

To Party like a Pirate: Disney Cruise Line offers deck parties to celebrate your venture at sea. There’s a Sail-Away Celebration for Embarkation Day with music, dancing, and characters; but I personally am excited for Pirate Night! Guests are encouraged to dress like pirates and partake in a pirate dinner and then head to the deck for a party, characters, and possibly an appearance from Captain Jack Sparrow? One of the coolest things about Pirate Night is that the ship shoots off fireworks! It’s a first for the cruising industry; and while I love Disney World’s Wishes, seeing fireworks on a ship in the middle of the ocean sounds like a whole new level of amazing.

The Magical Touches Aboard Ship: One of my favorite things about Disney World is all the little touches and details, and this Disney World Regular is eager to find how Disney has incorporated these extras onboard their ships. I’ve heard about Enchanted Artwork which is hanging artwork throughout the ship that magically comes to life! There’s also Hidden Mickeys to discover, incredible chandeliers hanging in the atrium, and Virtual Portholes. I’m really excited about this extra as they allow guests with inside staterooms to still have a view of the ocean. A camera connected to these special portholes provides views of the sea, plus an appearance or two from a Disney character. How cool is that?

So those are just a few reasons why this Disney World Regular wants to go on a Disney Cruise. Have I convinced you to take to the high seas too? Or, if you are already an avid Disney Cruise Line fan, do you have any suggestions for other Disney Cruise Line Rookies?