15/09/2026
If a Disney Cruise has been on your radar but you have NO idea where to start, here are 5 things I need you to know before we dive in:
1. If you want the Disney magic without tackling Disney World, START WITH A DISNEY CRUISE.
Don’t get me wrong, I looove the Disney parks. But a Disney World vacation also means long, hot park days, Lightning Lanes, dining reservations, transportation, lots of walking and a decent amount of strategy that can make your head spin a little…
A Disney Cruise gives you the Disney service, attention to detail, characters, entertainment, incredible theming and that magical warm and fuzzy Disney feeling…but your room, food, entertainment, and kids clubs are all right there.
You unpack once and VACATION just happens
2. 4-5 nights is the sweet spot.
Can you do a 3-night Disney Cruise? Absolutely.
Do I recommend it for your first one? Nope.
By the time you board, figure out the ship, have your first dinner, spend a day at port and finally start feeling like you know where you’re going…you’re packing again.
4 nights gives you breathing room. 5 is even better. You get to learn the ship, find your favorite spots, kids make friends, and you get time to relax before it’s all over.
3. Get the verandah (and WHERE that verandah is matters)
Morning coffee while you pull into Castaway Cay. Sitting outside while the kids are sleeping. Watching the ocean after everyone is showered and getting ready for dinner. *chef’s kiss*
Worth it.
But... Not all verandah rooms are created equal. There are certain extended verandahs I specifically look for, locations I prefer for families concerned about motion sickness, rooms I avoid, connecting options that are AMAZING for larger families and groups traveling together…
Picking a stateroom is so much more than clicking “verandah.”
4. Disney includes a LOT of the little things that make cruising with kids easier.
Soda and soft drinks at the beverage stations? Included.
Kids/Tween/Teen clubs? Included. (These kids clubs are INSANE… your kids will be begging to go)
Broadway-style shows and entertainment? Included.
Room service? Included.
Your stateroom host coming TWICE a day to clean up in the morning and turn down your room at night? Included.
There aren’t casinos onboard. You aren’t signing towels in and out every time your kid wants to swim and on the islands. And Disney doesn’t sell the traditional unlimited alcoholic drink package that can make some cruise lines feel very centered around drinking.
It’s just EASY.
5. Castaway Cay + Lookout Cay are a huge reason why I love Disney Cruises.
Disney has TWO incredible island destinations in the Bahamas, and I specifically look for itineraries that include stops at both of them.
Walk off the ship and your beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, lunch, soft drinks, soft serve, kids activities and gorgeous beach day are waiting for you.
No figuring out where to go. No coordinating transportation. No researching which beach club is safe or worth the money.
Just get off the ship and go have the BEST day.
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There are a LOT of little decisions that can make a huge difference: which ship, which itinerary, how many nights, which stateroom, WHERE on the ship, when to arrive, what to book ahead of time and what you absolutely do not need to spend extra money on.
If you’ve been thinking about trying a Disney Cruise for the first time, send me a message or fill out my vacation planning interest form. We’ll work together to pick the best cruise for YOUR family.
And as a thank you for trusting me with your memories, when you book your Disney Cruise with me, I’ll be adding up to $1,000 in onboard credit for you to spend as you’d like during your sailing (Sail away cheers on me! 🥂)
Vacation Planning Interest Form: Http://tinyurl.com/interestformhappyplacesbydani
I can't wait to help you plan!